Heat exchanger, in particular for the temperature control of a motor vehicle battery

Abstract

Heat exchange device (2) with at least one heat exchanger (21, 24) having a heat transfer fluid inlet line (42E) and a heat transfer fluid outlet line (42S), wherein the heat transfer fluid inlet line (42E) and the heat transfer fluid outlet line (42S) of the at least one heat exchanger (21, 24) are designed to interact in a reversible manner with the heat transfer fluid inlet line (42E) or the heat transfer fluid outlet line (42S) of at least one further heat exchanger (21, 24) of the heat exchange device (2), and wherein at least one of the heat exchangers (21, 24) has at least one tube (22, 25) having several channels (220, 252, 254) each end of which is connected to a collecting device (23, 26), wherein at least part of the channels (220, 254) is provided for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid (6), characterized in that another part of the channels (252) is provided for the insertion of a phase change material (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of heat control of devices whose operating characteristics are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

[0002] The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the thermal control of batteries with which a motor vehicle is equipped, the propulsion of which is provided wholly or partly by an electric motor.

[0003] The invention is particularly applicable to batteries consisting of several adjacent electrical cells.

[0004] Battery heat management is a particularly important aspect in the field of electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0005] In fact, the battery temperature must be regulated to a temperature close to 20°C to ensure the reliability, range and performance of the vehicle, while optimizing the battery's operating time.

[0006] In electric or hybrid vehicles, the battery is generally formed by cells for storing electrical energy, which are arranged parallel to each other in a protective housing to form a battery pack.

[0007] To regulate the battery temperature, it is known to use a thermal control device that performs the functions of heating and cooling the battery.

[0008] Numerous solutions are known that make it possible to regulate the temperature of electrical battery cells.

[0009] One initial solution is to use a heat control device within the battery pack on one or more surfaces of the battery, which takes the form of one or more heat exchangers.

[0010] In one variant, the heat control device can be used on the outer surface of the battery pack.

[0011] However, this first solution has weak performance in terms of heat control.

[0012] With such a solution, it is not possible to optimally cool all the electrical cells that make up the battery, since the middle or core of the cells is not in contact with the heat control device.

[0013] Another known solution is to use a heat control device that includes several heat exchangers inserted between all the electrical cells of the battery.

[0014] This solution uses a main inlet and outlet line for heat transfer fluid, to which each heat exchanger, in which the fluid is to circulate, is connected by soldering.

[0015] This second solution has better thermal performance, meaning it allows for better thermal control of the batteries.

[0016] However, one disadvantage of this solution is that installing such a device is complicated and, once assembled, it takes up a lot of space.

[0017] Another disadvantage of this second solution is that it is not easy to adapt the heat control device to the number of electrical cells that make up the vehicle battery.

[0018] Another disadvantage of this second solution is that the device is unable to maintain optimal contact between the heat exchangers and the electrical cells when they deform under the influence of temperature changes.

[0019] For this reason, cooling the batteries is not optimal.

[0020] These prior art solutions also use heat transfer fluids, such as blower air, a water-glycol mixture, or coolant.

[0021] One disadvantage of these known solutions is that they are only marginally able to effectively absorb the heat spikes that occur during the charging and / or discharging of the electrical cells.

[0022] Strong heat spikes, which cause abrupt temperature fluctuations, can be observed during the use and charging of the electrical cells.

[0023] It is not possible to effectively absorb these temperature fluctuations with current technological solutions.

[0024] Other concepts known from the state of the art are briefly summarized below.

[0025] German patent application DE 10 2014 101 358 A1 discloses a composite of multiple heat exchangers for accumulators or converters for power generation. The heat exchangers have frame components with profiles which, when connected, form channels through which a fluid can be guided. The connections between the individual heat exchangers are formed via ports in the frame components.

[0026] US Patent 7,316,262 B1 discloses a device and a method for absorbing thermal energy by means of a heat exchanger. In this device, coolant is transported from the heat exchanger to a heat absorber. The heat absorber comprises a host material with cavities filled with a phase-change material, which at least partially melts upon the transfer of thermal energy and thus absorbs the thermal energy. Pipes carrying the coolant run through the host material.

[0027] WO 2014 / 132 047 A2 discloses a heat transfer device with an inlet and outlet and connecting means provided at the inlet and outlet to create a connection to an adjacent heat transfer device.

[0028] DE 10 2010 007 980 A1 discloses a device for compressing a fuel cell arrangement with a compression plate and integrated spring elements.

[0029] There is therefore a need to provide a new solution for the thermal control of the electrical cells of a battery, in which at least in one embodiment the aforementioned disadvantages are eliminated.

[0030] Such a solution is offered by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0031] For this purpose, the invention proposes a heat exchange device with at least one heat exchanger comprising a heat transfer fluid inlet line and a heat transfer fluid outlet line.

[0032] According to the invention, the heat transfer fluid inlet line and the heat transfer fluid outlet line of the at least one heat exchanger are designed to interact in a reversible manner with the heat transfer fluid inlet line or the heat transfer fluid outlet line of at least one further heat exchanger of the heat exchange device.

[0033] The invention thus proposes a modular heat exchange device, e.g., for the heat control of electrical devices, electronic modules, or rooms through which a fluid flows.

[0034] The invention is particularly suitable for the heat control of the battery of a motor vehicle, which has one or more electrical cells between which the heat exchangers of the heat exchange device are inserted.

[0035] The heat exchangers of the device each have an inlet line and an outlet line designed to be connected in a reversible or removable manner to the same lines of one or two adjacent heat exchangers.

[0036] The connection of the heat exchangers to each other is therefore simple, simplifying the installation / removal of the heat exchange device and allowing it to be easily adapted to the number of electrical cells that make up the battery.

[0037] According to the invention, at least one of the heat exchangers has at least one tube having several channels, each end of which is connected to a collecting device, wherein at least part of the channels is provided for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid.

[0038] Another part of the channels is intended for the storage of a phase change material.

[0039] To better absorb the temperature peaks of the electrical cells, the invention proposes the use of a phase change material in addition to a heat transfer fluid in the heat exchangers of the heat exchange device.

[0040] By using a phase change material in combination with a heat transfer fluid, rapid and effective absorption or release of heat energy can be provided to limit the temperature peaks of the electrical cells and thus optimize the performance and operating time of the battery.

[0041] According to the invention, the heat exchange device has at least one heat exchanger in which part of the channels are provided for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid and another part of the channels for the insertion of a phase change material, and at least one heat exchanger in which all channels are provided for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid.

[0042] According to a particular aspect of the invention, each inlet line and outlet line of a heat exchanger has a plug-like part and a socket-like part, wherein the plug-like part of the inlet line is provided for reversible interaction with the socket-like part of the inlet line of at least one further, adjacent heat exchanger, and the plug-like part of the outlet line is provided for reversible interaction with the socket-like part of the outlet line of at least one further, adjacent heat exchanger.

[0043] According to another special aspect of the invention, the plug-like part and the socket-like part of a cable each have a circular cross-section.

[0044] According to another special aspect of the invention, the outer diameter of the plug-like part essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the socket-like part.

[0045] The "plug-like" parts of the fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line of a heat exchanger can thus be forcefully joined to the "socket-like" parts of the fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line of another, adjacent heat exchanger.

[0046] The reversible mechanical assembly of the heat exchangers enables the formation of a single heat transfer fluid circulation circuit within the heat control device. It is therefore no longer necessary to solder the exchanger lines to pipes for supplying and discharging the heat transfer fluid, since these pipes are formed by the invention through the joining of the inlet and outlet lines of interconnected heat exchangers.

[0047] It follows that the heat exchange device according to the invention has a small footprint and its installation is considerably simplified.

[0048] Furthermore, the connection of the heat exchangers to each other is quick and reversible and requires no special tools for installation and removal.

[0049] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the connection point between the plug-like part and the socket-like part of the inlet line and the outlet line forms a stop.

[0050] This ensures that the joining of the socket-like part with the plug-like part of a cable is correct.

[0051] According to a further special aspect of the invention, the connection point between the plug-like part and the socket-like part of the inlet line and the outlet line comprises at least one seal.

[0052] The use of this seal further improves the tightness of such a connection.

[0053] According to another special aspect of the invention, the socket-like part of a line is suitable for receiving a sealing plug.

[0054] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid inlet line and the heat transfer fluid outlet line of the at least one heat exchanger are arranged diagonally opposite each other on the heat exchanger.

[0055] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the inlet line and the outlet line extend perpendicular to the collecting devices.

[0056] The invention also relates to a power supply assembly with a heat exchange device as described above and at least one cell for storing electrical energy, which is arranged between two heat exchangers of the heat exchange device.

[0057] The invention thus proposes, for example, an assembly for the electrical supply of a hybrid or electric vehicle, which has one or more electrical cells between which heat exchangers are inserted, wherein these can be easily connected to each other, so that the assembly can be easily adapted to the number of electrical cells of which the battery consists.

[0058] According to a particular aspect of the invention, it has means for compressing / clamping the heat exchangers against the at least one cell for storing electrical energy.

[0059] The invention also proposes the use of means for clamping the assembly formed from the stack in which electrical cells and heat exchangers are arranged alternately, so that optimal contact between the heat exchangers and the electrical cells is maintained when they deform under the influence of temperature changes.

[0060] According to another special aspect of the invention, the compression / clamping means have two clamping plates between which the at least two heat exchangers and the at least one cell for storing electrical energy are arranged.

[0061] According to a further special aspect of the invention, the compression / clamping means have at least one clamping strut that connects the two clamping plates.

[0062] According to another special aspect of the invention, each clamping plate has at least one deformable rib on its surface which is oriented towards one of the heat exchangers, which is referred to as the adjacent heat exchanger.

[0063] These deformable struts contribute to bringing the stack of electrical cells and heat exchangers closer together.

[0064] The contact between the heat exchangers and the electrical cells thus remains optimal, even if the electrical cells experience possible deformations due to temperature fluctuations to which they are exposed.

[0065] According to a further special aspect of the invention, the at least one deformable bridge is formed from several sections which are articulated to one another.

[0066] According to another special aspect of the invention, each section carries a spring which is designed to press the deformable bridge against the adjacent heat exchanger.

[0067] According to another special aspect of the invention, the at least one deformable bridge is made of plastic.

[0068] Further features and advantages will be clarified by reading the following detailed description, which is given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and by the accompanying drawings. These show: - Fig. 1 a perspective view of a modular heat control device according to the invention; - Fig. 2 a perspective view of a first type of heat exchanger, which is used in the device made of Fig. 1 is used; - Fig. 3 a perspective view of a second type of heat exchanger, which is used in the device made of Fig. 1 is used; - Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B Detailed views of the heat exchanger from Fig. 3; - Fig. 5 A schematic sectional view of a multi-channel pipe used in the heat exchanger made of Fig. 2 is used; - Fig. 6 A schematic sectional view of a multi-channel pipe used in the heat exchanger made of Fig. 3 is used; and - Fig. 7 A detailed view of a deformable bridge made of the device Fig. 1 is used.

[0069] Unless otherwise stated, identical elements in the different figures have the same reference symbols, technical characteristics, and operating modes.

[0070] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an assembly E for the electrical supply of an electric or hybrid vehicle, in which a heat exchange device 2 according to the invention and a battery 1 are used, which consists of cells for storing electrical energy, these being referred to below as electrical cells 10, which are opposed to each other and arranged in parallel to each other.

[0071] Naturally, the heat exchange device according to the invention can be provided to thermally control other electrical devices such as electronic modules, spaces through which a fluid flows, or any other device whose operating characteristics are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, for example.

[0072] In this example from Fig. Each electrical cell can generate 10 electric currents and has a rigid shell.

[0073] The heat exchange device 2 comprises several heat exchangers 21, each of which is inserted between two successive electrical cells 10 and brought into contact with them in order to regulate the temperature of these electrical cells 10 and more generally of the battery 1.

[0074] The construction of each heat exchanger 21 is described below with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 described in detail.

[0075] In such a modular heat exchange device 2, other types of heat exchangers, and in particular the one described below with reference to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. Section 6 is described in detail and can be used.

[0076] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the power supply assembly E has clamping means 5 which make it possible, after the electrical cells 10 of the battery 1 and the heat exchangers 21 of the heat exchange device 2 have been arranged parallel to each other, to compress this stack so that optimal contact is obtained between the electrical cells 10 and the heat exchangers 21.

[0077] At the in Fig. In the illustrated example, the clamping means 5 include two clamping plates 51, four clamping struts 52 and several deformable webs 53.

[0078] More precisely, the clamping struts 52 are in the form of a rigid cylindrical rod.

[0079] Each end of strut 52 has a threaded bore (not shown in the figures) that extends inside strut 52 along its longitudinal axis.

[0080] The two clamping plates 51 are designed to be arranged on one side and the other side of the stack of electrical cells 10 and heat exchangers 21.

[0081] The clamping plates 51 are essentially T-shaped.

[0082] Two first projections 511a and 511b, which are essentially semicircular, extend near the upper edge of the clamping plate 51.

[0083] The first two projections 511a and 511b each have a shoulder 513 extending perpendicular to the plane of the clamping plate 51.

[0084] Paragraph 513 has a receptacle (not shown in the figures) that can accommodate one end of a clamping strut 52.

[0085] A through hole extends through the projection 511a, 511b so that it accommodates a fastening screw 514 with which the clamping plate 51 and the two upper clamping struts 52 can be fastened.

[0086] The clamping plates 51 also have two further (in Fig. 1 (not shown) paragraphs extending perpendicular to the plane of the clamping plate 51.

[0087] These paragraphs have a recess that can accommodate one end of a clamping strut 52.

[0088] Two further bores, extending coaxially to the mounts, are arranged in the clamping plates 51 and are designed to accommodate a fastening screw 514, with which the clamping plate 51 and the two lower clamping struts 52 can be firmly connected to each other.

[0089] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the clamping plates 51 have two feet 516 that extend vertically downwards from the lower edge of the plate 51.

[0090] After the power supply assembly E is assembled, it rests on the feet 516 of the terminal plates 51, making it possible not to damage the electrical cells 10 and the heat exchangers 21.

[0091] Finally, the clamping plates 51 have openings 517 which are intended for interaction with deformable webs 53.

[0092] More precisely, each clamping plate 51 has several rows of openings 517, with each row comprising three openings in the illustrated example.

[0093] The deformable webs 53 are preferably made of a synthetic, insulating and flexible material.

[0094] In this example, the deformable webs 53 are made of plastic material.

[0095] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the deformable webs 53 in this example consist of three cuboid sections 531.

[0096] The three sections 531 are connected to each other via a joint 532, which has the form of a thin wall, making deformation of the web 53 possible.

[0097] In other words, by using three sections 531 and the joints 532, the deformable webs 53 can deform according to the deformations of the electrical cells 10.

[0098] Each section 531 has a fastening rod 533 extending perpendicular to the rear surface of the deformable web 53.

[0099] These fastening rods 533 are intended for insertion into the openings 517 of the clamping plate 51.

[0100] Each fastening rod 533 carries an elastic element 534, which is to be arranged between the rear surface of the web 53 and the clamping plate 51.

[0101] In this example, the elastic element 534 has the form of a coil spring which is mounted on a fastening rod 533.

[0102] By using these springs 534, a force can be exerted which is intended to bring the heat exchangers 21 closer together and compress them against the electrical cells 10 of the battery 1.

[0103] In other words, the springs 534 of each deformable web 53 make it possible to press them against the electrical cell 10 or the heat exchanger 21, which is adjacent to the clamping plate 51 to which these deformable webs 53 are attached.

[0104] These clamping bridges 53 are therefore intended to optimize the contact between the multi-channel tubes 22 of the heat exchangers 21 and the electrical cells 10.

[0105] The use of the springs 534 and the three sections 531 articulated to each deformable web 53 makes it possible to ensure that the tubes 22 of the heat exchangers 21 are permanently in contact with the electrical cells 10 despite possible deformations of these.

[0106] At the in Fig. In the illustrated example 1, five deformable webs 53 are used in each clamping plate 51, arranged one above the other, so that a compression force is transferred to the entire surface of the multi-channel tubes 22 of the exchanger 21.

[0107] The in Fig. 1 The power supply assembly E shown comprises a battery 1 with twelve electrical cells 10 and a heat exchange device 2 with thirteen heat exchangers 21, 24.

[0108] The power supply assembly E is obtained by alternately arranging electrical cells 10 and heat exchangers 21 next to each other and firmly connecting this stack with the clamping means 5 described above.

[0109] Thus, a first heat exchanger 21 (on the left in the figure) is arranged adjacent to the deformable webs 53 of a clamping plate 51, on which they were previously positioned.

[0110] An electrical cell 10 is arranged adjacent to this first heat exchanger 21, wherein a second heat exchanger is then arranged adjacent to this electrical cell on the side opposite the first heat exchanger and is firmly connected to the first heat exchanger.

[0111] Each heat exchanger 21 is circulated by a heat transfer fluid, which is circulated, for example, by means of a pump. The heat transfer fluid enters the heat exchanger 21 via an inlet line 42E, circulates in the pipes, and exits via an outlet line 42S.

[0112] The fixed connection of the first and second heat exchangers 21 is achieved by simply joining the heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E and the heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S of the first heat exchanger with the heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E and the heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S of the second heat exchanger.

[0113] Each heat exchanger 21 has a heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E with a socket-like part 421E and a plug-like part 422E.

[0114] This heat exchanger 21 has a heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S with a socket-like part 421S and a plug-like part 422S.

[0115] The socket-like part 421E of the inlet line 42E of a heat exchanger 21 can interact reversibly with the plug-like part 422E of the inlet line 42E of an adjacent heat exchanger 21.

[0116] This also applies to the outlet lines 42S of the two adjacent heat exchangers 21.

[0117] The design of the inlet line 42E and the outlet line 42S enables the fixed connection of two adjacent heat exchangers 21 by allowing the corresponding inlet lines 42E and outlet lines 42S of each of the two heat exchangers 21 to interact reversibly. One and the same heat exchanger can be connected to both an upstream and a downstream heat exchanger.

[0118] The design of these heat transfer fluid inlet lines 42E and heat transfer fluid outlet lines 42S thus enables a simple and tight joining of the heat exchangers.

[0119] The process of joining two adjacent heat exchangers 21 is repeated as many times as electrical cells 10 need to be added.

[0120] When several heat exchangers 21 are joined together, it should be noted that all inlet lines 42E form a global line for the inlet of a heat transfer fluid and all outlet lines 42S form a global line for the outlet of a heat transfer fluid.

[0121] The heat exchange device 2 according to the invention thus has a smaller space requirement compared to the prior art solutions, in which it is necessary to connect each fluid inlet line and each fluid outlet line of the heat exchangers to a main fluid inlet line and a main fluid outlet line of the heat exchange device by soldering.

[0122] It should be noted that a plug 423 is arranged on the heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E and on the heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S of the heat exchanger 21, which is located at a first end (in Fig. 1 right) of the stack of cells 10 and heat exchangers 21.

[0123] A connection element 424 is arranged on the heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E and on the heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S of the heat exchanger 21, which at a second end (in Fig. 1 on the left) of the stack.

[0124] This connecting element 424 is intended for connecting the heat exchange device 2 to the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit of the (not shown) vehicle.

[0125] When the stacking of electrical cells 10 and heat exchangers 21 is complete, the second terminal plate 51 must be positioned at the second end (right) of the assembly E.

[0126] This second clamping plate 51 also carries a series of deformable webs 53, which were previously arranged and connect to the heat exchanger 21 in the system, which is located on the far right.

[0127] Once these steps have been carried out, the ends of the struts 52 are positioned in the recesses 513 of the clamping plates 51 and then fastened to them with fastening screws 514.

[0128] In the power supply assembly E, each electrical cell 10 is thus inserted between two heat exchangers 21, which can regulate their temperature.

[0129] The contact between the multi-channel tubes 22 and the electrical cells 10 is ensured on the one hand by the compression provided by the clamping plates 51 and the clamping struts 52 and on the other hand by the use of the deformable webs 53, which allow the deformations of the electrical cells 10 to be absorbed.

[0130] The length of the clamping struts 52 is selected based on the dimensions of the battery 1, i.e., based on the number of electrical cells 10 that make up the battery 1.

[0131] When the power supply assembly E is assembled, it ensures optimal temperature control of the electrical cells 10 of the battery 1.

[0132] The battery 1 can consist of one electrical cell 10, in which case this electrical cell 10 is arranged between two heat exchangers 21, or of several electrical cells 10.

[0133] The following describes two types of heat exchangers that can be used in the previously described heat exchange device 2.

[0134] Fig. Figure 2 shows a heat exchanger 21 of the first type when it is brought into contact with a single electric cell 10. However, it is understood that another electric cell 10 can be arranged on the other surface of the heat exchanger 21.

[0135] The heat exchanger 21 comprises several multi-channel tubes 22, each end of which is connected to a manifold 23.

[0136] In this example, the heat exchanger 21 has five multi-channel tubes 22 and enables heat transfer fluid circulation according to a so-called “I” circuit.

[0137] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe 22 of the heat exchanger 21. Fig. 2.

[0138] The tube 31 is preferably made of aluminium and has a high thermal conductivity, so that the electrical cells 10 of the battery 1, with which it is in direct contact, can be cooled or heated.

[0139] It may be possible to arrange an insert (not shown) made of a material with a high thermal conductivity between the tubes 22 of a heat exchanger 21 and the adjacent electrical cells 10.

[0140] The pipe 22 is in the form of a flat pipe with an elongated cross-section, which has several inner walls 221 that define several inner channels 220 that extend parallel and longitudinally over the entire pipe 22.

[0141] The tube 22 is preferably obtained by extrusion, which simplifies the production of the inner channels 220.

[0142] The channels 220 of the tube 22 are designed to allow the circulation of a heat transfer fluid 6 between the various channels 220 of the tube 22 and the collecting devices 23 of the heat exchanger 21, which extend on one side and the other side of it.

[0143] Each end of the pipe 22 leads into a collecting device 23.

[0144] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, a first end of each collecting device 23 is tightly closed by a plate or a wall 238.

[0145] The second end of each collecting unit 23 opens into a connecting element 4, which carries a heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E for a first collecting unit 23 (in Fig. 2 arranged on the left) and a heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S for a second collecting unit 23 (in Fig. 2 arranged on the right). Each inlet line 42E and outlet line 42S is open at both ends.

[0146] The heat transfer fluid can thus flow from the inlet line 42E to the first collecting unit 23 and then from the second collecting unit 23 to the outlet line 42S.

[0147] The connecting element 4 can also be used to connect the heat exchanger 21 to one or two adjacent heat exchangers, as shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated.

[0148] The heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E and the heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S each have a socket-like part 421E or 421S and a plug-like part 422E or 422S.

[0149] It is therefore possible to use several heat exchangers 21 of the first type (in Fig. 2 illustrated), between which electrical cells 10 are arranged, to connect in a simple and reversible (or removable) manner.

[0150] The socket-like parts 421E, 421S and the plug-like parts 422E, 422S of the heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E and the heat transfer fluid outlet line 42S each have the shape of a cylinder and thus a circular cross-section.

[0151] The diameter of the cylinder of the plug-like part 422, 422S is smaller than the diameter of the socket-like part 421E, 421S, so that the insertion or insertion of the plug-like part 422E, 422S of a first heat exchanger 21 into the socket-like part 421E, 421S of an adjacent, second heat exchanger 21 is possible.

[0152] The diameters of the plug-like and socket-like parts are selected to ensure the tightness of the connections between two adjacent heat exchangers 21. The outer diameter of the plug-like part corresponds essentially to the inner diameter of the socket-like part.

[0153] At least one (not shown) seal may be provided at the connection point 425 between the plug-like and socket-like part of one and the same line 42E, 42S to reinforce and / or ensure the tightness of the connection.

[0154] This connection point 425, which here consists of a step, forms a stop when the plug-like part of an inlet or outlet line of a heat exchanger is inserted into the socket-like part of an inlet or outlet line of a second exchanger.

[0155] In one variant, a heat transfer fluid inlet line 42E or outlet line 42S with a cross-section of a different shape can be provided, without deviating from the basic principle described above.

[0156] If the heat exchanger 21 is connected only to an adjacent heat exchanger, a plug 423 is provided to close the end opening of the bushing-like part of the fluid inlet line 42E or the fluid outlet line 42S (as shown in Fig. 2 is illustrated).

[0157] The Fig. 3, Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B illustrates a second heat exchanger type 24 which can be used in a heat control device 2 according to the invention.

[0158] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates such a heat exchanger 24 when it is brought into contact with an electrical cell 10 of the battery 1. However, it should be understood that another electrical cell 10 can be arranged on the other surface of the heat exchanger 24.

[0159] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the heat exchanger 24 has several multi-channel tubes 25, each end of which is connected to a manifold 26.

[0160] The pipes 25 and the collecting devices 26 of the heat exchanger 24 are designed in such a way that, in addition to the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, they allow the insertion of a phase change material within the heat exchanger 24.

[0161] For this purpose, the pipes 25 are designed to selectively distribute either a phase change material (PCM) or a heat transfer fluid.

[0162] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the heat exchanger 24 has a static circuit 251 for storing the phase change material, in which a first group of channels 252 is used.

[0163] The heat exchanger 24 further features a dynamic circuit 253, in which a second group of channels 254 is used and which is designed to allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0164] It should be noted that the phase change material contained in the static circuit 251 should not circulate in the channels 252 and in the collecting devices 26, even though the phase change material may shift slightly within these elements.

[0165] In contrast, the heat transfer fluid is to circulate between the various channels 254 of the dynamic circuit 253 and the collecting devices 26 of the heat exchanger 24.

[0166] In this example, each tube 25 alternately has channels 252, which are provided for storing the phase change material, and channels 254 for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0167] In other words, each tube 25 alternately has channels that belong either to the static circuit 251 or to the dynamic circuit 253, so that heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the phase change material is possible.

[0168] The phase change material ensures a high heat storage capacity.

[0169] It can therefore extract a certain amount of heat from the heat transfer fluid 6, which moves within the channels 254, and thus cool it.

[0170] The specific amount of heat stored with the static component (phase change material) within the channels 252 is available to be used at a later time to heat the heat transfer fluid moving within the channels 254.

[0171] If the temperature of the electrical cells 10 of the battery 1 rises abruptly, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid also rises, and the phase change material can store / absorb this temperature increase.

[0172] In the event of an abrupt temperature drop of the electrical cells 10, the phase change material can release or dissipate the stored heat energy via the heat transfer fluid, so that the temperature of the electrical cells 10 is maintained at an optimal value.

[0173] The phase change material acts as a thermal energy storage medium. The heat transfer fluid controls the phase changes of the material stored in adjacent channels by conduction.

[0174] In its solid state, it initially stores thermal energy without changing state. When the temperature of the phase-change material reaches its melting point, the material transitions into a liquid state, and the heat is then stored in latent form.

[0175] When the temperature of the phase change material drops to the melting temperature, the phase change material transitions from the liquid state to the solid state.

[0176] The distribution of the number of channels 252 of the static circuit 251 and the number of channels 254 of the dynamic circuit 253 can be changed.

[0177] Depending on the desired total heat output, it is possible to provide two channels 252 of the static circuit 251 between two channels 254 of the dynamic circuit 253 or vice versa.

[0178] Any other distribution variant of the channels can of course be considered without deviating from the basic principle of the invention.

[0179] The Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows sectional views taken at the level of a collecting unit 26 of the heat exchanger. Fig. 3 were created.

[0180] The collecting device 26 of the heat exchanger 24 of the second type has a nozzle 270, which is partially arranged in a U-shaped channel 260, in contact with the inner walls of this channel, so that the nozzle 270 and the channel 260 are superimposed, with the nozzle 270 forming the outer edges of the collecting device 26.

[0181] The channel 260 and the nozzle 270 are firmly connected to each other by soldering, so that the fastening and the tightness between these two elements is ensured.

[0182] The space formed between the bottom of the channel 260 and the nozzle 270 forms a container 261 for storing / receiving the phase change material.

[0183] This container 261 is part of the static circuit 251.

[0184] The space formed within the nozzle 270 constitutes a container 271 for receiving the heat transfer fluid.

[0185] This container 271 is part of the dynamic circuit 253.

[0186] The bottom of the channel 260 has several longitudinal slits 262, which are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal axis of the channel 260.

[0187] The channel 260 has a number of columns 262, which corresponds to the number of tubes 25 used in the heat exchanger 24.

[0188] These columns 262 are designed to allow the passage of one end of a tube 25.

[0189] In other words, the width of the gap 262 essentially corresponds to the thickness of the tube 25.

[0190] As in the Fig. 4A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4B, the ends of tube 25 do not extend in a single plane, but are jagged.

[0191] The channels 252 of the static circuit 251 thus have a length L1 that is smaller than the length L2 of the channels 254 of the dynamic circuit 253.

[0192] In this example, this special jagged shape of the ends of the tube 25 is obtained by notching out the ends of the channels 252 for the insertion of the phase change material 7.

[0193] It could be considered to obtain this jagged shape, for example, through machining.

[0194] Due to this difference in length between the channels 252 and 254, the channels 252 of the static circuit 251 can open into the first container 261 and the channels 254 of the dynamic circuit 253 can open into the second container 271 of the collection device 26.

[0195] For this purpose, the nozzle 270 has several openings 272 at its base, which are designed to allow the passage of the end of the channels 254 for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid 6.

[0196] The joining of the pipes 25 and the channels 252 in the gaps 262 and in the openings 272 is carried out in such a way that the tightness between the first container 261 and the second container 271 of the collecting device 26 is ensured.

[0197] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4B, a first end of each collecting device 26 of the heat exchanger 24 is tightly sealed by a plate or a wall 28.

[0198] This wall 28 has a first section 281 with a step 282, the shape of which corresponds to the inner cross-section of the nozzle 270 in order to close it.

[0199] The wall 28 has a second section 283 with a recess 284, the shape of which corresponds to the internal cross-section of the container 261, and an opening 285.

[0200] The opening 285 is designed to allow the filling of the container 261 and the pipes 25 of the static circuit 251 with phase change material.

[0201] A plug 286 is provided which closes the opening 285 after the container 261 has been filled.

[0202] Similar to the heat exchanger 21 of the first type, one end of the collecting device 26 of the heat exchanger 24 of the second type has a connecting element 4.

[0203] However, the connecting element 4 of the exchanger 24 is not connected to the phase change material container 261, but only to the heat transfer fluid container 271.

[0204] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the dynamic circuit 253 acts as a heat or cold transfer medium to the phase change material contained in the static circuit 251 of the heat exchanger 24.

[0205] By using a phase change material 7 and a heat transfer fluid 6 within the same tube 25, the heat exchanger 24 can have a further improved thermal responsiveness.

[0206] Due to the strong thermal responsiveness of the heat exchanger 24, it is thus possible to better manage / absorb the temperature fluctuations of the electrical cells 10 of the battery 1, so that they can be kept at an optimal temperature.

[0207] This limits the temperature peaks of the electrical cells and optimizes the battery's performance.

[0208] It should be noted that, depending on the desired heat output, the following can be used in the heat exchange device 2 according to the invention: - only heat exchangers 24 of the second type, i.e., those that have one circuit for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid and one circuit for the insertion of a phase change material; - a combination of heat exchangers 21 and 24 of the first and second type.

[0209] The heat exchange device 2 enables a balanced distribution of the heat transfer fluid between the heat exchangers 21, 24, thereby allowing optimal control of the temperature of all electrical cells that make up the battery 1.

[0210] Furthermore, it can be easily adapted to the number of electrical cells that make up the battery.

[0211] It is sufficient to replace the clamping strut 52 to adapt the heat exchange device 2 to the number of electrical cells 10 of the battery 1.

[0212] According to a special variant, the clamping strut 52 has adjustment means with which it is possible to adjust its length / size.

[0213] For example, it may be planned to use a telescopic strut.

[0214] The clamping struts 52 are electrically insulated, for example, by anodizing if they are made of aluminum.

[0215] The clamping struts 52 are also preferably sufficiently separated from the electrical cells 10 to avoid any electrical contact with them.

[0216] In the described embodiments, the heat exchangers 21, 24 have five multi-channel tubes 22, 25, so that a circulation of the heat transfer fluid 6 in a so-called “I” circuit is proposed.

[0217] In one variant it is possible to use a number of multi-channel pipes 22, 25 which enable a circulation of the heat transfer fluid 6 in a so-called “U” circuit.

[0218] Further variants of the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit can be proposed without deviating from the basic principle of the invention.

[0219] Furthermore, each heat exchanger 21, 24 is preferably anodized so that the electrical insulation of the exchanger is ensured from the electrical cells 10 of the battery 1.

[0220] In one variant, an insert (not shown) can be arranged between the multi-channel tubes 22, 25 of the heat exchangers 21, 24 and the electrical cells 10.

[0221] This insert, e.g. of the "pad" type made of silicone and with a thickness between 1 and 3 mm, enables an improvement in the thermal contact and electrical insulation between the tubes of the heat exchangers and the electrical cells 10.

[0222] This insert also makes it possible to ensure optimal contact between the tubes of the heat exchangers and the electrical cells 10, as it allows possible deformations of the electrical cells 10 to be partially absorbed.

[0223] The clamping means 5 can exert a compression force on the stack of electrical cells 10 and heat exchangers 21, 24 in the order of 0.5 to 2 bar.

[0224] The heat transfer fluid used in the invention can be a coolant, i.e. a water-gas mixture, or a cooling fluid, i.e. a water-glycol mixture.

[0225] The phase change material preferably has a melting point between 20°C and 25°C within a temperature difference range of 5°C and 7°C.

[0226] More precisely, the phase change material is selected from paraffins, hydrated salts and eutectic compositions.

[0227] The electrical cells 10 that form the battery 1 can also be, for example, cylindrical, prismatic or pouch cells.

Claims

[1] Heat exchange device (2) with at least one heat exchanger (21, 24) having a heat transfer fluid inlet line (42E) and a heat transfer fluid outlet line (42S), wherein the heat transfer fluid inlet line (42E) and the heat transfer fluid outlet line (42S) of the at least one heat exchanger (21, 24) are designed to interact in a reversible manner with the heat transfer fluid inlet line (42E) or the heat transfer fluid outlet line (42S) of at least one further heat exchanger (21, 24) of the heat exchange device (2), and wherein at least one of the heat exchangers (21, 24) has at least one tube (22, 25) having several channels (220, 252, 254) each end of which is connected to a collecting device (23, 26), wherein at least part of the channels (220, 254) is provided for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid (6), characterized by, that another part of the channels (252) is intended for the storage of a phase change material (7). [2] Heat exchange device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that each inlet line (42E) and outlet line (42S) of a heat exchanger (21, 24) has a plug-like part (422E, 422S) and a socket-like part (421E, 421S), wherein the plug-like part (422E) of the inlet line (42E) is provided for reversible interaction with the socket-like part (421E) of the inlet line (42E) of at least one further adjacent heat exchanger (21, 24) and the plug-like part (422S) of the outlet line (42S) is provided for reversible interaction with the socket-like part (421S) of the outlet line (42S) of at least one further adjacent heat exchanger (21, 24). [3] Heat exchange device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the plug-like part (422E, 422S) and the socket-like part (421E, 421S) of a cable (42E, 42S) each have a circular cross-section. [4] Heat exchange device (2) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the outer diameter of the plug-like part (422E, 422S) is essentially equal to the inner diameter of the socket-like part (421E, 421S). [5] Heat exchange device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the connection point (245) between the plug-like part (422E, 422S) and the socket-like part (421E, 421S) of the inlet line (42e) and the outlet line (42S) forms a stop. [6] Heat exchange device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the heat transfer fluid inlet line (42E) and the heat transfer fluid outlet line (42S) of the at least one heat exchanger (21, 24) are arranged diagonally opposite each other on the heat exchanger (21, 24). [7] Heat exchange device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the inlet pipe (42E) and the outlet pipe (42S) extend perpendicular to the collecting devices (23, 26). [8] Power supply assembly (E) comprising a heat exchange device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and at least one cell (10) for storing electrical energy, which is arranged between two heat exchangers (21, 24) of the heat exchange device (2). [9] Power supply assembly (E) according to claim 8, characterized by , that it has means (5) for compressing / clamping the heat exchangers (21, 24) against the at least one cell (10) for storing electrical energy. [10] Power supply assembly (E) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the compression / clamping means (5) have two clamping plates (51) between which the at least two heat exchangers (21, 24) and the at least one cell (10) for storing electrical energy are arranged. [11] Power supply assembly (E) according to claim 10, characterized by , that each clamping plate (51) has at least one deformable web (53) on its surface which is oriented towards one of the heat exchangers (21, 24), which is referred to as the adjacent heat exchanger (21, 24). [12] Power supply assembly (E) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the at least one deformable web (53) is formed from several sections (531) which are articulated to one another. [13] Power supply assembly (E) according to claim 12, characterized by , that each section (531) carries a spring (534) which is designed to press the deformable web (53) against the adjacent heat exchanger (21, 24).

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