Coolant Replenishment and Drainage Layout for Liquid-Cooled Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid-cooled energy storage systems face inefficiencies in liquid replenishment and drainage, often requiring manual coolant transfer, which is difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pump, switching power supply, switching valves, check valves, and a pipeline configuration that automates coolant flow into and out of the system, using a direct-current self-priming pump and electric valves controlled by a power supply and controller to facilitate efficient liquid replenishment and drainage, with features like pressure detection and quick-connect connectors for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual coolant transfer is used for liquid replenishment and drainage, then the system structure remains simple, but the liquid replenishment and drainage efficiency is low and the process is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic liquid replenishment and drainage through self-service mechanisms. The pump automatically draws coolant from the storage tank and transfers it to the liquid-cooled energy storage system when the liquid level is low. The switching valve automatically directs coolant flow to drainage points when the system needs maintenance, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated pump-driven system. The pump, controlled by a controller that monitors liquid levels and system states, substitutes human labor for the mechanical act of transferring coolant. This automation resolves the contradiction by improving productivity while managing device complexity through intelligent control rather than purely mechanical means.
2Productivity
If a pump and switching valve system is implemented for automated liquid replenishment and drainage, then the liquid replenishment and drainage efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall device complexity. The same pump and switching valve assembly serves both liquid replenishment and liquid drainage functions. The switching valve can direct coolant flow to different destinations (replenishment or drainage) based on system needs, allowing a single device configuration to handle multiple operational requirements, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the pump and the different flow paths (replenishment or drainage). This intermediary device allows the pump to remain a simple component while enabling complex flow control through the valve's switching mechanism. The controller serves as another intermediary, intelligently managing the coordination between pump operation and valve positioning to achieve automated operation with manageable complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pump working voltage is not adapted to different electric power systems, then the device structure remains simple, but the applicability across different countries and regions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The switching power supply is designed to adapt to different electric power systems by changing its operating parameters. It can switch between different input voltages (e.g., 110V, 220V, 380V AC) and frequencies (50Hz, 60Hz) to match the local power infrastructure. This parameter adaptability allows the pump system to be deployed across different countries and regions without redesigning the entire device, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through a standardized power conversion interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system incorporates dynamic adaptability through the switching power supply, which can automatically or manually adjust its configuration based on the detected or selected input power characteristics. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate varying power system conditions in different regions, enhancing applicability while containing complexity within the power supply module rather than propagating it throughout the entire device.
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
The solution automates coolant replenishment and drainage, improving efficiency and applicability across different electric power systems, allowing for easier maintenance and reducing manual labor, while ensuring stable operation and preventing coolant backflow.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, a switching power supply, a first switching valve, a check valve and a first pipeline which is configured to be connected with the liquid-cooled energy storage system, the pump is arranged on the first pipeline
Implementation Method 2
the check valve is arranged on the first pipeline and is located between the pump and one of the communication positions
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid replenishment and drainage device for a liquid-cooled energy storage system includes a pump, a switching power supply, a first switching valve, a check valve and a pipeline which is configured to be connected to the liquid-cooled energy storage system; the pump is arranged on the first pipeline, and the pump is electrically connected with the switching power supply; two ends of the first switching valve are respectively in communication with the first pipeline, communication positions are respectively located at two ends of the pump, and the check valve is arranged on the first pipeline and is located between the pump and the communication positions. The liquid replenishment and drainage device for the liquid-cooled energy storage system can improve the liquid replenishment and drainage efficiency of the liquid-cooled energy storage system.