Thermal management device for an electrical and / or electronic component with a three-fluid heat exchanger

Abstract

Thermal management device for an electrical and / or electronic component of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, said thermal management device comprising: - a first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) comprising a main loop (X1) including a compressor (41), a first heat exchanger (42), a first expansion device (43) and a three-fluid heat exchanger (1), - a second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) comprising a main loop (Y1) including a first pump (61), a first heat exchanger (62), the three-fluid heat exchanger (1) also being connected to said main loop (Y1) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y), and - a third heat transfer fluid circuit (Z) also being connected to the three-fluid heat exchanger (1) and comprising a container (BAT) in which electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle are intended to be placed.said container (BAT) comprising a system for at least partial immersion of said electrical and / or electronic elements in said dielectric fluid and / or a system for spraying said dielectric fluid, said three-fluid heat exchanger (1) being configured to allow heat exchange between the second and third heat transfer fluids and the first heat transfer fluid. Abbreviated figure: Fig 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal management device for an electrical and / or electronic component with a three-fluid heat exchanger

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal management devices for electric or hybrid vehicles and more particularly to thermal management devices for an electrical and / or electronic element.

[0002] In the field of electric and hybrid vehicles, electrical and / or electronic components require increased cooling power, particularly due to manufacturers' desire to reduce charging time, during which a significant amount of heat is generated. Indeed, to rapidly recharge electrical and / or electronic components, the electrical power is increased, which in turn significantly increases the heat released by these components during this rapid charging. Maximum cooling power is estimated to be around 12 kW during such rapid charging. Furthermore, it may be necessary to simultaneously ensure minimum cabin cooling, for example, with a cooling power exceeding 3 kW, which can therefore be added to the 12 kW mentioned above.It is therefore important to have efficient cooling of the electrical and / or electronic components, as well as a thermal management system capable of producing such cooling power.

[0003] An electrical and / or electronic element may be, for example, a battery or battery cell, a power electronics device or an embedded computer.

[0004] The use of dielectric fluids in which the electrical and / or electronic components are at least partially immersed greatly increases the cooling efficiency of these components compared to plate-type cooling. However, this type of dielectric fluid must coexist within the thermal management system with other existing heat transfer fluids, such as refrigerants and glycol water. A heat exchanger between the dielectric fluid and this glycol water, or a heat exchanger between the dielectric fluid and the refrigerant, is required depending on the thermal management system's architecture. However, such a solution increases the number of heat exchangers within the thermal management system, which consequently increases its weight, manufacturing cost, and the space required for installation within the vehicle.

[0005] One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to remedy at least partially the disadvantages of the previous art and to propose an improved thermal management system.

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a thermal management device for an electrical and / or electronic component of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, said thermal management device comprising: - a first heat transfer fluid circuit within which a first heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate, said first heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a main loop including, in the direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first expansion device and a three-fluid heat exchanger, - a second heat transfer fluid circuit within which a second heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate, said second heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a main loop including a first pump, a first heat exchanger, the three-fluid heat exchanger also being connected to said main loop of the second heat transfer fluid circuit, and - a third heat transfer fluid circuit within which a third heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate, said third heat transfer fluid circuit also being connected to the three-fluid heat exchanger and comprising a container in which electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle are intended to be placed, said container comprising a system for at least partial immersion of said electrical and / or electronic components in said dielectric fluid and / or a system for spraying said dielectric fluid, said three-fluid heat exchanger being configured to allow heat exchange between the second and third heat transfer fluids and the first heat transfer fluid.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention: The first heat exchanger of the first heat transfer fluid circuit is a condenser configured to allow heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat transfer fluid circuit and the second heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer fluid circuit. the first heat exchanger of the second heat transfer fluid circuit being a radiator designed to be traversed by an external airflow, the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) comprising a second heat exchanger intended to be traversed by an internal airflow destined for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, the second heat transfer fluid circuit being configured to allow the absorption of heat from the first heat transfer fluid circuit via the first heat exchanger of the first heat transfer fluid circuit and the release of said heat in the external airflow via the first heat exchanger of the second heat transfer fluid circuit and / or in the internal airflow via the second heat exchanger of the second heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the second heat transfer fluid circuit comprises: - a first branch connected to the main loop in parallel with the first heat exchanger of said second heat transfer fluid circuit, said first branch comprising a second pump to the first heat exchanger of the first heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second branch branch connected to the first branch branch in parallel with the first heat exchanger of the first heat transfer fluid circuit and the second pump, said second branch branch comprising the second heat exchanger of said second heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the second heat transfer fluid circuit further comprises a third branch branch connected to the main loop in parallel with the first pump and the three-fluid heat exchanger, said third branch branch comprising a cooler intended to be traversed by the internal airflow destined for the passenger compartment.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the first heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a first branch connected to the main loop in parallel with the first expansion device and the three-fluid heat exchanger, said first branch comprising a second expansion device and an evaporator intended to be traversed by an internal airflow destined for the passenger compartment.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention: - the first heat exchanger of the first heat transfer fluid circuit is designed to be traversed by the external airflow, - the first heat exchanger of the second heat transfer fluid circuit is a heat exchange interface with an electric power train of the motor vehicle.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the first heat transfer fluid circuit is reversible and comprises an internal condenser and a third expansion device disposed upstream of the first heat exchanger, said first heat transfer fluid circuit being configured both to: - In cooling mode, cool the second heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer fluid circuit via the three-fluid heat exchanger and / or cool the third heat transfer fluid of the third heat transfer fluid circuit via the three-fluid heat exchanger; the heat recovered during this cooling process(es) is rejected into the external airflow via the first heat exchanger of said first heat transfer fluid circuit, and - in a heat pump mode, heat internal airflow directly or indirectly via the internal condenser by absorbing heat from the external airflow via the first heat exchanger of said first heat transfer fluid circuit and / or second heat transfer fluid circuit and / or third heat transfer fluid of the third heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the internal condenser is disposed on the main branch of the first heat transfer fluid circuit downstream of the compressor, between said compressor and the third expansion device, the first heat transfer fluid circuit also comprising: - a second branch connected to the main loop so as to link the outlet of the first heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the inlet of the first heat transfer fluid from the compressor, - a third branch connected to the main loop so as to bypass the third expansion device and the first heat exchanger.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the first heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a first branch connected to the main loop in parallel with the first expansion device and the three-fluid heat exchanger, said first branch comprising a second expansion device and an evaporator intended to be traversed by an internal airflow destined for the passenger compartment.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, provided by way of illustration and not limitation, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a heat exchanger three-fluid heat according to a first embodiment,

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic exploded perspective representation of a three-fluid heat exchanger,

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic top-view representation of a first circulation space according to the first embodiment,

[0019] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic top view representation of a second circulation space according to the first embodiment,

[0020] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the first and second circulation areas according to a first variant,

[0021] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the first and second circulation areas according to a second variant,

[0022] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a heat exchanger three-fluid heat according to a second embodiment,

[0023] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic top-view representation of a first circulation space according to the second embodiment,

[0024] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic top-view representation of a second circulation space according to the second embodiment,

[0025] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of a thermal management device according to a first variant of a first embodiment,

[0026] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of a thermal management device according to a second variant of the first embodiment,

[0027] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of a thermal management device according to a first variant of a second embodiment,

[0028] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of a thermal management device according to a second variant of the second embodiment.

[0029] In the different figures, the identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0030] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0031] In this description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, such as first element or second element, first parameter and second parameter, first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is simply a matter of indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements, parameters, or criteria. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of this description. Nor does this indexing imply any order in time, for example, for evaluating one criterion or another.

[0032] In this description, "placed upstream" means that an element is positioned before another with respect to the direction of fluid flow. Conversely, "placed downstream" means that an element is positioned after another with respect to the direction of fluid flow.

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 show a three-fluid heat exchanger 1 schematically represented in cross-section and exploded view, respectively. This three-fluid heat exchanger 1 comprises a stack of plates 20a, 20b, 20c, 30a, 30b, 30c (visible in Figures 5 and 6) forming an alternation of first A and second B heat transfer fluid circulation spaces stacked in the direction of the stacking of plates 20a, 20b, 20c, 30a, 30b, 30c. The three-fluid heat exchanger 1 comprises The three-fluid heat exchanger 1 also includes a first circulation circuit 11 of a first heat transfer fluid between a first inlet manifold 11a and a first outlet manifold 11b of the first heat transfer fluid. Furthermore, the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 includes a second circulation circuit 12 of a second heat transfer fluid between a second inlet manifold 12a and a second outlet manifold 12b of the second heat transfer fluid. The three-fluid heat exchanger 1 also includes a third circulation circuit 13 of a third heat transfer fluid between a third inlet manifold 13a and a third outlet manifold 13b of the third heat transfer fluid.

[0034] The first circulation circuit 11 is arranged within the first circulation spaces A and the second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits are arranged jointly within the second circulation spaces B. As a result, the second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits do not each occupy a circulation space A or B and can each allow the exchange of heat energy with the first circulation circuit 11. The size of the heat exchanger 1 can thus be contained.

[0035] In the example of [Fig.2], the circulation circuits 11, 12, 13 have only one pass per circulation space A, B. The circulation circuits 11, 12, 13 may nevertheless each have at least two passes within the same circulation space A, B in order to improve the efficiency of heat exchanges between the first heat transfer fluid and the second and third heat transfer fluids.

[0036] Figures 3 and 4 show a first embodiment of the first A and second B circulation spaces comprising at least two passes. Figure 3 shows more particularly a representation of the first circulation circuit 11 within the first circulation space A. The first circulation circuit 11 comprises a first pass 110a originating from the first inlet collector 1la and traversing the first circulation space A along its length. The first circulation circuit 11 comprises a second pass 110b connected to the end of the first pass 110a opposite the first inlet collector 1la. This second pass 110b traverses the first circulation space A along its length and joins the second inlet collector 11b. The first 110a and second 110b passes are side by side and separated by a wall 115.

[0037] The first collectors 1a and 11b are arranged on the same side of the first circulation space A. The second 12a, 12b and third 13a, 13b collectors, on the other hand, traverse the first circulation space A completely and are isolated so that they cannot be in fluidic communication with the first circulation circuit 11 or with each other. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the second 12a, 12b and third 13a, 13b collectors are aligned and arranged on the first circulation space A opposite to the first collectors 1a, 11b.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a representation of the second 12 and third 13 Circulation circuits within the second circulation space B. The second circulation circuit 12 comprises a first pass 120a originating from the second inlet collector 12a and traversing the second circulation space B along its length. The second circulation circuit 12 comprises a second pass 120b connected to the end of the first pass 120a opposite the second inlet collector 12a. This second pass 120b traverses the second circulation space B along its length and rejoins the second inlet collector 12b. The first 120a and second 120b passes are side by side and separated by a wall 125.

[0039] The third circulation circuit 13 comprises a first pass 130a originating from the third inlet manifold 13a and traversing the second circulation space B along its length. The third circulation circuit 13 comprises a second pass 130b connected to the end of the first pass 130a opposite the third inlet manifold 13a. This second pass 130b traverses the second circulation space B along its length and rejoins the second inlet manifold 13b. The first 130a and second 130b passes are side by side and separated by a wall 135.

[0040] Within the second circulation spaces B, the second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits are arranged side by side so that the second circulation circuit 12 is positioned above a first pass 110a of the first circulation circuit 11 and the third circulation circuit 13 above a second pass 110b of the first circulation circuit 11. The second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits are separated by another wall 145.

[0041] The second and third collectors 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b are arranged on the same side of the second circulation space B. The first collectors 11a, 11b, on the other hand, pass completely through the second circulation space B and are isolated so that they cannot be in fluidic communication with the second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits or with each other. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 4], the second 12a, 12b, and third 13a, 13b collectors are aligned and arranged on the second circulation space B opposite the first collectors 11a, 11b.

[0042] Figures 5 and 6 show a cross-sectional view of the circulation spaces A and B. According to a first variant of the plates 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b illustrated in [Fig. 5], each circulation space A, B comprises a first 20a, 30a and a second 20b, 30b plate placed side by side, defining said circulation space A, B. The first circulation space A can be formed by a first 20a and a second 20b plate. Similarly, the second circulation space B can be formed by a first 30a and a second 30b plate. In the stacking arrangement, the second plate 20b, 30b of a circulation space A, B is in contact with the first plate 20a, 30a of the adjacent circulation space A, B, and vice versa. walls 115, 125, 135 and 145 can be ribs made on plates 20a, 20b, 30a and 30b and configured to define the path of passes 110a, 110b, 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b.

[0043] According to a second variant of the plates 20c, 30c illustrated in [Fig. 6], said plates 20c, 30c may have a curved profile with lateral edges 21c, 31c. The plates 20c, 30c are nested one inside the other and the lateral edges 21c, 31c of two adjacent plates 20c, 30c overlap so as to form the circulation spaces A, B. As before, the walls 115, 125, 135 and 145 may be ribs made on the plates 20c and 30c and configured to define the path of the passes 110a, 110b, 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b.

[0044] Figures 7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the first A and second B circulation spaces comprising at least two passes. For this second embodiment, the circulation spaces A, B can be formed by two plates 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b or by a single plate 20c, 30c as described previously.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, within the second circulation spaces B, the second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits are not arranged side by side but are intertwined so that a pass 110a, 110b of the first circulation circuit 11 is positioned simultaneously above a pass 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b of the second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits 13. To achieve this, one of the passes 130a, 130b of the third circulation circuit 13 is positioned between the first 120a and the second 120b pass of the second circulation circuit 13. The various passes 120a, 130a, 120b and 130b can thus be separated by a single wall 155 following a zigzag path in the second circulation space. B. This wall 155 can, as before, be a rib made on the plate(s) 30a, 30b, 30c forming the second circulation space B.The second collectors 12a, 12b are no longer aligned with the third collectors 13a, 13b but offset due to the intermingling of passes 120a, 120b, 130a, 130b. The first collectors 11a, 11b, on the other hand, cross the second circulation space B completely and are isolated so that they cannot be in fluidic communication with the second 12 and third 13 circulation circuits 11 or with each other.

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig. 9], the first circulation space A remains identical to the first embodiment, except that the second 12a, 12b and third 13a, 13b collectors are arranged in different locations. Consequently, the passes 110a and 110b have a less straight path than in the first embodiment, but a more tortuous path due to the locations of the second 12a, 12b and third 13a, 13b collectors.

[0047] In order to improve heat exchange, the circulation of the first heat transfer fluid In the first circulation spaces A, the flow can be counter-current to the circulation of the second and third heat transfer fluids in the second circulation spaces B. For this, the first pass 110a of the first circulation circuit 11 can be positioned directly above the second pass 120b of the second circulation circuit 12 and the first pass 130a of the third circulation circuit 13. The second pass 110b of the first circulation circuit 11 can be positioned directly above the first pass 120a of the second circulation circuit 12 and the second pass 130b of the third circulation circuit 13.

[0048] Such a three-fluid heat exchanger 1 can be used more particularly within a thermal management system. More particularly in a thermal management system comprising several thermal management circuits, each connected to the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 in order to allow heat exchange from one circuit to another.

[0049] Fig. 10 shows such a thermal management device comprising three circulation circuits each connected to a three-fluid heat exchanger 1. The thermal management device thus comprises a first heat transfer fluid circuit X, a second heat transfer fluid circuit X and a third heat transfer fluid circuit Z.

[0050] Within the first heat transfer fluid circuit X, a first heat transfer fluid, in particular a refrigerant, for example CO2, R134a or R1234y, is intended to circulate. The first heat transfer fluid circuit X more particularly comprises a main loop XI including, in the direction of refrigerant circulation, a compressor 41, a first heat exchanger 42, a first expansion device 43 and the three-fluid heat exchanger 1.

[0051] Within the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y, a second heat transfer fluid, for example water or glycol water, is intended to circulate. The second heat transfer fluid circuit Y includes, in particular, a main loop Y1 comprising a first pump 61 and a first heat exchanger 62. The three-fluid heat exchanger 1 is also connected to said main loop Y1 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y.

[0052] Within the third heat transfer fluid circuit Z, a third heat transfer fluid, in particular a dielectric fluid, is intended to circulate. This third heat transfer fluid circuit Z is connected to the three-way heat exchanger 1 and includes a container in which electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle are intended to be placed. This container BAT includes a system for at least partial immersion of the electrical and / or electronic components in the dielectric fluid and / or a system for spraying said dielectric fluid onto the components. The third heat transfer fluid circuit Z may also include a pump (not shown) for circulating the dielectric fluid within the container BAT and the circuit itself. This pump can notably be integrated directly into the BAT container to save space.

[0053] The three-fluid heat exchanger 1 is specifically configured to allow heat exchange between the second and third heat transfer fluids and the first heat transfer fluid. The use of such a three-fluid heat exchanger 1 allows, within the same heat exchanger, heat exchange both between the first and second heat transfer fluids and between the first and third heat transfer fluids. Thus, it is possible, with a single heat exchanger, to thermally couple three separate circulation circuits with three different types of heat transfer fluids.Combining these heat exchanges within a single three-fluid heat exchanger 1 also saves space within the vehicle compared to a thermal management system with three circulation circuits, with a first heat exchanger dedicated to heat exchange between the first and second heat transfer fluids and a second heat exchanger dedicated to heat exchange between the first and third heat transfer fluids.

[0054] According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X can be a condenser configured to allow heat exchange between the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X and the second heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y. Also according to this first embodiment, the first heat exchanger 62 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y can be a radiator intended to be traversed by an external airflow 500.

[0055] In this first embodiment, the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y is configured to absorb heat from the first heat transfer fluid circuit X via the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X. The second heat transfer fluid circuit Y is also configured to release this heat into the external airflow 500 via the first heat exchanger 62 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y and / or into an internal airflow 400 destined for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. To enable this heat release into the internal airflow 400, the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y includes a second heat exchanger 65 intended to be traversed by the internal airflow 400. This second heat exchanger 65 can, in particular, be integrated into a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the motor vehicle.

[0056] According to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y may include a first branch Y2 connected to the main loop Y1 in parallel with the first heat exchanger heat 62 of said second heat transfer fluid circuit Y. More specifically, the first branch Y2 connects a first connection point 81 to a second connection point 82. The first connection point 81 is located on the main loop Y1 downstream of the first heat exchanger 62, between said first heat exchanger 62 and the first pump 61. The second connection point 82 is located on the main loop Y1 upstream of the first heat exchanger 62, between the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 and said first heat exchanger 62. Said first branch Y2 may notably include a second pump 63 as well as the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X. The first branch Y2 may also include an electric heater 64 of the second heat transfer fluid located downstream of the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X..

[0057] The second heat transfer fluid circuit Y may further include a second branch Y3 connected to the first branch Y2 in parallel with the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X and the second pump 63. More specifically, this second branch connects a third connection point 83 to a fourth connection point 84. The third connection point 83 is located on the first branch Y2 downstream of the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X and the second pump 63, upstream of the second connection point 82. The fourth connection point 84 is located on the first branch Y2 upstream of the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X and the second pump 63, downstream of the first connection point 81.The second branch Y3 includes the second heat exchanger 65 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y.

[0058] In order to control the flow of the second heat transfer fluid, the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y may include redirection means such as three-way valves arranged for example: - on the second connection point 82 so as to redirect the second heat transfer fluid from the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 towards the first heat exchanger 62 or the second heat exchanger 62 or so as to redirect the second heat transfer fluid from the third connection point 83 towards the first heat exchanger 62, - on the third connection point 83 so as to redirect the second heat transfer fluid from the second connection point 82 to the second heat exchanger 65 or so as to redirect the second heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X to the second connection point 82 or to the second heat exchanger 65, - on the third connection point 83 so as to redirect the second heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 62 or the second heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger 65 to the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X. Other means of redirection such as shut-off valves can also be considered.

[0059] According to a first variant of the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 10], the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y may further include a third branch Y4 connected to the main loop Y1 in parallel with the first pump 61 and the three-fluid heat exchanger 1. More specifically, this third branch Y4 connects a fifth connection point 85 to a sixth connection point 86. The fifth connection point 85 is located on the main loop Y1 downstream of the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 and the first pump 61 and upstream of the second connection point 82. The sixth connection point 86 is located on the main loop Y1 upstream of the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 and the first pump 61 and downstream of the first connection point 81.The third branch Y4 includes a cooler 66 intended to carry the internal airflow 400 to the passenger compartment. This cooler 66 can be integrated into a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the motor vehicle, preferably upstream of the second heat exchanger 65 in the direction of the internal airflow.

[0060] In order to control the second refrigerant, the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y may include three-way valves arranged respectively: - on the sixth connection point 86 to redirect the second heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 62 or from the cooler 66 to the three-fluid heat exchanger 1, - on the fifth connection point 85 to redirect the second heat transfer fluid from the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 to the cooler 66 or to the second connection point 82. Other means of redirection such as shut-off valves can also be considered.

[0061] According to this first variant, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X may also include a desiccant bottle 44 located downstream of the first heat exchanger 42. This desiccant bottle 44 may in particular be attached to the outlet of the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat exchanger 42.

[0062] According to a second variant of the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1 1], the The second heat transfer fluid circuit Y does not include a third branch Y4 with a cooler 66. In this second variant, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X includes a first branch X2 connected to the main loop XI in parallel with the first expansion device 43 and the three-fluid heat exchanger 1. This first branch XI of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X connects, more specifically, a first connection point 91 to a second connection point 92. The first connection point 91 is located on the main loop XI upstream of the first expansion device 43, between the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X and said first expansion device 43.The second connection point 92 is located on the main loop XI downstream of the three-fluid heat exchanger 1, between said three-fluid heat exchanger 1 and the compressor 4L. This first branch X2 includes a second expansion device 45 and an evaporator 46 intended to carry an internal airflow 400 to the passenger compartment. This evaporator 46 can be integrated into a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the motor vehicle, preferably upstream of the second heat exchanger 65 in the direction of the internal airflow.

[0063] In order to control the first heat transfer fluid and allow or prevent it from passing through the first branch X2, the first 43 and second 45 pressure-reducing devices can be electronic expansion valves with a shut-off function. Other redirection means such as shut-off valves or three-way valves can also be considered.

[0064] According to this second variant, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X can also include an accumulator 44' located upstream of the compressor 4L. This accumulator 44' can in particular be located more specifically downstream of the second connection point 92.

[0065] Figures 12 and 13 show a thermal management device according to a second embodiment. In this second embodiment, the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X is designed to be traversed by the external airflow 500. The first heat exchanger 62 of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y is, for its part, a heat exchange interface with an electric power train of the motor vehicle. By electric power train of the motor vehicle, we mean more precisely the electrical power supply as well as the electric motor(s) of the motor vehicle.

[0066] According to a first variant of the second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 12], the first heat transfer fluid circuit X is configured to allow cooling of the electrical and / or electronic components via the connection of the third heat transfer fluid circuit Z to the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 and cooling of the electrical power train via the connection of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y to the three-fluid heat exchanger 1. The heat absorbed by the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 is released into the external air stream 500 by the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X which acts as a condenser.

[0067] The first heat transfer fluid circuit X may also include a first branch X2 connected to the main loop XI in parallel with the first expansion device 43 and the three-fluid heat exchanger 1. This first branch XI of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X connects, more specifically, a first connection point 91 to a second connection point 92. The first connection point 91 is located on the main loop XI upstream of the first expansion device 43, between the first heat exchanger 42 of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X and said first expansion device 43.The second connection point 92 is located on the main loop XI downstream of the three-fluid heat exchanger 1, between said three-fluid heat exchanger 1 and the compressor 4L. This first branch X2 includes a second expansion device 45 and an evaporator 46 intended to carry an internal airflow 400 to the passenger compartment. This evaporator 46 can be integrated into a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the motor vehicle.

[0068] Figure 13 shows a second variant of the management device according to the second embodiment. As with the first variant, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X here comprises a first branch X2 with a second expansion device 45 and an evaporator 46.

[0069] According to this second variant, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X is reversible. It thus comprises an internal condenser 47 and a third expansion device 48 located upstream of the first heat exchanger 42. By reversible, it is understood more specifically that the first heat transfer fluid circuit X is configured to operate in at least one cooling mode and one heat pump mode.

[0070] In the cooling mode, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X cools the second heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y via the three-fluid heat exchanger 1 and / or cools the third heat transfer fluid of the third heat transfer fluid circuit Z via the three-fluid heat exchanger 1. The heat recovered by this or these coolings is rejected into the external air stream 500 via the first heat exchanger 42 of said first heat transfer fluid circuit X.

[0071] In heat pump mode, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X heats the internal airflow 400 directly or indirectly via the internal condenser 47 by absorbing heat from the external airflow 500 via the first heat exchanger 42 of said first heat transfer fluid circuit X and / or of the second heat transfer fluid circuit Y and / or of the third heat transfer fluid of the third heat transfer fluid circuit Z.

[0072] When the internal condenser 47 is designed to be traversed by the internal airflow 400, as in the example in [Fig. 13], this is referred to as a direct heat pump. The internal condenser 47 directly heats the internal airflow 400. However, it is entirely possible to imagine a case (not shown) in which the internal condenser 47 is not directly traversed by the internal airflow 400 but connected to an auxiliary thermal management circuit to exchange heat with another heat transfer fluid. This auxiliary thermal management circuit includes a heat exchanger designed to be traversed by the internal airflow 400. This is then referred to as an indirect heat pump. The internal condenser 47 indirectly heats the internal airflow 400.

[0073] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.13], the internal condenser 47 is more particularly arranged on the main branch XI of the first heat transfer fluid circuit X downstream of the compressor 41, between said compressor 41 and the third expansion device 48. The first heat transfer fluid circuit X further comprises a second X3 and a third branch X4.

[0074] The second branch X3 is connected to the main loop XI so as to link the outlet of the first heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 42 to the inlet of the first heat transfer fluid from the compressor 4L. More specifically, this second branch connects a third connection point 93 to a fourth connection point 94. The third connection point is located on the main loop XI downstream of the first heat exchanger 42, between said first heat exchanger 42 and the first expansion device 43. The fourth connection point 94 is located on the main loop XI upstream of the compressor 41, between the second connection point 92 and said compressor 4L. This second branch X3 may, in particular, include a first shut-off valve 51 to allow or prevent the first heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 42 from passing through it.

[0075] The third bypass branch X4 is connected to the main loop XI so as to bypass the third expansion device 48 and the first heat exchanger 42. More specifically, the third bypass branch X4 connects a fifth connection point 95 to a sixth connection point 96. The fifth connection point 95 is located on the main branch XI upstream of the third expansion device 48, between the internal condenser 47 and said third device. expansion 48. The sixth connection point 96 is located on the main loop XI downstream of the third connection point 93, between the third connection point 93 and the first connection point 91. This third branch X4 may include a second shut-off valve 52 to allow or prevent the first heat transfer fluid from the internal condenser 47 from passing through it.

[0076] The first heat transfer fluid circuit X may also include a non-return valve 53 disposed on the main branch XI between the third connection point 93 and the sixth connection point 96 so as to prevent the reflux of the first heat transfer fluid from the third branch X4 to the first heat exchanger 42 or to the second branch X3.

[0077] The first heat transfer fluid circuit X may further include a fourth pressure balancing expansion device 49 disposed on the first branch of the bypass X2 downstream of the evaporator 46.

[0078] Whether in the first or second variant of the second embodiment, the first heat transfer fluid circuit X may also include an accumulator 44' disposed upstream of the compressor 4L. This accumulator 44' may in particular be disposed more specifically downstream of the second connection point 92.

[0079] Whether in variants of the first embodiment or in those of the second embodiment, the thermal management device may also include an electric heater 67 disposed in the internal airflow 400 to the passenger compartment to assist in its heating. This electric heater 67 may be integrated into a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the motor vehicle, preferably as far downstream as possible in the direction of internal airflow relative to the other heat exchangers of said heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the motor vehicle.

[0080] Thus, it is clear that, due to the use of a three-fluid heat exchanger 1, it is possible, within the same heat exchanger, to perform heat exchanges both between the first and second heat transfer fluids and between the first and third heat transfer fluids. Therefore, it is possible, with a single heat exchanger, to thermally couple three distinct circulation circuits with three different types of heat transfer fluids. Grouping these heat exchanges within the same three-fluid heat exchanger 1 also saves space within the vehicle compared to a thermal management system with three circulation circuits, where the first heat exchanger is dedicated to heat exchanges between the first and second heat transfer fluids and the second heat exchanger is dedicated to heat exchanges between the third and third fluids. of heat between the first heat transfer fluid and the third heat transfer fluid.

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal management device for an electrical and / or electronic element of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, said thermal management device comprising: - a first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) within which a first heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate, said first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) comprising a main loop (XI) comprising, in the direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid, a compressor (41), a first heat exchanger (42), a first expansion device (43) and a three-fluid heat exchanger (1), - a second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) within which a second heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate, said second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) comprising a main loop (Yl) comprising a first pump (61), a first heat exchanger (62), the three-fluid heat exchanger (1) also being connected to said main loop (Yl) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y), and - a third heat transfer fluid circuit (Z) within which a third heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate, said third heat transfer fluid circuit (Z) also being connected to the three-fluid heat exchanger (1) and comprising a container (BAT) in which electrical and / or electronic elements of the motor vehicle are intended to be placed, said container (BAT) comprising a system for at least partial immersion of said electrical and / or electronic elements in said dielectric fluid and / or a system for spraying said dielectric fluid, said three-fluid heat exchanger (1) being configured to allow heat exchanges between the second and third heat transfer fluids and the first heat transfer fluid.

2. Thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first heat exchanger (42) of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) is a condenser configured to allow heat exchanges between the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) and the second heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y), the first heat exchanger (62) of the second ... the carrier (Y) being a radiator intended to be crossed by an external air flow (500), the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) comprising a second heat exchanger (65) intended to be crossed by an internal air flow (400) to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) being configured to allow the absorption of heat from the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) via the first heat exchanger (42) of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) and the restitution of said heat in the external air flow (500) via the first heat exchanger (62) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) and / or in the internal air flow (400) via the second heat exchanger (65) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y).

3. Thermal management device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) comprises: - a first bypass branch (Y2) connected to the main loop (Yl) in parallel with the first heat exchanger (62) of said second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y), said first bypass branch comprising a second pump (63) the first heat exchanger (42) of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X), - a second bypass branch (Y3) connected to the first bypass branch (Y2) in parallel with the first heat exchanger (42) of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) and the second pump (63), said second bypass branch (Y3) comprising the second heat exchanger (65) of said second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y).

4. Thermal management device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) further comprises a third bypass branch (Y4) connected to the main loop (Yl) in parallel with the first pump (61) and the tri-fluid heat exchanger (1), said third bypass branch (Y4) comprising a cooler (66) intended to be crossed by the internal air flow (400) to the passenger compartment.

5. Thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) comprises a first bypass branch (X2) connected to the main loop (XI) in parallel with the first expansion device (43) and the tri-fluid heat exchanger (1), said first bypass branch (X2) comprising a second expansion device (45) and an evaporator (46) intended to be crossed by an internal air flow (400) intended for the passenger compartment.

6. Thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the first heat exchanger (42) of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) is intended to be crossed by the external air flow (500), - the first heat exchanger (62) of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) is a heat exchange interface with an electric power train of the motor vehicle.

7. Thermal management device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) is reversible and that it comprises an internal condenser (47) and a third expansion device (48) arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger (42), said first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) being configured both to: - in a cooling mode, cool the second heat transfer fluid of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) via the three-fluid heat exchanger (1) and / or cool the third heat transfer fluid of the third heat transfer fluid circuit (Z) via the three-fluid heat exchanger (1), the heat recovered during this or these coolings is rejected into the external air flow (500) via the first heat exchanger (42) of said first heat transfer fluid circuit (X), and - in a heat pump mode,heating the internal air flow (400) directly or indirectly via the internal condenser (47) by absorbing heat from the external air flow (500) via the first heat exchanger (42) of said first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) and / or of the second heat transfer fluid circuit (Y) and / or of the third heat transfer fluid of the third heat transfer fluid circuit (Z).,

8. Thermal management device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the internal condenser (47) is arranged on the main branch (XI) of the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) downstream of the compressor (41), between said compressor (41) and the third expansion device (48), the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) further comprising: - a second bypass branch (X3) connected to the main loop (XI) so as to connect the first heat transfer fluid outlet from the first heat exchanger (42) to the inlet of the first heat transfer fluid of the compressor (41), - a third bypass branch (X4) connected to the main loop (XI) so as to bypass the third expansion device (48) and the first heat exchanger (42).

9. Thermal management device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first heat transfer fluid circuit (X) comprises a first bypass branch (X2) connected to the main loop (XI) in parallel with the first expansion device (43) and the tri-fluid heat exchanger (1), said first bypass branch (X2) comprising a second expansion device (45) and an evaporator (46) intended to be crossed by an internal air flow (400) intended for the passenger compartment.