Liquid-cooling unit for battery cluster

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a liquid-cooling unit for a battery cluster, the liquid-cooling unit comprising a heat exchanger (11) and a pipeline system (2), wherein the heat exchanger (11) is configured to perform heat exchange on a coolant that flows therethrough; the pipeline system (2) comprises a first connection pipe (21) and a second connection pipe (22); the heat exchanger (11) is provided with a first connection port (111) and a second connection port (112); the first connection pipe (21) is connected to the first connection port (111); the second connection pipe (22) is connected to the second connection port (112) by means of a main pipe (23) and a bypass pipe (24) that are arranged in parallel; and each of the main pipe (23) and the bypass pipe (24) is provided with a pump (25) and a first valve (26).

Description

Battery cluster liquid cooling unit

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202520421750.X, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on March 11, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of liquid cooling technology, specifically to a battery cluster liquid cooling unit.

[0004] Background Technology

[0005] With the continuous advancement of the lithium-ion battery industry, lithium battery energy storage technologies are emerging rapidly, and industry valuations are constantly rising. Thermal management systems, as crucial for ensuring the safe and stable operation of lithium battery systems, are attracting increasing attention from industry professionals. Thermal management technology is also evolving from early air-cooling solutions to liquid-cooling systems with higher heat dissipation efficiency and better temperature uniformity. A liquid-cooled unit integrates a refrigeration circuit, a coolant circuit, and a fan. The refrigeration circuit cools the coolant circuit through a plate heat exchanger, while the fan dissipates heat from the condenser in the refrigeration circuit. The liquid-cooled unit is the core component of the entire liquid-cooling system.

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The coolant circuit of a liquid cooling unit is usually driven by a single pump. If the pump stops working, the coolant will stop flowing, causing the lithium battery temperature to rise sharply. This can even lead to overheating or thermal runaway of the lithium battery, affecting the performance and safety of the lithium battery system.

[0008] Technical solutions

[0009] Embodiments of this application provide a battery cluster liquid cooling unit, including a heat dissipation assembly and a piping system. The heat dissipation assembly includes a heat exchanger for heat exchange of coolant flowing through it. The piping system includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe. The heat exchanger has a first connection port and a second connection port. The first connecting pipe is connected to the first connection port. The second connecting pipe is connected to the second connection port through a main pipeline and a bypass pipeline arranged in parallel. A pump body and a first valve are provided on both the main pipeline and the bypass pipeline.

[0010] Beneficial effects

[0011] By connecting the second connecting pipe to the second connection port using parallel main and bypass pipes, the stability of the coolant flow driven by the second connecting pipe to the second connection port can be enhanced. This reduces the risk of liquid cooling unit downtime due to a single pump failure, allows for switching to another pump to continue operation when one pump fails, reduces downtime of the liquid cooling unit, and effectively improves the reliability, stability, and maintenance convenience of the cooling unit, thereby ensuring the performance and safety of the battery cluster. By setting up two parallel pipes (main and bypass) to combine the operation of two pumps, energy efficiency can be optimized. Simultaneous operation can share the load, reducing the pressure of long-term high-load operation of a single pump, effectively extending the service life of the equipment. Furthermore, the operating strategy of the pumps can be adjusted according to the load conditions. One pump can be shut down at low loads to save energy, while both pumps work together at high loads to ensure the optimal liquid cooling performance of the liquid cooling unit.

[0012] Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of a battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of the battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] In the picture:

[0018] 1. Heat dissipation assembly; 11. Heat exchanger; 111. First connection port; 112. Second connection port; 12. Fan;

[0019] 2. Piping system; 21. First connecting pipe; 22. Second connecting pipe; 23. Main pipeline; 24. Bypass pipeline; 25. Pump body; 26. First valve; 27. Third connecting pipe; 28. Expansion tank; 29. ​​Check valve; 30. Flow meter; 31. Replenishment pipe; 32. Second valve; 33. Filter; 34. Third valve; 35. Supply pressure sensor; 36. Temperature sensor; 37. Vacuum pipe; 38. Fourth valve; 39. Automatic exhaust valve;

[0020] 4. Chassis; 41. Cabinet; 411. Receiving tank; 4111. Drain outlet; 412. Air inlet; 42. Cover; 421. Cover body; 4211. Maintenance port; 422. Flip cover; 423. Air outlet; 43. Filter screen; 44. Third connection port; 45. Fourth connection port.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the battery cluster liquid cooling unit of this application embodiment includes a heat dissipation component 1 and a piping system 2. The heat dissipation component 1 includes a heat exchanger 11, which is used to exchange heat with the coolant flowing through it. The piping system 2 includes a first connecting pipe 21 and a second connecting pipe 22. The heat exchanger 11 has a first connecting port 111 and a second connecting port 112. The first connecting pipe 21 is connected to the first connecting port 111. The second connecting pipe 22 is connected to the second connecting port 112 through a main pipeline 23 and a bypass pipeline 24 arranged in parallel. A pump body 25 and a first valve 26 are provided on both the main pipeline 23 and the bypass pipeline 24.

[0023] By connecting the second connecting pipe 22 to the second connecting port 112 via the parallel main pipe 23 and bypass pipe 24, the stability of the coolant flow driven by the second connecting pipe 22 to the second connecting port 112 can be enhanced, reducing the risk of liquid cooling unit downtime due to the failure of a single pump 25. It allows the other pump 25 to continue operating when one pump 25 fails, reducing the downtime of the liquid cooling unit and effectively improving the reliability, stability, and maintenance convenience of the cooling unit, thereby ensuring the performance and safety of the battery cluster. By setting up two parallel pipes, the main pipe 23 and bypass pipe 24, and the operation of two pumps 25, energy efficiency can be optimized. Simultaneous operation can share the load, reducing the pressure of long-term high-load operation of a single pump 25, effectively extending the service life of the equipment. Moreover, the operating strategy of the pumps 25 can be adjusted according to the load. One pump 25 can be shut down at low load to save energy, while both pumps work together at high load to ensure the optimal liquid cooling performance of the liquid cooling unit.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the piping system 2 also includes a third connecting pipe 27. The ends of the main pipe 23 and the bypass pipe 24 away from the second connecting pipe 22 are respectively connected to the third connecting pipe 27. The end of the third connecting pipe 27 away from the main pipe 23 and the bypass pipe 24 is connected to the second connecting port 112. The second connecting port 112 is the liquid outlet, and the first connecting port 111 is the liquid inlet. The heat exchanger 11 is used to heat exchange the coolant introduced through the liquid inlet and to discharge it to the third connecting pipe 27 through the liquid outlet. That is, the main pipe 23 and the bypass pipe 24 and the pump body 25 on their structure are set at the liquid outlet end of the heat exchanger 11. This reduces the impact of high temperature coolant on the pump body 25, such as structural stress changes or expansion, accelerated aging of the sealing ring, and decrease in lubricating oil viscosity, which affect the service life of the pump body 25 and help extend the service life of the pump body 25.

[0025] The piping system 2 also includes an expansion tank 28, which is connected to the third connecting pipe 27. The expansion tank 28 can absorb and mitigate the volume expansion caused by changes in coolant temperature, that is, it can balance the pressure difference caused by changes in coolant pressure in the pipeline, prevent excessive pressure in the pipeline from causing damage to the pipeline, valves or pump body 25, and extend the service life of the liquid cooling unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the piping system 2 further includes a check valve 29. Check valves 29 are installed on both the main pipeline 23 and the bypass pipeline 24, and are located on the side of the pump body 25 near the second connecting pipe 22. The check valve 29 ensures unidirectional flow of the coolant, prevents the parallel pipelines from forming an internal loop, and prevents backflow of coolant that could damage the pump body 25, thus improving the operational safety and stability of the liquid-cooled unit.

[0027] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation assembly 1 further includes a fan 12, which is disposed on the heat exchanger 11. The fan 12 is used to dissipate the heat generated by the heat exchanger 11. By disposing of the fan 12, the heat dissipation of the heat exchanged by the heat exchanger 11 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat exchanger 11.

[0028] The battery cluster liquid cooling unit connects to the battery module. Coolant at a certain temperature flows from the liquid cooling plate inside the battery module through the first connecting pipe 21 to the heat exchanger 11 for heat exchange. After the heat exchange, the cooled coolant is guided through the third connecting pipe 27 and the first connecting pipe 21 back to the liquid cooling plate for further heat exchange with the battery module, and this process is repeated. This liquid cooling unit consists only of a heat dissipation component 1 and a piping system 2, featuring a simple and compact structure, low production cost, and can be used for battery clusters of a single battery module.

[0029] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the piping system 2 further includes a flow meter 30 and a replenishment pipe 31. The flow meter 30 is mounted on the third connecting pipe 27, and one end of the replenishment pipe 31 is connected to the third connecting pipe 27. A second valve 32 is mounted on the replenishment pipe 31, and the end of the replenishment pipe 31 away from the third connecting pipe 27 is connected to an external water tank. Since the coolant reaches a high temperature after heat exchange in the battery module, it is prone to gas generation due to high temperature, meaning that coolant is consumed. Therefore, by using the flow meter 30 to detect the coolant flow rate in the pipe, feedback is sent to the control center to regulate the opening of the second valve 32. The coolant from the external water tank is then replenished to the liquid cooling circuit through the replenishment pipe 31, thus ensuring sufficient coolant in the liquid cooling unit and guaranteeing the stability of the liquid cooling unit's operation. In addition, the replenishment pipe 31 can be connected to the first connecting pipe 21 or the second connecting pipe 22, in addition to the third connecting pipe 27; the flow meter 30 can be installed on the first connecting pipe 21 or the second connecting pipe 22, in addition to the third connecting pipe 27.

[0030] In some embodiments, the piping system 2 further includes a filter 33, which is detachably mounted on the first connecting pipe 21. By mounting the filter 33 on the first connecting pipe 21, impurities in the coolant entering the heat exchanger front end are effectively filtered, reducing the impact of impurities on the heat exchanger, extending the service life of the heat exchanger, and ensuring the cleanliness of the coolant, thereby ensuring the flow and heat exchange performance of the coolant. Furthermore, by mounting the filter 33 on the third connecting pipe 27, the impact of impurities in the coolant on the pump body 25 can be reduced, extending the service life of the pump body 25. For example, the filter 33 may include a filter pipe and filter cotton inside the filter pipe. The filter pipe is detachably connected to a section of the connecting pipe by a clamp, so that the coolant flowing through the filter pipe can be filtered by the filter cotton, achieving the filtration function. Further examples are not provided here.

[0031] The piping system 2 also includes third valves 34. A third valve 34 is installed on the first connecting pipe 21 to regulate the flow rate of coolant within the first connecting pipe 21; a third valve 34 is installed on the second connecting pipe 22 to regulate the flow rate within the second connecting pipe 22; and a third valve 34 is installed on the third connecting pipe 27 to regulate the flow rate within the third connecting pipe 27. By installing third valves 34 on multiple pipes, the flow rate of coolant in multiple pipes can be independently controlled. Furthermore, if other structures on a local pipe are damaged, the corresponding valves can be closed to isolate the affected area for localized repair or inspection, improving the maintenance convenience of the liquid-cooled unit.

[0032] In some embodiments, the piping system 2 further includes a liquid supply pressure sensor 35, which is disposed on the second connecting pipe 22. The liquid supply pressure sensor 35 can monitor the changes in coolant pressure in the pipeline in real time, avoiding situations where excessive pressure may lead to pipeline rupture or equipment damage, or excessively low pressure may lead to system malfunction. Furthermore, it can collect data for later data recording and analysis, facilitating understanding of system operation and enabling the development of regular maintenance and performance optimization plans to ensure the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the liquid cooling unit.

[0033] In addition, the piping system 2 also includes a temperature sensor 36, which is installed on the second connecting pipe 22 to monitor the temperature of the coolant flowing into the battery module of the battery cluster through the second connecting pipe 22, so as to provide feedback and adjust the cooling effect of the heat exchanger 11.

[0034] Of course, the piping system 2 also includes a vacuum pipe 37, which is connected to the second connecting pipe 22, and a fourth valve 38 is installed on the vacuum pipe 37. Before the liquid cooling unit, the fourth valve 38 is opened and the vacuum pipe 37 is used to act on the second connecting pipe 22 to extract the gas in the piping system, ensuring the cleanliness of the environment inside the piping system 2.

[0035] In some embodiments, the piping system 2 further includes an automatic vent valve 39, which is disposed on the second connecting pipe 22. As the coolant heats up, it releases hydrogen, oxygen, and other gases. Therefore, the automatic vent valve 39 automatically discharges the gases from the pipe, ensuring the stability of the liquid flow within the pipe, reducing the risk of damage to structures such as the heat exchanger 11 and pump body 25 due to gas accumulation, and improving the operational stability of the liquid cooling unit.

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the battery cluster liquid cooling unit also includes a chassis 4. The chassis 4 includes a detachably connected housing 41 and a cover 42. The housing 41 has a receiving groove 411, in which the heat dissipation component 1 and the piping system 2 are disposed. The cover 42 is used to seal the opening of the receiving groove 411. By placing the heat dissipation component 1 and the piping system 2 inside the chassis 4, the protection of the battery cluster liquid cooling unit can be effectively improved, and the chassis 4 can be moved or installed to realize the installation of the entire battery cluster liquid cooling unit. The chassis 4 is detachably composed of the housing 41 and the cover 42. During use, the heat dissipation component 1 and the piping system 2 inside the housing 41 can be installed or maintained by removing the cover 42. For example, the top of the housing 41 is provided with multiple threaded holes, and the cover 42 is provided with through holes at positions opposite to the threaded holes. Bolts pass through the through holes and are screwed into the threaded holes to fix the cover 42 to the housing 41.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the cover 42 includes a cover body 421 and a flip cover 422. The cover body 422 is used to seal the opening of the receiving groove 411. A maintenance port 4211 is provided on the cover body 421. The flip cover 422 is rotatably connected to the cover body 421 and is used to close or open the maintenance port 4211. The piping system 2 is located below the maintenance port 4211. Since the components of the piping system 2 require frequent maintenance during use, the piping system 2 below the maintenance port 4211 can be maintained by rotating the flip cover 422 to open the maintenance port 4211, which is highly convenient.

[0038] Optionally, the flip cover 422 is also provided with a locking structure. For example, the locking structure is a latch that slides on the flip cover, and a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on the side wall of the maintenance opening 4211. The latch can engage with the snap-fit ​​groove to achieve selective locking between the flip cover 422 and the cover body 421, improving the safety of the flip cover 422. Of course, the locking structure can also be a rotational engagement or other selectively engaging locking structure.

[0039] In addition, to make the maintenance of the structure in the piping system 2, such as the automatic exhaust valve 39, the vacuum tube 37, and multiple sensors, more convenient, the connection position of the automatic exhaust valve 39, the vacuum tube 37, and multiple sensors to the connecting pipe is located at the top of the connecting pipe, and the length of the automatic exhaust valve 39, the vacuum tube 37, and multiple sensors is extended vertically so that they can be disassembled and assembled along the maintenance port 4211.

[0040] The chassis 4 is provided with a third connection port 44 connected to the end of the first connecting pipe 21 away from the heat exchanger 11, and a fourth connection port 45 connected to the end of the second connecting pipe 22 away from the heat exchanger 11. The outlet of the liquid cooling plate of the battery module in the battery cluster is connected to the third connection port 44, and the inlet of the liquid cooling plate is connected to the fourth connection port 45.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the chassis 4 also includes a filter 43. At least one side of the chassis 41 has an air inlet 412, and the filter 43 is detachably connected to the air inlet 412. Furthermore, along the air outlet direction of the fan 12, the cover 42 has an air outlet 423 communicating with the receiving groove 411, and the filter 43 is detachably connected to the air outlet 423. The filter 43 effectively reduces the entry of insects, dust, and other impurities into the chassis 41 through the air inlet 412 or the air outlet 423, effectively enhancing the cleanliness of the environment inside the chassis 4.

[0042] In some embodiments, a magnetic strip is provided on the outer edge of the filter screen 43. The filter screen 43 is attracted to the outside of the housing 41 by the magnetic strip to realize the installation, disassembly and maintenance of the filter screen 43, which is convenient, quick and saves time and effort.

[0043] In some embodiments, a drain outlet 4111 is also provided through the bottom of the receiving tank 411. The drain outlet 4111 facilitates the drainage of coolant leaking from multiple pipe connections in the piping system 2, reducing the impact of coolant leakage on multiple electronic structures within the housing 41 and improving the operational safety of the battery cluster liquid cooling unit. Furthermore, the bottom of the receiving tank 411 can be slightly inclined, i.e., the inclined bottom of the receiving tank 411 slopes from the end furthest from the drain outlet 4111 towards the end closest to the drain outlet 4111. This inclined bottom helps guide leaked coolant to the drain outlet 4111.

Claims

1. A battery cluster liquid cooling unit, comprising: A heat dissipation assembly (1) includes at least a heat exchanger (11) for exchanging heat with coolant flowing through it. The piping system (2) includes a first connecting pipe (21) and a second connecting pipe (22). The heat exchanger (11) has a first connecting port (111) and a second connecting port (112). The first connecting pipe (21) is connected to the first connecting port (111). The second connecting pipe (22) is connected to the second connecting port (112) through a main pipeline (23) and a bypass pipeline (24) arranged in parallel. A pump body (25) and a first valve (26) are provided on both the main pipeline (23) and the bypass pipeline (24).

2. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein, The pipeline system (2) further includes a third connecting pipe (27), the end of the main pipeline (23) and the bypass pipeline (24) away from the second connecting pipe (22) is connected to the third connecting pipe (27), the end of the third connecting pipe (27) away from the main pipeline (23) and the bypass pipeline (24) is connected to the second connecting port (112), the second connecting port (112) is the liquid outlet, and the first connecting port (111) is the liquid inlet.

3. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 2, wherein, The piping system (2) also includes an expansion tank (28) which is connected to the third connecting pipe (27).

4. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 2, wherein, The pipeline system (2) also includes a check valve (29), which is provided on both the main pipeline (23) and the bypass pipeline (24), and the check valve (29) is located on the side of the pump body (25) near the second connecting pipe (22).

5. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 2, wherein, The pipeline system (2) also includes a flow meter (30) and a replenishment pipe (31). The flow meter (30) is installed on the third connecting pipe (27). One end of the replenishment pipe (31) is connected to the third connecting pipe (27). A second valve (32) is installed on the replenishment pipe (31). The end of the replenishment pipe (31) away from the third connecting pipe (27) is connected to an external water tank.

6. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 2, wherein, The piping system (2) further includes a filter (33), which is detachably mounted on the first connecting pipe (21); and / or, The filter (33) is detachably mounted on the third connecting pipe (27).

7. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The piping system (2) further includes a liquid supply pressure sensor (35), which is disposed on the second connecting pipe (22); and / or, The piping system (2) further includes a temperature sensor (36), which is disposed on the second connecting pipe (22); and / or, The piping system (2) further includes a vacuum pipe (37), which is connected to the second connecting pipe (22), and a fourth valve (38) is provided on the vacuum pipe (37); and / or, The piping system (2) further includes an automatic air vent valve (39), which is disposed on the second connecting pipe (22); and / or, The heat dissipation assembly (1) also includes a fan (12), which is disposed on the heat exchanger (11) and is used to dissipate the heat generated by the heat exchanger (11).

8. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to any one of claims 1-6 further includes a chassis (4), the chassis (4) including a detachably connected housing (41) and a cover (42), the housing (41) having a receiving groove (411), the heat dissipation component (1) and the piping system (2) being disposed in the receiving groove (411), and the cover (42) being used to seal the opening of the receiving groove (411).

9. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 8, wherein, The box cover (42) includes a cover body (421) and a flip cover (422). The cover body (421) is used to seal the opening of the receiving groove (411). The cover body (421) is provided with a maintenance port (4211). The flip cover (422) is rotatably connected to the cover body (421). The flip cover (422) is used to close or open the maintenance port (4211). The pipeline system (2) is located below the maintenance port (4211).

10. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 8, wherein, The chassis (41) further includes a filter (43), and at least one side of the chassis (41) is provided with an air inlet (412), at which the filter (43) is detachably connected; and / or, The cover (42) is provided with an air outlet (423) that communicates with the receiving groove (411), and a filter screen (43) is detachably connected to the air outlet (423).

11. The battery cluster liquid cooling unit according to claim 8, wherein, The bottom of the receiving tank (411) is also provided with a drain outlet (4111).

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