Thermal regulation device, particularly for motor vehicles

Abstract

Thermal regulation device, particularly for motor vehicles. The invention relates to a thermal regulation device (1) for a predetermined number of electronic and / or electrical components (7), comprising a support (37) configured to carry the predetermined number of components, at least one compartment configured to receive at least one component and delimited by at least one housing base, and a dielectric fluid circuit comprising at least one collection channel (11) formed in the housing base. The support (37) is provided with at least one elongated collection orifice (16) associated with at least one compartment and opening into at least one collection channel (11) of the dielectric fluid, and comprising at least one element (18) that disrupts the flow of the dielectric fluid, extending from a border (16a, 16b) delimiting at least one collection orifice (16) and protruding from the support (37). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2b

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device, particularly for motor vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device, particularly in the automotive field. Such a device is generally intended to house a plurality of electrical and / or electronic components likely to generate heat during their operation.

[0002] The components that may be relevant to the present invention may be electrical energy storage elements, in particular battery components, or power electronics components, for example, but not limited to, semiconductors such as diodes or transistors. They could also be computer server components.

[0003] The invention finds advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation of a power electronics device or module, that is to say, one comprising power electronic components. During operation, the temperature of such a power electronics device or module can rise, which may damage some of the power electronic components.

[0004] The invention also finds advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation of electrical energy storage elements, such as battery cells or a battery pack, for example, for electric and / or hybrid motor vehicles. The electrical energy of electric and / or hybrid vehicles is supplied by one or more batteries. During their operation, electrical energy storage elements, such as batteries, heat up and are thus at risk of damage. In particular, a charging technique, known as fast charging, consists of charging the energy storage elements under high voltage and high amperage in a short time, specifically within a maximum of about twenty minutes. This fast charging results in significant heating of the electrical energy storage elements, which must be treated.

[0005] In the field of motor vehicles, it is known to use a thermal regulation device, particularly for cooling components such as electrical energy storage devices, such as batteries. Such a thermal regulation device makes it possible to modify the temperature of an electrical energy storage device, for example, when starting the vehicle in cold weather, by increasing its temperature, or during driving or during a charging operation, by decreasing the temperature of the battery cells, which tend to heat up during use.

[0006] According to a known solution, a cold plate through which a cooling fluid circulates is arranged in contact with the components to be cooled. However, it has been observed that such an arrangement can lead to uneven cooling of the components of the same device, for example, an electrical energy storage device, thus resulting in a decrease in overall performance.

[0007] According to another known thermal regulation solution, the components housed in a casing can be sprayed with a dielectric fluid and / or immersed at least partially in the dielectric fluid by means of a dielectric fluid circuit. The dielectric fluid generally circulates in a closed loop. The circuit includes channels through which the dielectric fluid can flow, as well as orifices or nozzles for spraying the dielectric fluid through which the dielectric fluid is propelled under pressure to spray the components or modules to be regulated. Heat exchange can then occur between the components sprayed or immersed in the dielectric fluid.

[0008] The dielectric fluid generally falls by gravity to the bottom of the housing. It can then be drawn, via a network of channels, by a pump which delivers it to a cooling system, for example. The cooled dielectric fluid can then be reinjected into another network for redistribution to the spray nozzles or outlets.

[0009] This solution limits the volume of dielectric fluid, such as liquid, which consequently leaves a large volume of air in the housing. However, the liquid's evacuation velocity can create a vortex at the pump's suction point.

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome at least partially one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a thermal regulation device to limit the formation of a vortex.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a thermal regulation device for a predefined number of electronic and / or electrical components, particularly for motor vehicles, said device comprising a housing having a housing base comprising a support configured to carry the predefined number of electronic and / or electrical components, the housing further comprising at least one compartment configured to receive at least one electronic and / or electrical component and delimited at least by the housing base, and a dielectric fluid circuit comprising at least one dielectric fluid circulation channel opening onto at least one compartment, so as to spray or immerse at least partially the at least one electronic and / or electrical component with dielectric fluid when it is received in the compartment,and at least one collection channel provided in the bottom of the casing configured to collect the dielectric fluid after spraying or immersion in, less in part of said component.

[0012] According to the invention, the support is provided with at least one elongated collection orifice, associated with at least one compartment and opening into at least one collection channel of the dielectric fluid.

[0013] The support includes at least one element that disrupts the flow of the dielectric fluid, extending from an edge that delimits at least one collection orifice and forms a protrusion of the support.

[0014] The elongated shape, for example oblong, limits or prevents the liquid from gaining rotational speed and creating an air column in the center, thus preventing the formation of a vortex. The disruptive element enhances this effect to reduce vortex formation. The flow of the dielectric fluid can remain laminar.

[0015] The thermal regulation device may further include one or more of the following characteristics described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0016] The disruptive element can extend in protrusion into a collection channel.

[0017] The elongated shape can extend along an elongation direction configured to coincide with the direction of flow of the dielectric fluid in at least one collection channel.

[0018] The dielectric fluid is, for example, a dielectric liquid.

[0019] The base of the housing may further include a closing wall assembled to the support, delimiting at least one channel for collecting the dielectric fluid between the support and the closing wall.

[0020] The elongated shape of at least one collection orifice can be delimited by two parallel longitudinal borders.

[0021] At least one collection orifice is, for example, oblong in shape.

[0022] The disruptive element can be in the form of a rib, or a fin.

[0023] The disruptive element may have an edge that is at least partly rounded.

[0024] At least one disturbing element can extend longitudinally in a direction of elongation of at least one collection orifice.

[0025] At least one disturbing element can extend in a direction secant to an elongation direction of at least one collection orifice.

[0026] The disturbing element can extend transversely with respect to the direction of elongation of the collection orifice.

[0027] At least two disruptive elements can extend from two opposite edges delimiting at least one collection orifice.

[0028] According to one example, the housing has at least two collection channels.

[0029] The support may include, for each respective collection channel, at least one elongated collection orifice and at least one associated disruptive element the collection port.

[0030] The device may include at least one pump configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the collection channels.

[0031] The collection orifices can be of different sizes depending on the distance to the pump.

[0032] The disruptive elements can be of different sizes depending on the distance to the pump.

[0033] The collection orifices can be of increasing size with distance from the pump.

[0034] The disturbing elements can increase in size with distance from the pump.

[0035] The housing may have at least two compartments.

[0036] For each compartment, the bottom of the case includes a respective collection channel and the support includes at least one elongated collection orifice and at least one respective disruptive element.

[0037] The invention may also relate to a battery pack forming a thermal regulation unit as defined above. The battery pack may comprise a predefined number of modules / rows of several interconnected cells.

[0038] Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0039] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a thermal regulation device comprising a housing receiving components to be thermally regulated.

[0040] [Fig.2a] shows a partial cross-sectional view of the device of [Fig.1].

[0041] [Fig.2b] is a partial view showing a support for the device of [Fig.l] featuring collection ports equipped with disruptive elements.

[0042] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view at the level of a fluid distribution cross member electrical of the device of the [Fig.l].

[0043] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of an integrated dielectric fluid circuit in a case base of the device in [Fig.1].

[0044] [Fig.5] is a bottom view of the device of [Fig.1] on which a wall of The case closure is removed.

[0045] [Fig.6] is an enlarged view at the level of a collection orifice of the support with disruptive elements according to a first embodiment.

[0046] [Fig.7a] is a first enlarged view at the level of a collection orifice of the support with disruptive elements according to a second embodiment.

[0047] [Fig.7b] is a second enlarged view at the level of the support collection orifice with disruptive elements according to the second embodiment.

[0048] In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0049] 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 of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0050] With reference to [Fig.1], the invention relates to a thermal regulation device 1 which can be intended to equip a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0051] The thermal regulation device 1 may include a housing 3, for example of a general parallelepiped shape. Any other shape may be considered.

[0052] In the following description, the longitudinal axis L, the vertical axis V, and the transverse axis T indicated in [Fig. 1] by the trihedral equation (L, V, T) are adopted by way of non-limiting agreement. The longitudinal axis L corresponds to the principal extension direction of the housing 3. The transverse axis T corresponds to the width direction of the housing 3. The vertical axis V and the transverse axis T are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and perpendicular to each other. The vertical axis V corresponds to a vertical axis of a vehicle, for example, when the control unit 1 is installed in its operating position in that vehicle.

[0053] The housing 3 may include a container 31 open on at least one side and a lid 33 that closes the housing 3 when assembled with the container 31. The housing 3, in particular the container 31, has a housing base 35 opposite the lid 33 when the housing 3 is closed. The housing base 35 and the lid 33 are opposite along the vertical axis V.

[0054] Better seen in [Fig.2a], the bottom of the housing 35 can be formed of a support 37 and a closing wall 39 assembled together, for example by welding.

[0055] The housing 3 has an internal volume which can define a compartment 4 or be divided into several compartments 4. Each compartment 4 is delimited, among other things, by the housing base 35, in particular by the support 37. The support 37 is further provided with at least one elongated collection orifice 16, associated with a compartment 4. When several compartments 4 are provided, at least one collection orifice 16 can be associated with a respective compartment 4, or even with each compartment 4. The collection orifice or orifices 16 are described in more detail below.

[0056] The housing 3 may also include a predefined number of cross members 5 ([Fig.3]), for example made by extrusion.

[0057] Such cross members 5 extend from the support 35, for example, perpendicularly to the support 35. Each cross member 5 can extend along the vertical axis V. The crossbars 5 extend for example from the support 35 towards the cover 33 when the housing 3 is closed.

[0058] The cross members 5 may have a longitudinal shape. Furthermore, the cross members 5 may extend along the length of the parallelepiped-shaped housing 3, that is, along the longitudinal axis L. In particular, the cross members 5 may extend over the entire length of the housing 3. Alternatively, the cross members 5 may extend across the width of the parallelepiped-shaped housing 3, that is, along the transverse axis T. In particular, the cross members 5 may extend over the entire width of the housing 3.

[0059] The thermal regulation device 1, and more specifically the housing 3, is intended to house one or more electronic and / or electrical components 7 within the compartment(s) 4. These components 7 include those whose temperature must be regulated, for example, reduced. Depending on an option, the thermal regulation device 1 may house one or more modules containing the electronic and / or electrical component(s) 7. A module may also be defined as a container or housing comprising one or more electronic and / or electrical components 7.

[0060] The component(s) 7 or module(s) are carried by the support 37 of the bottom of the housing 35.

[0061] By way of non-limiting example, the thermal regulation device 1 may be a battery pack comprising a plurality of energy storage cells, the temperature of which must be regulated. A component 7 may be an energy storage cell. The thermal regulation device 1 may comprise modules comprising several energy storage cells. Each module may be formed by a group of interconnected cells.

[0062] In the illustrated examples, the components 7 or modules are represented schematically with a general parallelepiped shape. Of course, any other shape can be considered. For example, the components can be cylindrical.

[0063] The components 7 or modules can be arranged in one or more rows. These rows are advantageously arranged parallel to each other. One or more rows can be arranged in each compartment 4. A cross member 5 can extend across an entire row of components 7. When the assembly 1 comprises several rows of components 7 or modules, a cross member 5, in particular a fluid distribution cross member 5, can be arranged between two consecutive rows of components 7 or modules.

[0064] The temperature of the component(s) 7 or module(s) may be thermally regulated by spraying dielectric fluid onto one or more surfaces of the component(s) 7 or module(s). Alternatively, thermal regulation may be achieved by at least partial immersion of the component(s) 7 or module(s) in a dielectric fluid bath. electrical. The dielectric fluid can be single-phase or two-phase. The latter is chosen, for example, according to its phase change temperatures.

[0065] In the case of a two-phase dielectric fluid, when sprayed in liquid phase, it tends to evaporate upon contact with the components 7 or modules which have, for example, heated up during their operation. The vapor can then optionally be cooled by a cooling circuit.

[0066] In the case of a single-phase dielectric fluid, once projected, particularly in liquid phase, the dielectric fluid can possibly be re-aspirated by a pump, for example, in order to be cooled before being reintroduced.

[0067] A dielectric fluid circuit 8, partially visible in Figures 4 and 5, is provided for this purpose. This circuit 8 includes at least one dielectric fluid circulation channel 9 opening into the compartment or an associated compartment.

[0068] A main supply channel 10 may be in fluidic communication with one or more circulation channels 9, which may be in bypass. At least some of the circulation channels 9 may extend in parallel.

[0069] Advantageously, at least one of the channels 9, 10 can be integrated into the housing 3, in particular at the bottom of the housing 35, more precisely between the support 37 and the closing wall 39.

[0070] A dielectric fluid inlet configured to supply the dielectric fluid to the dielectric fluid circuit 8 may be provided. The housing 3, and in particular the housing base 35 or other wall of the container 31, incorporating the channels 9, 10, may include this inlet. The main supply channel 10 is in fluidic communication with the inlet.

[0071] The circulation channel(s) 9 allow the dielectric fluid to be conveyed so as to spray or immerse at least partially one or more components received in an associated compartment 4.

[0072] These circulation channels 9 can be in fluidic communication with at least some of the cross members 5, which can be configured to allow distribution of dielectric fluid within the housing 3. Such cross members are then called fluid distribution cross members 5. The circulation channels 9, particularly those outside the main supply channel 10, can have at least one angled portion to terminate under a fluid distribution cross member 5.

[0073] According to an example of an embodiment ([Fig.3]), at least some of the fluid distribution cross members 5 have at least one inlet 51 of dielectric fluid, at least one distribution orifice 53 of dielectric fluid, and at least one conveying conduit 55 of the dielectric fluid.

[0074] The inlet 51 of dielectric fluid is in fluidic communication with a circulation channel 9.

[0075] The dielectric fluid distribution orifice 53 is arranged at one end of the fluid distribution cross member 5 opposite the support 37. A distribution orifice 53 may be provided to spray dielectric fluid onto one or more components 7 or modules.

[0076] The dielectric fluid delivery conduit 55 connects the dielectric fluid inlet 51 and the dielectric fluid distribution orifice 53, and is shaped to direct the dielectric fluid towards the distribution orifice 53. The fluid distribution cross members 5 are used in this example to convey the dielectric fluid arriving from the circulation channels 9 and which rises through the delivery conduit(s) 55 to the distribution orifices 53.

[0077] Referring again to figures 4 and 5, the dielectric fluid circuit 8 moreover includes at least one collection channel 11 of the dielectric fluid provided in the bottom of the housing 35, more precisely between the support 37 and the closing wall 39.

[0078] A main discharge channel 12 may be in fluidic communication with one or more collection channels 11, which may be branch channels. At least some of the collection channels 11 may extend parallel to each other. The collection channels 11 may be arranged between two consecutive cross members 5.

[0079] The collection channels 11 allow the dielectric fluid to be recovered after spraying or immersion at least in part of the component(s) 7 received in the respective compartments 4 and flow into the discharge channel 12.

[0080] For this purpose, the support 37 includes at least one collection orifice 16 associated with a compartment 4 and which opens into a collection channel 11. When several compartments 4 are provided, a respective collection channel 11 may be provided for each compartment 4. The support 37 includes for each collection channel 11 at least one respective collection orifice 16.

[0081] The collection orifice or orifices 16 are advantageously elongated. The elongated shape extends along an elongation or longitudinal direction A which may coincide with the direction of flow of the dielectric fluid in the collection channel 11.

[0082] The elongated shape can be delimited by two parallel longitudinal borders 16a. The two parallel longitudinal borders 16a are opposite. They can be connected by two opposite lateral borders 16b. This is notably an oblong shape.

[0083] Furthermore, the support 37 includes at least one disruptive element 18 configured to disrupt the flow of the dielectric fluid, extending from a border 16a, 16b, delimiting the collection orifice 16. This disruptive element 18 forms a projection of the support 37. More precisely, the disruptive element 18 projects into a respective collection channel 11 (figures 2b, 6, 7a, 7b).

[0084] A disruptive element 18 can be in the form of a rib or a fin. The disruptive element 18 may have an edge that is at least partially rounded.

[0085] According to an example, schematically shown in figures 2b and 6, the disturbing element 18 extends along a direction B which is secant with respect to the elongation direction A of the collection orifice 16. The disturbing element 18 can extend in particular transversely with respect to the elongation direction A of the collection orifice 16.

[0086] According to another example, schematically shown in figures 7a and 7b, the disturbing element 18 extends longitudinally in an elongation direction A of the collection orifice 16.

[0087] Two disturbing elements 18 can extend from one or two borders 16a, 16b, delimiting the collection orifice 16. The two disturbing elements 18 can be opposite.

[0088] When several compartments 4 are provided, the support 37 includes for each collection channel 11 at least one disruptive element 18 around the collection orifice 16 associated with a compartment 4.

[0089] The specific shape of the collection orifice 16 and the disruptive element or elements 18 make it possible to reduce vortex formation. The flow of the dielectric fluid can remain laminar.

[0090] The collection orifices 16 and / or the disruptive elements 18 can be of different sizes.

[0091] Finally, referring again to Figures 4 and 5, a dielectric fluid outlet configured to discharge the dielectric fluid to the outside of the housing 3 can be provided. Such an outlet can be formed in the housing 3, in particular in the housing bottom 35 or other wall of the container 31. The main discharge channel 12 is in fluidic communication with this outlet.

[0092] Furthermore, the dielectric fluid circuit 8 includes, for example, a distribution ramp 13 at the end of a respective cross member 5, opposite the support 37. The distribution ports 53 may optionally open into a cavity of this distribution ramp which allows the dielectric fluid to be distributed into an associated compartment 4.

[0093] The dielectric fluid circuit 8 may further include a predefined number of dielectric fluid spray nozzles (not shown), also called spray nozzles. Such nozzles may be arranged to spray and mist at least one surface of at least one component or module 7 with dielectric fluid. During operation, these nozzles may be supplied with dielectric fluid via the supply channels. Each nozzle may include one or more dielectric fluid spray orifices. electrical. When provided, the nozzles can for example be arranged in fluidic communication with at least one distribution orifice 53 of an associated fluid distribution cross member 5 and / or with a distribution ramp at the end of a cross member 5.

[0094] The thermal regulation device 1 may also include one or more elements or components necessary for the operation of the dielectric fluid circuit and the circulation of the dielectric fluid, not described in more detail, such as at least one pump, a heat exchanger.

[0095] The collection orifices 16 and / or the disturbing elements 18 may be of different sizes depending on their distance from the pump. For example, the collection orifices 16 and / or the disturbing elements 18 may increase in size with distance from the pump.

[0096] Thus, after at least partial spraying or immersion of the components 7 or module, for the compartment(s) 4, the dielectric fluid can be collected via the collection orifice 16 into an associated collection channel 11, which discharges, for example, into the main discharge channel 12, by being drawn in by the pump. The elongated, for example oblong, shape of the collection orifice 16 and the disruptive element 18 prevent the dielectric fluid from gaining rotational speed and creating an air column in the center.

Claims

Demands

1. Thermal regulation device (1) for a predetermined number of electronic and / or electrical components (7), particularly for motor vehicles, said device (1) comprising: - a housing (3) having a housing base (35) comprising a support (37) configured to carry the predetermined number of electronic and / or electrical components (7), the housing (3) further comprising at least one compartment (4) configured to receive at least one electronic and / or electrical component (7) and delimited at least by the housing base (35), and - a dielectric fluid circuit (8) comprising at least one dielectric fluid circulation channel (9) opening into at least one compartment (4), so as to spray or immerse at least partially the at least one electronic and / or electrical component (7) with dielectric fluid when it is received in the compartment (4),and at least one collection channel (11) provided in the bottom of the housing (35) configured to collect the dielectric fluid after spraying or immersion, at least partially, of said component (7), - characterized in that the support (37) is provided with at least one elongated collection orifice (16), associated with at least one compartment (4) and opening into at least one collection channel (11) of the dielectric fluid, and in that the support (37) comprises at least one element (18) that disrupts the flow of the dielectric fluid, extending from an edge (16a, 16b) delimiting at least one collection orifice (16) and forming a projection of the support (37).

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing base (35) further comprises a closing wall (39) assembled to the support (37), delimiting at least one collection channel (11) of the dielectric fluid between the support (37) and the closing wall (39).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated shape of at least one collection orifice (16) is delimited by two parallel longitudinal borders (16a).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one collection orifice (16) is oblong in shape.

5. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one disruptive element (11) extends longitudinally in an elongation direction (A) of at least one collection orifice (16).

6. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one disturbing element (18) extends in a direction (B) secant with respect to an elongation direction (A) of at least one collection orifice (16).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) comprises at least two collection channels (11), the support (37) comprises for each respective collection channel (11) at least one collection orifice (16) of elongated shape and at least one disruptive element (18) associated with the collection orifice (16).

8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one pump configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the collection channels (11), and in which the collection orifices (16) and / or the disturbing elements (18) are of different sizes depending on the distance to the pump.

9. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the collection orifices (16) and / or the disturbing elements (18) are of increasing size with distance from the pump.

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) comprises at least two compartments (4), and for each compartment (4), the housing base (35) comprises a respective collection channel (11) and the support (37) comprises at least one elongated collection orifice (16) and at least one respective disruptive element (18).

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