Thermal regulation device, particularly for cooling

Abstract

Thermal regulation device, particularly for cooling. The invention relates to a thermal regulation device, particularly for cooling, this device comprising an upper plate and a lower plate (3) assembled with the upper plate to form together a plurality of circulation channels (5) for a heat transfer fluid, thermal regulation device in which: at least two pairs of channels share a common channel (15), and the two interconnecting bridges (16) are connected to this common channel (15) at two connection points that are separated from each other by a non-zero distance along the length of the channel; or at least two pairs of channels (15) are formed by four distinct channels, and the two interconnecting bridges (16) are then separated from each other by the space between the two pairs of channels (15). Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device, in particular for cooling

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device, in particular a cooling device, in particular for an electrical component capable of releasing heat during its operation, in particular a cooling device for at least one battery or battery cells (in particular a battery pack) of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle.

[0002] The vehicle may be of land, sea or air type.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to plate heat exchangers for circulating a refrigerant fluid in a network of channels, enabling the cooling of batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles. The refrigerant is of the two-phase type, which can exist in both liquid and vapor (gaseous) forms. The amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant fluid in each channel of a pass of the network can vary due to differences in the amount of refrigerant circulating in each channel, differences in channel lengths, and differences in resistance encountered by the refrigerant fluid along its path. This can cause a significant difference in pressure (and temperature), but especially in the mass fraction of the refrigerant gas in each channel as the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet.In adverse conditions, the refrigerant in certain channels transforms into vapor earlier than expected and undergoes premature overheating in certain areas. This phenomenon can cause localized hot spots and lead to an increase in the overall thermal imbalance of the battery pack.

[0004] The invention aims to improve the balancing of the thermal regulation device, and avoid undesirable overheating zones.

[0005] The invention thus proposes a thermal regulation device, in particular a cooling device, for at least one electrical component capable of generating heat during its operation, in particular battery cells. This device comprises an upper plate and a lower plate assembled with the upper plate to form together a plurality of circulation channels for a heat transfer fluid, in particular a refrigerant. The plurality of channels extends between a heat transfer fluid inlet and a heat transfer fluid outlet. In this thermal regulation device, the plurality of channels defines, successively following the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, an upstream pass in which the channels are grouped to allow circulation of the heat transfer fluid in a direction of a predetermined upstream circulation, a turning zone, and a downstream pass in which the channels are grouped to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in a predetermined downstream direction (which is, for example, 180° to the predetermined upstream direction), and the turning zone comprising channels connecting the upstream pass channels to the downstream pass channels, and two channels of at least one pair of channels being interconnected by two separate fluid interconnection bridges, a thermal control device in which: - at least two pairs of channels share a common channel (i.e., the two pairs of channels in the reversing zone are formed by three distinct channels), and the two interconnection bridges are connected to this common channel, at two connection points that are separated from each other by a non-zero distance along the length of the channel, or - at least two pairs of channels are formed by four distinct channels, and the two interconnection bridges are then separated from each other by the space between the two pairs of channels.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, said at least two fluid interconnection bridges are located in the reversing zone.

[0007] It is noted that the fact that the two interconnection bridges are connected to this common channel, at two connection points which are separated from each other by a non-zero distance in the direction of the length of the channel, implies that the two interconnection bridges are not in line with each other (or aligned), on either side of the common channel.

[0008] The invention allows for better organization of the channels in the turning zone(s), in particular for the purpose of balancing between the different channels.

[0009] The interconnecting bridges between the channels in the reversing zone allow for the rebalancing of flow rates (and therefore pressures) between these channels. In particular, the interconnecting bridges introduced in the reversing zone(s) (corresponding, for example, to a U-bend), where the refrigerant flows from one pass to the next, allow for the homogenization of the refrigerant's state in each channel by interconnecting them locally, which improves the uniformity of the refrigerant gas mass fraction in each channel.

[0010] The interconnection bridges according to the invention between the channels in the turning zone also make it possible to improve mechanical resistance because these interconnection bridges do not have an arrangement likely to weaken the connection between the plates, for example contrary to an arrangement following a continuous transverse line of the interconnection bridges.

[0011] Furthermore, the plates of the thermal regulation device may have undergone manufacturing dispersions and the interconnection bridges according to the invention in the reversing zone make it possible to compensate for the effects of these deviations.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, in the case where the two interconnecting bridges are connected to a common channel, at two connection points which are distant from each other, the distance between these connection points is at least 10 mm.

[0013] In other words, the two connection points are offset from each other in the direction of fluid flow. Thus, the interconnecting bridges arrive on the same channel, without being opposite each other.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, in at least one of the passes, the channels are organized into groups of at least two channels and the channels of each group join respectively on one of the channels of the reversing zone.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of channels in the upstream pass is greater than the number of channels in the following turning zone.

[0016] In other words, the number of channels decreases between the upstream pass and the subsequent turning zone.

[0017] For example, there is a transition from two channels in the upstream pass to a single channel in the subsequent turning zone. In other words, each pair of channels in the upstream pass becomes a single channel in the turning zone.

[0018] Thus there are fewer channels in the turning zone than in the upstream pass.

[0019] Limiting the number of channels in the reversing zone allows for better balancing in terms of cooling the components to be cooled that are placed on the top plate. Indeed, the pressure drop is a function of the cross-sectional area, and therefore, the number of channels in the reversing zone is adjusted to limit the pressure drop in the reversing zone.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the interconnection bridges are positioned in a central area of ​​the turning area.

[0021] This allows for a good balance between the upstream and downstream passes.

[0022] Alternatively, the interconnection bridges are positioned closer to the pass upstream than the downstream pass.

[0023] Alternatively, the interconnection bridges are positioned closer to the downstream pass than to the upstream pass.

[0024] A combination of the aforementioned positions is possible for the plurality of interconnection bridges in the reversing zone.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, only some of the reversing zones of the thermal regulation device are provided with interconnection bridges between the channels of the reversing zone.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, all the reversing zones of the thermal regulation device are provided with interconnection bridges between the channels of the reversing zone.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, all channels in the reversing zone are connected with interconnecting bridges.

[0028] It is advantageous to rebalance the flow rates in the different channels in the reversing zone and this for all reversing zones.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, only some of the channels in the reversing zone are connected to an interconnecting bridge and other channels in the reversing zone cross the reversing zone without being connected to a channel adjacent to the reversing zone.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, when several interconnecting bridges are connected to common channels, at two connection points which are distant from each other, the interconnecting bridges between the channels are positioned in a staggered manner following the direction of the fluid flow in the reversing zone.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the interconnection bridges are arranged substantially along an oblique geometric line which intersects the channels in the reversing zone.

[0032] This oblique geometric line makes an angle other than 90° with the channels. For example, the interconnection bridges are arranged in a stepped and progressive manner when moving from one channel to the next, in the reversing zone.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the interconnection bridges have an alternating arrangement along the direction of fluid flow, when moving from one interconnection bridge to the next.

[0034] The fact that the interconnecting bridges are not aligned on a transverse geometric line, i.e. perpendicular to the channels in the turning zone, allows good mechanical resistance to the pressure of the plates and therefore less risk of suffering deformations due to excessive pressure.

[0035] The tiered arrangement can be achieved with the first interconnecting bridge closer to the center of the pass.

[0036] Alternatively, the tiered arrangement can be made with the first interconnecting bridge closer to the outside of the pass.

[0037] Generally speaking, the first interconnection bridge can be chosen to correspond to the channel where the greatest pressure exists among the channels in the reversing zone.

[0038] In the case where at least two pairs of channels are formed by four distinct channels, and the two interconnection bridges are then separated from each other by the space between the two pairs of channels, the interconnection bridges are aligned on a common geometric line perpendicular to the channels of the turning zone, or at varying distances from such a line.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the interconnecting bridge extends perpendicularly to the channel to which it is connected.

[0040] Alternatively, the interconnecting bridge extends obliquely with respect to the channel to which it is connected, i.e. at an angle other than 90°.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the interconnecting bridge has a passage cross-section substantially equal to that of the channel it joins.

[0042] Alternatively, the passage section may be smaller than that of the channel it joins.

[0043] Preferably, the interconnection bridges are arranged outside the locations that receive the components to be cooled.

[0044] Of course, the interconnection bridges can, if necessary, be arranged under one or more component locations to be cooled.

[0045] It is advantageous to carry out the interconnection bridges in the turning area also because there are fewer channels and therefore a larger space between the channels to arrange the interconnection bridges.

[0046] The number of channels increases again when the arrival at the downstream pass.

[0047] Each channel in the reversing zone divides into two or more channels in the downstream channel.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the interconnecting bridges are formed with the channels by stamping.

[0049] The channels in a pass are preferably arranged perpendicular to the cells so that the cells are placed above several passes.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels in the turning area which are joined by the interconnecting bridges come from an identical number of channels from the upstream pass.

[0051] It is noted that the interconnecting bridge is configured so that when a pressure difference appears between the two joined channels, fluid can flow from one channel to the other to equalize the pressures between them. In the case of similar pressures, there is little or no flow in the interconnecting bridge between the two channels.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the thermal regulation device comprises four passes and three reversing zones between two successive passes. The channels define, for example, a double U flow, one of the U's being enveloped by the other U.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates have screw holes.

[0054] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0055] - Fig. 1 illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device thermal according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0056] - [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically and partially, the channel plate of the thermal regulation device of the [Fig.l];

[0057] - Figure 3 illustrates, schematically and partially, a detail of the channels in the turning zone of the thermal regulation device of the [Fig.2];

[0058] - Figure 4 illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device thermal according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0059] - Figure 5 illustrates, schematically and partially, a detail of the channels in the turning zone of the thermal regulation device of the [Fig.4];

[0060] - Figure 6 illustrates, schematically and partially, a regulation device thermal according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Figure [1] shows an assembly 100 comprising a set of battery cells 101 to be cooled (components 101 to be cooled), for example arranged in a plurality of parallel rows, and a thermal regulation device 1 arranged to cool the cells 101, which are in thermal contact with an upper plate of the cooling device 1, as explained below.

[0062] The thermal regulation device 1 comprises a flat upper plate 2 and a stamped lower plate 3 (shown separately in [Fig.2]) assembled with the upper plate 2 to together form a plurality of circulation channels 5 for a heat transfer fluid, in particular a refrigerant fluid (for example R1234yf), as more clearly seen in [Fig.2].

[0063] The direction of fluid flow in channels 5 is shown by arrows Fl and F2.

[0064] The channels 5 are supplied with fluid by a fluid inlet 7. A fluid outlet 8 is also provided. A flange 9 can be connected to this inlet 7 and this outlet 8 to provide connections with an external fluid circuit, which includes, among other things, a pump.

[0065] The plurality of channels 5 defines, successively according to the circulation of heat transfer fluid, an upstream pass PM in which the channels 5 are grouped together to allow a circulation of heat transfer fluid in a predetermined upstream direction Fl, a turning zone ZR, and a downstream pass PV in which the channels 5 are grouped together to allow a circulation of heat transfer fluid in a predetermined downstream direction F2 (which is here at 180° with respect to the predetermined upstream direction Fl).

[0066] The turning zone ZR includes 15 channels linking the 5 upstream PM channels to the 5 downstream PV channels.

[0067] The turning zone ZR further comprising at least two fluid interconnection bridges 16 each configured to interconnect two channels 15 of at least one pair of channels 15.

[0068] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the pairs of channels 15 in the reversing zone ZR share a common channel 15 (namely two pairs of channels 5 in the reversing zone ZR are formed by three distinct channels 5), and the two interconnecting bridges 16 are connected to this common channel 15, at two connection points 17 which are separated from each other by a non-zero distance DI in the direction of the length of the channel 15.

[0069] It is noted that the two interconnection bridges 16 are not in line with each other (or aligned), on either side of the common channel 15.

[0070] The interconnecting bridges 16 between the channels 15 in the reversing zone ZR allow the flow rates (and therefore the pressures) between these channels 15 to be rebalanced. In particular, the interconnecting bridges 16 introduced in the reversing zone ZR, corresponding for example to a U-shaped bend, where the refrigerant fluid passes from one pass to the next, allow the state of the refrigerant to be homogenized in each channel by interconnecting them locally, which improves the uniformity of the mass fraction of the refrigerant gas in each channel 15.

[0071] The interconnecting bridges 16 according to the invention between the channels 15 in the reversing zone ZR also make it possible to improve mechanical resistance because these interconnecting bridges 16 do not have an arrangement likely to weaken the connection between the plates, for example contrary to an arrangement following a continuous transverse line of the interconnecting bridges 16.

[0072] The distance DI between these connection points 17 is at least 10 mm.

[0073] In other words, the two connection points 17 are offset from each other in the direction of fluid flow. Thus, the interconnection bridges 16 arrive on the same channel 15, without being opposite each other.

[0074] In at least one of the passes, the channels 5 are organized into groups Gr of at least two channels 5 and the channels 5 of each group Gr join respectively on one of the channels 15 of the reversing zone ZR.

[0075] The number of channels 5 in the upstream PM pass is greater than the number of channels 15 in the subsequent ZR turning zone.

[0076] In other words, the number of channels decreases between the upstream pass PM and the subsequent turning zone ZR.

[0077] For example, we go from two channels 5 in the upstream PM pass to a single channel 15 in the subsequent ZR turning zone. In other words, each pair of channels 5 in the upstream PM pass becomes a single channel 15 in the ZR turning zone.

[0078] Thus there are fewer channels 15 in the turning zone ZR than in the upstream pass PM.

[0079] Limiting the number of channels 5 in the turning zone ZR allows for better balancing in terms of cooling of the components to be cooled placed on the upper plate 2. Indeed, the pressure drop is a function of the passage cross-section and, consequently, the number of channels 15 in the turning zone ZR is adapted to limit the pressure drop in the turning zone ZR.

[0080] Some at least of the interconnection bridges 16 are positioned in a central area of ​​the turning area ZR.

[0081] This allows a good balance between the upstream PM pass and the downstream PV pass.

[0082] Some at least of the interconnection bridges 16 are positioned closer to the upstream PM pass than to the downstream PV pass.

[0083] Alternatively, at least some of the interconnection bridges 16 are positioned closer to the downstream PV pass than to the upstream PM pass.

[0084] In the example described, only two of the reversing zones ZR of the thermal regulation device are provided with interconnection bridges 16 between the channels 15 of the reversing zone ZR.

[0085] In the example of figures 4 and 5, all the reversing zones ZR (of which there are 3, forming 3 U-shaped shapes) of the thermal regulation device are provided with interconnection bridges 16 between the channels 15 of the reversing zone ZR.

[0086] All channels 5 in the reversing zone ZR are connected with interconnecting bridges 16.

[0087] It is advantageous to rebalance the flow rates in the different channels 15 in the turning zone ZR and this for all turning zones ZR.

[0088] In an alternative (not illustrated), only some of the channels 15 in the turning zone ZR are connected to an interconnection bridge and other channels 15 in the turning zone ZR cross the turning zone ZR without being connected to a channel adjacent to the turning zone ZR.

[0089] The interconnection bridges 16 between the channels 15 are positioned in a staggered manner according to the direction of the fluid flow in the reversing zone ZR.

[0090] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.5], the interconnecting bridges 16 are arranged substantially along an oblique geometric line L1 which intersects the channels 15 in the reversing zone ZR.

[0091] This oblique geometric line L1 makes an angle other than 90° with the channels 5. For example, the interconnecting bridges 16 are arranged in a staggered manner and progressive when moving from one channel 15 to the next, in the turning zone ZR.

[0092] In another example illustrated in [Fig.2], the interconnecting bridges 16 have an alternating arrangement according to the direction of the fluid flow, when moving from one interconnecting bridge to the next.

[0093] The fact that the interconnecting bridges 16 are not aligned on a transverse geometric line, i.e. perpendicular to the channels 5 in the turning zone ZR, allows good mechanical resistance to the pressure of the plates and therefore less risk of suffering deformations due to excessive pressure.

[0094] Generally speaking, it can be chosen that the first interconnection bridge 16 corresponds to the channel where the greatest pressure exists among the channels 5 of the reversing zone ZR.

[0095] The interconnecting bridge 16 extends perpendicularly to the channel 16 to which it is connected.

[0096] In an alternative (not illustrated), the interconnecting bridge 16 extends obliquely with respect to the channel 15 to which it is connected, i.e. at an angle other than 90°.

[0097] The interconnecting bridge 16 has a passage cross-section substantially equal to that of the channel 15 which it joins, or the passage cross-section may be smaller than that of the channel 15 which it joins.

[0098] Preferably, the interconnection bridges 16 are arranged outside the locations that receive the components to be cooled.

[0099] Of course, the interconnection bridges 16 can, if necessary, be arranged under one or more component locations to be cooled.

[0100] The number of channels 5 increases again when the arrival on the downstream pass PV.

[0101] Each channel 15 of the reversing zone ZR divides into two or more of channels 5 in the downstream PV pass.

[0102] In the example described, the interconnecting bridges 16 are formed with the channels 5 by stamping.

[0103] The channels 5 in a pass are preferably arranged perpendicular to the battery cells so that the cells are placed over several passes.

[0104] The channels 15 in the turning zone ZR which are joined by the interconnection bridges 16 come from an identical number of channels 5 from the upstream pass PM.

[0105] In the example of [Fig. 2], the thermal regulation device 1 comprises four passes and three reversing zones ZR between two successive passes. The channels 5 define for example a double U flow, one of the U's being enveloped by the other U.

[0106] The plates have screw holes 29, and some channels 5 bypass these screw holes 29.

[0107] With reference to [Fig.6], another embodiment of the invention has been described, in which at least two pairs of channels 15 are formed by four distinct channels 15 in the reversing zone ZR, and the two interconnecting bridges 16 are then separated from each other by the space E between the two pairs of channels 15.

[0108] The interconnection bridges 16 are aligned on a common geometric line L2 perpendicular to the channels 15 of the reversing zone ZR.

[0109] As an alternative (not illustrated), the interconnection bridges 16 can be offset according to the direction of the channels 15.

Claims

Demands

1. Thermal control device (1), in particular for cooling, for at least one electrical component (101) capable of generating heat during its operation, in particular battery cells, this device comprising an upper plate (2) and a lower plate (3) assembled with the upper plate (2) to together form a plurality of circulation channels (5) for a heat transfer fluid, in particular a refrigerant, the plurality of channels (5) extending between a heat transfer fluid inlet (7) and a heat transfer fluid outlet (8), thermal control device (1) in which the plurality of channels (5) defines, successively following the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, an upstream pass (PM) in which the channels (5) are grouped to allow circulation of the heat transfer fluid in a predetermined upstream direction, a turning zone (ZR),and a downstream pass (PV) in which the channels (5) are grouped to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in a predetermined downstream direction, and the turning zone (ZR) comprising channels (15) connecting the upstream pass channels to the downstream pass (PV) channels, and two channels of at least one pair of channels being interconnected by two separate fluid interconnection bridges (16), thermal control device (1) in which: - at least two pairs of channels share a common channel (15), and the two interconnection bridges (16) are connected to this common channel (15), at two connection points which are separated from each other by a non-zero distance along the length of the channel, or - at least two pairs of channels (15) are formed by four separate channels, and the two interconnection bridges (16) are then separated from each other by the space between the two pairs of channels (15).

2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least two fluid interconnection bridges (16) are located in the reversing zone (ZR).

3. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the case where the two interconnection bridges (16) are connected to a common channel, at two connection points (17) which are distant from each other, the distance (Dl) between these connection points (17) is at least 10 mm.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in at least one of the passes, the channels (5) are arranged in groups of at least two channels and the channels of each group join respectively on one of the channels of the reversing zone (RZ).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interconnecting bridges (16) are positioned in a central area of ​​the turning zone (ZR).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all channels (15) in the reversing zone (RZ) are connected with interconnecting bridges (16).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interconnecting bridges (16) are arranged substantially along an oblique geometric line (Ll) which intersects the channels in the reversing zone (ZR), or the interconnecting bridges (16) have an alternating arrangement along the direction of fluid flow, when passing from one interconnecting bridge to the next.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, in the case where at least two pairs of channels (15) are formed by four separate channels, and the two interconnecting bridges (16) are then separated from each other by the space between the two pairs of channels (15), the interconnecting bridges (16) are aligned on a common geometric line perpendicular to the channels of the reversing zone (RZ), or at variable distances from such a line.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interconnecting bridge (16) extends perpendicularly to the channel (15) to which it is connected.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interconnecting bridge (16) has a passage cross-section substantially equal to that of the channel (15) which it joins, or the passage cross-section may be smaller than that of the channel which it joins.

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