Vehicle with a cooling system

Abstract

A vehicle (10) has high-voltage components (31, 32, 33) and a cooling system (20), which cooling system (20) has a coolant pump (22) and a coolant circuit (21), which coolant circuit (21) has an electrically non-conductive coolant (28) and is configured to cool the high-voltage components (31, 32, 33), and which coolant circuit (21) has first valves (41, 42, 43, 44), which first valves (41, 42, 43, 44) are configured to divide the coolant circuit (21) in the closed state into at least two sections (51, 52, 53, 54), wherein the sections (51, 52, 53, 54) have at least a partial first connection (313), which first connection (313) is configured to allow the electrically non-conductive coolant to drain. (28) to enable in the relevant section (51, 52, 53, 54).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a cooling system, a device and a method.

[0002] US patent 2018 / 112766A1 shows a device for automatically changing the transmission oil in an electric vehicle.

[0003] DE 11 2011 103 349 B4 shows a coolant drain system for a hybrid electric motor.

[0004] US Patent 6 896 014 B1 discloses a device for removing transmission fluid from a transmission fluid reservoir of an internal combustion engine using compressed air.

[0005] DE 603 ​​14 801 T2 shows a device for draining fluid and replenishing fluid in a fluid circuit of a vehicle.

[0006] TRZESNIOWSKI, Michael: Cooling. In: Drive. 2nd updated edition. Wiesbaden; Springer, 2019. Title page + imprint + table of contents pp. 210-212. - ISBN 978-3-658-26697-4 shows the cooling of windings with a non-conductive liquid.

[0007] US 2003 / 0089418A1 shows a device for a service involving a fluid change for vehicles with a fluid circuit.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is to minimize coolant loss during work on a vehicle.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0010] A vehicle has high-voltage components and a cooling system, which cooling system has a coolant pump and a coolant circuit, which coolant circuit has an electrically non-conductive coolant and is configured to cool the high-voltage components, and which coolant circuit has first valves, which first valves are configured to divide the coolant circuit into at least two sections when closed, wherein the sections have at least a partial first connection, which first connection is configured to allow the electrically non-conductive coolant to drain from the corresponding section.

[0011] Dividing the cooling circuit into several sections allows for partial draining and work on a high-voltage component while other sections remain filled with coolant. This saves coolant and eliminates the need to refill and bleed the other sections.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the electrically non-conductive coolant comprises a dielectric coolant. Dielectric coolants have proven to be particularly advantageous with regard to both their electrical properties and heat transfer.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the sections at least partially have a first port and a second port, the second port being positioned higher than the first. This allows for draining via the first port and filling via the second port. Furthermore, compressed air can be supplied via the second port during draining, and a vacuum can be created via the first port during or before filling.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the high-voltage components comprise at least one first high-voltage component from the high-voltage component group consisting of: - High-voltage battery, - Electric machine, - Winding arrangement of an electric machine, - Power electronics, in particular AC / DC converters, DC / DC converters or DC / AC converters, and - Power rails.

[0015] These are high-voltage components that can operate more efficiently with cooling or, at low temperatures, with heating.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the volume of the electrically non-conductive coolant is at least 10 l, preferably at least 20 l, more preferably at least 30 l, and particularly preferably at least 40 l. With these quantities, a particularly large amount of coolant can be saved if the coolant circuit is subdivided.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the first valves are designed as electrically controlled valves. This allows the valves to be controlled via an input device, for example, in the vehicle. Space is often limited in vehicles, and manual operation of the valves may be very difficult. Furthermore, the ability to control the valves allows for a more compact vehicle design.

[0018] A method for draining and refilling an electrically non-conductive coolant in a coolant circuit of a vehicle by means of a device, which coolant circuit has first valves, which method comprises the following steps: A) The coolant circuit is divided into at least two sections by closing at least two of the first valves, each section comprising at least two sections, a first section and a second section; B) Electrically non-conductive coolant is at least partially removed from the first section and stored in a container of the device, and electrically non-conductive coolant from the second section is not removed; C) Electrically non-conductive coolant is poured into the first section; and D) The first valves are opened.

[0019] The subdivision and partial draining reduce the consumption of non-electric coolant.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, in step C) the electrically non-conductive coolant is at least partially transferred from the device's container into the first section. The coolant can thus be reused.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the electrically non-conductive coolant removed from the first section is filtered within the device. This allows the coolant to be reused even under stricter purity requirements.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, in step B), the first section is pressurized with compressed air to remove the electrically non-conductive coolant from the device. This accelerates and improves the emptying of the first section.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the device measures the pressure in the first section. This pressure allows for an assessment of the tightness of the first section.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the device creates a vacuum in the first section before or during step C). Filling the first section under vacuum can be carried out with improved process reliability.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the first section is repaired or replaced between step B) and step C). This is advantageously possible when the first section is at least partially emptied.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the coolant circuit is used to cool or heat high-voltage components of the vehicle. This can increase the efficiency of the high-voltage components.

[0027] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings, which are in no way to be understood as limiting the invention, as well as from the dependent claims. It shows: Fig. 1 In schematic representation a vehicle with high-voltage components and with a coolant circuit, Fig. 2 in schematic representation a high-voltage component of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a device for draining and filling an electrically non-conductive coolant, and Fig. 4. A schematic representation of a method for draining and refilling an electrically non-conductive coolant.

[0028] In the following, identical or similarly functioning parts are designated with the same reference symbols and are usually described only once. The description builds upon itself across figures to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10, which exemplarily comprises three high-voltage components 31, 32, 33 and a cooling system 20. The cooling system 20 has a coolant pump 22, a heat exchanger 24, and a coolant circuit 21. A coolant 28, schematically indicated, is provided in the coolant circuit 21.

[0030] The coolant 28 is designed as an electrically non-conductive coolant 28 and is configured to cool the high-voltage components 31, 32, 33. The coolant 28 is a fluid. Liquid coolants are most commonly used, but they can also be entirely or temporarily gaseous.

[0031] Electrically non-conductive coolant 28 is advantageous because it allows direct cooling of high-voltage components. For example, the electrically non-conductive coolant 28 can be used to directly cool the winding assembly of an electric motor. No further insulation measures are required.

[0032] The electrically non-conductive coolant 28 is preferably a dielectric coolant. Examples of electrically non-conductive coolants are coolants based on monoethylene glycol or on a mixture of methyl nonafluoro-n-butyl ether with methyl nonafluoro-isobutyl ether, which is offered as coolant under the designation R-7100, or on a hydrofluoroether basis, which is offered as coolant under the designation HFE-7100.

[0033] These electrically non-conductive coolants are more expensive than, for example, an electrically conductive water-glycol mixture, and their disposal also requires more effort. Electrically non-conductive coolants 28 are comparatively expensive. Furthermore, they are usually oils, and the unnecessary removal of such oils is also not advantageous from an environmental perspective. Depending on the application, there may be a regulation stipulating that coolant 28 removed from the coolant circuit 21 must not be refilled into the coolant circuit 21. This could, for example, lead to damage to sensitive high-voltage components 31, 32, 33 due to contamination.

[0034] The coolant circuit 21 has valves 41, 42, 43, 44. The valves 41, 42, 43, 44 are configured to divide the coolant circuit 21 into at least two sections 51, 52, 53, 54 when closed and no flow is possible. In the exemplary embodiment, the coolant circuit 21 can be divided into four sections 51, 52, 53, 54 by the valves 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0035] If, on the other hand, the valves 41, 42, 43, 44 are in the open state, i.e., if they allow the coolant 28 to pass through, cooling can take place via the coolant circuit 21.

[0036] The high-voltage component 31 is, for example, an electric motor or a winding arrangement of an electric motor. The high-voltage component 32 is, for example, a high-voltage battery 32. The high-voltage component 33 is, for example, power electronics and / or a busbar for direct current or alternating current. The power electronics can be, for example, an AC / DC converter, a DC / DC converter, or a DC / AC converter.

[0037] Dividing the coolant circuit 21 into sections 51, 52, 53, 54 makes it possible to drain only one of the sections 51, 52, 53, 54 during maintenance or repair, while the coolant 28 can remain in the remaining sections.

[0038] Particularly in the case of a coolant circuit 21 with a large volume, the possibility of dividing it into different sections 51, 52, 53, 54 has proven advantageous. This solution is advantageously used in vehicles where the volume of the electrically non-conductive coolant 28 in the coolant circuit 21 is at least ten liters, preferably at least twenty liters, more preferably at least thirty liters, and most preferably at least forty liters.

[0039] Preferably, the valves 41, 42, 43, 44 are designed, at least partially, as electrically controllable valves. This allows the valves 41, 42, 43, 44 to be controlled via a control device 27. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the engine compartment is cramped and access to the valves 41, 42, 43, 44 is difficult.

[0040] Electrically controlled valves, for example, move an adjusting screw via an electric motor, or an electromagnet is provided which can open or close the valve 41, 42, 43, 44 by applying a current.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows, by way of example, the high-voltage component 31 with the valves 41 and 42. The high-voltage component 31 contains, for example, a winding arrangement 315 of an electric motor, and the winding arrangement 315 is directly cooled by the coolant 28. In the exemplary embodiment, the high-voltage component 31, or section 51, has a valve 311 and a connection 313 via the valve 311. This connection 313 is configured to allow the electrically non-conductive coolant 28 to drain from the corresponding section 51. A connection 314 is preferably also provided, which is connected to the high-voltage component 31, or section 51, via a valve 312. The connection 314 is preferably located higher than the connection 313.This advantageously allows the coolant 28 to be drained from the high-voltage component 31 via connection 313 and the coolant 28 to be refilled in the high-voltage component 31 via the higher-lying connection 314. When draining the coolant 28, the valves 41, 42, when closed, ensure that no coolant 28 from adjacent sections 52 or 54 also flows out via connection 313.

[0042] Once the coolant 28 has been drained from section 51, the high-voltage component 31 can, for example, be repaired or replaced.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows a device 60, which is preferably designed as a service device and, in particular, as a mobile service device. Preferably, the device 60 has rollers 61 to enable movement of the device 60 in a workshop.

[0044] The device 60 has a container 62 and a container 75. A container connection 64 is connected to container 62 via a line 66 and a valve 68. Container 62 is connected to a connection 73 via a valve 70 and a line 72, and connection 73 is connected, for example, via a hose or a line 77 to a connection 74. Container 75 is connected to connection 73, and thus also to connection 74, via a valve 76.

[0045] The device 60 has a pressure generation device 81, which is connected via a line 82 to a port 83. The port 83 is connected via a line 84 and a pressure measuring device 85 to a line 86, and the line 86 is connected to a port 87, which can be referred to as the pressure port.

[0046] The device 60 has a vacuum generating device 91, which is connected via a line 92 to a port 93, and the port 93 is connected via a line 94 to a pressure measuring device 95. The pressure measuring device 95 is connected via a line 96 to a port 97, which port 97 can be referred to as the vacuum port.

[0047] The device 60 is designed to receive an electrically non-conductive coolant 28, supplied via the at least one container connection 64, in the container 62. The device 60 is further designed to discharge an electrically non-conductive coolant 28 from the container 62 via the at least one container connection 74. Additional coolant 28 can also be supplied to the connection 74 via the container 75.

[0048] The pressure measuring device 85 is designed to measure an overpressure generated at connection 87 via the overpressure generation device 81. This allows, for example, a test to determine whether the corresponding section 51, 52, 53, 54 is leak-proof or whether a leak is present.

[0049] The pressure measuring device 95 is designed to measure a vacuum generated at the vacuum port 97 via the vacuum generating device 91. A vacuum is advantageous, for example, when one of the sections 51, 52, 53, 54 is to be filled with the electrically non-conductive coolant 28. By generating a vacuum in the corresponding section 51, 52, 53, 54, the section 51, 52, 53, 54 can be filled thoroughly, since the electrically non-conductive coolant, due to the vacuum, also penetrates into smaller channels of the high-voltage component 31, 32, 33.

[0050] The filter device 68 is designed to filter the electrically non-conductive coolant 28, which is supplied via the connection 64. This allows, if necessary, the reuse of the coolant 28 provided in the container 62.

[0051] Providing these functions in the device 60 advantageously makes it possible to drain coolant in a workshop and refill it at a later time. This reduces the amount of electrically non-conductive coolant 28 consumed.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a process with process steps A, B, C, D, which are preferably carried out one after the other.

[0053] The method is used in particular for draining and refilling the electrically non-conductive coolant 28 in the coolant circuit 21 of Fig. 1. In the method, the device 60 is preferably used. Fig. 3 used.

[0054] In step A, the coolant circuit 21 is divided into at least two sections 51, 52, 53, 54 by closing at least two of the first valves 41, 42, 43, 44. These sections comprise at least two sections 51, 52, 53, 54, a first section 51 and a second section 52, 53, 54. The first section can, for example, also consist of sections 51 and 52 if maintenance or repair work is to be carried out on both sections.

[0055] Subsequently, in step B, electrically non-conductive coolant 28 is at least partially removed from the first section 51 and stored in the container 62 of the device 60. In contrast, the electrically non-conductive coolant 28 is not removed from the second section 52, 53, 54, but remains there.

[0056] In step C, electrically non-conductive coolant 28 is poured into the first section 51 so that this first section 51 is again filled with coolant 28.

[0057] In step D, the first valves 41, 42, 43, 44 are reopened, provided they were closed in step A.

[0058] Between steps B and C, for example, the first section 51 can be repaired or replaced.

[0059] This method has the overall advantage that the coolant circuit 21 does not need to be completely drained to repair or replace one of the high-voltage components 31, 32, 33. Storing the drained coolant 28 in the container 62 of the device 60 allows, if necessary, the reuse of the coolant 28 and the refilling of the first section 51 with the coolant 28 previously extracted from the first section 51. Additional coolant 28 may need to be added from the container 75 to properly fill the first section 51.

[0060] Preferably in step C, the electrically non-conductive coolant 28 is at least partially filled from the container 62 of the device 60 into the first section 51.

[0061] Preferably, the electrically non-conductive coolant 28 removed from the first section 51 is filtered in the device 60. This allows even high purity requirements for the non-conductive coolant 28 in the high-voltage component 31, 32, 33 to be met.

[0062] Preferably, in step B, the first section 51 is pressurized with compressed air from the device 60 to remove the electrically non-conductive coolant 28. The compressed air is supplied, for example, at connection 314 of Fig. 2 of the high-voltage component 31 is supplied, and the compressed air also removes the coolant 28 from smaller channels, allowing it to flow into the device 60 via connection 313. Furthermore, the overpressure can create a height difference between connection 313 and Fig. 2 and connection 64 from Fig. 3 must be overcome.

[0063] The pressure in the first section 51 is preferably measured. For this purpose, it can be checked, for example, whether the pressure is increased when compressed air is supplied to connection 314. Fig. 2. whether an overpressure arises in the high-voltage component 31 in the coolant channels 28, or whether a leak is present that leads to a drop in pressure. The measurement is preferably carried out by the pressure measuring device 85. Fig. 3.

[0064] Preferably, the device 60 generates a negative pressure in the first section 51 before or during step C. For example, if in Fig.When a vacuum is created at connection 313, any existing channels or containers in the high-voltage component 31 are subjected to this vacuum, and any coolant 28 filled via connection 314 is distributed within the designated area of ​​the high-voltage component 31. This particularly reduces the risk of air bubbles in smaller channels. Such air bubbles can prevent coolant 28 from flowing through the corresponding channel, which can lead to thermal damage.

[0065] Preferably, the coolant circuit 21 is used for cooling or heating (cooling of the coolant) the high-voltage components 31, 32, 33 of the vehicle 10.

[0066] Naturally, various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (10) which has high-voltage components (31, 32, 33) and a cooling system (20), which cooling system (20) has a coolant pump (22) and a coolant circuit (21), which coolant circuit (21) has an electrically non-conductive coolant (28) and is designed to cool the high-voltage components (31, 32, 33), and which coolant circuit (21) has first valves (41, 42, 43, 44), which first valves (41, 42, 43, 44) are configured to divide the coolant circuit (21) in the closed state into at least two sections (51, 52, 53, 54), wherein the sections (51, 52, 53, 54) have at least partially a first connection (313), which first connection (313) is configured to allow the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) to be drained in the corresponding section (51, 52, 53, 54). [2] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) comprises a dielectric coolant. [3] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sections (51, 52, 53, 54) at least partially have the first connection (313) and a second connection (314), the second connection (314) being arranged higher than the first connection (313). [4] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the high-voltage components (31, 32, 33) comprise at least one first high-voltage component (31, 32, 33) from the high-voltage component group consisting of: - High-voltage battery (32), - Electric machine (31), - Winding arrangement of an electric machine (31), - Power electronics (33), and - Power rails. [5] Vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein the high-voltage components (31, 32, 33) comprise power electronics, wherein the power electronics (33) is configured as an AC / DC converter, as a DC / DC converter or as a DC / AC converter. [6] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) is at least 10 l. [7] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) is at least 20 l. [8] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) is at least 30 l. [9] Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first valves (41, 42, 43, 44) are designed as electrically controllable valves. [10] Method for draining and filling an electrically non-conductive coolant (28) in a coolant circuit (21) of a vehicle (10) by means of a device (60) which coolant circuit (21) has first valves (41, 42, 43, 44) which method comprises the following steps: A) The coolant circuit (21) is divided into at least two sections (51, 52, 53, 54) by closing at least two of the first valves (41, 42, 43, 44), which comprise at least two sections (51, 52, 53, 54) a first section (51) and a second section (52, 53, 54); B) Electrically non-conductive coolant (28) is at least partially removed from the first section (51) and stored in a container (62) of the device (60), and electrically non-conductive coolant (28) from the second section is not removed; C) Electrically non-conductive coolant (28) is poured into the first section (51); and D) the first valves (41, 42, 43, 44) are opened. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein in step C) the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) is at least partially filled from the container (62) of the device (60) into the first section (51). [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) removed from the first section (51) is filtered in the device (60). [13] Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first section (51) in step B) is supplied with compressed air to remove the electrically non-conductive coolant (28) from the device (60). [14] Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the device (60) measures the pressure in the first section (51). [15] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the device (60) generates a vacuum in the first section (51) before or during step C). [16] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the first section (51) is repaired or replaced between step B) and step C). [17] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the coolant circuit (21) is provided for cooling or heating high-voltage components (31, 32, 33) of the vehicle (10).

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