Cooling circuit for a battery for an electric or rechargeable hybrid motor vehicle

Abstract

Cooling circuit for a battery for an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle. Cooling circuit (1) comprising a plurality of branches (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6) arranged in parallel, and comprising respectively: - a first fitting (6), - an inlet port (7), - an outlet port (9), and - a second fitting (10), the circuit being characterized in that for each of the branches (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6): - the first fitting (6) and / or the inlet port (7), and / or - the second fitting (10) and / or the outlet port (9) has a cavity so as to delimit a housing configured to accommodate an intermediate nozzle element (11) having a passage cross-section (S) configured to calibrate the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, the passage cross-section (S) of the intermediate nozzle element (11) being specific to each branch (C1, C2, C3, C4, C6 ... C5, C6). Figure for the abridged version: Fig. 9

Description

Title of the invention: Cooling circuit for a battery for an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling circuit for a battery, particularly for an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle. The invention also relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a battery and such a cooling circuit. The invention further relates to an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle equipped with such an arrangement.

[0002] Plug-in electric vehicles typically use batteries, particularly traction batteries. A traction battery consists of a series-parallel arrangement of electrochemical cells. To achieve a voltage of 400 to 800V, there are typically between 90 and 220 identical cells in series. The cells are generally grouped into sub-assemblies commonly called "modules".

[0003] In this type of arrangement, it is essential to control the operating temperature of all the cells. The aim is, in particular, to achieve a temperature within an optimal operating range. Temperature control consists of adding or removing heat from the battery, depending on the operating conditions. A homogeneous temperature is also sought, that is, the same temperature for each cell in all the battery modules.

[0004] Temperature control is conventionally achieved through the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, which allows heat exchange with the cells via a heat exchange surface. The heat output exchanged by each cell depends on the local values ​​of two essential parameters: the temperature difference between the heat transfer fluid and the cell, and the fluid flow rate. Other parameters also come into play, but they are identical for all cells by design, such as the thermal resistance between the cell and the fluid, which notably influences the efficiency of heat exchange, and the intrinsic characteristics of the cell, such as its mass and heat capacity, as well as the intrinsic characteristics of the fluid, such as its density, viscosity, and heat capacity.

[0005] The control of temperature homogeneity therefore essentially involves controlling the temperature and the flow rate of fluid delivered to each of the cooled subsystems.

[0006] For reasons related to constraints of cost, repairability, size, performance or flexibility (ease of operating a configuration with parameters different), the cooling circuit of a battery is often divided into several identical subsystems.

[0007] To this end, various types of architecture are known from the state of the art. These architectures can be divided into two major categories, namely series architectures and parallel architectures. In series architectures, the heat transfer fluid circulates from one module to another, as is the case in a simple series architecture, either in turn or by returning along a reverse path; the latter case then corresponds to a cross-flow series architecture.

[0008] Series architectures ensure a consistent flow rate for each module. However, they present drawbacks regarding temperature control. Indeed, a series architecture, whether simple or cross-flow, cannot guarantee the same temperature at the inlet of each module. In the case of a cross-flow series architecture, temperature variations are generally compensated for by using average temperatures, but this comes at the cost of increased complexity for each individual module.

[0009] As for parallel architectures, these easily allow for providing the same temperature to each module. Furthermore, provided that certain geometric constraints are met, a parallel-star architecture also guarantees the same flow rate in each branch. However, these geometric constraints are difficult to reconcile with the compact design of a vehicle battery.

[0010] Advantageously, a parallel ladder architecture is very compact. However, it is necessary to solve the problem of obtaining an identical flow rate in each of its final branches due to pressure losses in the supply lines, given that the branches are located at increasing distances from the supply.

[0011] It is precisely this technical problem that the invention of the present patent application seeks to solve. Thus, the object of the invention is to provide a battery cooling circuit for a motor vehicle in which the cooling circuit has a plurality of circulation branches arranged in a parallel ladder architecture and in which the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid is balanced in the different circulation branches. "Balanced flow rates" means obtaining an identical or at least nearly identical flow rate in several circulation branches of the cooling circuit in question.

[0012] According to the invention, a cooling circuit for a battery, particularly for an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle, comprises a main supply channel configured to convey a heat transfer fluid to a plurality of parallel circulation branches, and a main discharge channel configured to collect the heat transfer fluid at the end of the circulation branches. Each circulation branch comprises, respectively: - a first connection comprising at least two ways, said first connection being fluidly connected to the main supply channel; - an input port to a module comprising electrochemical cells, - an output port for said module, and - a second fitting comprising at least two ways, the second fitting being fluidly connected to the main discharge channel. The cooling circuit is characterized in that, for each of the circulation branches: - the first connection and / or the entry port, and / or - the second fitting and / or the outlet port, presents a cavity so as to delimit a housing arranged at an interface between the first fitting and the inlet port and / or at an interface between the second fitting and the outlet port, said housing being configured to accommodate an intermediate nozzle element having a passage section configured to calibrate the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid in the module, the passage section of the intermediate nozzle element being specific to each branch of circulation.

[0013] The passage section increases with the distance of the module from an input of the main supply channel and / or from an output of the main discharge channel.

[0014] For each branch of circulation, the first fitting and / or the second fitting may have a cylindrical cavity and / or the inlet port and / or the outlet port may have a cylindrical cavity, said cylindrical cavities cooperating together to form the housing configured to accommodate the intermediate nozzle element, and the intermediate nozzle element: - may have an annular shape with a circular passage section, and / or - can ensure mechanical centering or alignment between (i) the first fitting and the inlet port and / or (ii) the second fitting and the outlet port.

[0015] The passage section of the intermediate nozzle element of the circulation branch furthest from the inlet of the main supply channel and / or furthest from the outlet of the main discharge channel may be less than or equal to the size of a passage opening of said main supply channel.

[0016] The passage section of the intermediate nozzle element of the circulation branch furthest from the inlet of the main supply channel and / or the most distance from the outlet of the main discharge channel may be less than or equal to the size of a passage opening from the inlet port to the module of the circulation branch under consideration.

[0017] For each of the circulation branches, the interface between the first fitting and the inlet port may include a groove configured to accommodate a sealing gasket.

[0018] The sealing gasket can be arranged around the intermediate nozzle element.

[0019] For each of the traffic branches, the first connection and the entry port parts towards the module can be disassembled so as to allow access to the housing inside which the intermediate nozzle element is housed.

[0020] The intermediate nozzle elements can be plastic parts obtained by molding.

[0021] According to the invention, an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises: - a battery, and - a cooling circuit defined previously and configured to cool said battery.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a cooling circuit defined previously.

[0023] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with an arrangement defined above.

[0024] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0025] Fig. 1 schematically represents a cooling circuit for a motor vehicle battery.

[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the modules of the cooling circuit of Fig. 1.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the modules of the cooling circuit of the [Fig.2],

[0028] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of all the fluidic connections upstream of the modules of the cooling circuit in Figures 2 and 3.

[0029] Fig. 5 illustrates the last module of the cooling circuit of the previous figures and its fluidic connections.

[0030] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fluid connections of another cooling circuit.

[0031] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connection upstream of a first module of the cooling circuit of figures 1 to 5.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a figure similar to Fig. 7 and schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connection upstream of the last module of the cooling circuit of Figures 1 to 5.

[0033] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates another cross-sectional view of the fluidic connection of Fig. 8.

[0034] To facilitate the description and understanding of the figures, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" qualify a positioning of the elements of the cooling circuit in reference to the direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a cooling circuit 1 for a battery in a motor vehicle, in particular a battery for an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle. The battery may be, in particular, a lithium-ion battery and / or a so-called "traction battery". Generally, a cooling circuit 1 comprises an element such as a hydraulic pump 2 configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid within the circuit 1, a heat exchanger 3, and a plurality of circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 arranged in parallel, i.e., the total flow rate of the heat transfer fluid is distributed among each of said circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6. This type of arrangement of the circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 is commonly referred to as a "parallel ladder architecture".

[0036] The circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 are configured to allow at least one heat exchange with at least one part of the battery, and more particularly, a heat exchange with the active elements of the battery. The plurality of parallel circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 can be configured to allow several heat exchanges with several distinct parts of the battery. Optionally, the cooling circuit 1 can also include a pressure and expansion management system, such as an expansion vessel. This pressure and expansion management system can, in particular, be arranged upstream of the hydraulic pump in fluidic connection with the main discharge channel. The pressure and expansion management system is not shown in [Fig. 1].

[0037] Figure 2 shows the portion of the cooling circuit 1 relevant to the invention described herein. The invention relates more particularly to the plurality of parallel circulation branches C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 mentioned previously. Therefore, neither the hydraulic pump 2 nor the heat exchanger 3 are shown in Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates a main supply channel 4 configured to convey a heat transfer fluid to a plurality of parallel circulation branches C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and a main discharge channel 5 configured to collect the heat transfer fluid from the circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6. According to a particular embodiment of the cooling circuit 1, the number of circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 is between two and eight. According to a particular example illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the number of circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 is more specifically six.

[0039] In this cooling circuit 1, each circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 is fluidically connected on one side to the main supply channel 4 and on the other side to the main discharge channel 5. For this purpose, each circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 includes a first fitting 6 comprising at least two ports. This first fitting 6 is fluidly connected to the main supply channel 4. Furthermore, each circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 also includes an inlet port 7 to a module 8 comprising electrochemical cells and an outlet port 9 of said module 8, as well as a second fitting 10 comprising at least two ports. The second fitting 10 is fluidly connected to the main discharge channel 5.

[0040] The number of ways of the first fitting 6 and the second fitting 10 depends on the location of the circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 in the cooling circuit 1. For example, for a very specific embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], in which the cooling circuit 1 comprises exactly two distinct circulation branches Cl and C2, namely a first circulation branch Cl and a second circulation branch C2, the first fitting 6 and the second fitting 10 arranged respectively upstream and downstream of a first module 8 of the first circulation branch Cl each comprise three ways.

[0041] In the case of the first three-way fitting 6 arranged upstream of the first module 8 of the first circulation branch Cl, a first way is an inlet way through which the heat transfer fluid is intended to arrive at the level of said first circulation branch Cl via the main supply channel 4. A second way of the first three-way fitting 6 is configured to guide a part of the heat transfer fluid to the inlet port 7 which is connected to the module 8 of this first circulation branch CL. A third way of the first three-way fitting 6 is configured to guide the other part of the heat transfer fluid to the second circulation branch C2.

[0042] In the case of the second three-way fitting 10 located downstream of the first module 8 of the first circulation branch Cl, a first way is an inlet through which a portion of the heat transfer fluid is intended to arrive after passing through the first module 8, a second way of the first three-way fitting 6 is an inlet through which the portion of the heat transfer fluid having passed through the module 8 from the second circulation branch C2 is intended to arrive and a third way is configured to guide the heat transfer fluid towards the main discharge channel 5.

[0043] In this type of configuration, the first three-way 6 connection located upstream of the first module 8 of the first traffic branch Cl and the second three-way 10 connection located downstream of the first module 8 of the first traffic branch Cl can in particular resemble T-connectors.

[0044] With regard to the second circulation branch C2 of this example of a cooling circuit 1, the first fitting 6 and the second fitting 10 arranged respectively upstream and downstream of the module 8 of this second circulation branch C2 may each comprise three ways, if this second circulation branch C2 is connected to another portion of the same cooling circuit 1, or else the first fitting 6 and the second fitting 10 of this second circulation branch C2 may be fittings which comprise only two ways, such as elbow fittings, as illustrated in particular in [Fig.6].

[0045] In the particular case where the first fitting 6 and the second fitting 10 of this second circulation branch C2 are elbow fittings, the first fitting 6 is configured to guide the heat transfer fluid from the main supply channel 4 to the inlet port 7 of the module 8 of this second circulation branch C2 while the second fitting 10 is configured to guide the heat transfer fluid having passed through the module 8 of the second circulation branch C2 to the main discharge channel 5.

[0046] Alternatively, and according to an embodiment in which the cooling circuit 1 comprises more than two separate circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, for example between three and eight branches, either all branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 comprise a first three-way fitting 6 and a second three-way fitting 10 similar to those described in the previous example, or all branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, except for the last circulation branch C6, comprise a first three-way fitting 6 and a second three-way fitting 10 similar to those described in the previous example, while the last circulation branch C6 comprises a first fitting 6 with only two ways and a second fitting 10 with only two ways.In this last example, the last circulation branch C6 is connected only to the main supply channel 4 arranged upstream of module 8 of said last circulation branch C6; and connected to the main discharge channel 5 arranged downstream of module 8 of said last circulation branch C6. In this same last example, the first fitting 6 and the second fitting 10 may in particular be in the form of elbow fittings, as described previously.

[0047] According to a preferred but optional embodiment, the main supply channel 4 may comprise several pipes of equal length and constant cross-section. Similarly, the main discharge channel 5 may also comprise several pipes of equal length and constant cross-section. These pipes are then arranged between two adjacent circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 of the same cooling circuit 1. More specifically, the pipes forming the main supply channel 4 may be fluidly connected between the first two fittings of two adjacent circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, while the pipes forming the main discharge channel 5 may be fluidly connected between the second two fittings of two adjacent circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6. This preferred embodiment makes it possible to limit the diversity in the components of the cooling circuit 1.

[0048] In order to optimize the cooling of a battery for a motor vehicle, in particular by seeking to reach a temperature within an optimal operating range, the flow rate of heat transfer fluid intended to circulate in the different circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 is specific to each of the circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6.

[0049] In order to calibrate, i.e. to adequately regulate the flow of heat transfer fluid in each circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, the first fitting 6 and / or the inlet port 7 and / or the second fitting 10 and / or the outlet port 9 of each branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 has a cavity so as to delimit a housing disposed at an interface between the first fitting 6 and the inlet port 7 and / or a housing disposed at an interface between the second fitting 10 and the outlet port 9. This housing is configured to accommodate an intermediate nozzle element 11 which has a passage section S configured to calibrate the flow of the heat transfer fluid in the module 8 of the branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6. The passage section S of the intermediate nozzle element 11 is specific to each circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6.Furthermore, said passage section S increases with the distance of module 8 from an inlet 14 of the main supply channel 4 and / or the distance of module 8 from an outlet 15 of the main discharge channel 5. In this way, the heat transfer fluid intended to circulate within the different circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 is distributed equally between said branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and the flow rate of heat transfer fluid is substantially identical for all circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, in order to obtain a homogeneous temperature for all the electrochemical cells distributed in the different modules 8 of the circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6.

[0050] Thus, for a circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 located near the inlet 14 of the main supply channel 4, the size of the passage cross-section S of an intermediate nozzle element 11 is smaller than the size of the passage cross-section S of an intermediate nozzle element 11 of a circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 that is further from the inlet 14 of the main supply channel 4. An example of an intermediate nozzle element 11 for a circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 located near the inlet 14 of the main supply channel 4 is illustrated in particular in [Fig. 7], while an example of an intermediate nozzle element 11 for a circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 further from the inlet 14 of the main feed channel 4 is illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0051] In these same figures 7 and 8, the inlet ports 7 to the modules 8 of the circulation branches Cl, C6 considered are notably angled. Such angled inlet ports 7 can allow a more compact configuration of the cooling circuit 1, which can facilitate its installation within a motor vehicle, particularly for cooling a battery in an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle.

[0052] The compactness of this solution is also visible in [Fig. 2], which illustrates a perspective view of the modules 8 of the cooling circuit 1: the pipes that form the main supply channel 4, the first fittings 6, the inlet ports 7, the outlet ports 9, the second fittings 10 and the pipes that form the main discharge channel 5 are arranged on either side of the modules 8, on the sides of said modules 8. The compactness of this solution is also visible in Figures 3, 4 and 5. As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 4], the pipes that form the main supply channel 4, the first fittings 6, the inlet ports 7, the outlet ports 9, the second fittings 10 and the pipes that form the main discharge channel 5 are arranged so that they do not exceed the modules 8 in height.

[0053] According to a particular embodiment, and preferably common to all circulation branches C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 of the cooling circuit 1, the cavity or cavities that form the housing configured to accommodate an intermediate nozzle element 11 may have a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the first fitting 6 may have a first cylindrical cavity and / or the inlet port 7 may have a second cylindrical cavity. It is therefore possible to imagine an embodiment in which the first fitting 6 has a first cylindrical cavity and in which the inlet port 7 has a second cylindrical cavity, as illustrated in particular in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9. In this particular embodiment, said cylindrical cavities cooperate to form the housing configured to accommodate the intermediate nozzle element 11.In other words, a first part of the intermediate nozzle element 11 is housed in the first cylindrical cavity of the first fitting 6 while a second part. the intermediate nozzle element 11 is housed in the second cylindrical cavity of the inlet port 7.

[0054] Alternatively, an embodiment can be imagined in which only the first fitting 6 has a cylindrical cavity to form the housing configured to accommodate the intermediate nozzle element 11. Alternatively, an embodiment can be imagined in which only the inlet port 7 has a cylindrical cavity to form the housing configured to accommodate the intermediate nozzle element 11. Similarly, an embodiment can be imagined in which only the second fitting 10 has a cylindrical cavity to form the housing configured to accommodate an intermediate nozzle element 11. Alternatively, an embodiment can be imagined in which only the outlet port 9 has a cylindrical cavity to form the housing configured to accommodate the intermediate nozzle element 11. These alternative embodiments are not illustrated in the figures.

[0055] In the embodiment where the first fitting 6 has a first cylindrical cavity and / or the inlet port 7 and / or the second fitting 10 and / or the outlet port 9 has a second cylindrical cavity, each intermediate nozzle element 11 intended to be housed in said housing formed by the cylindrical cavity or cavities itself has an annular shape with a circular passage cross-section S. More particularly, the annular intermediate nozzle element 11 forms a fluid circulation channel oriented along the axis of the cylinder of the housing in which the intermediate nozzle element 11 is intended to be housed. Thus, in this embodiment, the diameter of the circular passage cross-section S increases with the distance of the module 8 from the inlet 14 of the main supply channel 4 and / or the distance of the module 8 from the outlet 15 of the main discharge channel 5.For example, the following values ​​can be considered for the diameters of the passage sections of the adjustment elements: 5.2 mm; 5.9 mm; 6.8 mm; 8.3 mm; 10.7 mm and 16 mm.

[0056] In this cooling circuit 1, the intermediate nozzle elements 11 not only perform a nozzle function to regulate and calibrate the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid intended to circulate through the modules 8 of the various circulation branches C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, but also a centering function. Indeed, by distributing the cavities that form the housing for an intermediate nozzle element 11 between the first fitting 6 and the inlet port 7 and / or between the second fitting 10 and the outlet port 9, and by inserting said intermediate nozzle element 11 into this housing, the intermediate nozzle element 11 ensures mechanical alignment between the first fitting 6 and the inlet port 7 and / or mechanical alignment between the second fitting 10 and the outlet port 9. output 9. A tight fit is recommended to facilitate holding the intermediate nozzle element 11 in its housing, which can also lead to greater mechanical accuracy of the assembly as a whole.

[0057] Optionally, but preferably, the cavity or cavities forming the housing configured to accommodate an intermediate nozzle element 11 between the first fitting 6 and the inlet port 7 and / or between the second fitting 10 and the outlet port 9 are identical from one circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 to another. In this case, it is the size of the passage cross-section S of each intermediate nozzle element 11 that determines and calibrates the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid intended to circulate through the module 8 of the circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 considered.Providing identically sized housings for all circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 can offer an economic advantage, since the initial fittings 6 and inlet ports 7, intended to be arranged upstream of the modules 8 for each circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, can then be identical to each other, thus enabling mass production of these parts. It is therefore possible to propose a cooling circuit 1 that maximizes the standardization of its common components.

[0058] The calculation method for the size of the passage sections for the various intermediate nozzle elements 11 depends heavily on the type of hydraulic regime to which the cooling circuit 1 is subjected during operation. As an illustrative and non-limiting example, one can consider the specific case of a cooling circuit 1 operating in laminar flow. In this very particular case, the sizes of the passage sections for the various intermediate nozzle elements 11 can be calculated using the following formula: Sn = SE_Lx I 6, where: y «(«+])( 2«+1) - "n" indicates the rank of the circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 of the cooling circuit 1 under consideration (starting from the right in [Fig. 1] or [Fig. 3]), - Sn designates the size of a passage section S for the circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 of rank "n", and - SE_L designates a reference value characteristic of the cooling circuit 1 under consideration. The exact value of the SE_L constant can be found in the literature known to those skilled in the art, for example in the book "Memento des pertes de pression" published by Eyrolles.

[0059] According to a particular embodiment illustrated more specifically in [Fig. 8], the passage section S of the intermediate nozzle element 11 of the circulation branch Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 furthest from the inlet 14 of the main supply channel 4 and / or furthest from the outlet 15 of the main discharge channel 5 may be less than or equal to the size of a passage opening 01 in the main feed channel 4 located upstream of said intermediate nozzle element 11. In other words, the inside diameter of the main feed channel 4 and the inside diameter of the intermediate nozzle element 11 may be identical for the circulation branch C6 furthest from the inlet 14 of the main feed channel 4 and / or the furthest from the outlet 15 of the main discharge channel 5.

[0060] Alternatively or in addition, the passage cross-section S of the intermediate nozzle element 11 of the circulation branch C6 furthest from the inlet 14 of the main feed channel 4 and / or the furthest from the outlet 15 of the main discharge channel 5 may be less than or equal to the size of a passage opening 02 from the inlet port 7 to the module 8 of the circulation branch C6 considered.In other words, it is possible to imagine an embodiment in which the inner diameter of the main supply channel 4, the inner diameter of the intermediate nozzle element 11 and the inner diameter of the inlet port 7 are all identical for the circulation branch C6 furthest from the inlet 14 of the main supply channel 4 and / or furthest from the outlet 15 of the main discharge channel 5.

[0061] According to one embodiment, and preferably in a manner common to all circulation branches C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 of the cooling circuit 1, the contact area at the interface between the first fitting 6 and the inlet port 7 can be planar.

[0062] According to a particular embodiment described above, the contact area at the interface between the first fitting 6 and the inlet port 7 includes a groove configured to accommodate a sealing gasket 12. According to a particular embodiment described above, the sealing gasket 12 is arranged around the intermediate nozzle element 11, as illustrated for example in Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9.

[0063] According to one embodiment, and preferably in a manner common to all circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 of the cooling circuit 1, the connections between the first fittings 6 and the inlet ports 7 to the modules 8 of the various circulation branches Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 considered are removable so as to allow access to the cavities that form the housings inside which the intermediate nozzle elements 11 are housed. A removable design makes it easier to replace defective parts if necessary, in particular to change a seal 12 if this proves necessary. To this end, openings may be provided at the contact area at the interface between the first fitting 6 and the inlet port 7 and / or at the contact area at the interface between the second fitting 10 and the outlet port 9 for arranging Removable fasteners 13, such as screws for example. Examples of removable fasteners are illustrated in particular in Figures 7 and 8.

[0064] According to a preferred but optional embodiment, the intermediate nozzle elements 11 are plastic parts obtained by molding. For example, they may be made of a plastic material such as PA 6.6, but other types of plastics may be considered for the design and manufacture of the intermediate nozzle elements 11 within the scope of this invention.

[0065] A method for manufacturing the intermediate nozzle elements 11 by molding them from plastic is generally preferred for economic reasons. This type of manufacturing method also allows for the serial production of intermediate nozzle elements 11. Alternatively, the intermediate nozzle elements 11 can be machined parts.

[0066] It is thus possible to design and manufacture a cooling circuit 1 for a battery in an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. This cooling circuit 1 is compact and compatible with immersion cooling, incorporating a dielectric heat transfer fluid entering the modules 8 to cool the electrochemical cells directly through contact with them. Such a cooling circuit 1 is a solution applicable to a wide range of systems, and its design, in particular the presence of intermediate nozzle elements 11, makes it possible to limit the diversity of circuit components.

[0067] In this document, when quantifications or comparisons of sections are mentioned, the areas of these sections are implicitly (and as is customary) being referred to.

Claims

1. Demands Cooling circuit (1) for a battery, in particular for an electric or plug-in hybrid motor vehicle, the cooling circuit (1) comprising a main supply channel (4) configured to convey a heat transfer fluid to a plurality of circulation branches (Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6) arranged in parallel, and a main discharge channel (5) configured to collect the heat transfer fluid at the exit of the circulation branches (Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6); each branch of circulation (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6) comprising respectively: - a first fitting (6) comprising at least two ways, said first fitting (6) being fluidly connected to the main supply channel (4); - an input port (7) to a module (8) comprising electrochemical cells, - an output port (9) of said module (8), and - a second fitting (10) comprising at least two ways, the second fitting (10) being fluidly connected to the main discharge channel (5), the cooling circuit (1) being characterized in that for each of the circulation branches (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6): - the first fitting (6) and / or the inlet port (7), and / or - the second fitting (10) and / or the outlet port (9), has a cavity so as to delimit a housing disposed at an interface between the first fitting (6) and the inlet port (7) and / or at an interface between the second fitting (10) and the outlet port (9), said housing being configured to accommodate an intermediate nozzle element (11) having a passage section (S) configured to calibrate the flow of the heat transfer fluid in the module (8), the passage section (S) of the intermediate nozzle element (10) being specific to each circulation branch (Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6), and in that said passage section (S) increases with the distance of the module from an inlet (14) of the channel main supply (4) and / or relative to an output (15) of the main discharge channel (5).

2. Cooling circuit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that for each circulation branch (Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6), the first fitting (6) and / or the second fitting (10) has a cylindrical cavity and / or the inlet port (7) and / or the outlet port (9) has a cylindrical cavity, said cylindrical cavities cooperating together to form the housing configured to accommodate the intermediate nozzle element (11), and in that said intermediate nozzle element (11): - has an annular shape with a passage section (S) of circular shape, and / or - ensures mechanical centering or alignment between (i) the first fitting (6) and the inlet port (7) and / or (ii) the second fitting (10) and the outlet port (9).

3. Cooling circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage section (S) of the intermediate nozzle element (11) of the circulation branch (C6) furthest from the inlet (14) of the main supply channel (4) and / or furthest from the outlet (15) of the main discharge channel (5) is less than or equal to the size of a passage opening (01) of said main supply channel (4).

4. Cooling circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage section (S) of the intermediate nozzle element (11) of the circulation branch (C6) furthest from the inlet (14) of the main supply channel (4) and / or furthest from the outlet (15) of the main discharge channel (5) is less than or equal to the size of a passage opening (02) from the inlet port (7) to the module (8) of the circulation branch (C6) considered.

5. Cooling circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each of the circulation branches (Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6), the interface between the first fitting (6) and the inlet port (7) includes a groove configured to accommodate a sealing gasket (12).

6. Cooling circuit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sealing gasket (12) is arranged around the intermediate nozzle element (10).

7. Cooling circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each of the circulation branches (Cl, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6) the first fitting (6) and the inlet port (7) to the module (8) are removable so as to allow access to the housing inside which the intermediate nozzle element (11) is housed.

8. Cooling circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate nozzle elements (11) are plastic parts obtained by molding.

9. Arrangement for a motor vehicle characterized in that it comprises a battery and a cooling circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims configured to cool said battery.

10. Motor vehicle characterized in that it is equipped with an arrangement according to the preceding claim.