Cooling system

Abstract

Cooling system (1) for cooling a heat-generating component (K), comprising - at least one cooling channel (11) which is located adjacent to the heat-generating component (K) and which is thermally coupled to the heat-generating component (K) via a thermal bridge, - at least one supply line (12) formed by a line connecting a pressure side of a coolant pump (13) to a coolant inlet of the cooling channel (11), - at least one return line (14) formed by a line connecting a coolant outlet of the cooling channel (11) to a suction side of the coolant pump (13), - at least one cooler (16) which is connected between the flow (12) or the return (14), wherein the coolant pump (13), the supply line (12), the cooling channel (11), the return line (14) and the radiator (16) are arranged in a closed coolant circuit which contains a coolant and the coolant pump (13) pumps coolant through the cooling circuit so that it circulates through the coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the waste heat generating component (K) in the cooling channel (11) and releases heat to the environment in the radiator (16), wherein the cooling system (1) comprises a coolant retention mechanism which, in the event of loss of coolant from the coolant circuit, retains at least a portion of the coolant in the coolant circuit, wherein the retained coolant remains at least in the cooling channel (11), wherein the coolant retention mechanism is formed by at least one sub-section of the supply (12) and one sub-section of the return (14), wherein these sub-sections are arranged higher in the vertical direction than the cooling channel (11) and in the event of a loss of coolant from the coolant circuit at least a part of the retained coolant remains in the cooling channel (11) between the vertically higher sub-sections of the supply (12) and the return (14) due to gravity, wherein the cooling channel (11) and the vertically arranged sections of the supply (12) and return (14) are arranged in a housing (17) which also contains the waste heat generating component (K).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling system for cooling a heat-generating component, comprising at least one cooling channel located adjacent to the heat-generating component, at least one supply line formed by a line connecting a pressure side of a coolant pump to a coolant inlet of the cooling channel, and at least one return line. The cooling system further comprises at least one radiator connected between the supply line and the return line, wherein the coolant pump, the supply line, the cooling channel, the return line, and the radiator are arranged in a closed coolant circuit. The cooling system includes a coolant retention mechanism which, in the event of coolant loss from the cooling circuit, retains at least a portion of the coolant within the cooling circuit. The invention further relates to an electronic unit with a cooling system and to a vehicle with an electronic unit.

[0002] Many types of electronics generate a significant amount of waste heat during operation, which must be dissipated to prevent damage from overheating. Passive cooling, such as with heat sinks or air cooling alone, is usually insufficient to ensure consistently stable operation of the electronics when dealing with substantial amounts of waste heat. Cooling systems that utilize a liquid coolant, which absorbs heat from the electronics and transfers it to the environment via a radiator, are capable of reliably dissipating larger quantities of heat from the electronics. This requires a coolant circuit that transports the coolant from the electronics to a remotely located radiator and then back to the electronics.Damage to the cooling system can lead to coolant loss and disrupt or even completely prevent heat dissipation. Electronics in moving vehicles are particularly vulnerable to damage and coolant loss. If such a cooling system fails and the electronics continue to operate, overheating will occur rapidly, potentially damaging or destroying them.

[0003] US 2015 / 0192368A1 describes a cooling device comprising a coolant circuit in which the coolant is present partly in liquid form and partly in vaporized form. Sensors are arranged in the coolant circuit to detect the state of the coolant. Furthermore, a control system is provided that evaluates the signals from these sensors and regulates the flow of coolant in the circuit through valves.

[0004] US patent 2021 / 0086589A1 describes a cooling system for vehicle electronics that has multiple coolant circuits using liquid coolant. These coolant circuits can be activated in different ways depending on the vehicle's current thermal state and combined with each other via valves.

[0005] DE 10 2017 117 844 A1 describes a cooling device for vehicles with a coolant circuit using liquid coolant. The cooling device also includes a control unit for detecting anomalies in the coolant circuit, which has two operating modes to improve the detection accuracy of whether an anomaly is present or not.

[0006] US 2019 / 0098796A1 describes a liquid-cooled server. In this server, a central processing unit and storage modules are surrounded by a liquid, inert coolant that absorbs waste heat.

[0007] Cooling water is pumped through this inactive coolant, absorbing heat from it. The cooling water is then pumped outside the server's enclosure and cooled there. Once cooled, it is returned to the server's enclosure and circulated to its components within the inactive coolant. A server cooling unit comprises a cooling channel, a supply line, a return line, and a coolant pump.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2016 218 679 A1 describes an electronic assembly with a cooling device. In this assembly, an electronic component is arranged in a cavity containing a liquid coolant. The liquid coolant is circulated through the electronic assembly and absorbs heat in the cavity, which is then dissipated to the environment via a heat exchanger. The electronic assembly includes a cooling channel, a supply line, a return line, and a coolant pump for the liquid coolant.

[0009] DE 10 2018 102 187 A1 describes a fluid management system for sensors in autonomous vehicles. The fluid management system is designed to supply coolant to at least one component in the roof area of ​​an autonomous vehicle in order to dissipate heat from this component. A collection basin is also provided to collect any leaked coolant. A leakage sensor detects any coolant leakage. Upon detection of a coolant leak, the component to be cooled is brought to a safe state. The fluid management system comprises a cooling channel, a supply line, a return line, a coolant pump, and a coolant retention mechanism.

[0010] The object of the invention is to propose solutions that can improve the operational reliability of a heat-generating component of an electronics system in the event of coolant loss from a cooling circuit.

[0011] This problem of the invention is solved by a cooling system for cooling a heat-generating component, comprising - at least one cooling channel, which is located adjacent to the waste heat generating component and which is thermally coupled to the waste heat generating component via a thermal bridge, - at least one feed line, which is formed by a line connecting a pressure side of a coolant pump to a coolant inlet of the cooling channel, - at least one return line, which is formed by a line connecting a coolant outlet of the cooling channel to a suction side of the coolant pump, - at least one cooler which is connected between the flow or return line, wherein the coolant pump, the supply line, the cooling channel, the return line and the radiator are arranged in a closed coolant circuit which contains a coolant and the coolant pump pumps coolant through the cooling circuit so that it circulates through the coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the waste heat generating component in the cooling channel and releases heat to the environment in the radiator, wherein the cooling system includes a coolant retention mechanism which, in the event of loss of coolant from the coolant circuit, retains at least a portion of the coolant in the coolant circuit, with the retained coolant remaining at least in the cooling channel.

[0012] The cooling system according to the invention is designed for cooling a component that generates waste heat. Preferably, this heat-generating component belongs to an electronics system or an electric drive located in a vehicle. However, the cooling system can also be used outside of a vehicle or for cooling a component not belonging to an electronics system, such as an internal combustion engine.

[0013] The cooling system comprises at least one cooling channel, which is thermally coupled to the heat-generating component. A thermal bridge transfers heat from the component to the cooling channel and the coolant contained therein. A thermal bridge is defined as a highly thermally conductive area through which a significant amount of heat can be transferred to the cooling channel. The cooling channel is preferably long and is arranged, preferably in a loop, adjacent to the heat-generating component. It is also possible to provide multiple cooling channels connected in parallel or in series. The cooling system further comprises a supply line, which is formed by a pipe connecting coolant from the pressure side of a coolant pump to the coolant inlet of the cooling channel.In the cooling system, coolant at a lower temperature is conveyed via the supply line to the cooling channel, where it absorbs heat. This results in a higher temperature at the return outlet than in the supply line. A return line, also formed by a pipe, is provided to transport coolant from the cooling channel outlet back to the suction side of the coolant pump. To dissipate heat to the environment, the cooling system includes at least one radiator, which is connected to either the supply or return line. This means that the coolant in the supply or return line passes through the radiator. A first section of the supply or return line is connected to a coolant inlet of the radiator, and a second section is connected to a coolant outlet of the radiator.The coolant transported in the supply or return line thus flows through the radiator, where it releases heat to the surroundings. After passing through the radiator, the coolant has a lower temperature than before the radiator and can be returned to the cooling channel. The components coolant pump, supply line, cooling channel, return line, and radiator are arranged in a closed cooling circuit or together form a closed cooling circuit. The coolant pump circulates the coolant, causing it to circulate within the cooling circuit. Preferably, a liquid coolant is used in a cooling system according to the invention. However, it is also possible that at least a portion of the coolant is in gaseous or vaporous form in certain sections of the cooling circuit.According to the invention, the cooling system includes a coolant retention mechanism which, in the event of damage to the coolant circuit, retains at least a portion of the coolant within the circuit. In the event of such damage, for example in the supply or return line, coolant can escape and thus be lost from the coolant circuit. This results in the entire coolant circuit no longer being filled with coolant, thereby compromising heat dissipation from the cooling channel. The coolant retention mechanism ensures that at least some coolant remains in the cooling channel and can continue to absorb heat from the heat-generating component. In this way, even if the coolant circuit is damaged, it is ensured that at least some coolant is always present in the cooling channel, which can absorb heat from the heat-generating component.Without the coolant retention mechanism, the cooling channel would eventually run dry if the cooling circuit were damaged. Without coolant in the cooling channel, in a state where air is present, virtually no heat could be dissipated from the heat-generating component. By retaining at least some coolant in the cooling channel, a greater amount of heat can be absorbed in the event of a damaged cooling circuit than in a completely empty cooling channel. Therefore, the coolant retention mechanism extends the time that the heat-generating component can continue operating without risk of damage or failure if the cooling circuit is damaged.During this extended, reliable operating time after damage occurs in the cooling circuit, the heat-generating component can be safely shut down, effectively preventing further damage. If the cooling system is located within an electronic unit in a vehicle, the vehicle can operate for a longer period after damage occurs, providing sufficient time to warn the driver and bring the electronic unit to a safe state. The cooling system according to the invention thus improves the operational reliability of a heat-generating component in the event of coolant loss from the cooling circuit. The coolant retention mechanism can be implemented in various ways. Different embodiments of the coolant retention mechanism are described and explained below.

[0014] According to the invention, the coolant retention mechanism is formed by at least a portion of the supply line and a portion of the return line, wherein these portions are arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel. In the event of a loss of coolant from the cooling circuit, at least a portion of the retained coolant remains in the cooling channel between the vertically higher portions of the supply and return lines due to gravity. In this embodiment, the coolant retention mechanism is formed by the design or arrangement of the supply and return lines. The supply and return lines are arranged such that a portion of each of these lines is vertically higher than the cooling channel.This design ensures that, due to gravity, even in the event of a coolant pump failure or damage to the cooling circuit, coolant always remains in the area between the vertically higher sections of the supply and return lines. This area can consist solely of the cooling channel or additionally include a lower section of the supply and / or return lines. This guarantees that coolant is always retained in the cooling channel.

[0015] According to the invention, the cooling channel and the vertically higher sections of the supply and return lines are arranged in a housing that also contains the heat-generating component. In particular, the cooling channel and the vertically higher sections of the supply and return lines are designed as recesses in a rigidly defined area of ​​the housing. In this embodiment, the cooling channel and the vertically higher sections of the supply and return lines forming the coolant retention mechanism are arranged in a protective housing. This housing ensures that the coolant retention mechanism is not damaged.Furthermore, the housing is preferably made of a highly thermally conductive material, such as a metal, thus facilitating the dissipation of heat from the heat-generating component to the cooling channel. A particularly damage-resistant design for the cooling channel and a portion of the supply and return lines is to create recesses in the housing for these lines. For example, in a metal housing, these lines can be routed through bores in a rigid section of the housing. Such bores in a rigid housing section are very robust, virtually eliminating the risk of damage and the resulting coolant loss from the cooling circuit in this area.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the vertical distance between the cooling channel and the sections of the supply and return lines arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel is greater than the inner diameter of these sections, particularly wherein the vertical distance between the cooling channel and these sections is at least 20% of the horizontal length of the cooling channel. In this embodiment, the cooling channel and the sections of the supply and return lines forming the coolant retention mechanism are dimensioned such that, in the event of damage to the cooling circuit and simultaneous tilting of the cooling system, a sufficient quantity of coolant always remains in the cooling channel.In some applications, such as when using a cooling system in a vehicle, the system may be tilted around one or more horizontal axes. With such a tilt, gravity acts in a different direction relative to the cooling system, which could cause coolant retained in the cooling channel to leak out. This leakage is prevented by ensuring that the inner diameter of the supply and return sections located vertically higher than the cooling channel is smaller than the distance between the cooling channel and these vertically higher sections. This results in a long, slender design for the supply and return sections connected to the cooling channel. This design prevents leakage when the system is tilted.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the distance between the cooling channel and the sections of the supply and return lines that are vertically higher than the cooling channel is at least 20% of the cooling channel's extension length. Extension length here refers to the maximum horizontal extent. Within this extension length, the cooling channel can, of course, be arranged in a loop or meander shape, so that its length is significantly greater than the extension length. Depending on the expected incline of the cooling system, the sections of the supply and return lines that form the coolant retention mechanism can also be longer than 20% of the extension length.

[0017] The object of the invention is solved by a cooling system for cooling a heat-generating component, comprising - at least one cooling channel, which is located adjacent to the waste heat generating component and which is thermally coupled to the waste heat generating component via a thermal bridge, - at least one feed line, which is formed by a line connecting a pressure side of a coolant pump to a coolant inlet of the cooling channel, - at least one return line, which is formed by a line connecting a coolant outlet of the cooling channel to a suction side of the coolant pump, - at least one cooler which is connected between the flow or return line, wherein the coolant pump, the supply line, the cooling channel, the return line and the radiator are arranged in a closed coolant circuit which contains a coolant and the coolant pump pumps coolant through the cooling circuit so that it circulates through the coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the waste heat generating component in the cooling channel and releases heat to the environment in the radiator, wherein the cooling system comprises a coolant retention mechanism which, in the event of a loss of coolant from the cooling circuit, retains at least a portion of the coolant in the cooling circuit, wherein the retained coolant remains at least in the cooling channel, wherein the coolant retention mechanism has a leakage sensor which is arranged in or on the cooling circuit and is configured to detect loss of coolant from the cooling circuit, and the cooling system has a shut-off valve which is arranged in the return line downstream of the cooling channel in the direction of coolant flow, wherein a control system, upon detection of a loss of coolant from the cooling circuit by the leakage sensor, closes the shut-off valve, whereby at least a portion of the retained coolant remains in the cooling channel.In this embodiment of the invention, the coolant retention mechanism differs from the previously described embodiments. The coolant retention mechanism comprises at least one leakage sensor, a control unit, and a shut-off valve. If the cooling circuit is damaged, this is detected by the leakage sensor, which transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit. Upon receiving this signal, the control unit closes the shut-off valve, which is located in the return line, adjacent to the cooling channel, downstream of the cooling channel. This closure ensures that coolant is always retained in the cooling channel. In this embodiment, it is not essential that sections of the supply and return lines are arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel.

[0018] In another embodiment, the leakage sensor is designed as a pressure sensor that determines the internal pressure of the coolant in the coolant circuit, or as a flow sensor that determines the volumetric flow rate of the coolant in the coolant circuit, or as a coolant presence sensor that detects the presence of coolant at the installation point in the coolant circuit. The leakage sensor can be based on different physical operating principles. It is also possible to provide multiple leakage sensors.

[0019] In one embodiment, a check valve is provided, which is arranged upstream of the cooling channel in the supply line of the coolant circuit, in the direction of coolant flow. This check valve closes in the event of a coolant pressure loss on the pressure side of the coolant pump, thus preventing backflow of coolant from the cooling channel. A check valve can be used to close the cooling channel or the associated section of the circuit if a pressure loss occurs due to damage to the cooling circuit. In combination with the shut-off valve in the return line, this ensures that the cooling channel is closed off by two valves on opposite sides of the cooling channel.The embodiments of a coolant retention mechanism which have a leakage sensor and a shut-off valve can of course also be combined with the embodiments in which a respective subsection of the supply and return is arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel in the cooling system.

[0020] The object of the invention is largely achieved by an electronic unit comprising at least one heat-generating component, in particular wherein the heat-generating component is designed as a computer or voltage converter, further comprising at least one cooling system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cooling system absorbs the heat-generating component and dissipates it to the environment of the electronic unit. The electronic unit according to the invention comprises a cooling system according to one of the previously described embodiments. The heat-generating component belonging to the electronic unit is reliably cooled by the cooling system according to the invention. During trouble-free operation, the cooling system absorbs the heat from the component and dissipates it to the environment of the electronic unit at another location.If the cooling circuit is damaged and coolant is lost, the cooling system's coolant retention mechanism ensures that coolant always remains in the cooling channel and can continue to absorb heat from the component, at least for a certain period. This allows the component to operate longer than with a cooling system that lacks a coolant retention mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment of the electronic unit, an emergency control system is provided, configured to detect coolant loss from the cooling circuit and, while at least some of the coolant is retained in the cooling circuit by the coolant retention mechanism, to bring the heat-generating component into a safe state. In this embodiment, an emergency control system is provided which, upon detecting damage to the cooling circuit, particularly coolant loss, brings the heat-generating component into a safe state. A safe state is defined as any state in which the power output of the component is at least significantly reduced to prevent overheating. However, this does not require the component to be completely switched off.If the electronic unit is installed in a vehicle, the emergency control can additionally be configured to inform the driver of a malfunction in the cooling system and to prompt them to stop the vehicle. However, thanks to the cooling system according to the invention, the electronic unit according to the invention can continue to operate for a longer period than in a cooling system where, in the event of damage, no coolant remains in the cooling circuit.

[0022] The object of the invention is ultimately achieved by a vehicle with an electronics unit according to one of the previously described embodiments, wherein the heat-generating component is formed by a computer, battery electronics, or a voltage converter. The vehicle according to the invention comprises an electronics unit whose operational reliability is significantly improved by providing a cooling system according to the invention in the event of damage to the cooling circuit. Particularly in vehicles that have driver assistance systems or at least enable autonomous driving at certain times, high computing power is required. To provide such high computing power, computers are needed that generate a large amount of waste heat.By improving the operational reliability of electronic units in which one or more heat-generating components are formed by such computers, the operational reliability of the entire vehicle is also significantly improved.

[0023] Features, effects, and benefits disclosed in connection with the cooling system are also deemed disclosed in connection with the electronic unit and the vehicle. Conversely, features, effects, and benefits disclosed in connection with the electronic unit and the vehicle are also deemed disclosed in connection with the cooling system.

[0024] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawings and is further described with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 in a schematic view a first embodiment of a cooling system according to the invention, Fig. 2 in a schematic view a second embodiment of a cooling system according to the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a cooling system 1 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, two heat-generating components K are shown, which are arranged in a housing 17. These components K can, for example, belong to an electronic unit located in a vehicle. The heat-generating components K can be, for example, computers or processing units, control units, voltage converters, inverters, or similar devices. The two components K shown can also be of different designs. A cooling channel 11 is arranged below and adjacent to the heat-generating components K, and is thermally coupled to both components K via a thermal bridge. During operation of the components K, the heat generated by them is transferred via the thermal bridges to the cooling channel 11 and the coolant contained therein.On the left side next to the housing 17 is a coolant pump 13, which can, for example, be a water circulation pump. The supply line 12, designed as a pipe, connects the pressure side of the coolant pump 13 to the coolant inlet of the cooling channel 11. The pressure side of the coolant pump 13 is the side on which coolant leaves the pump 13 on its way to the cooling channel 11. Coolant is transported from the pump 13 to the cooling channel 11 via the supply line 12. The return line 14, also designed as a pipe, connects the coolant outlet of the cooling channel 11 to the suction side of the pump 13. On the suction side, the pump 13 draws in coolant and then transports it to the pressure side. A cooler 16 is connected between the return line 14 and is located outside the housing 17, at a distance from the heat-generating components K.The coolant transported by the return line 14 enters the cooler 16 after a first section of the return line 14, flows through it, and is then guided back to the coolant pump 13 through a second section of the return line 14. In the cooler 16, the coolant releases heat to the surroundings, so that the coolant leaves the cooler 16 at a temperature lower than in the first section of the return line 14 upstream of the cooler 16. Alternatively to the embodiment shown, the cooler 16 can also be connected between the supply line 12 and located, in the direction of flow, between the coolant pump 13 and the coolant inlet of the cooling channel 11. In the embodiment shown in . Fig. 1. The coolant retention mechanism is formed by a section of the supply line 12 and a section of the return line 14. Both the supply line 12 and the return line 14 have a section that is vertically higher than the cooling channel 11. As a result, coolant collects, due to gravity, in the section of the cooling circuit located between the vertically higher sections of the supply line 12 and the return line 14, where the cooling channel 11 is also located. If the coolant pump 13 can no longer build up pressure on the pressure side, the coolant circulation in the cooling circuit ends. In this case, however, coolant always remains between the vertically higher sections of the supply line 12 and the return line 14, which can still absorb heat from the waste heat-generating components K even if the coolant circulation fails.A failure of the coolant pump 13 can occur, for example, if the return line 14 near the radiator 16 is damaged, causing coolant to leak and be lost. In this case, the coolant pump 13 will eventually draw in air on its suction side. From this point on, the coolant pump 13 can no longer build up pressure on its pressure side and therefore pumps neither coolant nor air on the pressure side, thus halting the coolant circulation. Preferably, the coolant pump 13 is located near or in the section of the supply line 12 that is vertically higher than the cooling channel 11. The illustrated embodiment of a coolant retention mechanism is very simple to implement and utilizes gravity as its operating principle.In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the vertically positioned sections of the supply line 12 and the return line 14, located higher than the cooling channel 11, is housed within the casing 17. These sections of the supply line 12 and the return line 14 are formed by recesses, particularly bores, in a rigidly designed area of ​​the casing 17. This ensures that damage or leakage in these areas is virtually impossible. The rigid area of ​​the casing 17 also protects the cooling channel 11 from damage. When the cooling system 1 is used in a vehicle, longitudinal and lateral tilting can occur during vehicle movement. In a state where the coolant pump 13 can no longer pump coolant and coolant is retained in the cooling channel 11 by the coolant retention mechanism, the retained coolant can also leak out and be lost due to gravity if the vehicle tilts.To ensure that coolant always remains in the cooling channel 11, the vertical distance between the cooling channel 11 and the sections of the supply line 12 and return line 14 located higher than the cooling channel 11 is greater than the inner diameter of the supply line 12 and return line 14 in these higher vertical sections. This minimizes coolant loss through the supply line 12 and / or return line 14, even if the cooling system is tilted. Furthermore, the vertical distance between the cooling channel 11 and the sections of the supply line 12 and return line 14 located higher than the cooling channel 11 is also chosen to be at least 20% of the horizontal length of the cooling channel 11.The greater the described vertical distance, the more reliably coolant is prevented from leaking out of cooling channel 11 when the cooling system is tilted sharply around a horizontal axis. The [details omitted] Fig. The first embodiment shown in Figure 1 can optionally also be equipped with features of the one described in Figure 1. Fig. 2 can be combined with the second embodiment shown.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a cooling system 1 according to the invention. The Fig. The embodiment of a cooling system shown in section 2 differs from the one shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cooling system is characterized by its coolant retention mechanism. In this embodiment, the cooling system includes, by way of example, two leakage sensors 18, of which only one is required for the function of the cooling system and the coolant retention mechanism. Each leakage sensor 18 is designed to detect a loss of coolant from the cooling circuit. The leakage sensor 18 located on or in the cooling channel 11 is designed as a pressure sensor, which determines the internal pressure of the coolant in the cooling channel 11. If the cooling circuit is damaged, a drop in the internal pressure occurs, which the leakage sensor 18 detects. A second leakage sensor 18, designed as a flow sensor, is located in or on the supply line 12 outside the housing 17. This flow sensor determines the volumetric flow rate of the coolant in the supply line 12. If the cooling circuit is damaged, the volumetric flow rate decreases, which this leakage sensor 18 detects.Alternatively, a leakage sensor 18 can also be configured to detect the presence of coolant at its installation location. Such a sensor can, for example, comprise a photodiode and a photosensor, the combination of which is configured to determine whether or not coolant is present between them. If a lack of coolant is detected, this indicates damage to the cooling circuit. In addition to at least one leakage sensor 18, the coolant retention mechanism includes a shut-off valve 19, which is arranged in the return line 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the shut-off valve 19 is located within the housing 17. Furthermore, the coolant retention mechanism includes a control unit that is connected to both the leakage sensor 18 and the shut-off valve 19.If the leakage sensor 18 detects damage to the cooling circuit, the control unit activates the shut-off valve 19, thereby preventing coolant from flowing further from the cooling channel 11 into the return line 14. This ensures that, in the event of a loss of coolant from the cooling circuit, at least the section of the cooling circuit containing the cooling channel 11 remains filled with coolant. In the embodiment shown in . Fig. In addition, a check valve 20 is arranged in the supply line 12. If the cooling circuit is damaged and coolant is lost, the pressure on the pressure side of the coolant pump 13 drops. If such a pressure loss occurs, the check valve 20 shuts off the supply line 12 towards the coolant pump 13. This ensures that no coolant can be lost from the cooling channel 11 on the supply side 12, even if the cooling circuit is damaged. In the second embodiment shown, coolant is always retained in the cooling channel 11 by the shut-off valve 19, which is controlled by signals from at least one leakage sensor 18. Optionally, the coolant retention mechanism can include the check valve 20. In the schematic representation in Fig. 2 are, as in the first embodiment in Fig. 1. Sections of the supply line 12 and return line 14 are arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel 11. However, this higher arrangement of the sections is not necessary for the embodiment in Fig. 2 is not strictly necessary, as the coolant retention mechanism for retaining coolant in the cooling channel includes the shut-off valve 19 and the optional check valve 20. The in Fig. The embodiment shown in section 2 thus comprises two coolant retention mechanisms which operate redundantly to each other and therefore significantly improve the operational reliability of the two heat-generating components K in the event of coolant loss. In connection with Fig. 2 components of cooling system 1 not explicitly described should refer to the description. Fig. 1 referred. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 Cooling system 11 Cooling channel 12 preliminary round 13 Coolant pump 14 Return 16 coolers 17 cases 18 Leakage sensor 19 Shut-off valve 20 Check valve K waste heat generating component

Claims

[1] Cooling system (1) for cooling a heat-generating component (K), comprising - at least one cooling channel (11) which is located adjacent to the heat-generating component (K) and which is thermally coupled to the heat-generating component (K) via a thermal bridge, - at least one supply line (12) formed by a line connecting a pressure side of a coolant pump (13) to a coolant inlet of the cooling channel (11), - at least one return line (14) formed by a line connecting a coolant outlet of the cooling channel (11) to a suction side of the coolant pump (13), - at least one cooler (16) which is connected between the flow (12) or the return (14), wherein the coolant pump (13), the supply line (12), the cooling channel (11), the return line (14) and the radiator (16) are arranged in a closed coolant circuit which contains a coolant and the coolant pump (13) pumps coolant through the cooling circuit so that it circulates through the coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the waste heat generating component (K) in the cooling channel (11) and releases heat to the environment in the radiator (16), wherein the cooling system (1) comprises a coolant retention mechanism which, in the event of loss of coolant from the coolant circuit, retains at least a portion of the coolant in the coolant circuit, wherein the retained coolant remains at least in the cooling channel (11), wherein the coolant retention mechanism is formed by at least one sub-section of the supply (12) and one sub-section of the return (14), wherein these sub-sections are arranged higher in the vertical direction than the cooling channel (11) and in the event of a loss of coolant from the coolant circuit at least a part of the retained coolant remains in the cooling channel (11) between the vertically higher sub-sections of the supply (12) and the return (14) due to gravity, wherein the cooling channel (11) and the vertically arranged sections of the supply (12) and return (14) are arranged in a housing (17) which also contains the waste heat generating component (K). [2] Cooling system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cooling channel (11) and the portions of the supply (12) and return (14) arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel (11) are designed as recesses in a rigidly designed area of ​​the housing (17). [3] Cooling system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the vertical distance between the cooling channel (11) and the portions of the supply (12) and return (14) arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel (11) is greater than the inner diameter of the portions of the supply (12) and return (14) arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel (11), in particular wherein the vertical distance between the cooling channel (11) and the portions of the supply (12) and return (14) arranged vertically higher than the cooling channel (11) is at least 20% of the extension length of the cooling channel (11) in the horizontal direction. [4] Cooling system (1) for cooling a heat-generating component (K), comprising - at least one cooling channel (11) which is located adjacent to the heat-generating component (K) and which is thermally coupled to the heat-generating component (K) via a thermal bridge, - at least one supply line (12) formed by a line connecting a pressure side of a coolant pump (13) to a coolant inlet of the cooling channel (11), - at least one return line (14) formed by a line connecting a coolant outlet of the cooling channel (11) to a suction side of the coolant pump (13), - at least one cooler (16) which is connected between the flow (12) or the return (14), wherein the coolant pump (13), the supply line (12), the cooling channel (11), the return line (14) and the radiator (16) are arranged in a closed coolant circuit which contains a coolant and the coolant pump (13) pumps coolant through the cooling circuit so that it circulates through the coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the waste heat generating component (K) in the cooling channel (11) and releases heat to the environment in the radiator (16), wherein the cooling system (1) comprises a coolant retention mechanism which, in the event of loss of coolant from the coolant circuit, retains at least a portion of the coolant in the coolant circuit, wherein the retained coolant remains at least in the cooling channel (11), wherein the coolant retention mechanism has a leakage sensor (18) which is arranged in or on the coolant circuit and is configured to detect loss of coolant from the coolant circuit, and the cooling system (1) has a shut-off valve (19) which is arranged in the return line (14) downstream of the cooling channel (11) in the direction of coolant flow in the coolant circuit, wherein a control system closes the shut-off valve (19) when the leakage sensor (18) detects a loss of coolant from the coolant circuit, leaving at least part of the retained coolant in the cooling channel (11). [5] Cooling system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the leakage sensor (18) is configured as a pressure sensor that determines the internal pressure of the coolant in the coolant circuit, or the leakage sensor (18) is configured as a flow sensor that determines the volume flow of the coolant in the coolant circuit, or the leakage sensor (18) is configured as a coolant presence sensor that determines the presence of coolant at the installation location in the coolant circuit. [6] Cooling system (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, in which a check valve (20) is provided which is arranged in the direction of flow of the coolant in the coolant circuit upstream of the cooling channel (11) in the supply line (12), wherein the check valve (20) closes in the event of a pressure loss of the coolant on the pressure side of the coolant pump (13) and prevents a backflow of coolant from the cooling channel (11). [7] Electronic unit comprising at least one waste heat generating component (K), in particular wherein the waste heat generating component (K) is designed as a computer or voltage converter, further comprising at least one cooling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling system (1) absorbs waste heat from the waste heat generating component (K) and releases it to the environment of the electronic unit. [8] Electronic unit according to claim 7, in which an emergency control is provided which is configured to detect loss of coolant from the coolant circuit and to bring the heat-generating component (K) into a safe state while retaining at least part of the coolant in the coolant circuit by the coolant retention mechanism. [9] Vehicle with an electronic unit according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the heat-generating component (K) is formed by a computer, battery electronics or a voltage converter.

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