Thermal management system and thermal management method for battery swap station, and battery swap station

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a thermal management system and thermal management method for a battery swap station, and a battery swap station. The thermal management system comprises a refrigerant subsystem, a first coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with air, and a second coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with batteries in the battery swap station. The refrigerant subsystem comprises a first heat exchanger group and a second heat exchanger group which are in communication with each other via refrigerant piping, the second heat exchanger group being used for heat exchange with a preset space. The first coolant subsystem comprises heat dissipation piping and a heat dissipation assembly, wherein a first end of the heat dissipation piping is connected to a liquid inlet of the heat dissipation assembly, and a second end of the heat dissipation piping is connected to a liquid outlet of the heat dissipation assembly. Part of the heat dissipation piping is configured to allow heat exchange with the first heat exchanger group. The second coolant subsystem can be connected to or disconnected from the heat dissipation piping. The system of the present application can effectively use the external environment to reduce energy consumption of the system, thereby improving the energy saving performance of the system, and reducing the overall energy consumption of the system.

Description

Thermal management system, thermal management methods and battery swapping stations

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411194883.4, filed on August 28, 2024, entitled “Thermal Management System, Thermal Management Method and Battery Swapping Station”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of thermal management equipment technology, specifically to a thermal management system, thermal management method, and battery swapping station. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of new energy technologies, batteries have been widely used in various technical fields. In related technologies, air conditioning systems are used to cool batteries being charged in scenarios such as battery swapping stations, while the charging units in these stations employ independent air-cooled heat dissipation systems. However, the thermal management systems in these battery swapping stations suffer from a simplistic approach, failing to effectively utilize the external environment to reduce energy consumption, resulting in high energy consumption and poor energy-saving capabilities.

[0005] The above statements are for the purpose of providing background information in relation to this application only and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Given that the thermal management modes of thermal management systems in scenarios such as battery swapping stations are singular and cannot effectively utilize the external environment to reduce the energy consumption of the thermal management system, resulting in high energy consumption and poor energy-saving capabilities, this application provides a thermal management system, thermal management method, and battery swapping station to improve the ability to utilize the external environment to save system energy and reduce the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0007] A first aspect of this application provides a thermal management system, including a refrigerant subsystem, a first coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with air, and a second coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with batteries in a battery swapping station.

[0008] The refrigerant subsystem includes a first heat exchanger group and a second heat exchanger group connected by refrigerant pipelines. The second heat exchanger group is used to exchange heat with a preset space.

[0009] The first coolant subsystem includes heat dissipation pipes and heat dissipation components. A first end of the heat dissipation pipes is connected to the inlet of the heat dissipation components, and a second end of the heat dissipation pipes is connected to the outlet of the heat dissipation components. A portion of the heat dissipation pipes is configured to exchange heat with the first heat exchanger assembly.

[0010] The second coolant subsystem can be connected to or disconnected from the heat dissipation pipes to form different coolant circulation loops.

[0011] The thermal management system of this application embodiment can better utilize the external environment to reduce system energy consumption, improve the system's energy-saving performance, and reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the outlet and inlet of the second coolant subsystem are both connected to the heat dissipation pipe via pipelines. Valves are installed on the pipelines connecting the outlet and inlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipe. By opening or closing the valves between the outlet and inlet and the heat dissipation pipe, the second coolant subsystem and the heat dissipation pipe can be connected or disconnected to form different coolant circulation loops. This allows for the formation of coolant circulation loops suitable for different external environments, thereby making better use of the external environment to reduce system energy consumption, improving the system's energy-saving performance, and reducing the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the thermal management system further includes a first pipeline and a third coolant subsystem for heat exchange with a preset space; the first pipeline is a pipeline capable of heat exchange with the second heat exchanger group; the inlet of the third coolant subsystem is connected to the outlet of the first pipeline, and the outlet of the third coolant subsystem is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline.

[0014] The third coolant subsystem is used for heat exchange with the preset space. In low-temperature environments, the first heat exchanger group is controlled to absorb heat and the second heat exchanger group is controlled to release heat. The second heat exchanger group transfers heat to the third coolant subsystem to provide heat to the preset space. This is suitable for heating the preset space in low-temperature environments. In this way, the heat released during battery charging can be recovered and reused, or at least a portion of the heat released during battery charging can be recovered to heat the preset space, reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline, and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the outlet of the first pipeline. Controlling the refrigerant subsystem to operate in cooling mode allows for cooling of the preset space via the second heat exchanger assembly. Thus, this thermal management system can be adapted to different temperature conditions, adopting different operating modes corresponding to different temperature conditions.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the thermal management system further includes a four-way valve, wherein the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first interface of the four-way valve, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second interface of the four-way valve, the third interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline, and the fourth interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline.

[0017] A four-way valve can easily connect and disconnect multiple pipelines, allowing for various combinations of coolant pipeline connection methods to meet different pipeline connection requirements.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the thermal management system further includes a first three-way valve, wherein a first port of the first three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the second coolant subsystem, a second port of the first three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the first pipeline, and a third port of the first three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the third coolant subsystem.

[0019] The first three-way valve can easily connect and disconnect multiple pipelines to meet the needs of different pipeline connection methods. It can selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet of the first pipeline and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem, and selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet of the first pipeline and the inlet of the third coolant subsystem.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the thermal management system further includes a second three-way valve, wherein the first port of the second three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline, the second port of the second three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the third coolant subsystem, and the third port of the second three-way valve is connected to the second port of the four-way valve.

[0021] The second three-way valve can easily connect and disconnect multiple pipelines to meet the needs of different pipeline connection methods. It can selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet of the third coolant subsystem and the inlet of the first pipeline, and selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet of the third coolant subsystem and the second interface of the four-way valve.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the first heat exchanger group includes a first condenser and a first evaporator, the second heat exchanger group includes a second condenser and a second evaporator, the first condenser and the second evaporator are connected through the refrigerant pipeline to form a first circulation loop, and the first evaporator and the second condenser are connected through the refrigerant pipeline to form a second circulation loop.

[0023] The first circulation loop is used for cooling mode, and the second circulation loop is used for heating mode. The refrigerant subsystem can be selected to operate in either cooling or heating mode according to actual needs to achieve cooling or heating of the preset space.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant subsystem further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, the third heat exchanger group including a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second end of the second pipeline, and the second pipeline is capable of heat exchange with the third evaporator.

[0025] The operation of the third heat exchanger group can accelerate the flow rate of the coolant in the second coolant subsystem, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem for target objects such as batteries.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the heat dissipation assembly includes at least one air-cooled unit, the air-cooled unit includes an air-cooled heat exchanger and a pump connected in series via a pipeline, the liquid inlet of the pipeline of the air-cooled unit is connected to a first end of the heat dissipation pipeline, and the liquid outlet of the pipeline of the air-cooled unit is connected to a second end of the heat dissipation pipeline.

[0027] Air-cooled heat exchangers are used to cool the coolant in the pipeline by means of air cooling, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation components.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the first coolant subsystem further includes a water-cooled heat exchanger, the inlet and outlet of which are respectively connected to a cooling water container via pipelines, and a water pump is installed on the pipeline between the inlet and the cooling water container; a portion of the heat dissipation pipeline is located inside the water-cooled heat exchanger for heat exchange with the water-cooled heat exchanger.

[0029] Water-cooled heat exchangers can use cooling water in cooling water containers, such as groundwater, to further cool the coolant, thereby further reducing the temperature of the coolant in the heat dissipation pipes, improving the energy conversion efficiency of the thermal management system, and thus reducing the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0030] A second aspect of this application provides a thermal management method applied to a thermal management system described in any embodiment of this application; the method includes:

[0031] Obtain the ambient temperature of the environment in which the thermal management system is located;

[0032] Based on the temperature falling within a preset range, a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range is executed. The preset control strategy includes controlling the on / off state of the pipeline between the second coolant subsystem and the first coolant subsystem to form a corresponding coolant circulation loop, and controlling the operating state of the refrigerant subsystem.

[0033] The thermal management method of this application embodiment executes a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range based on the temperature being within the preset range. This can better utilize the external environment to reduce system energy consumption, improve the system's energy-saving performance, and reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the step of executing a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range based on the temperature belonging to the preset range includes:

[0035] Obtain the preset control strategy corresponding to the preset interval, determine the on / off state of each valve in the thermal management system set in the preset control strategy, and determine the target heat exchanger group and operating parameters to be operated in the refrigerant subsystem set in the preset control strategy.

[0036] Based on the determined on / off states of each valve, the system controls each valve, and based on the determined operating parameters, it controls the target heat exchanger group, thereby accurately executing the preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range and making better use of the external environment to reduce system energy consumption.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, controlling each valve based on its determined on / off state and controlling the target heat exchanger assembly based on determined operating parameters includes:

[0038] When the temperature is within the first preset range, each valve is controlled based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipeline and to connect the inlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipeline.

[0039] Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the first preset range, the second heat exchanger group releases heat and the first heat exchanger group absorbs heat, thereby enabling the refrigerant subsystem to operate in a heating mode. The second heat exchanger group can heat the preset space and also utilize the external environment to assist in heat dissipation of the heat dissipation pipes, reducing the energy consumption of the first coolant subsystem. This achieves both cooling of the battery and heating of the preset space.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the thermal management system further includes a four-way valve, wherein the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first interface of the four-way valve, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second interface of the four-way valve, the third interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline, and the fourth interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline.

[0041] The step of controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipe and to connect the inlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipe includes:

[0042] The first and fourth ports of the four-way valve are connected, as are the second and third ports, so that the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the heat dissipation pipe and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the heat dissipation pipe. This allows the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem to flow into the heat dissipation pipe. After being cooled by the heat dissipation pipe, a portion of the coolant flows back into the second coolant subsystem, improving the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem and thus improving the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem for the battery.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, controlling each valve based on its determined on / off state and controlling the target heat exchanger assembly based on determined operating parameters includes:

[0044] When the temperature falls within the second preset range, each valve is controlled based on its on / off state to connect the second coolant subsystem with the first coolant subsystem; the left endpoint of the second preset range is equal to the right endpoint of the first preset range and the second preset range has no intersection with the first preset range;

[0045] Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the second preset range, the first heat exchanger group releases heat and the second heat exchanger group absorbs heat, thereby causing the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem to flow into the first coolant subsystem. The external environment is used to assist in cooling, reducing the energy consumption of the heat dissipation components. A portion of the cooled coolant flows back to the second coolant subsystem, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem and improving the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem for the battery. This realizes the thermal management preset control strategy corresponding to the second preset range.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant subsystem further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, the third heat exchanger group including a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second end of the second pipeline, and the second pipeline is capable of heat exchange with the third evaporator;

[0047] The method further includes controlling at least one of the third heat exchanger groups to operate based on operating parameters corresponding to the second preset range, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the second coolant subsystem with the first coolant subsystem includes:

[0049] The control connects the first port and the fourth port of the four-way valve and connects the second port and the third port of the four-way valve, so that the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first coolant subsystem. The four-way valve makes it easier to connect the second coolant subsystem to the first coolant subsystem.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, controlling each valve based on its determined on / off state and controlling the target heat exchanger assembly based on determined operating parameters includes:

[0051] When the temperature falls within the third preset range, the system controls the connection between the outlet of the second coolant subsystem and the second end of the second pipeline, and the connection between the inlet of the second coolant subsystem and the first end of the second pipeline; the left endpoint of the third preset range is equal to the right endpoint of the second preset range, and the third preset range and the second preset range do not intersect.

[0052] Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the third preset range, the first heat exchanger group releases heat and the second heat exchanger group absorbs heat. The coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem is cooled by the refrigerant subsystem, which improves the cooling efficiency of the battery by the second coolant subsystem and realizes the thermal management preset control strategy corresponding to the third preset range.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, the control that connects the outlet of the second coolant subsystem to the second end of the second pipeline includes:

[0054] The control connects the first and second ports of the four-way valve, thereby connecting the outlet of the second coolant subsystem to the second end of the second pipeline. The four-way valve facilitates this connection, reducing the complexity of pipeline installation.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, the step of executing a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range to which the temperature belongs includes:

[0056] When the temperature falls within the fourth preset range, the system controls the connection between the inlet of the third coolant subsystem and the first end of the second pipeline, and the connection between the outlet of the third coolant subsystem and the inlet of the second pipeline; the left endpoint of the fourth preset range is equal to the right endpoint of the third preset range, and the fourth preset range and the third preset range do not intersect.

[0057] Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the fourth preset interval, the first heat exchanger group is controlled to release heat and the second heat exchanger group to absorb heat, so that the refrigerant subsystem operates in a cooling mode, and while cooling the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem, the preset space is cooled through the third coolant subsystem.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant subsystem further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, the third heat exchanger group including a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second end of the second pipeline, and the second pipeline is capable of heat exchange with the third evaporator;

[0059] The thermal management method further includes: controlling at least one of the third heat exchanger groups to operate based on operating parameters corresponding to the fourth preset interval, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem and improving the cooling efficiency of the preset space through the third coolant subsystem.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, before obtaining the ambient temperature of the environment in which the thermal management system is located, the thermal management method further includes:

[0061] By controlling the operation of the first coolant subsystem, when the first coolant subsystem is connected to the second coolant subsystem, the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem can be improved through the first coolant subsystem, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the first heat exchanger group can be improved when the refrigerant subsystem is operating in a cooling mode, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the refrigerant subsystem.

[0062] A third aspect of this application provides a battery swapping station, including the thermal management system described in any embodiment of this application.

[0063] The battery swapping station in this application embodiment can better utilize the external environment to reduce system energy consumption, improve the system's energy-saving performance, and reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0064] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of this application and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more obvious and understandable, specific implementation methods of this application are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the embodiments described below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0067] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0068] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0069] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0070] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0072] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant subsystem according to one or more embodiments.

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first coolant subsystem according to one or more embodiments.

[0075] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0076] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0077] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a thermal management method for a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0078] Figure 13 is a pipeline connectivity diagram of a thermal management method for a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0079] Figure 14 is a pipeline connectivity diagram of a thermal management method for a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0080] Figure 15 is a pipeline connectivity diagram of a thermal management method for a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0081] Figure 16 is a pipeline connectivity diagram of a thermal management method for a battery swapping station according to one or more embodiments.

[0082] The meanings of the labels in the above figures are as follows: 1: Refrigerant subsystem; 2: First coolant subsystem; 3: Second coolant subsystem; 4: First piping; 5: Third coolant subsystem; 6: Four-way valve; 7: First three-way valve; 8: Second three-way valve; 9: Water-cooled heat exchanger; 11: First heat exchanger group; 12: Second heat exchanger group; 13: Refrigerant piping; 14: Third heat exchanger group; 15: Second piping; 21: Heat dissipation piping; 22: Heat dissipation assembly; 31: Liquid outlet; 32: Piping; 33: Liquid inlet; 34: Piping: 41: Outlet; 42: Inlet; 51: Battery compartment heat exchanger; 52: Control room heat exchanger; 53: Liquid outlet; 61: First interface; 62: Second interface; 63: Third interface; 64: Fourth interface; 71: First interface; 72: Second interface; 73: Third interface; 81: First interface; 82: Second interface; 83: Third interface; 91: Cooling water container; 92: Water pump; 100: Expansion tank assembly; 111: First condenser; 112: First evaporator; 131: Compression pump. 132: Dryer bottle; 133: Refrigerant subsystem pipe connector; 134: Refrigerant subsystem charging port; 135: Switch valve; 136: Electronic expansion valve; 137: Pressure and temperature sensor; 141: Third evaporator; 142: Third condenser; 143: Refrigerant pipe; 144: Third pipe; 221: Liquid inlet; 222: Liquid outlet; 223: Air-cooled unit; 2231: Air-cooled heat exchanger; 2232: Pump. Detailed Implementation

[0083] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0084] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0085] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two), unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0086] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0087] Currently, power batteries are widely used in energy storage systems for hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, as well as in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, and in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0088] With the increasingly widespread application of power batteries in various fields, facilities such as battery swapping stations for charging power batteries are also becoming more numerous. Battery swapping stations are energy stations used for charging and replacing power batteries. Batteries generate heat during charging, and related technologies employ refrigerant subsystems to cool the batteries being charged in swapping stations and similar scenarios. Additionally, the charging units in swapping stations also require heat dissipation, and related technologies utilize independent air-cooling systems for this purpose. Thus, swapping stations and similar applications consume a significant amount of electricity. Furthermore, the thermal management systems in swapping stations and similar scenarios often employ a single thermal management mode, failing to effectively utilize the external environment to reduce energy consumption, resulting in high energy consumption and poor energy-saving capabilities. In these technologies, the same thermal management mode is used under different ambient temperatures; for example, the same mode is used year-round. The system cannot adapt to changes in external ambient temperature, relying primarily on its own operation for thermal management, failing to fully utilize the external environment to save system energy, and thus its energy-saving capabilities need improvement.

[0089] To address the deficiencies in related technologies, this application provides a thermal management system for a battery swapping station, including a refrigerant subsystem, a first coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with air, and a second coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with the batteries in the battery swapping station. The refrigerant subsystem includes a first heat exchanger group and a second heat exchanger group connected by refrigerant pipelines. The second heat exchanger group is used for heat exchange with a predetermined space. The first coolant subsystem includes heat dissipation pipes and heat dissipation components. A first end of the heat dissipation pipes is connected to the inlet of the heat dissipation components, and a second end of the heat dissipation pipes is connected to the outlet of the heat dissipation components. A portion of the heat dissipation pipes is configured to exchange heat with the first heat exchanger group. The second coolant subsystem is configured to exchange heat with the heat dissipation pipes. The system connects or disconnects different coolant circulation loops. When the thermal management system is running, it controls the first heat exchanger group to absorb heat and the second heat exchanger group to release heat. It controls both the outlet and inlet of the second coolant subsystem to be connected to the heat dissipation pipes. After absorbing heat from the battery, the coolant in the second coolant subsystem flows out from the outlet and into the heat dissipation pipes. In the heat dissipation pipes, it exchanges heat with the external environment, lowering the temperature and improving the system's ability to save energy by utilizing the external environment. This saves energy in the first coolant subsystem, reduces the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system, and effectively utilizes the external environment to reduce system energy consumption, thus improving the system's energy-saving performance and lowering the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system. In addition, after absorbing the heat from the battery, the coolant in the second coolant subsystem flows into the heat dissipation pipes through the pipes. The heat absorbed from the battery is then transferred to the second heat exchanger group within the refrigerant subsystem via the coolant in the heat dissipation pipes. The second heat exchanger group then supplies the preset space. In this way, at least a portion of the heat absorbed from the battery is transferred to the preset space by the second heat exchanger group, thereby realizing the recovery and utilization of battery heat, reducing the energy consumption of the entire thermal management system, and improving the energy conversion efficiency ratio of the thermal management system.

[0090] The thermal management system provided in this application can be applied, but is not limited to, to scenarios such as battery swapping stations, for cooling batteries being charged in such scenarios and for thermal management of the battery swapping stations themselves. A battery swapping station is an energy station that charges and quickly swaps the power batteries of electric vehicles. The battery swapping process involves removing the power battery to be charged from the electric vehicle after it enters the battery swapping station using battery swapping equipment, and immediately installing another fully charged power battery. The battery to be charged is then charged by the battery swapping station. The power battery generates heat during charging and needs cooling. The thermal management system provided in this application can be used to cool the charging power battery and also to manage the thermal performance of the entire battery swapping station.

[0091] Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of this application provides a thermal management system for a battery swapping station, including a refrigerant subsystem 1, a first coolant subsystem 2, and a second coolant subsystem 3 for heat exchange with the battery. The refrigerant subsystem 1 includes a first heat exchanger assembly 11 and a second heat exchanger assembly 12 connected via a refrigerant pipeline 13. Refrigerant circulates within the refrigerant subsystem 1. The first coolant subsystem 2 includes a heat dissipation pipeline 21 and a heat dissipation component 22. A first end of the heat dissipation pipeline 21 is connected to the inlet 221 of the heat dissipation component 22, and a second end of the heat dissipation pipeline 21 is connected to the outlet 222 of the heat dissipation component 22. The heat dissipation pipeline 21 is capable of heat exchange with the first heat exchanger assembly 11. The second coolant subsystem can be connected to or disconnected from the heat dissipation pipeline to form different coolant circulation loops. Specifically, the outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline 21 via a pipeline 32, and the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline 21 via a pipeline 34.

[0092] For example, the outlet 31 and inlet 32 ​​of the second coolant subsystem 3 are both connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21 through pipes. Valves are provided on the pipes connecting the outlet 31 and inlet 32 ​​of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the heat dissipation pipe 21. By opening or closing the valves provided between the outlet 31 and inlet 32 ​​and the heat dissipation pipe 21, the second coolant subsystem 3 and the heat dissipation pipe 21 can be connected or disconnected to form different coolant circulation loops. This can form coolant circulation loops suitable for different external environments, thereby making better use of the external environment to reduce system energy consumption, improving the system's energy-saving performance, and reducing the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0093] The arrows in Figure 1 indicate the direction of coolant flow in the heat dissipation pipes 21 during the operation of the first coolant subsystem 2. The coolant includes, but is not limited to, antifreeze.

[0094] The refrigerant subsystem 1 includes, but is not limited to, a cooling and heating air conditioner, which can operate in both cooling and heating modes. The second coolant subsystem 3 is used for heat exchange with the battery. The battery releases heat during charging, and the second coolant subsystem 3 absorbs the heat from the battery, thereby reducing the battery temperature.

[0095] When the refrigerant subsystem 1 is operating in heating mode, it controls the first heat exchanger group 11 to absorb heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to release heat. The second heat exchanger group 12 can provide heat to a preset space, suitable for heating the preset space in a low-temperature environment. The preset space includes, but is not limited to, the duty room of the battery swapping station, the battery compartment, etc.

[0096] In a low-temperature environment, when the thermal management system is running, it controls the first heat exchanger group 11 to absorb heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to release heat. It also controls pipes 32 and 34 to be connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21. The coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 absorbs heat from the charging battery, and the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem 3 is higher than the temperature of the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21. After absorbing heat from the battery, the coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 flows out from the outlet 31 and into the heat dissipation pipe 21 through pipe 32, thereby transferring the absorbed heat to the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21. The coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger group 11 within the refrigerant subsystem 1. The heat from the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 is transferred to the first heat exchanger group 11. The first heat exchanger group 11 then transfers the absorbed heat to the second heat exchanger group 12 via the refrigerant pipe 13. The second heat exchanger group 12 provides heat to the preset space. In this way, at least a portion of the heat absorbed from the battery is transferred to the preset space by the second heat exchanger group 12, thereby achieving the recovery and utilization of battery heat. After flowing out of the refrigerant subsystem 1, the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 flows into the heat dissipation assembly 22 through the inlet 221 and flows out through the outlet 222. A portion of the coolant flowing out of the outlet 222 flows through the pipe 34 into the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3, thus achieving the circulation of the coolant. The remaining portion of the coolant flowing out of outlet 222 continues to flow in the heat dissipation pipe 21, circulating the coolant within the pipe 21. This allows for cooling of the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 by utilizing the external environment, saving energy and enabling the recovery and utilization of heat released during battery charging, thus reducing the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0097] Whether pipe 32 is connected to heat dissipation pipe 21, and whether pipe 34 is connected to heat dissipation pipe 21, can be controlled by valves.

[0098] The heat dissipation component 22 is used to dissipate heat and cool the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21. The power of the heat dissipation component 22 can be adjusted according to the actual application needs. In a low-temperature environment, the heat exchange efficiency between the heat dissipation pipe 21 and the external environment is high, so the power of the heat dissipation component 22 can be adjusted to a smaller value to further reduce energy consumption.

[0099] It is understood that during system operation, the coolant in the multiple pipes in this embodiment is flowing. Pumps and other equipment can be installed on the pipes to provide the power to drive the coolant. The diameter of each pipe can also be adjusted according to the demand for coolant, which will not be elaborated here.

[0100] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a first pipeline 4 and a third coolant subsystem 5 for heat exchange with a preset space. The first pipeline 4 is a pipeline capable of heat exchange with the second heat exchanger assembly 12. The first pipeline 4 can be located in the refrigerant subsystem 1 and is relatively close to the refrigerant pipeline in the second heat exchanger assembly 12, enabling efficient heat exchange with the refrigerant pipeline in the second heat exchanger assembly 12. The inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5 is connected to the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4, and the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 is connected to the inlet 42 of the first pipeline 4.

[0101] The third coolant subsystem 5 is installed in the preset space and exchanges heat with it. In a low-temperature environment, the first heat exchanger group 11 absorbs heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 releases heat. The second heat exchanger group 12 transfers heat to the first pipe 4, and the coolant in the first pipe 4 is input into the third coolant subsystem 5. The absorbed heat is then transferred to the preset space, providing heat for the preset space. This is suitable for heating the preset space in low-temperature environments. In this way, the heat released during battery charging can be recovered and reused, at least a portion of the heat released during battery charging can be recovered to heat the preset space, reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0102] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the inlet 42 of the first pipeline 4 via a pipeline, and the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4 via a pipeline.

[0103] In relatively high-temperature environments, the refrigerant subsystem 1 can be controlled to operate in a cooling mode, controlling the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat, thereby cooling the preset space through the second heat exchanger group 12. Control pipes 32 and 34 are both connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21. When the first coolant subsystem 2 operates, the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 absorbs heat from the first heat exchanger group 11. The coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 flows out from the outlet 31, passes through the first pipe 4, and transfers heat to the second heat exchanger group 12. A portion of the coolant cooled by the second heat exchanger group 12 flows into the second coolant subsystem 3, and the remainder flows into the third coolant subsystem 5, which cools the preset space. Thus, this thermal management system can be adapted to different temperature conditions, adopting different operating modes accordingly.

[0104] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the thermal management system may further include a four-way valve 6, with the outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 connected to the first interface 61 of the four-way valve 6, the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 connected to the second interface 62 of the four-way valve 6, the third interface 63 of the four-way valve 6 connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the fourth interface 64 of the four-way valve 6 connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21.

[0105] The four-way valve 6 allows for convenient connection and disconnection of multiple pipelines to meet different pipeline connection requirements. The four-way valve 6 can achieve various combinations of coolant pipeline connection methods. For example, by controlling the four-way valve 6 to connect its second port 62 and third port 63, and its first port 61 and fourth port 64, the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 can be connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 can also be connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21. This allows coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 to enter the four-way valve 6 through the third port 63, flow out through the second port 62, and then flow back into the second coolant subsystem 3 through the inlet 33. Coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 flows out from the outlet 31, flows into the four-way valve 6 through the first port 61, flows out through the fourth port 64, and then flows back into the heat dissipation pipe 21.

[0106] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the thermal management system may further include a first three-way valve 7. The first port 71 of the first three-way valve 7 is connected to the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3, the second port 72 of the first three-way valve 7 is connected to the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4, and the third port 73 of the first three-way valve 7 is connected to the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5. The outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline 4 via a pipeline, and the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 is also connected to the first port 61 of the four-way valve 6 via a pipeline.

[0107] The first three-way valve 7 can easily connect and disconnect multiple pipelines to meet the needs of different pipeline connection methods. It can selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4 and the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3, and selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4 and the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the thermal management system may further include a second three-way valve 8. The first port 81 of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the inlet 42 of the first pipeline 4, the second port 82 of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5, and the third port 83 of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the second port 62 of the four-way valve 6. The second three-way valve 8 can easily realize the connection and disconnection between multiple pipelines to meet the needs of different pipeline connection methods. It can selectively realize the connection or disconnection of the pipeline between the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the inlet 42 of the first pipeline 4, and selectively realize the connection or disconnection of the pipeline between the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the second port 62 of the four-way valve 6.

[0109] Referring to Figure 7, exemplarily, the first heat exchanger group 11 includes a first condenser 111 and a first evaporator 112, and the second heat exchanger group 12 includes a second condenser 121 and a second evaporator 122. The first condenser 111 and the second evaporator 122 are connected through a refrigerant pipeline 13 to form a first circulation loop, and the first evaporator 112 and the second condenser 121 are connected through a refrigerant pipeline 13 to form a second circulation loop. When the first condenser 111 and the second evaporator 122 are running, the refrigerant flows in the first circulation loop, and the refrigerant subsystem 1 is in cooling mode, with the second evaporator 122 absorbing heat and the first condenser 111 releasing heat. When the first evaporator 112 and the second condenser 121 are running, the refrigerant flows in the second circulation loop, and the refrigerant subsystem 1 is in heating mode, with the second condenser 121 releasing heat and the first evaporator 112 absorbing heat. Thus, the refrigerant subsystem 1 can be selected to operate in either cooling or heating mode according to actual needs to achieve cooling or heating of a preset space.

[0110] Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the aforementioned refrigerant subsystem 1 further includes at least one third heat exchanger assembly 14, which includes a third evaporator 141 and a third condenser 142 connected by a refrigerant pipeline 143. The inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the first end of the second pipeline 15, and the outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second end of the second pipeline 15. The second pipeline 15 is capable of heat exchange with the third evaporator 141. When the third heat exchanger group 14 is running, the third evaporator 141 exchanges heat with the second pipe 15. The third evaporator 141 absorbs the heat of the coolant in the second pipe 15. After being cooled by the third evaporator 141, the coolant in the second pipe 15 flows into the second coolant subsystem 3 through the inlet 33. A portion of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem 3 enters the second pipe 15, forming a flow cycle. This can accelerate the flow rate of the coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 and improve the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem 3 for target objects such as batteries.

[0111] The third heat exchanger assembly 14 may also include a third pipe 144. The first end of the third pipe 144 is connected to the liquid outlet 222 of the heat dissipation assembly 22, and the second end of the third pipe 144 is connected to the liquid inlet 221 of the heat dissipation assembly 22. A portion of the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 flows back into the heat dissipation pipe 21 after passing through the third pipe. The third pipe 144 can exchange heat with the third condenser 142 and absorb the heat from the third condenser 142.

[0112] Referring to Figure 9, exemplarily, the aforementioned heat dissipation assembly 22 includes at least one air-cooling unit 223. The air-cooling unit 223 includes an air-cooled heat exchanger 2231 and a pump 2232 connected in series via pipes. The inlet of the pipes of the air-cooling unit 223 is connected to the first end of the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the outlet of the pipes of the air-cooling unit 223 is connected to the second end of the heat dissipation pipe 21. The pump 2232 provides the power to flow the coolant in the pipes of the air-cooling unit 223, and the air-cooled heat exchanger 2231 cools the coolant in the pipes by air cooling, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation assembly 22.

[0113] Referring to Figure 10, by way of example, the first coolant subsystem 2 further includes a water-cooled heat exchanger 9. The inlet and outlet of the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 are respectively connected to the cooling water container 91 through pipelines. A water pump 92 is installed on the pipeline between the inlet of the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 and the cooling water container 91. The water pump 92 is used to provide power to make the cooling water flow from the cooling water container 91 into the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 and then flow back from the outlet of the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 into the cooling water container 91. A portion of the heat dissipation pipeline 21 is located inside the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 and is used to exchange heat with the water-cooled heat exchanger 9.

[0114] The water-cooled heat exchanger 9 can use cooling water in the cooling water container 91, such as groundwater, to further cool the coolant, thereby further reducing the temperature of the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21, so as to improve the energy conversion efficiency ratio (COP) of the thermal management system and thus reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0115] In some examples, the thermal management system may also include a control device that controls the various components within the thermal management system. For example, the control device may control the operation of the refrigerant subsystem, the first coolant subsystem, and the second coolant subsystem, as well as control the opening and closing of various valves. The control device includes, but is not limited to, a microprocessor.

[0116] The description of the various embodiments above tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The similarities or similarities between them can be referred to, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0117] Referring to Figure 11, a specific example of a battery swapping station's thermal management system includes a refrigerant subsystem 1, a first coolant subsystem 2, a second coolant subsystem 3, a first pipeline 4, a third coolant subsystem 5, a four-way valve 6, a first three-way valve 7, and a second three-way valve 8.

[0118] The second coolant subsystem 3 is used for heat exchange with the battery. The third coolant subsystem 5 is used for heat exchange with the preset space.

[0119] The refrigerant subsystem 1 includes a first heat exchanger group 11 and a second heat exchanger group 12 connected by refrigerant piping 13, and also includes at least one third heat exchanger group 14. The refrigerant subsystem 1 can be a heating and cooling refrigerant subsystem, capable of operating in both cooling and heating modes. The second coolant subsystem 3 is used for heat exchange with the battery. The battery releases heat during charging, and the second coolant subsystem 3 absorbs this heat, thereby lowering the battery temperature. The arrows in Figure 11 indicate the direction of fluid flow.

[0120] The first heat exchanger group 11 includes a first condenser 111 and a first evaporator 112, and the second heat exchanger group 12 includes a second condenser 121 and a second evaporator 122. The first condenser 111 and the second evaporator 122 are connected through a refrigerant pipeline 13 to form a first circulation loop, and the first evaporator 112 and the second condenser 121 are connected through a refrigerant pipeline 13 to form a second circulation loop.

[0121] The refrigerant line 13 is equipped with a compressor pump 131, a dryer bottle 132, a refrigerant subsystem line connector 133, a refrigerant subsystem charging port 134, a switch valve 135, an electronic expansion valve 136, and a pressure and temperature sensor 137.

[0122] When the first condenser 111 and the second evaporator 122 are operating, the refrigerant flows in the first circulation loop, and the refrigerant subsystem 1 is in cooling mode. The second evaporator 122 absorbs heat, and the first condenser 111 releases heat. When the first evaporator 112 and the second condenser 121 are operating, the refrigerant flows in the second circulation loop, and the refrigerant subsystem 1 is in heating mode. The second condenser 121 releases heat, and the first evaporator 112 absorbs heat. Thus, the refrigerant subsystem 1 can be selected to operate in either cooling or heating mode according to actual needs to achieve cooling or heating of a preset space.

[0123] The third heat exchanger assembly 14 includes a third evaporator 141 and a third condenser 142 connected by a refrigerant pipeline 143. The inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the first end of the second pipeline 15, and the outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second end of the second pipeline 15. The second pipeline 15 can exchange heat with the third evaporator 141. When the third heat exchanger assembly 14 is running, the third evaporator 141 exchanges heat with the second pipeline 15. The third evaporator 141 absorbs heat from the coolant in the second pipeline 15. After being cooled by the third evaporator 141, the coolant in the second pipeline 15 flows into the second coolant subsystem 3 through the inlet 33. A portion of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem 3 enters the second pipeline 15, forming a flow cycle. This can accelerate the flow rate of the coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 and improve the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem 3 for target objects such as batteries.

[0124] The first coolant subsystem 2 includes a heat dissipation pipe 21, a heat dissipation assembly 22, and a water-cooled heat exchanger 9. The first end of the heat dissipation pipe 21 is connected to the inlet 221 of the heat dissipation assembly 22, and the second end is connected to the outlet 222 of the heat dissipation assembly 22. The heat dissipation pipe 21 can exchange heat with the first heat exchanger group 11. The outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21 via a pipe 32, and the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21 via a pipe 34. The heat dissipation assembly 22 is used to dissipate heat and cool the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21. The power of the heat dissipation assembly 22 can be adjusted according to the needs of the actual application. In low-temperature environments, the heat exchange efficiency between the heat dissipation pipe 21 and the external environment is high, so the power of the heat dissipation assembly 22 can be adjusted to a smaller value, further reducing energy consumption.

[0125] The heat dissipation assembly 22 includes at least one air-cooled unit 223. The air-cooled unit 223 includes an air-cooled heat exchanger 2231 and a pump 2232 connected in series via pipes. The inlet of the pipes of the air-cooled unit 223 is connected to the first end of the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the outlet of the pipes of the air-cooled unit 223 is connected to the second end of the heat dissipation pipe 21. The pump 2232 provides power to flow the coolant in the pipes of the air-cooled unit 223, and the air-cooled heat exchanger 2231 cools the coolant in the pipes by air cooling, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation assembly 22. The air-cooled heat exchanger 2231 includes a cooling fan and a radiator. A one-way valve 104 is installed on the pipes of the air-cooled unit 223.

[0126] When the refrigerant subsystem 1 is operating in heating mode, it controls the first heat exchanger group 11 to absorb heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to release heat. The second heat exchanger group 12 can provide heat to a preset space, suitable for heating the preset space in a low-temperature environment. The preset space includes, but is not limited to, the duty room of the battery swapping station, the battery compartment, etc.

[0127] In a low-temperature environment, when the thermal management system is running, it controls the first heat exchanger group 11 to absorb heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to release heat. It also controls pipes 32 and 34 to be connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21. The coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 absorbs heat from the battery and flows out from its outlet 31, then into the heat dissipation pipe 21 via pipe 32, thus transferring the absorbed heat to the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21. The coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger group 11 within the refrigerant subsystem 1, transferring heat to the first heat exchanger group 11. The first heat exchanger group 11 then transfers the absorbed heat to the second heat exchanger group 12 via refrigerant pipe 13. The second heat exchanger group 12 provides heat to the preset space. In this way, at least a portion of the heat absorbed from the battery is transferred to the preset space by the second heat exchanger group 12, thereby achieving the recovery and utilization of battery heat. The coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 flows out of the refrigerant subsystem 1 and then into the heat dissipation component 22 through the inlet 221, and flows out through the outlet 222. A portion of the coolant flowing out of the outlet 222 flows through the pipe 34 into the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3, thus achieving coolant circulation. The remaining coolant flowing out of the outlet 222 continues to flow in the heat dissipation pipe 21, achieving coolant circulation within the heat dissipation pipe 21. In this way, the heat released during battery charging can be recovered and utilized, reducing the energy consumption of the entire thermal management system.

[0128] The connection between pipe 32 and heat dissipation pipe 21, as well as the connection between pipe 34 and heat dissipation pipe 21, can be controlled by valves. In this article, the connection between component A and component B means that fluid can flow in the pipe connecting component A and component B. If fluid cannot flow in the pipe connecting component A and component B (for example, when the valve on the pipe connecting component A and component B is closed), then component A and component B are not connected.

[0129] The first pipe 4 is a pipe capable of exchanging heat with the second heat exchanger group 12. The first pipe 4 can be installed in the refrigerant subsystem 1 and is located close to the refrigerant pipe in the second heat exchanger group 12, enabling efficient heat exchange with the refrigerant pipe in the second heat exchanger group 12. The inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5 is connected to the outlet 41 of the first pipe 4, and the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 is connected to the inlet 42 of the first pipe 4.

[0130] The third coolant subsystem 5 is installed in the preset space and exchanges heat with it. In a low-temperature environment, the first heat exchanger group 11 absorbs heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 releases heat. The second heat exchanger group 12 transfers heat to the first pipe 4, and the coolant in the first pipe 4 is input into the third coolant subsystem 5. The absorbed heat is then transferred to the preset space, providing heat for the preset space. This is suitable for heating the preset space in low-temperature environments. In this way, the heat released during battery charging can be recovered and reused, at least a portion of the heat released during battery charging can be recovered to heat the preset space, reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0131] The third coolant subsystem 5 includes a battery compartment heat exchanger 51 and a duty room heat exchanger 52 connected in parallel. The battery compartment heat exchanger 51 exchanges heat with the battery compartment, and the duty room heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat with the duty room. The battery compartment heat exchanger 51 includes a heater core 511 and a blower 512. The duty room heat exchanger 52 includes a heater core and a blower.

[0132] The outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the inlet of the first pipe 4 via a pipeline, and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the outlet of the first pipe 4 via a pipeline.

[0133] In relatively high-temperature environments, the refrigerant subsystem 1 can be controlled to operate in a cooling mode, controlling the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat, thereby cooling the preset space through the second heat exchanger group 12. Control pipes 32 and 34 are both connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21. When the first coolant subsystem 2 operates, the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 absorbs heat from the first heat exchanger group 11. The coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 flows out from the outlet 31, passes through the first pipe 4, and transfers heat to the second heat exchanger group 12. A portion of the coolant cooled by the second heat exchanger group 12 flows into the second coolant subsystem 3, and the remainder flows into the third coolant subsystem 5, which cools the preset space. Thus, this thermal management system can be adapted to different temperature conditions, adopting different operating modes accordingly.

[0134] The outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the first port 61 of the four-way valve 6, the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second port 62 of the four-way valve 6, the third port 63 of the four-way valve 6 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the fourth port 64 of the four-way valve 6 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21.

[0135] The four-way valve 6 allows for convenient connection and disconnection of multiple pipelines to meet different pipeline connection requirements. The four-way valve 6 can achieve various combinations of coolant pipeline connection methods. For example, by controlling the four-way valve 6 to connect its second port 62 and third port 63, and its first port 61 and fourth port 64, the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 can be connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the outlet 31 of the second coolant subsystem 3 can also be connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21. This allows coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 to enter the four-way valve 6 through the third port 63, flow out through the second port 62, and then flow back into the second coolant subsystem 3 through the inlet 33. Coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 flows out from the outlet 31, flows into the four-way valve 6 through the first port 61, flows out through the fourth port 64, and then flows back into the heat dissipation pipe 21.

[0136] The first port 71 of the first three-way valve 7 is connected to the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3, the second port 72 of the first three-way valve 7 is connected to the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4, and the third port 73 of the first three-way valve 7 is connected to the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5. The first three-way valve 7 can easily connect and disconnect multiple pipelines to meet the needs of different pipeline connection methods. It can selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4 and the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3, and selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet 41 of the first pipeline 4 and the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5.

[0137] The first port 81 of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline 4, the second port 82 of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5, and the third port 83 of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the second port 62 of the four-way valve 6. The second three-way valve 8 can easily connect and disconnect multiple pipelines to meet the needs of different pipeline connection methods. It can selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the inlet 42 of the first pipeline 4, and selectively connect or disconnect the pipeline between the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the second port 62 of the four-way valve 6. An expansion tank assembly 100 is connected to the pipeline connected to the second port 62 of the four-way valve 6. A pump 101 and a water interface 102 are installed on the pipeline between the first port 81 and the inlet of the first pipeline 4, and a temperature sensor 103 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the first pipeline 4 and the second port 72 of the first three-way valve 7. Temperature sensors 103 are installed at both the liquid inlet 221 and the liquid outlet 222. A water interface 102 and a switching valve 104 are installed on the heat dissipation pipe 21.

[0138] The inlet and outlet of the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 are connected to the cooling water container 91 via pipelines. A water pump 92 is installed on the pipeline between the inlet of the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 and the cooling water container 91. The water pump 92 provides power to allow cooling water to flow from the cooling water container 91 into the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 and then flow back from the outlet of the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 to the cooling water container 91. A section of the heat dissipation pipeline 21 is located inside the water-cooled heat exchanger 9 and is used for heat exchange with the water-cooled heat exchanger 9. The cooling water container 91 is equipped with a water intake pipeline 911 connected to a three-way valve 96 and a water return pipeline 912 connected to the water-cooled heat exchanger. The three-way valve 96 is connected to a groundwater intake well 94 via pipelines. A filter valve 95 is installed on the pipeline between the three-way valve 96 and the groundwater intake well 94. The cooling water container 91 is connected to a cleaning water gun 93 via pipelines. The cleaning water gun 93 is used for cleaning vehicles, etc.

[0139] The water-cooled heat exchanger 9 can use cooling water in the cooling water container 91, such as groundwater, to further cool the coolant, thereby further reducing the temperature of the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21, so as to improve the energy conversion efficiency ratio (COP) of the thermal management system and thus reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0140] The thermal management system in this example can execute multiple thermal management modes and can execute the corresponding thermal management mode according to changes in the external ambient temperature, which has a strong ability to save energy and reduce energy consumption.

[0141] The description of the various embodiments above tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The similarities or similarities between them can be referred to, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0142] Referring to Figure 12, another embodiment of this application provides a thermal management method for a battery swapping station, applicable to the thermal management system of any embodiment of this application; the executing entity of this thermal management method can be a control device. The thermal management method may include:

[0143] S10. Obtain the ambient temperature of the environment where the thermal management system is located.

[0144] Specifically, at least one temperature sensor can be installed in the environment where the thermal management system is located. The temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient air temperature. The ambient air temperature of the environment where the thermal management system is located can be obtained by receiving the ambient air temperature transmitted by the temperature sensor.

[0145] S20. Based on the temperature falling within a preset range, execute the preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range.

[0146] The preset control strategy includes controlling the on / off state of the pipeline between the second coolant subsystem 3 and the first coolant subsystem 2 to form a corresponding coolant circulation loop, controlling the operating state of the refrigerant subsystem 1, and controlling the operating state of the first coolant subsystem 2.

[0147] Different preset ranges correspond to different preset control strategies, enabling the thermal management system to execute different preset control strategies for different ambient temperatures, implement different thermal management modes, and achieve more precise and accurate thermal management based on ambient temperature, thereby reducing energy waste.

[0148] In some implementations, based on the temperature falling within a preset range, a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range is executed, which may include:

[0149] S201. Obtain the preset control strategy corresponding to the preset interval, determine the on / off status of each valve in the thermal management system set in the preset control strategy, and determine the target heat exchanger group and operating parameters to be operated in the refrigerant subsystem 1 set in the preset control strategy.

[0150] There are multiple preset intervals, which can be set according to actual application needs. For example, they can include a first preset interval, a second preset interval, a third preset interval, and a fourth preset interval. Each preset interval corresponds to a preset control strategy. Each preset control strategy includes the on / off status of each valve in the thermal management system, as well as the target heat exchanger group to be operated in the refrigerant subsystem 1 and its operating parameters.

[0151] In a specific example, the first preset interval is (-∞, 0℃), the second preset interval is [0℃, 5℃), the third preset interval is [5℃, 25℃), and the fourth preset interval is [25℃, +∞).

[0152] S202. Control each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve, and control the target heat exchanger group based on the determined operating parameters.

[0153] For example, controlling each valve based on its determined on / off state, and controlling the target heat exchanger group based on determined operating parameters, includes:

[0154] When the temperature is within the first preset range, each valve is controlled based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 with the heat dissipation pipe 21 and to connect the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 with the heat dissipation pipe 21; the second heat exchanger group 12 releases heat and the first heat exchanger group 11 absorbs heat based on the operating parameters corresponding to the first preset range.

[0155] Operating parameters may include, for example, the power of the first heat exchanger group 11 and the second heat exchanger group 12. Specifically, firstly, based on the determined on / off states of each valve, the valves are controlled to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the heat dissipation pipe 21. Then, the first heat exchanger group 11 is controlled to absorb heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 is controlled to release heat. After absorbing the heat from the battery, the coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 flows into the heat dissipation pipe 21, thereby transferring the absorbed heat to the first heat exchanger group 11 through the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 within the refrigerant subsystem 1. The first heat exchanger group 11 then transfers the absorbed heat to the second heat exchanger group 12, which provides heat to the preset space. In this way, at least a portion of the heat absorbed from the battery is delivered to the preset space by the second heat exchanger group 12, thereby realizing the recovery and utilization of battery heat and reducing the energy consumption of the entire thermal management system. After the coolant in the heat dissipation pipe 21 flows out of the refrigerant subsystem 1, part of it flows into the heat dissipation component 22, and the other part flows into the second coolant subsystem 3, thus realizing the circulation of the coolant. In this way, the rechargeable battery is cooled while the preset space is heated.

[0156] When the temperature is within the first preset range, the valves are controlled based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 with the heat dissipation pipe 21, and to connect the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 with the heat dissipation pipe 21. If there is no heating requirement in the preset space, the refrigerant subsystem 1 can be left unstarted, thereby further saving energy. The first coolant subsystem 2 is usually set outdoors for heat dissipation. Since the first preset range is a low temperature range (e.g., the first preset range is (-∞, 0℃)), the coolant output by the second coolant subsystem 3 has a high heat exchange efficiency with the external environment in the heat dissipation pipe 21. The heat dissipation component 22 can be controlled to operate with low energy consumption, thereby achieving the effect of using the external environment to cool the coolant and saving energy.

[0157] For example, the thermal management system further includes a four-way valve 6, the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the first interface of the four-way valve 6, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second interface of the four-way valve 6, the third interface of the four-way valve 6 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the fourth interface of the four-way valve 6 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21; controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the heat dissipation pipe 21 and to connect the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the heat dissipation pipe 21 may include: controlling the first and fourth interfaces of the four-way valve 6 to connect, and the second and third interfaces of the four-way valve 6 to connect, so that the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21 and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21.

[0158] The four-way valve 6 connects the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the heat dissipation pipe 21 and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the heat dissipation pipe 21. This makes operation convenient, simplifies the pipe structure, and saves pipe laying space.

[0159] For example, controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve, and controlling the target heat exchanger group based on the determined operating parameters, includes: when the air temperature is within a second preset range, controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the second coolant subsystem 3 with the first coolant subsystem 2, wherein the left endpoint value of the second preset range is equal to the right endpoint value of the first preset range and the second preset range has no intersection with the first preset range; controlling the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat based on the operating parameters corresponding to the second preset range.

[0160] After connecting the second coolant subsystem 3 with the first coolant subsystem 2, the refrigerant subsystem 1 is controlled to operate in cooling mode. The first heat exchanger group 11 releases heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 absorbs heat. The coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem 3 flows into the heat dissipation pipe 21 of the first coolant subsystem 2, where it exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger group 11 in the refrigerant subsystem 1, absorbing the heat from the first heat exchanger group 11 to accelerate the cooling efficiency of the second heat exchanger group 12. The second heat exchanger group 12 cools the coolant flowing back to the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3, and the cooled coolant flows into the second coolant subsystem 3 to continue cooling the battery.

[0161] The temperature in the second preset zone is still relatively low. The coolant in the second coolant subsystem 3 flows into the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the efficiency of heat exchange with the external environment is relatively high. This makes full use of the low ambient temperature to save energy.

[0162] For example, the refrigerant subsystem 1 further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, which includes a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline. The inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, and the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second end of the second pipeline. The second pipeline is capable of heat exchange with the third evaporator. The thermal management method may further include controlling the operation of at least one third heat exchanger group based on operating parameters corresponding to a second preset range. The first end of the third pipeline is connected to the outlet of the heat dissipation assembly, and the second end of the third pipeline is connected to the inlet of the heat dissipation assembly. The third pipeline is capable of heat exchange with the third condenser.

[0163] When the third heat exchanger group is running, the third evaporator absorbs the heat of the coolant in the second pipeline. After the coolant in the second pipeline is cooled, it flows into the second coolant subsystem 3, which can accelerate the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing out of the second coolant subsystem 3 and improve the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem 3 for the battery.

[0164] The coolant in the third pipe can absorb heat from the third condenser, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the third condenser, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the third evaporator, and thus improving the absorption efficiency of the coolant in the second pipe by the third evaporator.

[0165] For example, controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the second coolant subsystem 3 with the first coolant subsystem 2 includes: controlling the first interface of the four-way valve 6 to connect with the fourth interface and the second interface of the four-way valve 6 to connect with the third interface, so as to connect the second coolant subsystem 3 with the first coolant subsystem 2.

[0166] The second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the first coolant subsystem 2 by controlling the four-way valve 6. This makes operation convenient, simplifies the pipeline structure, and saves pipeline laying space.

[0167] For example, controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve, and controlling the target heat exchanger group based on the determined operating parameters, may include: when the air temperature is within a third preset range, controlling the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to connect with the second end of the second pipeline and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to connect with the first end of the second pipeline; the left endpoint value of the third preset range is equal to the right endpoint value of the second preset range and the third preset range and the second preset range have no intersection; controlling the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat based on the operating parameters corresponding to the third preset range.

[0168] When the temperature falls within the third preset range, the second coolant subsystem 3 is not connected to the first coolant subsystem 2. The system connects the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the second end of the second pipeline and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the first end of the second pipeline. Coolant from the second coolant subsystem 3 flows out of the outlet and into the second pipeline, then flows out of the second pipeline and back into the second coolant subsystem 3 through the inlet, completing the circulation. The refrigerant subsystem 1 is controlled to operate in cooling mode. The second heat exchanger group 12 absorbs heat from the second pipeline, cooling the coolant in the second pipeline. The cooled coolant flows into the second coolant subsystem 3 to cool the battery, thus achieving battery cooling through coolant circulation.

[0169] For example, controlling the connection between the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 and the second end of the second pipeline may include controlling the connection between the first and second ports of the four-way valve 6 so that the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second end of the second pipeline.

[0170] Specifically, the first and second ports of the four-way valve 6 are connected, while the third and fourth ports are not connected to the first and second ports. Thus, the second coolant subsystem 3 is not connected to the first coolant subsystem 2. Controlling the four-way valve 6 connects the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 to the second end of the second pipeline, which is convenient to operate, simplifies the pipeline structure, and saves pipeline laying space.

[0171] For example, according to the preset range to which the temperature belongs, executing a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range may include: when the temperature belongs to the fourth preset range, controlling the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5 to connect with the first end of the second pipeline and the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 to connect with the inlet of the second pipeline; the left endpoint value of the fourth preset range is equal to the right endpoint value of the third preset range and the fourth preset range and the third preset range have no intersection; based on the operating parameters corresponding to the fourth preset range, controlling the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat.

[0172] The system controls the connection between the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the first end of the second pipeline, and the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the inlet of the second pipeline. This allows a portion of the coolant flowing out of the second pipeline to flow into the second coolant subsystem 3, while the remainder flows into the third coolant subsystem 5. The fourth preset zone is a relatively high temperature zone, requiring cooling of the preset space via the third coolant subsystem 5. The refrigerant subsystem 1 is controlled to operate in cooling mode, and the second heat exchanger group 12 absorbs heat from the coolant in the second pipeline. A portion of the cooled coolant flows into the second coolant subsystem 3 to continue cooling the battery, while the remainder flows into the third coolant subsystem 5 to cool the preset space. This achieves both battery and preset space cooling, and the piping installation is simple and space-saving.

[0173] In some embodiments, the refrigerant subsystem 1 further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, which includes a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline. The inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, and the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second end of the second pipeline. The second pipeline is capable of heat exchange with the third evaporator.

[0174] The thermal management method also includes controlling the operation of at least one third heat exchanger group based on operating parameters corresponding to a fourth preset range.

[0175] When the third heat exchanger group is running, the third evaporator absorbs heat from the coolant in the second pipeline. After the coolant in the second pipeline is cooled, part of it flows into the second coolant subsystem 3, and the rest flows into the third coolant subsystem 5. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem 3 for the battery and improve the cooling efficiency of the third coolant subsystem 5 for the preset space.

[0176] In some embodiments, the thermal management method may further include controlling the operation of the first coolant subsystem 2 before obtaining the ambient temperature of the environment in which the thermal management system is located.

[0177] When the first coolant subsystem 2 is running, the coolant flowing into the heat dissipation component 22 is cooled by air cooling, which can accelerate the cooling efficiency of the coolant.

[0178] The thermal management method in this application embodiment can be implemented by a control device. The control device can be part of the thermal management system in this application embodiment. The control device is connected to each valve and subsystem, and is used to control the opening or closing of each valve and the operation or shutdown of each device. The thermal management method in any of the above embodiments is implemented by controlling the components in the thermal management system through the control device. The control device includes, but is not limited to, a microprocessor.

[0179] The thermal management method of this application embodiment can execute corresponding thermal management preset control strategies according to the temperature of the external environment. The thermal management mode is diverse and flexible, which improves the ability to save system energy by utilizing the external environment. In this way, the energy consumption of the first coolant subsystem can be saved, the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system is reduced, the energy saving ability is strong, and the energy consumption is reduced.

[0180] The description of the various embodiments above tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The similarities or similarities between them can be referred to, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0181] A specific example of a thermal management method is applied to the thermal management system shown in Figure 12. It obtains the ambient temperature of the environment in which the thermal management system is located by receiving the ambient temperature transmitted by a temperature sensor. Based on whether the temperature falls within a preset range, it executes a preset control strategy corresponding to that range. There are four preset ranges: the first preset range is (-∞, 0℃), the second preset range is [0℃, 5℃), the third preset range is [5℃, 25℃), and the fourth preset range is [25℃, +∞).

[0182] Referring to Figure 13, when the air temperature is within the first preset range (-∞, 0℃), the first and fourth ports of the four-way valve 6 are connected, as are the second and third ports, so that the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21 and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21. Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the first preset range, the second heat exchanger group 12 releases heat and the first heat exchanger group 11 absorbs heat. The pipes represented by dashed lines in Figure 13 are non-flowing pipes, which are pipes in which there is no flowing fluid or the fluid in the pipe does not flow. For example, the pipe connecting the first port 71 of the first three-way valve 7 and the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 is a non-flowing pipe, that is, the first port 71 of the first three-way valve 7 and the inlet 33 of the second coolant subsystem 3 are not connected.

[0183] Referring to Figure 14, when the air temperature is within the second preset range [0℃, 5℃], the system controls the connection between the first and fourth ports of the four-way valve 6 and between the second and third ports of the four-way valve 6, thereby connecting the second coolant subsystem 3 with the first coolant subsystem 2. Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the second preset range, the system controls the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat. The pipes indicated by dashed lines in Figure 14 are non-flowing pipes. For example, the pipes connected to the three ports of the first three-way valve 7 and the pipes connected to the second three-way valve 8 in Figure 14 are all non-flowing pipes.

[0184] Referring to Figure 15, when the air temperature is within the third preset range (5℃, 25℃), the control connects the first and second ports of the four-way valve 6 so that the outlet of the second coolant subsystem 3 is connected to the second end of the second pipeline; based on the operating parameters corresponding to the third preset range, the control controls the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat. In Figure 15, the pipes indicated by dashed lines are non-flowing pipes. For example, the pipe connecting the third port 73 of the first three-way valve 7 to the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5 is a non-flowing pipe, and the third port 73 of the first three-way valve 7 is not connected to the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5; the pipe connecting the second port 82 of the second three-way valve 8 to the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 is a non-flowing pipe, and the second port 82 of the second three-way valve 8 is not connected to the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5; the third port 63 of the four-way valve 6 is not connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21, and the fourth port 64 of the four-way valve 6 is not connected to the heat dissipation pipe 21.

[0185] Referring to Figure 16, when the air temperature is within the fourth preset range [25℃, +∞), the system controls the connection between the inlet of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the first end of the second pipeline, and the connection between the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5 and the inlet of the second pipeline. Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the fourth preset range, the system controls the first heat exchanger group 11 to release heat and the second heat exchanger group 12 to absorb heat. The pipelines indicated by dashed lines in Figure 16 are non-flowing pipelines. For example, the second port 82 of the second three-way valve 8 is not connected to the outlet 53 of the third coolant subsystem 5, the third port 63 of the four-way valve 6 is not connected to the heat dissipation pipeline 21, and the fourth port 64 of the four-way valve 6 is not connected to the heat dissipation pipeline 21.

[0186] The control system operates all the third heat exchanger groups. The third evaporator absorbs heat from the coolant in the second pipeline. After the coolant in the second pipeline is cooled, part of it flows into the second coolant subsystem 3, and the remainder flows into the third coolant subsystem 5. This improves the cooling efficiency of the second coolant subsystem 3 for the battery and the cooling efficiency of the third coolant subsystem 5 for the preset space.

[0187] The thermal management method in this example can execute corresponding preset thermal management control strategies according to the temperature of the external environment. The four temperature ranges correspond one-to-one with the four preset control strategies. The thermal management modes are diverse and flexible, which improves the ability to save system energy by utilizing the external environment. This can save energy consumption of the first coolant subsystem, reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system, and has a strong ability to save energy.

[0188] The description of the various embodiments above tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The similarities or similarities between them can be referred to, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0189] Another embodiment of this application provides a battery swapping station, including the thermal management system described in any embodiment of this application. The battery swapping station of this application embodiment can better utilize the external environment to reduce system energy consumption, improve the system's energy-saving performance, and reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0190] The description of the various embodiments above tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The similarities or similarities between them can be referred to, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0191] It should be noted that:

[0192] The algorithms and displays provided herein are not inherently related to any particular computer, virtual device, or other equipment. Various general-purpose devices can also be used with the examples based on this. The required structure for constructing such devices is obvious from the above description. Furthermore, this application is not directed to any particular programming language. It should be understood that the content of this application described herein can be implemented using various programming languages, and the above description of specific languages ​​is for the purpose of disclosing the best mode of implementation of this application.

[0193] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0194] The above embodiments merely illustrate the implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a battery swapping station, wherein, It includes a refrigerant subsystem, a first coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with air, and a second coolant subsystem configured to exchange heat with batteries in the battery swapping station; The refrigerant subsystem includes a first heat exchanger group and a second heat exchanger group connected by refrigerant pipelines. The second heat exchanger group is used to exchange heat with a preset space. The first coolant subsystem includes heat dissipation pipes and heat dissipation components. A first end of the heat dissipation pipes is connected to the inlet of the heat dissipation components, and a second end of the heat dissipation pipes is connected to the outlet of the heat dissipation components. A portion of the heat dissipation pipes is configured to exchange heat with the first heat exchanger assembly. The second coolant subsystem can be connected to or disconnected from the heat dissipation pipes to form different coolant circulation loops.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The outlet and inlet of the second coolant subsystem are both connected to the heat dissipation pipe via pipelines. Valves are installed on the pipelines connecting the outlet and inlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipe. By opening or closing the valves between the outlet and inlet and the heat dissipation pipe, the second coolant subsystem can be connected or disconnected from the heat dissipation pipe to form different coolant circulation loops.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal management system also includes a first pipeline and a third coolant subsystem for heat exchange with a preset space; The first pipeline is a pipeline capable of exchanging heat with the second heat exchanger assembly; The inlet of the third coolant subsystem is connected to the outlet of the first pipeline, and the outlet of the third coolant subsystem is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein, The outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline, and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the outlet of the first pipeline.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The thermal management system further includes a four-way valve, wherein the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first interface of the four-way valve, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second interface of the four-way valve, the third interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline, and the fourth interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein, The thermal management system further includes a first three-way valve, the first port of which is connected to the inlet of the second coolant subsystem, the second port of which is connected to the outlet of the first pipeline, and the third port of which is connected to the inlet of the third coolant subsystem.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein, The thermal management system further includes a second three-way valve, the first port of which is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline, the second port of which is connected to the outlet of the third coolant subsystem, and the third port of which is connected to the second port of the four-way valve.

8. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first heat exchanger group includes a first condenser and a first evaporator, and the second heat exchanger group includes a second condenser and a second evaporator. The first condenser and the second evaporator are connected through the refrigerant pipeline to form a first circulation loop, and the first evaporator and the second condenser are connected through the refrigerant pipeline to form a second circulation loop.

9. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The refrigerant subsystem further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, which includes a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline. The inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, and the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second end of the second pipeline. The second pipeline is capable of exchanging heat with the third evaporator.

10. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The heat dissipation assembly includes at least one air-cooled unit, which includes an air-cooled heat exchanger and a pump connected in series via pipes. The liquid inlet of the pipe of the air-cooled unit is connected to the first end of the heat dissipation pipe, and the liquid outlet of the pipe of the air-cooled unit is connected to the second end of the heat dissipation pipe.

11. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The first coolant subsystem also includes a water-cooled heat exchanger. The inlet and outlet of the water-cooled heat exchanger are respectively connected to a cooling water container through pipelines. A water pump is installed on the pipeline between the inlet and the cooling water container. A portion of the heat dissipation pipeline is located inside the water-cooled heat exchanger and is used for heat exchange with the water-cooled heat exchanger.

12. A thermal management method for a battery swapping station, wherein, Applied to a thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; the method comprises: Obtain the ambient temperature of the environment in which the thermal management system is located; Based on the temperature falling within a preset range, a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range is executed. The preset control strategy includes controlling the on / off state of the pipeline between the second coolant subsystem and the first coolant subsystem to form a corresponding coolant circulation loop, and controlling the operating state of the refrigerant subsystem.

13. The thermal management method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of executing a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset range based on the temperature being within the preset range includes: Obtain the preset control strategy corresponding to the preset interval, determine the on / off state of each valve in the thermal management system set in the preset control strategy, and determine the target heat exchanger group and operating parameters to be operated in the refrigerant subsystem set in the preset control strategy. The valves are controlled based on their on / off states, and the target heat exchanger assembly is controlled based on its operating parameters.

14. The thermal management method according to claim 13, wherein, The control of each valve based on its determined on / off state, and the control of the target heat exchanger assembly based on determined operating parameters, include: When the temperature is within the first preset range, each valve is controlled based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipeline and to connect the inlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipeline. The second heat exchanger group releases heat and the first heat exchanger group absorbs heat based on the operating parameters corresponding to the first preset range.

15. The thermal management method according to claim 14, wherein, The thermal management system further includes a four-way valve, wherein the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first interface of the four-way valve, the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second interface of the four-way valve, the third interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipe, and the fourth interface of the four-way valve is connected to the heat dissipation pipe. The step of controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the outlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipe and to connect the inlet of the second coolant subsystem to the heat dissipation pipe includes: The first and fourth ports of the four-way valve are connected, as well as the second and third ports of the four-way valve are connected, so that the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the heat dissipation pipe and the inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the heat dissipation pipe.

16. The thermal management method according to claim 15, wherein, The control of each valve based on its determined on / off state, and the control of the target heat exchanger assembly based on determined operating parameters, include: When the temperature falls within the second preset range, each valve is controlled based on its on / off state to connect the second coolant subsystem with the first coolant subsystem; the left endpoint of the second preset range is equal to the right endpoint of the first preset range and the second preset range has no intersection with the first preset range; The first heat exchanger group releases heat and the second heat exchanger group absorbs heat based on the operating parameters corresponding to the second preset range.

17. The thermal management method according to claim 16, wherein, The refrigerant subsystem further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, which includes a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline. The inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, and the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second end of the second pipeline. The second pipeline is capable of exchanging heat with the third evaporator. The method further includes controlling at least one of the third heat exchanger groups to operate based on operating parameters corresponding to the second preset range.

18. The thermal management method according to claim 16, wherein, The step of controlling each valve based on the determined on / off state of each valve to connect the second coolant subsystem with the first coolant subsystem includes: The control connects the first port of the four-way valve to the fourth port and the second port of the four-way valve to the third port, so that the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first coolant subsystem.

19. The thermal management method according to claim 16, wherein, The control of each valve based on its determined on / off state, and the control of the target heat exchanger assembly based on determined operating parameters, include: When the temperature falls within the third preset range, the system controls the connection between the outlet of the second coolant subsystem and the second end of the second pipeline, and the connection between the inlet of the second coolant subsystem and the first end of the second pipeline; the left endpoint of the third preset range is equal to the right endpoint of the second preset range, and the third preset range and the second preset range do not intersect. The first heat exchanger group releases heat and the second heat exchanger group absorbs heat based on the operating parameters corresponding to the third preset range.

20. The thermal management method according to claim 19, wherein, The control connects the outlet of the second coolant subsystem to the second end of the second pipeline, including: The control connects the first and second ports of the four-way valve so that the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second end of the second pipeline.

21. The thermal management method according to claim 19, wherein, The step of executing a preset control strategy corresponding to the preset temperature range includes: When the temperature falls within the fourth preset range, the system controls the connection between the inlet of the third coolant subsystem and the first end of the second pipeline, and the connection between the outlet of the third coolant subsystem and the inlet of the second pipeline; the left endpoint of the fourth preset range is equal to the right endpoint of the third preset range, and the fourth preset range and the third preset range do not intersect. Based on the operating parameters corresponding to the fourth preset range, the first heat exchanger group is controlled to release heat and the second heat exchanger group to absorb heat.

22. The thermal management method according to claim 21, wherein, The refrigerant subsystem further includes at least one third heat exchanger group, which includes a third evaporator and a third condenser connected by a refrigerant pipeline. The inlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, and the outlet of the second coolant subsystem is connected to the second end of the second pipeline. The second pipeline is capable of exchanging heat with the third evaporator. The thermal management method further includes: controlling the operation of at least one of the third heat exchanger groups based on operating parameters corresponding to the fourth preset range.

23. The thermal management method according to any one of claims 12 to 22, wherein, Before obtaining the ambient temperature of the environment in which the thermal management system is located, the thermal management method further includes: Control the operation of the first coolant subsystem.

24. A battery swapping station, wherein, Includes the thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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