Heat transfer fluid distribution structure

Abstract

Title: Heat Transfer Fluid Distribution Structure The invention relates to a heat transfer fluid distribution structure (35) configured to be disposed in a cavity (5) of a thermal control device (1), this distribution structure (35) being provided with a plurality of openings (36) configured to allow fluid distribution within the cavity (5), between a fluid inlet slot (24) and a fluid outlet slot (25) of the cavity, the distribution structure (35) having, in lateral profile, corrugations (55) and the openings (36) being formed on the crests of the corrugations (55). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Heat transfer fluid distribution structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat transfer fluid distribution structure for a thermal regulation device for the cooling and / or heating of at least one component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter or a battery cell.

[0002] It is known, in the context of cooling a power electronic board, such as that used in a DC-DC converter (this converter being designed to transform a direct current voltage from a first voltage value to a second voltage value), to employ a coolant circulating in a plate that is in contact with the electronic board. Such a system involves a significant fluid flow rate and is energy-intensive. Moreover, the architecture of the electronic board can complicate access, in terms of cooling, to the hottest components.

[0003] It is also common practice nowadays to equip electric, internal combustion, or hybrid vehicles with electrical energy storage components that provide power to the various components of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage components are generally composed of electrical energy storage cells positioned within a battery pack.

[0004] 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.

[0005] The invention thus relates to a heat transfer fluid distribution structure configured to be disposed in a cavity of a thermal regulation device, this distribution structure being provided with a plurality of openings configured to allow a distribution of fluid in the cavity, between an inlet slot and an outlet slot of fluid of the cavity, the distribution structure having, in lateral profile, undulations and the openings being formed on the crests of the undulations.

[0006] 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 located entirely on the crests of the undulations of the distribution structure.

[0007] Preferably, each opening is formed on the same undulation. This differs from the case where an opening would be formed in the space between two neighboring undulations.

[0008] Preferably, each opening extends entirely over the crest of the undulation. Thus, the opening does not extend over two successive undulations, nor over one flank of the undulation.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the row of openings with respect to the inlet slot may have all identical openings.

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

[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 be opposite 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 made in a monobloc manner, namely this distribution structure is made on a monobloc 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 present a regular pace.

[0017] Alternatively, the undulations 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 hollows are formed by flat surfaces.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the peaks and troughs of the undulating 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 undulations, without extending onto the sides.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the flanks which connect the consecutive hollows and peaks have louvers providing lateral passages of fluid through the flanks, allowing the fluid passing through the openings of the peaks to distribute itself in the intercalated spaces through the louvers.

[0024] This allows for a uniform distribution of the fluid through the undulations of the distribution structure.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the louvers also play the role of a perturbator 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 for uniformity of the fluid in the cavity.

[0028] The invention eliminates the need for a distribution chamber upstream of the distribution structure. In the invention, the fluid is directly conveyed to the cavity through 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 in which cutouts are made to form the openings and the louvers.

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

[0032] The distribution structure includes 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: - Making openings configured to be on the crests of the undulations and additional openings configured to be on the flanks, in particular forming louvers, then - Preforming of the undulations, in particular the radii of the convolutions of the undulations.

[0034] According to a detail of the process, it includes 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 compaction to obtain a predetermined pitch of the undulations.

[0036] Mechanical compaction makes it possible to bring the undulations closer together.

[0037] The openings and louvers can be made in two successive steps, potentially using a roller or die (a "fin forming roll") at each step. The preforming of the corrugations can be carried out by another roller or die (a "mechanical packing roll").

[0038] The invention further relates to a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating at least one temperature-sensitive component, this component being in particular an electronic module of power 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 fluidic communication with a fluid inlet slot for the flow of fluid towards the cavity and a fluid outlet slot for the flow of fluid out of the cavity, the cavity receiving a fluid distribution structure as above, the openings being for some opposite the inlet slot and others opposite the fluid outlet slot, these openings being configured to allow a 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 uniformly through the row of openings, in the cavity.

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

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

[0043] This is particularly advantageous when the inlet slot has a length such that the fluid passing through it exhibits varying flow rates along its length. The progressively shaped openings in the distribution structure 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 outlet slot has a longitudinal shape.

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

[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 dimensions.

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

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

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

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

[0054] The distribution structure thus makes it possible to distribute appropriately the fluid which enters through the inlet slot.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the stack includes a closing plate which is solid and which defines at least one placement area to receive a component to be cooled.

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

[0057] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

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

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

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

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

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

[0063] [Fig.6] Fig.6 illustrates the process of obtaining a distribution structure according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0064] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways, in the to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, one can imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of features described hereafter 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 the cooling and / or heating of components 2 whose operation is sensitive to temperature.

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

[0067] This thermal regulation device 1 includes a cover 10 configured to close the fluid circulation cavities 5, and having 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 of 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 selected in particular from battery cells, electronic components such as a transistorized electronic module, 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 comprising a stack of plates 23 brazed together, and forming a sealed body 29 within which is arranged a heat transfer fluid circuit 50 which extends, on 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 fluidic communication with fluid inlet slots and fluid outlet slots for the flow of fluid outside the cavity, these slots being made on a distribution plate 18 as will now be described.

[0073] As shown in [Fig. 2], the stack of plates 23 comprises the distribution plate 18 arranged under the cover 10 which, together with this distribution plate 18, forms a distribution box 19 configured to distribute, through the plate distribution plate 18, of the 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 has embossed reliefs 20, which, together with the distribution plate 18, define two fluid collection zones 21 for the inlet and one fluid collection zone 22 for the outlet. The inlet collection zones 22 are arranged on either side of the central outlet fluid collection zone 21. 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 [Fig.2].

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

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

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

[0080] A solid end plate 17 defines the placement area for the components to be cooled. This end 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 sizing factor.

[0083] As can be seen in [Fig.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 fluid distribution in the cavity 5, between the inlet slot 24 and the fluid outlet slot 25.

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

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

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

[0087] The distribution structure 35 is made in a monobloc manner, namely this distribution structure 35 is made on a monobloc 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 undulations 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 vertices 42 and the hollows 43 are formed by flat surfaces.

[0094] The openings 36 are formed on the vertices 42 of the undulations 55.

[0095] These openings 36 are separated, in each row, from each other by an intercalated space 45 open on the inlet and / or outlet slot.

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

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

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

[0099] The peaks 42 and troughs 43 of the undulating distribution structure 35 are connected to each other by flanks 4L

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

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

[0102] This allows for a uniform distribution of the fluid through the undulations 55 of the distribution structure 35.

[0103] The louvers 50 also play the role of a perturbator in the fluid flow, which makes it possible to improve the heat exchange capacity thanks to the presence of turbulence in the fluid.

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

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

[0106] The distribution structure 35 can be obtained from a sheet of metal 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 flow directly through the openings 36, which are all located on the vertices 42 of the undulations of the distribution structure 35.

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

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

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

[0111] Figure 6 shows the steps of a process for obtaining a distribution structure 35 as described above, comprising the following steps: Creating the openings formed on the crests of the undulations (step 80), Creation of additional openings on the sides, including louvers, and pre-forming of the undulations, including the radii of the convolutions of the undulations (step 81), Mechanical compaction to obtain a predetermined pitch of the undulations (step 82), Cutting to a predetermined length of the distribution structure 35 (step 83).

[0112] The openings and louvers can be made in two successive steps, potentially with the use of a roller or die 90, 91 ("Fin forming roll") at each step. The preforming of the corrugations can be carried out by another roller or die 92 ("Mechanical Packing Roll").

Claims

Demands

1. Heat transfer fluid distribution structure (35) configured to be disposed in a cavity (5) of a thermal control 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) of fluid from the cavity, the distribution structure (35) having, in lateral profile, undulations (55) and the openings (36) being formed on the crests of the undulations (55), each opening (36) extending entirely over the crest of the undulation (55), the distribution structure (35) being provided with additional openings different from the openings (36) of the crests, and allowing the passage of fluid between said undulations (55).

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

3. Distribution structure (35) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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.

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

5. Distribution structure (35) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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 formed in particular by flats.

6. Distribution structure (35) according to the preceding claim, wherein the peaks (42) and troughs (43) of the undulating distribution structure (35) are connected to each other by flanks (41), and the openings (36) extend only over the peaks of the undulations (55), without extending over the flanks.

7. Distribution structure (35) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flanks (41) which connect the consecutive hollows and peaks have louvers (50) providing lateral fluid passages through the flanks, allowing the fluid passing through the openings (36) of the peaks to distribute itself into the interstitial spaces (45) through the louvers.

8. Thermal control device (1) for cooling and / or heating at least one temperature-sensitive component, this component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter or a battery cell, this thermal control 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 vertical direction of the stack of plates, the fluid circuit comprising a cavity (5) in fluidic communication with a fluid inlet slot (24) for fluid flow towards the cavity and a fluid outlet slot (25) for fluid flow out of the cavity, the cavity receiving a fluid distribution structure (35) according to any one of the preceding claims,the openings (36) being partly opposite the inlet slot (24) and partly opposite the fluid outlet slot (25), these openings (36) being configured to allow fluid distribution within the cavity, between the inlet slot and the fluid outlet slot.

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

10. Thermal regulation device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the stack includes a cover (10) which is provided with at least one through opening forming a fluid inlet or outlet.

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