Heat-transfer fluid distribution structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat-transfer fluid distribution structure (35) configured to be arranged in a cavity (5) of a thermal control device (1), this distribution structure (35) being provided with a plurality of openings (36) that are configured to allow fluid to be distributed in the cavity (5) between a cavity fluid inlet slot (24) and a cavity fluid outlet slot (25), the distribution structure (35) having, in its lateral profile, corrugations (55), wherein the openings (36) are formed in the peaks of the corrugations (55).

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Heat transfer fluid distribution structure [1] The present invention relates to a heat transfer fluid distribution structure for a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating at least one component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular an electronic power module of an inverter or a battery cell. [2] It is known, in the context of cooling a power electronic card, such as that used in a DCDC converter (this converter being intended to transform a voltage of a direct current from a first voltage value to a second voltage value), to use a cooling liquid circulating in a plate which is in contact with the electronic card. Such a system involves a significant fluid flow rate and is energy-intensive. In addition, the architecture of the electronic card can complicate access, in terms of cooling, to the hottest components. [3] It is also known nowadays to equip electric, thermal or hybrid vehicles with electrical energy storage components allowing an electrical supply to the various elements of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage components are generally composed of electrical energy storage cells positioned in a battery pack. [4] The present invention aims in particular to further improve the thermal regulation of components, in particular for cooling them, by proposing thermally efficient solutions with a simpler design and / or less expensive to manufacture. [5] The invention thus relates to a heat transfer fluid distribution structure configured to be arranged in a cavity of a thermal regulation device, this distribution structure being provided with a plurality of openings configured to allow distribution of fluid in the cavity, between an inlet slot and a fluid outlet slot of the cavity, the distribution structure having, in lateral profile, undulations and the openings being formed on the tops of the undulations. [6] Advantageously, at least some of the plurality of openings are directly opposite the fluid inlet slot. Thus, the fluid entering through the inlet slot can flow directly through the openings which are all on the tops of the corrugations of the distribution structure. [7] Preferably, each opening is formed on the same corrugation. This is different from the case where an opening would be formed in the space between two neighboring corrugations. [8] Preferably, each opening extends entirely over the top of the corrugation. Thus the opening does not extend over two successive corrugations, nor over a side of the corrugation. [9] According to one aspect of the invention, the row of openings opposite the inlet slot may have all identical openings.

[0010] Alternatively, the row opposite the inlet slot comprises openings of different shapes and / or dimensions in order to distribute the fluid passing through this inlet slot in a progressive manner so that the fluid circulates in the cavity in a uniform manner.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings of the distribution structure opposite the outlet slot are arranged in a row along this outlet slot.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution structure comprises at least three rows of openings, each row being configured to face one of the inlet and outlet slots.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the rows of openings are equidistant from each other.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution structure is produced in a single piece, namely this distribution structure is made on a single piece.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings are obtained by cutting.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the undulations of the distribution structure have a regular pitch.

[0017] Alternatively, the waves have an irregular pitch.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution structure comprises a succession of peaks and troughs which extend over a width of the cavity.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the peaks and valleys are formed by flats.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the peaks and valleys of the corrugated distribution structure are connected to each other by flanks.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, these sides are substantially parallel to each other.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings extend only over the tops of the corrugations, without extending onto the sides.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the flanks which connect the consecutive troughs and peaks have louvers providing lateral fluid passages through the flanks, allowing the fluid passing through the openings in the peaks to be distributed in the intervening spaces through the louvers.

[0024] This allows for uniform distribution of the fluid across the corrugations of the distribution structure.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the shutters also act as a disruptor in the fluid flow, which makes it possible to improve the heat exchange capacity thanks to the presence of turbulence in the fluid.

[0026] Thanks to the undulations, the distribution structure forms fluid paths next to each other.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the paths can communicate with each other to allow uniformization of the fluid in the cavity.

[0028] The invention makes it possible to do without a distribution chamber upstream of the distribution structure. In the invention, the fluid is directly brought to the cavity from the inlet slots.

[0029] The invention thus makes it possible to have a relatively compact heat exchanger while preserving thermal performance.

[0030] The distribution structure can be obtained from a sheet metal in which cutouts are made to form the openings and shutters.

[0031] Then the sheet metal is cut and then formed to give it the corrugated shape.

[0032] The distribution structure comprises a metal sheet.

[0033] The invention further relates to a method for obtaining a distribution structure as described above, comprising in particular the following steps: Production of openings configured to be on the tops of the corrugations and additional openings configured to be on the sides, in particular forming shutters, then Preforming of waves, including the radii of the convolutions of the waves.

[0034] According to a detail of the method, it comprises an additional step of cutting the distribution structure to a predetermined length.

[0035] According to a detail of the process, it includes an additional step of mechanical tamping to obtain a predetermined pitch of the corrugations.

[0036] Mechanical tamping brings the waves closer together.

[0037] The openings and shutters can be made in two successive stages, potentially using a roller or wheel ("fin forming roll" in English) at each stage. The preforming of the corrugations can be done by another roller or wheel ("mechanical packing roll" in English).

[0038] The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating at least one component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular an electronic power module of an inverter or a battery cell, this thermal regulation device comprising a stack of plates, in particular brazed together, and forming a sealed body within which is arranged a heat transfer fluid circuit which extends at least partly in the direction of the height of the stack of plates, the fluid circuit comprising a cavity in fluid communication with a fluid inlet slot for the flow of fluid towards the cavity and a fluid outlet slot for the flow of fluid outside the cavity, the cavity receiving a fluid distribution structure as mentioned above,the openings being for some opposite the inlet slot and others opposite the fluid outlet slot, these openings being configured to allow distribution of fluid in the cavity, between the inlet slot and the fluid outlet slot.,

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet slot has a longitudinal shape and the distribution structure comprises a plurality of openings arranged in a row along the inlet slot.

[0040] The fluid passing through the inlet slot can thus be distributed evenly across the row of openings, into the cavity.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the row of openings opposite the inlet slot may have all identical openings.

[0042] Alternatively, the row opposite the inlet slot comprises openings of different shapes and / or dimensions in order to distribute the fluid passing through this inlet slot in a progressive manner so that the fluid circulates in the cavity in a uniform manner.

[0043] This is particularly advantageous when the inlet slot has a length that causes the fluid passing through this inlet slot to have flow rates that vary along this inlet slot. The progressively shaped openings in the structure of distribution are configured to compensate for these variations and avoid dead zones for the fluid.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings of the distribution structure opposite the outlet slot are arranged in a row along this outlet slot.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the exit slot has a longitudinal shape.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet slot and the fluid outlet slot extend in parallel.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity is supplied by a fluid inlet slot and two fluid outlet slots arranged on either side of the fluid inlet slot.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet and outlet slots have the same length.

[0049] Alternatively, the inlet and outlet slots may have different shapes and sizes.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, each inlet and / or outlet slot of the cavity faces a row of openings formed on the tops of the distribution structure.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, these openings are separated from each other by an intermediate space open onto the inlet and / or outlet slot.

[0052] In other words, each entry and / or exit slot sees a succession of openings and intervening spaces.

[0053] The fluid passing through the inlet slot then flows through the openings in the distribution structure and into the spaces between the openings.

[0054] The distribution structure thus allows the fluid entering through the inlet slot to be distributed appropriately.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the stack comprises a closure plate which is solid and which defines at least one placement area for receiving a component to be cooled.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the stack comprises a cover which is provided with at least one through opening forming a fluid inlet or outlet.

[0057] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the schematic drawings annexed on the other hand, in which:

[0058] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective representation of a thermal regulation device according to the invention;

[0059] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a perspective representation of the thermal regulation device of Figure 1, without the cover;

[0060] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a perspective representation of the thermal regulation device of Figure 1, without the cover or the distribution plate;

[0061] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a perspective representation of a distribution structure of the thermal control device of Figure 1;

[0062] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a detailed representation of the distribution structure of Figure 4

[0063] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 illustrates the method of obtaining a distribution structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0064] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0065] Figures 1 to 5 show a thermal regulation device 1 for cooling and / or heating components 2 whose operation is sensitive to temperature.

[0066] This thermal regulation device 1 comprises a collector base 4 configured to participate in the formation of cavities 5 (three in number here) for fluid circulation, this collector base 4 having a longitudinal shape in direction X.

[0067] This thermal regulation device 1 comprises a cover 10 configured to close the fluid circulation cavities 5, and comprising a through opening forming a fluid inlet 11 and a through opening forming a fluid outlet 12 in the thermal regulation device 1. This cover 10 is made of metal, or based on plastic material.

[0068] The fluid circulation cavities 5 are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the collector base 4.

[0069] The cavities 5 may be identical to each other or, alternatively, be of different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0070] The components 2 to be cooled are notably chosen from battery cells, electronic components such as an electronic module with transistors, for example with IGBT transistors, or a module of a DCDC converter. These components 2 are placed against an external face 100 of the collector base 4 to be cooled by conduction.

[0071] The thermal regulation device 1 comprises a stack of plates 23 brazed together, and forming a sealed body 29 within which a heat transfer fluid circuit 50 is arranged which extends, over certain sections, in the direction of the height of the stack of plates 23. The collector base 4 is part of this sealed body 29.

[0072] The fluid circuit 50 passes through the cavities 5 which are in fluid communication with fluid inlet slots and fluid outlet slots for the flow of fluid outside the cavity, these slots being produced on a distribution plate 18 as will now be described.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2, the stack of plates 23 comprises the distribution plate 18 arranged under the cover 10 which forms with this distribution plate 18, a distribution box 19 configured to distribute, through the distribution plate 18, fluid which comes from the fluid inlet 11 on the cover 10.

[0074] The distribution plate 18 is fixed with the cover 10, for example by brazing or welding.

[0075] The cover 10 comprises reliefs 20 formed by stamping, which define with the distribution plate 18 two fluid collection zones 21 for the inlet and one fluid collection zone 22 for the outlet. The collection zones 22 for the inlet are arranged on either side of the fluid collection zone 21 for the outlet, zone 21 which is central. These collection zones 21 and 22 extend over a major part of the length of the cover 10.

[0076] The distribution plate 18 is provided with fluid inlet slots 24 arranged in two rows of three slots and fluid outlet slots 25 arranged next in one row of three slots 25 in the middle of the distribution plate 18, as can be seen for example in Figure 2.

[0077] Each fluid inlet / outlet slot 24, 25 has a longitudinal shape along the X axis and are parallel to each other.

[0078] Each cavity 5 sees three parallel slits 24, 25.

[0079] The other plates of the stack 23 have windows 14, produced for example by cutting a sheet metal which forms the plates. The windows 14, when stacked, form the cavities 5.

[0080] A closing plate 17, which is solid, defines the placement area for receiving the components to be cooled. This closing plate 17 closes the stack 23, on the side opposite the cover 10.

[0081] A heat transfer fluid distribution structure 35 is arranged in each of the cavities 5.

[0082] This fluid distribution structure 35 makes it possible to effectively disrupt the circulation of the fluid in the fluid path in order to improve the thermal power / liquid pressure loss dimensioning factor.

[0083] As can be seen in Figure 4, the fluid distribution structure 35 is provided with a plurality of openings 36, some of which are opposite the inlet slot 24 and others are opposite the fluid outlet slot 25, these openings 36 being configured to allow distribution of fluid into the cavity 5, between the inlet slot 24 and the fluid outlet slot 25.

[0084] The openings 36 are arranged in three rows R1, R2 and R3 respectively along the inlet slots 24 and the fluid outlet slots 25.

[0085] The rows R1, R2 and R3 of openings 36 are equidistant from each other.

[0086] The openings 36 are formed on a top 42 of the distribution structure 35.

[0087] The distribution structure 35 is produced in a single piece, namely this distribution structure 35 is made on a single piece.

[0088] The openings 36 are obtained by cutting.

[0089] The distribution structure 35 has, in lateral profile, undulations 55.

[0090] The undulations 55 of the distribution structure 35 have a regular pitch.

[0091] Alternatively, the waves have an irregular pitch.

[0092] The distribution structure 35 comprises a succession of peaks 42 and troughs 43 which extend over a width W of the cavity 5.

[0093] The peaks 42 and the troughs 43 are formed by flats.

[0094] The openings 36 are formed on the peaks 42 of the corrugations 55.

[0095] These openings 36 are separated, in each row, from each other by an intermediate space 45 open onto the entry and / or exit slot.

[0096] In other words, each inlet and / or outlet slot 24, 25 sees a succession of openings 36 and intermediate spaces 45.

[0097] The fluid passing through the inlet slot 24 then circulates through the openings 36 of the distribution structure 35 and in the intermediate spaces 45 between the openings 36.

[0098] The distribution structure 35 thus makes it possible to appropriately distribute the fluid which enters through the inlet slots 24.

[0099] The peaks 42 and the troughs 43 of the corrugated distribution structure 35 are connected to each other by sides 41.

[0100] These sides 41 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0101] The sides 41 which connect the hollows 43 and the consecutive peaks 42 have louvers 50 providing lateral passages 51 for fluid through the sides 41, allowing the fluid passing through the openings 36 of the peaks 42 to be distributed in the intermediate spaces 45 through the louvers 50.

[0102] This allows for uniform distribution of the fluid across the corrugations 55 of the distribution structure 35.

[0103] The 50 louvers also act as a disruptor in the fluid flow, which improves the heat exchange capacity thanks to the presence of turbulence in the fluid.

[0104] Due to the undulations, the distribution structure 35 forms fluid paths next to each other.

[0105] These paths can communicate with each other to allow uniformity of the fluid in the cavity.

[0106] The distribution structure 35 can be obtained from a metal sheet in which cutouts are made to form the openings 36 and the louvers 50.

[0107] The openings 36 are directly opposite the fluid inlet slots 24, 25. Thus the fluid entering through the inlet slot 24 can circulate directly through the openings 36 which are all on the peaks 42 of the undulations of the distribution structure 35.

[0108] Each opening 36 is formed on the same corrugation and extends entirely over the top of the corrugation 55.

[0109] The row of openings 36 opposite the inlet slot 25 may have all identical openings.

[0110] Alternatively, the row of openings 36 opposite the inlet slot 25 comprises openings of different shapes and / or dimensions in order to distribute the fluid passing through this inlet slot in a progressive manner so that the fluid circulates in the cavity in a uniform manner.

[0111] Figure 6 shows the steps of a method for obtaining a distribution structure 35 as described above, comprising the following steps: Production of the openings formed on the tops of the corrugations (step 80), Production of the additional openings on the sides, in particular the shutters, and preforming of the corrugations, in particular the radii of the convolutions of the corrugations (step 81), - Mechanical tamping to obtain a predetermined pitch of the corrugations (step 82), Cutting to a predetermined length of the distribution structure 35 (step 83).

[0112] The openings and shutters can be made in two successive stages, potentially with the use of a roller or wheel 90, 91 (“Fin forming roll” in English) at each stage. The preforming of the corrugations can be carried out by another roller or wheel 92 (“Mechanical Packing Roll” in English).

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Distribution structure (35) for heat transfer fluid configured to be arranged in a cavity (5) of a thermal regulation device (1), this distribution structure (35) being provided with a plurality of openings (36) configured to allow distribution of fluid in the cavity (5), between an inlet slot (24) and an outlet slot (25) for fluid from the cavity, the distribution structure (35) having, in lateral profile, undulations (55) and the openings (36) being formed on the tops of the undulations (55).

2. Distribution structure (35) according to the preceding claim, in which each opening (36) is formed on the same corrugation (55).

3. A distribution structure (35) according to any preceding claim, wherein each opening (36) extends entirely over the top of the corrugation (55).

4. Distribution structure (35) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the distribution structure (35) is provided with additional openings different from the openings (36) of the vertices, and allowing the passage of the fluid between said undulations (55).

5. Distribution structure (35) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the distribution structure (35) comprises at least three rows of openings (36), each row being configured to be opposite one of the inlet and outlet slots, and the rows of openings (36) are in particular equidistant from each other.

6. Distribution structure (35) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the distribution structure (35) is produced in a single piece, namely this distribution structure (35) is made on a single piece, and the openings (36) are in particular obtained by cutting.

7. Distribution structure (35) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the undulations (55) of the distribution structure (35) have a regular pitch, and the distribution structure (35) comprises a succession of peaks (42) and troughs (43) which extend over a width of the cavity (5), the peaks and troughs being in particular formed by flats.

8. Distribution structure (35) according to the preceding claim, in in which the peaks (42) and troughs (43) of the corrugated distribution structure (35) are connected to each other by sides (41), and the openings (36) extend only over the peaks of the corrugations (55), without extending onto the sides.

9. Distribution structure (35) according to the preceding claim, in which the flanks (41) which connect the hollows and the consecutive peaks have louvers (50) providing lateral fluid passages through the flanks, allowing the fluid passing through the openings (36) of the peaks to be distributed in the intermediate spaces (45) through the louvers.

10. Thermal regulation device (1) for cooling and / or heating at least one component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular an electronic power module of an inverter or a battery cell, this thermal regulation device comprising a stack of plates (23), in particular brazed together, and forming a sealed body within which is arranged a heat transfer fluid circuit which extends at least partly in the direction of the height of the stack of plates, the fluid circuit comprising a cavity (5) in fluid communication with a fluid inlet slot (24) for the flow of fluid towards the cavity and a fluid outlet slot (25) for the flow of fluid outside the cavity, the cavity receiving a fluid distribution structure (35) according to one of the preceding claims,the openings (36) being for some opposite the inlet slot (24) and others opposite the fluid outlet slot (25), these openings (36) being configured to allow distribution of fluid in the cavity, between the inlet slot and the fluid outlet slot.,

11. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each inlet (24) and / or outlet (25) slot of the cavity is opposite a row of openings (36) formed on the tops of the distribution structure (35).

12. Thermal regulation device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the stack comprises a cover (10) which is provided with at least one through opening forming a fluid inlet or outlet.

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