Battery Module Cooling Valve Control for Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy storage systems, uneven temperature distribution between battery modules leads to performance degradation, reduced lifespan, and safety risks, necessitating efficient temperature management to prevent thermal runaway and capacity imbalance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple cooling systems with a central valve and a battery management system that controls refrigerant flow between these systems to manage temperature deviations, adjusting refrigerant distribution based on abnormality detection in individual cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple independent cooling systems are used for different battery modules, then temperature control capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent cooling systems into a unified system by introducing a common refrigerant circulation path with a flow distribution mechanism. The refrigerant circulation path includes a flow distribution device that allocates refrigerant to different battery modules, allowing multiple cooling functions to be achieved through a single integrated system rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic refrigerant flow control using adjustable flow distribution devices that can dynamically allocate refrigerant based on real-time temperature conditions of different battery modules. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions while maintaining a unified cooling architecture.
2Device complexity
If refrigerant flow is uniformly distributed to all cooling systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but temperature deviation between battery modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling differential refrigerant flow distribution to different battery modules based on their specific thermal conditions. The flow distribution device can adjust refrigerant allocation individually for each battery module, providing localized cooling control rather than uniform distribution, which addresses the temperature deviation issue while maintaining reasonable system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow distribution parameter dynamically based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the refrigerant flow rate to each battery module according to its specific thermal state, the system optimizes temperature control without requiring complex independent control systems for each module.
3Reliability
If cooling system operates at high capacity to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the temperature of battery modules and using this information to dynamically adjust refrigerant flow distribution. The system only activates cooling capacity when and where needed based on actual temperature conditions, rather than operating at high capacity continuously, thereby improving safety while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing cooling only to battery modules that require it, rather than uniformly cooling all modules at high capacity. The flow distribution device directs refrigerant selectively to modules with elevated temperatures, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining safety for modules that need cooling.
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
This approach minimizes temperature deviations, ensuring uniform operation of battery cells, enhances efficiency, and prevents issues like thermal runaway, thereby stabilizing power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooling system that cools a first battery module set among the plurality of battery modules; a second cooling system that cools a second battery module set among the plurality of battery modules
Implementation Method 2
a central valve that controls a flow of a refrigerant between the first cooling system and the second cooling system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an energy storage system (10). The energy storage system (10) includes: a plurality of battery modules (40) each of which battery module (40) includes a plurality of battery cells (50); a first cooling system (100) that cools a first battery module set (42) among the plurality of battery modules (40); a second cooling system (102) that cools a second battery module set (44) among the plurality of battery modules (40); a central valve (300) that controls a flow of a refrigerant between the first cooling system (100) and the second cooling system (102); and a battery management system (200) that monitors and controls operations of the plurality of battery modules (40), the first cooling system (100), the second cooling system (102), and the central valve (300). The battery management system (200) controls the central valve (300) to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling system (100) and the second cooling system (102) depending on whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system (100) and the second cooling system (102).