Temperature control arrangement for regulating the temperature of a component, in particular of a battery electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control arrangement (20) for controlling the temperature of a component (22). The temperature control arrangement (20) comprises a temperature control circuit (21) in which a temperature control agent (T) can circulate and in which the component (22) whose temperature is to be controlled is arranged, so that heat can be transmitted between said component (22) and the temperature control agent (T). Furthermore, the temperature control arrangement (20) comprises a transport device (23) for driving the temperature control agent (T) into the temperature control circuit (21). Furthermore, the temperature control arrangement (20) comprises a storage container (1) arranged in the temperature control circuit (21) and allowing the intermediate storage of the temperature control agent (T).The storage container (1) comprises a housing (2) which surrounds a housing interior (3) through which the temperature-regulating agent (T) can flow and for receiving the temperature-regulating agent (T). Furthermore, the storage container (1) comprises a fluid inlet (5) arranged on the housing (2) and having an inlet opening (4), which fluid inlet allows the temperature-regulating agent to be introduced into the housing interior (3), and a fluid outlet (7) arranged on the housing (2) and having an outlet opening (6), which fluid outlet allows the temperature-regulating agent (T) to be discharged after it has flowed through the housing interior (3). At least one molded body (11) made of foam through which the temperature-regulating agent (T) can flow is arranged in the housing interior (3) of the storage container (1). Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Temperature control arrangement for regulating the temperature of a component, in particular of a battery-powered electric vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of a component, in particular of a battery electric vehicle.

[0002] A component that generates heat during operation of a battery-electric vehicle, for example a battery for driving the vehicle, may be arranged in a temperature control circuit and be cooled by immersion using a temperature control agent circulating in the temperature control circuit, such as oil. This means that the component whose temperature is to be regulated may be directly surrounded by the temperature control agent. Such a storage container may store the temperature control agent in order to compensate for volume expansions due to the temperature of the temperature control circuit.Similarly, a storage container that is not completely filled with temperature control agent can act as a compensation volume if the volume of the temperature control agent expands due to temperature throughout the temperature control circuit. In this case, the air in the storage container can be compressed by the expanding temperature control agent.

[0003] The disadvantage of such a temperature control circuit with a storage container is that the temperature control agent present in the storage container, in the event of active transverse acceleration or under the effect of external forces causing acceleration of the storage container, the temperature control agent in the storage container may "swing" due to external forces acting on the storage container during a turn of the motor vehicle or a similar event. The risk is that, due to the movement and bubbles of the temperature control agent in the storage container, the air present therein and serving as a compensation volume may reach an outlet provided in the housing of the storage container for the escape of the temperature control agent and escape from the storage container via said outlet.This can lead to a considerable reduction in the effectiveness of the temperature control. In addition, there is a risk of damage to certain components of the temperature control circuit by air escaping from the storage container and therefore circulating in the temperature control circuit at the same time. time as the temperature control agent. In particular, there is a risk of damage or even destruction of a transport device arranged in the temperature control circuit, typically in the form of a fluid pump or an oil pump, by the air present in the temperature control agent. Similarly, there is a risk of at least partial overheating of the battery.

[0004] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved embodiment for a temperature control arrangement, a temperature control circuit and a storage container for the intermediate storage of the temperature control agent, in which the risk of undesired movement of the temperature control agent in the storage container in the sense of "sloshing" explained above is at least reduced.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The basic idea of the invention is therefore to arrange in the interior of the housing of the storage container an open-pored foam molded body through which the temperature-regulating agent can flow. Such a foam molded body forms a plurality of individual fluid channels through which the temperature-regulating agent can flow, each of which is distributed over the fluid channels as it flows through the molded body. Such a fluid distribution at least significantly counteracts the "sloshing" of the temperature-regulating agent explained above during active acceleration.

[0007] This in turn prevents the movement of the temperature-controlling agent in the storage container from causing undesirable movement or flow of air in the storage container, or even an escape of air from the storage container. This prevents damage to components which, like the storage container, are arranged in a circuit whose temperature is regulated and through which the temperature-controlling agent can flow, by the air present in the temperature-controlling circuit in addition to the temperature-controlling agent. This applies in particular to an existing transport device for transporting the temperature-controlling agent in the temperature-controlling circuit, which transport device proves to be particularly susceptible to damage by the air in the temperature-controlling circuit.The operational safety of the entire temperature control circuit can therefore be increased by means of the said foam moulded body.

[0008] More specifically, a temperature control arrangement according to the invention comprises a temperature control circuit in which a temperature control agent can circulate and in which the component whose temperature is to be controlled is arranged, so that heat can be transmitted between said component and the temperature control agent. The temperature control agent may in particular be an oil. The temperature control agent or the oil for the temperature control circuit may in particular be a mineral oil, such as that commercially available under the designation "Mobil Elite 701". Furthermore, the temperature control arrangement comprises a transport device for driving the temperature control agent into the temperature control circuit. Furthermore, the temperature control arrangement comprises a storage container arranged in the temperature control circuit and for intermediate storage of the temperature control agent. For its part, the storage container comprises a housing which surrounds a housing interior through which the temperature control agent can pass and for receiving the temperature control agent.Furthermore, the storage container comprises a fluid inlet arranged on the housing and having an inlet opening, which fluid inlet allows the temperature-regulating agent to be introduced into the housing interior, and a fluid outlet arranged on the housing and having an outlet opening, which fluid outlet allows the temperature-regulating agent to be discharged after it has passed through the housing interior. According to the invention, at least one open-pored foam molding body, through which the temperature-regulating agent can pass and explained above, is arranged in the housing interior of the storage container.

[0009] Particularly preferably, the foam may comprise polyurethane or be made of polyurethane. This type of polyurethane is commercially available and is therefore inexpensive to purchase. Furthermore, it is easy to machine, so that the geometric shape of the molded body can be easily adapted to the geometry of the interior housing space of the storage container in which the molded body is to be arranged.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a volume density of the molded body is at most 3%. In this way, it is ensured that there is sufficient volume available inside the molded body for the temperature regulating agent to flow through it. This makes it possible to counteract an excessive drop in the fluid pressure of the temperature regulating agent due to its flowing through the molded body.

[0011] According to an advantageous improvement of the temperature control arrangement according to the invention, the housing comprises at least one partition wall which divides the interior space of the housing into a first partial space and at least one second partial space. Particularly preferably, the partition wall extends along a direction of the force of gravity when the storage container is arranged in a preferred use position. By means of the at least one partition wall separation and the division thus achieved of the housing interior into at least two partial spaces, not only the total volume of the housing interior is divided, but also the initially mentioned undesirable movement of the temperature regulating agent present in the respective partial space, in the sense of "sloshing", in addition to the molded body essential to the invention can be counteracted. In this improvement, a foam molded body is arranged in at least one, preferably in each, of the formed partial spaces.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the molded body can extend over at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%, of an interior space volume of the housing interior space or a partial space. Particularly preferably, the molded body can extend over the entire housing interior space or the interior space volume thereof.

[0013] Particularly usefully, the component whose temperature is to be regulated may be or comprise an electric battery, in particular of a motor vehicle, or a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell. The fuel cell system may also be part of a motor vehicle or, alternatively, be a stationary fuel cell system.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the component whose temperature is to be regulated is arranged in the temperature control circuit in such a way that it can be directly surrounded by the temperature control agent. Such temperature control or cooling is known as "immersion cooling", by means of which it is possible to achieve a particularly efficient heat transfer between the temperature control agent and the component.

[0015] According to an advantageous improvement, the molded body is supported on at least one housing wall of the housing, preferably on two housing walls opposite each other of the housing. Alternatively or alternatively, in this improvement, the molded body can be supported on at least one partition wall, preferably on two housing walls opposite each other of the storage container. In this way, it can be ensured that the molded body is held stably in the housing interior space, even when an external force is applied, in particular in the form of shocks or mechanical impacts.

[0016] According to a further advantageous improvement, the inlet opening is arranged in a first housing wall of the housing. Furthermore, in this improvement, the outlet opening is arranged in a second housing wall of the housing opposite the first housing wall. In this improvement, the first housing wall forms, in a preferred use position of the storage container with respect to the direction of the gravitational force, an upper face and the second housing wall forms an underside of the housing. This ensures that air that is lighter than the temperature-controlling agent and therefore remains present above the temperature-controlling agent in the housing interior cannot reach the temperature-control circuit via the outlet. The molded body essential to the invention prevents this from happening even if an external force is applied in the form of shocks or mechanical impacts or if the storage container is accelerated, as can occur when the storage container or the temperature-control arrangement comprising the storage container is used in a motor vehicle.

[0017] A further embodiment of the storage container according to the invention therefore proves to be particularly advantageous, in which the first housing wall forms, in a preferred position of use of the storage container relative to the direction of the gravitational force, an upper face and the second housing wall forms a lower face of the housing. This ensures that air which is lighter than the temperature regulating agent and which therefore remains arranged above the temperature regulating agent in the interior of the housing cannot reach the temperature regulating circuit via the outlet.

[0018] Other important characteristics and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the diagrams and the description of the corresponding figures with the aid of the diagrams.

[0019] It goes without saying that the above-mentioned features and those which will be explained later can be used not only in the combination respectively indicated, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the diagrams and are explained in more detail in the following description, the same reference signs referring to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0021] The following are shown, respectively schematically:

[0022] [Fig-1]: diagrammatic representation of an example of an arrangement of temperature regulation according to the invention,

[0023] [Fig.2]: as an example and in a sectional representation, the storage container of the temperature control arrangement of [Fig.l],

[0024] [Fig.3]: the foam molded body in a separate representation.

[0025] [Fig.l] shows, in diagrammatic form, an example of a control arrangement temperature control arrangement 20 according to the invention. The temperature control arrangement 20 comprises a temperature control circuit 21 in which a temperature control agent T circulates during operation of the control arrangement temperature 20 and in which a component 22 is arranged whose temperature is to be regulated, so that heat can be transmitted between said component 22 and the temperature regulating agent T. In this way, the component 22 can have its temperature regulated, and thus in particular can be cooled. For example, the component 22 whose temperature is to be regulated can be an electric battery 24 of a battery-electric motor vehicle. But the component 22 whose temperature is to be regulated can also be a fuel cell system comprising one or more fuel cells. In the example scenario, as shown in [Fig.l], the component 22 whose temperature is to be regulated, i.e. the battery 24, is arranged in the temperature regulating circuit 21 in such a way that it can be directly surrounded by the temperature regulating agent T.For this purpose, the battery 24 may have a battery housing 28 through which the temperature regulating agent T can pass and in which several battery cells 29 are arranged, the temperature of which is to be regulated. Thus, the temperature regulating agent T passing through the battery housing 28 can receive heat from the battery cells 29 if these are to be cooled or emit heat to the battery cells 29 if these are to be heated.

[0026] Furthermore, the temperature control arrangement 20 comprises a transport device 23 for driving the temperature control agent T into the temperature control circuit 21. The transport device may for example be a fluid or oil pump.

[0027] Furthermore, a heat exchanger 25 through which the temperature control medium T can flow can be arranged in the temperature control circuit 21. The heat exchanger 25 can further be initially flowed through, so as to be fluidically separated from the temperature control medium T, by another fluid which can be thermally connected to the temperature control medium T inside the heat exchanger 25. In this way, heat can be transferred from the temperature control medium T to the fluid F in order to cool the temperature control medium T or, conversely, heat can be transferred from the fluid F to the temperature control medium T if the temperature control medium T is to be heated.

[0028] As shown in [Fig.l], the temperature control arrangement 20 further comprises a storage container 1 arranged in the temperature control circuit 21 and allowing the intermediate storage of the temperature control agent T. The storage container 1 can also act as an expansion tank 1.

[0029] [Fig. 2] shows the storage container 1 separately and in a sectional representation. Accordingly, the storage container 1 comprises a housing 2 which surrounds a housing interior 3 through which the temperature regulating agent T can pass and is intended for the intermediate storage of the temperature regulating agent T. Furthermore, the storage container 1 comprises a fluid inlet 5 arranged on the housing 2 and having an inlet opening 4, which fluid inlet allows the temperature regulating agent T to be introduced into the housing interior 3, and a fluid outlet 7 arranged on the housing 2 and having an outlet opening 6, which fluid outlet allows the temperature regulating agent T to be discharged after it has passed through the housing interior 3. The inlet opening 4 is arranged in a first housing wall 15a of the housing 2. The outlet opening 6 is arranged in a second housing wall 15b of the housing 2 opposite the first housing wall 15a. [Fig.2] shows the storage container 1 in a preferred position of use of the storage container 1. In the position of use shown, the first housing wall 15a of the storage container 1 forms, with respect to a direction G of the force of gravity, an upper face 16 and the second housing wall 15b forms a lower face 17 of the housing 2. .

[0030] As shown in [Fig. 2], the temperature control medium T is arranged under the force of gravity in a lower region of the housing interior 3. In the position of use shown, air L can be arranged above the temperature control medium T as a compensation volume in the housing interior 3 (see [Fig. 1]). This air L can be compressed by the temperature control medium T when the latter expands due to temperature, for example. To ensure that the air L remains in the housing interior 3 of the storage container 1 and cannot reach the temperature control circuit 21 via the outlet 6, the outlet 6 is arranged in the underside 17 of the housing 2. Similarly, as shown in [Fig.2], a tube 8 can protrude from the inlet opening 4 or the fluid inlet 5 into the housing interior 3, via which tube the temperature regulating agent T is introduced into a zone 9 of the housing interior 3 arranged below the air L, which zone is filled with the temperature regulating agent T.

[0031] As illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], at least one molded body 11 made of foam through which the temperature regulating agent T can pass is arranged in the housing interior 3 of the storage container 1, as it is shown in a separate representation in [Fig. 3] for illustration purposes. The foam of the molded body 11 can, for example, be polyurethane. In the example, a volume density of the molded body 11 is at most 3%.

[0032] In the example of [Fig. 2], the housing 2 comprises two partition walls 12a, 12b which divide the interior space of the housing 3 into a first, a second and a third partial space 3a, 3b, 3c. The partition walls 12a, 12b all extend two respectively from the upper side 16 to the lower side 17 and thus in a vertical direction V of the storage container 1 extending along a direction parallel to that of the force of gravity. By means of the two partition walls 12a, 12b and the resulting division of the housing interior 3 into 3 separate partial spaces 3a, 3b, 3c, undesirable movements of the temperature regulating agent T are counteracted in the housing interior 3 in the sense of "sloshing", in addition to the molded body 11.

[0033] In practice, the two partition walls 12a, 12b are integrally molded onto the housing 2 as shown, which means that the two partition walls 12a, 12b and the housing 2 are formed from a single piece and from the same material. In order to ensure that all of the temperature regulating agent T present in the storage container 1 is also available for its passage through the temperature regulating circuit 21, it is possible to provide at a suitable location in the two partition walls 12a, 12b respectively a passage 13 via which the first partial space 3a can communicate fluidically with the second partial space 3b or the second partial space 3b can communicate fluidically with the third partial space 3c.Likewise, a passage 14 may be provided in the second partition wall 12b, through which the air L present in the second partial space 3b can communicate fluidically with the air L present in the third partial space 3c.

[0034] In the example, a molded body 11 is arranged in the three partial spaces 3a, 3b, 3c. In variants of the example, it is possible to dispense with arranging the foam body 11 in one or two of the three partial spaces 3a, 3b, 3c. Each of the molded bodies 11 can, in the example, extend over at least 50%, preferably over at least 80%, particularly preferably over at least 90%, of an interior space volume Vb V2, V3 of the partial space 3a, 3b, 3c in which it is arranged.

[0035] In a simplified variant of the storage housing 1, it is possible to dispense with the provision of the partition walls 12a, 12b and the resulting division of the interior housing space 3 into a first, a second and a third partial space 3a, 3b, 3c.

Claims

Claims

1. 1 Temperature control arrangement (20) for controlling the temperature of at least one component (22), in particular of a battery-electric vehicle. - comprising a temperature control circuit (21) in which a temperature control agent (T) can circulate and in which the at least one component (22) whose temperature is to be controlled is arranged, so that heat can be transmitted between said component (22) and the temperature control agent, - comprising a transport device (23) for driving the temperature control agent (T) into the temperature control circuit (21), - comprising a storage container (1), in particular an expansion tank (1a), arranged in the temperature control circuit (21) and allowing the intermediate storage of the temperature control agent (T),wherein the storage container (1) comprises: - a housing (2) which surrounds a housing interior (3) through which the temperature regulating agent (T) can pass and for receiving the temperature regulating agent, - a fluid inlet (5) arranged on the housing (2) and having an inlet opening (4), which fluid inlet allows the temperature regulating agent (T) to be introduced into the housing interior (3), and a fluid outlet (7) arranged on the housing (2) and having an outlet opening (6), which fluid outlet allows the temperature regulating agent to be discharged after it has passed through the housing interior (3), - at least one molded body (11) made of open-pored foam, arranged in the housing interior (3) and through which the temperature regulating agent (T) can pass.,

2. 2 A temperature regulating arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the foam comprises or is polyurethane.

3. 3 Temperature control arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a volume density of the molded body (11) is at most 3%.

4. 4 Temperature control arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that - the housing (2) comprises at least one partition wall (12a, 12b) which divides the housing interior space (3) into a first partial space (3a) and at least one second partial space (3b, 3c), - a molded body (11) made of foam is arranged in at least one, preferably in each, of the formed partial spaces (3a, 3b, 3c).

5. 5 Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the molded body (11) extends over at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%, of an interior space volume (Vb V2, V3) of the housing interior space (3) or of the partial space (3a, 3b, 3c).

6. 6 Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (22) whose temperature is to be controlled is or comprises an electric battery (24), in particular of a motor vehicle, or a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell.

7. 7 Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (22) whose temperature is to be controlled is arranged in the temperature control circuit (21) in such a way that it can be directly surrounded by the temperature control agent (T).

8. 8 Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the molded body (11) rests on at least one housing wall (15c, 15d) of the housing (2) and / or on at least one partition wall (3a, 3b) of the storage container (1).

9. 9 Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the inlet opening (4) is arranged in a first housing wall (15a) of the housing (2) and the outlet opening (6) is arranged in a second housing wall (15b) of the housing (2) which is opposite the first housing wall, - the first housing wall (15a) forms, in a preferred use position of the storage container (1) with respect to the direction (G) of the gravitational force, an upper face (16) and the second housing wall (15b) forms a lower face (17) of the housing (2).

10. 10 Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet opening (4) is arranged in a first housing wall (15a) of the housing (2) and the outlet opening (6) is arranged in a second housing wall (15b) of the housing (2) which is opposite the first housing wall (15a).

11. 11 Temperature control arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the first housing wall (15a) forms, in a preferred position of use of the storage container (1) relative to the direction (G) of the gravitational force, an upper face (16) and the second housing wall (15b) forms a lower face (17) of the housing (2).

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