Temperature-control system and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature-control system (4) for controlling the temperature of a battery (3) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising - a main cooling circuit (6) in which a first temperature-control medium (10) circulates, the main cooling circuit being coupled to the battery (3) of the motor vehicle (1) so as to transfer heat and having a main radiator (13) for transferring heat between the first temperature-control medium (10) and ambient air (14), and - an additional cooling circuit (7) in which a second temperature-control medium (17) circulates, the additional cooling circuit having an additional radiator (19) for transferring heat between the second temperature-control medium (17) and the ambient air (14). Improved operational reliability can be achieved by virtue of - a first refrigerating circuit (8) in which a first refrigerant (20) circulates and which couples the main cooling circuit (6) to the additional cooling circuit (7) so as to transfer heat and - a second refrigerating circuit (9) in which a second refrigerant (21) circulates and which couples the main cooling circuit (6) to the additional cooling circuit (7) so as to transfer heat, - the first refrigerating circuit (8) and the second refrigerating circuit (9) each being connected in parallel to the main cooling circuit (6) and to the additional cooling circuit (7).

Description

[0001] Temperature control system and motor vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a temperature control system for maintaining the temperature of a battery in a motor vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, equipped with such a temperature control system.

[0003] High-performance vehicles, such as off-road utility vehicles and rail vehicles, can be equipped with an electric traction drive. For electrical power, these vehicles can be equipped with a traction battery and, optionally, a fuel cell system. Rail vehicles with electric traction drives and traction batteries can be used, for example, in non-electrified sections of the rail network.

[0004] The battery of such a vehicle must be temperature-controlled to achieve the highest possible efficiency and lifespan. Cooling the battery is necessary for most operating conditions. However, in some operating conditions, warming or heating the battery may also be required. A temperature control system of the type described above is used to regulate the battery temperature, allowing heat to be supplied to or removed from the battery as needed.

[0005] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least a different embodiment for a temperature control system of the aforementioned type or for a motor vehicle equipped therewith, which is characterized in particular by efficient heat transfer, preferably by efficient cooling, and in particular by achieving a high level of reliability or operational safety for the motor vehicle equipped therewith.

[0006] Furthermore, a cost-effective design is being sought.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention is based on the general concept of equipping the temperature control system with a main cooling circuit, which is heat-transferred coupled to the battery, and an auxiliary cooling circuit, which can in particular be heat-transferred coupled to at least one component of the vehicle, as well as with two refrigeration circuits that heat-transferred the main cooling circuit to the auxiliary cooling circuit. The two refrigeration circuits are arranged redundantly to each other and are connected in parallel to both the main cooling circuit and the auxiliary cooling circuit. By coupling the main cooling circuit and the auxiliary cooling circuit via the two refrigeration circuits, the cooling capacity of the main cooling circuit can be improved for battery cooling operation by using a portion of the cooling capacity of the auxiliary cooling circuit. This makes the temperature control system particularly efficient.By providing two redundant refrigeration circuits, the temperature control system can still operate at reduced capacity even if one of the circuits fails. This ensures that the vehicle remains operational even if one of the two refrigeration circuits fails. This is particularly important for rail vehicles, so that the vehicle can still be driven out of a tunnel or off a bridge, for example, even if one of the two refrigeration circuits fails. Specifically, the rail vehicle can then still travel to a station even with reduced cooling capacity.

[0009] The use of two redundant refrigeration circuits also makes it possible to design each circuit for half the power and thus be comparatively small. This makes it possible, in particular, to use components that are employed in smaller vehicles and are therefore comparatively inexpensive.

[0010] Specifically, the invention proposes a temperature control system comprising a main cooling circuit, an auxiliary cooling circuit, a first refrigeration circuit, and a second refrigeration circuit. A first temperature control medium circulates in the main cooling circuit. The main cooling circuit is heat-transferred coupled to the vehicle's battery and includes a main radiator for heat transfer between the first temperature control medium and the ambient air. A second temperature control medium circulates in the auxiliary cooling circuit; this medium may be identical to or different from the first temperature control medium. The auxiliary cooling circuit primarily serves to assist heat dissipation from the first temperature control medium of the main cooling circuit and includes an auxiliary radiator for heat transfer between the second temperature control medium and the ambient air. Optionally, the auxiliary cooling circuit can be heat-transferred coupled to at least one component of the vehicle.For example, the auxiliary cooling circuit can be heat-transferred coupled to a drive unit and / or to the power electronics of the vehicle to cool the respective component. A first refrigerant circulates in the first cooling circuit. The first cooling circuit couples the main cooling circuit to the auxiliary cooling circuit for heat transfer. A second refrigerant circulates in the second cooling circuit; this refrigerant can be identical to or different from the first refrigerant. The second cooling circuit also serves for heat transfer coupling between the main cooling circuit and the auxiliary cooling circuit. According to the invention, the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit are connected in parallel with the main cooling circuit with respect to the first refrigerant and with the auxiliary cooling circuit with respect to the second refrigerant.The parallel connection of the two refrigeration circuits with the main cooling circuit and with the auxiliary cooling circuit results in the first temperature control medium circulating in the main cooling circuit being routed in parallel to the two refrigeration circuits and the second temperature control medium circulating in the auxiliary cooling circuit being routed in parallel to the two refrigeration circuits.

[0011] A liquid is suitable as the temperature control medium, as it is and remains liquid under all operating conditions of the respective cooling circuit. A two-phase mixture is suitable as the refrigerant, as it can switch between a liquid and a gaseous phase during operation, making the cooling circuit particularly efficient.

[0012] The temperature control system is conveniently configured so that the main cooling circuit operates at a lower temperature than the auxiliary cooling circuit. Using the cooling circuits, it is then still possible to extract heat from the colder main cooling circuit and transfer it to the warmer auxiliary cooling circuit, thus cooling the cooler primary cooling medium with the help of the warmer secondary cooling medium.

[0013] In the present context, a "configuration" is synonymous with a "design" and / or "setup" and / or "programming", so that the phrase "configured so that" is synonymous with the phrase "designed and / or set up and / or programmed so that".

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first refrigeration circuit may include at least one first chiller, i.e., a heat exchanger designed as an evaporator, which heat-transfers the first refrigerant to the first temperature control medium. Two or more first chillers may also be connected in parallel to the main refrigeration circuit. Furthermore, the second refrigeration circuit may include at least one second chiller, also connected in the main refrigeration circuit, which likewise represents a heat exchanger designed as an evaporator and heat-transfers the second refrigerant to the first temperature control medium. Two or more second chillers may also be connected in parallel to the main refrigeration circuit. This configuration results in particularly efficient operation of each refrigeration circuit.In each chiller, the respective refrigerant can evaporate, thereby absorbing heat of vaporization and thus extracting heat from the first temperature control medium and cooling it.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the first refrigeration circuit may include a first condenser integrated into the auxiliary cooling circuit, i.e., a heat exchanger designed as a condenser, which heat-transfers the first refrigerant to the second temperature control medium. Furthermore, the second refrigeration circuit may include a second condenser integrated into the auxiliary cooling circuit, i.e., also a heat exchanger designed as a condenser, which heat-transfers the second refrigerant to the second temperature control medium. By using such a condenser in each refrigeration circuit, the respective refrigeration circuit operates with high efficiency. In each condenser, the respective refrigerant can condense, thereby releasing heat of condensation and supplying heat to the second temperature control medium.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first refrigeration circuit may include a first compressor for driving the first refrigerant, arranged between the first chiller and the first condenser upstream of the first condenser, and a first expansion valve, arranged between the first condenser and the first chiller upstream of the first chiller. Furthermore, the second refrigeration circuit may include a second compressor for driving the second refrigerant, arranged between the second chiller and the second condenser upstream of the second condenser, and a second expansion valve, arranged between the second condenser and the second chiller upstream of the second chiller.Using the respective compressor and expansion valve, condensation and thus heat release of the refrigerant can be achieved in the respective condenser during operation of the respective refrigeration circuit, while in the respective chiller, high heat absorption by the refrigerant is possible through evaporation. Ultimately, this allows heat to be transferred, or "pumped," from the colder first temperature control fluid to the warmer second temperature control fluid.

[0017] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the first refrigeration circuit is configured to operate in a cooling mode, in which it extracts heat from the main cooling circuit and transfers it to the auxiliary heating circuit, and in a heating mode, in which it extracts heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit and transfers it to the main cooling circuit. Similarly, the second refrigeration circuit can be configured to operate in a cooling mode, in which it extracts heat from the main cooling circuit and transfers it to the auxiliary heating circuit, and in a heating mode, in which it extracts heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit and transfers it to the main cooling circuit. This allows the cooling capacity of the main cooling circuit to be improved in both normal operation and cooling modes by transferring heat from the main cooling circuit to the auxiliary cooling circuit.On the other hand, in heating mode, the two refrigeration circuits can be used to heat the first temperature control fluid, transferring heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit to the main cooling circuit. This allows heat to be supplied to the battery when needed. In particular, with this design of the refrigeration circuits, an additional heating device, especially an electric one, can be dispensed with to heat the first temperature control fluid.

[0018] To enable each refrigeration circuit to operate in such a heat pump mode, the respective compressor and expansion valve can be configured to be controllable. For the heating function of the two refrigeration circuits, the higher temperature level of the auxiliary cooling circuit compared to the main cooling circuit can also be used to transfer heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit to the main cooling circuit.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the main cooling circuit can have a main supply line that carries the first temperature control fluid from the main radiator to the battery, and a main return line that returns the first temperature control fluid from the battery to the main radiator. Furthermore, the main cooling circuit can have a first main coupling path that carries the first temperature control fluid from the main return line to the main supply line, bypassing the main radiator, and that is heat-transferred coupled to the first cooling circuit. Additionally, the main cooling circuit can have a second main coupling path that is parallel to the first main coupling path and through which the first temperature control fluid flows. This second path carries the first temperature control fluid from the main return line to the main supply line, bypassing the main radiator, and is heat-transferred coupled to the second cooling circuit. The two main coupling paths make it particularly easy to couple the two cooling circuits in parallel with the main cooling circuit.

[0020] It may be advantageous to provide that the aforementioned first chiller is integrated into the first main coupling path, while the aforementioned second chiller is integrated into the second main coupling path.

[0021] A further advantage is an embodiment in which the first main coupling path and the second main coupling path can be controlled by means of a control valve. This reduces the effort required to control the two main coupling paths. The control valve can regulate the flow of the first temperature control fluid through the main coupling paths, allowing the total flow of the first temperature control fluid in the main return line to be distributed between the main radiator and the two main coupling paths virtually arbitrarily and / or according to demand.

[0022] In another embodiment, the main cooling circuit can have a main bypass that directs the first temperature control fluid from the main return to the main supply, bypassing the main radiator. This bypass is controllable by means of a control valve and contains an electric heating element for heating the first temperature control fluid. This main bypass can be located in the main return upstream of the two main coupling paths and in the main return downstream of the two main coupling paths, thus requiring only a comparatively small thermal volume to be heated in the main cooling circuit to achieve battery heating.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, the auxiliary cooling circuit can have an auxiliary supply line that carries the second temperature control medium from the auxiliary radiator to at least one component of the vehicle, and an auxiliary return line that carries the temperature control medium from the at least one component of the vehicle to the auxiliary radiator. The auxiliary cooling circuit can also have a first auxiliary coupling path that carries the second temperature control medium from the auxiliary supply line to the auxiliary return line, bypassing the respective component of the vehicle, and that is heat-transferred coupled to the first cooling circuit. The auxiliary cooling circuit can also have a second auxiliary coupling path that is parallel to the first auxiliary coupling path and through which the second temperature control medium flows, bypassing the respective component of the vehicle, from the auxiliary supply line to the auxiliary return line, and that is heat-transferred coupled to the second cooling circuit.This measure makes it particularly easy to couple the auxiliary cooling circuit to the two refrigeration circuits via heat transfer. In another embodiment, the first condenser mentioned above can be integrated into the first auxiliary coupling path, while the second condenser mentioned above is integrated into the second auxiliary coupling path. This results in a particularly simple design for the temperature control system.

[0024] A particularly advantageous configuration is one in which the auxiliary cooling circuit has an additional bypass that connects the auxiliary return to the auxiliary supply, bypassing the auxiliary radiator, and which can be controlled by a control valve. Depending on the ambient conditions and operating state, it may be useful to bypass the auxiliary radiator using such an additional bypass to ensure that the second cooling medium in the auxiliary cooling circuit can reach a predetermined temperature level, allowing the second cooling medium to heat up quickly to the desired target temperature.

[0025] A motor vehicle according to the invention, which may preferably be a rail vehicle, comprises an electric traction drive, a battery for storing electrical energy and for supplying the traction drive with electrical energy, and a temperature control system of the type described above.

[0026] Optionally, the vehicle can be equipped with a control unit that is coupled to the temperature control system and is configured to operate the two refrigeration circuits either in a cooling mode or in a heating mode, depending on requirements.

[0027] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawing and the associated description of the figures based on the drawing.

[0028] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawing.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0030] Figure 1, the only figure shown, is a highly simplified schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a temperature control system.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, a motor vehicle 1 comprises an electric traction drive 2 and a battery 3 for supplying the traction drive 2 with electrical energy. The motor vehicle 1 is also equipped with a temperature control system 4 configured to maintain the temperature of the battery 3. The motor vehicle 1 may be, in particular, a rail vehicle, a construction machine, an off-road utility vehicle, or another type of utility vehicle. The motor vehicle 1 may also be equipped with a control unit 5 for controlling the temperature control system 4.

[0032] The temperature control system 4 comprises a main cooling circuit 6, an auxiliary cooling circuit 7, a first refrigeration circuit 8, and a second refrigeration circuit 9. A first refrigerant 10, indicated by an arrow, circulates in the main cooling circuit 6. The main cooling circuit 6 is heat-coupled with the battery 3. This heat-coupled connection can be achieved by means of a heat exchanger 11, which may, for example, consist of one or more cooling plates. Alternatively, immersion cooling of the battery 3 is conceivable, in which the first cooling medium 10 is passed through a housing 12 of the battery 3, such that it comes into direct contact with battery cells of the battery 3 (not shown). The main cooling circuit 6 has a main radiator 13, which represents a heat exchanger and is configured for heat transfer between the first cooling medium 10 and the ambient air 14.Figure 1 shows an airflow 15 indicated by several arrows, which flows through the main radiator 13. The airflow 15 can be generated while the vehicle 1 is in motion, essentially as airflow from the vehicle. Additionally, a blower 16 can be provided to generate and / or assist the airflow 15.

[0033] A second temperature control medium 17, indicated by an arrow, circulates in the auxiliary cooling circuit 7. The auxiliary cooling circuit 7 is coupled to at least one component 18 of the vehicle 1 via heat transfer. The component 18 can, for example, be the power electronics of the vehicle 1. The component 18 can also be the traction drive 2. The auxiliary cooling circuit 7 includes an auxiliary radiator 19, which represents a heat exchanger and is configured for heat transfer between the second temperature control medium 17 and the ambient air 14. Preferably, the airflow 15 also flows through the auxiliary radiator 19. The preferred configuration is the one shown in Figure 1, in which the auxiliary radiator 19 is arranged downstream of the main radiator 13 with respect to the airflow 15.

[0034] In operation of the temperature control system 4, the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 can be operated at a higher temperature level than the main cooling circuit 6, so that the second temperature control medium 17 immediately downstream of the auxiliary radiator 19 is warmer than the first temperature control medium 10 immediately downstream of the main radiator 13.

[0035] In the first refrigeration circuit 8, a first refrigerant 20, indicated by an arrow, circulates. The first refrigeration circuit 8 is configured for heat transfer coupling between the main cooling circuit 6 and the auxiliary cooling circuit 7. In the second refrigeration circuit 9, a second refrigerant 21, indicated by an arrow, circulates. The second refrigeration circuit 9 is also configured for heat transfer coupling between the main cooling circuit 6 and the auxiliary cooling circuit 7. The first refrigeration circuit 8 and the second refrigeration circuit 9 are connected in parallel with the main cooling circuit 6 with respect to the first temperature control medium 10 and with the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 with respect to the second temperature control medium 17.

[0036] The first refrigeration circuit 8 has a first chiller 22, which is integrated into the main refrigeration circuit 6 and couples the first refrigerant 20 with the first temperature control medium 10 in a heat-transferring and media-separated manner. The first chiller 22 can be formed by a single chiller or by a parallel connection of two or more chillers, which are integrated in parallel into the main refrigeration circuit 6 and / or in parallel into the first refrigeration circuit 8. Subsequent references to the first chiller 22 then refer both to the embodiment shown, in which the first chiller 22 is formed by only a single chiller, and to other embodiments in which the first chiller 22 is formed by two or more chillers connected in parallel. The second refrigeration circuit 9 has a second chiller 23, which is integrated into the main refrigeration circuit 6 and which couples the second refrigerant 21 with the first temperature control medium 10 in a heat-transferring and media-separated manner.The second chiller 23 can be formed by a single chiller or by a parallel connection of two or more chillers, which are connected in parallel to the main cooling circuit 6 and / or to the second refrigeration circuit 9. Subsequent references to the second chiller 23 then apply both to the embodiment shown, in which the second chiller 23 is formed by only a single chiller, and to other embodiments in which the second chiller 23 is formed by two or more chillers connected in parallel. The first refrigeration circuit 8 further comprises a first condenser 24, which is connected to the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 and which couples the first refrigerant 20 to the second temperature control medium 17 in a heat-transferring and media-separated manner. The second refrigeration circuit 9 comprises a second condenser 25, which is connected to the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 and which couples the second refrigerant 21 to the second temperature control medium 17 in a heat-transferring and media-separated manner.The first refrigeration circuit 8 comprises a first compressor 26 for driving the first refrigerant 20, which is arranged between the first chiller 22 and the first condenser 24 upstream of the first condenser 24. The first refrigeration circuit 8 also comprises a first expansion valve 27, which is arranged between the first condenser 24 and the first chiller 22 upstream of the first chiller 22. The second refrigeration circuit 9 comprises a second compressor 28 for driving the second refrigerant 21, which is arranged between the second chiller 23 and the second condenser 25 upstream of the second condenser 25. Furthermore, the second refrigeration circuit 9 comprises a second expansion valve 29, which is arranged between the second condenser 25 and the second chiller 23 upstream of the second chiller 23.

[0037] The first refrigeration circuit 8 can be advantageously configured to operate in both cooling and heating modes. In cooling mode, the first refrigeration circuit 8 transfers heat from the main cooling circuit 6 to the auxiliary cooling circuit 7. To do this, the first refrigeration circuit 8 extracts heat from the main cooling circuit 6 and transfers it to the auxiliary heating circuit 7. In heating mode, the first refrigeration circuit 8 transfers heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 to the main cooling circuit 6. To do this, the first refrigeration circuit 8 extracts heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 and transfers it to the main cooling circuit 6. The same applies to the second refrigeration circuit 9. Accordingly, the second refrigeration circuit 9 can be configured to operate in both cooling and heating modes. In cooling mode, the second refrigeration circuit 9 transfers heat from the main cooling circuit 6 to the auxiliary cooling circuit 7. To do this, the second refrigeration circuit 9 extracts heat from the main cooling circuit 6 and transfers it to the auxiliary heating circuit 7.In heating mode, the second refrigeration circuit 9 transfers heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 to the main cooling circuit 6. To do this, the second refrigeration circuit 9 extracts heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 and transfers it to the main cooling circuit 6.

[0038] The two refrigeration circuits 8, 9 or their controllable components, in particular the two compressors 26, 28 and / or the two expansion valves 27, 29, can be coupled to the control unit 5, so that the two refrigeration circuits 8, 9 can be controlled for operation in cooling mode and heating mode using the control unit 5.

[0039] The main cooling circuit 6 has a main supply line 30 that carries the first temperature control fluid 10 from the main radiator 13 to the battery 3. Furthermore, the main cooling circuit 6 has a main return line 31 that carries the first temperature control fluid 10 from the battery 3 to the main radiator 13. The main cooling circuit 6 also has a first main coupling path 32 that connects the main return line 31 to the main supply line 30 and is heat-coupled with the first refrigeration circuit 8. Additionally, the main cooling circuit 6 has a second main coupling path 33, which is parallel to the first main coupling path 32 and carries the first temperature control fluid 10. The second main coupling path 33 connects the main return line 31 to the main supply line 30 and is heat-coupled with the second refrigeration circuit 9. The first chiller 22 is arranged in the first main coupling path 32, so that it can be media-separated by the first temperature control medium 10 and the first refrigerant 20.The second chiller 23 is located in the second main coupling path 33, allowing it to be media-separated by the second refrigerant 21 and the first temperature control fluid 10. The first main coupling path 32 and the second main coupling path 33 can be controlled by a control valve 34. The control valve 34 is located in the main return line 31 and can also be coupled to the control unit 5, enabling the control unit 5 to distribute the first temperature control fluid 10 flowing in the main return line 31 to the main radiator 13 and the two main coupling paths 32 and 33 as required by actuating the control valve 34.

[0040] In the embodiment shown here, the main cooling circuit 6 optionally also includes a main bypass 35, which connects the main return 31 to the main supply 30, bypassing the main radiator 13 and the two main coupling paths 32, 33. The main bypass 35 can be controlled by means of a control valve 36, which is located here in the main return 31 and is connected, for example, to the control unit 5. An electric heating element 37 is located in the main bypass 35, which is configured to heat the first temperature control medium 10. The main cooling circuit 6 includes a main pump 38, which is located in the main supply 30, downstream of a connection point 39 where the main bypass 35 is connected to the main supply 30.By appropriately controlling the control valve 36, the entire volume flow delivered by the main pump 38 can be conveyed through the main bypass 35, thus requiring only a comparatively small amount of thermal mass to be heated by the heating device 37. If the two refrigeration circuits 8, 9 can be operated in a heating mode as described above, such a heating device 37 can generally be dispensed with.

[0041] The auxiliary cooling circuit 7 has an auxiliary supply line 40, which carries the second temperature control fluid 17 from the auxiliary radiator 19 to the at least one component 18. Furthermore, the auxiliary cooling circuit 7 has an auxiliary return line 41, which carries the second temperature control fluid 17 from the at least one component 18 to the auxiliary radiator 19. The auxiliary cooling circuit 7 also has a first auxiliary coupling path 42, which connects the auxiliary supply line 40 to the auxiliary return line 41, bypassing the respective component 18, and which is heat-transferred coupled to the first refrigeration circuit 8. The auxiliary cooling circuit 7 also has a second auxiliary coupling path 43, which is parallel to the first auxiliary coupling path 42 and through which the second temperature control fluid 17 flows. This path connects the auxiliary supply line 40 to the auxiliary return line 41, bypassing the respective component 18, and is heat-transferred coupled to the second refrigeration circuit 9.Advantageously, the first capacitor 24 is connected to the first auxiliary coupling path 42, while the second capacitor 25 is connected to the second auxiliary coupling path 43. The auxiliary cooling circuit 7 can have an auxiliary bypass 44 that connects the auxiliary return 41 to the auxiliary supply 40, bypassing the auxiliary radiator 19. The auxiliary bypass 44 can be controlled by means of a control valve 45. The control valve 45 is located in the auxiliary return 41 and can, for example, be coupled to the control device 5. The auxiliary cooling circuit 7 has at least one auxiliary pump 46, which is located in the auxiliary supply 40, downstream of a connection point 47 where the auxiliary bypass 44 is connected to the auxiliary supply 40. The additional bypass 44 and the additional pump 46 are located in the additional supply line 40 upstream of the two additional coupling paths 41 , 42, which in turn are located upstream of at least one component 18.The auxiliary return line 41 contains the auxiliary bypass 44 downstream of the two auxiliary coupling paths 41, 42, which in turn are located downstream of at least one component 18. Additionally, a second auxiliary pump (not shown here) can be provided redundantly to the aforementioned auxiliary pump 46. The control unit 5 can be configured to continuously monitor the function of the two refrigeration circuits 8, 9 and, if one of the two refrigeration circuits 8, 9 malfunctions in a way that precludes further operation of the respective refrigeration circuit 8, 9, e.g., for safety reasons, to deactivate the respective faulty refrigeration circuit 8, 9. The activation of the respective refrigeration circuit 8, 9 can be effected by appropriately controlling the associated compressor 26, 28 and / or the associated expansion valve 28, 29.

[0042] The control unit 5 can also be configured to operate the two refrigeration circuits 8 and 9, or in the event of a fault, the remaining of the two refrigeration circuits 8 and 9, in cooling mode when the battery 3 requires cooling. Conversely, if the battery 3 requires heating, the control unit 5 can operate the two refrigeration circuits 8 and 9, or in the event of a fault, the remaining of the two refrigeration circuits 8 and 9, in heating mode.

[0043] Reference symbol list

[0044] motor vehicle

[0045] Traction drive

[0046] battery

[0047] temperature control system

[0048] Control unit

[0049] Main cooling circuit

[0050] Additional cooling circuit, first refrigeration circuit, second refrigeration circuit, first temperature control medium

[0051] Heat exchanger

[0052] Housing

[0053] Main radiator

[0054] ambient air

[0055] airflow

[0056] blower second temperature control agent

[0057] component

[0058] Auxiliary radiator, first refrigerant, second refrigerant, first chiller, second chiller, first condenser, second condenser, first compressor, first expansion valve, second compressor, second expansion valve

[0059] Main flow, main return, first main coupling path, second main coupling path, control valve, main bypass, control valve, heating unit, main pump, connection point, auxiliary flow, auxiliary return, first auxiliary coupling path, second auxiliary coupling path, auxiliary bypass, control valve

[0060] Additional pump connection point

Claims

Patent claims 1. Temperature control system (4) for temperature control of a battery (3) of a motor vehicle (1 ), - with a main cooling circuit (6) in which a first temperature control medium (10) circulates, which is coupled to the battery (3) of the motor vehicle (1) for heat transfer and which has a main radiator (13) for heat transfer between the first temperature control medium (10) and ambient air (14), - with an additional cooling circuit (7) in which a second temperature control medium (17) circulates, which has an additional radiator (19) for heat transfer between the second temperature control medium (17) and the ambient air (14), - with a first refrigeration circuit (8) in which a first refrigerant (20) circulates and which couples the main cooling circuit (6) with the auxiliary cooling circuit (7) in a heat transfer manner, - with a second refrigeration circuit (9) in which a second refrigerant (21) circulates and which couples the main cooling circuit (6) with the auxiliary cooling circuit (7) in a heat-transferring manner, - wherein the first refrigeration circuit (8) and the second refrigeration circuit (9) are each connected in parallel with the main cooling circuit (6) and with the auxiliary cooling circuit (7).

2. Temperature control system (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, - that the first refrigeration circuit (8) has at least one first chiller (22) integrated into the main refrigeration circuit (6), which couples the first refrigerant (20) with the first temperature control medium (10) in a heat transfer manner, - that the second refrigeration circuit (9) has at least one second chiller (23) integrated into the main refrigeration circuit (6), which couples the second refrigerant (21) with the first temperature control medium (10) in a heat transfer manner.

3. Temperature control system (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, - that the first refrigeration circuit (8) has a first condenser (24) integrated into the auxiliary refrigeration circuit (7), which couples the first refrigerant (20) with the second temperature control medium (17) in a heat transfer manner, - that the second refrigeration circuit (9) has a second condenser (25) integrated into the auxiliary cooling circuit (7), which couples the second refrigerant (21) with the second temperature control medium (17) in a heat transfer manner.

4. Temperature control system (4) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, - that the first refrigeration circuit (8) comprises a first compressor (26) for driving the first refrigerant (20), which is arranged between the at least one first chiller (22) and the first condenser (24) upstream of the first condenser (24), and a first expansion valve (27) which is arranged between the first condenser (24) and the at least one first chiller (22) upstream of the at least one first chiller (22), - that the second refrigeration circuit (9) has a second compressor (28) for driving the second refrigerant (21) which is arranged between the at least one second chiller (23) and the second condenser (25) upstream of the second condenser (25), and a second expansion valve (29) which is arranged between the second condenser (25) and the at least one second chiller (23) upstream of the at least one second chiller (23).

5. Temperature control system (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that, - that the first refrigeration circuit (8) is configured to operate in a cooling mode, in which the first refrigeration circuit (8) extracts heat from the main cooling circuit (6) and supplies it to the auxiliary heating circuit (7), and in a heating mode, in which the first refrigeration circuit (8) extracts heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit (7) and supplies it to the main cooling circuit (6), - that the second refrigeration circuit (9) is configured to operate in a cooling mode, in which the second refrigeration circuit (9) extracts heat from the main cooling circuit (6) and supplies it to the auxiliary heating circuit (7), and in a heating mode, in which the The second refrigeration circuit (9) extracts heat from the auxiliary cooling circuit (7) and supplies it to the main cooling circuit (6).

6. Temperature control system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the main cooling circuit (6) has a main supply (30) that carries the first temperature control medium (10) from the main radiator (13) to the battery (3), and a main return (31) that carries the first temperature control medium (10) from the battery (3) to the main radiator (13), - that the main cooling circuit (6) has a first main coupling path (32) that connects the main return (31) with the main supply (30) and is coupled to the first refrigeration circuit (8) for heat transfer, - that the main cooling circuit (6) has a second main coupling path (33) which is parallel to the first main coupling path (32) and through which the first temperature control medium (10) can flow, which connects the main return (31) with the main supply (30) and which is coupled to the second refrigeration circuit (9) for heat transfer.

7. Temperature control system (4) according to claims 4 and 6, characterized in that, - that at least one first chiller (22) is integrated into the first main coupling path (32), - that at least one second chiller (23) is integrated into the second main coupling path (33).

8. Temperature control system (4) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, - that the first main coupling path (32) and the second main coupling path (33) can be controlled by means of a control valve (34).

9. Temperature control system (4) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, 21 - that the main cooling circuit (6) has a main bypass (35) that connects the main return (31) to the main supply (30), which is controllable by means of a control valve (36) and in which an electric heating device (37) is arranged for heating the first temperature control medium (10).

10. Temperature control system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the auxiliary cooling circuit (7) has an auxiliary supply line (40) which carries the second temperature control medium (17) from the auxiliary radiator (19) to at least one component (18) of the motor vehicle (1 ), and an auxiliary return line (41 ) which carries the second temperature control medium (17) from the at least one component (18) of the motor vehicle (1 ) to the auxiliary radiator (19), - that the additional cooling circuit (7) has a first additional coupling path (42) that connects the additional supply (40) with the additional return (41) and that is coupled to the first refrigeration circuit (8) for heat transfer, - that the additional cooling circuit (7) has a second additional coupling path (43) which is parallel to the first additional coupling path (42) and through which the second temperature control medium (17) can flow, which connects the additional supply (40) with the additional return (41) and which is coupled to the second refrigeration circuit (9) for heat transfer.

11. Temperature control system (4) according to claims 4 and 10, characterized in that, - that the first capacitor (24) is integrated into the first additional coupling path (42), - that the second capacitor (25) is integrated into the second additional coupling path (43).

12. Temperature control system (4) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, - that the additional cooling circuit (7) has an additional bypass (44) which connects the additional return (41) to the additional supply (40) and which can be controlled by means of a control valve (45). 22 13. Motor vehicle (1), in particular rail vehicle, - with an electric traction drive (2), - with a battery (3) to supply the traction drive (2) with electrical energy, - with a temperature control system (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, - that the motor vehicle (1 ) has a control unit (5) configured to control the two refrigeration circuits (8, 9) depending on a cooling or heating requirement of the battery (3) for operation in cooling mode or heating mode.

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