Device for filling an immersion cooling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (2) for filling an immersion cooling system (1) of an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle with a temperature control medium (T). According to the invention, the device (2) is characterized by a filling adapter (4) with an integrated distance sensor (5), which is fluidically coupled to a temperature control medium delivery unit (3) and can be arranged at least partially in a system inlet (E) of the immersion cooling system (1). The temperature control medium delivery unit (3) is designed to deliver the temperature control medium (T) for filling the immersion cooling system (1) up to a predetermined maximum filling level (B) as a function of a filling level (B) determined on the basis of continuously detected signals from the distance sensor (5). A minimum quantity of the temperature control medium (T) determined for filling is set, at which minimum quantity the immersion cooling system (1) is vented until a predetermined negative pressure limit is reached.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for filling an immersion cooling system of an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle with a temperature control medium.

[0002] DE 10 2023 106 587 A1 discloses a device for pressure regulation and degassing, and for compensating for the temperature-induced volume expansion of a cooling medium for a fuel cell and a cooling circuit. The device comprises a first region, which is in fluid communication with an outlet of a cathode region of the fuel cell, a second region, which is in fluid communication with the cooling medium, and a pressure transmission element between the first region and the second region, as well as a collection region for gases from the cooling medium. The collection region is formed as part of the second region.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing a device for filling an immersion cooling system of an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] A device for filling an immersion cooling system of an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle with a temperature control medium has, according to the invention, a filling adapter with an integrated distance sensor which is fluidically coupled to a temperature control medium conveying unit and can be arranged at least partially in a system inlet of the immersion cooling system, wherein the temperature control medium conveying unit is designed to convey the temperature control medium for filling the immersion cooling system as a function of a filling level determined on the basis of continuously detected signals from the distance sensor up to a predetermined maximum filling level, wherein a minimum quantity of the temperature control medium determined for a filling is set, at which the immersion cooling system is vented until a predetermined negative pressure limit is reached.

[0007] By means of a device designed in this way, it is possible to avoid overflow of the temperature control medium, in particular a dielectric fluid, at the end of a filling process of a directly cooled electrical energy storage device.

[0008] Since there is no need to install a check valve to prevent overflow, it is possible to reduce costs.

[0009] In addition, process reliability can be achieved through such a mechanical application and access to the immersion cooling system, which is designed as a closed circuit system, can be reduced to protect the immersion cooling system from contamination with electrically conductive particles.

[0010] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0011] The following shows: Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an immersion cooling system of an electrical energy storage device and Fig. 2 schematically shows a device for filling the immersion cooling system with a temperature control medium.

[0012] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0013] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an immersion cooling system 1 of an electrical energy storage device, in particular for a vehicle.

[0014] Fig. 2 shows, by way of example and in a highly simplified manner, a device 2 for filling an immersion cooling system 1 of an electrical energy storage device with a temperature control medium T, wherein the immersion cooling system 1 is a housing of the electrical energy storage device.

[0015] It is generally known that when individual electrochemical cells of the electrical energy storage device (not shown in detail) are charged and discharged, waste heat is generated which must be dissipated in order to avoid, for example, overheating of the individual cells as far as possible.

[0016] The immersion cooling system 1 is provided to dissipate the heat loss generated during operation of the individual cells. In such an immersion cooling system 1, by means of which the individual cells are directly cooled, a temperature control medium T, in particular a coolant, for example, an oil, flows around the individual cells, by means of which the heat released by the individual cells is effectively dissipated. Since the individual cells and their current collectors are located in the temperature control medium T, this type of direct cooling is referred to as immersion cooling.

[0017] The immersion cooling system 1 has a comparatively complex internal structure with undercuts (not shown in detail), a system inlet E for filling with the temperature control medium T and a system outlet A for venting the immersion cooling system 1.

[0018] Due to possible tolerances, process boundary conditions, etc., the filling quantity of the immersion cooling system 1 may vary.

[0019] In general, no fill level sensor and / or check valve are or are not provided on the system side, so that if an unknown fill level B is exceeded, the temperature control medium T can overflow the system inlet E and thus an outer surface of the immersion cooling system 1 can be contaminated with the temperature control medium T, in particular oil.

[0020] If the immersion cooling system 1 is filled with too little of the temperature control medium T, this can lead to unwanted air inclusions, which can reduce the performance of the immersion cooling system 1 and increase the risk of damage over its lifetime.

[0021] A manual post-processing process is not feasible due to an increased risk of contamination and a comparatively difficult to define final situation.

[0022] The filling process must also be repeatable and carried out in a secure environment to prevent contamination of the temperature control medium T with electrically conductive material.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be possible to carry out a contact-free filling level measurement with regard to the temperature control medium T filled into the immersion cooling system 1, in particular in order to avoid damage to the immersion cooling system 1.

[0024] In order to fill the immersion cooling system 1 with the temperature control medium T and to prevent overflow of the temperature control medium T, the device 2 described below is provided.

[0025] The device 2 comprises a filling adapter 4 with an integrated distance sensor 5, which is fluidically coupled to a temperature control medium delivery unit 3 and can be arranged in sections in the system inlet E of the immersion cooling system 1. The distance sensor 5 is, in particular, ultrasound-based and / or radar-based and / or lidar-based. In particular, the distance sensor 5 is configured depending on a respective environment.

[0026] The distance sensor 5 is arranged with respect to the system inlet E of the immersion cooling system 1 in such a way that a filling level B of the immersion cooling system 1 is determined based on continuously detected signals of the distance sensor 5.

[0027] The temperature control medium delivery unit 3 is data-linked to the distance sensor 5, so that the temperature control medium T is delivered by the temperature control medium delivery unit 3 until a predetermined maximum filling level B of the immersion cooling system 1 is reached. The filling adapter 4 is then removed from the system inlet E, and the system inlet E is closed normally.

[0028] In particular, a minimum quantity of the temperature control medium T is set for a filling, at which the immersion cooling system 1 is vented until a predetermined negative pressure limit is reached. For example, the minimum quantity is determined based on a vacuum filling.

[0029] By means of the device 2, the immersion cooling system 1 is filled automatically instead of a manual refilling process until the specified maximum filling level B is reached.

[0030] In one embodiment, an adapter with a measuring technology can additionally be provided, which triggers the filling, wherein the device 2 is coupled to the additional adapter by means of an intermediate coupling.

[0031] By means of the device 2, the filling is carried out automatically, whereby the filling can be repeated, air inclusions are minimized, an overflow of the temperature control medium T can be largely excluded and a risk of contamination of both the temperature control medium T and the surface of the immersion cooling system 1 can also be minimized. List of reference symbols 1 immersion cooling system 2 Device 3 Temperature control medium delivery unit 4 filling adapters 5 Distance sensor A System outlet B Filling level E System inlet T Tempering medium QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2023 106 587 A1

[0002]

Claims

Device (2) for filling an immersion cooling system (1) of an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle with a temperature control medium (T), characterized by a filling adapter (4) which is fluidically coupled to a temperature control medium conveying unit (3) and can be arranged at least partially in a system inlet (E) of the immersion cooling system (1) and has an integrated distance sensor (5), wherein the temperature control medium conveying unit (3) is designed to convey the temperature control medium (T) for filling the immersion cooling system (1) up to a predetermined maximum filling level (B) as a function of a filling level (B) determined on the basis of continuously detected signals from the distance sensor (5), wherein a minimum quantity of the temperature control medium (T) determined for a filling is set, at which minimum quantity the immersion cooling system (1) is vented until a predetermined negative pressure limit is reached. Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance sensor (5) is designed to be ultrasound-based and / or radar-based and / or lidar-based.

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