TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR COOLING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device, in particular a cooling device, in particular for an electrical component likely to release heat during its operation, in particular a device for cooling at least one battery or battery cells of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Vehicle batteries, especially for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, must be kept at the desired temperature as much as possible, which is why so-called cooling devices for vehicle batteries are used. These cooling devices comprise cooling plates through which a coolant circulates. The cooling plates are installed, as far as possible without gaps, on the outside of the batteries for the purpose of dissipating heat or heating the battery. Cooling devices are known in which the cooling plate consists of two plate parts that are normally fixed directly to each other. Here, the first plate part is preferably flat, and the second plate part is preferably a stamped or deformed metal sheet that has meandering depressions.Said depressions are closed by the flat plate part which is fixed to the stamped plate part, so that refrigerant ducts are formed. Patent EP 2 828 922 B1 describes such a device.

[0003] Patent application FR1225934A discloses a thermal regulation device for an electrical component capable of releasing heat during its operation according to the state of the art, this device comprising an upper plate and a lower plate assembled with the upper plate to together form a plurality of circulation channels for a heat transfer fluid, device comprising a fluid inlet zone and a fluid outlet zone, these inlet and outlet zones being, the plurality of fluid circulation channels comprising at least two groups of pass channels each forming a fluid pass in a thermally operative region, these channels in particular all having the same fluid passage section over the majority of their length,the plurality of channels further comprising at least one inlet channel connecting the inlet zone and one of the groups of pass channels and at least two outlet channels connecting one of the groups of pass channels to the fluid outlet zone, the pass channels of this group being subdivided into as many subgroups of channels as there are outlet channels, each subgroup of pass channels joining the outlet channel associated with it.,

[0004] The invention aims to improve this type of device.

[0005] The subject of the invention is a thermal regulation device according to claim 1.

[0006] Thanks to the invention, the number of channels and their distribution into subgroups can vary according to requirements. It is important that the number of channels in the last pass is large enough to ensure good thermal homogeneity.

[0007] In addition, a high number of channels allows for a relatively small passage section, thus limiting pressure losses.

[0008] The invention also allows for standard channels and thermal requirements are met by varying their number and arrangement pattern.

[0009] In particular, the invention is based on the way in which the channels are distributed at the start of a pass, and the way in which the channels converge at the end of a pass.

[0010] The invention advantageously makes it possible to balance the fluid flow rates in the channels, and consequently to homogenize the temperature of the plate.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels of a pass define a branching pattern at the beginning and end of the pass.

[0012] For example, two channels can be joined at a node to form a common channel, and the common channel joins another common channel originating from a junction node between two or more other channels.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of channels of the outer subgroups comprises one more than the number of channels of the intermediate subgroup, for example the number of channels of the outer subgroups is 5, and the number of channels of the intermediate subgroup is 4.

[0014] In another example, the number of channels in the outer subgroups is 4, and the number of channels in the middle subgroup is 3.

[0015] In one example one of the outer subgroups has 5 channels and the other has 4 channels.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the group of channels connected to the input channel comprises more than 2 channels, in particular more than 4 channels, or even at least 6 channels.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels in each group are parallel to each other over a major portion of their length.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, these channels are substantially rectilinear over most of their length.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of input channels is smaller than the number of output channels, for example the number of input channels is one and the number of output channels is two or more.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the groups of pass channels have numbers of channels that differ from one pass to another. In particular, this number increases, or remains stable, as the passes progress, in the direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. In other words, the groups of pass channels have numbers of channels that differ from one pass to another, in particular this number of channels increases, pass after pass, as the flow progresses.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, in at least one of the passes, the channels of this pass are arranged in a branched organization with nodes where at least two channels of the pass connect either to distribute, in the case of a distribution node, the fluid coming from one channel into two or more channels, or to collect, for a collection node, the fluid coming from two or more channels to a collection channel, these nodes being arranged so as to allow load balancing.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, in the pass considered, the added number of distribution nodes and collection nodes is the same for all the channels of the pass.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, in the pass considered, the added number of distribution nodes and collection nodes varies according to the channels of the pass by at most one channel, or even by at most two channels.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the pass has a branched organization with two distribution nodes and two collection nodes, and one of the channels first leaves the collective channel through the distribution node leaving the other two channels to distribute further downstream via the distribution node, downstream of the distribution node, this channel joins the channel through the collection node, which is upstream of the other collection node, node which collects the channels already together with the channel.

[0025] When a channel is favored in the distribution area, for example channel 81, it must then be penalized in the collection area.

[0026] The invention thus makes it possible to balance pressure losses and therefore to homogenize flow rates.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, for a predefined pass, in the flow distribution zone, the flow is divided into two channels after the distribution node. Then these two channels are themselves divided into two, at the distribution nodes, respectively to supply other channels after one of these distribution nodes, and the channels after the node. In the collection zone, the nodes are symmetrical to those of the distribution zone. Thus, the channels converge into one channel through the collection node, and the other channels converge into a second channel through the other collection node. Then these two channels join at the node.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of input channels is between 1 and 2.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of output channels is between 3 and 6.

[0030] For example, 2 input channels and 4 output channels can be provided.

[0031] For example, 2 input channels and 5 or 6 output channels can be provided.

[0032] The invention also relates to a system comprising an electrical component capable of releasing heat during its operation, in particular for an electrical energy storage module, and a cooling device described above, arranged to cool the component, this component or battery being in thermal contact with the upper plate of the cooling device.

[0033] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which: there [ Figure 1 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, a cooling device; the [ Figure 2 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, the device of the [ Figure 1 ] according to a different view, the [ Figure 3 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, a device according to another example with details on part of the plates: the [ Figure 4 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the [ Figure 5 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, the device of the figure 4 with arrows showing the fluid passes, the [ Figure 6 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the [ Figure 7 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention [ Figure 8 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device according to another example of the invention, the [ Figure 9 ] illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device according to another example of the invention.

[0034] It has been represented on the [ Figure 1 ] and on the [ Figure 2 ] a system 1 comprising a set of battery cells 2 to be cooled, for example arranged in two or more rows, and a cooling device 10 arranged to cool the cells 2, which are in thermal contact with an upper plate of the cooling device 10, as explained below.

[0035] The thermal regulation device 10 comprises an upper plate 11, a lower plate 12 assembled with the upper plate 11 to together form a plurality of circulation channels 13 for a heat transfer fluid, in particular a refrigerant, in particular a fluid chosen from the following refrigerants R134a, R1234yf or R744. The channels 13 are grouped in groups 14 of channels, the channels of a group extending substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined spacing between neighboring channels called intra-group spacing 15. The channels 13 each have a cross-section of between 1 mm2 and 15 mm2, being for example locally approximately 11 mm2 in each channel. The channels 13 extend substantially over the entire length of the plates.

[0036] The plates are made of aluminum.

[0037] The cooling device comprises a turning chamber 20 arranged to conduct the fluid exiting from one of the groups 14 of channels to one of the other groups of channels. The turning chamber 20 is formed by the upper 11 and lower 12 plates, for example made of aluminum. The lower plate 12 comprises a stamped area 21 arranged to participate in the formation of the turning chamber 20. The stamped area 21 is closed with the other of the plates 11 which is flat to form the turning chamber 20. The turning chamber 20 extends on one side 23 of the plates.

[0038] The cooling device comprises a refrigerant fluid inlet zone 30 for the channels, this inlet zone being formed between the two plates 11 and 12. This fluid inlet zone 30 is arranged to supply all the fluid circulation channels 13 which open onto the turning chamber 20, namely the channels in which the fluid flows towards the turning chamber. This inlet zone 30 is common to the groups 14 of channels. The cooling device comprises a refrigerant fluid outlet zone 31 for the channels, this outlet zone being formed between the two plates 11 and 12. This fluid outlet zone 31 is arranged to conduct the fluid leaving all the fluid circulation channels 13 which come from the turning chamber. This outlet zone 31 is common to the two groups of channels. The inlet zones 30 and 31 and the outlet zones are adjacent to an inlet orifice 32, respectively an outlet orifice 33.The inlet 32 ​​and outlet 33 ports are connected to a tubing connector block 6.

[0039] The lower plate 2 comprises areas 37 of rounded cross-section, in particular stamped areas, to form the channels 13 with the upper plate. The inlet 30 and outlet 31 areas comprise stamped areas of the lower plate 12.

[0040] Preferably, the heat transfer fluid can be chosen from refrigerant fluids called R134a, R1234yf or R744.

[0041] The battery cells comprise, for example, a plurality of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for use in a hybrid vehicle. In another embodiment, the plurality of battery cells are Li-ion batteries for use in a battery electric vehicle. The turning chamber 20 and / or the inlet zone 30 and / or the outlet zone 31 comprise, where appropriate, reinforcing elements to reinforce the mechanical strength in these zones which are potentially of larger cross-section.

[0042] It has been represented on the [ Figure 3 ] a detail of a device takes up most of the elements of the example described previously.

[0043] Here we will describe in more detail a turning chamber and the channels that connect to it.

[0044] Channels 13 open into a turning chamber 20 through which the fluid can perform a turn.

[0045] The arrows 28 show the direction of flow of the fluid in the channels 13 and the turning chamber 20.

[0046] The turning chamber 20 comprises mechanical reinforcement elements 27 formed on a wall of this turning chamber 20, each reinforcement element 27 being arranged to improve the mechanical strength of the chamber against potential deformations under the action of high pressure.

[0047] Each reinforcing element 27 extends over the entire height of the turning chamber 20.

[0048] The turning chamber 20 and the channels 13 each have a length measured along a direction of flow of the fluid, and each reinforcing element 27 extends over only a part of the length of the turning chamber 20, here less than 1 / 5 or 1 / 8 or 1 / 10 of the total length of the associated turning chamber 20.

[0049] The reinforcing elements 27 are provided along the turning chamber 20, this plurality of reinforcing elements being spaced from each other in a regular manner.

[0050] These reinforcing elements 27 formed on the turning chamber 20 are all identical, of the same shape and the same dimensions.

[0051] Reinforcing elements of different dimensions and / or sizes could, as a variant, be provided.

[0052] Each reinforcing element 27 has a rounded profile when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plates, this rounded profile having a concavity 29 directed towards the outside of the associated turning chamber 20.

[0053] The concavity 29 has a radius of curvature, in particular of a value less than 5 mm, in particular less than 2 mm. The radius of curvature is that of the dotted circle on the figure 3 , with a value of 1.1 mm.

[0054] Two neighboring channels 13 connect to the turning chamber 20 in connecting sections 18 so that an inter-channel space 19 is present on the turning chamber 20 between the two connecting sections 18 and the reinforcing element 27 is located in this inter-channel space, here in the middle of this inter-channel space.

[0055] The reinforcing elements 27 are arranged, with regular spacing between them, along a line 36 running along the turning chamber 20.

[0056] The reinforcing elements 27 are formed by stamping on the corresponding plate.

[0057] The reinforcing elements 27 allow for larger fluid passage sections while ensuring good mechanical resistance to deformation. This increase in the refrigerant passage section is accompanied by a reduction in the resulting pressure drop. The gain in passage section can be approximately +40% compared to a conventional design without reinforcing elements.

[0058] Two neighboring fluid channels connect to the turning chamber, and the reinforcing element 27 which is formed on a side wall of the turning chamber, opposite these two fluid channels, is arranged so as to be able to place an imaginary circle 26 inscribed adjacent to the two neighboring channels and to the reinforcing element opposite, this inscribed circle 26 having a diameter of less than 15 mm.

[0059] It will be noted that the passage section 25 of the fluid turning chamber 20 is increased on either side of each reinforcing element 27.

[0060] The turning chamber 20 may be arranged to allow a reversal of the fluid flow, or to allow fluid collection at the fluid inlet or outlet. In the latter case, the turning chamber may be referred to as a fluid inlet or outlet collection chamber.

[0061] In a variant, one or more reinforcing elements 27 may be formed on at least one of the channels 13, in particular on a non-linear portion of this channel.

[0062] It has been described with reference to the figures 4 And 5 a thermal regulation device 40 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0063] This thermal regulation device 40 comprises, like what is described above, an upper plate 11, a lower plate 12 assembled with the upper plate 11 to together form a plurality of circulation channels 13 for a heat transfer fluid, a fluid chosen from the following refrigerant fluids R134a, R1234yf or R744.

[0064] This device 40 comprises a fluid inlet zone 41 and a fluid outlet zone 42.

[0065] These inlet 41 and outlet 42 zones are located in a thermally inoperative region 43 illustrated in figure 5 , this region 43 not being opposite the component(s) to be cooled.

[0066] The plurality of fluid circulation channels 3 successively comprising four groups 44, 45, 46 and 47 of channels, called pass channels, each forming a fluid pass in a thermally operative region 48, region 48 which is located opposite the component(s) to be cooled.

[0067] Channels 3, regardless of the pass considered, all have the same fluid passage section over most of their length.

[0068] Among the plurality of channels 3, there is an inlet channel 49 connecting the fluid inlet zone 41 to the group of channels forming the first pass 44.

[0069] Among the plurality of channels 3, there are also three outlet channels connecting the group of channels of the last pass 47 to the fluid outlet zone 42.

[0070] Channels 3 of pass 47 are subdivided into three subgroups 54, 55 and 56 of channels and output channels 51, 52 and 53.

[0071] Channels 3 of each subgroup 54, 55 and 56 join the output channel 51, 52 and 53 associated with it.

[0072] The number of channels in subgroups 54, 55 and 56 are different.

[0073] In the example described, the pass group 44 directly connected to the input channel 49 is adjacent to the subgroup 56 of the last pass 47.

[0074] This subgroup 56 of pass 47 has a number of channels, here this number of channels being equal to five, which is the largest among subgroups 54, 55 and 56 of this pass 47.

[0075] The number of channels in the outer subgroups 54 and 56 is greater than the number of channels in the intermediate subgroup 55 located between the two outer subgroups 54 and 56.

[0076] For example, the number of channels in outer subgroup 56 is five, and the number of channels in outer subgroup 54 is four.

[0077] The number of channels in the intercalary subgroup 55 is three.

[0078] The numbers of channels in the outer subgroups are different 54 and 56, namely one being five and the other being four.

[0079] The group 44 of channels connected to the input channel 49 comprises more than two channels, here two subgroups 58 of three channels each.

[0080] The channels in each group or pass 44, 45, 46 and 47 are parallel to each other for a major part of their length.

[0081] These 3 channels are substantially straight over most of their length.

[0082] The number of channels increases as passes 44, 45, 46, and 47 progress, in the direction from fluid inlet to fluid outlet, with potentially the number of passes remaining constant over two or more passes.

[0083] Pass 44 has 2 subgroups of 3 channels each.

[0084] Pass 45 has 3 subgroups of 3 channels each.

[0085] Pass 46 has 3 subgroups of 3 channels each.

[0086] Pass 47 is already described above.

[0087] It has been illustrated on the figure 6 a detail of a thermal regulation device 60 according to another example of implementation of the invention.

[0088] As in the previous example, this device 60 comprises a fluid inlet zone 41 and a fluid outlet zone 42.

[0089] As can be seen, the first pass 61 is formed by a group of ten channels in total divided into two subgroups.

[0090] The last pass 62 is formed by a group of eleven channels in total divided into three subgroups.

[0091] Of course, the number of channels and sub-groups can vary depending on cooling needs, while ensuring satisfactory thermal homogeneity.

[0092] The lower plate 12 is visible in this figure with the stamped areas which form the channels 3.

[0093] The inlet 63 and outlet 64 channels extend to fluid inlet and outlet ports 65. These fluid inlet and outlet ports 65 are arranged to allow the thermal regulation device to be connected to a fluid circuit, which may for example comprise one or more heat exchangers and a compressor.

[0094] It has been represented on the figure 7 a thermal regulation device 70 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0095] Like the previous examples, this device 70 comprises a fluid inlet zone 41 and an outlet zone 42.

[0096] The channels successively defining 4 passes 71, 72, 73 and 74.

[0097] The first pass 71 is connected to the fluid inlet, and the fourth and last pass 74 is connected to the fluid outlet area.

[0098] Passes 71 and 74 are adjacent.

[0099] In the example described, the first pass 71 is composed of 8 channels in total.

[0100] The second pass 72 includes 10 channels in total.

[0101] The third pass 73 includes 12 channels in total.

[0102] The last pass 74 includes 14 channels in total, arranged in three subgroups 81, 82 and 83 of 5, 4 and 5 channels respectively.

[0103] Subgroup 83 which is adjacent to the first pass 71 has the largest number of channels among the three subgroups.

[0104] For example, two channels may be joined at a node 86 to form a common channel 87, and the common channel joins another common channel originating from a junction node between two or more other channels.

[0105] For example, a branching might be something like this. In a flow distribution area, the flow is split into two channels after a node. Then these two channels are split into two to feed other channels.

[0106] As can be seen in the examples described above, the number of channels and their distribution into subgroups can vary depending on requirements. It is important that the number of channels in the last pass is large enough to ensure good thermal homogeneity.

[0107] In addition, a high number of channels allows for a relatively small passage section, thus limiting pressure losses.

[0108] The invention also allows for standard channels and thermal requirements are met by varying their number and arrangement pattern.

[0109] It has been illustrated on the figure 8 , for at least one of the passes, channels of this pass which are arranged in a branched organization with nodes where at least two channels of the pass connect either to distribute, in the case of a distribution node, the fluid coming from one channel into two or more channels, or to collect, for a collection node, the fluid coming from two or more channels to a collection channel, these nodes being arranged so as to allow load balancing.

[0110] The summed number of distribution nodes and collection nodes is the same for all channels in the pass.

[0111] More precisely in the example of the figure 8 , the pass 80 has a branched organization with two distribution nodes and two collection nodes, and the channel 81 first leaves the collective channel through the distribution node 84 leaving the other two channels 82 and 83 to distribute further downstream via the distribution node 85, downstream of the distribution node 84, this channel 81 joins the channel 82 through the collection node 87, which is upstream of the other collection node 86, node 86 which collects the channels 81 and 82 already together with the channel 83.

[0112] In other words, channel 81 is served first for fluid distribution, before channels 82 and 82. When a channel is favored in the distribution zone, for example channel 81, it must then be penalized in the collection zone.

[0113] The invention thus makes it possible to balance pressure losses and therefore to homogenize flow rates.

[0114] In another example illustrated in the figure 9, for pass 90, in the flow distribution area, the flow is divided into two channels after node 95. Then these two channels are themselves divided into two, at the distribution nodes 96 and 97, respectively to feed the channels 91 and 92 after the distribution node 96, and the channels 93 and 94 after the node 97. In the collection area, the nodes are symmetrical to those of the distribution area. Thus, the channels 91 and 92 converge into one channel through the collection node 98, and the channels 93 and 94 converge into a second channel through the collection node 99. Then these two channels join at the node 100.

Claims

1. Thermal regulation device (40; 60; 70), particularly for cooling, particularly for an electrical component capable of generating heat during its operation, particularly for an electrical energy storage module, this device comprising an upper plate and a lower plate (11, 12) assembled with the upper plate to form together a plurality of circulation channels (3) for a heat transfer fluid, particularly a refrigerant fluid, particularly a fluid chosen from the following refrigerant fluids R134a, R1234yf or R744, the device comprising a fluid inlet zone and a fluid outlet zone, these inlet and outlet zones being particularly located in a thermally inoperative region, the plurality of fluid circulation channels comprising at least two groups of pass channels each forming a fluid pass in a thermally operative region configured to be opposite the component(s), these channels all having notably the same fluid passage section over most of their length, the plurality of channels further comprising at least one inlet channel (49) connecting the fluid inlet zone (41) and one of the groups of pass channels and at least two outlet channels connecting one of the groups of pass channels to the fluid outlet zone (42), the pass channels of this group subdividing into as many subgroups (54, 55, 56) of channels as there are outlet channels (51, 52, 53), each subgroup of pass channels joining the outlet channel associated with it, and in that the group of pass channels directly connected to the inlet channel (49) is adjacent to one of the subgroups (56) of the group of pass channels connected to the outlet channel(s), this subgroup (56) having a number of channels which is the largest among the other subgroups (54, 55) of this group connected to the outlet channel(s), the group of channels connected to the outlet channel(s) (51, 52, 53) is subdivided into at least three subgroups, the number of channels in the outer subgroups being greater than the number of channels in the intercalary subgroup located between the two outer subgroups, the number of channels in the outer subgroups being different from each other.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the number of inlet channels is smaller than the number of outlet channels, for example the number of inlet channels is one and the number of outlet channels is three or more.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of outlet channels is between 3 and 6.

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of channels in the outer subgroups comprises one more than the number of channels in the intercalary subgroup, for example the number of channels in the outer subgroups is 5, and the number of channels in the intercalary subgroup is 4.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the group of channels connected to the inlet channel comprises more than 2 channels, particularly more than 4 channels, or at least 6 channels.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (3) in each group are parallel to each other over most of their length.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that these channels (3) are substantially rectilinear over most of their length.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groups of pass channels have different numbers of channels from one pass to another, particularly this number increases, or remains stable, as the flow progresses.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in at least one of the passes, the channels of this pass are arranged according to a branched organization with nodes where at least two channels of the pass connect either to distribute, in the case of a distribution node, the fluid coming from one channel into two or more channels, or to collect, for a collection node, the fluid coming from two or more channels into one collection channel, these nodes being arranged so as to allow charge balancing.

10. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in the considered pass, the sum of the number of distribution nodes and collection nodes is the same for all channels of the pass.

11. System comprising an electrical component capable of generating heat during its operation, particularly for an electrical energy storage module, and a cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, arranged to cool the component, this component or battery being in thermal contact with the upper plate of the cooling device.