The energy storage system is a key support for building a new power system. It can convert electrical energy into chemical energy for storage and release when needed. At present, air cooling and liquid cooling are two commonly used heat dissipation methods in energy storage systems. This article will introduce the difference between air cooling and liquid cooling in detail.

01. The heat dissipation principle is different

Air-cooled heat dissipation is to take away heat through air flow, so that the surface temperature of the equipment is reduced. The advantages of air-cooled heat dissipation are simple structure and low cost, but its heat dissipation effect is greatly affected by factors such as ambient temperature and air circulation, and is not suitable for high-power and high-density equipment.

Liquid cooling heat dissipation is to take away heat through liquid circulation, so that the internal temperature of the equipment is reduced. The advantages of liquid-cooled heat dissipation are good heat dissipation effect and high stability, but its cost is high, and the liquid circulation system needs to be maintained.

02. Different applicable scenarios

Air-cooled systems are suitable for energy storage systems of various sizes and types, especially in outdoor environments. It is currently the most widely used cooling technology, such as applied to industrial refrigeration, communication base stations, data centers, temperature control scenarios, etc., with relatively high technical maturity and reliability. Especially in low and medium power scenarios, air cooling is still the mainstream.

Liquid cooling systems are also suitable for energy storage systems of various sizes and types, especially large-scale, high-energy density energy storage projects. The advantages of battery packs with high energy density, fast charge and discharge speed, and large changes in ambient temperature are particularly obvious.

03. Design complexity varies

The design of the air-cooled energy storage system is relatively simple, mainly the design of installing cooling fans and air circulation paths. The core of air cooling is air conditioning and air duct, air conditioning refrigeration, and air duct exchange heat;

Liquid cooling design is usually more complicated, and it is necessary to consider the layout of the liquid circulation system, the selection of pumps, the circulation and maintenance of the coolant.

04. Different heat dissipation effect

The heat dissipation effect of air-cooled heat dissipation is greatly affected by factors such as ambient temperature and air circulation, and generally cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of high-power equipment; liquid-cooled heat dissipation has a better heat dissipation effect, which can effectively reduce the internal temperature of the equipment and improve the stability and stability of the equipment. life.

05. different operating power consumption

The composition of power consumption is different. The air-cooled power consumption is mainly the fan of the air conditioner electrical compartment. Liquid cooling power consumption is mainly the fan of the electric compartment of liquid cooling unit (some manufacturers are liquid cooling of the whole machine). Under the same conditions, maintaining the same temperature, the power consumption of air cooling is higher than that of liquid cooling.

06. Cost and maintenance are different

The cost of air-cooled heat dissipation is low and maintenance is simple. However, due to its limited heat dissipation effect, it may be necessary to increase the number of radiators or increase the fan speed to improve the heat dissipation effect, thereby increasing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

The cost of liquid cooling is high, and the liquid circulation system needs to be maintained. However, due to its good heat dissipation effect and high stability, it can reduce the failure rate and maintenance cost of the equipment. In the long run, its overall cost may be lower than air-cooled heat dissipation.

07. Noise and space occupancy vary

The noise of air-cooled heat dissipation is low, and the impact on the environment is small. However, due to the need to install fans and radiators, it may take up a certain amount of space.

The noise of liquid cooling is high, which has a certain impact on the environment. However, due to its small radiator volume, it can effectively save space. In addition, liquid cooling can also reduce the impact of noise on the environment by optimizing the design and layout of the radiator.

08. Safety and risk points are different

The safety of air-cooled heat dissipation is high, because of its simple structure and no risk of liquid leakage. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the safety of the fan to prevent the fan from being damaged or overheated.

The safety of liquid cooling and heat dissipation is relatively low, and there are risks of liquid leakage and corrosion. Therefore, the liquid cooling system needs to use high-quality materials and strict sealing design to ensure safe operation.

09. Summary

Air cooling and liquid cooling are two commonly used heat dissipation methods in energy storage systems, and they have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a heat dissipation method, it is necessary to consider factors such as the actual power of the equipment, heat dissipation requirements, and cost budget. With the development of technology, more efficient and low-cost new heat dissipation methods (such as air-cooled and liquid-cooled combination, immersion, etc.) may appear in the future to provide guarantee for the stable operation of the energy storage system.