Energy storage box

Abstract

An energy storage box (100), comprising a box body (1), a battery pack (2), a power conversion system (3), and a thermal management system (4). The box body (1) comprises a battery compartment, with the battery pack (2) and the power conversion system (3) being located in the battery compartment. The thermal management system (4) is provided with a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first loop performs heat dissipation on a cooling liquid in a first liquid path (21) of the battery pack (2) by means of a refrigerant, the second loop is in communication with a second liquid path (31) of the power conversion system (3), and the cooling liquid is utilized to perform heat dissipation on the power conversion system (3). The cooling liquid in the second liquid path (31) can also flow to the first liquid path (21) by means of a solenoid valve (45), so as to compensate for the heat dissipation of the first liquid path (21). By means of the arrangement of the thermal management system (4), a heat dissipation mode of the energy storage box (100) is unified, such that the integration level of the energy storage box (100) is improved, such that the space occupancy of the energy storage box (100) is reduced, thereby improving the energy density and energy storage efficiency of an energy storage field station.

Description

Energy storage box

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 8, 2024, with application number 202410268824.0 and application name “Energy Storage Box”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of thermal management of energy storage boxes, and in particular to an energy storage box. Background Art

[0003] In new energy power plants such as wind power plants, photovoltaic power plants, or in technical fields such as microgrids, energy storage boxes are generally required to meet mobile power needs.

[0004] The energy storage box includes a housing, battery pack, power conversion system (PCS), and temperature control system. The PCS and battery pack are configured to monitor the battery's charging and discharging processes. Due to the different operating temperatures of the PCS and battery pack, the temperature control system uses air cooling for the PCS and liquid cooling for the battery pack to ensure stable operation of the battery pack and PCS.

[0005] However, air cooling and liquid cooling have different working and control methods, which reduces the thermal management efficiency of the energy storage box.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides an energy storage box that can improve the thermal management efficiency of the energy storage box while reducing energy consumption.

[0008] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] The present application provides an energy storage box, comprising a box body, a battery pack, an energy storage converter, and a thermal management system. The box body comprises a battery compartment, the battery pack and the energy storage converter are located in the battery compartment, the energy storage converter is electrically connected to the battery pack, the battery pack has a first fluid path, and the energy storage converter has a second fluid path.

[0010] The thermal management system is partially located outside the battery compartment, and includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a monitoring unit. The first circuit includes a first heat exchanger, a compressor, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger, the compressor, and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected end to end. The first heat exchanger and the first liquid circuit are correspondingly arranged. A refrigerant flows in the first circuit. The compressor is configured to control the flow of the refrigerant in the first circuit so as to dissipate heat from a preset liquid in the first liquid circuit through the refrigerant.

[0011] The second circuit includes a radiator and a solenoid valve, the second fluid circuit is connected to the radiator, the first fluid circuit and the radiator are connected in parallel to the second fluid circuit, and the solenoid valve is arranged between the second fluid circuit and the first fluid circuit;

[0012] The monitoring unit includes a temperature sensor and a controller, the temperature sensor and the controller are electrically connected, the temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature outside the box, the controller is electrically connected to the solenoid valve and the compressor, and the controller is configured to drive the solenoid valve when the temperature is equal to a preset temperature value so that part of the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit flows through the first liquid circuit.

[0013] The energy storage box provided by the present application realizes the unification of the heat dissipation mode of the battery pack and the energy storage inverter through the thermal management system, thereby improving the integration of the thermal management system of the energy storage box. At the same time, the working state of the first circuit and the second circuit, as well as the connection state between the second liquid circuit and the first liquid circuit are adjusted by the controller according to the temperature outside the box body, so that the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit flows into the first liquid circuit of the battery pack. In this way, the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit can dissipate heat to the battery and the energy storage inverter together with the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit. At this time, the compressor can gradually reduce the speed, and the heat dissipation energy consumption of the first circuit gradually decreases. Furthermore, compared with the existing technology, the air-cooled heat dissipation structure of the energy storage inverter is eliminated, so that the overall structural space of the energy storage box is small, further improving the energy density of the energy storage station.

[0014] As a possible implementation manner, when the temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, the controller controls the refrigerant to stop flowing, and drives the solenoid valve to allow part of the preset liquid in the second liquid path to flow through the first liquid path;

[0015] The preset temperature value is 0°C.

[0016] As a possible implementation manner, there are at least two radiators, and at least two radiators are connected in parallel to the second liquid circuit;

[0017] The solenoid valve and the radiator are correspondingly arranged, and the solenoid valve is connected in series between the second fluid path and the radiator.

[0018] As a possible implementation manner, the first circuit further includes an oil separator and a gas-liquid separator, the oil separator is disposed between the compressor and the second heat exchanger, and the compressor, the oil separator and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected;

[0019] The gas-liquid separator is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the compressor, and the first heat exchanger, the gas-liquid separator and the compressor are sequentially connected.

[0020] As a possible implementation manner, there are at least two second heat exchangers, and the at least two second heat exchangers are connected in parallel between the compressor and the first heat exchanger.

[0021] As a possible implementation, the box body further includes an equipment control cabin, the equipment control cabin and the battery cabin are spaced apart along the length direction of the box body, the compressor is located in the equipment control cabin, and the top of the equipment control cabin is connected to the outside of the box body.

[0022] As a possible implementation manner, the second heat exchanger and the radiator are arranged at intervals on the outer top of the box along the length direction of the box.

[0023] As a possible implementation, the thermal management system further includes a first fan and a second fan, the first fan and the second heat exchanger are correspondingly arranged, the first fan is connected to the top of the box, and the first fan is configured to dissipate heat for the second heat exchanger;

[0024] The second fan is arranged corresponding to the radiator, the second fan is connected to the top of the box, and the second fan is configured to dissipate heat from the radiator.

[0025] As a possible implementation, at least one of the first fan and the second fan includes a housing and a fan, the housing having a receiving cavity, a top of the receiving cavity having a first vent, and the fan is located in the receiving cavity to discharge air in the receiving cavity through the first vent;

[0026] The shell side wall is provided with a second vent, the second vent is communicated with the accommodating cavity, the shell top is provided with a third vent, the third vent is provided corresponding to the second vent, and the third vent is communicated with the second vent.

[0027] As a possible implementation manner, the first heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG3 is a diagram showing the working principle of the thermal management system of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG4 is a top view of an energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG5 is a front view of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Description of reference numerals:

[0035] 100-Energy storage box;

[0036] 1- box body; 11- equipment control cabin;

[0037] 2-battery pack; 21-first liquid circuit;

[0038] 3-energy storage converter; 31-second fluid circuit;

[0039] 4 - thermal management system; 41 - first heat exchanger; 42 - compressor; 43, 43a, 43b - second heat exchanger; 44, 44a, 44b - radiator; 45, 45a, 45b - solenoid valve; 46 - oil separator; 47 - gas-liquid separator;

[0040] 48 - first fan; 49 - second fan; 491 - first vent; 492 - second vent; 493 - third vent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. The following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0042] In new energy power plants such as wind power plants, photovoltaic power plants, or in technical fields such as microgrids, energy storage boxes are generally required to meet mobile power needs.

[0043] The energy storage box includes a housing, battery pack, power conversion system (PCS), and temperature control system. The PCS and battery pack are configured to monitor the battery's charging and discharging processes. Due to the different operating temperatures of the PCS and battery pack, the temperature control system uses air cooling for the PCS and liquid cooling for the battery pack to ensure stable operation of the battery pack and PCS.

[0044] However, air cooling and liquid cooling have different working and control methods, which reduces the thermal management efficiency of the energy storage box.

[0045] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present application provides an energy storage box comprising a box body, a battery pack, an energy storage inverter, and a thermal management system. The box body includes a battery compartment, within which the battery pack and energy storage inverter are located. The thermal management system comprises a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit dissipates heat from the coolant in the battery pack's liquid cooling circuit via a flowing refrigerant, while the coolant in the second circuit flows through the fluid path of the energy storage inverter to dissipate heat from the energy storage inverter. When the ambient temperature outside the box body reaches a certain preset value, the coolant in the fluid path of the energy storage inverter can also flow through a solenoid valve to the fluid path of the battery pack, thereby reducing the operating speed of the compressor in the first circuit and compensating for the heat dissipation in the fluid path of the battery pack. In this way, the thermal management system unifies the heat dissipation methods within the energy storage box, improves the integration of the energy storage box, reduces the overall structure of the energy storage box, and reduces the space occupied by the energy storage box, thereby improving the energy density of the station. Furthermore, the energy storage inverter's fluid path compensates for the heat dissipation of the battery pack's fluid path, thereby reducing energy consumption in the first circuit and improving the energy density and energy storage efficiency of the station.

[0046] The content of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can understand the content of the present invention more clearly and in detail.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the working principle of the thermal management system of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 is a top view of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 is a front view of the energy storage box provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, an embodiment of the present application provides an energy storage box 100, including a box body 1, a battery pack 2, an energy storage inverter 3 and a thermal management system 4, the box body 1 includes a battery compartment, the battery pack 2 and the energy storage inverter 3 are located in the battery compartment, the energy storage inverter 3 and the battery pack 2 are electrically connected, the battery pack 2 has a first liquid path 21, and the energy storage inverter 3 has a second liquid path 31.

[0048] Part of the thermal management system 4 is located outside the battery compartment. The thermal management system 4 includes a first circuit, a second circuit and a monitoring unit. The first circuit includes a first heat exchanger 41, a compressor 42 and a second heat exchanger 43. The first heat exchanger 41, the compressor 42 and the second heat exchanger 43 are connected end to end in sequence. The first heat exchanger 41 and the first liquid circuit 21 are arranged correspondingly. Refrigerant flows in the first circuit. The compressor 42 is configured to control the flow of refrigerant in the first circuit to dissipate heat to the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 through the refrigerant.

[0049] The second circuit includes a radiator 44 and a solenoid valve 45 . The second fluid path 31 is connected to the radiator 44 . The first fluid path 21 and the radiator 44 are connected in parallel to the second fluid path 31 . The solenoid valve 45 is disposed between the second fluid path 31 and the first fluid path 21 .

[0050] The monitoring unit includes a temperature sensor and a controller, which are electrically connected. The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature outside the box 1. The controller is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 45 and the compressor 42. The controller is configured to drive the solenoid valve 45 when the temperature is equal to a preset temperature value, so that part of the preset liquid in the second liquid path 31 flows through the first liquid path 21.

[0051] This embodiment unifies the heat dissipation methods of the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3 through the thermal management system 4, thereby improving the integration of the thermal management system 4 of the energy storage box 100. Simultaneously, the controller adjusts the operating status of the first and second circuits, as well as the connectivity between the second liquid circuit 31 and the first liquid circuit 21, based on the temperature outside the box 1, so that the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 flows into the first liquid circuit 21 of the battery pack 2. In this way, the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31, together with the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21, dissipates heat from the battery and the energy storage converter 3. At this point, the compressor 42 can gradually reduce its speed, gradually reducing the heat dissipation energy consumption of the first circuit. Furthermore, compared to the prior art, the air-cooled heat dissipation structure of the energy storage converter 3 is eliminated, reducing the overall structural space occupied by the energy storage box 100, further improving the energy density of the energy storage station.

[0052] For example, the battery pack 2 and energy storage converter 3 in this embodiment are located within the battery compartment. The energy storage converter 3 and battery pack 2 are spaced apart along the height of the housing 1. It is understood that the energy storage converter 3 is located at the bottom of the housing 1. The battery pack 2 is provided with a first liquid circuit 21, and the energy storage converter 3 has a second liquid circuit 31. Both the first liquid circuit 21 and the second liquid circuit 31 are connected to a thermal management system 4, which dissipates heat and cools the preset liquids in the first liquid circuit 21 and the second liquid circuit 31. In this way, the heat dissipation of the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3 is achieved through the thermal management system 4, which changes the air-cooling heat dissipation method of the energy storage converter 3 and eliminates the air-cooling heat dissipation structure. This allows the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3 to be integrated within the battery compartment, reducing the overall structure of the energy storage box 100 and reducing the space occupied by the energy storage box 100. It can be understood that in a station, the space occupied by individual energy storage boxes 100 decreases, which means that the overall number of energy storage boxes 100 in the station increases, thereby improving the energy density of the station and the overall energy storage capacity of the station.

[0053] Furthermore, the thermal management system 4 includes a first circuit, which uses a refrigerant to perform heat exchange with a predetermined liquid in the first liquid path 21 of the battery pack 2 to dissipate heat from the battery pack 2, thereby maintaining the operating temperature of the battery pack 2 and ensuring the safety of the energy storage box 100. Specifically, the first circuit includes a first heat exchanger 41, a compressor 42, and a second heat exchanger 43. The first heat exchanger 41, the compressor 42, and the second heat exchanger 43 are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant flow path. The first heat exchanger 41 and the first liquid path 21 are provided in correspondence. The blades of the compressor 42 rotate to compress the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 43. Under the action of the second heat exchanger 43, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is converted into a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid to flow to the first heat exchanger 41 in the first circuit. When the preset liquid in the first liquid path 21 of the battery pack 2 flows through the first heat exchanger 41, the preset liquid in the first liquid path 21 and the low-temperature liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 41 undergo heat exchange. The refrigerant absorbs the heat of the preset liquid, converts into gas, and then flows to the compressor 42 to complete the next refrigeration cycle. During this process, the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 is cooled down under the action of the refrigerant, and continues to circulate in the first liquid circuit 21, and forms heat conduction with the battery pack 2, taking away the heat of the battery pack 2, thereby achieving heat dissipation and cooling of the battery pack 2, and completing heat conduction with the refrigerant again in the next cycle. In this way, the thermal management of the battery pack 2 is completed through the cooperation between the first circuit and the first liquid circuit 21, so that the operating temperature of the battery pack 2 is maintained stable.

[0054] On this basis, the thermal management system 4 also includes a second circuit, in which a predetermined liquid flows. The second circuit is connected to the second liquid path 31 of the energy storage converter 3, forming a path for the predetermined liquid. During the flow, the predetermined liquid conducts heat to the external environment of the housing 1 and circulates in the second circuit and the second liquid path 31 to dissipate heat from the energy storage converter 3. Specifically, the second circuit includes a radiator 44, which is connected to the second liquid path 31. During the flow, the predetermined liquid in the second liquid path 31 conducts heat to the energy storage converter 3 to dissipate heat from the energy storage converter 3. The predetermined liquid continues to flow to the radiator 44. When the temperature of the predetermined liquid at the radiator 44 is higher than the external environment temperature, the predetermined liquid can release heat to the external environment through the radiator 44, and the temperature of the predetermined liquid decreases. The predetermined liquid then continues to flow to the second liquid path 31 and dissipates heat from the energy storage converter 3 again. In this cycle, the predetermined liquid in the second liquid path 31 can continuously dissipate heat from the energy storage converter 3 to maintain the operating temperature of the energy storage converter 3.

[0055] Furthermore, the second circuit also includes a solenoid valve 45, which is disposed between the second liquid circuit 31 and the first liquid circuit 21. The solenoid valve 45 controls the connection between the second liquid circuit 31 and the first liquid circuit 21. When the solenoid valve 45 is closed, the first circuit dissipates heat from the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 of the battery pack 2, while the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 of the energy storage converter 3 dissipates heat through the radiator 44 in the second circuit. This means that the heat dissipation control between the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3 is independent of each other. When the solenoid valve 45 is opened, the second liquid circuit 31 and the first liquid circuit 21 are connected. As the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 of the energy storage converter 3 flows, a portion flows into the second circuit and a portion flows into the first liquid circuit 21. The liquid circulates in the first liquid circuit 21 to dissipate heat from the battery pack 2, thereby compensating the heat dissipated by the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 for the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21. At the same time, the opening and closing degree of the solenoid valve 45 is controllable, so as to control the flow rate of the preset liquid flowing from the second liquid circuit 31 to the first liquid circuit 21. In this way, the flow rate of the preset liquid flowing from the second liquid circuit 31 to the first liquid circuit 21 can be controlled to control the degree of heat dissipation compensation of the second liquid circuit 31 to the first liquid circuit 21. On the basis of satisfying the heat dissipation requirements of the battery pack 2 and the energy storage inverter 3, the energy consumption of the thermal management system 4 is controlled to reduce the energy consumption of the thermal management system 4.

[0056] In this embodiment, the opening and closing control of the solenoid valve 45 is achieved through a monitoring unit. Specifically, the monitoring unit includes a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor is mounted on the housing 1 and monitors the temperature of the environment outside the housing 1. The temperature sensor and the controller are electrically connected, and the controller is also electrically connected to the solenoid valve 45. When the temperature outside the housing 1 monitored by the temperature sensor reaches a preset temperature, the controller controls the opening of the solenoid valve 45, thereby connecting the second liquid path 31 with the first liquid path 21. This allows a portion of the preset liquid in the second liquid path 31 to flow from the second liquid path 31 to the first liquid path 21, where it mixes with the existing preset liquid in the first liquid path 21 and circulates within the first liquid path 21 to dissipate heat from the battery pack 2. As a result, the flow of the preset liquid from the second liquid path 31 lowers the temperature of the preset liquid in the first liquid path 21. Consequently, the relative heat dissipation operating pressure of the first circuit decreases, allowing the compressor 42 to gradually slow down, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the first circuit and thus lowering the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system 4.

[0057] It should be noted that the preset liquid in this embodiment is a coolant. A substance with a high specific heat capacity, such as water, can be used to enhance the heat conduction effect of the preset liquid as it circulates through the first liquid path 21, the second liquid path 31, and the second loop. Furthermore, the solenoid valve 45 in this embodiment is a three-way solenoid valve 45 with a preset temperature range of 0-20°C.

[0058] As one possible implementation, when the temperature falls below a preset temperature, the controller stops the refrigerant flow and activates the solenoid valve 45 to allow a portion of the preset liquid in the second liquid path 31 to flow through the first liquid path 21; the preset temperature is 0°C. In this manner, the thermal management system 4 dissipates heat from the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3 simultaneously only through the preset liquid in the second liquid path 31 and the first liquid path 21. In this case, the first circuit is completely inoperative, and only the second circuit conducts heat between the preset liquid and the external environment to dissipate heat from the energy storage tank 100.

[0059] It is understandable that the battery pack 2 and the energy storage inverter 3 in the energy storage box 100 have different temperature requirements to maintain efficient and stable operation. The battery pack 2 requires a lower temperature than the energy storage inverter 3. In this embodiment, when the ambient temperature outside the box 1 is low, the temperature of the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 of the battery pack 2 is higher than the ambient temperature outside the box 1, creating a temperature difference. During the flow of the preset liquid, heat conduction naturally occurs. That is, the preset liquid dissipates heat to the battery pack 2 through the cold air outside the box 1. Accordingly, the first circuit does not need to operate to dissipate heat from the battery pack 2, thereby maintaining normal operation of the battery pack 2.

[0060] As the ambient temperature decreases, the temperature of the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 also decreases, which can easily lead to unstable operating conditions of the battery pack 2. However, the temperature of the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 of the energy storage converter 3 is higher than that of the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21. In this case, the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 can be passed into the first liquid circuit 21 to insulate the battery pack 2. This allows thermal management of the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3 to be achieved solely through the second circuit. Therefore, when the ambient temperature outside the cabinet 1 is less than 0°C, this embodiment controls the compressor 42 in the first circuit to stop operating, causing the refrigerant in the first circuit to stop flowing and not exchange heat with the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21. Simultaneously, the controller opens the solenoid valve 45, connecting the second liquid circuit 31 with the first liquid circuit 21. A portion of the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 flows into the second liquid circuit 31, while the remaining portion circulates in the second circuit, exchanges heat with the cold air outside the cabinet 1, and then continues to flow into the second liquid circuit 31. In this way, in a low-temperature environment, thermal management of the energy storage box 100 can be achieved only through the second circuit, which reduces the operating energy consumption of the thermal management system 4 while ensuring the normal operation of the energy storage box 100.

[0061] In order to ensure the heat dissipation efficiency of the second circuit under various temperature conditions, there are at least two radiators 44 in this embodiment, and at least two radiators 44 are connected in parallel to the second liquid circuit 31; the solenoid valve 45 and the radiator 44 are correspondingly arranged, and the solenoid valve 45 is connected in series between the second liquid circuit 31 and the radiator 44.

[0062] In this embodiment, there are two radiators 44, which are connected in parallel to the second liquid path 31. Thus, when the preset liquid in the second liquid path 31 flows into the second circuit, it is divided into two parts, passing through the two radiators 44 and returning to the second liquid path 31. It will be understood that the preset liquid in the second circuit will conduct heat through the two radiators 44 and the air outside the box 1 to achieve a change in the preset liquid temperature, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the energy storage converter 3.

[0063] Furthermore, the solenoid valve 45 and the radiator 44 in this embodiment are arranged in correspondence. That is, the solenoid valve 45a and the radiator 44a are connected in series, and the solenoid valve 45b and the radiator 44b are connected in series. Accordingly, the solenoid valve 45a is connected in series between the second liquid circuit 31 and the radiator 44a, and the solenoid valve 45b is connected in series between the second liquid circuit 31 and the radiator 44b. In other words, the two solenoid valves 45 are connected in parallel on the second liquid circuit 31. The heat dissipation efficiency of the second circuit can be controlled by controlling the relative opening and closing states of the solenoid valves 45a and 45b. Specifically, the solenoid valves 45a and 45b can be selectively opened. In this way, only one of the two radiators 44 in the second circuit is in operation and can meet the heat dissipation requirements of the energy storage converter 3. When the temperature of the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 rises and the operation of one radiator 44 can no longer meet the heat dissipation demand, the two solenoid valves 45 can be opened simultaneously. Accordingly, the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 is split in the second circuit and flows to the radiator 44a and the radiator 44b respectively. The radiator 44a and the radiator 44b operate simultaneously to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the preset liquid in the second circuit and the air outside the box 1, thereby maintaining the operating temperature of the energy storage converter 3 within an appropriate range, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the energy storage box 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the solenoid valve 45a and the solenoid valve 45b in this embodiment are both connected in series with the first circuit, and a parallel relationship is formed between the solenoid valve 45a and the solenoid valve 45b. In combination with the above embodiment, the solenoid valve 45a and the solenoid valve 45b can be selectively opened to connect the second liquid circuit 31 and the first liquid circuit 21. For example, when the solenoid valve 45a is opened, the second liquid circuit 31 is connected to the radiator 44a in the second circuit through the solenoid valve 45a, and the second liquid circuit 31 is connected to the first liquid circuit 21 through the solenoid valve 45a. In this way, part of the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 flows through the solenoid valve 45a to the first liquid circuit 21, and then returns to the second liquid circuit 31, while the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 is cooled by the radiator 44a in the second circuit. When the solenoid valve 45b is opened, the working principle of the thermal management system 4 is the same as that when only the solenoid valve 45a is opened, and this will not be repeated.

[0065] It is not difficult to understand that when the solenoid valve 45a and the solenoid valve 45b are opened at the same time, the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 can flow into the first liquid circuit 21 through the two solenoid valves 45, and after circulating in the first liquid circuit 21, return to the second liquid circuit 31, and finally complete the heat exchange between the preset liquid and the air outside the box 1 under the action of the radiator 44 of the second circuit, so that the thermal management efficiency of the thermal management system 4 can be controlled.

[0066] When the outdoor temperature of the cabinet 1 is between 0°C and 20°C, the solenoid valve 45 opens, and the heat dissipation of the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 is completed through the combined action of the first circuit, the second liquid circuit 31, and the second circuit. It can be understood that the second liquid circuit 31 and the second circuit compensate for the heat dissipation of the first liquid circuit 21. In other words, the need for the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 to dissipate heat through the first circuit will be reduced. Accordingly, the compressor 42 can be appropriately adjusted to reduce its speed. In this way, the energy consumption of the compressor 42 will be correspondingly reduced, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system 4.

[0067] It should be noted that the number of radiators 44 and solenoid valves 45 in this embodiment is not limited to the two mentioned in the above embodiment. The number of radiators 44 and solenoid valves 45 can be selected according to the thermal management requirements of the energy storage box 100, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0068] As a possible embodiment, the first circuit further includes an oil separator 46 and a gas-liquid separator 47. The oil separator 46 is disposed between the compressor 42 and the second heat exchanger 43, with the compressor 42, the oil separator 46, and the second heat exchanger 43 being sequentially connected. The gas-liquid separator 47 is disposed between the first heat exchanger 41 and the compressor 42, with the first heat exchanger 41, the gas-liquid separator 47, and the compressor 42 being sequentially connected. In this embodiment, the provision of the oil separator 46 and the gas-liquid separator 47 improves the first circuit's heat dissipation efficiency for the predetermined liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 while reducing the first circuit's energy consumption.

[0069] The rotation of the blades in compressor 42 compresses and discharges the refrigerant, inevitably discharging a certain amount of lubricating oil from compressor 42. The lubricating oil provides a certain lubricating effect on the flow of the refrigerant while also ensuring the reliability of the operation of the first circuit. However, the accumulation of lubricating oil in the first circuit can lead to poor refrigerant flow, and the first circuit's heat dissipation effect on the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 will deteriorate. To ensure the heat dissipation effect of the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21, compressor 42 will increase its power, resulting in increased energy consumption in the first circuit. To this end, this embodiment provides an oil separator 46 between compressor 42 and second heat exchanger 43, and compressor 42, oil separator 46, and second heat exchanger 43 are sequentially connected. The compressor 42 works to discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the oil separator 46, and the lubricating oil discharged along with the refrigerant also enters the oil separator 46. The two will be separated in the oil separator 46, and finally only the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is discharged. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant forms a rapid heat exchange between the second heat exchanger 43 and the outside of the box 1. At this time, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is converted into a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0070] The liquid refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 41 and completes heat exchange with the pre-set liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 of the battery pack 2. At this point, the liquid refrigerant is converted back into a gaseous refrigerant, which will then complete the next heat dissipation cycle under the action of the compressor 42. During this process, the refrigerant in the first circuit undergoes a transition between two different states: gaseous and liquid. Because the first circuits are interconnected, the refrigerant flows within the first circuit under the action of the compressor 42. To prevent the liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 42 and adhering to its blades, thereby weakening the compressor 42's effect on the gaseous refrigerant, this embodiment includes a gas-liquid separator 47 connected in series between the first heat exchanger 41 and the compressor 42. The first heat exchanger 41, gas-liquid separator 47, and compressor 42 are connected in sequence. The gas-liquid separator 47 separates the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger 41 to the compressor 42, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the compressor 42 is in a gaseous state as much as possible. In this way, the compression effect of the compressor 42 on the refrigerant can be improved, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect and working efficiency of the first circuit.

[0071] In order to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the first circuit to the first liquid circuit 21 , in this embodiment, there are at least two second heat exchangers 43 , and the at least two second heat exchangers 43 are connected in parallel between the compressor 42 and the first heat exchanger 41 .

[0072] For example, in this embodiment, there are two second heat exchangers 43. The second heat exchanger 43a is connected to the compressor 42 and the first heat exchanger 41, and the second heat exchanger 43b is connected to the compressor 42 and the first heat exchanger 41. The second heat exchanger 43a and the second heat exchanger 43b are connected in parallel in the first circuit. In this way, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 42 is divided into two paths in the first circuit and enters the second heat exchanger 43a and the second heat exchanger 43b. There, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant undergoes rapid heat exchange with the air outside the cabinet 1 at the second heat exchanger 43a and the second heat exchanger 43b, respectively. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is converted into a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 41 and exchanges heat with the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21 at the first heat exchanger 41, thereby dissipating heat from the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21. In this way, by providing two second heat exchangers 43, the conversion rate of the refrigerant can be increased, thereby improving the working efficiency of the heat pipe system.

[0073] It should be noted that the number of the second heat exchangers 43 in this embodiment is not limited to the two mentioned in the above embodiment. The number of the second heat exchangers 43 can be selected according to the thermal management requirements of the energy storage box 100, and this embodiment does not make any specific restrictions on this.

[0074] In some embodiments, the housing 1 further includes a device control cabin 11. The device control cabin 11 and the battery compartment are spaced apart along the length of the housing 1. The compressor 42 is located in the device control cabin 11, and the top of the device control cabin 11 is connected to the exterior of the housing 1. Thus, placing some components of the thermal management system 4 outside the battery compartment maintains a suitable temperature environment within the battery compartment, thereby improving the operating stability of the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3.

[0075] Based on the previous embodiment, the second heat exchanger 43 and the radiator 44 are spaced apart along the length of the housing 1 at the top of the outer side of the housing 1. Thus, the second heat exchanger 43 and the radiator 44 are arranged at the top of the housing 1, which relatively increases the contact area between the second heat exchanger 43 and the radiator 44 and the air outside the housing 1. This increases the heat exchange rate between the second heat exchanger 43 and the radiator 44 and the air outside the housing 1, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency and effectiveness of the thermal management system 4 for the battery pack 2 and the energy storage converter 3.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the two radiators 44 in this embodiment are spaced apart along the length direction of the housing 1 on a side away from the equipment control cabin 11, and the two second heat exchangers 43 are spaced apart along the length direction of the housing 1 on a side close to the equipment control cabin 11. The two second heat exchangers 43 are connected to the compressor 42 in the equipment control cabin 11. In this way, the relative distance between the second heat exchanger 43 and the compressor 42 is shortened, so that the flow path of the refrigerant in the first circuit is shortened, the heat loss of the refrigerant during the flow process is reduced, and the thermal management efficiency of the thermal management system 4 for the battery pack 2 and the energy storage inverter 3 is further ensured.

[0077] Furthermore, the thermal management system 4 also includes a first fan 48 and a second fan 49. The first fan 48 is provided in correspondence with the second heat exchanger 43 and is connected to the top of the housing 1. The first fan 48 is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat exchanger 43. The second fan 49 is provided in correspondence with the radiator 44 and is connected to the top of the housing 1. The second fan 49 is configured to dissipate heat from the radiator 44. Thus, the provision of the first fan 48 and the second fan 49 accelerates the heat exchange rate between the second heat exchanger 43 and the radiator 44 and the outside air.

[0078] As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the first fan 48 and the second heat exchanger 43 in this embodiment are correspondingly arranged, and the first fan 48 is arranged at the top of the outer side of the box body 1. The refrigerant flows in the second heat exchanger 43 and completes heat exchange with the surrounding air through the second heat exchanger 43. It can be understood that as the temperature of the air around the second heat exchanger 43 increases, the change in the flow rate of the hot air will affect the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger 43. Therefore, when the first fan 48 in this embodiment is started, the first fan 48 can blow air to the second heat exchanger 43 or suck out the hot air at the second heat exchanger 43. In this way, the accumulation of hot air at the second heat exchanger 43 can be reduced, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect and efficiency of the first circuit on the preset liquid in the first liquid circuit 21.

[0079] Similarly, the second fan 49 and the radiator 44 are provided in correspondence, and the second fan 49 is provided at the top of the exterior of the housing 1. The preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31 flows in the radiator 44 of the second circuit and completes heat exchange with the surrounding air through the radiator 44. It can be understood that as the temperature of the air surrounding the radiator 44 increases, the change in the flow rate of the hot air will affect the heat exchange efficiency of the preset liquid at the radiator 44. Therefore, when the second fan 49 in this embodiment is started, the second fan 49 can blow air toward the radiator 44 or suck out the hot air at the radiator 44. In this way, the accumulation of hot air at the radiator 44 can be reduced, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect and efficiency of the second circuit for the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit 31.

[0080] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, at least one of the first and second blowers 48, 49 includes a housing and a fan. The housing has a receiving cavity with a first vent 491 at the top of the cavity. The fan is located within the cavity to discharge air within the cavity along the first vent 491. A second vent 492 is provided on the sidewall of the housing, communicating with the receiving cavity. A third vent 493 is provided on the top of the housing, corresponding to and communicating with the second vent 492. Thus, the structural arrangement of the first and second blowers 48, 49 forms an air flow path: second vent 492 - fan - first vent 491. The third vent 493 communicates with the second vent 492, supplementing the aforementioned air flow path and increasing the amount of air entering the cavity. This increases the air flow rate and, in turn, enhances the flow of hot air to the second heat exchanger 43 and the radiator 44.

[0081] Exemplarily, the first heat exchanger 41 is a plate heat exchanger.

[0082] An embodiment of the present application provides an energy storage box, comprising a box body, a battery pack, an energy storage inverter, and a thermal management system. The box body includes a battery compartment, the battery pack and the energy storage inverter are located in the battery compartment, the energy storage inverter and the battery pack are electrically connected, the battery pack has a first liquid circuit, and the energy storage inverter has a second liquid circuit. The thermal management system is partially located outside the battery compartment. The thermal management system includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a monitoring unit. The first circuit includes a first heat exchanger, a compressor, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger, the compressor, and the second heat exchanger are connected end to end in sequence. The first heat exchanger and the first liquid circuit are arranged correspondingly. Refrigerant flows in the first circuit. The compressor is configured to control the flow of refrigerant in the first circuit to dissipate heat from a preset liquid in the first liquid circuit through the refrigerant. The second circuit includes a radiator and a solenoid valve. The second liquid circuit is connected to the radiator. The first liquid circuit and the radiator are connected in parallel to the second liquid circuit. The solenoid valve is arranged between the second liquid circuit and the first liquid circuit. The monitoring unit includes a temperature sensor and a controller, which are electrically connected to each other. The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature outside the tank. The controller is electrically connected to the solenoid valve and the compressor. When the temperature reaches a preset value, the controller is configured to activate the solenoid valve to allow a portion of the preset liquid in the second fluid path to flow through the first fluid path. This structural arrangement improves the thermal management efficiency of the energy storage tank while reducing energy consumption.

[0083] It should be noted that references in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0084] Generally speaking, terms should be understood, at least in part, based on the context in which they are used. For example, as used herein, the term "one or more" can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular sense, or can be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in the plural sense, depending at least in part on the context. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage, depending at least in part on the context.

[0085] It should be readily understood that “on,” “above,” and “over” in this application should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on something,” but also includes “on something” with intervening features or layers therebetween, and “above” or “over” includes not only the meaning of “above” or “over,” but also includes the meaning of “above” or “over” with no intervening features or layers therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0086] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "beneath," "above," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90° or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An energy storage box, characterized in that: The invention comprises a box body, a battery pack, an energy storage converter and a thermal management system, wherein the box body comprises a battery compartment, the battery pack and the energy storage converter are located in the battery compartment, the energy storage converter is electrically connected to the battery pack, the battery pack has a first fluid path, and the energy storage converter has a second fluid path; The thermal management system is partially located outside the battery compartment, and includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a monitoring unit. The first circuit includes a first heat exchanger, a compressor, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger, the compressor, and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected end to end. The first heat exchanger and the first liquid circuit are correspondingly arranged. A refrigerant flows in the first circuit. The compressor is configured to control the flow of the refrigerant in the first circuit so as to dissipate heat from a preset liquid in the first liquid circuit through the refrigerant. The second circuit includes a radiator and a solenoid valve, the second fluid circuit is connected to the radiator, the first fluid circuit and the radiator are connected in parallel to the second fluid circuit, and the solenoid valve is arranged between the second fluid circuit and the first fluid circuit; The monitoring unit includes a temperature sensor and a controller, the temperature sensor and the controller are electrically connected, the temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature outside the box, the controller is electrically connected to the solenoid valve and the compressor, and the controller is configured to drive the solenoid valve when the temperature is equal to a preset temperature value so that part of the preset liquid in the second liquid circuit flows through the first liquid circuit.

2. The energy storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the temperature is lower than the preset temperature value, the controller controls the refrigerant to stop flowing and drives the solenoid valve to allow part of the preset liquid in the second liquid path to flow through the first liquid path; The preset temperature value is 0°C.

3. The energy storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are at least two radiators, and at least two of the radiators are connected in parallel to the second liquid circuit; The solenoid valve and the radiator are correspondingly arranged, and the solenoid valve is connected in series between the second fluid path and the radiator.

4. The energy storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first circuit further includes an oil separator and a gas-liquid separator, wherein the oil separator is disposed between the compressor and the second heat exchanger, and the compressor, the oil separator and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected; The gas-liquid separator is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the compressor, and the first heat exchanger, the gas-liquid separator and the compressor are sequentially connected.

5. The energy storage box according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are at least two second heat exchangers, and at least two second heat exchangers are connected in parallel between the compressor and the first heat exchanger.

6. The energy storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The box body also includes an equipment control cabin. The equipment control cabin and the battery cabin are spaced apart along the length direction of the box body. The compressor is located in the equipment control cabin. The top of the equipment control cabin is connected to the outside of the box body.

7. The energy storage box according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second heat exchanger and the radiator are spaced apart and arranged on the top of the outer side of the box along the length direction of the box.

8. The energy storage box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The thermal management system further includes a first fan and a second fan, the first fan and the second heat exchanger are correspondingly arranged, the first fan is connected to the top of the box, and the first fan is configured to dissipate heat for the second heat exchanger; The second fan is arranged corresponding to the radiator, the second fan is connected to the top of the box, and the second fan is configured to dissipate heat from the radiator.

9. The energy storage box according to claim 8, characterized in that: At least one of the first blower and the second blower includes a housing and a fan, the housing having a receiving cavity, a top of the receiving cavity having a first vent, and the fan is located in the receiving cavity to discharge air in the receiving cavity along the first vent; The shell side wall is provided with a second vent, the second vent is communicated with the accommodating cavity, the shell top is provided with a third vent, the third vent is provided corresponding to the second vent, and the third vent is communicated with the second vent.

10. The energy storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

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