Thermal regulation device, and charging device comprising a thermal regulation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal regulation device for components (5), the operation of which is sensitive to temperature, these components (5) being intended in particular for storing energy and possibly being battery cells, this thermal regulation device including a housing (9) forming at least two enclosures (3), each configured to receive one or more components (5) at least partially immersed in a dielectric fluid, a dielectric fluid circuit (4) passing through the enclosures (3), each enclosure being provided with a fluid inlet (6) and at least one, in particular a plurality of fluid outlets, the at least one fluid outlet (7) being provided with a check valve which is configured to prevent fluid from entering the enclosure (3) via the fluid outlet, in particular to prevent fluid from returning into the enclosure after being removed, or in particular to prevent air from entering the discharge duct.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device, and charging device comprising a thermal regulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device, particularly in the automotive field. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a device.

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

[0003] The invention finds an advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices for a power electronics device or module, i.e. comprising power electronic components. In operation, the temperature of such a power electronics device or module may rise, which risks damaging some of the power electronic components.

[0004] The invention also finds an advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices for an electrical energy storage device, such as a set of batteries or battery pack for a motor vehicle with an electric and / or hybrid engine. The electrical energy of vehicles with an electric and / or hybrid engine is supplied by one or more batteries. During their operation, the electrical energy storage elements such as the batteries are likely to heat up and thus risk being damaged. In particular, a charging technique, called rapid charging, consists of charging the energy storage elements under a high voltage and a high amperage, in a short time, in particular in a maximum time of around twenty minutes. This rapid charging involves significant heating of the electrical energy storage elements which must be treated.

[0005] In the field of motor vehicles, it is known to use a thermal regulation device, but only for cooling, for example, components for storing electrical energy, such as batteries. Such a device SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) thermal regulation makes it possible to modify the temperature of an electrical energy storage device, for example when starting the vehicle in hot weather, by increasing its temperature for example, or whether during driving or during a recharging operation of said system, by reducing the temperature of the battery elements, which tend to heat up during their use.

[0006] According to a known thermal regulation solution, in particular for the cooling of components, such as battery cells, a dielectric fluid is sprayed, generally in the form of a spray, directly onto the components, by means of a dielectric fluid circuit and orifices or nozzles for spraying the dielectric fluid. A heat exchange can then take place between the components and the dielectric fluid which comes into direct contact with a surface of the components.

[0007] Thermal regulation, such as cooling by spraying dielectric fluid, of components, for example vehicle batteries, can be effective for a so-called normal operating condition, for example for a predefined temperature range of the components to be thermally regulated.

[0008] However, outside of such so-called normal operating conditions, thermal regulation can be compromised. For example, when a vehicle has been parked at a very low temperature, for example negative, the viscosity of the dielectric fluid increases, which impacts the shape of the spray and the flow rate, which may no longer be suitable for good thermal regulation. Conversely, it may be necessary to quickly cool components, such as batteries, for example after parking in direct sunlight with a high external temperature, the thermal power to be evacuated may be very high and the flow rate requirement may increase, so that the thermal regulation of the components is no longer optimal.

[0009] Another known thermal regulation solution, particularly for cooling components such as battery cells, consists of immersing the batteries, either completely or partially, in a dielectric fluid. This has the advantage of allowing rapid and balanced cooling of the cells.

[0010] One of the disadvantages of these two solutions lies in the fact of using a fluid in a liquid state directly on the cells, in a forced circulation circuit with a pump. It is indeed necessary for the pump to be in contact with the fluid at all times to avoid damaging it and to maintain its efficiency. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)

[0011] However, when cooling batteries under certain conditions, such as car traffic, the volume of dielectric fluid may be subjected to random constraints (stones on the road, slope or climb, bends, etc.). These constraints can cause the fluid volume to move and cause the pump to suck in air, which can damage it. The risk of air being sucked in when tilted can thus cause suction to stop or the flow rate to decrease.

[0012] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a thermal regulation device allowing the fluid to circulate homogeneously and thus improving the thermal regulation of the elements to be cooled.

[0013] To this end, the subject of the invention is a thermal regulation device for components 5 whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells, in particular for vehicles, this thermal regulation device comprising a housing forming at least two enclosures, each configured to receive one or more components at least partially immersed in a dielectric fluid, a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosures, each enclosure being provided with a fluid inlet and at least one, in particular a plurality of fluid outlets, the at least one fluid outlet being provided with a non-return valve configured to prevent fluid from entering said enclosure through said fluid outlet, in particular to prevent fluid from returning to said enclosure after leaving it, or in particular air from entering the discharge duct.

[0014] Advantageously, the flow between the compartments allows a predetermined balance to be created between the total quantity of fluid sucked in and the quantity of fluid entering each compartment. This balance allows the necessary quantity of fluid to be preserved in each compartment so as not to suck in air. To ensure the correct direction of flow, the non-return valve is advantageously positioned at the outlet of the enclosure.

[0015] Otherwise, free circulation between the compartments causes liquid to accumulate on one side or the other of the battery pack when the vehicle is tilted. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)

[0016] In this case, the suction openings are devoid of liquid, which causes air to be sucked in by the pump, especially when the inclination occurs on the opposite side of the pump. The invention thus proposes to prevent flow between the compartments using a non-return valve. Thus, only flow towards the outlet is possible.

[0017] The regulating device may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0018] The various enclosures of the box are connected by their fluid outlet to a common evacuation manifold.

[0019] Advantageously, the non-return valves do not allow the passage of fluid between the different compartments of the battery, which makes it possible to isolate each enclosure from the common evacuation collector, which can therefore always be full.

[0020] The device comprises structural bars which pass through the housing in a sealed manner so as to each form a side wall to separate said housing into different enclosures.

[0021] Advantageously, this allows different enclosures to be formed with a minimum of parts, using the structural crosspieces as walls delimiting enclosures which can form groups of cells or modules.

[0022] Advantageously, said walls of the enclosures 3, in particular the crosspieces, can comprise distribution means, such as nozzles, forming the fluid inlets.

[0023] The box includes within it intermediate walls, each forming a side wall which separates the box into different enclosures.

[0024] Advantageously, this makes it possible to offer a simple production box offering several enclosures to integrate groups of cells or modules.

[0025] the device comprises a dielectric fluid circulation member 10, such as a pump configured to set the fluid of the dielectric fluid circuit in motion.

[0026] This dielectric fluid circulation member 10, such as a pump, is configured to suck up the fluid present in the common discharge collector 11 and circulate it in the dielectric fluid circuit and distribute it through the fluid inlets 6. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)

[0027] In some embodiments, the fluid inlet is formed by a tube having at least one orifice.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fluid inlet includes at least one nozzle configured to spray liquid onto the component.

[0029] Each enclosure comprises at least one overflow device in communication with a neighboring enclosure, the overflow device being configured to discharge the fluid when the volume in said enclosure exceeds a predetermined volume, the overflow device being in particular formed on a side wall of the enclosure.

[0030] The overflow device comprises a tube inserted into a side wall of the enclosure, and optionally further a closing means operable to form an overflow valve.

[0031] The fluid outlet from the enclosure is formed by an orifice positioned in a bottom wall of the enclosure.

[0032] Alternatively, the fluid outlet from the enclosure is formed by a vertical tube, the vertical tube comprising said non-return valve.

[0033] Advantageously, the non-return valves do not allow the passage of fluid between the different compartments of the battery, which makes it possible to isolate each part.

[0034] The check valve comprises a body fixed to a hollow column of the housing forming a fluid outlet cavity from the enclosure.

[0035] The non-return valve also includes a movable valve, in particular along the axis of the cavity.

[0036] The valve comprises a shutter, notably in the form of a disc, carried by a central rod connected to the body by elastically deformable spokes.

[0037] Thus the valve can take an open position and a closed position depending on the position of the shutter.

[0038] This valve is made of plastic, for example.

[0039] Energy storage system 1 comprising at least one thermal regulation device 2 according to one of the preceding claims, in the enclosures 3 of which battery cells 5 are placed, in particular for vehicles. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)

[0040] The invention may also relate to a battery pack comprising a plurality of energy storage cells and at least one thermal regulation device as defined previously.

[0041] Herein, a module may be an energy storage cell. Alternatively, a module may comprise multiple energy storage cells. A module may further be defined as a container or housing comprising one or more electronic and / or electrical components.

[0042] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0043] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation assembly comprising a thermal regulation device as proposed in the prior art.

[0044] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to the prior art according to different use cases.

[0045] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0046] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to the first embodiment of the invention according to an inclined use case.

[0047] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

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

[0049] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0050] In the description, certain elements can be indexed, for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such elements can easily be interchanged. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) names without departing from the scope of the present invention. This indexing also does not imply an order in time.

[0051] Figure 1 schematically represents an embodiment of the prior art of a thermal regulation assembly 1 which may be a battery pack 1, which may be intended to equip a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0052] The battery pack 1 comprises at least one thermal regulation device 2 described in more detail below.

[0053] The battery pack 1 may further comprise a component to be thermally regulated 5 such as an electrical storage component 5, comprising one or more electrical or electronic components whose temperature must be regulated, for example reduced.

[0054] The component to be thermally regulated 5 may comprise one or more modules, in particular electrical storage modules, comprising the electronic and / or electrical component(s). The thermal regulation device 2 may regulate the temperature of the module(s).

[0055] By way of non-limiting example, the thermal regulation assembly 1 may be a battery pack 1 comprising a plurality of energy storage cells, the temperature of which is regulated by the thermal regulation device 2.

[0056] Herein, a module may be an energy storage cell. Alternatively, a module may comprise multiple energy storage cells. A module may further be defined as a container or housing comprising one or more electronic and / or electrical components.

[0057] The component, in particular the electrical storage component 5, may comprise a housing, intended to receive the component(s) or module(s). The housing may, for example, be generally parallelepipedal in shape. It may optionally be intended to be closed by a cover (not shown).

[0058] The components or modules can be arranged in one row or in several rows within the internal volume of the housing. These rows are advantageously arranged parallel to each other. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)

[0059] One or more surfaces of a component or module are intended to be watered or immersed by the dielectric fluid. These surfaces may be flat or substantially flat.

[0060] Alternatively, a surface to be watered, such as the surface of a top face of a component or module, may be curved or convex, with the convexity oriented toward the outside of the component or module. The curvature of this surface to be watered facilitates flow of the dielectric fluid toward the surfaces of the side faces of the component or module that extend vertically.

[0061] For this purpose, it is also conceivable that the surface intended to be watered is inclined relative to a horizontal or vertical plane with reference to the orientation of the thermal regulation assembly 1 after final assembly. For example, for a surface to be watered on the upper face of a component or module, this surface may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane, or to the plane defined by the opposite lower face of the component or module, and in this case the upper face is not strictly perpendicular to the lateral faces of the component or module. For a surface to be watered on a lateral face of a component or module, this surface may be inclined relative to the vertical plane, and in this case the lateral face is not strictly perpendicular to the upper and lower faces of the component or module.

[0062] THERMAL REGULATION DEVICE

[0063] Figure 1 schematically represents an energy storage system 1, comprising a simplified thermal regulation device 1 comprising a fluid circuit 4 passing through an enclosure 3 comprising components 5 to be thermally regulated, the enclosure comprising fluid inlets 5 through which the fluid will come to water said components 5, and fluid outlets which come to recover the fluid from the enclosure. The circuit 4 comprises a circulation member 10, such as a pump for circulating the fluid in order to bring the fluid into contact with the components so as to regulate them thermally. The fluid circuit 4 is preferably connected to a heat exchange source, for example here an air conditioning system (AC system) which makes it possible to cool or heat said fluid.

[0064] Figure 2 schematically represents a thermal regulation device as known in the prior art, comprising a plurality of enclosures 3 each comprising at SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) at least one fluid inlet 6 and one fluid outlet 7. The different fluid outlets 7 are connected to a common discharge manifold 11.

[0065] When the device is tilted, for example when a vehicle equipped with it is traveling on an inclined plane, the volume of fluid, subject to gravity, will move to one of the sides of the device, as shown schematically in Figure 2. In the case where the volume of fluid is moved to the side opposite the pump, the latter is likely to suck in air and thus become blocked, damaged and / or no longer supply the device, resulting in poor thermal regulation.

[0066] Furthermore, since the volume of fluid can accumulate on one side of the housing 9, it is possible that some of the enclosures 3 empty while others fill, which would result in a significant imbalance between the different components to be regulated 5.

[0067] Figure 3 schematically represents an embodiment of the invention which solves this problem by proposing non-return valves 8, for example non-return valves, ideally at the level of the fluid outlets 7 of the enclosures 3.

[0068] The flow between the compartments allows a pre-studied balance to be created between the total quantity of fluid sucked in, and the quantity of fluid entering each compartment q (roughly equal). This balance allows the quantity of fluid necessary to be preserved in each compartment so as not to suck in air.

[0069] Thus, advantageously, when the housing 9 is inclined, the non-return valves 8 prevent the fluid from flowing back into the enclosure after having left it. In other words, the valves 8 prevent the fluid present in the common discharge collector 11 from returning to the enclosure. On the contrary, it is thus forced to only exit in one direction, towards the pump.

[0070] This advantageously allows said common discharge collector 11 to always be full and thus to allow the pump to always be supplied with sufficient fluid to operate normally without sucking up the fluid.

[0071] Furthermore, keeping said common evacuation collector full makes it possible to maintain a certain volume of fluid in each enclosure 3, which advantageously makes it possible to better balance the thermal regulation and therefore the reliability of the complete system.

[0072] In Figures 3 and 4, there is further shown, by way of example and in no way limiting, an embodiment in which each enclosure 3 comprises an overflow device SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) full 12 which makes it possible to balance the volume of fluid of an enclosure 3 with respect to a neighboring enclosure 3. Thus, the device 12, arranged at a predetermined height H, makes it possible to ensure a maximum volume of fluid beyond which the fluid will pass into the neighboring enclosure(s). The minimum height h of the volume of fluid is determined so as to avoid sucking air at the suction mouth despite a certain degree of inclination.

[0073] Similarly, when the device is tilted, the fluid can pass from one enclosure 3 to a neighboring enclosure 3 thanks to the overflow device 12. The overflows are thus intended to prevent the enclosures from overflowing due to an imbalance in the flow rate of the nozzles or an imbalance in the suction.

[0074] In another alternative embodiment, the thermal regulation device does not include an overflow device, the volume being kept constant by optimizing the flow rate and by the presence of the non-return valves 8.

[0075] It is further possible to envisage that at least one enclosure 3 has an overflow valve which communicates with an auxiliary evacuation or reserve chamber, which communicates with the supply duct. Thus, the volumes are balanced even in the event of inclination without creating too much volume on one side of the housing 9.

[0076] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment in which the fluid outlets 7 are formed by vertical tubes sucking the fluid upwards, in particular against the force of gravity. The vertical tubes are connected to the common discharge manifold 11, the vertical tubes each comprising a non-return valve 8 to prevent the fluid from flowing back into the enclosure from the common discharge manifold 11.

[0077] Dielectric fluid circuit

[0078] The dielectric fluid circuit 4 may optionally comprise at least one dielectric fluid circulation member 10, such as a pump. The flow of the dielectric fluid in the circuit 4 may be controlled via this member such as a pump 10. A storage tank for the dielectric fluid may also be provided.

[0079] In the case of a projected dielectric fluid, particularly in the liquid phase, the dielectric fluid can be re-aspirated by a pump for example and be driven towards an exchanger to cool it before being reintroduced into the dielectric fluid circuit 4 for the thermal regulation of the components or modules 5. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)

[0080] The dielectric fluid circuit 4 may comprise one or more supply lines. A supply line may fluidically connect several fluid inlets 6, for example nozzles. In other words, it is shaped to direct the dielectric fluid to each of the inlets 6.

[0081] According to a particular embodiment not shown, a supply line can be produced by assembling two half-shells delimiting an internal channel for supplying the inlets 6. At least one or both half-shells can be made of a plastic material. The two half-shells can optionally be assembled by overmolding, gluing or even by ultrasonic welding.

[0082] Furthermore, the conduit or at least one of the supply conduits may be arranged so as to extend at least partly opposite a row of components or modules 5, in particular above a row of components or modules 5.

[0083] In the case of a fluid inlet 6 comprising nozzles, these each comprise one or more orifices for projecting the dielectric fluid. The projection orifices may optionally be produced by projection slots. SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) LEGEND 1. Energy storage system, Battery pack 2. Thermal regulation device 3. Pregnant 4. Dielectric fluid circuit 5. Electronic storage component, to be thermally regulated 6. Fluid inlet 7. Fluid outlet 8. Check valve 9. Case 10. Dielectric fluid circulation device, such as a pump 11. Common drain collector 12. Overflow valve F. Fluid SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Description Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device, and charging device comprising a thermal regulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device, in particular in the automotive field. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a device.

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

[0003] The invention finds an advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices for a power electronics device or module, i.e. comprising power electronic components. In operation, the temperature of such a power electronics device or module may rise, which risks damaging some of the power electronic components.

[0004] The invention also finds an advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices for an electrical energy storage device, such as a set of batteries or battery pack for an electric and / or hybrid motor vehicle. The electrical energy of electric and / or hybrid motor vehicles is supplied by one or more batteries. During their operation, the electrical energy storage elements such as the batteries are likely to heat up and thus risk being damaged. In particular, a charging technique, called rapid charging, consists of charging the energy storage elements under a high voltage and a high amperage, in a short time, in particular in a maximum time of about twenty minutes. This rapid charging involves significant heating of the electrical energy storage elements which must be treated.

[0005] In the field of motor vehicles, it is known to use a thermal regulation device, but only for the cooling of components, for example for storing electrical energy, such as batteries. Such a device thermal regulation makes it possible to modify the temperature of an electrical energy storage device, for example when starting the vehicle in hot weather, by increasing its temperature for example, or whether during driving or during a recharging operation of said system, by reducing the temperature of the battery elements, which tend to heat up during their use.

[0006] According to a known thermal regulation solution, in particular for the cooling of components, such as battery elements, a dielectric fluid is sprayed, generally in the form of a spray, directly onto the components, by means of a dielectric fluid circuit and orifices or nozzles for spraying the dielectric fluid. A heat exchange can then take place between the components and the dielectric fluid which comes into direct contact with a surface of the components.

[0007] Thermal regulation, such as cooling by spraying the dielectric fluid, of components, for example vehicle batteries, can be effective for a so-called normal condition of use, for example for a predefined temperature range of the components to be thermally regulated.

[0008] However, outside of such so-called normal conditions of use, thermal regulation may be compromised. For example, when a vehicle has been parked at a very low temperature, for example negative, the viscosity of the dielectric fluid increases, which impacts the shape of the spray and the flow rate, which may no longer be suitable for good thermal regulation. Conversely, it may be necessary to quickly cool the components, such as batteries, for example after parking in direct sunlight with a high external temperature, the thermal power to be evacuated may be very high and the need in terms of flow rate may increase, so that the thermal regulation of the components is no longer optimal.

[0009] Another known thermal regulation solution, in particular for the cooling of components, such as battery elements, consists of the total or partial immersion of the batteries in a dielectric fluid. This has the advantage of allowing rapid and balanced cooling of the cells.

[0010] One of the disadvantages of these two solutions lies in the fact of using a fluid in the liquid state directly on the cells, in a forced circulation circuit with a pump. It is indeed necessary that the pump is in contact with fluid at all times to avoid damaging it and to maintain its efficiency.

[0011] However, when cooling batteries under certain conditions, such as for example the movement of the car, the volume of dielectric fluid may be subjected to random constraints (stones on the road, slope or climb, bends, etc.). These constraints can cause the volume of fluid to move and cause the pump to suck in air, which can have the effect of damaging it. The risk of sucking in air in the event of a tilt can thus cause the suction to stop or a reduction in the flow rate.

[0012] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a thermal regulation device allowing the fluid to circulate homogeneously and thus improving the thermal regulation of the elements to be cooled.

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a thermal regulation device for components 5 whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and being able to be battery cells, in particular for vehicles, this thermal regulation device comprising a housing forming at least two enclosures, each configured to receive one or more components at least partially immersed in a dielectric fluid, a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosures, each enclosure being provided with a fluid inlet and at least one, in particular a plurality of fluid outlets, at least one fluid outlet being provided with a non-return valve configured to prevent fluid from entering said enclosure through said fluid outlet, in particular to prevent fluid from returning to said enclosure after leaving it, or in particular air from entering the discharge duct.

[0014] Advantageously, the flow between the compartments makes it possible to create a predetermined balance between the total quantity of fluid sucked in and the quantity of fluid entering each compartment. This balance makes it possible to preserve in each compartment the quantity of fluid necessary to avoid sucking in air. To ensure the correct direction of flow, the non-return valve is advantageously positioned at the outlet of the enclosure.

[0015] Indeed, otherwise, free circulation between the compartments causes an accumulation of liquid on one side or the other of the battery pack when the vehicle is tilted.

[0016] In this case, the suction openings are devoid of liquid, which causes air to be sucked in by the pump, particularly when the inclination occurs on the opposite side of the pump. The invention thus proposes to prevent flow between the compartments using a non-return valve. Thus, only flow towards the outlet is possible.

[0017] The regulating device may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0018] The various enclosures of the housing are connected by their fluid outlet to a common evacuation collector.

[0019] Advantageously, the non-return valves do not allow the fluid to pass between the different compartments of the battery, which makes it possible to isolate each enclosure from the common evacuation collector, which can thus always be full.

[0020] The device comprises structural bars which pass through the housing in a sealed manner so as to each form a side wall to separate said housing into different enclosures.

[0021] Advantageously, this makes it possible to form different enclosures with a minimum of parts, using the structural crosspieces as walls delimiting enclosures which can form groups of cells or modules.

[0022] Advantageously, said walls of the enclosures 3, in particular the crosspieces, may comprise distribution means, such as nozzles, forming the fluid inlets.

[0023] The housing comprises within it intermediate walls each forming a side wall which separates the housing into different enclosures.

[0024] Advantageously, this makes it possible to propose a simple-to-produce box offering several enclosures for integrating groups of cells or modules.

[0025] the device comprises a member for circulating the dielectric fluid 10, such as a pump configured to set the fluid of the dielectric fluid circuit in motion.

[0026] This dielectric fluid circulation member 10, such as a pump, is configured to suck up the fluid present in the common evacuation collector 11 and circulate it in the dielectric fluid circuit and distribute it via the fluid inlets 6.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fluid inlet is formed by a tube provided with at least one orifice.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fluid inlet includes at least one nozzle configured to spray liquid onto the component.

[0029] Each enclosure comprises at least one overflow device in communication with a neighboring enclosure, the overflow device being configured to evacuate the fluid when the volume in said enclosure exceeds a predetermined volume, the overflow device being in particular formed on a side wall of the enclosure.

[0030] The overflow device comprises a tube inserted into a side wall of the enclosure, and optionally further a closing means operable to form an overflow valve.

[0031] The fluid outlet from the enclosure is formed by an orifice positioned in a bottom wall of the enclosure.

[0032] Alternatively, the fluid outlet from the enclosure is formed by a vertical tube, the vertical tube comprising said non-return valve.

[0033] Advantageously, the non-return valves do not allow the passage of fluid between the different compartments of the battery, which makes it possible to isolate each part.

[0034] The non-return valve comprises a body fixed to a hollow column of the housing forming a fluid outlet cavity from the enclosure.

[0035] The non-return valve further comprises a movable valve, in particular along the axis of the cavity.

[0036] The valve comprises a shutter, in particular in the form of a disc, carried by a central rod connected to the body by elastically deformable spokes.

[0037] Thus the valve can take an open position and a closed position depending on the position of the shutter.

[0038] This valve is for example made of plastic.

[0039] Energy storage system 1 comprising at least one thermal regulation device 2 as described previously, in the enclosures 3 of which are placed battery cells 5, in particular for vehicles.

[0040] The invention may also relate to a battery pack comprising a plurality of energy storage cells and at least one thermal regulation device as defined previously.

[0041] Herein, a module may be an energy storage cell. Alternatively, a module may comprise several energy storage cells. A module may further be defined as a container or housing comprising one or more electronic and / or electrical components.

[0042] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0043] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation assembly comprising a thermal regulation device as proposed in the prior art.

[0044] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to the prior art according to different use cases (2A, 2B, 2C).

[0045] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0046] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to the first embodiment of the invention according to an inclined use case.

[0047] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to a second embodiment of the invention according to an inclined use case.

[0048] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0049] In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers.

[0050] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0051] In the description, certain elements may be indexed, for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such names can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention. This indexing also does not imply an order in time.

[0052] Figure 1 schematically represents an embodiment of the prior art of a thermal regulation assembly 1 which may be a battery pack 1, which may be intended to equip a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0053] The battery pack 1 comprises at least one thermal regulation device 2 described in more detail below.

[0054] The battery pack 1 may further comprise a component to be thermally regulated 5 such as an electrical storage component 5, comprising one or more electrical or electronic components whose temperature must be regulated, for example reduced.

[0055] The component to be thermally regulated 5 may comprise one or more modules, in particular electrical storage modules, comprising the electronic and / or electrical component(s). The thermal regulation device 2 may regulate the temperature of the module(s).

[0056] By way of non-limiting example, the thermal regulation assembly 1 may be a battery pack 1 comprising a plurality of energy storage cells, the temperature of which is regulated by the thermal regulation device 2.

[0057] Herein, a module may be an energy storage cell. Alternatively, a module may comprise several energy storage cells. A module may further be defined as a container or housing comprising one or more electronic and / or electrical components.

[0058] The component, in particular the electrical storage component 5, may comprise a housing, intended to receive the component(s) or module(s). The housing may, for example, be of generally parallelepipedal shape. It may optionally be intended to be closed by a cover (not shown).

[0059] The components or modules may be arranged in one row or in several rows within the internal volume of the housing. These rows are advantageously arranged parallel to each other.

[0060] One or more surfaces of a component or module are intended to be watered or immersed by the dielectric fluid. These surfaces may be flat or substantially flat.

[0061] Alternatively, a surface to be watered, such as the surface of an upper face of a component or module, may be curved or convex, with convexity oriented towards the outside of the component or module. The curvature of this surface to be watered makes it possible to facilitate a flow of the dielectric fluid towards the surfaces of the side faces of the component or module which extend vertically.

[0062] For this purpose, it is also conceivable that the surface intended to be watered is inclined relative to a horizontal or vertical plane with reference to the orientation of the thermal regulation assembly 1 after final assembly. For example, for a surface to be watered on the upper face of a component or module, this surface may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane, or to the plane defined by the opposite lower face of the component or module, and in this case the upper face is not strictly perpendicular to the lateral faces of the component or module. For a surface to be watered on a lateral face of a component or module, this surface may be inclined relative to the vertical plane, and in this case the lateral face is not strictly perpendicular to the upper and lower faces of the component or module.

[0063] THERMAL REGULATION DEVICE

[0064] Figure 1 schematically represents an energy storage system 1, comprising a simplified thermal regulation device 1 comprising a fluid circuit 4 passing through an enclosure 3 comprising components 5 to be thermally regulated, the enclosure comprising fluid inlets 5 through which the fluid will come to water said components 5, and fluid outlets which come to recover the fluid from the enclosure. The circuit 4 comprises a circulation member 10, such as a pump for circulating the fluid in order to bring the fluid into contact with the components so as to regulate them thermally. The fluid circuit 4 is preferably connected to a heat exchange source, for example here an air conditioning system (AC system) which makes it possible to cool or heat said fluid.

[0065] Figure 2 schematically represents a thermal regulation device as known in the prior art, comprising a plurality of enclosures 3 each comprising at least one fluid inlet 6 and one fluid outlet 7. The different fluid outlets 7 are connected to a common evacuation collector 11.

[0066] When the device is tilted, for example when a vehicle equipped with it is traveling on an inclined plane, the volume of fluid, subject to gravity, will move to one of the sides of the device, as shown schematically in Figures 2A and 2B. In the case of Figure 2B, the volume of fluid is moved to the side opposite the pump, so that the latter is likely to suck in air and thus become blocked, damaged and / or no longer supply the device, resulting in poor thermal regulation.

[0067] Furthermore, since the volume of fluid can accumulate on one side of the housing 9, it is possible that some of the enclosures 3 empty while others fill, which would result in a significant imbalance between the different components to be regulated 5.

[0068] Figure 3 schematically represents an embodiment of the invention which solves this problem by proposing non-return valves 8, for example non-return valves, ideally at the level of the fluid outlets 7 of the enclosures 3.

[0069] The flow between the compartments makes it possible to create a pre-studied balance between the total quantity of fluid sucked in, and the quantity of fluid entering each compartment q (substantially equal). This balance makes it possible to preserve in each compartment the quantity of fluid necessary to avoid sucking in air.

[0070] Thus, advantageously, when the housing 9 is inclined, the non-return valves 8 prevent the fluid from flowing back into the enclosure after having left it. In other words, the valves 8 prevent the fluid present in the common discharge collector 11 from returning to the enclosure. On the contrary, it is thus forced to only exit in one direction, towards the pump.

[0071] This advantageously allows said common discharge collector 11 to always be full and thus to allow the pump to always be supplied with sufficient fluid to operate normally without sucking up the fluid.

[0072] Furthermore, keeping said common evacuation collector full makes it possible to maintain a certain volume of fluid in each enclosure 3, which advantageously makes it possible to better balance the thermal regulation and therefore the reliability of the complete system.

[0073] In Figures 3 and 4, there is further shown, by way of example and in no way limiting, an embodiment in which each enclosure 3 comprises an overflow device 12 which makes it possible to balance the volume of fluid of an enclosure 3 with respect to a neighboring enclosure 3. Thus, the device 12, arranged at a predetermined height H, makes it possible to ensure a maximum volume of fluid beyond which the fluid will pass into the neighboring enclosure(s). The minimum height h of the volume of fluid is determined so as to avoid sucking air at the suction mouth despite a certain degree of inclination.

[0074] Similarly, when the device is tilted, the fluid can pass from one enclosure 3 to a neighboring enclosure 3 thanks to the overflow device 12. The overflows are thus intended to prevent the enclosures from overflowing due to an imbalance in the flow rate of the nozzles or an imbalance in the suction.

[0075] In another alternative embodiment, the thermal regulation device does not include an overflow device, the volume being kept constant by optimizing the flow rate and by the presence of the non-return valves 8.

[0076] It is further possible to envisage that at least one enclosure 3 has an overflow valve which communicates with an auxiliary evacuation or reserve chamber, which communicates with the supply duct. Thus, the volumes are balanced even in the event of inclination without creating too much volume on one side of the housing 9.

[0077] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment in which the fluid outlets 7 are formed by vertical tubes sucking the fluid upwards, in particular against the force of gravity. The vertical tubes are connected to the common discharge manifold 11, the vertical tubes each comprising a non-return valve 8 to prevent the fluid from flowing back into the enclosure from the common discharge manifold 11.

[0078] Dielectric fluid circuit

[0079] The dielectric fluid circuit 4 may optionally comprise at least one member for circulating the dielectric fluid 10, such as a pump. The flow of the dielectric fluid in the circuit 4 may be controlled via this member such as a pump 10. A storage tank for the dielectric fluid may also be provided.

[0080] In the case of a projected dielectric fluid, in particular in the liquid phase, the dielectric fluid can be re-aspirated by a pump for example and be driven towards an exchanger to cool it before being reintroduced into the dielectric fluid circuit 4 for the thermal regulation of the components or modules 5.

[0081] The dielectric fluid circuit 4 may comprise one or more supply lines. A supply line may fluidically connect several fluid inlets 6, for example nozzles. In other words, it is shaped to direct the dielectric fluid to each of the inlets 6.

[0082] According to a particular embodiment not shown, a supply pipe can be produced by assembling two half-shells delimiting an internal channel for supplying the inlets 6. At least one or both half-shells can be made of a plastic material. The two half-shells can optionally be assembled by overmolding, gluing or even by ultrasonic welding.

[0083] Furthermore, the conduit or at least one of the supply conduits may be arranged so as to extend at least partly opposite a row of components or modules 5, in particular above a row of components or modules 5.

[0084] In the case of a fluid inlet 6 comprising nozzles, these each comprise one or more orifices for projecting the dielectric fluid. The projection orifices may optionally be produced by projection slots. LEGEND 1. Energy storage system, Battery pack 2. Thermal regulation device 3. Pregnant 4. Dielectric fluid circuit 5. Electronic storage component, to be thermally regulated 6. Fluid inlet 7. Fluid outlet 8. Check valve 9. Case 10. Dielectric fluid circulation device, such as a pump 11. Common drain collector 12. Overflow valve F. Fluid

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal regulation device 2 for components 5 whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components 5 being in particular intended for energy storage and being able to be battery cells, in particular for vehicles, this thermal regulation device 2 comprising: - a housing 9 forming at least two enclosures 3, each configured to receive one or more components 5 at least partially immersed in a dielectric fluid, - a dielectric fluid circuit 4 passing through the enclosures 3, each enclosure being provided with a fluid inlet 6 and at least one, in particular a plurality of fluid outlets 7, the at least one fluid outlet 7 being provided with a non-return valve 8 configured to prevent fluid from entering said enclosure 3 via said fluid outlet 7, in particular to prevent fluid from returning to said enclosure after leaving it, or in particular air from entering the discharge conduit.

2. Thermal regulation device 2 according to the preceding claim, in which the different enclosures 3 of the housing 9 are connected by their fluid outlet 7 to a common evacuation collector 11.

3. Thermal regulation device 2 according to one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises structural bars which pass through the housing in a sealed manner so as to each form a side wall to separate said housing into different enclosures.

4. Thermal regulation device 2 according to one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises a member for circulating the dielectric fluid 10, such as a pump configured to set the fluid of the dielectric fluid circuit 4 in motion.

5. Thermal regulation device 2 according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid inlet 6 comprises at least one nozzle configured to spray the liquid onto the component 5.

6. Thermal regulation device 2 according to one of the preceding claims, in which each enclosure 3 comprises at least one overflow device 12 in communication with a neighboring enclosure 3, the overflow device 12 being configured to evacuate the fluid 3 when the volume in said enclosure 3 exceeds a predetermined volume, the overflow device 12 being in particular formed on a side wall of the enclosure 3.

7. Thermal regulation device 2 according to the preceding claim, in which the overflow device comprises a tube inserted in a side wall of the enclosure 3, and optionally furthermore a closing means operable to form an overflow valve.

8. Thermal regulation device 2 according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid outlet 7 of the enclosure 3 is formed by an orifice positioned in a bottom wall of the enclosure.

9. Thermal regulation device 2 according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the fluid outlet 7 of the enclosure is formed by a vertical tube, the vertical tube comprising said non-return valve 8.

10. Energy storage system 1 comprising at least one thermal regulation device 2 according to one of the preceding claims, in the enclosures 3 of which battery cells 5 are placed, in particular for vehicles.

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