Charging station for charging an electric vehicle with a dehumidifier unit

Abstract

Charging station (4) for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the charging station (4) has a dehumidifier (1), wherein the dehumidifier (1) has an electrothermal converter element (10), wherein the dehumidifier (1) has a collection container (11) which is arranged below the electrothermal converter element (10) for collecting condensate forming on it, wherein the collection container (11) of the dehumidifier (1) has a drain (12) through which the condensate can be discharged from the collection container (11) out of the dehumidifier (1), wherein the drain (12) of the dehumidifier (1) is fluidically coupled to an outlet (41) of the charging station (4), which is designed to discharge the condensate from the charging station (4) and is arranged in a base area of ​​the charging station (4).or wherein the drain (12) of the dehumidifier (1) is arranged above a fan of the charging station (4) or is conveyed by means of a fluid connection (42) to an area above the fan of the charging station, so that during operation of the charging station (4) the condensate flowing through the drain (12) is deposited onto the fan of the charging station, characterized in that the dehumidifier (1) has a carrier plate (15) on which a housing (14) with a retaining frame arranged in the housing (14) is arranged, the electrothermal converter element (10) of the dehumidifier (1) is inserted into the retaining frame, the dehumidifier (1) has a fan (20) attached to the housing (14) which is arranged such that during operation of the dehumidifier (1) an airflow generated by the fan (20) of the dehumidifier (1) is directed away from the carrier plate (15),three-dimensionally structured surface of the electrothermal converter element (10), the fan (20) of the dehumidifier device (1) has an air supply connection (21) to which a hose can be connected, which is designed to draw air from a predetermined area of ​​the charging station.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier device and a charging station comprising such device, in particular a charging station for charging electric vehicles.

[0002] The various charging stations used worldwide must withstand harsh climatic conditions. High humidity and extreme temperatures can occur in different regions of the world. Even during installation, the components of the charging station can be negatively affected by the prevailing climatic conditions.

[0003] The new ISO standard 61851-1:2017 defines the parameters for a so-called "damp heat functional test" for conductive charging systems for electric vehicles, which certified charging systems must pass. It specifies that charging stations must be operated under high temperature cycles (25°C to 40°C) and high humidity (95%) for extended periods of several days. These temperature fluctuations and high humidity lead to condensation within the charging stations, particularly on the cooling plates of the power electronics in liquid-cooled systems. This moisture causes components to corrode more quickly and leads to condensation accumulating in the base, which can be detected as a leak. Furthermore, the moisture contributes to a reduction in insulation, potentially causing the insulation values ​​to fall below the standard requirements.This situation is particularly problematic because it can render charging stations or charging points unusable / unready for operation, and can also lead to short circuits which can destroy the electrical components.

[0004] The power electronics of modern charging stations are actively cooled. The cooling system can be located in the same place as the power electronics, for example, within the charging station itself, or it can be a separate, central cooling unit responsible for cooling multiple charging stations. With steadily increasing charging currents, the charging cable is also often cooled. However, these cooled components become susceptible to condensation when ambient temperatures rise and humidity increases. Alternatively, some charging systems forgo liquid cooling and rely on air cooling.

[0005] For example, a dehumidifier for a control cabinet is known from publication WO 2016 / 198088 A1, in which a Peltier element is used. Potential icing (icing problem) is prevented by reversing the polarity of the Peltier element's power supply, which occurs when icing conditions are detected for the heat sink. This causes the cold side of the Peltier element to heat up while the hot side cools down.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2018 103 706 A1 discloses a charging system with an integrated refrigerant storage tank. Fans are arranged in the upper part of the charging station to circulate air in the area of ​​the condenser, where the gaseous, superheated refrigerant is cooled. A liquid-to-air heat exchanger for the power electronics is also provided in the upper part of the charging station. This heat exchanger extracts heat from the air heated by the electronics inside the housing and transfers it to the refrigerant.

[0007] Publication EP 3 257 701 A2 discloses a charging station for an electric car with a “docking station” for storing the charging plug when not in use, in which a Peltier element is arranged for cooling the plug.

[0008] Furthermore, a charging station with a Peltier element for liquid cooling is known from publication DE 10 2015 112 347 A1.

[0009] In light of the prior art, the object of the present invention can be seen as providing a charging station whose components do not have problems with condensation. In particular, condensation should not cause insulation measurements to yield impermissible values, thereby rendering the charging station inoperable.

[0010] The problem is solved by means of a dehumidifier device, in particular for use in a charging station, and a charging station comprising the corresponding dehumidifier device, according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] Within the scope of this description, the term "charging station" can refer both to a charging column containing the power electronics and to a separate unit that includes the power electronics and is electrically coupled to at least one charging column. In the latter case, the charging column can provide a simple charging point and, for example, be electrically coupled to a "charge box" containing the power electronics, which then handles the energy conversion and supply for the at least one charging column.

[0012] According to the invention, a dehumidifier is provided, comprising an electrothermal transducer element and a collection container arranged below the electrothermal transducer element for collecting the condensate (condensed water) that forms on it. The collection container has a drain through which the condensate can be discharged from the dehumidifier. The electrothermal transducer element can, in particular, be a Peltier element, which, when in operation (i.e., when a voltage is applied), has a cold side and a hot side. The current flowing through the Peltier element causes one side of the element to cool down (cold side) while the other side heats up (hot side). A Peltier element has the advantage of requiring little current and voltage, and therefore little energy.Furthermore, it has no moving parts, meaning it operates without mechanical wear and tear, cannot suffer mechanical damage, and produces no noise. This allows for highly efficient dehumidification of the air.

[0013] During operation of the dehumidifier, condensation forms on the cold side of the Peltier element, which is typically colder than the surrounding air. This dehumidifies the air in the vicinity of the Peltier element. The condensate that forms on the surface of the cold side runs down it and collects in the collection container. This container can be located, for example, below the cold side of the Peltier element. The collected condensate can then be drained from the dehumidifier.

[0014] According to further embodiments of the dehumidifier device, it can also have a carrier plate on which a mounting frame is arranged, with the electrothermal transducer element being inserted into the mounting frame. Electrical contacts can be arranged in the mounting frame, which supply the electrothermal transducer element with current when it is inserted. The electrical contacts on the mounting frame can, in turn, be electrically connected to terminal contacts that are arranged separately on the carrier plate. Preferably, a high-voltage insulating layer, for example a high-voltage insulating film, can be arranged between the mounting frame and the carrier plate, so that the mounting frame and the electrothermal transducer element inserted therein are electrically insulated from the carrier plate.This feature is particularly useful when the carrier plate is attached to another element in the charging station with its back side (the side of the carrier plate opposite the mounting frame), for example, to a cooling plate of the power electronics. Furthermore, openings may be provided in the carrier plate so that it can be attached to another element within a charging station, for example, by means of (at least) one screw connection.

[0015] According to further embodiments of the dehumidifier device, the surface of the electrothermal transducer element facing away from the support plate (and thus accessible to condensation) can have a three-dimensionally structured surface. This three-dimensionally structured surface can, for example, have a conical, pyramidal, rod-like, or generally ribbed structure. The three-dimensionally structured surface serves to increase the surface area, thus providing a larger area for condensation to occur. The three-dimensionally structured surface of the electrothermal transducer element can be the surface of the cold side of the electrothermal transducer element or the surface of a condensation body thermally coupled to the cold side of the electrothermal transducer element.

[0016] According to further embodiments, the dehumidifier can also include a fan arranged such that, during operation, an outgoing airflow generated by the fan blows onto the surface of the electrothermal transducer element facing away from the mounting plate (cold side). This can also mean that the airflow generated by the fan blows onto a condenser mounted on the cold side. For example, the generated airflow can blow onto the surface of the electrothermal transducer element facing away from the mounting plate on the three-dimensionally structured surface in such a way that icing is prevented, reduced, or eliminated. By blowing air onto the cold side of the electrothermal transducer element or the condenser mounted on it, an increase in dehumidification efficiency can be achieved.The fan can be attached to the mounting plate, for example, by means of screw connections to the electrothermal converter element. The fan can also help prevent icing on the cold side. Particularly at high fan speeds and with a warm interior in the charging station, the airflow from the fan can warm the cold side, thus preventing or removing icing.

[0017] According to further embodiments of the dehumidifier device, it can have a thermal pad which is arranged in the area of ​​the electrothermal transducer element on a surface of the carrier plate facing away from it (i.e., on its back side). The thermal pad can be used for improved thermal contact between the dehumidifier device and another element within the charging station, for example, between the carrier plate and a cooling plate of the power electronics.

[0018] According to the invention, a charging station for charging an electric vehicle is provided, wherein the charging station includes the dehumidifier described herein. The drain of the dehumidifier is fluidically coupled, for example by means of a hose or pipe, to an outlet which serves to drain the condensate from the charging station and is preferably located in a base area of ​​the charging station. The base area of ​​the charging station can refer to a ground-level area of ​​the charging station, in particular the contact surface of the charging station on the ground. Preferably, the drained condensate can be released into the surrounding soil, so that the user of the charging station is not bothered by puddles. Furthermore, gravity can be used to direct the resulting condensate from the collection container to the drain.In general, however, the primary objective of the charging station according to the invention can be to drain the condensate produced in the dehumidifier device out of the charging station.

[0019] To ensure optimal dehumidification of the charging station's interior, the components inside should ideally be insulated from the environment, creating a microclimate within the station. This allows more moisture to be released to the outside than enters from the environment, thus effectively dehumidifying the interior.

[0020] By installing a dehumidifier in the charging station, the interior of the station can be dehumidified, thus preventing corrosion as much as possible. Furthermore, this also helps prevent short circuits in the various components within the charging station.

[0021] According to further embodiments of the charging station, the drain of the dehumidifier can be located above a fan of the charging station or conveyed to an area above the fan via a fluid connection (e.g., hose or pipe), so that during operation of the charging station, the condensate flowing through the drain is discharged (dripped) onto the fan. In this embodiment, the water extracted from the air can be carried outwards by the fan's airflow. An advantage of this is that the airflow is typically very warm (approx. 60°C) and consequently the water evaporates quickly. In such an embodiment, a pump can optionally be used if the corresponding fan is located above the dehumidifier.

[0022] According to further embodiments of the charging station, the dehumidifier can be located in an upper area of ​​the charging station. An upper area of ​​the charging station can refer to the upper third or the upper quarter of the interior of the charging station. Such an embodiment may be preferred if water-polluting substances, such as glycol, are used inside the charging station, in order to maximize the distance between the dehumidifier and lines through which these substances flow. Generally, when using water-polluting substances, the dehumidifier can be arranged or shielded in such a way that, in the event of leaks in the water / glycol lines, no glycol enters the dehumidifier and is thus released into the environment. Additionally, a separator can be used to prevent water-polluting substances from escaping to the outside with the drained condensate.

[0023] According to further embodiments of the charging station, the fan of the dehumidifier unit can have an air supply port to which a hose can be attached. By attaching a hose to the air supply port, air can be drawn, for example, from areas where high humidity is expected, thus enabling more effective and reliable dehumidification of the charging station's interior. This also allows for targeted airflow within the charging station.

[0024] According to further embodiments of the charging station, the thermal pad attached to the carrier plate can be in contact with a cooling plate of a power electronics module within the charging station. In other words, the hot side of the electrothermal converter element can be thermally coupled to an existing cooling plate in the charging station via the carrier plate and the attached thermal pad, in order to dissipate the heat from the hot side. This allows for a greater heat flow, which improves cooling performance because the temperature difference between the cold and hot sides is larger and can also be established more quickly.

[0025] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary dehumidifier system. Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the dehumidifier device. Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the dehumidifier device with a fan. Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a charging station in which the dehumidifier device is arranged.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example dehumidifier setup. 1 shown. This features an electrothermal converter element. 10 , preferably a Peltier element, and a collection container 11 on, which is located below the electrothermal converter element 10 It is designed to collect any condensate that forms on it. The collection container 11exhibits a process 12 up, through which the contents of the collection container 11 condensate collected from the dehumidifier unit 1 can be drained out. The collection container 11 It can, in particular, be designed and arranged in such a way that the element located on the cold side of the converter element 10 The condensate that forms can be collected in it. On the cold side, this can directly refer to the operating temperature of the dehumidifier. 1 cooled surface of the electrothermal transducer element 10 or it could also be a condensing body attached to the cold side and thus thermally coupled.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows a specific component-based embodiment of the dehumidifier device. 1 The dehumidifier unit 1 is on a carrier plate 15 built on which, among other things, a housing 14and other components are arranged in the housing 14 A mounting frame is arranged for contacting the electrical contacts of the electrothermal converter element located in or on the mounting frame. In the case of the Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment of the dehumidifier device 1 There is a condensation body on the cold side of the electrothermal converter element. 13 arranged, which passes through the rear openings of the housing 14 This can be seen. Here, the condensation body exhibits 13 A three-dimensional surface structure in the form of a rod- or cone-shaped structure serves to increase its surface area. Beneath the condensation body 13 It is located in the lower part of the casing. 14 (or as a separate component under the housing) 14 ) the collection container 11 to collect the condensation that forms on the cold surface of the condensation body 13forming condensate. The condensate can eventually be drained away. 12 from the dehumidifier unit 1 be drained away. The carrier plate 15 can be done by means of a first screw 16 (although of course more first screws 16 (can be used) to attach to another component, such as a cooling plate of the power electronics or an inner wall within a charging station. The housing 14 is attached to the mounting plate by means of screws 15 fastened. There are also two screws. 17 shown, which are for the optional attachment of a fan (see Fig. 3) on the casing 14 serve. Furthermore, a connector is included. 18 provided which has corresponding contacts in the mounting frame in the housing 14 It is electrically coupled and thus serves to supply energy to the electrothermal converter element. The illustrated internal contact 19This corresponds to a contact of another plug connection for the electrical contact of the fan.

[0029] In Fig. 3 is the one in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment of the dehumidifier device 1 shown here is an additional fan. 20 to the case 14 attached, in the example shown using the second screw 17 The fan 20 Furthermore, an optional cover is available. 22 upstream (i.e., located in the air intake area of ​​the fan), in which an air supply connection 21 is provided for. To the air supply connection. 21 A hose can be connected to draw air from at least one predetermined area of ​​the charging station. The hose is connected to the air supply port. 21 The connected hose may have multiple air supply openings.

[0030] In Fig. 4 is an example of a charging station 4illustrates in which the dehumidifier device 1 is arranged. The process 12 the dehumidifier unit 1 is by means of a hose or a pipe 42 fluidic with one output 41 the charging station 4 connected. The exit 41 It is preferably located in the base area of ​​the charging station 4 This allows the collected condensate to be drained into the surrounding soil, preventing puddles from forming around the charging station. 4 to form around it. In addition, the condensate is removed from the collection container. 11 gravitational towards the exit 41 transported, so that no energy is required for this process.

[0031] Alternatively to the one in Fig. In the disposal option shown in section 4, the condensate can be disposed of via a [unclear] in the charging station. 4The liquid should be dispensed or dripped onto the designated fan. The fan should preferably be one whose airflow is directed outwards, i.e., expelled from the charging station. This can be achieved, for example, by either the drain 12 the dehumidifier unit 1 be positioned above such a fan, particularly if the dehumidifier unit is located above the fan. Alternatively, particularly if the dehumidifier unit 1 Located below the fan, the condensate can drain away. 12 by means of the pipeline 42 The condensate is conveyed to an area above the fan to collect on the fan. A pump can be used to pump the condensate up to this area. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2016 / 198088 A1

[0005] DE 102018103706 A1

[0006] EP 3257701 A2

[0007] DE 102015112347 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Dehumidifier device (1), comprising: an electrothermal transducer element (10); a collection container (11) which is arranged below the electrothermal converter element (10) for collecting condensate that forms on it, wherein the collection container (11) has a drain (12) through which the condensate can be discharged from the collection container (11) out of the dehumidifier device (1). [2] Dehumidifier device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: a carrier plate (15) on which a holding frame is arranged, wherein the electrothermal converter element (10) is inserted into the holding frame. [3] Dehumidifier device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the surface of the electrothermal transducer element (10) which faces away from the carrier plate (15) has a three-dimensionally structured surface. [4] Dehumidifier device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a fan (20) which is arranged such that, during operation of the dehumidifier device (1), an airflow generated by it blows on the surface of the electrothermal converter element (10) facing away from the support plate (15). [5] Dehumidifier device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, insofar as referring back to claim 2, further comprising: a thermal pad which is arranged in the area of ​​the electrothermal transducer element (10) on a surface of the carrier plate (15) facing away from it. [6] Charging station (4) for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the charging station (4) comprises a dehumidifier device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; wherein the outlet (12) of the dehumidifier device (1) is fluidically coupled to an outlet (41) which is designed to discharge the condensate from the charging station (4) and is preferably arranged in a base area of ​​the charging station (4). [7] Charging station (4) for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the charging station (4) comprises a dehumidifier device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; wherein the drain (12) of the dehumidifier device (1) is arranged above a fan of the charging station (4) or is conveyed by means of a fluid connection (42) to an area above a fan of the charging station, so that during operation of the charging station (4) the condensate flowing through the drain (12) is deposited on the fan. [8] Charging station (4) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the dehumidifier device (1) is arranged in an upper area of ​​the charging station (4). [9] Charging station (4) according to one of claims 6 to 8, comprising the dehumidifier device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the fan of the dehumidifier device (1) has an air supply connection (21) to which a hose can be connected. [10] Charging station (4) according to one of claims 6 to 9, comprising the dehumidifier device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the carrier plate (15) with the thermal pad rests against a cooling plate of a power electronics module of the charging station (4).

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