Battery Thermal Management with Dual Cooling Loop Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heat generation in energy storage systems, particularly due to large-capacity batteries, reduces battery life and efficiency, and poses safety risks such as fire hazards, necessitating effective thermal management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that selectively switches between air-cooling and refrigerant-cooling methods based on outdoor temperature to manage different temperature requirements of batteries and power conversion systems, using a first coolant for air-cooling and a second coolant for refrigerant-cooling, with integrated dehumidification to maintain humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used for both battery and power conversion system, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature management precision deteriorates because different components have different optimal temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent loops: a first cooling loop for the battery and a second cooling loop for the power conversion system. Each loop has its own coolant flow path, pump, and temperature control mechanisms, allowing separate optimization of temperature management for each component according to its specific thermal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling strategies are applied to different components based on their local thermal characteristics. The battery cooling loop uses coolant at temperatures optimized for battery chemistry, while the power conversion system loop uses coolant at temperatures optimized for electronic component performance, ensuring each component operates in its optimal temperature range.
2Use of energy by moving object
If air-cooling method is used when outdoor temperature is low, then energy consumption is reduced, but cooling capacity deteriorates when outdoor temperature rises above predetermined temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically switches between air-cooling and refrigerant-cooling modes based on outdoor temperature conditions. When outdoor temperature is below the predetermined threshold, air-cooling is used for energy efficiency. When outdoor temperature exceeds the threshold, the system automatically transitions to refrigerant-cooling to maintain adequate cooling capacity, and this switching is controlled dynamically through temperature sensors and control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cooling method parameter based on outdoor temperature conditions. By monitoring outdoor temperature and comparing it to the predetermined threshold, the system selects the appropriate cooling mode (air-cooling or refrigerant-cooling), effectively changing the operational parameters to optimize both energy consumption and cooling capacity under different environmental conditions.
3Temperature
If refrigerant-cooling is used for battery when outdoor temperature exceeds predetermined temperature, then cooling capacity is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates refrigerant-cooling only when necessary, specifically when outdoor temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold. This dynamic operation ensures that the energy-intensive refrigerant-cooling system is used only when adequate cooling capacity is required, rather than operating continuously, thus balancing cooling performance with energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant-cooling system operates periodically based on outdoor temperature conditions rather than continuously. When outdoor temperature rises above the predetermined threshold, refrigerant-cooling is activated; when temperature drops below the threshold, it is deactivated. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling capacity when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Efficient cooling of batteries and power conversion systems with reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs, while maintaining system safety and efficiency by optimizing cooling methods according to temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator that cools the first coolant introduced thereinto using the outside air
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger that cools the second coolant introduced thereinto using a refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a thermal management system for an energy storage system capable of efficiently cooling a battery and a power conversion system with different management temperatures by selectively switching a cooling method according to an outdoor temperature of the energy storage system. A thermal management system for an energy storage system cools a battery and a power conversion system arranged inside the energy storage system by selectively switching a cooling method according to an outdoor temperature of the energy storage system, and includes a first cooling unit that cools the battery and the power conversion system with a first coolant cooled using outside air, and a second cooling unit that cools the battery with a second coolant cooled using a refrigerant.