Cooling system for cooling power electronics and / or for coolant temperature control

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling system (100), preferably for a motor vehicle, preferably an autonomous or semi-autonomous driving motor vehicle, having a first and a second cooling circuit (10, 20), which are or can be thermally connected to one another. The first circuit (10) is preferably a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system, in particular for cooling an interior of the motor vehicle, while the second circuit (20) is suitable for controlling the temperature of, and / or for cooling, power electronics (21), preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cooling system for cooling power electronics and / or for coolant temperature control

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a cooling system, preferably for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving motor vehicle (e.g., a truck or bus). The cooling system is used in particular for cooling power electronics. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling system is suitable for controlling the coolant temperature to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics. The invention also relates to a related method.

[0004] It is common practice to ventilate and thus cool power electronics, such as automotive control units. However, power electronics in the form of high-performance computers for data processing in autonomous or semi-autonomous driving typically require more efficient cooling than conventional automotive control units. Excessive cooling of the power electronics and / or cold weather (e.g., in combination with low power electronics utilization and / or in warm and / or humid environments surrounding the power electronics) can lead to the detrimental formation of condensate on or in the power electronics.

[0005] An object of the invention is to provide an efficient and / or structurally simple, particularly preferably safe, possibility for cooling power electronics and / or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensate formation on or in power electronics, in particular for power electronics for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving.

[0006] This object can be achieved with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are disclosed in the subclaims or emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] The invention relates to a cooling system, preferably for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving motor vehicle, e.g., an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving truck or bus. The cooling system comprises a first circuit (e.g., refrigeration circuit), preferably a circuit (e.g., refrigeration circuit) of an air conditioning system, in particular for cooling an interior of the motor vehicle (e.g., a driver and / or passenger compartment). The first circuit serves, in particular, to conduct a (e.g., gaseous or liquid) refrigerant. It is possible for the refrigerant to expediently change its state of aggregation during operation of the cooling system.

[0008] The cooling system comprises at least one power electronics unit, preferably at least one control unit and / or at least one computer (e.g., at least one chip, processor, and / or one or more other electronic components, etc.), preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle. The computer can be, for example, a high-performance computer.

[0009] For targeted cooling and / or temperature control, in particular to prevent condensation, a second circuit is provided which is in thermal contact with the power electronics at least indirectly, in particular via suitable heat exchanger surfaces. According to the invention, the first circuit and the second circuit (20) are thermally connected to one another via a heat exchanger (X1, 30), preferably a plate heat exchanger or a chiller, in particular so that the first circuit can be used to generate cooling power for the second circuit. Alternatively or additionally, a valve for coolant temperature control, in particular to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics, is arranged in the second circuit.Coolant temperature control, i.e., the targeted adjustment of the required coolant temperature, can be achieved with the help of the valve by adjusting the properties of the coolant flow, which is at least temporarily in thermal contact with the power electronics, as required, in particular by combining coolant flows that flow through different flow paths or circuits. The valve thus allows the volume flow and / or temperature of the coolant flow, which at least temporarily releases heat to or absorbs heat from the power electronics, to be specifically adjusted. By appropriately interconnecting the first and second circuits, particularly efficient, demand-based temperature control of the power electronics can be achieved.

[0010] The cooling system can thus include a valve for controlling the coolant temperature to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics, advantageously maintaining a temperature on or in the power electronics substantially above a dew point temperature. Alternatively or additionally, a second circuit is provided for cooling the power electronics and / or for controlling the coolant temperature to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics, advantageously maintaining a temperature on or in the power electronics substantially above a dew point temperature.

[0011] The cooling system can expediently have one or more cooling circuits, in particular more than two. The second circuit, for example, serves in particular to carry a (e.g., gaseous or liquid) coolant.

[0012] One advantage is, for example, that an interior of the motor vehicle can be cooled by means of at least one first circuit, preferably a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system.

[0013] Advantageously, it is conceivable for the at least one first or at least one further circuit to be a battery cooling circuit, in particular for cooling a (e.g., rechargeable) battery device (e.g., accumulator device, etc.). The battery device can serve, for example, to supply energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle. The battery cooling circuit is preferably a coolant circuit. The battery cooling circuit is preferably an accumulator cooling circuit.

[0014] In other words, at least one cooling circuit e.g. B. be an air conditioning cooling circuit or a battery cooling circuit (e.g. accumulator cooling circuit).

[0015] However, it is also possible that the circuit and / or the further circuit is an independent (e.g. active) circuit (e.g. refrigerant circuit), preferably independent and / or decoupled from one or more other circuits.

[0016] Advantageously, a cooling circuit (suitably active or passive) typically already present in motor vehicles can be used to generate cooling power for a cooling circuit, in particular the second circuit, to cool and / or temperature-control the power electronics. Alternatively or additionally, an advantage is that the cooling system can be configured, for example, not only for cooling the power electronics, but preferably also for coolant temperature control to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics, so that a temperature on or in the power electronics can advantageously be maintained substantially above a dew point temperature.

[0017] It is possible for the first circuit and the second circuit to be connected (e.g. coupled) to one another, in particular thermally, via a heat exchanger, preferably a plate heat exchanger, preferably in such a way that the first circuit can be used to generate cooling capacity for the second circuit.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that one of the cooling circuits used can be thermally connected to an additional circuit, e.g. via a (e.g. further, in particular second) heat exchanger, preferably a chiller (e.g. evaporator), preferably so that the additional circuit can be used to generate and / or provide cooling capacity for the circuit and / or the further circuit.

[0019] It is possible that an expansion device is installed upstream of the heat exchanger or that the heat exchanger is designed as a condenser and / or evaporator.

[0020] Furthermore, it is conceivable for at least one of the circuits to have at least one expansion element or a compressor. The expansion element is expediently assigned to the first circuit and, in particular, can be flowed through by the refrigerant of the first circuit. The expansion element is preferably an expansion valve.

[0021] The further circuit, in particular the second circuit, may, for example, comprise a valve for coolant temperature control in order to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics.

[0022] The valve can, for example, be a directional control valve and / or be designed to combine coolants at different temperatures, particularly those of the second circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the valve can have at least three connections and / or at least two switching positions and / or be designed as a 3-way valve, in particular a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0023] The cooling circuit, in particular the second circuit, may comprise, for example, a cooling device (e.g., a cooler with a fan). The cooling device serves, in particular, to cool the coolant of the second circuit.

[0024] The cooling device can be, for example, a liquid-air heat exchanger, preferably with a fan, the performance of which can be advantageously increased by the fan.

[0025] It is possible for a cooling circuit, in particular the second circuit, to comprise a first line section, which can extend, for example, upstream of the power electronics between the heat exchanger and the power electronics. Alternatively or additionally, a cooling circuit, in particular the second circuit, can comprise, for example, a second line section, which can extend, for example, downstream of the power electronics between the power electronics and the heat exchanger.

[0026] The first line section can thus be coupled, for example, to an input side of the power electronics and to an output side of the heat exchanger, wherein alternatively or additionally the second line section can be coupled, for example, to an output side of the power electronics and to an input side of the heat exchanger.

[0027] It is possible for a third line section to connect the second line section to the valve and / or to form a bypass line in order to guide coolant (suitably of the second circuit) to the valve and / or into the first line section, bypassing the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger, and preferably thus (in particular indirectly) back to the power electronics.

[0028] The third section of the pipeline is conveniently part of the second circuit.

[0029] The valve can, for example, be integrated into the first and / or third line section.

[0030] It is possible that the third line section branches off from the second line section at a junction point.

[0031] The branch point is preferably positioned downstream of the power electronics and, for example, upstream of the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger.

[0032] The circuit and / or the further circuit may, for example, include a pump.

[0033] The pump can be configured, for example, to change a coolant heat flow or coolant volume flow, preferably by selectively increasing and / or reducing it, for example, to control the coolant temperature to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics. This change can be achieved, for example, by changing the pump's power.

[0034] The pump is preferably integrated into the first line section and / or positioned upstream of the power electronics and, for example, downstream of the valve and / or downstream of the heat exchanger and / or the cooling device. The valve preferably comprises a first inlet (which can preferably be connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger by means of a first subsection of the first line section) and / or a second inlet (which can preferably be connected to the second line section by means of the third line section). Alternatively or additionally, the valve can expediently comprise an outlet in order to expediently conduct coolant for coolant temperature control from the first inlet and / or from the second inlet to the power electronics and / or to guide it into a second subsection of the first line section, depending on valve switching positions.

[0035] The first inlet can be used in particular to receive coolant cooled by means of a cooling circuit, in particular the first circuit and / or the cooling device.

[0036] The second input can be used in particular to receive coolant heated by the power electronics.

[0037] The first input and / or the second input and / or the output may have at least one of the following: an open position in which it is fully open, a closed position in which it is fully closed, and / or at least one intermediate position in which it is partially open.

[0038] It is possible for the valve for coolant temperature control to have a switching position in which the first inlet is completely closed and the second inlet is completely or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics) can circulate between the outlet, the power electronics, and the second inlet, but an inflow of coolant via the first inlet and thus preferably from the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger is prevented. This can, for example, enable a ("small") circuit or circuit mode that includes the power electronics, the valve (namely the preferably completely or partially open second inlet), and preferably the pump, in particular with the first inlet closed and thus excluding the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger.

[0039] For coolant temperature control, the valve can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet is partially open and the second inlet is fully or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics) can circulate between the outlet, the power electronics, and the second inlet, but also an inflow of coolant (in particular cooled by means of the first circuit and / or the cooling device) is permitted via the first inlet and preferably thus by the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger. This can, for example, enable a circuit or circuit mode that includes the power electronics, the valve (namely preferably the first at least partially open inlet and the second at least partially open inlet), the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger, and, for example, the pump.

[0040] It is possible for the valve for coolant temperature control to have a switching position in which the first inlet is fully open, preferably such that coolant (cooled by means of a cooling circuit, in particular by means of the first circuit and / or the cooling device) circulates between the outlet, the power electronics, and the first inlet. The second inlet can, for example, be fully closed or only partially and / or intermittently opened. This makes it possible to create a ("large") circuit or circuit mode that includes the power electronics, the valve (namely, preferably the fully open first inlet), the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger, and, for example, the pump, preferably with the second inlet substantially closed.

[0041] The cooling device can, for example, be integrated into the second line section, positioned downstream of the power electronics and / or downstream of the branching point, and / or positioned upstream of the heat exchanger and / or the second inlet.

[0042] The coolant of a further cooling circuit, in particular the second circuit, can in particular absorb heat from the power electronics and use the heat to control the coolant temperature to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics, preferably in combination with coolant cooled by means of the first circuit and / or the cooling device.

[0043] In the context of the invention, the second circuit can thus preferably provide at least three different circuit modes, namely, preferably, a first circuit mode to expediently increase the coolant temperature for the power electronics, a second circuit mode to expediently reduce the coolant temperature for the power electronics, and a third circuit mode that combines the first and second circuit modes. It is possible for the valve to be a thermostatic valve and / or a self-adjusting valve for controlling the coolant temperature, and thus preferably forms a non-electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0044] The valve may, for example, comprise an expansion material or fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably to influence the flow of coolant, e.g., to completely block it, allow it to pass completely, and / or allow it to pass only partially. The valve may, for example, comprise a wax insert and slide valve.

[0045] The valve can, for example, be configured for fixed-value temperature control, preferably to maintain the coolant temperature for the power electronics within a predetermined temperature range. The predetermined (e.g., preset) temperature is preferably selected such that a fall below the dew point can be excluded in all operating states.

[0046] The valve can, for example, be a mechanical valve.

[0047] However, it is also possible that the valve is an electric valve, in particular an electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0048] The cooling system may, for example, comprise an electronic control and / or regulating device configured to control and / or regulate the valve and / or the pump, preferably for cooling the power electronics and / or for controlling the coolant temperature to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics.

[0049] The control and / or regulating device can, in particular, be configured to control and / or regulate the valve and / or the pump depending on at least one of the following: a temperature and / or humidity of the ambient air of the power electronics, a temperature at or in the power electronics (e.g., a surface temperature of the power electronics), a coolant temperature of at least one cooling circuit, in particular the second circuit (e.g., upstream and / or downstream of the power electronics), and / or a cooling medium temperature of the first circuit. For temperature detection, the cooling system can, for example, comprise suitable sensors.

[0050] The control and / or regulating device can, for example, be configured to perform a comparison with at least one dew point curve and / or to maintain the coolant temperature within a predetermined temperature range. It is possible for the control and / or regulating device to form part of the power electronics and thus preferably be cooled as needed by a cooling circuit, in particular by the second circuit, or to be provided in addition to the power electronics and, for example, be (expediently thermally) decoupled from the second circuit.

[0051] The first circuit may, for example, include an evaporator (e.g. consumer).

[0052] It is possible that an expansion device (e.g. an expansion valve) is connected upstream of the evaporator, which is assigned to the first circuit, for example, and in particular can be flowed through by the refrigerant of the first circuit.

[0053] It is thus possible for the first circuit to have two expansion elements, wherein preferably one expansion element can be assigned to the heat exchanger and preferably one expansion element can be assigned to the evaporator.

[0054] One of the cooling circuits, in particular the first circuit, may comprise, for example, a compressor and / or a condenser.

[0055] In a particular embodiment of the invention, a cooling circuit, in particular the first cooling circuit, is used to generate cooling power (practically cold generation) for the second circuit, so that preferably cold from the first circuit can be used by means of the second circuit to cool the power electronics.

[0056] If one of the cooling circuits is a battery cooling circuit, this can (in particular in addition to the battery device) comprise, for example, at least one electronic component (preferably control electronics, at least one chip, processor, at least one power converter (e.g. inverter) and / or one or more other electronic components, etc.).

[0057] The battery cooling circuit can be configured in particular to cool the at least one electronic component.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one electronic component comprises control electronics (e.g., at least one chip, processor, computer, etc.), preferably for controlling the battery device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one electronic component can comprise, for example, a power converter (e.g., an inverter), in particular for a motor vehicle air conditioning system. It is possible for one of the circuits, in particular the first circuit, to be a refrigeration circuit, in particular a closed circuit, and / or to contain a (in particular liquid or gaseous) cooling medium.

[0059] The first circuit is preferably an active refrigeration circuit (e.g. refrigerant circuit, in particular for active cooling generation.

[0060] The first circuit is preferably a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system, in particular a motor vehicle air conditioning system.

[0061] It is possible that the second circuit is a closed circuit, a high-temperature circuit and / or comprises a coolant (in particular liquid or gaseous).

[0062] It is possible that the second circuit is a passive circuit and / or has, for example, no compressor, no condenser, no evaporator and / or no expansion device.

[0063] It should be mentioned that the power electronics may in particular include a high-performance computer, useful for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

[0064] It should also be mentioned that the coolant temperature control serves in particular to keep a temperature on or in the power electronics substantially above a dew point temperature, in particular to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics.

[0065] It should also be mentioned that the coolant temperature control can preferably be achieved without reducing the coolant volume flow.

[0066] It is possible that the coolant temperature of the second circuit, preferably at or (suitably shortly) before entering the power electronics, serves as a control variable for controlling the valve and / or the pump.

[0067] The cooling device (preferably a cooler with a fan) provides passive cooling in particular.

[0068] The invention also encompasses a motor vehicle, preferably an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving motor vehicle, with a cooling system as disclosed herein. The motor vehicle is preferably a (in particular autonomously or semi-autonomously) driving truck or bus.

[0069] The invention also encompasses a method for a cooling system, preferably a cooling system as disclosed herein. The method can be carried out in particular with a cooling system as disclosed herein.

[0070] The cooling system comprises a first circuit, preferably a circuit (e.g., refrigeration circuit) of an air conditioning system, in particular for cooling an interior of the motor vehicle (e.g., a driver and / or passenger compartment), and power electronics, preferably at least one control unit and / or at least one computer, preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle. The cooling system also comprises a second circuit that cools the power electronics (in particular, by means of a coolant) and / or that performs coolant temperature control to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics.

[0071] The disclosure of the cooling system also applies to the method.

[0072] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be advantageously combined with one another. Other advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims or emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0073] Figure 1 shows a cooling system according to first embodiments of the invention,

[0074] Figure 2 shows a cooling system according to second embodiments of the invention and

[0075] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the cooling system, in particular a valve for coolant temperature control.

[0076] Figures 1 and 2 show a cooling system 100 according to a first and a second embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the respective cooling system 100, in particular a valve 22 for coolant temperature control.

[0077] The cooling system 100 is preferably part of a motor vehicle, e.g., an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving bus or truck. The cooling system 100 comprises power electronics 21, preferably at least one control unit and / or at least one computer (e.g., at least one chip, processor, etc.), preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

[0078] The cooling system 100 comprises a circuit 20 for cooling the power electronics 21. The circuit 20 is expediently used to carry a (e.g. liquid or gaseous) coolant.

[0079] The cooling system 100 is characterized in particular in that the circuit 20 comprises a valve 22 for coolant temperature control to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21.

[0080] The cooling system 100 may also comprise at least one further circuit 10, shown only schematically in Figure 1, e.g., a refrigeration or cooling circuit, expediently with or without a cooling device (e.g., cooler with fan), compressor (e.g., compressor), condenser, evaporator, and / or expansion device.

[0081] The further circuit 10 can, for example, be a suitably independent (in particular passive) cooling circuit (e.g. without a condenser and / or without a compressor (e.g. compressor), but in particular with a cooling device, in particular a cooler with a fan).

[0082] However, the further circuit 10 can also be a suitably independent (in particular active) refrigeration circuit (e.g. with expansion device, compressor (e.g. compressor), compressor and / or condenser).

[0083] The additional circuit 10 can also be, for example, a circuit, in particular a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system for cooling the interior of the motor vehicle. The additional circuit 10 thus forms, for example, an air conditioning system refrigeration circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the additional circuit 10 can be a battery cooling circuit, in particular for cooling a battery device (e.g., rechargeable battery device) and / or its control electronics (e.g., at least one chip, processor and / or one or more other electronic components, etc.). The battery device can, for example, serve to supply energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle. The additional circuit 10 is, however, optional and can, for example, be replaced by a cooling device 24 in the circuit 20, or vice versa. However, embodiments with the cooling device 20 and with the additional circuit 10 are also possible.

[0084] The further circuit 10 can be, for example, a conventional air conditioning refrigeration circuit or a conventional battery cooling arrangement, by means of which all components required to generate refrigeration and / or cooling power (in particular cooling device, compressor and / or condenser) of an active refrigeration circuit or passive cooling circuit can advantageously already be present and thus advantageously do not have to be installed again or possibly even operated electrically.

[0085] The further circuit 10 and the circuit 20 are expediently thermally connected to one another via a heat exchanger X1 (e.g. a plate heat exchanger), so that the further circuit 10 can be used to generate and / or provide refrigeration and / or cooling capacity (expediently refrigeration and / or cooling) for the circuit 20.

[0086] The circuit 20 may, for example, comprise an expansion tank 50 (e.g., an expansion tank) for the coolant of the circuit 20. The further circuit 10 may also optionally comprise an expansion tank (e.g., an expansion tank).

[0087] The valve 22 is preferably a 3-way valve. It can, for example, have at least three ports 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and / or at least two switching positions and can, for example, be designed as a 3 / 2-way valve. In particular, the valve 22 can be configured to combine coolants at different temperatures.

[0088] The circuit 20 may also have an optional cooling device 24 (e.g. cooler with fan), expediently in addition to the further circuit 10 or instead of the further circuit 10. It follows that the cooling device 24 is optional and the further circuit 10 is optional.

[0089] The circuit 20 comprises a first line section A and a second line section B.

[0090] The first line section A expediently extends upstream of the power electronics 21 between the heat exchanger X1 and / or cooling device 24 and the power electronics 21. The second line section B expediently extends downstream of the power electronics 21 between the power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger X1 and / or the cooling device 24.

[0091] The power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger X1 and / or the cooling device 24 can thus be positioned, for example, between the first line section A and the second line section B, so that the first line section A corresponds to a line section upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the heat exchanger X1 and / or the cooling device 24 and / or the second line section B corresponds to a line section downstream of the power electronics 21 and upstream of the heat exchanger X1 and / or the cooling device 24.

[0092] A third line section C of the circuit 20 is configured to form a bypass line and, for example, to connect the second line section B to the valve 22 in order to guide coolant to the valve 22 and / or into the first line section A, bypassing the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1, and thus preferably back to the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is expediently integrated into the first line section A and the third line section C.

[0093] The third line section C branches off from the second line section B at a branching point 25. The branching point 25 is positioned downstream of the power electronics 21 and, for example, upstream of the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1.

[0094] The cooling device 24 is preferably integrated into the second line section B and / or positioned downstream of the branch point 25 and, for example, upstream of the heat exchanger X1.

[0095] The circuit 20 also includes a pump 23, which can be expediently integrated into the first line section A. The pump 23 can be integrated into the circuit 20, for example, upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the valve 22 and / or downstream of the heat exchanger X1 and / or the cooling device 24.

[0096] The coolant of circuit 20 can, in particular, absorb heat from the power electronics 21 and use the heat to control the coolant temperature to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics 21, preferably in combination with coolant cooled by means of the heat exchanger X1 and / or the cooling device 24. The valve 22 comprises a first inlet 22.1, which is connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger X1 and / or the cooling device 24 by means of a first subsection A1 of the first line section A.

[0097] The valve 22 comprises a second inlet 22.2, which is connected to the second line section B by means of the third line section C.

[0098] The valve 22 comprises an outlet 22.3 in order to forward coolant via a second subsection A2 of the first line section A to the power electronics 21, depending on valve switching positions, for coolant temperature control (suitably heated by means of the power electronics 21 and / or cooled by means of the further circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24).

[0099] The first input 22.1 and / or the second input 22.2 and optionally the output 22.3 can, for example, have an open position in which it is completely open, a closed position in which it is completely closed, and / or at least one intermediate position in which it is partially open.

[0100] The valve 22 can have different switching positions in order to selectively pass through and / or block coolant heated by the power electronics 21 and coolant cooled by the further circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24 for coolant temperature control.

[0101] The valve 22 can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is completely closed and the second inlet 22.2 is completely or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics 21) can circulate between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second inlet 22.2, but an inflow of coolant via the first inlet 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or from the heat exchanger X1 can be prevented. This makes it possible to enable a (“small”) circuit mode which comprises the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely the preferably completely or partially open second inlet 22.2) and preferably the pump 23, in particular with the first inlet 22.1 closed and thus bypassing or excluding the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1. The valve 22 can, for example,have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is partially open and the second inlet 22.2 is fully or partially open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics 21) can circulate between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second inlet 22.2, but also an inflow of coolant (in particular cooled by means of the further circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) is permitted via the first inlet 22.1 and preferably thus by the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1. This can, for example, enable a circuit mode which connects the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the first at least partially open inlet).

[0102] 22.1 and the second at least partially open inlet 22.2) and the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1 and, for example, the pump 23.

[0103] The valve 22 can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is completely open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular cooled by means of the further circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) circulates between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the first inlet 22.1, and in which the second inlet

[0104] 22.2 is completely closed or is only partially and / or intermittently opened. This enables a ("large") circuit mode that includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely, preferably the fully open first inlet 22.1), the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger (suitably refrigeration and / or cooling) X1 and, for example, the pump 23, preferably with the second inlet 22.2 essentially closed.

[0105] Valve 22 can, for example, be a thermostatic valve and / or a self-adjusting valve for controlling the coolant temperature. Valve 22 can, for example, be a non-electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0106] The valve 22 may in particular comprise an expansion material or expansion fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably in order to influence a coolant flow.

[0107] The valve 22 can be configured, for example, for fixed-value temperature control to maintain the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 within a predetermined temperature range. The pump 23 can be configured, for example, to change a coolant heat flow or coolant volume flow, preferably selectively increasing and / or reducing it, expediently for coolant temperature control to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics 21.

[0108] In the context of the invention, it is particularly possible to generate refrigeration and / or cooling power for the circuit 20, in particular by including the cooling device 24, the at least one further circuit 10 and / or the additional circuit 30 discussed below, in particular a motor vehicle air conditioning system and / or its refrigeration circuit components and / or a battery cooling arrangement and / or its refrigeration circuit components.

[0109] In the context of the invention, it is particularly possible that the circuit 20, the valve 22 and / or the pump 23 are configured for coolant temperature control in order to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21, in particular because this allows a temperature on or in the power electronics 21 to be expediently kept substantially above a dew point temperature.

[0110] The valve 22 can in particular also be an electric valve, in particular an electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0111] The cooling system 100 may include an electronic control and / or regulating device (not shown in the figures).

[0112] The control and / or regulating device is expediently configured to control and / or regulate the valve 22 and / or the pump 23 depending on at least one of the following: a temperature and / or humidity of the ambient air of the power electronics 21, a temperature at or in the power electronics 21, a coolant temperature of the circuit 20 (e.g., upstream and / or downstream of the power electronics 21), a cooling medium temperature of the additional circuit 10, and / or a refrigerant temperature of the additional circuit 30 (see below). For each temperature measurement, a suitable sensor system can be used, for example.

[0113] The control and / or regulating device can, for example, be configured to perform a comparison with at least one dew point curve and / or to maintain the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 within a predetermined temperature range. The control and / or regulating device can, for example, form part of the power electronics 21 and thus preferably be coolable by the circuit 20. However, the control and / or regulating device can also be provided in addition to the power electronics 21 and be decoupled from the circuit 20.

[0114] The cooling system 100 may also comprise an optional additional circuit 30 (suitably a refrigeration circuit), shown only schematically in Figure 1.

[0115] The further circuit 10 can expediently be thermally connected to the additional circuit 30 via a further heat exchanger X2, preferably a chiller (e.g. evaporator), in particular in such a way that the additional circuit 30 can be used to generate and / or provide cooling capacity for the further circuit 10 and / or the circuit 20.

[0116] The additional circuit 30 can, for example, comprise a compressor and / or a condenser. The additional circuit 30 can also advantageously comprise an expansion device (e.g., an expansion valve) upstream of the additional heat exchanger X2.

[0117] The additional circuit 10 is conveniently integrated between the circuit 20 and the additional circuit 30.

[0118] In this exemplary embodiment, the additional circuit 10 can preferably be a battery cooling circuit with a cooling device (e.g., a cooler with a fan), but preferably without an evaporator, without a condenser, without a compressor, and / or without an expansion device. The additional circuit 20 can preferably be a refrigeration circuit with, in particular, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, in particular for generating cooling capacity for the additional circuit 10, wherein the cooling capacity can also be expediently used indirectly for the circuit 20 by means of the heat exchanger X1.

[0119] The cooling system 100 is preferably part of a motor vehicle, e.g., an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving bus or truck.

[0120] The cooling system 100 comprises a first circuit 10 (e.g., refrigeration circuit) for conducting a (e.g., liquid or gaseous) refrigerant, preferably a circuit of an air conditioning system for cooling an interior of the motor vehicle. The first circuit 10 thus expediently forms an air conditioning system circuit, in particular an air conditioning system refrigeration circuit. The first circuit 10 can, for example, have a compressor and a condenser, which are schematically summarized in Figure 1 under the reference numeral 40. The refrigerant can expediently change its state of aggregation during operation. The first circuit 10 also comprises an evaporator 50.

[0121] The first circuit 10 can, for example, be a conventional refrigeration circuit of a motor vehicle air conditioning system. With a motor vehicle air conditioning system, all components required to generate cooling capacity (in particular, the compressor (e.g., condenser) and / or condenser) of an active refrigeration circuit are advantageously already present and therefore do not need to be installed again or possibly even operated electrically.

[0122] The cooling system 100 comprises power electronics 21, preferably at least one control unit and / or at least one computer (e.g. at least one chip, processor, etc.), preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

[0123] The cooling system 100 is characterized in particular by the fact that it comprises a second circuit 20 (expediently a cooling circuit) for cooling the power electronics 21 and / or for controlling the coolant temperature to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21. The second circuit 20 expediently serves to conduct a (e.g., liquid or gaseous) coolant.

[0124] The first circuit 10 and the second circuit 20 are expediently thermally connected to one another via a heat exchanger 30 (e.g., a plate heat exchanger), so that the first circuit 10 can be used to generate cooling capacity (expediently, cold) for the second circuit 20. In particular, an expansion element 11 (e.g., an expansion valve), which is also part of the first circuit 10, is connected upstream of the heat exchanger 30. It is also possible for the heat exchanger 30 to be designed as a chiller (e.g., an evaporator). An expansion element 12 (e.g., an expansion valve), which is also expediently part of the first circuit 10, can also be connected upstream of the evaporator 50. The first circuit 10 can thus, for example, have two expansion elements 11 and 12.

[0125] The second circuit 20 can, for example, comprise an expansion tank 60 for the coolant of the second circuit 20. A special feature is that the second circuit 20 can comprise a valve 22 for coolant temperature control to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is preferably a 3-way valve. It can, for example, have at least three connections 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and / or have at least two switching positions and can, for example, be designed as a 3-way valve, in particular a 3 / 2-way valve. In particular, the valve 22 can be configured to combine coolants with different temperatures.

[0126] The second circuit 20 may also include an optional cooling device 24, e.g., a cooler with a fan.

[0127] The second circuit 20 comprises a first line section A and a second line section B.

[0128] The first line section A expediently extends upstream of the power electronics 21 between the heat exchanger 30 and the power electronics 21.

[0129] The second line section B expediently extends downstream of the power electronics 21 between the power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger 30.

[0130] The power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger 30 can thus be positioned, for example, between the first line section A and the second line section B, so that the first line section A corresponds to a line section upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the heat exchanger 30 and / or the second line section B corresponds to a line section downstream of the power electronics 21 and upstream of the heat exchanger 30.

[0131] A third line section C of the second circuit 20 is configured to form a bypass line and, for example, to connect the second line section B to the valve 22 in order to guide coolant to the valve 22 and / or into the first line section A, bypassing the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30, and thus preferably back to the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is expediently integrated into the first line section A and the third line section C.

[0132] The third line section C branches off from the second line section B at a branching point 25. The branching point 25 is positioned downstream of the power electronics 21 and, for example, upstream of the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30. The cooling device 24 is preferably integrated into the second line section B and / or positioned downstream of the branching point 25 and, for example, upstream of the heat exchanger 30.

[0133] The second circuit 20 also includes a pump 23, which can be conveniently integrated into the first line section A. The pump 23 can be integrated into the second circuit 20, for example, upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the valve 22 and / or downstream of the heat exchanger 30.

[0134] The coolant of the second circuit 20 can in particular absorb heat from the power electronics 21 and use the heat to control the coolant temperature to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21, preferably in combination with coolant cooled by means of the heat exchanger 30 and / or the cooling device 24.

[0135] The valve 22 comprises a first inlet 22.1, which is connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger 30 by means of a first subsection A1 of the first line section A.

[0136] The valve 22 comprises a second inlet 22.2, which is connected to the second line section B by means of the third line section C.

[0137] The valve 22 comprises an outlet 22.3 in order to forward coolant via a second subsection A2 of the first line section A to the power electronics 21, depending on valve switching positions, for coolant temperature control (suitably heated by means of the power electronics 21 and / or cooled by means of the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24).

[0138] The first input 22.1 and / or the second input 22.2 and optionally the output 22.3 can, for example, have an open position in which it is completely open, a closed position in which it is completely closed, and / or at least one intermediate position in which it is partially open.

[0139] The valve 22 can have different switching positions in order to selectively allow and / or block coolant heated by the power electronics 21 (expediently by means of the second inlet 22.2) and coolant cooled by the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24 (expediently by means of the first inlet 22.1) for coolant temperature control. For example, the valve 22 can have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is completely closed and the second inlet 22.2 is completely or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics 21) can circulate between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21, and the second inlet 22.2, but an inflow of coolant via the first inlet 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or from the heat exchanger 30 can be prevented.This makes it possible to enable a (“small”) circuit mode which comprises the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely the preferably fully or partially open second inlet 22.2) and preferably the pump 23, in particular when the first inlet 22.1 is closed and thus bypassing or excluding the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30.

[0140] The valve 22 can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is partially open and the second inlet 22.2 is fully or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics 21) can circulate between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second inlet 22.2, but also an inflow of coolant (in particular cooled by means of the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) is permitted via the first inlet 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30. This can, for example, enable a circulation mode which connects the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the first at least partially open inlet

[0141] 22.1 and the second at least partially open inlet 22.2) and the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30 and, for example, the pump 23.

[0142] The valve 22 can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is completely open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular cooled by means of the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) circulates between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the first inlet 22.1, and in which the second inlet

[0143] 22.2 is completely closed or is only partially and / or intermittently opened. This enables a ("large") circuit mode that includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the fully open first inlet 22.1) and the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30 and, for example, the pump 23, preferably with the second inlet 22.2 essentially closed. The valve 22 can, for example, be a thermostatic valve and / or a self-adjusting valve for controlling the coolant temperature. The valve 22 can, for example, be a non-electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0144] The valve 22 may in particular comprise an expansion material or expansion fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably in order to influence a coolant flow.

[0145] The valve 22 can, for example, be configured for temperature fixed value control in order to keep the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 within a predetermined temperature range.

[0146] A special feature is that the pump 23 can be configured to change, preferably selectively increase and / or reduce, a coolant heat flow or coolant volume flow for coolant temperature control in order to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21.

[0147] In the context of the invention, it is particularly possible to generate cooling capacity (appropriately cold) for the second circuit 20, in particular by including a motor vehicle air conditioning system and / or its refrigeration circuit components.

[0148] In the context of the invention, it is particularly possible that the second circuit 20, the valve 22 and / or the pump 23 are configured for coolant temperature control in order to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21, in particular because this allows a temperature on or in the power electronics 21 to be expediently kept substantially above a dew point temperature.

[0149] The valve 22 can in particular also be an electric valve, in particular an electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0150] The cooling system 100 may include an electronic control and / or regulating device (not shown in the figures).

[0151] The control and / or regulating device is expediently configured to control and / or regulate the valve 22 and / or the pump 23 as a function of at least one of the following: a temperature and / or a humidity of ambient air of the power electronics 21, a temperature at or in the power electronics 21, a coolant temperature of the second circuit 20 (e.g. upstream and / or downstream of the power electronics 21), and / or a cooling medium temperature of the first circuit 10. For the respective temperature detection, a suitable sensor system can be used, for example.

[0152] The control and / or regulating device can, for example, be configured to perform a comparison with at least one dew point curve and / or to maintain the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 within a predetermined temperature range.

[0153] The control and / or regulating device can, for example, form part of the power electronics 21 and thus preferably be cooled by the second circuit 20. However, the control and / or regulating device can also be provided in addition to the power electronics 21 and be decoupled from the second circuit 20.

[0154] The first circuit 10 is expediently a closed refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant of which may, for example, be liquid and may change its state of aggregation during operation.

[0155] The second circuit 20 is expediently a closed high-temperature circuit whose coolant is, for example, liquid.

[0156] The cooling system 100 shown in Figure 2 is preferably part of a motor vehicle, e.g., an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving bus or truck.

[0157] The cooling system 100 according to Figure 2 comprises a first circuit 10 (e.g., refrigeration circuit) for conveying a (e.g., liquid or gaseous) cooling medium, preferably a circuit of an air conditioning system for cooling an interior of the motor vehicle. The first circuit 10 thus expediently forms an air conditioning system circuit, in particular an air conditioning system refrigeration circuit.

[0158] The first circuit 10 can, for example, comprise a compressor and a condenser, which are schematically represented in Figure 2 by reference numeral 40. The refrigerant can expediently change its state of aggregation during operation. The first circuit 10 also includes an evaporator 50.

[0159] The first circuit 10 can, for example, be a conventional refrigeration circuit of a motor vehicle air conditioning system. With a motor vehicle air conditioning system, all components required to generate cooling capacity (in particular, the compressor (e.g., condenser) and / or condenser) of an active refrigeration circuit are advantageously already present and therefore do not need to be installed again or possibly even operated electrically.

[0160] The cooling system 100 comprises power electronics 21, preferably at least one control unit and / or at least one computer (e.g. at least one chip, processor, etc.), preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

[0161] The cooling system 100 is characterized in particular by the fact that it comprises a second circuit 20 (expediently a cooling circuit) for cooling the power electronics 21 and / or for controlling the coolant temperature to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21. The second circuit 20 expediently serves to conduct a (e.g., liquid or gaseous) coolant.

[0162] The first circuit 10 and the second circuit 20 are expediently thermally connected to one another via a heat exchanger 30 (e.g., a plate heat exchanger), so that the first circuit 10 can be used to generate cooling capacity (expediently, cold) for the second circuit 20. In particular, an expansion element 11 (e.g., an expansion valve), which is also part of the first circuit 10, is connected upstream of the heat exchanger 30. It is also possible for the heat exchanger 30 to be designed as a chiller (e.g., an evaporator). An expansion element 12 (e.g., an expansion valve), which is also expediently part of the first circuit 10, can also be connected upstream of the evaporator 50. The first circuit 10 can thus, for example, have two expansion elements 11 and 12.

[0163] The second circuit 20 may, for example, comprise an expansion tank 60 for the coolant of the second circuit 20.

[0164] A special feature is that the second circuit 20 can include a valve 22 for coolant temperature control to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is preferably a 3-way valve. It can, for example, have at least three connections 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and / or have at least two switching positions and can, for example, be designed as a 3-way valve, in particular a 3 / 2-way valve. In particular, the valve 22 can be configured to combine coolants with different temperatures. The second circuit 20 can also include an optional cooling device 24, e.g., a cooler with a fan.

[0165] The second circuit 20 comprises a first line section A and a second line section B.

[0166] The first line section A expediently extends upstream of the power electronics 21 between the heat exchanger 30 and the power electronics 21.

[0167] The second line section B expediently extends downstream of the power electronics 21 between the power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger 30.

[0168] The power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger 30 can thus be positioned, for example, between the first line section A and the second line section B, so that the first line section A corresponds to a line section upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the heat exchanger 30 and / or the second line section B corresponds to a line section downstream of the power electronics 21 and upstream of the heat exchanger 30.

[0169] A third line section C of the second circuit 20 is configured to form a bypass line and, for example, to connect the second line section B to the valve 22 in order to guide coolant to the valve 22 and / or into the first line section A, bypassing the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30, and thus preferably back to the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is expediently integrated into the first line section A and the third line section C.

[0170] The third line section C branches off from the second line section B at a branching point 25. The branching point 25 is positioned downstream of the power electronics 21 and, for example, upstream of the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30.

[0171] The cooling device 24 is preferably integrated into the second line section B and / or positioned downstream of the branch point 25 and, for example, upstream of the heat exchanger 30.

[0172] The second circuit 20 also includes a pump 23, which can expediently be integrated into the first line section A. The pump 23 can, for example, be integrated into the second circuit 20 upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the valve 22 and / or downstream of the heat exchanger 30. The coolant of the second circuit 20 can, in particular, absorb heat from the power electronics 21 and use the heat to control the coolant temperature to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21, preferably in combination with coolant cooled by means of the heat exchanger 30 and / or the cooling device 24.

[0173] The valve 22 comprises a first inlet 22.1, which is connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger 30 by means of a first subsection A1 of the first line section A.

[0174] The valve 22 comprises a second inlet 22.2, which is connected to the second line section B by means of the third line section C.

[0175] The valve 22 comprises an outlet 22.3 in order to forward coolant via a second subsection A2 of the first line section A to the power electronics 21, depending on valve switching positions, for coolant temperature control (suitably heated by means of the power electronics 21 and / or cooled by means of the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24).

[0176] The first input 22.1 and / or the second input 22.2 and optionally the output 22.3 can, for example, have an open position in which it is completely open, a closed position in which it is completely closed, and / or at least one intermediate position in which it is partially open.

[0177] The valve 22 can have different switching positions in order to selectively pass through and / or block coolant heated by the power electronics 21 (suitably by means of the second inlet 22.2) and coolant cooled by the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24 (suitably by means of the first inlet 22.1) for coolant temperature control.

[0178] The valve 22 can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is completely closed and the second inlet 22.2 is completely or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics 21) can circulate between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21, and the second inlet 22.2, but an inflow of coolant via the first inlet 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30 can be prevented. This enables a ("small") circulation mode that includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely, the preferably completely or partially open second inlet 22.2), and preferably the pump 23, in particular with the first inlet 22.1 closed and thus bypassing or excluding the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30.

[0179] The valve 22 can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is partially open and the second inlet 22.2 is fully or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular heated by the power electronics 21) can circulate between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second inlet 22.2, but also an inflow of coolant (in particular cooled by means of the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) is permitted via the first inlet 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30. This can, for example, enable a circulation mode which connects the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the first at least partially open inlet

[0180] 22.1 and the second at least partially open inlet 22.2) and the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30 and, for example, the pump 23.

[0181] The valve 22 can, for example, have a switching position in which the first inlet 22.1 is completely open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular cooled by means of the first circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) circulates between the outlet 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the first inlet 22.1, and in which the second inlet

[0182] 22.2 is completely closed or is only partially and / or intermittently opened. This enables a ("large") circuit mode that includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely, preferably the fully open first inlet 22.1), the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger 30 and, for example, the pump 23, preferably with the second inlet 22.2 essentially closed.

[0183] Valve 22 can, for example, be a thermostatic valve and / or a self-adjusting valve for controlling the coolant temperature. Valve 22 can, for example, be a non-electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0184] The valve 22 may in particular comprise an expansion material or expansion fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably in order to influence a coolant flow.

[0185] The valve 22 can, for example, be configured for fixed-value temperature control to maintain the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 within a predetermined temperature range. A special feature is that the pump 23 can be configured to change, preferably selectively increase and / or reduce, a coolant heat flow or coolant volume flow for coolant temperature control to prevent condensation on or in the power electronics 21.

[0186] In the context of the invention, it is particularly possible to generate cooling capacity (appropriately cold) for the second circuit 20, in particular by including a motor vehicle air conditioning system and / or its refrigeration circuit components.

[0187] In the context of the invention, it is particularly possible that the second circuit 20, the valve 22 and / or the pump 23 are configured for coolant temperature control in order to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics 21, in particular because this allows a temperature on or in the power electronics 21 to be expediently kept substantially above a dew point temperature.

[0188] The valve 22 can in particular also be an electric valve, in particular an electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

[0189] The cooling system 100 may include an electronic control and / or regulating device (not shown in the figures).

[0190] The control and / or regulating device is expediently configured to control and / or regulate the valve 22 and / or the pump 23 as a function of at least one of the following: a temperature and / or a humidity of ambient air of the power electronics 21, a temperature at or in the power electronics 21, a coolant temperature of the second circuit 20 (e.g. upstream and / or downstream of the power electronics 21), and / or a cooling medium temperature of the first circuit 10. For the respective temperature detection, a suitable sensor system can be used, for example.

[0191] The control and / or regulating device can, for example, be configured to perform a comparison with at least one dew point curve and / or to maintain the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 within a predetermined temperature range.

[0192] The control and / or regulating device can, for example, form part of the power electronics 21 and thus preferably be cooled by the second circuit 20. However, the control and / or regulating device can also be provided in addition to the power electronics 21 and be decoupled from the second circuit 20. The first circuit 10 is expediently a closed refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant of which can, for example, be liquid and can change its state of aggregation during operation.

[0193] The second circuit 20 is expediently a closed high-temperature circuit whose coolant is, for example, liquid. The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Furthermore, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims, independent of the features and claims referred to.

[0194] List of reference symbols

[0195] 10 first circuit, preferably refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system, in particular motor vehicle air conditioning system

[0196] 11 Expansion organ

[0197] 12 Expansion organ

[0198] 20 second circuit, preferably cooling circuit

[0199] 21 Power electronics

[0200] 22 Valve, preferably for coolant temperature control

[0201] 22.1 first entrance

[0202] 22.2 second entrance

[0203] 22.3 Exit

[0204] 23 Pump

[0205] 24 Cooling device, preferably cooler with fan

[0206] 25 junction point

[0207] 30 heat exchangers

[0208] A first line section, preferably upstream of the power electronics and downstream of the heat exchanger and / or the cooling device

[0209] A1 first section

[0210] A2 second section

[0211] B second line section, preferably downstream of the power electronics and upstream of the heat exchanger and / or the cooling device

[0212] C third line section, preferably bypass line to bypass the cooling device and / or the heat exchanger X1 heat exchanger

[0213] 40 Compressor and / or condenser

[0214] 50 evaporators

[0215] 60 Expansion tank t coolant temperature

[0216] 100 Cooling system

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cooling system (100), preferably for a motor vehicle, preferably an autonomously or semi-autonomously driving motor vehicle, in particular a truck or bus, comprising: a first circuit (10), preferably a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system, in particular for cooling an interior of the motor vehicle, and power electronics (21), which preferably has at least one control unit and / or at least one computer, preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle, characterized by a second circuit (20) for cooling the power electronics (21) and / or for controlling the coolant temperature to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics (21), wherein the first circuit (10) and the second circuit (20) are thermally connected to one another via a heat exchanger (X1, 30), preferably a plate heat exchanger or a chiller,in particular so that the first circuit (10) can be used to generate cooling power for the second circuit (20), and in the second circuit (20) a valve (22) for coolant temperature control is arranged on or in the power electronics (21) to avoid condensate formation.

2. Cooling system (100) according to claim 1, one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an expansion element (11) is connected upstream of the heat exchanger (30) or the heat exchanger (30) comprises an expansion element (11) and the expansion element (11) is assigned to the first circuit (10), in particular can be flowed through by cooling medium of the first circuit (10).

3. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second circuit (20) comprises a valve (22) for coolant temperature control to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics (21).

4. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling system (100) comprises at least one further circuit (10).

5. Cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that the further circuit (10) and the first and / or the second circuit (10, 20) are thermally connected to one another via a heat exchanger (X1, 30), preferably a plate heat exchanger, in particular so that the further circuit (10) can be used to generate and / or provide refrigeration and / or cooling power for the circuit (20).

6. Cooling system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the further circuit (10) is thermally connected to an additional circuit (30) via a further heat exchanger (X2), preferably a chiller, in particular so that the additional circuit (30) can be used to generate and / or provide cooling capacity for the circuit (20) and / or the further circuit (10).

7. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the further circuit (10) and / or the additional circuit (30) comprises at least one of the following: an expansion element, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and / or a cooling device, preferably a cooler with a fan.

8. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) is a directional control valve, in particular a 3-way valve and / or 3 / 2-way valve, is designed to combine coolants at different temperatures, and / or has at least three connections (22.1, 22.2, 22.3) and / or at least two switching positions.

9. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second circuit (20) comprises a cooling device (24).

10. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second circuit (10, 20) comprises: a first line section (A), which preferably extends upstream of the power electronics (21) between the heat exchanger (30) and the power electronics (21), and / or a second line section (B), which preferably extends downstream of the power electronics (21) between the power electronics (21) and the heat exchanger (30).

11. Cooling system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that a third line section (C) connects the second line section (B) to the valve (22) and / or forms a bypass line in order to guide coolant to the valve (22) and / or into the first line section (A) bypassing the cooling device (24) and / or the heat exchanger (30) and preferably thus back to the power electronics (21).

12. Cooling system (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the third line section (C) branches off from the second line section (B) at a branching point (25) and / or the valve (22) is integrated into the first line section (A) and the third line section (C).

13. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second circuit (10, 20) comprises a pump (23), preferably integrated into the first line section (A) and / or upstream of the power electronics (21) and downstream of the valve (22) and / or downstream of the heat exchanger (30).

14. Cooling system (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the pump (23) is designed to change, preferably selectively increase and / or reduce, a coolant heat flow or the coolant volume flow, preferably for coolant temperature control to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics (21).

15. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) has: a first inlet (22.1), preferably which is connected by means of a first section (A1) of the first line section (A) is connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger (30), a second inlet (22.2), preferably which is connected to the second line section (B) by means of the third line section (C), and an outlet (22.3) in order to guide coolant from the first inlet (22.1) and / or from the second inlet (22.2) to the power electronics (21) and / or to guide it into a second sub-section (A2) of the first line section (A), depending on valve switching positions.

16. Cooling system (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the first inlet (22.1) and / or the second inlet (22.2) has an open position in which it is completely open, a closed position in which it is completely closed, and at least one intermediate position in which it is partially open.

17. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) for coolant temperature control has a switching position in which the first inlet (22.1) is completely closed and the second inlet (22.2) is completely or partially open, preferably in such a way that coolant can circulate between the outlet (22.3), the power electronics (21) and the second inlet (22.2), but an inflow of coolant via the first inlet (22.1) is prevented.

18. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) for coolant temperature control has a switching position in which the first inlet (22.1) is partially open and the second inlet (22.2) is fully or partially open, preferably in such a way that coolant can circulate between the outlet (22.3), the power electronics (21) and the second inlet (22.2), but also an inflow of coolant via the first inlet (22.1) is permitted.

19. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) for coolant temperature control has a switching position in which the first inlet (22.1) is completely open, preferably so that coolant can circulate between the outlet (22.3), the power electronics (21) and the first inlet (22.1), and preferably in which the second inlet (22.2) is completely closed or is only partially and / or intermittently opened.

20. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that the cooling device (24) is integrated into the second line section (B), is positioned downstream of the power electronics (21) and / or downstream of the branch point (25), and / or is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger (30) and / or the first inlet (22.1).

21. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) is a thermostatic valve and / or a self-adjusting valve for controlling the temperature of the coolant and thus preferably forms a valve that is not electronically controlled and / or regulated.

22. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) comprises an expansion material or expansion fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably in order to influence a coolant flow.

23. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) is designed for fixed temperature control in order to keep the coolant temperature for the power electronics (21) in a predetermined temperature range.

24. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (22) is an electric valve, in particular an electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

25. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling system (100) comprises an electronic control and / or regulating device which is designed to control and / or regulate the valve (22) and / or the pump (23), preferably for cooling the power electronics (21) and / or for controlling the coolant temperature to avoid condensate formation on or in the power electronics (21).

26. Cooling system (100) according to claim 25, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device is configured to control and / or regulate the valve (22) and / or the pump (23) depending on at least one of the following: a temperature and / or a humidity of ambient air of the power electronics (21), a temperature at or in the power electronics (21), a coolant temperature of the second circuit (20), in particular upstream and / or downstream of the power electronics (21), and / or a cooling medium temperature of the first circuit (10).

27. Cooling system (100) according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device is configured to carry out a comparison with at least one dew point curve and / or to keep the coolant temperature in a predetermined temperature range.

28. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device forms part of the power electronics (21) and can thus preferably be cooled by the second circuit (20), or is provided in addition to the power electronics (21) and is decoupled from the second circuit (20).

29. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first circuit (10) comprises: an evaporator (50), which is preferably preceded by an expansion element (12), a compressor and / or a condenser.

30. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first circuit (10) serves to generate cooling power for the second circuit (20) and thus preferably cold from the first circuit (10) is used by means of the second circuit (20) to cool the power electronics (21).

31. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first circuit (10) is a refrigeration circuit, is a closed circuit and / or comprises a cooling medium, and / or the second circuit (20) is a closed circuit, is a high-temperature circuit and / or comprises a liquid coolant.

32. Motor vehicle, preferably autonomously or semi-autonomously driving motor vehicle, in particular a truck or bus, with a cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

33. Method for a cooling system (100), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 32, comprising: a first circuit (10), preferably a refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system, in particular for cooling an interior of the motor vehicle, and Power electronics (21), preferably at least one control unit and / or at least one computer, preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle, characterized by a second circuit (20) which cools the power electronics (21) and / or which carries out coolant temperature control in order to prevent condensate formation on or in the power electronics (21).

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