Thermal conditioning device for component

Abstract

A thermal conditioning device for components, the operation of which is temperature-sensitive, in particular for energy storage and may be battery cells, in particular for vehicles, the device comprising: a discharge channel; a heat transfer fluid flow branch comprising a branch channel having an intermediate section located between an upstream section and a downstream section, where the upstream and downstream sections oppositely pass through at least one component interior placement area; a component end placement region distinct from the component interior placement region, where the region is at least partially in thermal contact with the intermediate section and the discharge channel; the heat transfer fluid circulation branch is provided with a component end placement area, so that the component placed in the component end placement area can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the following components: in the middle section of the heat transfer fluid circulation branch; and in the discharge channel; the intermediate section of the channel in the fluid flow branch includes at least one heat transfer fluid spoiler element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for regulating heat for a component. The present invention relates to a module comprising such a device for regulating heat for a component.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a thermal conditioning device. Background Art

[0003] It is currently known that electric, thermal or hybrid vehicles are equipped with electrical energy storage components for supplying power to various components of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage components are usually composed of electrical energy storage cells placed in a battery pack.

[0004] Automobile manufacturers are currently seeking to provide more powerful electric or hybrid vehicles with increased electrical autonomy. To this end, more and / or larger battery packs are being installed in these electric or hybrid vehicles. It is known that the entirety of these battery packs, or at least a portion thereof, is installed in the vehicle's floor, essentially across the entire width of the vehicle.

[0005] It should be understood that when a vehicle is operating, battery packs can release significant amounts of heat and therefore experience elevated temperatures, which in some cases can damage or even destroy the battery packs. Therefore, they must be cooled to maintain optimal conditions, thereby ensuring the vehicle's reliability, range, and performance levels. Furthermore, battery packs can operate less efficiently at low temperatures, as the electrical or electronic components housing these packs require time to warm up before operating at full capacity.

[0006] For this purpose, one or more thermal regulation devices are implemented that are designed to regulate the temperature of the battery packs in order to ensure heating and / or cooling functions of the electrical or electronic components inside these battery packs, thereby optimizing the operation of the various components.

[0007] These thermal conditioning devices are typically permeated with a heat transfer fluid which can absorb the heat emitted by each battery pack to cool the pack, or supply heat if the temperature of the battery pack is insufficient for proper operation thereof, as required.

[0008] The temperature of the heat transfer fluid permeating the thermal conditioning device changes when the heat transfer fluid is in thermal contact with the component.

[0009] One result is that when the heat transfer fluid reaches the end of its path in the thermal conditioning device, it is reheated and relatively hot for cooling the last component to be thermally conditioned. Consequently, the fluid tends to cool the first component it encounters more than the remaining components further downstream because the heat transfer fluid has not had time to be heated by the component.

[0010] The resulting temperature imbalance between the first component and the last component further downstream may result in suboptimal operation of components whose operation is temperature sensitive.

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback and in particular to prevent an imbalance in the temperature of the last component compared to the remaining components further upstream. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore a device for thermal regulation of components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, wherein these components are used in particular for energy storage and may be battery cells, in particular for vehicles, said device comprising:

[0013] - discharge channel;

[0014] a heat transfer fluid flow branch comprising a branch channel having an intermediate section between an upstream section and a downstream section, wherein these upstream section and downstream section pass oppositely through at least one component interior placement area;

[0015] a component end placement area distinct from the component interior placement area, wherein the component end placement area is at least partially in thermal contact with:

[0016] A heat transfer fluid flows through the middle section of the channel in the branch; and

[0017] discharge channel;

[0018] The components placed in the component end placement area can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the following parts:

[0019] in the middle section of the heat transfer fluid flow branch; and

[0020] In the discharge channel;

[0021] An intermediate section of the channel in the fluid flow branch comprises at least one heat transfer fluid disruptor element.

[0022] The term "inner storage area" should be understood as an area that is at a distance from the discharge channel. In other words, this inner area is cooled by the branch and not by the discharge channel. In the case where the storage areas form a row, two "end storage areas" can be provided at opposite ends of the row, with the "inner storage area" being located between these two end storage areas.

[0023] Due to the fact that the fluid flow disrupter element is strategically placed on the middle section of the fluid circulation branch, the heat exchange between the component and the heat transfer fluid can be significantly increased without increasing the heat transfer fluid pressure loss, which will have the effect of limiting the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and therefore limiting the heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the component.

[0024] Therefore, this strategic placement of the heat transfer fluid disruptor elements represents the best compromise between maximizing heat exchange and minimizing heat transfer fluid flow pressure losses.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the intermediate section forms a bend in the channel, in particular a 180° bend in the channel.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the downstream section continues to another 180° bend in the channel, whereupon the channel ends in an end section comprising a spoiler element.

[0027] Bends in the channel, where due to their geometry a single pressure loss is significant, have proven to be one of the strategic locations for maximizing heat exchange. Thus, the heat transfer fluid, although already hot, can be optimally cooled by the time it reaches the discharge channel due to the presence of the heat transfer fluid spoiler element.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the bend formed by the intermediate section has a U-shape.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the upstream section and the downstream section are straight.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the channel in the flow branch has additional bends, so that the fluid flow in the flow branch reaches at least two bends.

[0031] For example, the "additional bend" is located at the end of the branch opposite the bend formed by the intermediate section.The channel thus has, for example, an overall serpentine shape.

[0032] Two regions are said to "face" each other when they overlap when viewed along an axis perpendicular to the regions.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the end placement area faces the discharge channel.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the end placement area at least partially faces the middle section.

[0035] The surface area of ​​the portion of the end placement area facing the middle section (particularly in the form of a strip) accounts for 1% to 20%, preferably 1% to 10%, of the total surface area of ​​the end placement area.

[0036] The strip is at least 2 times, or 4 times, or 5 times, or 10 times smaller than the total surface area of ​​the end placement areas.

[0037] In other words, a large portion of the end placement area faces the discharge channel.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat transfer fluid channel passing through a branch includes an end section at the junction with the collection area of ​​the discharge channel, and the end section includes at least one fluid disruptor element. The end section may also include a fluid flow restriction. The restriction allows for adjustment of the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the branch.

[0039] The restriction is preferably realized by narrowing two facing walls or by reducing the cross section by deforming two facing walls.The restriction is in particular different from a spoiler element which can be realized by narrowing a single wall by deformation.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the end section with the fluid flow spoiler element extends over at least one third or at least half of the length of the branch.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the end placement area is equally facing the middle section, the end section and the collecting area of ​​the discharge channel.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the collecting area is part of the discharge channel.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the discharge channel is smooth outside the collecting area, in other words, is free of spoiler elements.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels in the branches are smooth outside the middle and end sections, in other words, are free of spoiler elements.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the intermediate section comprises a plurality of spoiler elements, in particular dome-shaped, in particular having an elongated base.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, the middle segment comprises more spoiler elements than the upstream and downstream segments.

[0047] Another object of the present invention is a module comprising:

[0048] - a heat conditioning device according to the invention; and

[0049] - a plurality of components placed on the placement areas of the heat conditioning device, at least one of these placement areas facing at least one of:

[0050] heat transfer fluid distribution channels;

[0051] a heat transfer fluid slowing cavity;

[0052] Heat transfer fluid discharge passage.

[0053] The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, wherein these components are in particular intended for energy storage and may be battery cells, in particular for vehicles, said device comprising:

[0054] - heat transfer fluid distribution channels;

[0055] a slowing-down chamber for slowing down the heat transfer fluid passing through the distribution channel, the slowing-down chamber having a first fluid passage cross-section that is greater than both a second fluid passage cross-section of the distribution channel at its upstream junction with the slowing-down chamber and a third fluid passage cross-section of the distribution channel at its downstream junction with the slowing-down chamber;

[0056] - heat transfer fluid flow branches into which the heat transfer fluid from the distribution channel is distributed; and

[0057] at least one placement area for receiving said component, said placement area facing the heat transfer fluid slowing-down chamber, such that the component placed in said placement area can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid.

[0058] Two regions are said to "face" each other when they overlap when viewed along an axis perpendicular to the regions.

[0059] According to the present invention, the heat transfer fluid passing through the slowing chamber is slowed. Reducing the speed of the heat transfer fluid reduces the heat exchange, especially compared to the situation where the heat transfer fluid is not slowed in the absence of such a slowing chamber.

[0060] When the heat transfer fluid reaches a low temperature, this has the effect of cooling the components located in the placement area facing the slowing cavity to a lesser extent than if there were no such slowing cavity. This prevents the components from being overcooled by the heat transfer fluid from the distribution channel.

[0061] Thus, the temperature imbalance between the first component encountered by the heat transfer fluid and the remaining components further downstream is reduced. Consequently, all components can operate optimally because the temperature between the components is more uniform.

[0062] Thus, the distribution channel can be used to cool the components placed on top of it. As a result, a greater number of components can be placed on the thermal conditioning device overall. For a given size thermal conditioning device, this increases the energy storage capacity of the components and, therefore, the range of the vehicle powered by that energy.

[0063] Advantageously, the present invention allows reducing temperature imbalances without significantly increasing pressure losses.

[0064] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation branch is connected to the slowing chamber so that the heat transfer fluid having passed through the slowing chamber is distributed in the heat transfer fluid circulation branch.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a heat transfer fluid discharge passage.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow branch opens into a heat transfer fluid discharge channel.

[0067] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation branch includes at least one branch channel connected to the heat transfer fluid discharge channel.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow branch comprises at least one straight branch channel connected to the heat transfer fluid discharge channel.

[0069] According to one aspect of the present invention, the flow branch includes at least one serpentine branch channel connected to the heat transfer fluid discharge channel.

[0070] According to one aspect of the present invention, the flow branch includes at least two straight branch channels, wherein each branch channel is connected to the heat transfer fluid discharge channel.

[0071] According to one aspect of the present invention, the branch channel is connected to the heat transfer fluid discharge channel.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the thermal conditioning device comprises two plates, an upper plate and a lower plate.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the plates comprises projections, in particular produced by stamping, which may form, for example, distribution channels, slowing chambers and heat transfer fluid circulation branches, as well as heat transfer fluid discharge channels.

[0074] According to one aspect of the present invention, one of the plates faces the component. This plate is defined as an upper plate and includes at least one placement area. The other plate, whose surface is opposite to the surface of the upper plate, is defined as a lower plate.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the device includes two plates, an upper plate and a lower plate, the upper plate being the plate facing the component and including the placement area, and the lower plate being one of the plates having a face opposite to the face of the upper plate.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the placement area is located on one of the plates of the thermal conditioning device.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, each branch comprises a pallet, in particular a flat pallet, comprising a plurality of placement areas for receiving components.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the dispensing channel passes beneath the tray.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the discharge channel passes beneath the tray.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution channel is connected to the heat transfer fluid inlet.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the exhaust channel is connected to the heat transfer fluid outlet.

[0082] According to one aspect of the present invention, the distribution channel has an L-shape as a whole.

[0083] According to one aspect of the present invention, the discharge passage has an L-shape as a whole.

[0084] According to one aspect of the present invention, the distribution channel and the discharge channel are mirror-symmetrical to each other, so that the heat transfer fluid inlet and the heat transfer fluid outlet are symmetrical to each other.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution channel and the discharge channel each comprise a flat area delimited on each side by side wings.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the flat area follows the path formed by the distribution channel and the discharge channel.

[0087] According to one aspect of the present invention, the distribution channel is configured to distribute the heat transfer fluid into a plurality of heat transfer fluid flow branches.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid flow branches are parallel to each other.

[0089] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid flow branches are connected to the distribution channel with spaces therebetween.

[0090] Thus, the branches and the slowing chamber are separated by a gap.

[0091] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid flow branches are connected to the distribution channel with regular intervals between the heat transfer fluid flow branches.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the regular spacing is substantially equal to the width of the flow branch.

[0093] In an alternative embodiment, the heat transfer fluid flow branches are connected to the distribution channel with irregular spacing between the heat transfer fluid flow branches.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow branches have substantially the same width as one another.

[0095] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least some of the heat transfer fluid flow branches most upstream in the flow direction in the distribution channel are each connected to the distribution channel via a slowing cavity. Other heat transfer fluid flow branches are not connected to the distribution channel via a slowing cavity.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, all heat transfer fluid flow branches each have a slowing cavity.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow branches are connected to one another by at least one crosspiece, in particular a crosspiece in the form of a straight strip.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow branches comprise at least a pair of branches connected to one another by at least one crosspiece, in particular in the form of a straight strip.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the two branches are connected to each other by a crosspiece only on the inner side of a pair of branches.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the crosspiece is arranged perpendicular to each flow branch.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the width of the crosspiece is substantially equal to the width of the flow branch.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, an opening is formed between two consecutive crosspieces.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening has a substantially rectangular perimeter.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the slowing chamber has a junction with the flow branch, which junction is different from the upstream junction and the downstream junction.

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, the slowing-down chamber has a size that decreases from one flow branch to the other flow branch in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in the distribution channel.

[0106] Thus, the volume of the cavity decreases from one branch to another in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in the distribution channel.The size of the slowing-down cavity can be adjusted depending on the heat flow to be reduced.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the slowing down cavity has a periphery that is in particular substantially rectangular in shape when the slowing down cavity is observed along an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by a placement area facing said cavity.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the rectangular perimeter of each slowing cavity becomes smaller from cavity to cavity.

[0109] According to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the slowing chamber is at its maximum at its junction with the distribution channel. According to another aspect of the present invention, the width of the slowing chamber can also be greater than the width of the distribution channel and branch channels, allowing heat to be collected from several battery cells under appropriate circumstances. Overall, the present invention allows significant adjustment of height and width to expand the thermal interface and reach more battery cells, thereby requiring greater fluid slowing.

[0110] According to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the deceleration chamber at the junction with the branch channel is lower than the height at the junction with the distribution channel.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the slowing-down chamber becomes different heights due to the presence of the flanks of the distribution channel.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, the height in the slowing chamber is reduced, in particular in one or more levels, between the junction of the distribution channel and the slowing chamber and the junction of the branch channel and the slowing chamber.

[0113] According to one aspect of the invention, the levels include:

[0114] - a first level having a height, said first level being defined between the junction of said distribution channel and said slowing chamber; and

[0115] - a second level having a height, said second level being defined between the junction of said branch channel and said slowing chamber.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the slowing-down cavity is defined along an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by a placement area facing said cavity.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, the slowing chamber is locally formed by a recess in one of the plates forming the device, in particular the lower plate, so that at this recess the height of the slowing chamber measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the placement area facing the slowing chamber is reduced compared to the height of a first level defined between the junction of the distribution channel and the slowing chamber.

[0118] According to one aspect of the invention, the slowing down chamber has a size arranged to face at least two placement areas, preferably at least three placement areas.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, the slowing cavities have perimeters that exhibit different shapes relative to each other.

[0120] According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises at least two placement areas forming a row of placement areas.

[0121] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device comprises a plurality of rows of placement areas parallel to each other, each row having a plurality of placement areas.

[0122] According to one aspect of the invention, the rows of placement areas are arranged vertically along an axis defined relative to the maximum length of the dispensing channel.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a row of placement areas along the dispensing channel.

[0124] According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a row of placement areas along the discharge channel.

[0125] The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, wherein these components are in particular intended for energy storage and may be battery cells, in particular for vehicles, said device comprising:

[0126] - heat transfer fluid discharge channels;

[0127] at least two heat-transfer fluid circulation branches, each of which opens into a collecting area of ​​a discharge channel so that the heat-transfer fluid that has circulated in the branches is discharged through the heat-transfer fluid discharge channel, wherein these collecting areas are distributed along the discharge channel; and

[0128] at least two placement areas, each placement area being arranged to receive the component, each placement area being in thermal contact with the heat transfer fluid discharge channel, so that the component placed in the placement area can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid discharge channel;

[0129] The collection areas each have a cross-section that increases or remains constant when moving from one collection area to the next collection area in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid; and

[0130] For at least two consecutive collecting areas, the downstream collecting area has a larger cross-section than the upstream collecting area.

[0131] In the present invention, since the cross-section of the collection area increases by increasing the height, a constant exchange coefficient can be maintained throughout the flow as the outlet approaches. To this end, the pressure loss increases locally. In this case, the pressure gradient increases along the discharge channel.

[0132] It should be noted that the main factor contributing to the pressure difference is the average velocity of the fluid, which is proportional to the flow rate. In this case, the cross-section must increase at the same ratio to maintain equal velocities.

[0133] Varying the flow-through cross-sections of the collecting areas allows the velocity of the fluid passing through them to be adjusted. This allows the cooling capacity to be adjusted on a per-collection basis, thus allowing it to be balanced. As a result, the temperature of the exposed battery cells remains relatively uniform.

[0134] According to one aspect of the present invention, each placement area faces the heat transfer fluid discharge channel so that the components placed in the placement area can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid.

[0135] According to one aspect of the invention, the placement area is substantially flat.

[0136] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the cross-sections of the collecting areas increases or remains constant when moving from one collecting area to the next in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid; and

[0137] For at least two consecutive collecting areas, the height of the downstream collecting area is greater than the height of the upstream collecting area, wherein the height is a dimension measured along an axis perpendicular to the placement plane.

[0138] According to one aspect of the invention, at least two consecutive collecting areas are spaced apart from each other by a section of the discharge channel having a predetermined length.

[0139] According to one aspect of the invention, the section of the discharge channel does not have any spoiler elements.

[0140] According to one aspect of the present invention, the height between each collection area increases by a predetermined factor. Notably, after each connection of a flow branch, the cross-section of the collection area increases by 40% to 60% of the cross-section of the channel from the flow branch. For example, if the cross-section of the collection area is 100 mm² before a 20 mm² flow branch channel is connected to it, the cross-section of the collection area after connection will be 100 + 50% × 20 = 110 mm². This is just one possible example.

[0141] It is also contemplated that, for example, following the flow direction, each time a channel adds its flow rate to the collecting area, the subsequent passage section is increased by a predetermined value, for example by a height of 1 mm.

[0142] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid is glycol water.

[0143] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the collecting areas comprises at least one spoiler element.

[0144] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the collecting areas is free of any spoiler elements.

[0145] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the collecting areas comprises a set of spoiler elements comprising at least two spoiler elements.

[0146] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least two collecting areas each comprise a set of spoiler elements comprising at least two spoiler elements.

[0147] According to one aspect of the invention, the dimensions of the spoiler elements of a group of spoiler elements are selected such that the disturbance of the heat transfer fluid caused by these spoiler elements decreases in intensity from one group of spoiler elements to another in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid.

[0148] According to one aspect of the invention, the shapes of the spoiler elements of a group of spoiler elements are selected such that the disturbance of the heat transfer fluid caused by these spoiler elements decreases in intensity from one group of spoiler elements to another in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid.

[0149] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of spoiler elements in a spoiler element group is selected such that the disturbance of the heat transfer fluid caused by these spoiler elements decreases in intensity from one group of spoiler elements to another in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid.

[0150] According to one aspect of the invention, the size, shape and / or number of spoiler elements in a group of spoiler elements are selected so that the disturbance of the heat transfer fluid caused by these spoiler elements decreases in intensity from one group of spoiler elements to another group of spoiler elements in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid.

[0151] According to one aspect of the invention, the spoiler elements of a set of spoiler elements have the same shape as one another.

[0152] According to one aspect of the invention, the spoiler elements of a set of spoiler elements have shapes that differ from one another.

[0153] According to one aspect of the invention, the spoiler elements of a set of spoiler elements have the same dimensions as one another.

[0154] According to one aspect of the invention, the spoiler elements of a set of spoiler elements have dimensions that differ from one another.

[0155] According to one aspect of the invention, the spoiler element is dome-shaped, in particular with an elongated base or a circular base.The spoiler element may exhibit any other shape, such as a prism or a pyramid.

[0156] These spoiler elements can be arranged in different ways depending on the turbulence to be generated.

[0157] For example, the spoiler elements are arranged in alignment, or alternately on either side of a line.

[0158] According to one aspect of the invention, at least some of the spoiler elements may be arranged in a V-shaped pattern.

[0159] The aggressiveness of a spoiler element, or the pattern formed by these spoiler elements, can be described as its ability to locally create conditions that trigger turbulence in the flow. For example, a V-shaped pattern causes the flow to concentrate before a restriction in that cross-section, while a dome-shaped spoiler element only affects that cross-section. Finally, a smooth channel is intended to minimize turbulence and, therefore, minimize aggressiveness. Thus, a V-shaped pattern can be described as more aggressive than an elongated dome-shaped spoiler element, which itself is more aggressive than a dome-shaped spoiler element, which itself is more aggressive than a smooth channel. Preferably, the spoiler element, or the pattern formed by these spoiler elements, has different properties, particularly reducing aggressiveness as it approaches the exit. For example, a dome-shaped spoiler element is placed closer to the exit than a V-shaped one.

[0160] According to one aspect of the present invention, the set of spoiler elements includes at least one pair of spoiler elements formed by a first spoiler element and a second spoiler element, the first and second spoiler elements extending between a first base and a first ridge and between a second base and a second ridge, respectively, wherein the first ridge extends along a first straight line, the second ridge extends along a second straight line, the first straight line intersecting the second ridge, and a third straight line parallel to the overall flow direction of the heat transfer fluid, the third straight line passing through the center of the first base intersecting the second base.

[0161] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second spoiler elements are dome-shaped, particularly each spoiler element has an elongated base. These spoiler elements advantageously form a bend with two closely spaced changes of direction, and the spacing between these two spoiler elements in the pair is less than the spacing between two such pairs. The closer these spoiler elements in the same pair are together, the more obvious the bend effect will be, so the pair is more aggressive. Usually, the aggressiveness of this spoiler element pair is not as strong as the herringbone pattern, but stronger than independent circle or elongated dome pattern.

[0162] According to one aspect of the present invention, the intersection between the first straight line and the third straight line forms an angle A, and the angle A ranges between 20° and 60°, in particular between 30° and 50°.

[0163] According to one aspect of the present invention, the intersection between the second straight line and the third straight line forms an angle B, and the angle B ranges between 45° and 85°, in particular, between 55° and 75°.

[0164] According to one aspect of the invention, angles A and B are selected so as to form a two-part V-shape.

[0165] The sharper the V, the greater the convergence effect and therefore the more aggressive it is in terms of triggering turbulence. The sharper the V, the less close together two consecutive patterns can be placed, which results in the angle at the point of the V being advantageously between 55° and 75°.

[0166] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the spoiler element ranges between 10% and 50% of the height of the discharge channel, preferably between 20% and 40% of the height of the discharge channel.

[0167] The features, variants and various embodiments of the present invention may be combined with one another in various combinations, provided that they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, if a selection of features described separately from other features described is sufficient to provide a technical advantage and / or distinguish the present invention from the prior art, it is conceivable that the variant of the present invention includes only the selected set of features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0168] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0169] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective bottom view of a module comprising a thermal conditioning device according to the invention;

[0170] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective top view of a heat regulating device according to the present invention;

[0171] Figure 3 is a schematic partial top view of a heat regulating device according to the present invention;

[0172] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the module along the AA axis;

[0173] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the module along the BB axis;

[0174] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the module along the CC axis;

[0175] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the module along the DD axis;

[0176] Figure 8is a schematic fragmentary top view of the device in the vicinity of a collection area remote from a heat transfer fluid outlet of the device;

[0177] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the module in the vicinity of a collection area remote from a heat transfer fluid outlet of the device; and

[0178] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the module near the collection area near the heat transfer fluid outlet of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0179] definition

[0180] The z-axis is defined as the axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the placement area. The x-axis and y-axis are perpendicular to the z-axis such that they form an xyz trihedron.

[0181] The x-axis is, for example, the main extension axis of the distribution channel or the discharge channel. It should be noted that when the distribution channel or the discharge channel has an L-shape as a whole, the x-axis is parallel to the longest straight portion of the distribution channel or the discharge channel.

[0182] An example of a dimension measured along the x-axis is the width of the slowing cavities.The slowing cavities may have the same width as each other.

[0183] This definition of width applies analogously along the same x-axis to the other elements forming the device, ie for the width of the crosspieces, the width of the flow branches.

[0184] The y-axis is, for example, an axis parallel to a branch which extends perpendicularly to the main axis of extension.

[0185] An example of a dimension measured along the y-axis is the length of the slowing cavity. The slowing cavities may have different lengths from one another.

[0186] The term "upstream" refers to the side of a device that allows a heat transfer fluid to enter the device, or refers to the location of the heat transfer fluid before reaching a "downstream" location. For example, the term "upstream" will be used to refer to the relative location of the heat transfer fluid closer to a heat transfer fluid inlet or heat transfer fluid distribution channel.

[0187] The term "downstream" refers to the location of the heat transfer fluid after reaching an "upstream" location.

[0188] The term "collection area height" is understood to mean the maximum height measured within the same collection area. This height is measured between the smooth, facing walls of the collection area along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the placement area for receiving the components. This height is measured, in particular, at a point in the collection area where no spoiler elements are present.

[0189] In the present invention, regions are said to "face" each other when two regions overlap when viewed along an axis perpendicular to the regions.

[0190] Figure 1 A module 2 is shown comprising a thermal regulation device 4 for components 6 whose operation is temperature-sensitive, wherein these components 6 are in particular intended for energy storage and may be battery cells 6 , in particular for a vehicle.

[0191] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device 4 includes:

[0192] a heat transfer fluid distribution channel 8 connected to a heat transfer fluid inlet 9;

[0193] four heat transfer fluid slowing chambers 10, 12, 14, 16 through which the distribution channel 8 passes;

[0194] eight heat transfer fluid flow branches 100 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , which have substantially the same width as one another and are parallel to one another, through which the heat transfer fluid from the distribution channel 8 is distributed;

[0195] Eight rows 18, each row comprising a plurality of placement areas 200 for receiving components 6, are arranged along the y-axis and are parallel to one another, these placement areas 200 facing the heat transfer fluid slowing-down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16, so that the components 6 placed in these placement areas 200 can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid.

[0196] Each branch 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 comprises a flat tray 21 comprising a plurality of placement areas 200 for receiving components 6. Eight rows of placement areas 18 are formed on these flat trays 21.

[0197] The device 4 further comprises a heat transfer fluid discharge channel 30. The discharge channel 30 is connected to a heat transfer fluid outlet 32.

[0198] The distribution channel 8 and the discharge channel 32 pass beneath the tray 21 .

[0199] The placement area 200 includes an inner placement area and end placement areas 202 and 204 .

[0200] like Figure 1As specifically shown in FIG, an “inner placement area” 202 is understood to mean an area at a distance from the discharge channel 30, in other words, this inner area 202 is cooled by the branches 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and not by the discharge channel 30. In the case where the placement areas 202, 204 form a row, two “end placement areas” 204 ​​may be provided at two opposite ends of the row, with the “inner placement area 202” being located between the two end placement areas 204.

[0201] The distribution channel 8 and the discharge channel 30 each have an L-shape as a whole, and are mirror-symmetrical to each other, so that the heat transfer fluid inlet 9 and the heat transfer fluid outlet 32 ​​are symmetrical to each other.

[0202] The end placement areas 204 are located on the longest straight portion of the distribution channel 8 and the longest straight portion of the discharge channel 30, respectively.

[0203] The heat transfer fluid circulation branches 100, 102, 104, 106 most upstream in the flow direction in the distribution channel 8 are connected to the slowing down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16 so that the heat transfer fluid having passed through the slowing down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16 is distributed in the heat transfer fluid circulation branches 100, 102, 104, 106 leading to the heat transfer fluid discharge channel 30. The other heat transfer fluid circulation branches 108, 110, 112, 114 are not connected to the distribution channel 8 through the circulation chambers.

[0204] like Figures 4 to 6 As particularly shown in the figure, the slowing-down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16 have a first fluid passing section S1, which is larger than the second passing section S2 of the distribution channel 8 at the upstream junction 22 with the slowing-down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16, and is larger than the third passing section S3 of the distribution channel 8 at the downstream junction 24 with the slowing-down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16.

[0205] By means of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid is slowed down through the slowing chamber 10, 12, 14, 16. Reducing the speed of the heat transfer fluid reduces the heat exchange, especially compared to the situation where the heat transfer fluid would not be slowed down in the absence of such slowing chamber 10, 12, 14, 16.

[0206] This has the effect that, when the heat transfer fluid reaches a low temperature, the components 6 located in the placement area 200 facing the slowing-down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16 are cooled to a lesser extent than if there were no such slowing-down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16. This prevents the components 6 from being overcooled by the heat transfer fluid coming from the distribution channel 8.

[0207] Thus, the temperature imbalance between the first component 6 encountered by the heat transfer fluid and the remaining components 6 further downstream is reduced. Consequently, all components 6 can operate optimally because the temperature between the components 6 is more uniform.

[0208] Thus, the distribution channel 8 can be used to cool the components 6 placed on top of it. As a result, a greater number of components 6 can be placed on the thermal conditioning device 4 overall. For a given size of thermal conditioning device 4, this increases the energy storage capacity of the components 6 and therefore increases the range of the vehicle powered by this energy.

[0209] Advantageously, the invention allows reducing temperature imbalances while promoting a reduction in pressure losses compared to channels without a slowing cavity.

[0210] Furthermore, in battery pack applications, there are often significant constraints on the total available height (or available vertical space), which can limit channel height. One aspect of the present invention allows for an increase in the distribution channel's cross-section without increasing the height. This improves fluid velocity and heat transfer from the battery cells, as the greater the cross-section of the distribution channel, the greater the number of battery cells that can be contacted.

[0211] The heat transfer fluid circulation branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 are connected to the distribution channel 40, and there are regular intervals between the heat transfer fluid circulation branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, wherein the regular intervals are substantially equal to the width of the circulation branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 measured along the x-axis.

[0212] Thus, the branches 100, 102, 104, 106 and the slowing cavities 10, 12, 14, 16 are spaced apart at regular intervals.

[0213] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As particularly shown in FIG. 1 , each heat transfer fluid flow branch 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 includes a serpentine branch channel 40. The branch channel 40 has a through section S4 connected to the heat transfer fluid discharge channel 40.

[0214] Each of the slowing-down chambers 10, 12, 14, 16 has a junction 25 with the flow branches 100, 102, 104, 106, which is different from the upstream junction 22 and the downstream junction 24. The junction 25 is connected to the branch channel 40 via a passage portion S4.

[0215] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the thermal conditioning device 4 comprises two plates 50 , 52 , namely an upper plate 50 and a lower plate 52 .

[0216] The plates 50 , 52 include protrusions, in particular produced by stamping, which may form, for example, the distribution channels 8 , the slowing chambers 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 and the heat transfer fluid flow branches 100 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , as well as the heat transfer fluid discharge channel 30 .

[0217] The upper plate 50 faces the component 6 and includes a plurality of placement areas 200. The lower plate 52 is defined as a plate whose face is opposite to the face of the upper plate 50.

[0218] The two plates 50 , 52 may be welded or stamped in order to form the thermal conditioning device 4 .

[0219] The eight heat transfer fluid circulation branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 include four pairs of branches connected to each other by four crosspieces 60 in the form of straight strips, and the width of the crosspiece 60 is substantially equal to the width of each circulation branch 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and the crosspieces 60 are arranged perpendicular to each circulation branch 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114. These eight branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 are connected to each other by the crosspieces 60 only on the inner side of each pair of branches.

[0220] An opening 70 having a generally rectangular perimeter is formed between two consecutive crosspieces 60 .

[0221] like Figure 3 As shown, the size of the slowing-down chambers 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 decreases from one flow branch 100 , 102 , 104 , 106 to another flow branch in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in the distribution channel 8 .

[0222] Thus, the volume of the cavities 10, 12, 14, 16 decreases from one branch 100, 102, 104, 106 to another in the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in the distribution channel 8. The dimensions of the slowing cavities 10, 12, 14, 16 can be adjusted according to the heat flow to be reduced.

[0223] Further references Figure 3 and Figure 6 It can be seen that the size of the first slowing down chamber 100 is arranged to face the three placement areas 200 .

[0224] The second slowing down chamber 102 has a size configured to face two to three placement areas 200 .

[0225] The third slowing down chamber 104 has a size arranged to face the two placement areas 200 .

[0226] The fourth slowing down chamber 106 has a size arranged to face one and a half (1.5) placement areas 200 .

[0227] As in Figure 4 As can be seen in particular in FIG, the distribution channel 9 and the discharge channel 30 each comprise a flat area 80 delimited on each side by a flank 82 .

[0228] The flat area 80 follows the path formed by the distribution channel 9 and the discharge channel 30 .

[0229] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the slowing cavities 10, 12, 14, 16 have a substantially rectangular perimeter when the slowing cavities are viewed along the z-axis.

[0230] Throughout the remainder of the description, the first slowing cavity 10 is taken as an example. However, the features of the first slowing cavity 10 are also valid for the other slowing cavities 12, 14, 16.

[0231] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the height hd of the slowing chamber 10 is greatest at its junctions 22, 24 with the distribution channel 8. The height hb in the slowing chamber at the junction with the branch channel 40 is lower than the height hd at the junction with the distribution channel 8.

[0232] Due to the presence of the flanks 82 of the distribution channel 8 , the height hd of the slowing-down chamber becomes the height hint1 .

[0233] Between the junction of the distribution channel 8 and the slowing chamber 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 and the junction of the branch channel 40 and the slowing chamber 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 , the height in the slowing chamber 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 decreases, in particular to two levels 84 , 86 .

[0234] A first level 84 having a height hint1 is defined between the junctions of the distribution channel 8 and the slowing cavities 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 , and a second level 86 having a height hint2 is defined between the junctions of the branch channel 40 and the slowing cavities 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 .

[0235] The slowing down cavities 10, 12, 14, 16 are locally formed by recesses 90 in one of the plates forming the device 4, in particular the lower plate 52, so that at these recesses 90 the height hc of the slowing down cavities 10, 12, 14, 16 measured along the z-axis is reduced compared to the height hint of the first level 84 defined between the junction of the distribution channel 8 and the slowing down cavities 10, 12, 14, 16.

[0236] Heights hd, hb, hc, hint1, and hint2 are defined along the z-axis.

[0237] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the heat regulating device 4 includes:

[0238] Each of the seven heat transfer fluid flow branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 includes a branch channel 40 having a middle section 120 located between an upstream section 130 and a downstream section 140, the upstream section 130 and the downstream section 140 being straight, wherein these upstream sections 130 and downstream sections 140 pass oppositely through at least one component interior placement area 202;

[0239] A component end placement area 204 that is distinct from the component interior placement area 202 , the component end placement area 204 being at least partially in thermal contact with:

[0240] The heat transfer fluid flows through the middle section 120 of the channels 40 in the branches 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112; and

[0241] Discharge channel 30;

[0242] The component 6 placed in the component end placement area 204 can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid flowing as follows:

[0243] heat transfer fluid circulating in the intermediate section 120 of the heat transfer fluid circulation branches 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112; and

[0244] a heat transfer fluid circulating in the exhaust passage 30; and

[0245] The intermediate section 120 of the channels in the fluid flow branches 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 comprises a heat transfer fluid disruptor element 150 in the shape of a dome with an elongated base.

[0246] The end placement area 204 faces the discharge passage 30 and at least partially faces the middle section 120 .

[0247] Due to the fact that the fluid flow disrupter element 150 is strategically placed on the middle section 120 of the fluid circulation branches 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, it is possible to significantly increase the heat exchange between the component 6 and the heat transfer fluid without increasing the heat transfer fluid pressure loss, which will have the effect of limiting the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and therefore limiting the heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the component 6.

[0248] Thus, this strategic placement of the heat transfer fluid baffle elements 150 represents an optimal compromise between maximizing heat exchange and minimizing heat transfer fluid flow pressure losses.

[0249] The middle section 120 forms a 180° bend in the channel and has a U-shape.

[0250] The downstream section 140 continues to another 180° bend in the channel before the channel 40 terminates in an end section 160 that includes a spoiler element 152 .

[0251] In some embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, the downstream section 140 does not include a spoiler element and extends until a bend in the channel, whereupon the channel 40 ends with an end section 160 that includes the spoiler element 152 .

[0252] It should be understood that the end section is separated from the downstream section by at least one bend. It is in particular in direct fluid communication with the discharge channel. In other words, the end section is the section connected to the discharge channel.

[0253] The downstream section is therefore defined by a bend on each side thereof.

[0254] In some embodiments, the upstream and downstream segments are straight segments in direct contact with the middle segment. It will be appreciated that the device may comprise additional segments further away from the middle segment, in particular end segments located downstream of the downstream segment.

[0255] The bend in the channel 40 is a location where the pressure loss is significant due to its geometry and has been shown to be one of the strategic locations for maximizing heat exchange. Thus, the heat transfer fluid, although already hot, can be optimally cooled by the time it reaches the discharge channel 30 due to the presence of the heat transfer fluid spoiler element 150.

[0256] Channel 40 has an additional bend 170 at the ends of branches 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 opposite the bend formed by intermediate section 120 , so that the fluid flow through branches 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 reaches both bends.

[0257] The surface area of ​​the portion of the end placement area 204 in the form of a strip 206 facing the middle section is 1% to 20%, preferably 1% to 10%, of the total surface area of ​​the end placement area 204. This strip 206 is at least 10 times smaller than the total surface area of ​​the end placement area.

[0258] In other words, most of the end placement area 204 faces the discharge channel 30 .

[0259] The end section 160 is connected to a collecting area of ​​the discharge channel 180 , which is part of the discharge channel 30 , and includes the fluid flow disruptor element 154 .

[0260] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the end section 160 with the fluid flow disruptor element 154 extends over at least half of the length of the branch 1 .

[0261] The end placement area 204 faces the middle section 120 , the end section 160 , and the collection area 180 of the discharge channel 30 .

[0262] The discharge channel 30 is smooth outside the collecting region 160 , in other words, is free of spoiler elements 154 .

[0263] The channels 40 in the branches 100 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 are smooth outside the middle section 120 and the end section 160 , in other words, are free of spoiler elements 152 .

[0264] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the device 4 includes:

[0265] six heat-transfer fluid circulation branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, each of which opens into a collecting area 180 of the discharge channel 30, so that the heat-transfer fluid that has circulated in the branches 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 is discharged through the heat-transfer fluid discharge channel 30, these collecting areas 180 being distributed along the discharge channel 30; and

[0266] a plurality of placement areas 200, each placement area 200 being arranged to receive a component 6, each placement area 200 being in thermal contact with the heat transfer fluid discharge channel 30, so that the component 6 placed in the placement area 200 can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid discharge channel 30, the placement areas 200 being substantially flat;

[0267] The collecting regions 180 each have a cross-section St that increases or remains constant when transitioning from one collecting region 180 to the next in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid; and

[0268] For at least two consecutive collecting areas 180 , the downstream collecting area has a larger cross section St than the cross section of the upstream collecting area.

[0269] like Figure 9 and 10 As shown, cross-sections Sc of collection region 180 corresponding to branches 112 and 102, respectively, have heights hu and hd, respectively.

[0270] When moving in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid from the upstream collection area 180 of branch 112 to the downstream collection area 180 of branch 102 , the height of the collection area 180 increases.

[0271] In other words, the height hd of the downstream collecting area 180 of the branch 102 is greater than the height hu of the upstream collecting area 180 , where the heights hd and hu are dimensions measured along the z-axis.

[0272] like Figure 8 As shown, the width of the collecting area 180 measured along the x-axis is substantially equal to the dimension of the branch measured along the same x-axis. Two consecutive collecting areas 180 are separated from each other by a segment of a discharge channel 182 having a predetermined length. Each segment of the discharge channel 182 does not have any spoiler element 154.

[0273] The height between each collecting area 180 increases by a predetermined factor. For example, following the flow direction, each time a channel increases its flow rate in a collecting area, the subsequent passage section increases by a predetermined value, for example, 1 mm in height.

[0274] The collection area 180 includes four to six spoiler elements 154 .

[0275] The spoiler elements 154 are dome-shaped, have an elongated base or have a circular base. The spoiler elements 154 may have any other shape, such as a prism or a pyramid.

[0276] These spoiler elements 154 can be arranged in different ways depending on the turbulence to be generated.

[0277] For example, the spoiler elements 154 are arranged in alignment, or alternately on either side of the line.

[0278] As in Figures 9 and 10 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the height of the spoiler element 154 measured along the z-axis is in the range between 10% and 50% of the height of the exhaust channel.

[0279] refer to Figure 2 , the collecting area 180 receiving the heat transfer fluid from the first slowing down chamber 10 has no spoiler elements.

Claims

1. A device for thermal regulation of components, the operation of which is temperature-sensitive, wherein these components are particularly used for energy storage and may be battery cells, in particular for vehicles, the device comprising: discharge channel; a heat transfer fluid flow branch including a branch channel having an intermediate section between an upstream section and a downstream section, wherein the upstream section and the downstream section pass through at least one component interior placement area relative to each other; a component end placement area distinct from the component interior placement area, wherein the component end placement area is at least partially in thermal contact with: The heat transfer fluid flows through the middle section of the channel in the branch; and the discharge channel; The components placed in the component end placement area can exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the following parts: in a middle section of the heat transfer fluid flow branch; and in said discharge passage; An intermediate section of the channel in the fluid flow branch comprises at least one heat transfer fluid disruptor element.

2. Heat conditioning device according to the preceding claim, wherein The intermediate section forms a bend in the channel, in particular a 180° bend in the channel.

3. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The downstream section continues to another 180° bend in the channel, whereupon the channel terminates in an end section comprising a spoiler element.

4. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bend formed by the intermediate section is U-shaped.

5. The heat conditioning device according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 4, wherein: The upstream section and the downstream section are straight.

6. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The channel in the flow branch has additional bends, so that the fluid flow in the flow branch reaches at least two bends.

7. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The end placement area faces the discharge channel.

8. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The end placement area at least partially faces the middle section.

9. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The end section with the flow disrupter element extends over at least one third or at least half of the length of the branch.

10. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The end placement area likewise faces the middle section, the end section and the collecting area of ​​the discharge channel.

11. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The discharge channel is smooth outside the collecting area, in other words, has no spoiler elements.

12. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The discharge channel is smooth outside the middle section and the end sections, in other words, is free of spoiler elements.

13. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The intermediate section comprises a plurality of spoiler elements, which are in particular dome-shaped, in particular having an elongated base.

14. A heat conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The middle section includes more spoiler elements than the upstream section and the downstream section.

15. A module comprising: A thermal conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims; and A plurality of components placed on placement areas of the heat regulating device, at least one of the placement areas facing at least one of: heat transfer fluid distribution channels; a heat transfer fluid slowing cavity; Heat transfer fluid discharge passage.

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