Housing and charging device for an electrically powered vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing (1) for receiving a heat source (13), comprising an outer shell (11) enclosing an interior space (12), a heat source (13) arranged in the interior space (12), a heat storage unit (14), and at least one heat emission unit (16) arranged in the outer shell (11) or forming a portion thereof. The heat source (13) is connected to the heat storage unit (14) via a heat transfer connection (15), and a coolant transports heat emitted by the heat source (13) from the heat source (13) via the heat transfer connection (15) to the heat storage unit (14).Furthermore, a heat dissipation connection (17) is provided, which thermally connects the heat storage unit (14) with the heat emission unit (16), wherein the heat dissipation connection (17) transfers heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit (14) to the heat emission unit (16) with a time delay, and the heat emission unit (16) dissipates this transferred heat from the housing (1). The invention further relates to a charger with a housing (1) and a method for dissipating heat from a heat source (13).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a housing for accommodating a heat source, comprising an outer shell enclosing an interior space, a heat source arranged in the interior space, a heat storage unit, and at least one heat dissipation unit arranged in the outer shell or forming a portion of the outer shell. The heat source is connected to the heat storage unit via a heat transport connection, and a coolant transports heat emitted by the heat source from the heat source via the heat transport connection to the heat storage unit. Furthermore, a heat dissipation connection is provided, which thermally connects the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit, wherein the heat dissipation connection transfers heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit with a time delay, and the heat dissipation unit dissipates this transferred heat from the housing.The invention further relates to a charger with a housing and a method for dissipating heat from a heat source.

[0002] Charging systems or charging devices for electrically powered vehicles often generate large amounts of waste heat, which must be dissipated from the charging devices to ensure stable operation. Such charging devices therefore usually feature an active cooling system that dissipates the resulting waste heat from the charging device housing using electrical energy. Operating such an active cooling system sometimes requires a large amount of electrical energy, particularly if the charging device is compact. Furthermore, active cooling systems usually generate loud noises, for example from fans, which can be perceived as disruptive in the vicinity of a charging device.For this reason, legal regulations are to be expected in the future that define noise limits for charging devices in public spaces and prohibit the operation of charging devices that exceed these noise limits.

[0003] DE 10 2016 101 115 A1 describes a conductive vehicle charging port with a cooling infrastructure. The cooling infrastructure uses a coolant to dissipate heat from the charging port and release it to the environment. The cooling infrastructure can also include a heat sink that dissipates heat from the charging port directly into the environment.

[0004] US 11 745 612 B1 describes a method and system for temperature management of an electric charging system for a vehicle. The system may include a cooling plate that absorbs heat from a charging device and uses the absorbed heat to evaporate a coolant inside the cooling plate. The vaporous coolant is then fed to a condenser, where the coolant is condensed back into a liquid state, releasing heat to the environment.

[0005] CN 2 13 472 824 U describes a high-performance charging unit with robust heat dissipation. The charging unit comprises several cooling fans and thermally conductive plates arranged on the outside of the charging unit. Waste heat generated inside the charging unit is dissipated from the housing surrounding the charging unit by a combination of convection and conduction.

[0006] DE 10 2017 110 703 A1 describes a cooling device for cooling a charging station. The cooling device comprises a coolant circuit that runs through the charging station and in which a heat accumulator is arranged. The heat accumulator is designed to temporarily store heat in the event of sudden, severe thermal loads on the coolant circuit.

[0007] DE 20 2008 000 949 U1 describes a device consisting of an electronic circuit and a cooling unit. The cooling unit is designed to dissipate heat loss from the electronic circuit. For this purpose, the cooling unit includes a heat accumulator that temporarily stores thermal energy in the event of fluctuating heat loss from the electronic circuit and later releases it again.

[0008] DE 10 2017 113 842 A1 describes a high-capacity charging system for electric vehicles. The charging system includes a thermal storage unit and a cooling device. The cooling device is configured so that the thermal storage unit is used depending on the thermal power loss of the charging station.

[0009] DE 10 2010 007 902 A1 describes a temperature control system for an electrical component. The temperature control system comprises a latent heat storage device that absorbs waste heat from the electrical component as needed. A phase transition of a storage medium occurs in the latent heat storage device, preventing a temperature increase despite heat absorption.

[0010] DE 20 2010 006 426 U1 describes a heat storage and a passive cooling system. The cooling system transfers waste heat from a heat source via a heat pipe to a latent heat storage unit, which absorbs the waste heat. The latent heat storage unit is used to absorb temporary peaks in waste heat generation.

[0011] The object of the invention is to propose solutions with which an electrically powered vehicle can be charged reliably, with reduced noise generation and reduced energy requirements for cooling the charging device used.

[0012] This object of the invention is achieved by a housing for accommodating a heat source, comprising - an outer shell enclosing an interior space, - a heat source which temporarily emits heat and which is located in the interior, - a heat storage unit which is arranged in the interior and which is intended to temporarily store heat emitted by the heat source, - at least one heat dissipation unit which is arranged in the outer shell or forms a part of the outer shell, wherein the heat source is fluidly connected to the heat storage unit via a heat transport connection and a coolant transfers heat emitted by the heat source from the heat source via the

[0013] Heat transport connection to the heat storage unit, wherein the heat storage unit comprises at least one heat storage plate, which is flowed against or around by the coolant and is configured to absorb heat from the coolant, and a heat dissipation connection is provided which thermally connects the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit, wherein the heat dissipation connection is configured to transfer heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit at least partially offset in time from the dissipation of the heat by the heat source, and the heat dissipation unit is configured to dissipate this transferred heat from the housing, wherein a first heat flow that can be transferred from the heat source to the heat storage unit via the heat transport connection is greater than a second heat flow that can be dissipated from the housing by the heat dissipation unit,in particular wherein the first heat flow is at least twice as large as the second heat flow.,

[0014] The housing according to the invention is provided for accommodating a heat source and further comprises components which are intended to initially temporarily store heat in the housing and subsequently or simultaneously dissipate this temporarily stored heat to the outside of the housing. The housing according to the invention can be used, for example, as a housing for a charging device for charging an electrically powered vehicle. Furthermore, the housing according to the invention can also be used to protectively accommodate other heat sources, for example a data processing module, a radio module or the like. In the following, the housing is described in connection with a charging device for an electrically powered vehicle, wherein the heat source is formed by a power module of such a charging device. However, the invention is expressly not limited to such an application of the housing.

[0015] The housing according to the invention comprises an outer shell enclosing an interior space. The outer shell is essentially closed, but can have openings for the passage of cables and for enabling gas exchange between the interior space and the environment of the housing. The outer shell is provided to protect the components arranged in the interior space, including the heat source, and to separate them from the environment. At least one heat source is arranged in the interior of the housing, which heat source at least temporarily emits heat, which then collects in the interior space. The heat source preferably emits heat discontinuously, i.e., temporarily. At some times, the heat source emits a large amount of heat, at other times a smaller amount of heat or no heat at all. The heat source can, for example, be formed by power electronics for charging an electric vehicle.At least one heat storage unit is arranged inside the housing, which is intended to store heat emitted by the heat source. For this purpose, the heat storage unit has a high heat storage capacity, meaning it can absorb and temporarily store large amounts of heat. The housing further comprises a heat dissipation unit, which is arranged in or on the outer shell. This heat dissipation unit serves to dissipate heat from the interior of the housing, and in particular from the heat storage unit, to the outside of the housing. It is also possible for the heat dissipation unit to form part of the outer shell.

[0016] The heat source is connected to the heat storage unit via a heat transport connection, which fluidly transports a coolant from the heat source to the heat storage unit. The heat transport connection can, for example, be formed by a pipe that carries and transports coolant from the heat source to the heat storage unit. The heat storage unit comprises at least one heat storage plate, which is flowed against or around by coolant that flows, laden with heat, from the heat source into the heat storage unit. The heat storage plate is the energy store in the heat storage unit and initially absorbs heat from the coolant and stores it there. The heat storage plate preferably has a large surface area to enable rapid heat transfer from the coolant to the heat storage plate.Preferably, a plurality of heat storage plates are provided, which are arranged in a labyrinth-like manner in the heat storage unit, such that coolant flowing past comes into contact with a plurality of heat storage plates and can thus transfer a large amount of heat energy into the heat storage unit in a short time. Preferably, the at least one heat storage plate is arranged in a housing of the heat storage unit. This housing of the heat storage unit preferably has a coolant inlet, via which warm coolant is introduced from the heat source into the heat storage unit. Furthermore, the heat storage unit preferably has a coolant outlet, which guides cooled coolant, which has transferred at least a large part of its heat energy to the heat storage plate, out of the housing of the heat storage unit.The housing according to the invention further comprises a heat dissipation connection, which transports heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit. This heat dissipation connection can be designed in different ways and, for example, be formed by a pipe connection that connects the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit. The heat dissipation unit finally dissipates the heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit to the outside of the housing. The heat dissipation unit can also be designed in different ways and, for example, be formed by an opening in the housing through which coolant flows out of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the heat dissipation unit can also be formed by a closed portion of the outer shell.

[0017] According to the invention, a first heat flow that can be transferred from the heat source to the heat storage unit is greater than a second heat flow that can be discharged from the heat storage unit via the heat dissipation unit out of the housing. Heat flow is understood to mean a transferred amount of heat per unit of time. If a relatively large amount of heat is temporarily generated by the heat source, this is initially transferred in the form of a first heat flow from the coolant to the heat storage unit and stored there. The coolant and the heat transport connection are designed such that a large first heat flow can be transferred from the heat source to the heat storage unit. A large amount of heat can be generated by the heat source, for example, when an electric vehicle with a low charge level is plugged into a charger.Once plugged in, a relatively high charging current is transferred to the vehicle, which generates a large amount of waste heat in the corresponding power electronics. As the electric vehicle's charging process progresses, the charging current decreases, which also reduces the amount of waste heat released. Once the charging process of an electric vehicle is complete, the power electronics no longer generate a significant amount of heat. According to the invention, the time-dependent amount of heat generated by the heat source is first transferred via a powerful thermal connection to the heat storage unit and temporarily stored there. Subsequently or simultaneously, heat is transported from the heat storage unit to the outside of the housing in the form of a second heat flow. According to the invention, the second heat flow is smaller than the first heat flow; as a rule, the second heat flow is significantly smaller than the first heat flow.Because the second heat flow is significantly smaller than the first heat flow, which is required to dissipate peak power from the heat source, significantly less power is required to dissipate the heat from the housing compared to known housings. The inventive concept is to dissipate heat from the housing at a lower heat flow than that generated in the housing by the heat source at peak times. This is made possible by the heat storage unit provided inside the housing, which can temporarily store large amounts of heat without having to dissipate it directly to the outside of the housing. The heat dissipation connection and the heat emission unit, which function to cool the housing, can therefore be dimensioned significantly smaller, requiring less energy to operate.Furthermore, a housing according to the invention generates significantly less noise during the dissipation of waste heat than with known solutions. For example, it is possible to design the housing as completely closed and to dissipate the secondary heat flow through a portion of the outer shell of the housing. The housing according to the invention thus makes it possible to charge an electrically powered vehicle with reduced energy requirements for cooling and a reduced noise level. A charger or power electronics for charging an electric vehicle can be operated reliably, since temporarily generated high levels of waste heat can be transferred safely and quickly to the heat storage unit, thus preventing overheating of the power electronics.

[0018] In one embodiment, the heat storage unit comprises a plurality of heat storage plates, which are arranged partially spaced from one another in the manner of a labyrinth, wherein the coolant flows against or around the heat storage plates one after the other, wherein the heat storage plates guide the coolant from an interface between the heat transport connection and the heat storage unit through the heat storage unit to an interface between the heat storage unit and the heat dissipation connection. In this embodiment, a plurality of heat storage plates are provided, which are arranged in the heat storage unit such that the coolant flows against or around them one after the other or simultaneously. This achieves efficient heat transfer from the coolant to a large surface area of ​​the heat storage plates. The coolant is guided between the heat storage plates along the longest possible path in the manner of a labyrinth.The heat storage plates form a type of guide path for the coolant. The heat storage unit preferably comprises a housing which has an interface between the heat transport connection and the heat storage unit, which can also be referred to as the coolant inlet. The heat storage unit further comprises an interface between the heat storage unit and the heat dissipation connection, which can also be referred to as the coolant outlet. The heat storage plates are arranged between the coolant inlet and coolant outlet in such a way that the coolant preferably flows against them on both sides in order to make the best possible use of the available surface for heat transfer. As an alternative to a plurality of partially spaced-apart heat storage plates, a single, large and complexly shaped heat storage plate can also be provided, which can, for example, have the shape of a spiral.

[0019] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one heat storage plate is constructed in multiple layers and comprises a material with high thermal conductivity in an outer layer and a material with high heat storage capacity in an inner layer, wherein the outer layer transfers heat from the coolant to the inner layer and the inner layer temporarily stores the heat. A material with high thermal conductivity can, for example, be selected from a group comprising aluminum or aluminum sheet, copper or copper sheet, steel and plastic. A low-melting plastic, for example with a melting point in the range of 30°C - 90°C, or a combination of several such plastics, in particular selected from the group of n-alkanes, can also be selected as a material with high heat storage capacity.This can be a material that changes its phase at a transformation temperature in the range of 30°C - 90°C (+ / - 10°C).

[0020] In this embodiment, the heat storage plate has a multi-layer construction, with the different layers performing different functions. An inner layer arranged on the inside is provided for storing or temporarily storing heat. Such an inner layer comprises a material with high thermal conductivity in order to be able to temporarily store the largest possible amount of heat. An outer layer surrounding the inner layer is preferably made of a material with very high thermal conductivity. The outer layer absorbs the heat from the passing coolant and conducts it into the interior of the heat storage plate to the inner layer, where it is stored. In the event that the coolant flows in at a temperature that is lower than that of the heat storage plate, the heat stored in the heat storage plate is transferred back to the coolant and dissipated by it.The heat stored in the inner layer is then transferred through the outer layers to the coolant and dissipated by it.

[0021] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one heat storage plate comprises a phase-change material in some regions, which undergoes a phase change from the solid to the liquid phase and vice versa during the temporary storage of heat and thereby absorbs or releases latent heat, in particular wherein the phase-change material is arranged in an inner layer according to the previously described embodiment. A phase-change material is a material or a component which, in the temperature range in which the heat storage plate is used, in particular in a temperature range between -20°C and 150°C, exhibits a phase transition or phase change between the solid and the liquid phase.If, for example, a phase change material is used in a heat storage plate which changes from a solid to a liquid state at 70°C, this phase change material absorbs latent heat at 70°C in addition to normal heat storage. Latent heat is required to enable the phase transition. Due to the additional absorption of latent heat, the total achievable heat absorption capacity is greater with a phase change material than with a material which does not undergo a phase change in the temperature range of the heat storage unit. A phase change material can therefore achieve a higher heat absorption capacity within the same installation space. When cooling down or heat is released back to the coolant, in a case where the heat source releases little or no heat, a phase change occurs in the opposite direction, from the liquid phase to the solid phase.In this process, the previously absorbed latent heat is released back into the coolant. Such a phase-change material can be, for example, a low-melting plastic, e.g., with a melting point in the range of 30°C - 90°C, or a combination of several such plastics, particularly selected from the group of n-alkanes.

[0022] In one embodiment, the coolant is formed by air, wherein the coolant moves passively by free convection from the heat source through the heat transport connection to the heat storage unit, or a coolant pump is provided in or on the housing, which actively transports the coolant from the heat source through the heat transport connection to the heat storage unit. Air is a suitable coolant because it is always present and can also be sucked in from outside the housing. Of course, it is also possible to transport the heat in the housing using a different coolant, for example water or oil. The transport of the coolant in the housing can occur passively. This utilizes the effect that coolant loaded with heat or heated reduces its density and thus rises vertically of its own accord.If air is used as a coolant, for example, the heated air from the heat source can rise towards the heat storage unit. Conversely, if heat has been temporarily stored in the heat storage unit, heated coolant from the heat storage unit can also rise upwards due to this free convection. This creates a suction effect in the heat storage unit, which draws in cool air from below and in this way dissipates the second heat flow from the heat storage unit and the housing without the need for active components. A housing in which heat is transported inside and out by free convection has a particularly low energy requirement for cooling the heat source, since no active components such as a coolant pump are required or need to be operated.In order to increase the performance of heat transport in the housing, a coolant pump can be used as an alternative or in addition to natural convection, which transports the coolant within the housing. However, due to the possibility of temporarily storing heat in the heat storage unit in the housing according to the invention, this coolant pump can be dimensioned smaller than in known housings. It is also possible for a coolant pump to be activated only temporarily, particularly during peaks in the heat emitted by the heat source, and otherwise for heat transport to occur solely through natural convection. To control and regulate the coolant pump, a temperature sensor can be provided in combination with a control unit, which activates the coolant pump only when required.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the heat dissipation unit is designed as an opening in the outer shell of the housing and the heat dissipation connection is designed as a line which fluidly connects the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit, wherein coolant flowing through the heat dissipation unit to the outside of the housing dissipates the second heat flow from the housing. In this embodiment, the outer shell of the housing has at least one opening which forms a heat dissipation unit. The second heat flow from the heat storage unit to the outside of the housing is dissipated by convection. The coolant absorbs heat in the heat storage unit and transports it to the outside of the housing. It is advantageous that, due to the heat storage capacity of the heat storage unit, a small second heat flow is sufficient to continuously dissipate heat from the housing.This allows the amount of coolant per unit time that is removed from the housing to be reduced compared to existing solutions. This also reduces the noise pollution generated by the coolant flowing out of the heat dissipation unit.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the heat dissipation unit forms a partial region of the outer shell, and the heat dissipation connection is formed at least partially by a coolant located in the interior, which transports heat from the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit by convection and / or heat conduction, wherein the heat dissipation unit comprises at least one heat transfer plate, which dissipates the second heat flow from the housing by heat conduction. In this embodiment, it is possible to design the outer shell to be completely closed. The dissipation of the second heat flow occurs by heat conduction, which is carried out by at least one heat transfer plate that forms part of the outer shell. For example, a large-area heat transfer plate made of copper or aluminum, which has a very high thermal conductivity, can be provided as part of the outer shell.The heat is transported within the housing by convection or heat conduction through the coolant or other components installed in the housing from the heat storage unit to the heat dissipation unit, designed as a heat transfer plate. The heat transfer plate, in turn, dissipates the heat to its exterior by heat conduction, where it is dissipated into the environment of the housing. This embodiment generates no noise when dissipating the heat to the exterior of the housing and is therefore very quiet. It is also possible to design the heat transfer plate as an additional intermediate heat storage device, for example, using a phase-change material, as previously described for one embodiment of the heat storage plate of the heat storage unit.Such a heat transfer plate, which also functions as a heat storage plate, serves as thermal insulation for the housing and protects its interior from extreme temperatures prevailing outside the housing. Furthermore, it is possible to combine a heat dissipation unit designed as a heat transfer plate with a heat dissipation unit designed as an opening in the outer shell.

[0025] The object of the invention is further achieved by a charging device for an electrically driven vehicle, comprising - a housing according to one of the previously described embodiments, - at least one plug connector which is connected to the housing via electrical lines and is provided for connection to an electrically powered vehicle, wherein the heat source is formed by power electronics for providing a charging current for an electrically powered vehicle and the first heat flow carries heat which is emitted by the power electronics when charging an electrically powered vehicle to the heat storage unit and the second heat flow dissipates the heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit to the outside of the housing at least partially with a time delay to the charging of the electrically powered vehicle.

[0026] The charging device according to the invention is arranged in a housing according to one of the previously described embodiments. The charging device can be arranged both in an electrically powered vehicle and outside of such a vehicle. Furthermore, it is possible for the charging device to be stationary, as a so-called charging station. In the charging device according to the invention, the heat source in the housing is formed by power electronics, which provide the charging current for charging an electrically powered vehicle. Such power electronics temporarily generates a high level of waste heat, which is initially temporarily stored in the housing according to the invention by the intermediate storage unit. Thus, the first heat flow of the charging device is directed from the power electronics to the heat storage unit.The second, smaller heat flow is directed from the heat storage unit to the outside of the housing, as previously described in connection with the housing. When charging an electric vehicle, a high level of waste heat is temporarily generated in or on the power electronics, particularly when a high charging current needs to be provided. However, such a high charging current only needs to be provided temporarily; at other times, for example when the electrically powered vehicle is already largely charged, only a low charging current is required, which also generates a smaller amount of waste heat. The charging device according to the invention initially stores large amounts of waste heat that arise briefly in the heat storage unit, without having to dissipate it to the outside of the housing.Subsequently, or simultaneously, the temporarily stored heat from the heat storage unit is continuously dissipated to the outside of the housing at a lower heat flow. This dissipation of heat to the outside of the housing can continue even when the power electronics as a heat source no longer generate waste heat. Since a charging device according to the invention requires only a small second heat flow directed outside the housing due to the possibility of temporarily storing heat, significantly less energy is required to cool the charging device than with known solutions. Furthermore, the noise pollution or the noise level generated during charging is significantly lower.However, due to the possibility of directing a high initial heat flow from the heat source to the heat storage unit, it is simultaneously ensured that the heat can be reliably dissipated from the power electronics and thus does not overheat.

[0027] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for dissipating heat from a heat source, wherein a housing of one of the previously described embodiments is used to carry out the method, in which the heat source is arranged, comprising the steps A) Transferring a first heat flow from the heat source via the heat transport connection to the heat storage unit, B) Temporary storage of the heat from process step A) in the heat storage unit, C1) Dissipating a second heat flow to the outside of the housing, wherein the second heat flow dissipates the heat temporarily stored in method step B) from the heat storage unit via the heat dissipation connection to the heat dissipation unit and from there to the outside of the housing, wherein method step C1) is carried out at least partially offset in time from method step A) and the first heat flow is greater than the second heat flow.

[0028] The method according to the invention is used to dissipate heat from a heat source, particularly in a charging device for charging an electrically powered vehicle. The method according to the invention is based on the concept of temporarily storing large amounts of heat released dynamically, i.e., only temporarily, from the heat source in a heat storage unit and then continuously releasing them to the environment.

[0029] In a first process step A), heat is transferred from the heat source to or into a heat storage unit in a first heat flow. This first heat flow is conducted via a heat transfer connection.

[0030] In a second process step B), the amount of heat transferred by the first heat flow is stored in the heat storage unit. For this purpose, the heat storage unit comprises at least one heat storage plate that absorbs the transferred heat.

[0031] In a third method step C1), the heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit is continuously dissipated outside the housing in a second heat flow. The second heat flow is guided outside the housing via a heat dissipation connection and a heat emission unit. According to the invention, method step C1) is carried out at least partially offset in time from method step A). ​​In particular, method step C1) is continued after completion of method step A). ​​In this way, a temporarily high first heat flow in the housing can be compensated for by a smaller second heat flow that is continuously dissipated over a longer period of time. The method according to the invention thus enables energy-efficient cooling of the heat source and generates low noise pollution in the area surrounding the housing.

[0032] Alternatively, it is also possible that instead of process step C1), a process step C2) is carried out, which provides for a temporary shutdown of the heat dissipation unit, the heat dissipation connection and / or the coolant pump so that the temporarily stored heat of the heat storage plates remains in the housing in order to temper it at low temperatures.

[0033] In one embodiment of the method, the heat source is formed by the power electronics of a charging device for an electrically powered vehicle, and the transfer of the first heat flow in method step A) is used to cool these power electronics. In this embodiment, the heat source is formed by the power electronics for charging an electrically powered vehicle. In this embodiment, the method serves to dissipate waste heat from the power electronics and ensure their stable operation. The method is thus used to cool the power electronics during charging of an electrically powered vehicle.

[0034] Features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the housing are also deemed to be disclosed in connection with the charging device and the method. The same applies in reverse: features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the method and the charging device are also deemed to be disclosed in connection with the housing.

[0035] The invention is schematically illustrated by means of embodiments in the drawings and will be further described with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 in a schematic, sectional view an embodiment of a charging device according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a schematic, sectional view of a second embodiment of a heat storage unit of a housing according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 shows a schematic, sectional view of a third embodiment of a heat storage unit of a housing according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 shows a schematic, sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a heat storage unit of a housing according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic, sectional view of an embodiment of a charging device according to the invention. The charging device shown is intended for charging an electrically powered vehicle. The charging device comprises a housing 1, which protects the parts and components arranged in its interior 12. A heat source 13 in the interior 12 is formed by power electronics for providing a charging current for the electrically powered vehicle. The charging device comprises a schematically illustrated plug connection 19, which is connected to the heat source 13 via electrical lines (not shown). To charge the electrically powered vehicle, this plug connection 19 is connected to the vehicle. The charging device can be stationary or fixed in place as a charging station or charging column.Alternatively, the charging device can also be formed by a mobile device that is arranged in or on the vehicle or at least can be transported in the vehicle. The housing 1 is surrounded by an outer shell 11, which here has the shape of a cuboid. The outer shell 11 encloses the interior 12, which in the illustrated embodiment is filled with air. The heat source 13, which is formed by power electronics, is arranged on the right in the interior 12. The heat source 13 emits heat, with the amount of heat emitted varying over time. A heat storage unit 14, which is provided for the temporary storage of heat, is arranged at the top left next to the heat source 13. The heat source 13 is fluidly connected to the heat storage unit 14 by a heat transport connection 15. In the illustrated embodiment, air is used as a coolant to dissipate heat from the heat source 13.The coolant formed by air flows from the heat source 13, where it absorbs heat, through the heat transport connection 15 into the heat storage unit 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transport connection 15 is formed by a pipe that connects the heat source 13 to the heat storage unit 14. In the illustrated embodiment, heat is dissipated from the housing 1 via two parallel-acting heat dissipation units 16. A first heat dissipation unit 16 is arranged to the left of the heat storage unit 14 and is formed by an opening in the outer shell 11. A heat dissipation connection 17, which is designed as a line, fluidically connects the heat storage unit 14 to the heat dissipation unit 16. In this way, coolant formed by air can be led from the heat storage unit 14 through the heat dissipation connection 17 and the heat dissipation unit 16 out of the housing 1.In this case, a second heat flow is transported to the outside by the coolant led out of the housing 1. Acting parallel to the heat dissipation unit 16 designed as an opening, a second heat dissipation unit 16 is arranged at the top of the housing 1 and is designed as a portion of the outer shell 11. This heat dissipation unit 16, which is integrated into the outer shell 11, is formed by a heat transfer plate which has high thermal conductivity and dissipates a second heat flow from the housing 1 by heat conduction. The heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit 14 is transported to the heat dissipation unit 16 designed as a heat transfer plate by the coolant located in the interior 12, which transports heat from the heat storage unit 14 to the heat dissipation unit 16 by convection and / or heat conduction.In the illustrated embodiment, a coolant pump 18 is also arranged in the housing 1, which actively moves or transports the coolant, here formed by air, in the interior 12 of the housing 1. The coolant pump 18 can be designed, for example, as a fan. The coolant pump 18 first moves coolant to the heat source 13, where it absorbs heat. The heated coolant is then moved through the heat transport connection 15 into the heat storage unit 14, where it releases heat. Subsequently, at least a portion of the coolant is guided from the heat storage unit 14 through the heat release unit 16, designed as an opening, to the outside of the housing. Part of the coolant can also be guided from the heat storage unit 14 back into the interior 12 of the housing 1, for example in order to transport heat there to the heat release unit 16, designed as a heat transfer plate.However, the coolant pump 18 is optional and can also be omitted. Without the coolant pump 18, the coolant moves by itself through free convection from the heat source 13 through the heat transfer connection 15 into the heat storage unit 14. For this purpose, the heat transfer connection 15 is connected to the heat source 13 at the top of the heat source 13. In this way, coolant heated by the heat source 13 rises by itself due to its lower density and moves toward the heat storage unit 14.

[0037] The heat storage unit 14 in the Fig. 1 comprises a plurality of heat storage plates 141, which are arranged spaced apart and parallel to one another in a housing of the heat storage unit 14. The heat storage plates 141 are arranged in the manner of a labyrinth. In this way, the coolant flowing into the heat storage unit 141 is guided on a long path between and through the heat storage plates 141. Thus, the heated coolant reaches a very large surface area of ​​the heat storage plates 141 and can thus quickly and efficiently transfer heat to the heat storage plates 141 or absorb heat from the heat storage plates 141. Alternative embodiments for the arrangement of one or more heat storage plates 141 in the heat storage unit 14 are shown in the Fig. 2 to 4 and described therewith. The heat storage plates 141 guide the coolant in the heat storage unit 14 from an interface between the heat transport connection 15 and the heat storage unit 14, which can also be referred to as the coolant inlet KE, through the heat storage unit 14 to an interface between the heat storage unit 14 and the heat dissipation connection 17, which can also be referred to as the coolant outlet KA. The heat storage plates 141 thus define a coolant guide path which guides the coolant through the heat storage unit 14. The heat storage plates 141 are designed such that they have a high heat absorption capacity and can thus temporarily store a large amount of heat. For this purpose, the heat storage plates 141 can be constructed in a single layer or in multiple layers.Optionally, it is also possible for the heat storage plates 141 to comprise, at least in some areas, a phase-change material that transitions from a solid to a liquid phase when absorbing heat. This phase transition makes it possible to store a larger amount of heat than in materials that do not undergo a phase transition when absorbing heat.

[0038] For the utilization of waste heat from the heat temporarily stored in the heat storage plates 141, it can be provided that the heat emission unit 16, the heat dissipation connection 17 and / or the coolant pump 18 are switched off so that the stored heat of the heat storage plates 141 remains in the housing 1 and in the interior 12 in order to temper them at low temperatures.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic, sectional view of a second embodiment of a heat storage unit 14 of a housing 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the previously described Fig. 1 shows a heat storage unit 14 according to a first embodiment, which has a plurality of heat storage plates 141 arranged parallel to one another. Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the heat storage plates 141 are arranged at different angles to one another. Four large heat storage plates 141 are each arranged at an acute angle to the adjacent heat storage plate 141. Here, too, these four large heat storage plates 141 form a labyrinth through which the coolant, symbolized by arrows, is guided. The coolant, in particular in the form of air, is introduced into the housing of the heat storage unit 14 through the coolant inlet KE, passes through the labyrinth of large heat storage plates 141, and finally exits the housing of the heat storage unit 14 through the coolant outlet KA. Between each of the four large heat storage plates 141, two smaller heat storage plates 141a are arranged, which are spaced apart from one another and spaced apart from the large heat storage plates 141.The coolant also flows between the small heat storage plates 141a at these intervals. In this way, the coolant flows around a very large surface area of ​​heat storage plates 141 and 141a on its way through the heat storage unit 14 and can thus quickly transfer a large amount of heat into the heat storage unit 14. Preferably, the illustrated second embodiment of a heat storage unit 14 is installed in a housing 1 such that the coolant flows from the coolant inlet KE to the coolant outlet KA essentially in a horizontal direction.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic, sectional view of a third embodiment of a heat storage unit 14 of a housing 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this third embodiment, a coolant, preferably air, flows through the heat storage unit 14 from the coolant inlet KE toward the coolant outlet KA. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is preferably installed in the housing 1 in such a way that the coolant flows vertically upwards from the coolant inlet KE located at the bottom to the coolant outlet KA. This Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 is particularly suitable for housings 1 which do not have a coolant pump 18, but in which the coolant is transported solely by free convection. The heat-laden coolant introduced at the coolant inlet KE rises naturally through the housing of the heat storage unit 14 and leaves the latter again through the coolant outlet KA. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of zigzag-shaped heat storage plates 141 are arranged parallel to one another, with gaps between the heat storage plates 141 through which the coolant flows upwards. The zigzag shape lengthens the flow path of the coolant, so that it remains in contact with a larger surface of the heat storage plates 141 for a longer period. This ensures rapid and efficient heat transfer between the coolant and the heat storage plates 141.In this embodiment, smaller heat storage plates 141a are arranged horizontally on both sides outside the large heat storage plates 141. These plates are also spaced apart from each other, through which coolant flows. This further increases the surface area exposed to the flow of the heat storage plates 141 and 141a. Furthermore, the small heat storage plates 141a also increase the total heat storage capacity of the heat storage unit 14.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic, sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a heat storage unit 14 of a housing 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig.In the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4, the heat storage unit 14 has only a single heat storage plate 141, which has the shape of a spiral. The coolant, loaded with heat, is introduced through the coolant inlet KE of the housing of the heat storage unit 14. The heat storage plate 141 extends into the plane of the drawing, and the individual turns of the spiral-shaped heat storage plate 141 are arranged at a distance from one another. The coolant flows through this distance between the turns, whereby it covers a very large surface area in all turns of the heat storage plate 141. In this way, very good heat transfer between the coolant and the heat storage plate 141 is ensured. Inside the spiral, the coolant is then led into the plane of the drawing and out of the housing of the heat storage unit 14 through the coolant outlet KA.It is also possible to combine different shapes of heat storage plates 141, 141a in one heat storage unit 14. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 housing 11 Outer shell 12 Interior 13 Heat source 14 Heat storage unit 141 Heat storage plate 141a small heat storage plate 15 Heat transport connection 16 Heat dissipation unit 17 Heat dissipation connection 18 Coolant pump 19 connectors KE coolant inlet KA coolant outlet

Claims

[1] Housing (1) for accommodating a heat source (13), comprising - an outer shell (11) which encloses an interior space (12), - a heat source (13) which temporarily emits heat and which is arranged in the interior (12), - a heat storage unit (14) which is arranged in the interior (12) and which is intended to temporarily store heat emitted by the heat source (13), - at least one heat dissipation unit (16) which is arranged in the outer shell (11) or forms a partial region of the outer shell (11), wherein the heat source (13) is fluidly connected to the heat storage unit (14) via a heat transport connection (15) and a coolant is provided in order to transport heat dissipated by the heat source (13) from the heat source (13) via the heat transport connection (15) to the heat storage unit (14), wherein the heat storage unit (14) comprises at least one heat storage plate (141) which is flowed against or around by the coolant and is designed to absorb heat from the coolant, and a heat dissipation connection (17) is provided which thermally connects the heat storage unit (14) to the heat dissipation unit (16), wherein the heat dissipation connection (17) is designed to transfer heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit (14) to the heat dissipation unit (16) at least partially with a time delay to the release of the heat by the heat source (13), and the heat dissipation unit (16) is designed to dissipate this transferred heat from the housing (1), wherein a first heat flow that can be transferred from the heat source (13) to the heat storage unit (14) via the heat transport connection (15) is greater than a second heat flow that can be dissipated from the housing (1) by the heat dissipation unit (16), in particular wherein the first heat flow is at least twice as large as the second heat flow. [2] Housing according to claim 1, wherein the heat storage unit (14) comprises a plurality of heat storage plates (141) which are arranged partially spaced from one another in the manner of a labyrinth, wherein the coolant flows against or around the heat storage plates (141) one after the other, wherein the heat storage plates (141) guide the coolant from an interface between the heat transport connection (15) and the heat storage unit (14) through the heat storage unit (14) to an interface between the heat storage unit (14) and the heat dissipation connection (17). [3] Housing according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, in which the at least one heat storage plate (141) is constructed in several layers and comprises a material with high thermal conductivity in an outer layer and a material with high heat storage capacity in an inner layer, wherein the outer layer transfers heat from the coolant to the inner layer and the inner layer temporarily stores the heat. [4] Housing according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, in which the at least one heat storage plate (141) comprises in regions a phase change material which, during the intermediate storage of heat, undergoes a phase change from the solid to the liquid phase and vice versa and thereby absorbs or releases latent heat, in particular wherein the phase change material is arranged in an inner layer according to claim 3. [5] Housing according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, in which the coolant is formed by air, wherein the coolant moves passively by free convection from the heat source (13) through the heat transport connection (15) to the heat storage unit (14) or a coolant pump (18) is provided in or on the housing (1), which actively transports the coolant from the heat source (13) through the heat transport connection (15) to the heat storage unit (14). [6] Housing according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, in which the heat dissipation unit (16) is designed as an opening in the outer shell (11) of the housing (1) and the heat dissipation connection (17) is designed as a line which fluidically connects the heat storage unit (14) to the heat dissipation unit (16), wherein coolant flowing through the heat dissipation unit (16) to the outside of the housing (1) dissipates the second heat flow from the housing (1). [7] Housing according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the heat dissipation unit (16) forms a partial region of the outer shell (11) and the heat dissipation connection (17) is formed at least partially by coolant located in the interior (12), which coolant transports heat from the heat storage unit (14) by convection and / or heat conduction to the heat dissipation unit (16), wherein the heat dissipation unit (16) comprises at least one heat transfer plate which dissipates the second heat flow from the housing (1) by heat conduction. [8] Charging device for an electrically powered vehicle, comprising - a housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, - at least one plug connector (19) which is connected to the housing (1) via electrical lines and is provided for connection to an electrically powered vehicle, wherein the heat source (13) is formed by power electronics for providing a charging current for an electrically powered vehicle and the first heat flow carries heat which is emitted by the power electronics when charging an electrically powered vehicle to the heat storage unit (14) and the second heat flow dissipates the heat temporarily stored in the heat storage unit (14) to the outside of the housing (1) at least partially with a time delay to the charging of the electrically powered vehicle. [9] Method for dissipating heat from a heat source (13), wherein a housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 is used to carry out the method, in which the heat source (11) is arranged, comprising the steps A) transferring a first heat flow from the heat source (13) via the heat transport connection (15) to the heat storage unit (14), B) temporarily storing the heat from process step A) in the heat storage unit (14), wherein at least one heat storage plate (141) is used as a heat storage, C1) discharging a second heat flow to the outside of the housing (1), wherein the heat temporarily stored in method step B) is dissipated by the second heat flow from the heat storage unit (14) via the heat dissipation connection (17) to the heat dissipation unit (16) and from there to the outside of the housing (1), wherein the dissipation of the second heat flow to the outside of the housing (1) is carried out at least partially with a time delay to method step A) and the first heat flow is greater than the second heat flow, or C2) temporarily switching off the heat dissipation unit (16), the heat dissipation connection (17) and / or the coolant pump (18) so that the temporarily stored heat of the heat storage plates (141) remains in the housing (1) in order to temper it at low temperatures. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the heat source (13) is formed by power electronics of a charging device for an electrically driven vehicle and the transfer of the first heat flow in method step A) is used to cool this power electronics.

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