Assembly combining a battery module and its thermal regulation device

Abstract

Assembly combining a battery module and its thermal regulation device. The invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one battery module (1) made up of cells (11) and a thermal regulation device (2) for the battery module (1), the regulation device (2) comprising a surface (21) at least a portion of which is substantially flat and positioned against the battery module (1) and a thickness incorporating at least one distribution branch (3) for a heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the distribution branch (3) comprises: a first distribution circuit (31) arranged opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1), at least a second distribution circuit (32) of which at least a first portion 321 is arranged so as not to be opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1) and a second portion (322) is arranged opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig.2.

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly combining a battery module and its thermal regulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of battery thermal regulation devices and more particularly to the field of optimized thermal regulation devices for battery cells by a heat transfer fluid.

[0002] Some batteries consist of several modules, each containing a plurality of cells arranged side by side so that these cells are respectively supported against the surface of a cooling plate. Such cooling plates are generally made in the form of a device comprising, on the one hand, a flat outer surface against which the cells are intended to be supported and, on the other hand, an inner volume that forms a conduit arranged to create a serpentine circuit between a heat transfer fluid inlet and an outlet. The heat transfer fluid injected into the cooling plate circulates along the serpentine so as to exchange heat with the individual battery cells through the flat outer surface against which these cells are supported.

[0003] Thanks to an internal conduit arranged in a circuit whose convolutions are distributed across its entire flat external surface, the cooling plate is then able to provide a maximized heat exchange surface. However, the heat transfer fluid circulating in such cooling plates experiences a temperature increase as it moves from the injection port to the outlet port. Therefore, cells positioned along the path, opposite the beginning of the circuit, i.e., near the fluid injection port, perform a greater and thus more efficient heat exchange than cells positioned opposite the end of the circuit, i.e., near the fluid outlet port, once the fluid has been heated.Consequently, the thermal regulation provided by the heat transfer fluid circulating in the existing cooling trays cannot be ensured homogeneously across the entire flat external surface of the device. This heterogeneity in regulation, within the same battery module, then forces the different cells to operate with divergent efficiencies, leading to premature battery aging.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by providing a solution that allows for the optimization of thermal regulation by heat transfer fluid over the entire surface of a battery module and in particular a improvement of the homogenization and continuity of this thermal regulation along the heat transfer fluid circuit opposite the battery module.

[0005] The invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one battery module made up of cells and a thermal regulation device for a battery module, the thermal regulation device comprising at least one surface, at least a portion of which is substantially flat and positioned against cells of the battery module, and a thickness incorporating at least one distribution tree for a heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the distribution tree of the thermal regulation device comprises: - a first distribution circuit arranged opposite the cells of the battery module, - at least one second distribution circuit, at least a first part of which is arranged so as not to be opposite the cells of the battery module and a second part is arranged opposite the cells of the battery module.

[0006] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0007] [Fig. 1] represents a schematic illustration of an example of a thermal regulation device for an assembly according to the invention,

[0008] [Fig.2] represents a schematic illustration of an example of a re-device thermal regulation associated with two battery modules as part of the realization of an assembly according to the invention,

[0009] [Fig.3] represents a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an example distribution tree of the heat transfer fluid within a thermal regulation device for an assembly according to the invention,

[0010] [Fig.4] represents a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a detailed example of the distribution tree of the heat transfer fluid at the inlet and outlet manifolds of a thermal regulation device for an assembly according to the invention,

[0011] [Fig. 5] represents a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a detailed example of the distribution tree of the heat transfer fluid at the level of a branch of at least two circuits of a thermal regulation device for an assembly according to the invention.

[0012] The present invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one battery module 1 made up of cells and a thermal regulation device 2 for a battery module 1, the thermal regulation device 2 comprising at least one surface 21, at least a portion of which is substantially flat and positioned against cells of the battery module 1, and a thickness incorporating at least one branching 3 of dis distribution of a heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the distribution tree 3 of the thermal regulation device 2 comprises: - a first distribution circuit 31 arranged opposite the cells of battery module 1, - at least one second distribution circuit 32 of which at least a first part 321 is arranged so as not to be opposite cells of battery module 1 and a second part 322 is arranged opposite cells of battery module 1.

[0013] The assembly according to the invention thus integrates a distribution tree 3 for a heat transfer fluid configured to integrate, on the one hand, a first distribution circuit 31 for the heat transfer fluid arranged opposite the battery module so as to operate thermal regulation by heat exchange over the entire length of the stroke and, on the other hand, a second distribution circuit 32 whose stroke is divided into two parts 321, 322. The first part 321 of the second circuit 32 forms a portion of the circuit independent of the first distribution circuit 31 and arranged to carry out a flow of the heat transfer fluid at a distance from the battery module 1 and thus limit, or even prevent, any thermal regulation along this part 321 of the circuit 32 while, on the contrary, the second part 322 of the circuit 32 is arranged to be situated opposite cells of the battery module 1.During its movement along the entire first distribution circuit 31, the heat transfer fluid regulates the temperature of the battery module 1. However, the magnitude of the heat exchange between the fluid and the battery module 1 tends to decrease as the heat transfer fluid progresses along its path, such that heat recovery by the heat transfer fluid is greater at the beginning of its path than at the end. The temperature regulation by the heat transfer fluid is thus reduced in the final part of its path. Conversely, during its movement along the entire second distribution circuit 32, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first section 321 of the circuit 32 does not exchange heat with the battery module 1. The heat exchanges enabling temperature regulation of the battery module 1 occur only in the second section 322 of the second distribution circuit 32.Also, the second circuit 32 of the distribution tree 3 is arranged so that the second part 322 of its path is positioned opposite the same portion of the battery module 1 as that opposite which is positioned the part of the first circuit 31 where the heat exchanges with the heat transfer fluid are attenuated, that is to say in particular the final part of the path of the first circuit 31. Also, the second circuit 32 of the distribution tree 3 is configured to operate a thermal regulation complementary to that of the first circuit 31 of the tree 3 and in particular to the . level of the part where the heat transfer fluid moving in the first distribution circuit 31 has a reduced efficiency for operating a thermal regulation of the battery module 1. The first part 321 of the second circuit 32 of the distribution tree 3 allows the heat transfer fluid to move without altering its heat exchange capacity, up to the required portion of the battery module 1. This required portion of the battery module 1 thus preferentially corresponds to the portion at the level of the stroke of the first heat transfer fluid distribution circuit 31 operates a thermal regulation whose efficiency is reduced or attenuated compared to its beginning of stroke.

[0014] It should be noted that the first circuit 31 and at least one second circuit 32 of the branch 3 relate to different portions of the branch 3. These portions of the branch 3 may correspond to portions that are strictly independent of each other, that is, portions of conduits within which the respective circulating fluids are not able to undergo any mixing. Alternatively, these portions of the branch 3 comprise shared segments 33 at which the circulating fluids are likely to be mixed.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the thermal regulation device 2 is constructed in a metallic material such as aluminium, in the form of an extruded aluminium plate or alternatively of a pair of aluminium plates assembled together or even of the combination of an aluminium plate with a plastic plate associated together.

[0016] According to an example relating to a variant of the construction of the assembly according to the invention, at least one surface 21 of the thermal regulation device 2 is larger than the surface area of ​​the cells of the battery module 1 positioned opposite the thermal regulation device 2. Also, according to this variant of the construction, the respective surfaces positioned opposite the thermal regulation device 2 and the battery module 1 have different dimensions such that the surface 21 of the thermal regulation device 2 has, on the one hand, a portion that covers the surface of the battery module 1 and, on the other hand, a portion that is not positioned opposite the battery module 1.This construction of the combination of the thermal regulation device 2 with the battery module 1 allows for the arrangement of portions of the thermal regulation device 2 at which any heat exchange between, on the one hand, a part of the heat transfer fluid circulating in its distribution tree 3 and, on the other hand, all or part of the battery module 1 is limited, or even prevented.

[0017] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of the variant detailed above, the first distribution circuit 31 being arranged at At the level of a central portion of the thermal control device 2, at least one second distribution circuit 32 comprises at least one part 321 arranged laterally with respect to the portion of the thermal control device 2. According to this construction variant, a part 321 of at least one second distribution circuit 32 is positioned at the level of a portion of the thermal control device 2 within which the circulating heat transfer fluid is prevented from any heat exchange with the battery module 1. The part 321 of at least one second distribution circuit 32 is thus arranged at the level of a lateral portion of the surface 21 of the thermal control device 2, at least one part of which is positioned against cells of the battery module 1, i.e. a portion offset with respect to the portion of the thermal control device 2 positioned opposite the cells of the battery module 1.According to a preferred construction example, part 321 of at least a second distribution circuit 32 is disposed at a lateral portion of the surface 21 of the thermal control device 2 is made in the form of two sub-parts resulting from a division of said part 321 of at least a second distribution circuit 32 such that each of the two sub-parts is positioned at a respective lateral portion of the surface 21 of the thermal control device 2.

[0018] According to an alternative construction, the portion of at least one second distribution circuit 32 is located deeper than the portion of the surface 21 of the thermal control device 2 positioned opposite the cells of the battery module 1. However, in such a construction, indirect heat exchanges are likely to occur between, on the one hand, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the branch 3 and, on the other hand, the battery module 1, for example, in particular through the portion of the branch 3 located at a more superficial level of the surface 21 of the thermal control device 2 opposite the cells of the battery module 1. Furthermore, it should be noted that such an arrangement necessitates the construction of a thermal control device 2 with a greater thickness, i.e., one that imposes particular space constraints.

[0019] According to an example relating to a variant construction of the assembly according to the invention, which can be combined with either of the variants detailed above, the first circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32 share at least one segment 33 of their paths arranged opposite cells of the battery module 1. According to this variant construction, a portion 322 of the path of at least one second distribution circuit 32 arranged opposite cells of the battery module 1 is implemented in the form of a segment 33 of the branching structure 3 common with at least one portion of the first circuit 31, of which The entire path is arranged opposite the battery module 1. Also, the first circuit 31 and at least one second circuit 32 incorporate, along their respective paths, at least one common branch 34 at which and / or from which the at least two circuits 31, 32 share in common a segment 33 of the tree 3 of the thermal regulation device 2. In addition, this segment 33 of the tree 3 shared by the at least two distribution circuits 31, 32 is also likely to be terminated by a dividing branch at which and / or from which the at least two circuits 31, 32 separate.

[0020] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of the variant detailed above, the segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32 is positioned at one end of their paths. According to this construction variant, the second part 322 of the second distribution circuit 32, namely the part 322 of the second circuit 32 arranged opposite the cells of the battery module 1, is implemented in the form of a segment 33 of the tree structure 3 common with at least one part of the first circuit 31, the entire path of which is arranged opposite the battery module 1.Also, the first part 321 of at least a second circuit 32 is associated with a branch 34 common with the first circuit 31 at which and / or from which the second part 322 of at least a second circuit 32 is coincident with at least a portion of the first circuit 31 and therefore with the common segment 33 of the tree 3. The respective heat transfer fluid circulation conduits of the first circuit 31 and of the first part 321 of at least a second circuit 32 meet at the level of this common branch 34 so that, along at least one segment 33 of the distribution tree 3, the first circuit 31 and the second part 322 of at least a second circuit 32 form a common conduit positioned opposite cells of the battery module 1.Within this segment 33, common to the first circuit 31 and at least one second circuit 32, the heat transfer fluids circulating within the first circuit 31 and the second part 322 of at least one second circuit 32 are mixed. Since the heat transfer fluid circulating within the first part 321 of at least one second circuit 32 does not exchange heat with the battery module 1, this heat transfer fluid has optimal heat exchange and therefore regulation potential at the branch 34 common to the at least two circuits 31 and 32. Thus, along the common segment 33 of the distribution branch 3, the heat transfer fluid from the first part 321 of at least one second circuit 32 provides thermal regulation that complements the reduced thermal regulation of the heat transfer fluid from the first circuit 31.It should be noted that, structurally, this segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and to the second part 322 of at least one. The second circuit 32 has, on the one hand, a first end bounded by the common branch 34 and, on the other hand, a second end positioned near or coinciding with the terminal end of the distribution tree 3 with regard to the direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid inside the thermal regulation device 2. The second end of the segment 33 common to at least two circuits 31, 32 is thus likely to take the form of a dividing branch at the level of which and / or from which the mixed heat transfer fluids divide to circulate in the respective conduits of the at least two circuits 31, 32.

[0021] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of the variant detailed above, one end of the segment 33 common to the first distribution circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32 is configured to be connected to an outlet manifold 42. According to this construction variant, the second end of the segment 33 common to at least two circuits 31, 32 is made by the terminal end of the distribution branch 3 of the thermal control device 2 so that the heat transfer fluids mixed inside the segment 33 common to at least two circuits 31, 32 exit at a common orifice of the thermal control device 2 made by the outlet manifold 42.

[0022] According to an example relating to a construction variant of the assembly according to the invention capable of being combined with one or the other of the variants detailed above, the respective independent ends of the first circuit 31 and of at least one second distribution circuit 32 are configured to be connected to an inlet manifold 4L. According to this construction variant, each of the at least two circuits 31, 32 of the distribution tree 3 of the thermal control device 2 includes a heat transfer fluid supply end connected to an inlet manifold 4L. The inlet manifold 41 thus provides, on the one hand, a heat transfer fluid supply port for the thermal control device 2 and, on the other hand, a heat transfer fluid branch for supplying each of the independent portions of the at least two circuits 31, 32 of the distribution tree 3 of the thermal control device 2..

[0023] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of the variant detailed above, the junction by a branch 34 of the respective independent portions of the first circuit 31 and of at least one second distribution circuit 32 is positioned on one side of the thermal control device 2 opposite to the side incorporating the end of the common segment 33 configured to be connected to an outlet manifold 42. According to this construction variant, the segment 33 of the distribution tree 3 common to the at least two distribution circuits 31, 32 is bounded, on the one hand, by a branch 34 of the respective independent portions of these at least two distribution circuits 31, 32 and, on the other hand, by the outlet manifold 42 such that these two ends of this common segment 33 are structurally positioned at opposite sides of the thermal control device 2. Such a spacing of the ends of the common segment 33 so that they are, for example, at opposite edges of the thermal control device 2, or even at opposite corners of the device 2, allows the realization of a segment 33 common to at least two distribution circuits 31, 32 along a path which covers a larger surface of the battery module 1 for heat exchange with the circulating heat transfer fluids.Furthermore, a structural separation of the ends of segment 33 common to at least two distribution circuits 31, 32 allows for a branch 34 from the first part 321 of at least a second circuit 32 to the first circuit 31 at a distance from the outlet manifold 42, that is, from the point of the thermal control device 2 where thermal regulation by the circulating heat transfer fluid is least effective. Also, at this branch 34, positioned at a distance from the outlet manifold 42, the heat transfer fluid coming from the first part 321 of at least a second circuit 32 is not affected by any parasitic heat exchange, direct or indirect, with the circulating heat transfer fluid at the outlet manifold 42.It should be noted that these two ends of the common segment 33 are likely to be positioned at the level of the same face of the thermal regulation device 2 or, alternatively, at the level of opposite faces of this device 2.

[0024] According to an example relating to a construction variant of the assembly according to the invention capable of being combined with either of the variants detailed above, with respect to an edge of the thermal regulation device 2, the direction of flow movement within the segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32 is reversed to the direction of flow movement within the respective independent parts of the first circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32.According to this construction variant, the first portion 321 of at least a second distribution circuit 32 is arranged to distribute the heat transfer fluid from an inlet manifold 41 to the branch 34, where the heat transfer fluid circulates within the common segment 33. The inlet manifold 41 and the branch 34 are positioned at opposite sides or edges of the thermal control device 2. This distribution is arranged to prevent any heat exchange of the heat transfer fluid with the battery module 1, so that the first portion 321 of at least a second distribution circuit 32 is arranged in a way that bypasses the portion of the surface 21 of the thermal control device 2 positioned opposite the battery module 1. In this construction variant as well, the independent portion of the first circuit 31 is also... arranged to distribute the heat transfer fluid from an inlet manifold 41 to the branch 34 at which the heat transfer fluid circulates within the common segment 33. This distribution is, however, arranged to facilitate heat exchange between the circulating heat transfer fluid and a portion of the battery module 1, such that the independent portion of the first circuit 31 is positioned opposite the battery module 1 along its entire length, forming the junction between the inlet manifold 41 and the branch 34 of the common segment 33.Within the framework of this same construction variant, the second part 322 of at least a second distribution circuit 32 is arranged with a part of the first circuit 31 to make the common segment 33 of the distribution tree 3 of the thermal regulation device 2 which operates the junction between the branch 34 of the common segment 33 and the output manifold 42, the branch 34 and the output manifold 42 being positioned at the level of opposite sides or edges of the thermal regulation device 2; the manifolds, respectively inlet 41 and outlet 42, being positioned at the level of the same sides or the same edges, while possibly being positioned at the level of opposite faces of the thermal regulation device 2.According to this construction variant, the heat transfer fluid circulating along the independent section of the first circuit 31 provides optimal thermal regulation of the battery module 1 near the inlet manifold 41 and reduced thermal regulation near the branch 34 of the common segment 33, with a progressive degradation of its regulation between these two extremes. Similarly, the heat transfer fluid circulating at the common segment 33 provides optimal thermal regulation of the battery module 1 near the branch 34 of the common segment 33 and reduced thermal regulation near the outlet manifold 42, with a progressive degradation of its regulation between these two extremes.The construction of a thermal regulation device 2, carrying out reverse circulations of the heat transfer fluid respectively in the independent part of the first circuit 31 and in the common segment 33, thus makes it possible to obtain a compensation of the qualities of the heat exchanges between, on the one hand, the heat transfer fluids circulating in each of these two respective portions of the distribution tree 3 and, on the other hand, the battery module 1 so that the thermal regulation carried out by the device 2 is substantially homogeneous over the whole surface 21 of the thermal regulation device 2 which separates, on the one hand, the inlet manifolds 41 and outlet 42 respectively and, on the other hand, the branch 34 of the two circuits 31, 32 to the common segment 33.

[0025] According to an example relating to a variant construction of the assembly according to the invention capable of being combined with either of the variants pre As previously detailed, the independent portion of the first circuit 31 and / or the first independent portion 321 of at least one second distribution circuit 32 and / or the segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32 is implemented in an arrangement comprising a plurality of substantially straight tubular conduits 311, 3211, 331. According to this construction variant, each portion of the at least two distribution circuits 31, 32 or common segment 33 of the distribution tree 3 of the thermal control device 2 can be arranged as a plurality of tubular conduits 311, 3211, 331 having independent and parallel runs. Preferably, these tubular conduits 311, 3211, 331 are distributed side-by-side and parallel to each other in a substantially planar arrangement within the thickness of the thermal control device 2.This multiplication of tubing for each part of the at least two distribution circuits 31, 32 or common segment 33 of the distribution tree 3 allows for optimization of the positioning of the circulating heat transfer fluid relative to the surface of the battery module 1 whose temperature is to be regulated, and in particular an improvement in the precision of the positioning of the regulation within the thickness of the thermal regulation device 2. It should be noted that these different tubular conduits 311, 3211, 331 are likely to adopt circular or polygonal arrangements, for example rectangular or square, in section.It should also be noted that the inlet ports of the various tubular conduits 331 of the common segment 33 of the distribution tree 3, positioned at the branch 34 of the two circuits 31, 32 in the common segment 33, are likely to have identical dimensions or alternatively different dimensions or diameters so that the distribution of the heat transfer fluid is carried out primarily at the level of certain tubular conduits and to the detriment of supplying other tubular conduits.

[0026] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of the variant detailed above, the independent portion of the first circuit 31 and the segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and to at least one second distribution circuit 32 are arranged opposite cells of the battery module 1 in an alternating arrangement of their respective tubular conduits 311, 331. Such a construction, with an alternating distribution of the respective tubular conduits 311, 331 of the independent portion of the first circuit 31 and of the segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and to at least one second distribution circuit 32, makes it possible to complete the compensation of the qualities of the different heat exchanges between, on the one hand, the heat transfer fluids circulating in each of these two respective portions 31, 33 of the distribution branch 3 and, on the other hand, the battery module 1, so that this compensation of heat exchanges is optimized.The homogenization of the thermal regulation performed by device 2 is thus optimally carried out over the entire portion of the surface 21 of the thermal regulation device 2 positioned opposite the cells of the battery module 1.

[0027] According to an example relating to an alternative construction of the assembly according to the invention, which can be combined with either of the variants detailed above, the first distribution circuit 31 arranged opposite the cells of the battery module 1 is supplied by 40 to 90% of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the thermal regulation device 2. In this alternative construction, the distribution of the heat transfer fluid between the at least two circuits 31, 32 near the inlet manifold 41 is carried out according to the desired thermal regulation.In a heat transfer fluid distribution system primarily directed towards the first distribution circuit 31, the thermal regulation of the cells in battery module 1 will mainly occur during the fluid circulation along an independent section of the first circuit 31. Indeed, in the section formed by the common segment 33, the supply of heat transfer fluid from the first part 321 of the second distribution circuit 32 will be minimal, thus reducing heat exchange between battery module 1 and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the common segment 33. In this scenario, the thermal regulation device 2 operates similarly to a device incorporating only the first distribution circuit 31.Conversely, with a more balanced distribution of the heat transfer fluid between the first distribution circuit 31 and the first section 321 of the second distribution circuit 32, the thermal regulation of the cells in battery module 1 will operate similarly during fluid circulation along the independent section of the first circuit 31 and during fluid circulation along the common segment 33. Indeed, the supply of heat transfer fluid from the first section 321 of the second circuit 32 at the common segment 33 provides a supply of heat transfer fluid with optimal heat exchange potential, such that the quality of heat exchange between battery module 1 and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the common segment 33 can be maintained above a threshold value or at a sufficient quality level.

[0028] According to an example relating to a variant construction of the assembly according to the invention that can be combined with either of the variants detailed above, the segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32 is made in an arrangement comprising a plurality of tubular conduits 331 whose cross-section is smaller than the respective cross-sections of the tubular conduits 311, 3211 of the independent part of the first circuit 31 and the first independent part 321 of at least one second distribution circuit 32. Within the context of the heat transfer fluid circulation within these various tubular conduits 311, 3211, 331, the quantity of heat transfer fluid circulating in all the tubular conduits 311, 3211, and 3211 of the independent portion of the first distribution circuit 31 and the first independent portion 321 of at least a second distribution circuit 32 is identical to the quantity of heat transfer fluid circulating in all the tubular conduits 331 of the common segment 33 of the distribution tree 3 of the thermal control device 2. Therefore, the reduction in cross-section of the tubular conduits 331 of the common segment 33 imposes an increase in the heat transfer fluid's circulation velocity along this portion of the distribution tree 3 compared to its movement within the other portions of the distribution tree 3.At an accelerated speed, the heat transfer fluid circulating within the common segment 33 experiences limited heat exchange with the battery module 1, thus reducing thermal regulation in this portion of the circuit. Therefore, this configuration of the tubular conduits 311, 3211, and 331 allows for a limitation of thermal regulation in the segment 33 common to the first circuit 31 and at least one second distribution circuit 32, so that thermal regulation is primarily achieved during the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the independent section of the first circuit 31.It should also be noted that, despite the supply of heat transfer fluid with optimal heat exchange potential from the first part 321 of the second circuit 32 at the common segment 33, mixing with the circulating fluid from the independent part of the first circuit 31 does not result in a fluid with optimal heat exchange potential for circulation at the common segment 33. Therefore, accelerating the flow of the heat transfer fluid in this portion of the distribution branch 3 allows for a circulation velocity that is suitable for the reduced heat exchange potential of the moving fluid.

[0029] According to an example relating to a variant construction of the assembly according to the invention, which can be combined with either of the variants detailed above, the inner face of at least a portion of at least one circuit 31, 32 of the thermal control device 2 comprises at least one turbulator in the form of a relief. Each of these internal reliefs in the circuits 31, 32 creates an obstacle that partially obstructs the cross-section of the relevant conduit, so that the flow of heat transfer fluid at this portion of the circuit 31, 32 is subject to turbulence capable of optimizing the quality of heat exchange between the moving heat transfer fluid and the cells of the battery module 1 positioned against the thermal control device 2 opposite the respective paths of the at least Two circuits 31 and 32. According to one construction example, at least one turbulator is implemented in the form of a pin. The pin thus corresponds to a localized, internal thickening of the duct wall, presenting at least one surface that impacts the flow of heat transfer fluid moving within the duct. According to another construction example, at least one turbulator is implemented in the form of a blade arranged with at least one component transverse to the duct axis. This blade thus presents the form of a transverse obstacle to the flow of heat transfer fluid moving within the duct. It can be noted that the shape of the blade's cross-section—such as flat, beveled, ogive, etc.—allows for the generation of more or less significant turbulence in the flow of heat transfer fluid.

[0030] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly comprising at least one battery module (1) consisting of cells (11) and a thermal regulation device (2) for a battery module (1), the thermal regulation device (2) comprising at least one surface (21) of which at least a portion is substantially flat and positioned against cells (11) of the battery module (1) and a thickness incorporating at least one distribution tree (3) for a heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the distribution tree (3) of the thermal regulation device (2) comprises: - a first distribution circuit (31) arranged opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1), - at least one second distribution circuit (32) of which at least a first part 321 is arranged so as not to be opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1) and a second part (322) is arranged opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one surface (21) of the thermal regulation device (2) is larger than the surface of the cells of the battery module (1) positioned opposite the thermal regulation device (2).

3. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the first distribution circuit (31) being disposed at the level of a central portion of the thermal regulation device (2), the at least one second distribution circuit (32) comprises at least a portion disposed laterally with respect to the portion of the thermal regulation device (2).

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first circuit (31) and at least one second distribution circuit (32) share in common at least one segment (33) of their paths arranged opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1).

5. Assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the segment (33) common to the first circuit (31) and to at least one second distribution circuit (32) is positioned at one end of their paths.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that one end of the segment (33) common to the first circuit (31) and at least one second distribution circuit (32) is configured to be connected to an output collector (42).

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the respective independent ends of the first circuit (31) and of at least one second distribution circuit (32) are configured to be connected to an input collector (41).

8. Assembly according to at least claim 6, characterized in that the junction by a branch (34) of the respective independent portions of the first circuit (31) and of at least a second circuit (32) of distribution is positioned at the level of a side of the thermal control device (2) opposite to the side incorporating the end of the common segment (33) configured to be connected to an output manifold (42).

9. Assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, with respect to an edge of the thermal regulation device (2), the direction of flow movement within the segment (33) common to the first circuit (31) and at least one second distribution circuit (32) is reversed to the direction of flow movement within the respective independent parts of the first circuit (31) and at least one second distribution circuit (32).

10. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the independent part of the first circuit (31) and / or the first independent part (321) of at least one second distribution circuit (32) and / or the segment (33) common to the first circuit (31) and at least one second distribution circuit (32) is made according to an arrangement comprising a plurality of substantially straight tubular conduits (311, 3211, 331).

11. Assembly according to at least claims 4 and 10, characterized in that the independent part of the first circuit (31) and the segment (33) common to the first circuit (31) and to at least one second distribution circuit (32) are arranged opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1) in an alternating arrangement of their respective tubular conduits (311, 331).

12. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first distribution circuit (31) arranged opposite cells (11) of the battery module (1) is supplied by 40 to 90% of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the thermal regulation device (2).

13. Assembly according to any one of claims 4 and following, characterized in that the segment 33 common to the first circuit (31) and to at least one second distribution circuit (32) is made according to an arrangement comprising a plurality of tubular conduits (331) whose cross-section is less than the respective cross-sections of the tubular conduits (311, 3211) of the independent part of the first circuit (31) and of the first independent part (321) of the at least one second distribution circuit (32).

14. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner face of at least a part of at least one circuit (31, 32) of the thermal regulation device (2) comprises at least one turbulator made in the form of a relief.

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