Heat dissipation technology is key in the design and use of energy storage systems. It ensures the system runs stably. Now, air cooling and liquid cooling are the two most common methods to dissipate heat. What is the difference between the two?
Difference 1: Different heat dissipation principles
Air cooling relies on air flow to take away heat and reduce the surface temperature of the equipment. Ambient temperature and air flow will affect its heat dissipation. Air cooling needs a gap between the equipment’s parts for an air duct. So, air-cooled heat dissipation equipment is often large. Also, the duct needs to exchange heat with outside air. This means the building cannot have strong protection.
Liquid cooling cools by circulating liquid. The heat-generating parts must touch the heat sink. At least one side of the heat dissipation device must be flat and regular. Liquid cooling moves heat to the outside through the liquid cooler. The equipment itself has liquid. The liquid cooling equipment can achieve a high protection level.
Difference 2: Different applicable scenarios remain the same.
Air cooling is widely used in energy storage systems. They come in many sizes and types, especially for outdoor use. It is now the most widely used cooling technology. Industrial refrigeration systems use it. It is also used in base stations for communication. It is used in data centers and for temperature control. Its technical maturity and reliability have been widely proven. This is especially true at medium and low power levels, where air cooling still dominates.
Liquid cooling is more suitable for large-scale energy storage projects. Liquid cooling is best when the battery pack has high energy density. It’s also good when it charges and discharges quickly. And, when the temperature changes a lot.
Difference 3: Different heat dissipation effects
Air cooling’s heat dissipation is easily affected by the external environment. This includes things like the ambient temperature and air flow. So, it may not meet the heat dissipation needs of high-power equipment. Liquid cooling is better at dissipating heat. It can control the equipment’s internal temperature well. This improves the equipment’s stability and extends its service life.
Difference 4: Design complexity remains.
Air cooling is simple and intuitive. It mainly involves installing the cooling fan and designing the air path. Its core is the layout of air conditioning and air ducts. The design aims to achieve effective heat exchange.
Liquid cooling design is more complicated. It has many parts. They include the layout of the liquid system, pump choice, coolant flow, and system care.
Difference 5: Different costs and maintenance requirements.
The initial investment cost of air cooling is low and maintenance is simple. However, the protection level cannot reach IP65 or above. Dust may accumulate in the equipment. This requires regular cleaning and raises maintenance costs.
Liquid cooling has a high initial cost. And, the liquid system needs maintenance. However, since there is liquid isolation in the equipment, its safety is higher. The coolant is volatile and needs to be tested and refilled regularly.
Difference 6: Different operating power consumption remains unchanged.
The power consumption composition of the two is different. Air cooling mainly includes the power use of air conditioning. It also includes the use of electrical warehouse fans. Liquid cooling mainly includes the power use of liquid cooling units. It also includes electrical warehouse fans. The power use of air cooling is usually lower than that of liquid cooling. This is true if they are under the same conditions and need to keep the same temperature.
Difference 7: Different space requirements
Air cooling may take up more space because it needs to install fans and radiators. The liquid cooling’s radiator is smaller. It can be designed more compactly. So, it needs less space. For example, the KSTAR 125kW/233kWh energy storage system is for businesses and industry. It uses liquid cooling and has a highly integrated design. It covers an area of only 1.3㎡ and saves space.
In summary, air cooling and liquid cooling each have pros and cons. They apply to energy storage systems. We need to determine which one to use. This choice depends on the application and needs. If cost and heat efficiency are key, liquid cooling may be better. But, if you value easy maintenance and adaptability, air cooling is better. Of course, they can also be mixed for the situation. This will achieve better heat dissipation.
Post time: Jul-22-2024