Method for charging an electrical energy accumulator of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and charging station

Abstract

A method for charging an electric energy store of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle and a charging station. For a method for charging at least one electric energy store (3) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein electrical energy is transferred from a charging station (2) external to the motor vehicle to the energy store (3) by means of a separable electrical connection, wherein a cooling fluid (9) is guided from the charging station (2) to at least one cooling element (15) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of a separable cooling fluid connection, such that thermal energy is transferred from the energy store (3) to the cooling fluid (9) by means of the cooling element (15) and is conducted away by means of the cooling fluid (9), wherein the cooling fluid (9) in liquid form is admixed with a gas before and / or when being delivered to the cooling element (15), such that a cooling fluid gas mixture is formed, wherein at least a portion of the cooling fluid (9) evaporates into the gas when thermal energy is transferred from the energy store (3) to the cooling fluid (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for charging at least one electric energy storage device of a motor vehicle, wherein electrical energy is transferred from a charging station outside the motor vehicle to the energy storage device via a separable electrical connection, wherein cooling fluid is directed from the charging station to at least one cooling element of the motor vehicle via a separable cooling fluid connection, thereby transferring thermal energy from the energy storage device to the cooling fluid via the cooling element and discharging it by means of the cooling fluid. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles with rechargeable energy storage devices, particularly batteries, associated with the operation of an electric motor and referred to as power batteries, are known in the prior art. That is, in addition to pure electric vehicles where the electric motor is the sole drive unit, there are also hybrid vehicles that have another drive unit, such as an internal combustion engine, as an adjunct to the electric motor. In electric vehicles and so-called plug-in hybrid vehicles, it is known that the motor vehicle has a charging connector for connecting to a charging station outside the vehicle, such as a fixed charging pile. Electrical energy is supplied to the motor vehicle, for example from the public power grid, via the charging station to charge the energy storage device.

[0003] A problem associated with electric energy storage devices in motor vehicles is the heat generated during certain operating phases, requiring appropriate battery cooling. These operating phases involve driving operations where energy is drawn from the energy storage device to generate the vehicle's driving power, during which the energy storage device discharges. Heat generation also occurs when charging the energy storage device, with this problem appearing during regeneration and becoming more pronounced during so-called fast charging, where an empty energy storage device is brought to a state of charge sufficient for continued driving after only a few minutes of charging. In this case, the energy storage device generates significantly more heat compared to "normal" charging methods or during driving operations.

[0004] To cool the energy storage device, a vehicle-side cooling system is often installed, in which cooling is achieved by means of circulating cooling fluid and / or cooling airflow. However, the operation of the vehicle-side cooling system itself, especially during fast charging, is often insufficient to provide the actual cooling power required. To solve this problem, in terms of the charging process at the charging station, it is known from the prior art to provide cooling fluid from the charging pile and guide it to the vehicle's energy storage device. For example, corresponding solutions are known from DE10 2012 220 218 A1, DE 10 2010 007 975 A1, DE 10 2017 202 391 A1, US 4 415 847 A, and US 2020 / 0 343 610 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a relatively improved solution for cooling the electric energy storage device of a motor vehicle during charging at a charging station.

[0006] According to the present invention, in a method of the type described at the beginning, this objective is achieved by incorporating a gas into the liquid cooling fluid before and / or during delivery to the cooling element, thereby forming a cooling fluid-gas mixture, wherein at least a portion of the cooling fluid evaporates into the gas when heat energy is transferred from the accumulator to the cooling fluid.

[0007] In this invention, the heat transfer from the accumulator to the cooling fluid via the cooling element not only simply heats the cooling fluid but also causes it to evaporate. Evaporation is understood as a transition from a liquid to a gaseous state occurring below the boiling point. Since the evaporation process requires a certain amount of energy, also known as the enthalpy of vaporization, this enthalpy causes the cooling fluid to cool, thereby increasing the heat energy that can be extracted from the accumulator via the cooling fluid. Therefore, the total heat energy extracted via the cooling fluid consists of the energy that causes the liquid cooling fluid to heat and the energy that causes the cooling fluid to evaporate.

[0008] The result of incorporating gas into a liquid cooling fluid is that the resulting cooling fluid-gas mixture has both a liquid and a gaseous phase, allowing the liquid phase of the cooling fluid to evaporate into a gaseous phase. This evaporation process is achieved such that the cooling fluid vapor in the gaseous state does not saturate the gas supplied to the cooling fluid, thus allowing the gas to contain the evaporated cooling fluid.

[0009] Although charging stations are theoretically mobile, they are preferably fixed in location, i.e., static. Fixed-location charging stations can also be called charging points or charging piles. The charging station is connected to an energy source, such as the public power grid and / or concentrated solar power (CSP) equipment. To establish a detachable electrical connection between the charging station and the vehicle, a charging cable is used, wherein this connection is established through appropriate plugs and sockets. The cable can be fixedly connected to the vehicle or fixedly connected to the charging station, or it can have corresponding detachable plugs on both sides.

[0010] Water is particularly preferred as the cooling fluid because it poses no ecological problems and is especially inexpensive from an economic standpoint. Furthermore, given the conditions typically present in charging conditions, pretreatment of the water is unnecessary in terms of the temperature and pressure required to achieve the evaporation process. Ambient air is preferred as the gas, especially because it is not only environmentally friendly but also virtually unrestricted and therefore available at no cost.

[0011] The charging station may include a cooling fluid reservoir and / or be connected to a cooling fluid source. The cooling fluid reservoir may be a storage tank, such as a water tank. In this case, the cooling fluid can be replenished accordingly, for example, during periodic maintenance. Replenishment can be achieved by connecting the charging station to a water supply network. The cooling fluid source may be a public water supply network and / or a rainwater collection device connected to the charging station. In particular, the charging station may not only include a cooling fluid reservoir but also be connected to a cooling fluid source. Therefore, once or later when the cooling fluid level falls below a preset minimum level, the cooling fluid reservoir is automatically replenished by means of cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source. For this purpose, electronic sensor devices, control devices, and valve devices may be provided. It is also conceivable that automatic replenishment can be performed by means of a float arranged in the cooling fluid reservoir, based on the principle of a toilet tank.

[0012] Cooling fluid can be delivered from a cooling fluid reservoir or cooling fluid source to the cooling elements by means of a cooling fluid delivery device, such as a cooling fluid pump. Preferably, the cooling fluid delivery device is a component of the charging station. However, if the charging station is connected to a public water supply network and the pipeline pressure is high enough to deliver water to the vehicle, the cooling fluid delivery device may be omitted.

[0013] In the method according to the invention, it may be specified that gas is delivered to a cooling fluid by means of a gas delivery device, wherein the gas delivery device is a component / part of a motor vehicle or charging station. The gas delivery device may be a gas delivery pump or fan for drawing in ambient air. If the gas is supplied at least partially by means of a gas reservoir at a sufficiently high pressure, particularly in a charging station, then the corresponding gas pressure can facilitate the flow of gas into the fluid. In this case, it is conceivable that the gas delivery device includes an electrical or mechanical pressure-reducing device, particularly an expansion or throttle valve and / or pressure reducer, wherein the correct dispensing or mixing pressure for allowing the gas to flow into the fluid can be preset by means of the pressure-reducing device.

[0014] As a cooling element, a cooling plate that is in thermal contact with the accumulator can be used. When the accumulator heats up, heat energy is transferred to the cooling plate, where a cooling fluid is in thermal contact with the cooling plate, thereby transferring heat energy to the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid, or more precisely, the mixture, can flow through cooling channels constructed along the surface of the cooling plate. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling channels can pass through the cooling plate, and the cooling fluid, or more precisely, the mixture, flows through the cooling channels.

[0015] As a cooling element, a heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat energy from the cooling medium circulating in the cooling cycle used to cool the energy accumulator to the cooling fluid. The cooling cycle of a motor vehicle can be configured either solely for heat energy transfer from the energy accumulator to the heat exchanger or heat transfer device, or it can be configured as an active cooling cycle. Here, "active" means that the cooling cycle itself already provides a cooling effect and operates, for example, according to the principles of a refrigeration machine. The cooling cycle can be constructed and configured, in particular, for cooling the energy accumulator during the operation of the motor vehicle. In the method according to the invention, the cooling effect achievable by means of the cooling cycle is correspondingly enhanced during the charging process.

[0016] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the accumulator is in thermal contact with at least one other cooling element connected to a separate cooling cycle. This separate cooling cycle can operate independently of the aforementioned cooling cycle. Therefore, the two cooling elements and cooling cycles can operate independently and separately, wherein the separate cooling cycle is specifically configured to cool the accumulator during the operation of the motor vehicle.

[0017] In the method according to the invention, the cooling fluid-gas mixture may be partially or completely discharged into the environment after the transfer of heat energy. In this embodiment, the cooling system constructed within the scope of the method according to the invention may be called an "open system" because the cooling fluid does not circulate in a single cooling cycle. Therefore, discharge into the environment is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need to redirect the cooling fluid from the vehicle to the charging station and eliminates the need for corresponding devices to achieve redirection. Such a process is also environmentally friendly, especially when water is used as the cooling fluid and ambient air is used as the gas.

[0018] As an alternative to the aforementioned "open system," a "semi-open" system in which a portion of the cooling fluid circulates, or a "closed" system in which all the cooling fluid circulates, is conceivable. Therefore, in the method according to the invention, a phase separator may be specified to partially or completely deliver the cooling fluid-gas mixture to the vehicle or charging station after the transfer of heat energy. By means of the phase separator, the liquid phase of the cooling fluid-gas mixture, consisting of liquid cooling fluid, and the gaseous phase of the cooling fluid-gas mixture, consisting of evaporated cooling fluid and gas, are separated from each other. Details regarding the structure and function of the phase separator, which can also be called a phase separator, are known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be explained in detail here.

[0019] Therefore, a phase separator is used to separately guide the liquid and gaseous phases after heat transfer. The gaseous phase can be discharged into the environment. Therefore, it is unsuitable to return the gas, i.e., ambient air, to the charging station or reuse it, especially since the gaseous phase is rich in cooling fluid vapor after heat transfer, and fresh ambient air is more suitable for new use in this regard.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to supply the liquid phase to the liquid cooling fluid before transferring heat energy. The liquid phase is circulated, achieving a "semi-open system" by means of this circulation, if the gaseous phase is discharged into the environment. While the liquid phase can be supplied to the cooling fluid reservoir of the charging station or to the cooling fluid lines on the charging station side, it is particularly suitable to supply the liquid phase to the liquid cooling fluid on the vehicle side, for example, by direct feeding into the cooling elements or into cooling fluid lines leading to the cooler elements. Therefore, in this case, a return line for the liquid phase from the vehicle to the charging station is not necessarily required. Because the cooling fluid circulates on the vehicle side, the amount of cooling fluid that must be transferred via a cooling fluid connection between the vehicle and the charging station is reduced, allowing the connecting lines used to establish the cooling fluid connection to be designed to be smaller.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising: at least one electric accumulator; an electrical interface, particularly a charging socket for establishing a detachable electrical connection by means of which electrical energy can be transferred from a charging station outside the motor vehicle to the accumulator; and a cooling fluid interface, particularly a pipe joint for establishing a detachable cooling fluid connection by means of which cooling fluid can be directed from the charging station to at least one cooling element of the motor vehicle, thereby allowing thermal energy to be transferred from the accumulator to the cooling fluid through the cooling element and discharged by means of the cooling fluid. The motor vehicle according to the invention is configured to perform the method described above.

[0022] Within the scope of the first embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the motor vehicle has a gas delivery device by means of which liquid cooling fluid can be incorporated into gas before and / or during delivery to the cooling element.

[0023] In its improved design, it is conceivable that, after transferring heat energy, the cooling fluid-gas mixture can be directly discharged into the environment. Specifically, in this regard, the vehicle has a mixture discharge pipe that guides the cooling element to a mixture outlet in the vehicle, through which the cooling fluid-gas mixture can be discharged from the cooling element into the environment. For example, the mixture outlet can be located in an area of ​​the vehicle's floor or outer panel, particularly covered by an air duct or similar structure.

[0024] If a gas delivery device is provided in a motor vehicle according to the present invention, it is conceivable that ambient air can be drawn in as gas through the vehicle's intake, and then delivered to liquid cooling fluid on the vehicle side via an air guiding channel (which leads from the intake to the cooling element and / or to a cooling fluid line leading to the cooling element). The vehicle-side arrangement of the gas delivery device has the advantage that it is not necessary to guide the gas, i.e., ambient air, from the charging station to the vehicle. A filter can be provided in the area of ​​the intake, or can be provided later at the intake, so that foreign objects such as leaves or insects are not inhaled along with it. For example, the intake can be arranged in the area of ​​the vehicle's floor or outer panel, especially covered by an air duct or the like.

[0025] In the scope of a second embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which can also be implemented in combination with the first embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, it may be specified that the motor vehicle has a phase separator that can partially or completely deliver a cooling fluid-gas mixture to the phase separator, and by means of the phase separator, separate the liquid phase of the cooling fluid-gas mixture consisting of liquid cooling fluid and the gaseous phase of the cooling fluid-gas mixture consisting of evaporated cooling fluid and gas from each other.

[0026] In one improved embodiment, the vehicle may have a liquid phase discharge line leading from a phase separator to a cooling element and / or to a cooling fluid line leading to the cooling element, wherein the liquid phase can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid on the vehicle side and before heat transfer via the liquid phase discharge line. Thus, circulation with respect to the cooling fluid is closed by means of the liquid phase discharge line, constituting the aforementioned "partially open system" on the vehicle side.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle according to the second embodiment may have a return connection interface, by means of which a separable return connection can be formed, connecting the phase separator to the charging station. The return connection allows the liquid phase to be supplied to the liquid cooling fluid at the charging station side. In this case, a circulation can also be formed with respect to the cooling fluid, in which the cooling fluid flows from the charging station to the vehicle and back to the charging station, repeating this cycle. The liquid phase can be guided to the liquid cooling fluid in the area of ​​the cooling fluid reservoir or in the cooling fluid pipeline leading to the cooling fluid interface at the charging station. Thus, the cooling fluid, i.e., the liquid phase, has more time to cool after transferring heat energy and before flowing back through the cooling element, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, in a motor vehicle including a phase separator according to the invention, the motor vehicle may be provided with a gaseous phase discharge pipe leading from the phase separator to a gaseous phase outlet of the motor vehicle, wherein the gaseous phase can be discharged into the environment through the gaseous phase discharge pipe. The gaseous phase outlet may be located at any part of the motor vehicle, for example in the area of ​​the floor or outer panel of the motor vehicle, especially covered by a vent cover or the like.

[0029] All features, advantages, and aspects explained in conjunction with the method according to the invention are equally applicable to motor vehicles according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a charging station for charging at least one electric accumulator of a motor vehicle, comprising: an electrical interface, particularly a charging cable having a plug for establishing a detachable electrical connection by means of which electrical energy can be transferred from the charging station outside the motor vehicle to the accumulator; and a cooling fluid interface, particularly a flexible hose having a connecting plug for establishing a detachable cooling fluid connection by means of which cooling fluid can be directed from the charging station to at least one cooling element of the motor vehicle, thereby transferring heat energy from the accumulator to the cooling fluid through the cooling element and discharging it by means of the cooling fluid. The charging station according to the invention is configured to perform the method described above.

[0031] Regarding the interfaces, it can be specified that the interfaces, especially the charging cables and hoses, and possible return connections, are combined into multi-core connection lines or harnesses. Plugs mating with the electrical interfaces, connectors mating with the cooling fluid interfaces, and plugs mating with possible return connections can be configured as individual or combined multiple or composite plug connections. Therefore, the installed piping can be individually, yet advantageously, bundled together and connected to the vehicle.

[0032] In a first embodiment of the charging station according to the invention, the charging station is provided with a gas delivery device by means of which liquid cooling fluid can be incorporated into gas before and / or during delivery to the cooling element.

[0033] In one alternative improvement, ambient air is drawn in as gas through an intake at the charging station using a gas delivery device. A filter can be installed in the area of ​​the intake, or the filter can be placed later at the intake, to prevent the inhalation of foreign objects such as leaves or insects. For example, the intake can be located on the side of the charging station.

[0034] Ambient air can be supplied to liquid cooling fluid at the charging station side via an air guide passage that connects the intake to a cooling fluid line leading to the cooling fluid interface. Alternatively or additionally, the charging station may have a gas connection interface by means of which a separable gas connection can be established, connecting the intake to the cooling element and / or the vehicle's cooling fluid line leading to the cooling element, wherein gas can be supplied to liquid cooling fluid at the vehicle side by means of the gas connection.

[0035] Regarding the gas, it is conceivable to set up a separate gas collection box within and / or in the area of ​​the charging station, from which gas for mixing with the cooling fluid is supplied.

[0036] Within the scope of the second embodiment of the charging station according to the invention, the charging station has a phase separator that can partially or completely supply a cooling fluid-gas mixture to the phase separator, and by means of the phase separator, separates the liquid phase of the cooling fluid-gas mixture, which consists of liquid cooling fluid, and the gaseous phase of the cooling fluid-gas mixture, which consists of evaporated cooling fluid and gas, from each other.

[0037] Here, the charging station may have a liquid phase discharge line leading from the phase separator to a cooling fluid reservoir and / or to a cooling fluid line leading to a cooling fluid interface, wherein the liquid phase can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid at the charging station side and before heat transfer via the liquid phase discharge line. Additionally or alternatively, the charging station may have a gaseous phase discharge line leading from the phase separator to the gaseous phase outlet of the charging station, wherein the gaseous phase can be discharged into the environment via the gaseous phase discharge line.

[0038] All features, advantages, and aspects of the method according to the invention and / or the motor vehicle explanation according to the invention are equally applicable to the charging station according to the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Other advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and from the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Indicatively:

[0041] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the invention, including a motor vehicle and a charging station according to the invention, is shown to explain the first embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates components including a first embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention and a charging station to explain a second embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0043] Figure 3The second embodiment of the invention, including a motor vehicle and a charging station according to the invention, is shown to explain a third embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0044] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates components including a second embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention and a first embodiment of a charging station according to the invention, to explain a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0045] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates components including a third embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention and a charging station to explain a fifth embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 6 The components of a third embodiment, including a motor vehicle and a charging station according to the invention, are shown to explain a sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Very illustrative Figures 1 to 6 The figures illustrate components consisting of a motor vehicle 1 and a charging station 2 according to various embodiments of the invention. The interpretation of a single figure also applies to the corresponding other figures, unless otherwise explicitly stated otherwise.

[0048] exist Figure 1 The motor vehicle 1 shown is an electric vehicle equipped with an electric energy storage device 3 configured as a power battery. Motor vehicle 1 in Figure 1 The state shown is electrically and detachably connected to the charging station 2 used to charge the energy storage device 3. The charging station 2 is a fixed charging station connected to an energy source, such as the public power grid and / or solar power equipment and / or the like. Figure 1 It is not shown in detail in the text.

[0049] To establish a separable electrical connection between vehicle 1 and charging station 2, an electrical interface 4 is provided on the vehicle 1 side, and an electrical interface 5 is provided on the charging station 2 side. The vehicle-side electrical interface 4 is configured as a charging socket 6, and the charging station-side electrical interface 5 is configured as a charging cable 7 having a plug 8 that can be inserted into the charging socket 6. Although in the illustrated embodiment the charging cable 7 is fixedly connected to the charging station 2 and thus forms part of the charging station, it is also conceivable that the charging cable 7 is configured as a separate component to establish corresponding plug-in connections on both sides, specifically connected to vehicle 1 on one side and to charging station 2 on the other side.

[0050] The vehicle 1 is further connected to the charging station 2 via a detachable cooling fluid connection, through which cooling fluid 9 can be guided from the charging station 2 to the vehicle 1. Here, water is used as the cooling fluid 9. To establish the cooling fluid connection, a cooling fluid inlet 10 is provided on the vehicle 1 and a cooling fluid inlet 11 is provided on the charging station 2. The cooling fluid inlet 10 on the vehicle side is configured as a pipe connector 12 and the cooling fluid inlet 11 on the charging station side is configured as a flexible hose 13 having a connecting plug 14 that can be inserted into the pipe connector 12.

[0051] Cooling fluid 9 can be guided from charging station 2 to cooling element 15 of vehicle 1 via a cooling fluid connection. In an embodiment, cooling element 15 is configured as a cooling plate in thermal contact with accumulator 3, and cooling channels (not shown in detail) extend through this cooling plate. After being delivered to cooling element 15, cooling fluid 9 flows through cooling channels. At this time, heat energy is transferred from accumulator 3 to cooling element 15 and from cooling element 15 to cooling fluid 9, thereby cooling accumulator 3 during the charging process of vehicle 1.

[0052] Regarding the cooling element 15, it is also conceivable that the cooling element is a heat exchanger connected to a cooling cycle 46 that is independent of the charging station and provided in relation to the vehicle 1. The cooling cycle 46... Figure 1 The image is shown in dashed lines and with other components omitted. The cooling medium circulates in the cooling cycle 46, transferring heat from the accumulator 3 to a cooling plate in thermal contact with the accumulator 3. The cooling plate is connected to the cooling cycle 46 and is traversed by the cooling medium. The cooling medium then traverses the heat exchanger, thereby transferring heat to the cooling fluid 9 that traverses the heat exchanger.

[0053] The cooling cycle 46 of the vehicle 1 may be configured solely for heat transfer from the accumulator 3 to the cooling element 15. Alternatively, the cooling cycle 46 may be configured as an active cooling cycle, where "active" means that, in addition to the cooling element 15, the cooling cycle 46 itself additionally provides further cooling to the cooling medium. Thus, the cooling cycle 46 can operate according to the principles of a refrigeration machine. Another heat exchanger may be connected to the cooling cycle 46, and this other heat exchanger is itself connected to the circulation of the cooling medium. The cooling cycle 46 may have another heat exchanger in which the cooling medium is cooled, for example, by means of air cooling. The cooling cycle 46 may be constructed and configured, in particular, for cooling the accumulator 3 during the operation of the vehicle 1. In the method according to the invention, the cooling effect achieved by means of the cooling cycle 46 is correspondingly enhanced during the charging process.

[0054] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the accumulator 3 is in thermal contact with at least one additional cooling element (not shown) that is connected to a separate cooling medium cycle. In this case, cooling element 15 exists as an additional element of the additional cooling element (not shown) for temperature regulation of the accumulator 3, wherein the two cooling elements can operate independently and separately from each other because they are connected to different cooling cycles.

[0055] Charging station 2 includes a cooling fluid reservoir 16 configured as a water tank, wherein cooling fluid 9 contained therein is guided from the cooling fluid reservoir 16 to the cooling element 15 by means of a cooling fluid delivery device 17 configured as a pump. Alternatively, the charging station 2 may be connected to a cooling fluid source, such as a public water supply network. In the embodiment shown here, this is also possible, so that the cooling fluid reservoir 16 is automatically filled once the level of cooling fluid 9 in the cooling fluid reservoir 16 falls below a preset minimum level. Furthermore, the cooling fluid reservoir 16 of the charging station 2 may be filled by means of a rainwater collection device and / or a pumping device that can draw water from a local body of water or groundwater.

[0056] Importantly, in relation to the method according to the invention, the liquid cooling fluid 9 is incorporated with gas before or simultaneously with its delivery to the cooling element 15, thereby forming a cooling fluid-gas mixture. Ambient air is used as the gas in this process. That is, not just the liquid cooling fluid 9, but a two-phase mixture comprising the liquid cooling fluid 9 and the gas is delivered to the cooling element 15. This causes at least a portion of the cooling fluid 9 to evaporate into the gas as heat energy from the cooling element 15 is transferred to the cooling fluid 9. In other words, a portion of the liquid cooling fluid 9 is converted into a gaseous state below its boiling point, thus enriching the gas with the liquid cooling fluid 9. Specifically, the water vapor content of the ambient air present in the mixture increases. During evaporation, additional energy is required, which causes a cooling effect on the cooling medium 9, thereby ultimately enhancing the cooling effect of the cooling fluid 9 on the cooling element 15, i.e., the accumulator 3.

[0057] Gas is delivered to the liquid cooling fluid 9 via a gas delivery device 18. The gas delivery device here is a gas delivery pump or fan for drawing ambient air from the environment 19. Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the gas delivery device 18 is a component of the charging station 2, through which gas is delivered to the cooling fluid 9 via a gas connection, allowing the vehicle 1 and the charging station 2 to be detachably connected to each other. The charging station 2 has an intake 20 through which ambient air can be drawn in as gas by means of the gas delivery device 18. To establish the gas connection, the vehicle 1 includes a gas connection interface 21 and the charging station 2 includes a gas connection interface 22. The gas connection interface 21 on the vehicle side is implemented as a pipe connector 23, and the gas connection interface 22 on the charging station side is implemented as a flexible hose 24 having a connecting plug 25 that can be inserted into the pipe connector 23. Alternatively, the gas can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid 9 on the charging station side via an air guide channel 27 connecting the intake 20 to the cooling fluid conduit 42 of the charging station 2 leading to the cooling fluid interface 11. Figure 1 In the image, the air guiding channel 27 is indicated by a dashed arrow. At this point, the gas connection and corresponding interfaces 21 and 22 are omitted.

[0058] Combination Figure 1 Components 6, 8, 12, 14, 21, and 25 of the aforementioned plug-in connection device can be configured as a common plug-in connection 26, so that when connecting the vehicle 1 to the charging station 2, the user does not need to distinguish between multiple plugs, but only needs to connect a single plug. This common plug-in connection 26 is schematically indicated by a dashed box in the figure. In this case, the charging cable 7 and the hoses 13 and 24 are also preferably assembled or bundled into a common multi-core connection line. As explained above in conjunction with the charging cable 7, it is also conceivable in this case that the common connection line is a separate component configured to establish a common plug-in connection on both sides, specifically connecting to the vehicle 1 on one side and to the charging station 2 on the other side.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 After transferring heat, the cooling fluid-gas mixture is completely discharged into the environment 19. For this purpose, the cooling element 15 is connected to the mixture outlet 29 of the vehicle 1 via a mixture discharge pipe 28. Discharging the mixture into the environment 19 is not a problem, especially since the mixture is a two-phase mixture of water and water vapor-rich air, which is neither harmful nor toxic to the environment. The mixture outlet 29 is located in an area of ​​the outer panel of the vehicle 1, for example, below the air vent or in an area of ​​the vehicle floor.

[0060] Next, the explanation is in Figure 2 The arrangement shown, except for the differences explained below, corresponds to the component in... Figure 1The components shown are as described. The difference in the system is that the gas delivery device 18 is a component of the vehicle 1. Accordingly, ambient air can be drawn in as gas through the intake 30 of the vehicle 1 by means of the gas delivery device 18, and then the gas can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid 9 on the vehicle side through the air guide passage 31 leading from the intake 30 to the cooling element 15. Additionally or alternatively, the air guide passage 31 can also lead from the intake 30 to the cooling fluid line 32, which leads to the cooling element 15.

[0061] refer to Figure 3 Explain the third component, which includes vehicle 1 and charging station 2. Figure 1 Unlike in this embodiment, after the heat energy is transferred, the cooling fluid-gas mixture is delivered to the phase separator 33 of the charging station 2. The phase separator separates the liquid phase 34 of the cooling fluid-gas mixture, which consists of liquid cooling fluid 9, from the gaseous phase 35, which consists of evaporated cooling fluid 9 and gas. Thus, unlike in... Figure 1 and 2 The cooling fluid gas mixture is output to the environment 19 as described above, and is guided back to the charging station 2 via a detachable return connection that connects the vehicle 1 and the charging station 2.

[0062] To establish a return connection, vehicle 1 includes a return connection interface 36 and charging station 2 includes a return connection interface 37. The return connection interface 36 on the vehicle side is implemented as a pipe connector 38, and the return connection interface 37 on the charging station side is implemented as a flexible hose 39 with a connecting plug 40. In the case of a common plug-in connection 26, a plug-in connection is also established by means of the pipe connector 38 and the connecting plug 40. Furthermore, the flexible hose 39 may be part of a common connection line including components 7, 13, and 24.

[0063] According to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the charging station 2 includes a liquid phase discharge line 41 that extends from the phase separator 33 to the cooling fluid reservoir 16, and through which the liquid phase 34 is again supplied to the liquid cooling fluid 9 at the charging station side. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid phase discharge line 41 may extend from the phase separator 33 to a cooling fluid line 42 that extends from the cooling fluid reservoir 16 to the cooling fluid interface 11. Furthermore, the charging station 2 includes a gas phase discharge line 43 extending from the phase separator 33 to the gas phase outlet 44 of the charging station 2, through which the gas phase 35 is discharged into the environment 19. Regarding the hose 24 or gas connection provided in this embodiment, alternatively, such as those already combined... Figure 1As explained, gas is delivered to the liquid cooling fluid 9 at the charging station side via the air guide channel 27, which connects the intake port 20 to the cooling fluid pipeline 42 of the charging station leading to the cooling fluid interface 11.

[0064] Next reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 Another component is shown, which includes a motor vehicle 1 and is already in use. Figure 1 The charging station shown in the embodiment is corresponding to the one described above. Figure 3 The system shown, however, differs in that the phase separator 33 is an integral part of the vehicle 1. Therefore, no detachable return connection is provided for this component, and instead, the vehicle 1 has a liquid phase discharge line 41 that extends from the phase separator 33 to a cooling fluid line 32, which in turn extends to a cooling element 15, thereby delivering the liquid phase 34 to the liquid cooling fluid 9 on the vehicle side before transferring heat energy. The liquid phase discharge line 41 may also extend directly to the cooling element 15. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 includes a gas phase discharge line 43 extending from the phase separator 33 to a gas phase outlet 44 of the vehicle 1, through which the gas phase 35 is guided into the environment 19.

[0065] Alternatively, in terms of the liquid phase 34, it may be specified that the liquid phase is connected by a return connection that can be detachably linked to the vehicle 1 and the charging station 2 (if already combined). Figure 3 As described above, the fluid is redirected to charging station 2, specifically to the cooling fluid reservoir of charging station 2. Figure 4 The connection is indicated by dashed arrow 45, where details of interfaces 36 and 37 are not shown for visibility reasons.

[0066] exist Figure 5 The components shown correspond to those in Figure 4 The components shown, however, differ in that the gas delivery device 18 is not part of the charging station 2, but rather is a component of the vehicle 1. Therefore, in connection with this... Figure 2 The explanation also applies to motor vehicle 1, i.e. Figure 5 The system.

[0067] exist Figure 6 The components shown correspond to those in Figure 3 The modification schemes for the components shown in the diagram differ in that, in Figure 3 In the process, a gas connection is established between vehicle 1 and charging station 2 via interfaces 21 and 22; conversely, in Figure 6In this process, gas is delivered to the cooling fluid line 42, which leads to the cooling fluid interface 11 on the charging station side, by means of the gas delivery device 18. Therefore, the gas is delivered to the cooling fluid 9 not on the vehicle side, but already on the charging station side. Except for the cooling element 15, all components required for the cooling process, such as the phase separator 33 or the delivery pump, i.e., the gas delivery device 18, are installed at the charging station 2 outside the vehicle or inside the charging station, so that all the technical equipment and functions for the preparation and delivery of cooling fluid are located outside the vehicle 1.

Claims

1. A method for charging at least one electric storage device (3) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein, Electrical energy is transferred from a charging station (2) outside the vehicle to an energy storage unit (3) via a separable electrical connection, wherein a cooling fluid (9) is guided from the charging station (2) to at least one cooling element (15) of the vehicle (1) via a separable cooling fluid connection, thereby transferring thermal energy from the energy storage unit (3) to the cooling fluid (9) via the cooling element (15) and out by means of the cooling fluid (9), characterized in that the liquid cooling fluid (9) is mixed with gas before and / or when it is delivered to the cooling element (15) to form a cooling fluid-gas mixture, wherein at least a portion of the cooling fluid (9) evaporates into the gas when the thermal energy is transferred from the energy storage unit (3) to the cooling fluid (9).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Water is used as the cooling fluid (9) and / or ambient air is used as the gas.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging station (2) includes a cooling fluid reservoir (16) and / or the charging station is connected to a cooling fluid source, wherein the cooling fluid is delivered from the cooling fluid reservoir (16) or the cooling fluid source to the cooling element (15) by means of a cooling fluid delivery device (17).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Gas is delivered to cooling fluid (9) by means of a gas delivery device (18), wherein the gas delivery device (18) is a component of the motor vehicle (1) or the charging station (2).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, As the cooling element (15), a cooling plate or heat exchanger that is in thermal contact with the accumulator (3) is used to transfer thermal energy from the cooling medium circulating in the cooling cycle (46) used to cool the accumulator (3) to the cooling fluid (9).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the heat energy is transferred, the cooling fluid-gas mixture is partially or completely discharged into the environment (19).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the heat energy is transferred, the cooling fluid gas mixture is partially or completely delivered to the phase separator (33) of the motor vehicle (1) or the charging station (2), by means of the phase separator, the liquid phase (34) of the cooling fluid gas mixture consisting of liquid cooling fluid (9) and the gas phase (35) of the cooling fluid gas mixture consisting of evaporated cooling fluid (9) and gas are separated from each other.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gaseous phase (35) is discharged into the environment, and / or the liquid phase (34) is delivered to the liquid cooling fluid (9) before the transfer of heat energy.

9. A motor vehicle, comprising: At least one electric energy storage device (3); A vehicle electrical interface (4) for establishing a separable electrical connection, by means of which electrical energy can be transferred from a charging station (2) outside the vehicle to an energy storage unit (3); and a vehicle cooling fluid interface (10) for establishing a separable cooling fluid connection, by means of which cooling fluid (9) can be guided from the charging station (2) to at least one cooling element (15) of the vehicle (1), thereby enabling heat energy to be transferred from the energy storage unit (3) to the cooling fluid (9) through the cooling element (15) and to be discharged by means of the cooling fluid (9), characterized in that the vehicle (1) configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 has - A gas delivery device (18) by means of which the liquid cooling fluid (9) is mixed with gas before and / or during delivery to the cooling element (15), and / or - A phase separator (33) can partially or completely deliver a cooling fluid gas mixture to the phase separator, and by means of the phase separator can separate the liquid phase (34) of the cooling fluid gas mixture consisting of liquid cooling fluid (9) and the gas phase (35) of the cooling fluid gas mixture consisting of evaporated cooling fluid (9) and gas.

10. The motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vehicle electrical interface (4) is a charging socket (6).

11. The motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vehicle cooling fluid interface (10) is a pipe fitting (12).

12. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, By means of a gas delivery device (18), ambient air can be drawn in as gas through the vehicle intake (30) of the vehicle (1), and then the gas can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid (9) on the vehicle side through the vehicle air guide channel (31), which leads from the vehicle intake (30) to the cooling element (15) and / or to the vehicle cooling fluid pipeline (32) leading to the cooling element (15).

13. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, In the case where the motor vehicle includes a phase separator (33), - The motor vehicle (1) has a liquid phase discharge pipe (41) that extends from a phase separator (33) to a cooling element (15) and / or to a motor vehicle cooling fluid pipe (32) leading to the cooling element (15), wherein the liquid phase can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid (9) on the motor vehicle side and before heat transfer by means of the liquid phase discharge pipe (41), and / or - The motor vehicle (1) has a return connection interface (36) by means of which a separable return connection can be formed, the return connection connecting the phase separator (33) to the charging station (2), wherein, by means of the return connection, liquid phase (34) can be supplied to liquid cooling fluid (9) on the charging station side, and / or - The motor vehicle (1) has a gas phase discharge pipe (43) that extends from the phase separator (33) to the gas phase outlet (44) of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the gas phase (35) can be discharged into the environment (19) through the gas phase discharge pipe (43).

14. A charging station for charging at least one electric storage device (3) of a motor vehicle (1), the charging station comprising: A charging station electrical interface (5) for establishing a separable electrical connection, by means of which electrical energy can be transferred from the charging station (2) outside the vehicle to the accumulator (3); and a charging station cooling fluid interface (11) for establishing a separable cooling fluid connection, by means of which cooling fluid (9) can be guided from the charging station (2) to at least one cooling element (15) of the vehicle (1), thereby enabling the transfer of thermal energy from the accumulator (3) to the cooling fluid (9) through the cooling element (15) and the extraction by means of the cooling fluid (9), characterized in that the charging station (2) configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 has - A gas delivery device (18) by means of which the liquid cooling fluid (9) can be mixed with gas before and / or during delivery to the cooling element (15), and / or - A phase separator (33) can partially or completely deliver a cooling fluid gas mixture to the phase separator, and by means of the phase separator, the liquid phase (34) of the cooling fluid gas mixture consisting of liquid cooling fluid (9) and the gas phase (35) of the cooling fluid gas mixture consisting of evaporated cooling fluid (9) and gas can be separated from each other.

15. The charging station according to claim 14, characterized in that, The charging station electrical interface (5) is a charging cable (7) with a plug (8).

16. The charging station according to claim 14, characterized in that, The charging station cooling fluid interface (11) is a hose (13) with a connecting plug (14).

17. The charging station according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the charging station includes a gas delivery device (18), characterized in that, By means of a gas delivery device (18), ambient air can be drawn in as gas through the charging station intake (20) of the charging station (2), wherein - A charging station air guide channel (27) that can deliver gas to liquid cooling fluid (9) on the charging station side by connecting the charging station intake (20) to the charging station cooling fluid pipeline (42) leading to the charging station cooling fluid interface (11), and / or - The charging station (2) has a gas connection interface (22) by means of which a separable gas connection can be established, the gas connection connecting the charging station intake (20) to the cooling element (15) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or to the motor vehicle cooling fluid pipeline (32) leading to the cooling element (15) of the motor vehicle, wherein the gas can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid (9) on the motor vehicle side by means of the gas connection.

18. The charging station according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, In the case where the charging station includes a phase separator (33), - The charging station (2) has a liquid phase discharge pipe (41) that connects from the phase separator (33) to the cooling fluid reservoir (16) and / or to the charging station cooling fluid pipe (42) leading to the charging station cooling fluid interface (11), wherein the liquid phase can be delivered to the liquid cooling fluid (9) at the charging station side and before the transfer of heat energy by means of the liquid phase discharge pipe (41), and / or - The charging station (2) has a gas phase discharge pipe (43) that extends from the phase separator (33) to the gas phase output port (44) of the charging station, wherein the gas phase (35) can be discharged into the environment (19) by means of the gas phase discharge pipe (43).

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