Temperature control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a spacer (55) configured to be arranged in an enclosure (14) of a temperature control device, and comprising corrugated fins, the corrugated fins being provided with louvers (57), each louver (57) being formed on a fin flank (58), each fin flank (58) having a peak (59) on the side of an outer face (10) and a base (61) on the side of a bottom of the enclosure (14), the louver (57) being closer to the peak (59) of the flank (58) than to the base (61) of the flank, the flank comprising a solid region (62) between the base (61) of the flank and the louver (57), and the louver (57) being off-center with respect to a midpoint of the flank (58).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Thermal regulation device

[0003] [1] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device for the cooling and / or heating of at least one component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter or a battery cell.

[0004] [2] In the context of automotive electrification, many electronic components are being developed or improved for higher power output. Generally speaking, the electronics used are impacted by the quality of thermal management, as electronic components have a maximum operating temperature. Crucially, there is a strong correlation between maximum temperature and component price. Alternative components that can withstand higher temperatures are often available, but at a higher cost. Consequently, there is a significant need to optimize the cooling of these electronic components to improve durability or reduce their associated costs. Examples of electronic components include those in the vehicle's electric motor, components in a DC-DC converter, an on-board charger, an inverter, and so on.

[0005] [3] Electronic components can include, for example, an electric machine, an inverter, etc. For integration purposes, it is common to group the associated inverter, necessary for converting the battery's direct current into three-phase alternating current, within the electric machine. This configuration offers advantages in terms of size, cost, and synergies with the cooling circuits. However, connecting the cooling circuits in series means that the stresses on the inverter cooler will be a combination of those of the electric machine and the inverter. The main consequence is a substantial flow rate (e.g., 6–10 L / min) of coolant, much higher than the flow rate for other heat exchangers without this series arrangement.A higher flow rate is beneficial for heat transfer, but thermal efficiencies decrease sharply while pressure losses increase continuously and very rapidly with flow rate.

[0006] [4] The present invention aims in particular to overcome this problem.

[0007] [5] The invention thus relates to an interlayer configured to be disposed in a housing of a thermal regulation device, and comprising corrugated fins, the corrugated fins being provided with louvers, each louver being formed on a fin flank, each fin flank having a top on the side of an external face and a base on the side of a bottom of the housing, the louver being closer to the top of the flank than to the base of the flank.

[0008] [6] A part of the fin that extends longitudinally between a vertex and a base of the undulation is called a "flank".

[0009] [7] A wave thus presents two flanks which join along a crest.

[0010] [8] The undulations can be similar to a sinusoid or be in squares.

[0011] [9] The midpoint of the fin flank can be defined as a point (or a line) equidistant from the apex and base of the flank. In the invention, the louver, which forms a window, is offset from this midpoint, being closer to the apex than to the base of the flank. The louver is thus closer to the outer face that is in contact with the heating component, which is therefore exposed to the component's heat source.

[0012]

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the side comprises a solid region (namely a non-perforated region) between the base of the side and the louver.

[0013]

[0011] The presence of the solid region is the corollary of the fact that the louver is off-center with respect to a midpoint of the flank (the louver being closer to the top than to the base of the flank).

[0014]

[0012] It is noted that a general trend is to make louvers that extend as close as possible to the top and base of the side, in order to have the maximum flow of fluid passing through the louvers.

[0015]

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the solid region represents at least 10%, or at least 20% or 30%, of the distance measured on the side between the base and the top of the side.

[0016]

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the louver represents at least 90%, or at least 80% or 70%, of the distance measured on the side between the base and the top of the side.

[0017]

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the louvers of the interlayer are all identical, and in particular have the same offset with respect to a midpoint of the side.

[0018]

[0016] Alternatively, the louvers of the interlayer are arranged along a flank with offsets that vary along this flank. For example, the louvers can be increasingly closer to the apex as one moves from one louver to the next.

[0017] Advantageously, the louvers of the interlayer are configured along a flank such that the partial bypass (BYP) becomes progressively smaller in the direction of flow.

[0019]

[0018] Offset is advantageous for an asymmetrical heat source. In particular, the louvers are at a minimum distance from the side to be cooled, and the louvers are at a greater distance from the opposite side.

[0020]

[0019] In the case of a double-sided cooled power module, there may be an asymmetry in which the louvers are off-center on the side of the heat source with which we wish to exchange the most heat, for example the hottest one, for example the side of a power module.

[0021]

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the apex may have, in cross-section, a rounded shape, for example in the form of an arc of a circle.

[0022]

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, each flank extends globally along a plane.

[0023]

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the fin sides is provided with a succession of louvers, in particular arranged from one longitudinal end of the side to an opposite longitudinal end of the side.

[0024]

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the shutters have a shutter pitch.

[0025]

[0024] The louver pitch is the distance that separates two consecutive louvers.

[0026]

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the fin sides is provided with louvers which follow one another with an evolving or constant louver pitch.

[0027]

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the fins of the interlayer are all provided with louvers.

[0028]

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the louvers of all the fins of the interlayer all have the same louver pitch.

[0029]

[0028] In other words, the louver pitch does not vary when moving from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

[0030]

[0029] Alternatively, the corrugated fins have a louver pitch that varies.

[0031]

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the fin side comprises a region of change of direction of flow of heat transfer fluid, formed in particular by a flat region between two series of successive louvers.

[0032]

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the series of louvers on either side of the flat region are respectively oriented with angles of opposite signs.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the fins of the interlayer opposite the first placement zone, on the fluid inlet side, all have a central flat region to facilitate the change of direction.

[0033]

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the region of change of direction of flow can also be located at the beginning of a placement zone on which one or more components can be placed.

[0034]

[0034] For example, for the first placement zone, the planar region of change of flow direction is located in the middle of this first placement zone, while for the following zones (in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid), the planar region of change of flow direction is located at the beginning of the placement zone considered.

[0035]

[0035] Thus the heat transfer fluid changes direction in the middle of the first placement zone and, for the following zones, the fluid changes direction when passing from one placement zone to another.

[0036]

[0036] The flat regions reduce pressure losses and ensure good mechanical stability of the interlayer thanks to the change in direction. Fluid flow in the first placement zone can thus be balanced.

[0037]

[0037] The invention further relates, in combination or independently of the above, to an interlayer configured to be placed in a housing of a thermal regulation device, on a fluid path in the housing, the interlayer comprising louvers and, between louvers, at least two planar regions of change of flow direction which are present on the interlayer at two respective locations which are irregularly spaced along the fluid path.

[0038]

[0038] Advantageously, the interlayer comprises a first longitudinal part and a second longitudinal part, and in the first longitudinal part, the interlayer includes, between louvers, a planar region of change of flow direction, in particular which is located substantially in the middle of this first longitudinal part, while, in the second longitudinal part of the interlayer, in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid, the interlayer includes a planar region of change of flow direction which is located at the beginning of the second longitudinal part and which is followed by a series of louvers.

[0039]

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the louver is in the form of a slit bordered by a strip of material, formed by cutting and folding a portion of material from the fin.

[0040] The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating at least one temperature-sensitive component, this component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter, a battery cell, or a microprocessor, this thermal regulation device comprising:

[0040] - an external face having at least one placement area for the component whose operation is sensitive to temperature,

[0041] - a fluid circulation chamber configured to receive a heat transfer fluid, this chamber comprising a fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the chamber comprising a bottom (in particular defined by a collector base) which is opposite the face presenting at least one placement area for the component whose operation is sensitive to temperature,

[0042] - at least one interlayer as described above, arranged in the enclosure and comprising corrugated fins, the corrugated fins being provided with louvers, each louver being formed on a fin flank, each fin flank having a top on the side of the external face and a base on the side of the bottom of the enclosure, the louver being closer to the top of the flank than to the base of the flank.

[0043]

[0041] In the present invention, the thermal regulation device has only one face which is heated by the electronic components placed on it, and the opposite side (namely the bottom) of the thermal regulation device is not exposed to a heat source.

[0044]

[0042] The present invention goes against the general trend, by proposing the off-centering of the louvers, in order to provide, at the level of the solid regions and the bottom of the enclosure, a partial fluid diversion configured to allow, passively, the flow of heat transfer fluid between the fins of the interlayer, without passing through the louvers.

[0045]

[0043] Thanks to the invention, the louvers allow for a high heat transfer coefficient (which is advantageous on the side of the external face exposed to heat), while in the partial bypass at the bottom, under the louvers, a flow with less pressure loss can be achieved. Thus, there is less thermal performance in the lower part of the enclosure. This is particularly advantageous when an excessive flow rate passes through the thermal control device, and this partial bypass allows this large flow rate to pass through the thermal control device without generating excessive heat exchange.

[0044] The invention makes it possible to take advantage of the available space along the Z-axis (height of the device) to minimize pressure loss by adjusting the asymmetry of the louvers.

[0046]

[0045] The invention thus makes it possible to meet the need to take into account an excessively high flow rate, and this in a relatively simple way, in particular without having to use additional parts.

[0047]

[0046] The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating at least one temperature-sensitive component, this component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter, a battery cell, or a microprocessor, this thermal regulation device comprising:

[0048] - an external face with at least one placement area for the temperature-sensitive component,

[0049] - a fluid circulation chamber configured to receive a heat transfer fluid, this chamber comprising a fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the chamber comprising a bottom which is opposite the face presenting at least one placement area for the component whose operation is sensitive to temperature,

[0050] - at least one interlayer arranged in the enclosure and comprising corrugated fins, the corrugated fins being provided with louvers, each louver being formed on a fin flank, each fin flank having a top on the side of the outer face and a base on the side of the bottom of the enclosure, the louver being closer to the top of the flank than to the base of the flank, and the flank includes a solid region between the base of the flank and the louver, and the louver is offset from a midpoint of the flank.

[0051]

[0047] Advantageously, the louvers of the interlayer are configured along a flank so that the partial bypass (BYP) becomes progressively smaller in the direction of flow.

[0052]

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, several interlayers are arranged in the enclosure and each interlayer has louvers with a decentering that is specific to the interlayer, and when moving from one interlayer to the next, the decentering varies, for example the louvers being closer to the top for the most downstream interlayer.

[0053]

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, several interlayers are arranged within the enclosure, and each interlayer has louvers with dimensions specific to that interlayer. As one moves from one interlayer to the next, the dimensions of the louvers vary; for example, the louvers are larger for the most downstream interlayer and smaller for the most upstream interlayer. In other words, the solid region represents a portion of the distance measured along the flank between the base and the top of the flank that decreases in the direction of flow.

[0054]

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, several interlayers are arranged in the enclosure and each interlayer has louvers of varying lengths along the flow. The largest louvers are located downstream of the flow.

[0055]

[0051] The term "fin pitch" refers to the distance between two consecutive apexes of the corrugated fins.

[0056]

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the external face of the thermal regulation device comprises at least a first placement zone for placing a component and a second placement zone for placing another component, these first placement zone and second placement zone being arranged one after the other so that the first section of the fluid path passes under the first placement zone of the external face and the second section of the fluid path passes under the second placement zone of the external face.

[0057]

[0053] Thus the corrugated fins of the interlayers have a fin pitch that is smaller under the second placement zone than under the first placement zone

[0058]

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacers extend substantially over the entire length of the enclosure.

[0059]

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the length of the spacer(s) is between 130 mm and 185 mm.

[0060]

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the length of the enclosure is the dimension of the enclosure measured along the fluid path.

[0061]

[0057] For example, the length of the enclosure is the distance measured between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

[0062]

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid path is generally straight between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

[0063]

[0059] Of course, the heat transfer fluid is subject to flow disturbances due to the presence of the interlayers in the enclosure. However, an overall flow direction can be defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. This overall flow direction is, in particular, rectilinear. This is referred to as I-flow.

[0064]

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacers extend substantially over the entire width of the enclosure.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the width of the spacer(s) is between 40 mm and 50 mm.

[0065]

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the spacer(s) is between 8 mm and 11 mm.

[0066]

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the width of the enclosure is the dimension of the enclosure measured transversely to the fluid path and parallel to the plane in which it extends.

[0067]

[0064] Thus all the heat transfer fluid passes successively through the different interlayers when the heat transfer fluid circulates between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

[0068]

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the corrugated fins of each interlayer have a constant pitch between all the undulations.

[0069]

[0066] Alternatively, for at least one of the spacers, the pitch changes between at least some of the undulations within the spacer, in particular in the same placement area.

[0070]

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the corrugated fins of the interlayers have, in the second section, a fin pitch (FP) which is at most 80%, or 70%, or 60%, or 50%, of the fin pitch in the first section of the fluid path.

[0071]

[0068] For example: FP(section 2) < 80% * FP(section 1)

[0072]

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid path comprises, in addition to the first fluid path section and the second fluid path section, at least a third fluid path section, these first, second and third sections being arranged one after the other in the direction of the fluid flow, and at least three interlayers are arranged in the enclosure, one after the other on the fluid path, the interlayers being configured to serve as a heat exchange surface between the heat transfer fluid circulating in the enclosure and the external face, and the interlayers having corrugated fins with a corrugation direction that is substantially transverse to the fluid path, the corrugated fins of the interlayers having a pitch that is decreasing from one of the sections to the other, in the direction of flow.

[0073]

[0070] Of course, a number of successive fluid path segments greater than 3 is conceivable, with therefore a number of interlayers greater than 3.

[0074]

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure houses a number of spacers equal to the number of placement zones on the outer face, on each of which one or more components can be placed.

[0072] For example, if there are three placement zones, on each of which one or more components can be placed, the enclosure houses three spacers, each spacer being opposite one of the placement zones.

[0075]

[0073] Alternatively, at least one of the dividers extends opposite two successive placement zones.

[0076]

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure houses a number of spacers that is smaller than the number of placement zones on the outer face, on each of which one or more components can be placed. For example, there may be two spacers and three placement zones. In this case, for example, one of the spacers extends opposite the first placement zone and also a portion of the second placement zone, and the other of the spacers extends opposite the remainder of the second placement zone and the third placement zone.

[0077]

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the fins of the interlayer opposite the first placement zone, on the fluid inlet side, all have a central flat region to make the change of direction.

[0078]

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the region of change of direction of flow can also be located at the beginning of a placement zone on which one or more components can be placed.

[0079]

[0077] For example, for the first placement zone, the planar region of change of flow direction is located in the middle of this first placement zone, while for the following zones (in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid), the planar region of change of flow direction is located at the beginning of the placement zone considered.

[0080]

[0078] Thus the heat transfer fluid changes direction in the middle of the first placement zone and, for the following zones, the fluid changes direction when passing from one placement zone to another.

[0081]

[0079] The flat regions reduce pressure losses and ensure good mechanical stability of the interlayer thanks to the change in direction. Fluid flow in the first placement zone can thus be balanced.

[0082]

[0080] The invention further relates, in combination or independently of the above, to an interlayer configured to be placed in a housing of a thermal regulation device, on a fluid path in the housing, the interlayer comprising louvers and, between louvers, at least two planar regions of change of flow direction which are present on the interlayer at two respective locations which are irregularly spaced along the fluid path.

[0081] Advantageously, the interlayer comprises a first longitudinal part and a second longitudinal part, and in the first longitudinal part, the interlayer includes, between louvers, a planar region of change of flow direction, in particular which is located substantially in the middle of this first longitudinal part, while, in the second longitudinal part of the interlayer, in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid, the interlayer includes a planar region of change of flow direction which is located at the beginning of the second longitudinal part and which is followed by a series of louvers.

[0083]

[0082] The invention further relates, in combination with or independently of the foregoing, to a thermal regulation device for the cooling and / or heating of at least one temperature-sensitive component, this component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter or a battery cell or a microprocessor, this thermal regulation device comprising:

[0084] - a fluid circulation chamber configured to receive a heat transfer fluid, this chamber comprising a fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;

[0085] - an external face;

[0086] - at least one interlayer disposed in the enclosure, and configured to serve as a heat exchange surface between the heat transfer fluid circulating in the enclosure and the external face, the interlayer comprising louvers and, between louvers, at least two flat regions of change of flow direction which are present on the interlayer at two respective locations which are irregularly spaced along the fluid path.

[0087]

[0083] The term "irregularly spaced" means that, if there are two planar regions of change of flow direction, these two planar regions do not divide the total length of the spacer into three portions of equal length. If there are three planar regions of change of flow direction, the three planar regions do not divide the total length of the spacer into four portions of equal length, etc.

[0088]

[0084] Thus, thanks to the interlayer according to the invention, it is possible to generate heat transfer coefficients that are asymmetrical along the fluid path. In particular, it is possible to provide greater heat exchange, for example, in places where the heat transfer fluid has been preheated.

[0089]

[0085] It is understood that the interlayer is rendered asymmetrical due to the asymmetrical location of the planar region of change of flow direction. The asymmetric interlayer according to the invention is notably different from an interlayer that would be provided with a central region of change of flow direction, or different from an interlayer that would be provided with several regions of change of flow direction that would be arranged symmetrically along the fluid path.

[0090]

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the interlayer comprises fins, which are in particular corrugated with a corrugation direction which is substantially transverse to the fluid path.

[0091]

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the interlayer comprises a first longitudinal part and a second longitudinal part, and in particular each longitudinal part being opposite a placement zone of the external face, and in the first longitudinal part, the fins comprise, between louvers, a planar region of change of flow direction, in particular which is located substantially in the middle of this first longitudinal part, while, in the second longitudinal part of the interlayer, in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid, the fins comprise a planar region of change of flow direction which is located at the beginning of the second longitudinal part and which is followed by a series of louvers.

[0092]

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the planar region of change of direction of flow which is located substantially in the middle of the first longitudinal part of the interlayer is substantially opposite the center of a placement zone of the outer face.

[0093]

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the fins have a louver pitch which is smaller in the second longitudinal part of the interlayer than in the first longitudinal part.

[0094]

[0090] Thus, the louver density (the number of louvers per unit length) increases in the direction of the heat transfer fluid flow, so that there can be more louvers on the fluid outlet side than on the fluid inlet side. This increases the heat transfer coefficient at the fluid outlet, where the fluid is warmer due to its upstream path along the fluid path. The invention thus makes it possible to homogenize the temperatures on the external surface of the thermal control device.

[0095]

[0091] The louver pitch can be constant along each longitudinal part of the interlayer.

[0096]

[0092] In this case, the louver pitch can change when moving from one longitudinal section to the next.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the corrugated fins of the interlayers have, in the second longitudinal section, a louver pitch (LP) that is at most 80%, or 70%, or 60%, or 50%, of the louver pitch in the first longitudinal section.

[0097]

[0094] For example LP(P2) <80%*LP(P1)

[0098]

[0095] In the case where corrugated fins delimit three or more longitudinal parts, the first longitudinal part which is opposite the first placement zone includes a planar region of change of flow direction which is located in the middle of this first longitudinal part, while the following longitudinal parts (in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid) each include a planar region of change of flow direction which is located at the beginning of the longitudinal part considered.

[0099]

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the fin flanks has a series of louvers oriented on one side of the flank, followed by another series of louvers oriented on the opposite side of the flank.

[0100]

[0097] In other words, when considering a reference plane which contains the flank, one of the sets of louvers is oriented with a positive angle with respect to this reference plane, and the other set of louvers is oriented with a negative angle with respect to this reference plane.

[0101]

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the positive angle and the negative angle are equal up to the sign.

[0102]

[0099] Alternatively, the series of successive louvers, by changing sign, also see a change in the absolute value of the angles.

[0103]

[0100] In other words, the louvers in the downstream longitudinal part can be oriented with an angle (of absolute value) greater than the angle of the louvers in the upstream longitudinal part.

[0104]

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the region of change of direction of flow of heat transfer fluid, is formed by a planar region between two series of successive louvers.

[0105]

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, the series of louvers on either side of the flat region are respectively oriented with angles of opposite signs.

[0106]

[0103] Thus, the heat transfer fluid undergoes a change of direction in the flat region as it passes from one series of louvers to another.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of placement zones is odd. For example, in this case, only the first placement zone experiences a central flat region with a change in flow direction.

[0107]

[0105] For example, for three successive placement zones, the louvers can have the following sequence of orientations: positive, negative, positive, negative.

[0108]

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the absolute value of the angles of the louvers can be between 10° and 50°.

[0109]

[0107] All the louvers from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet are in the same orientation (either positive or negative). In this case, there is no change in the orientation of the louvers.

[0110]

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the fin pitch is constant throughout the different longitudinal parts of the interlayer.

[0111]

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer within the enclosure is unique. In particular, the spacer is made in one piece. Thus, the louver pitch can vary along this single spacer.

[0112]

[0110] Alternatively, several interlayers are housed in the enclosure, and each interlayer defines a longitudinal part.

[0113]

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the louver pitch decreases from one spacer to the next.

[0114]

[0112] Thus, the number of louvers can increase in the direction of flow, and the heat transfer fluid is further divided as one approaches the fluid outlet, thereby increasing the heat transfer coefficient. This allows the wall temperature to be balanced at the different placement zones of the external face.

[0115]

[0113] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an interlayer comprising corrugated fins with louvers, comprising the following step:

[0116] - to make the louvers with a disc of chosen thickness to obtain a louver pitch of a predetermined value.

[0117]

[0114] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0118]

[0115] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a thermal regulation device according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0116] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal regulation device of Figure 1;

[0119]

[0117] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows, on the one hand, the interlayers at the top in cross-section, and on the other hand, at the bottom, the fluid path in the enclosure, for the thermal regulation device of Figure 1;

[0120]

[0118] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a detailed representation of the louvers of the thermal regulation device of Figure 1;

[0121]

[0119] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows, in addition to the fluid path (at the bottom), the side of the fins (at the top) and the arrangement of the louvers seen along the Pfla plane (in the middle) according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0122]

[0120] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows an interleaf according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0123]

[0121] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows the insert of figure 6, from the side.

[0124]

[0122] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0125]

[0123] Figures 1 and 2 show a thermal regulation device 1 for cooling and / or heating components 2 whose operation is sensitive to temperature. Only one of these components 2 is shown in Figure 1.

[0126]

[0124] The thermal control device 1 is part of an assembly 100 which includes electronic components 2 placed on an external face 10 of the thermal control device 1 to be cooled by the flow of fluid (for example glycol water) in the thermal control device 1. These components 2 are in particular power electronic modules of an inverter or battery cells, and are placed on the external face 10, in location areas 110.

[0127]

[0125] This thermal regulation device 1 comprises a collector base 4 forming a base of the thermal regulation device 1, this collector base 4 having a longitudinal shape along the X direction. This collector base 4 comprises a fluid inlet 5 and a fluid outlet 6 configured to be connected respectively to an external fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. This fluid inlet 5 and this fluid outlet 6 are arranged at two opposite ends along the X axis of the collector base 4.

[0128]

[0126] A cover plate 40 forms with the collector base plate 4, here brazed together, a heat transfer fluid circulation chamber 14 configured to receive a heat transfer fluid, this chamber 14 having a fluid path 15 between the fluid inlet 5 and the fluid outlet 6. The chamber 14 defines a single fluid flow chamber.

[0129]

[0127] The cover plate 40 defines the external face 10.

[0130]

[0128] The cover plate 40 and the collector base 14 are for example made of metal, for example of aluminium.

[0131]

[0129] These plates 40 and 41 each have a peripheral rim 44 and a main recess 45 surrounded by the peripheral rim, and the plates 40 and 41 are assembled along the peripheral rim 44.

[0132]

[0130] The two main recesses 45 define a volume forming the enclosure 14.

[0133]

[0131] Three spacers 21, 22, 23 are arranged in the enclosure 14, one after the other on the fluid path. The spacers 21, 22, 23 can be brazed with the plates 40 and 41.

[0134]

[0132] The interlayers 21, 22, 23 are configured to serve as a heat exchange surface between the heat transfer fluid circulating in the enclosure 14 and the external face 10.

[0135]

[0133] The spacers 21, 22, 23 comprise corrugated fins 25 with a corrugation direction Y which is substantially transverse to the fluid path (i.e. to the X axis). The corrugated fins 25 of the spacers 21, 22, 23 extend successively in a first section T1 of the fluid path, a second section T2 of the fluid path which is downstream of the first section T1, and a third section T3 of the fluid path which is downstream of the second section T2.

[0136]

[0134] As illustrated in Figure 3 (which shows, on the one hand, the interlayers at the top in cross-section, and on the other hand, at the bottom, the fluid path in the enclosure), the corrugated fins 25 of the interlayers 21, 22, 23 have a pitch FP which is decreasing from one of the sections to the other, in the direction of the flow path 15.

[0137]

[0135] The placement zones 110 are arranged one after the other so that the first section T1 of the fluid path passes under the first placement zone 110 of the outer face 10, the second section T2 of the fluid path passes under the second placement zone 110 of the outer face and the third section T3 of the fluid path passes under the third placement zone 110. Thus the corrugated fins 25 of the interlayers 21, 22, 23 have a fin pitch FP which is smaller under the second placement zone than under the first placement zone, and smaller under the third placement zone than under the second placement zone.

[0138]

[0136] By reducing the pitch of the fins FP when moving from one section of the fluid path to another (in the direction of the heat transfer fluid flow), the number of undulations from one section of the fluid path to the next is increased. With more undulations, the heat exchange surface area, and therefore the surface density, increases. Consequently, heat exchange is increased in the second section T2 compared to the first section T2, and so on. The invention thus makes it possible to compensate for the increase in the temperature of the heat transfer fluid along the fluid path by a larger heat exchange surface area where the heat transfer fluid temperature is higher. The invention makes it possible to have a wall temperature in the different placement areas 11a where the components to be cooled are located, which remains substantially homogeneous (without excessive variations).

[0139]

[0137] The "fin pitch" is defined as the distance between two consecutive vertices of the corrugated fins 25, along the Y direction.

[0140]

[0138] The spacers 21, 22, 23 extend together substantially over the entire length of the enclosure 14.

[0141]

[0139] The length of each spacer 21, 22, 23 is between 130 mm and 185 mm.

[0142]

[0140] The fluid path 15 is generally straight between the fluid inlet 5 and the fluid outlet 6.

[0143]

[0141] The spacers 21, 22, 23 extend substantially over the entire width of the enclosure 14 (width measured along the Y axis).

[0144]

[0142] The width of the spacers 21, 22, 23 is between 40 mm and 50 mm, and their height is between 8 mm and 11 mm.

[0145]

[0143] The corrugated fins 25 of each interlayer 21, 22, 23 have a constant pitch FP between all the corrugations.

[0146]

[0144] Alternatively, for at least one of the spacers, the pitch changes between at least some of the undulations within the spacer, in particular in the same placement area.

[0147]

[0145] The corrugated fins 25 of the interlayers 21, 22, 23 have, in the second section, a fin pitch FP(T2) which is at most 80%, or 70%, or 60%, or 50%, of the fin pitch in the first section FP(T1) of the fluid path.

[0148]

[0146] For example, it is possible to have FP(T2) < 80%*FP(T1), and FP(T3) < 80%*FP(T2).

[0147] In an example not shown, a number of successive fluid path segments greater than 3 is conceivable, with therefore a number of spacers greater than 3.

[0149]

[0148] On the contrary, it would be possible that at least one of the dividers extends opposite two successive placement zones 110.

[0150]

[0149] In the example described, the spacers 21, 22, 23 are separate pieces. In other words, the spacers 21, 22, 23 do not form a single piece (a monolithic piece).

[0151]

[0150] The spacers 21, 22, 23 are arranged in the enclosure 14 with a gap between two successive spacers. In other words, the successive spacers 21, 22, 23 do not touch each other.

[0152]

[0151] Alternatively, the successive interlayers 21, 22, 23 are arranged in the enclosure 14 by being placed end to end in contact with each other.

[0153]

[0152] The fins 25 of the interlayers 21, 22, 23 are provided with louvers 30, as can be seen in figure 4.

[0154]

[0153] Each louver 30 is in the form of a slit 31 bordered by a strip of material 32, formed by cutting and folding a portion of material from the fin 25.

[0155]

[0154] The louvers 30 are formed on a flank 33 of fin.

[0156]

[0155] A part of the fin which extends longitudinally along the X axis, between a vertex and a base of the undulation, is called a "flank".

[0157]

[0156] A wave thus presents two flanks 33 which join along a vertex 34.

[0158]

[0157] The vertex 34 may have, in cross-section, a rounded shape, for example in the form of an arc of a circle.

[0159]

[0158] Each flank 33 extends substantially along a plane Pfla as illustrated in figures 3 and 5.

[0160]

[0159] Figure 5 shows, in addition to the fluid path (at the bottom), the flank 33 of the fins (at the top) and the arrangement of the louvers 30 seen along the Pfla plane (in the middle).

[0161]

[0160] The louvers 30 are arranged from one longitudinal end of the flank 33 to an opposite longitudinal end of the flank 33.

[0162]

[0161] The louvers 30 have a louver pitch LP along the X axis.

[0163]

[0162] The louver pitch LP is the distance between two consecutive louvers 30.

[0163] In one embodiment of the invention, the louvers 30 follow one another with a constant louver pitch LP.

[0164]

[0164] In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 5, the corrugated fins 25 have a louver pitch LP which varies.

[0165]

[0165] In an example of an embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 5, an interlayer 50 is arranged in the enclosure 14, which comprises a first longitudinal part P1, a second longitudinal part P2, and a third longitudinal part P2, which follow one another in the direction of the fluid path 15.

[0166]

[0166] Each longitudinal part P1, P2, P3 is opposite a placement zone 110 of the external face 10.

[0167]

[0167] In the first longitudinal section P1, the fins 25 include, between louvers 30, a planar region 51 of change of flow direction, which is located substantially in the middle of this first longitudinal section P1, while, in the second and third longitudinal sections P2 and P3 of the interlayer 50, in the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid, the fins 25 include a planar region 52, respectively 53, of change of flow direction which is located at the beginning of the second longitudinal section P2, respectively of the third longitudinal section P3, and which is followed by a series of louvers 30. The planar regions of change of flow direction 51, 52, 53 are thus present on the interlayer 50 at respective locations which are irregularly spaced along the fluid path.

[0168]

[0168] The louver pitch LP can be constant along each longitudinal part P1, P2, P3 of the spacer 50.

[0169]

[0169] In this case, the louver pitch LP changes when moving from one longitudinal part P1, P2, P3 to the next.

[0170]

[0170] For example, the corrugated fins 25 of the intercalators have, in the second longitudinal part P2, a louver pitch LP(P2) which is at most 80%, or 70%, or 60%, or 50%, of the louver pitch LP(P1) in the first longitudinal part P1.

[0171]

[0171] The corrugated fins 25 of the intercalaries have, in the third longitudinal part P3, a louver pitch LP(P3) which is at most 80%, or 70%, or 60%, or 50%, of the louver pitch LP(P2) in the second longitudinal part P2.

[0172]

[0172] For example LP(P2) <80%*LP(P1) and LP(P3) <80%*LP(P2)

[0173]

[0173] The wing sides 33 have a series of louvers 30 oriented to one side of the side 33, followed by another series of louvers 30 oriented to the opposite side of the side 33.

[0174] In other words, when considering the reference plane Pfla that defines the flank 33, one of the sets of louvers 30 is oriented at a positive angle A1 with respect to this reference plane Pfla, and the other set of louvers 30 is oriented at a negative angle A2 with respect to this reference plane Pfla. In other words, the louvers 30 on either side of the plane region 51, 52, 53 where the flow direction changes are mirror images of this region.

[0174]

[0175] The positive and negative angles are equal, differing only in sign. Alternatively, successive sets of shutters, by changing sign, also see a change in the absolute value of the angles.

[0175]

[0176] The region 51, 52, 53 of change of direction of flow of heat transfer fluid, is formed by a planar region between two series of successive louvers 30.

[0176]

[0177] The series of louvers 30 on either side of the flat region are respectively oriented with angles of opposite signs. Thus the heat transfer fluid undergoes a change of direction of flow at the level of the flat region 51, 52, 53, when the heat transfer fluid passes from one series of louvers to the other.

[0177]

[0178] In the example described, the number of placement zones 110 is odd. Thus, only the first placement zone 110 sees a central flat region.

[0178]

[0179] For example, for three successive placement zones 110, the louvers 30 can have the following sequence of orientations: positive, negative, positive, negative.

[0179]

[0180] The absolute value of angles A1 and A2 of the shutters 30 can be between 10° and 50°.

[0180]

[0181] In the example described in Figure 5, the fin pitch FP is constant throughout the different longitudinal parts of the spacer 50.

[0181]

[0182] Alternatively, several dividers can be housed in the enclosure, and each divider defines a longitudinal part.

[0182]

[0183] The LP louver pitch decreases from one spacer to the next, but the louver pitch can be constant along each spacer.

[0183]

[0184] Thus, the number of louvers (30) can increase in the direction of flow, and the heat transfer fluid is further divided as it approaches the fluid outlet, thereby increasing the heat transfer coefficient. This helps to balance the wall temperature at the different locations of the external surface.

[0184]

[0185] The corrugated fins 25 are straight from one longitudinal end of the intercalary to an opposite longitudinal end of the intercalary.

[0186] Alternatively, the corrugated fins can be of the Roll offset type. In this case, the fins are periodically offset transversely relative to each other.

[0185]

[0187] The interlayer(s) are compressed between these plates. This may be accompanied by slight deformation of the interlayers.

[0186]

[0188] We will now describe, with reference to figures 6 and 7, another example of an interleaf 55 according to the invention, which can be used in place of the interleaves described previously.

[0187]

[0189] The interlayer 55, in this example, has wavy fins 56 with louvers 57, each louver 57 being formed on a flank of fin 58, each flank of fin 58 having a top 59 on the side of the outer face 10 and a base 61 on the side of the bottom of the enclosure 14, the louver 57 being closer to the top 59 of the flank than to the base 61 of the flank of fin 58.

[0188]

[0190] The midpoint of the fin flange can be defined as a point (or a line) equidistant from the apex 59 of the flange 58 and the base 61 of the flange 58. In the invention, the louver 57, which forms a window, is offset from this midpoint, being closer to the apex 59 than to the base 61 of the flange. The louver 57 is thus closer to the outer face 10, which is in contact with the heating component; this outer face is therefore exposed to the heat source, namely the component.

[0189]

[0191] The flank 58 includes a solid region 62 (i.e., a non-openwork region) between the base 61 of the flank and the louver 57.

[0190]

[0192] The presence of the solid region 62 is the corollary of the fact that the louver 57 is off-center with respect to the midpoint of the flank (the louver 57 being closer to the top 59 than to the base 61 of the flank).

[0191]

[0193] We note that a general trend is to make louvers 57 which extend as close as possible to the top 59 and the base 61 of the side, in order to have the maximum flow of fluid passing through the louvers 57.

[0192]

[0194] The solid region 62 represents at least 10%, or at least 20% or 30%, of the distance measured on the flank between the base 61 and the summit 59 of the flank.

[0193]

[0195] The louver 57 represents at least 90%, or at least 80% or 70%, of the distance measured on the flank 58 between the base 61 and the apex 59 of the flank.

[0194]

[0196] The louvers 57 of the intercalary 55 are all identical, and in particular have the same offset from the midpoint of the flank 58.

[0195]

[0197] Alternatively, the louvers 57 of the interlayer 55 are arranged along a flank with offsets that vary along this flank. For example, the louvers 57 can be increasingly closer to the apex 59 when moving from one louver 57 to the next.

[0196]

[0198] The vertex 59 may have, in cross-section, a rounded shape, for example in the form of an arc of a circle.

[0197]

[0199] Each flank 58 extends generally along a plane.

[0198]

[0200] The wing sides 58 are provided with a succession of louvers 57, in particular arranged from one longitudinal end of the side 58 to an opposite longitudinal end of the side 58, as can be seen in Figure 6.

[0199]

[0201] The shutters 57 have a shutter pitch 57 which is, here, regular.

[0200]

[0202] Where appropriate, the fin side 58 includes a region of change of direction of heat transfer fluid flow, formed in particular by a planar region between two successive sets of louvers, as described in the previous example.

[0201]

[0203] The louver 57 is presented in the form of a slit bordered by a strip of material, formed by cutting and folding a portion of material from the fin.

[0202]

[0204] In the present invention, the thermal regulation device has only one face which is heated by the electronic components placed on it, and the opposite side (namely the bottom) of the thermal regulation device is not exposed to a heat source.

[0203]

[0205] The present invention goes against the general trend, by proposing the off-centering of the louvers 57, in order to provide, at the level of the solid regions 62 and the bottom of the enclosure, a partial fluid diversion illustrated by the arrow BYP on figure 6, configured to allow, in a passive manner, the flow of heat transfer fluid between the fins of the interlayer 55, without passing through the louvers 57.

[0204]

[0206] Thanks to the invention, the louvers 57 allow for a high heat transfer coefficient (which is advantageous on the side of the external face exposed to heat), while in the partial bypass BYP at the bottom, under the louvers 57, flow can be achieved with less pressure loss. Thus, there is less thermal performance in the lower part of the enclosure. This is particularly beneficial when an excessive flow rate passes through the thermal control device, as this partial bypass BYP allows this high flow rate to pass through the thermal control device 1 without generating excessive heat exchange.

[0205]

[0207] The invention makes it possible to take advantage of the available space along the Z axis (height of the device) to minimize pressure loss by adjusting the asymmetry of the louvers 57.

[0208] The invention thus makes it possible to meet the need to take into account an excessively high flow rate, and this in a relatively simple way, in particular without having to use additional parts.

[0206]

[0209] According to one aspect of the invention, several spacers 55 are arranged in the enclosure and each spacer 55 has louvers 57 with a decentering which is specific to the spacer 55, and when moving from one spacer 55 to the next, the decentering varies, for example the louvers 57 being closer to the top 59 for the most downstream spacer 55.

[0207]

[0210] According to one aspect of the invention, several interlayers are arranged within the enclosure, and each interlayer 55 has louvers 57 with dimensions specific to that interlayer 55. As one moves from one interlayer 55 to the next, the dimensions of the louvers 57 vary; for example, the louvers 57 are larger for the most downstream interlayer 55 and smaller for the most upstream interlayer 55. In other words, the solid region represents a portion of the distance measured along the side between the base 61 and the apex 59 of the side, which decreases in the direction of flow.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. A thermal control device (1) for cooling and / or heating at least one temperature-sensitive component (2), such component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter, a battery cell, or a microprocessor, such thermal control device comprising: - an external face (10) having at least one placement area for the component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, a fluid circulation enclosure (14) configured to receive a heat transfer fluid, this enclosure (14) having a fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the enclosure (14) having a bottom which is opposite the face having at least one placement area for the component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, - at least one interlayer (55) disposed in the enclosure (14) and comprising corrugated fins (25), the corrugated fins (25) being provided with louvers (57), each louver (57) being formed on a fin flank (58), each fin flank (58) having a top on the side of the external face (10) and a base (61) on the side of the bottom of the enclosure (14), the louver (57) being closer to the top of the flank than to the base (61) of the flank, and the flank includes a solid region between the base (61) of the flank and the louver (57), and the louver (57) is offset from a midpoint of the flank.

2. A device according to the preceding claim, wherein the louvers (57) of the interlayer (55) are configured along a flank such that the partial bypass (BYP) becomes progressively smaller in the direction of flow

3. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein several spacers (55) are arranged in the enclosure (14) and each spacer (55) has louvers (57) with a decentering which is specific to the spacer (55), and when moving from one spacer (55) to the next, the decentering varies, for example the louvers (57) being closer to the top (59) for the most downstream spacer (55).

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein several dividers (55) are arranged in the enclosure (14) and each divider has louvers (57) with dimensions specific to the divider, and when moving from one divider to the next, the dimensions of the louvers (57) vary, for example, the louvers (57) being larger for the most downstream divider and smaller for the upstreammost interlayer.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solid region (62) represents at least 10%, or at least 20% or 30%, of the distance measured on the flank between the base (61) and the top (59) of the flank.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the louver (57) represents at least 90%, or at least 80% or 70%, of the distance measured on the side between the base (61) and the top of the side.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the louvers (57) of the interlayer are all identical, and in particular have the same offset with respect to a midpoint of the flank.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the louvers (57) have a louver pitch (LP), the louver pitch being the distance that separates two consecutive louvers (57), and at least one of the fin flanks is provided with louvers (57) which follow one another with an evolving louver pitch.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fin side (58) comprises a region for changing the direction of flow of heat transfer fluid, formed in particular by a planar region between two successive sets of louvers (57).

10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the series of louvers (57) on either side of the plane region are respectively oriented with angles of opposite signs.

Images