EP3338045A1

EP3338045A1 - Modular assembly for store or battery

Info

Publication number: EP3338045A1
Application number: EP16763919.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrice Chopard; Paul BLINE; Cédric HUILLET; Fanny Geffray; Nadine Poupa; Christophe Dominiak
Original assignee: Hutchinson SA
Current assignee: Hutchinson SA
Priority date: 2015-08-20
Filing date: 2016-08-19
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Also published as: WO2017029457A1; FR3040210B1; CN108139176A; FR3040210A1; US20190011147A1

Abstract

This relates to a modular assembly comprising several adjacent modules joined together by means (6) of circulation of a flow and which each contain at least one volume in which are present a refrigerant or heat-transfer fluid (9) capable of circulating through said volumes under the action of circulating means, and elements (13) for storing and releasing thermal energy. At least one first layer (15) comprising at least one PCM is arranged at the periphery of at least some of the modules, even on one side where two adjacent modules face one another and where at least part of at least one second layer (23) comprising a thermally insulating material is also interposed.

Description

MODULAR ASSEMBLY FOR STORER OR BATTERY

The present invention relates to a modular assembly comprising a plurality of modules that are functionally interconnected by means for circulating a flow (electrical, fluid, etc.). An individual module is also concerned.

Such an assembly may in particular define or contain a storage battery or a storage unit and the return of thermal energy provided by a fluid, such as oil from an engine, in particular.

A thermal flow management problem arises both module by module and on such sets, when it is expected that they each contain at least one volume where is present at least one of:

a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid able to circulate in said volumes under the action of circulation means,

elements for storing and restoring a thermal energy,

- at least one element to maintain at a certain temperature, and / or

at least one element giving off heat.

It is conceivable that an element to be maintained at a certain temperature and / or a heat generating element may consist of an electrolyte, anode and / or a cathode of an electric accumulator of a vehicle battery unit.

As for the refrigerant or coolant and storage elements and a thermal energy, they can in particular be in a storage unit and restitution as mentioned above, the latter as elements of thermal regulation of the first .

However, for example in the automotive or aeronautics field, the current trend to integrate in vehicles (cars, airplanes ...) systems to ensure an increase in performance (turbo, super-capacity, ...) weighs down and tends to increase the capacity requirements of flow management systems. This is true for electrical flows in electric or hybrid vehicles and for fluid flows, for example in the air temperature conditioning units of these same vehicles, or in certain exchangers.

In addition, the industry is invited to accelerate the placing on the market of new technologies that can reduce pollutant emissions, smooth any occasional increases in thermal loads or gradients in relation to nominal sizing operations, or propose solutions. to shift in time the return of an available energy at another time, while promoting the operational operation of an element in its optimum operating temperature range (for example a battery).

GB 2519742 proposes a modular assembly comprising several adjacent modules:

- having a peripheral wall,

- which are joined together by means of circulation of a flow,

- and each containing at least one volume in which at least one of:

elements for storing and restoring a thermal energy, at least one first layer comprising at least one thermal phase change material (MCP) being disposed at the periphery (of at least some) of said volumes.

In GB 2519742 these are devices for storing heat energy for later use in space heating or water heating.

The problem is therefore different from that in the present application where the thermal management of the interior of the module volumes passes through the management of thermal exchanges between adjacent modules. It is in this context that here is proposed in particular a set as aforesaid, thus comprising several adjacent modules presenting a peripheral wall through which the adjacent modules may be in heat exchange, said adjacent modules being joined together by flow means of a flow and each containing at least one volume where is present at least one of:

elements for storing and restoring a thermal energy,

at least one element to be maintained at a certain temperature,

at least one element giving off heat,

at least a first layer comprising at least one thermal phase change material (MCP) being disposed on the periphery of at least some of said volumes, including on one side:

where two modules are in contact by their respective peripheral walls, or

where said first layer is clamped between two modules facing each other,

and wherein at least a portion of at least one second layer comprising a thermally insulating material is also respectively interposed and clamped.

The local complex MCP / thermal insulation will associate thermal insulation between modules and capacity:

- a retarding effect on undesired temperature variation (effect of MCP materials),

and / or smoothing the temperature variations of the fluid and / or elements present in the internal volume of the module under consideration (via the MCP material).

It will thus be possible to avoid thermal disturbances between modules, while taking advantage of the thermal energy present in the volumes of these modules, which may be necessary to manage the operating range (in the case of modules of a storage battery, in particular). . In GB 2519742 the lateral spacing between the modules and the thin layers of air under the lids confirm that these effects are neither targeted nor attained. It is not intended to thermally benefit from a modular compactness.

For all purposes, it is specified that a phase change material - or

MCP- means a material capable of changing physical state within a restricted temperature range. Thermal storage can be achieved by using its Latent Heat (CL): the material can then store or transfer energy by simple change of state, while maintaining a temperature and a substantially constant pressure, that of the change of temperature. 'state.

And "tight" has the sense of "in physical contact" with at least one of the two adjacent modules that are then facing. There is no need for pressure, but for keeping in place and contact for a good heat exchange. For example, between two successive modules 52, there is kept "tight" Figure 5 a set of three layers 15-23-15, while for example Figure 6, we find maintained "tight" with each of these two modules 52 a set two layers 15-23 or 23-15, with a space 42 for circulating a thermal management fluid F established between the two respective layers 23.

Generally, the thermally insulating material chosen, which will therefore not be a MCP material, will be an insulator such as glass wool, a porous insulator, a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam, or even more favorably a thermally insulating material. porous structure disposed in a vacuum chamber, for defining at least one vacuum insulating panel, PIV.

Indeed, with a PIV, the performance of the thermal management to be assured will be further improved, or the overall volume decreased compared to another insulator.

It is therefore recommended that the thermally insulating material of the second layer comprise a porous heat-insulating material disposed in a vacuum chamber, to define at least one vacuum insulating panel, PIV.

"Porous" means a material having gaps for the passage of air. Open cell porous materials therefore include foams but also fibrous materials (such as glass wool or rock wool). The passage interstices that may be described as pores have sizes of less than 1 or 2 mm so as to ensure good thermal insulation, and preferably at 1 micron, and preferably still at 10 ^-9 m (nanoporous structure), for particular issues of resistance to aging and therefore possible lower depression in the envelope PIV.

"PIV" means a vacuum partial air structure (internal pressure may be between 10 and 10 ⁴ Pa) containing at least one a priori porous thermal insulating material (pore sizes less than Omicrons). Note, however, that the expression "under air vacuum" includes the case where this partial vacuum would be replaced by a "controlled atmosphere": the insulating pockets would be filled with a gas having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the ambient air (26MW / mK).

Typically, the PIV panels (vacuum insulating panel; VIP in English) are thermal insulators where cores made of porous material, for example silica gel or silicic acid powder (SiO 2), are pressed in a plate and each surrounded, partial air vacuum, a gas-tight wrapping foil, for example plastic and / or laminated aluminum. The vacuum obtained, with a residual pressure typically less than 1 mbar (10 ² Pa), typically reduces the thermal conductivity to less than 0.01 / 0.020 W / mK under the conditions of use.

However, in at least some applications or operating situations to be anticipated, it may be necessary to achieve a thermal insulation efficiency via said "second layer" in particular significantly higher than that of more conventional insulating materials, such as certain technical polymers such as RYNITE® PET polyester resin or HYTREL® thermoplastic polyester elastomer from Dupont de Nemours®.

Typically, a thermal conductivity λ less than 0.008 / 0.01 W / m.K is hereby expected, preferably.

With regard to these PIV panels and MCP materials, it was further noted that they do not seem to meet the expectations of the market so far. In particular, their implementation in the field is a problem, especially their conditioning.

Also this choice of active barrier MCP / PIV is here considered relevant.

In certain applications or operating situations to be anticipated, it may also be necessary to evacuate or bring thermal energy contained in the aforementioned volumes of the modules concerned, or to limit heat transfer to objects to be thermally regulated. (battery elements).

It is then advisable that a part of the periphery of at least some of the modules is devoid of at least the second couchelà where a module is in physical contact with a thermal energy transfer means by convection and / or conduction.

It follows that at a localized area of a given module, a heat transfer may pass through the layer (s) MCP or by the single non-insulating outer wall (typically polymer or metal) of the module peripherally limiting said volume at this location.

This may apply in particular if a given module defines an electric accumulator of a vehicle battery unit, where at least one electrolyte, anode and a cathode disposed in said volume define all or part of said element to be maintained at a certain temperature. and / or said element generating heat, the envelope passing electrical connection means connected to the anode and cathode. Indeed, it must be particularly careful to thermal control to prevent the cell overheating.

In connection with this point, and to promote mass production, it is proposed:

the first and second layers are grouped together in at least one pocket which will surround said volume,

- And that the thermally insulating material of the second layer comprises a porous material disposed in a vacuum chamber, to define at least one vacuum insulating panel, PIV.

The sheet or plastic film, or even metal or metal / plastic complex of the pocket and / or the enclosure will promote the aforementioned heat transfer sought, while ensuring a high-performance manufacturing process. Indeed, since a PIV panel can typically be made with a heat-sealable film metal layer (eg aluminum) so thermally good conductor, it will then be easy to use this layer for said heat transfer; ditto in the case of a metal wall a little thicker (1 / 10mm for example) so more rigid.

Precisely, it may even be favorable for the first and second layers to be distributed in two pockets that may be conformable or deformable and sealed together around said volume, thereby creating an envelope closing the volume.

Part of the welding periphery can then serve as a heat transfer zone.

In terms of implementation of the aforementioned first and second layers, and in addition to the case where the PIV bag packaging will make that the realization of the active MCP / PIV barrier thus conditioned will itself constitute the wall of the internal volume of the module considered , two other embodiments are preferred, for the sake of energy performance, mass production capacity (typically automotive field), reliability and reduced costs, namely: a) - each module will have at least one peripheral wall which will close the volume, except possibly at the place of an opening allowing access to said volume,

and the first and / or second layers, which will be structurally distinct from said peripheral wall, will be arranged around this peripheral wall, with the second layer outside the first one, there where there will be a presence of the first and second layers, b) or each module will have at least one peripheral wall:

- which will close the volume, except possibly at the place of an opening giving access to said volume,

and which will incorporate the moldable material support and the first and second layers.

In connection with what has already been indicated, two applications (among others not excluded) have been particularly taken into account, because of the needs expressed by the market, as developed above.

It's about :

- the case where the modules are or will contain electric accumulators of a battery pack for a vehicle, where at least one electrolyte, anode and a cathode disposed in said volume will define all or part of the aforementioned element to be maintained at a certain temperature and / or said element generating heat;

- and where:

the adjacent modules are those of a unit for storing and returning a thermal energy,

the volumes contain said storage and retrieval elements of this thermal energy,

at least one first passage passing through a wall of at least one of the modules allows said refrigerant or heat transfer fluid to enter and exit,

and second passages established between certain at least one of said modules pass the refrigerant or coolant between the volumes. These two cases are interesting in that they are based on a common solution, although concerning deeply different contexts:

in a battery pack or a vehicle electrical accumulator, the electrical performance over time in fact depends significantly on the internal temperature conditions in the block, which must be contained in an optimum range of approximately 25 to 35 ° C .; otherwise the yield drops,

- In a unit for storing and returning thermal energy, it is necessary to store this energy (typically after about 6-10 minutes) in the unit at a time, keep it for a certain time (typically several hours, by example 12 to 15 hours), then restore it (typically less than 2/3 minutes, for example to a motor during a cold start phase), all this via a refrigerant or coolant entering and / or outgoing.

If necessary, the invention will be better understood and other characteristics, details and advantages thereof will become apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: which :

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the storage-heat exchanger type unit, in exploded view;

- Figure 2 shows in vertical section two modules of the unit of Figure 1 superimposed, with an active barrier 15/23 integrated;

FIGS. 3 to 7 show in vertical section embodiments of battery cells arranged in a lateral line;

- Figure 8 shows in vertical section two pockets ready to be interassembled (see arrows) to form a cell or pocket type battery module (pouch);

- Figures 9,10 schematically in vertical section two results of the assembly of Figure 8; FIG. 11 schematizes in vertical section an alternative of FIG. 10, with MCP only inside (INT) closed state of an articulated panel with continuous insulation;

- Figures 12,15 schematically in vertical section, closed on itself, two bands MCP / PIV structure (the MCP layer was not shown, it doubles the inner porous layer 23), and

- Figures 13,14 schematically, in local vertical section (to be extended on both sides in the case of an articulable panel) two possible structures of insulating pockets (19 below),

FIG. 16 is a diagram in vertical section of alternative solution of FIG. 2,

and FIGS. 17, 18 are top diagrams (horizontal section on the left) and with cut-away embodiments that can be those of FIGS. 3 to 6.

As mentioned above, the invention proposes a modular embodiment which we can adjust the volume, or even the mass, and whose thermal performance provided by the local association MCP / thermal insulation will achieve both a thermal insulation between modules that (via the MCP material) a smoothing ability of the temperature variations of elements present in the internal volume of the module in question (case of a battery application) and / or an ability to delay a temperature variation of a present fluid in the volume (in the case of a storer / exchanger application) or the object to be thermally regulated (battery case).

Thus, it is seen in the appended figures and without limitation, three modular assemblies 1, 10, 100 respectively: storage / exchanger Figures 1, 2 and two solutions of storage batteries, respectively Figures 3-10 and 11, 12 , respectively.

Each comprises several modules 3 each having an interior volume 7 limited externally by a peripheral wall 5. Note however that, if a modular assembly is advisable, it is here the individual thermal structuring of each "module" that takes precedence. Each module is therefore to be considered as such, as a thermally independent whole.

The modules 3 are functionally interconnected by means 6 for circulating a flow 9:

flow of a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid able to circulate, in an external circuit 110 and in said volumes, under the action of circulation means 11,

and / or electrical energy flow when the means 6 (such as cables) then provide an electrical connection, typically in series or in parallel, between the modular elements 3 (each forming or enclosing an electric accumulator) of the block battery, in order to obtain an electric voltage for a vehicle. Only Figures 3-4 schematize these electrical connections, to avoid overloading the other figures 5-11 concerned,

and / or still fluid, by a means 44 of exchange; see below in the "battery" application (Figures 3-12); This exchange means 44 will then act as a flow means of a flow between the modules.

Figures 3,4,10 (the other figures 5-9,11 do not appear for the sake of lightening details), we see schematically at least one electrolyte 16, and anode 14 and a cathode 17 arranged in the volume 7 of each of the electric accumulator 3, this defining one or more elements to maintain at a certain temperature and / or generating heat, when in operation all or part of the anode, cathode and the electrolyte 16 will be heated to within these accumulators. In these figures, the polarized terminals of these anode and cathode which connect to the means 6, locally through the wall 5, are also distinguished at 140,170.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the adjacent two-to-two modules of the set 1 are those of a storage and retrieval unit (subsequent). thermal energy. The volumes 7 each contain elements 13 for storing and restoring (subsequently) this thermal energy transported by the flow 9 of the circulating fluid, which, refrigerant or coolant, is a priori liquid (water, oil in particular), but could to be gaseous, like air to be conditioned.

First passages 33,35 pass through, at opposite ends of the unit 1, covers 32 covering, closing them if necessary, the two end modules of what is here formed in a stack, to let in and take out the fluid that will flow between the modules. This circulation can be in series or in parallel.

Externally, the cover 32 opening side 31 (see below) can be doubled by a single pocket 34 PIV constitution. And a plate 36 of mechanical protection can close the whole, along the axis 27, as illustrated. A sleeve or sleeve 38 of mechanical protection open at both ends, for example hard plastic, further envelopes the modules 3 and 32,34,36 parts.

To allow the flow of fluid 9 to pass between the volumes, second passages 30 are established between all the modules in pairs, in walls 29 transverse to the stack. Each wall 29 defines here the bottom of the considered module, in addition to the peripheral wall 5.

In contrast to their bottom 29, the modules are open, at 31, to allow placing in each volume 7 thus defined elements 13 for storing and restoring the thermal energy that will have been provided by the fluid 9. The elements 13 will be favorably balls made of material partially (for example in addition to a polymer) or totally MCP, for the thermal efficiency and a good capacity to be easily arranged in number in their volume of reception.

As constitution of the elements 13 (or material 15 below) may for example provide a rubber composition as described in EP2690137 or in EP2690141, namely in the second case a crosslinked composition based on at least one elastomer RTV silicone "Vulcanized at room temperature and comprising at least one phase change material (PCM), said at least one silicone elastomer having a viscosity measured at 23 ° C according to ISO 3219 which is less than or equal to 5000 mPa.s.

In this composition, the elastomer matrix may be predominantly constituted (i.e. in an amount greater than 50 phr, preferably greater than 75 phr) of one or more silicone elastomers "RTV". Thus, this composition may have its elastomer matrix comprising one or more silicone elastomers in a total amount greater than 50 phr and optionally one or more other elastomers (i.e. other than "RTV" silicones) in a total quantity of less than 50 phr. The thermal phase change material (MCP) consists of n-hexadecane, eicosane or a lithium salt. Alternatively, the MCP material could be based on fatty acid, paraffin, or eutectic or hydrated salt.

In fact, the choice of this material and its packaging, in particular its dispersion within a polymer matrix, will depend on the intended application and the expected results.

Fixing means 40, which may be tie rods, mechanically fix the modules together, in this case a stacking axis 27.

To protect from heat or cold outside (EXT) at least a first layer 15 comprising at least one MCP material is disposed around each volume 7, including on one side where two adjacent modules face each other and where at least a portion at least one second layer 23 comprising a thermally insulating material is also interposed, as shown schematically in the figures "in situation" 2-6 and 9.

To best promote this "active" insulation when a PCM material is included therein, the thermally insulating material of the second layer 23 comprises in the preferred versions illustrated a porous thermally insulating material disposed in a vacuum chamber 37, for defining at least one vacuum insulating panel, PIV.

A priori the second layer 23 will be, where the two layers MCP / PIV exist, disposed around the first layer 15, so between it and the outside (EXT); it being specified, however, that the second layer 23 could be interposed between two MCP layers 15a, 15b. In that case :

a) if the outside (EXT) is the neighboring cell 52, the two MCP layers 15a, 15b may be the same,

b) if the outside (EXT) is the environment around a complete battery block, beyond the lateral periphery and its wall 55, as for example in zones 111, FIG. phase will be different, the temperature of change of state increasing as one goes inward (INT).

Note that each "layer" 15a, 15b may be formed of several adjacent sub-layers of lesser thickness each having its change of state temperature in case b), for a gradual evolution of these temperatures.

Thus, it can be arranged that an excessively cold or hot external temperature interferes only slightly with that in the volume (s) 7, the first layer 15 (or the internal one 15a) being, in the Battery application, defined to smooth out the internal temperature variations in this (these) volume (s) and within the fluid and to delay the propagation to excessive heat or cold modules (typically less than 25 ° C or more) 35 ° C).

In order to optimize this approach, it is recommended that the active thermal barrier formed by the MCP / thermal insulation layers therefore comprise at least one PIV panel formed by a pocket 19 where the second layer 23 will be integrated. constitute the / each PIV panel 19 a porous thermal insulating material, which can therefore constitute the second layer 23, this material being contained in the envelope 37 forming a sealed enclosure to said material and in the air. Once an air gap established in the envelope, the pocket nevertheless slightly conformable or deformable forming the PIV panel will be constituted.

As regards the porous thermal insulating material thus contained in the envelope 37, it will be noted that it will advantageously be composed of a porous material (for example with a nanostructure, such as silica powder or airgel, such as a silica airgel) confined in a sheet or a flexible film 49 or 51 which will not let through the water vapor or gas. The obtained PIV will be emptied of its air to obtain for example a pressure of a few millibars, then can be sealed. Typically, the thermal conductivity λ of such a PIV will be 0.004 / 0.008 W / mK The use of insulating panels under vacuum should allow to reach a thermal resistance R = 5 m ² .K / W with only 35 mm of insulating. Examples, applicable herein, of PIV panel and super-insulating material are provided in PCT / FR2014 / 050267 and WO2014060906 (porous material), respectively. A possible composition of the material 23 is as follows: 80-85% of silica dioxide (SiO2), 15-20% of silicon carbide (SiC) and possibly 5% of other products (binder / fillers). A thickness of 0.4 to 3 cm is possible.

At this stage of the presentation of the invention, it has been understood that an important element of it relates to the modular design of a thermal management structure (thermal management in English) having as its purpose the control of the temperature in an internal volume that this structure surrounds, either structurally dissociated, as an isothermal bag surrounds a content, or structurally integrated: the materials of the thermal barrier 15,23 are then an integral part of the structure. What must be grasped is the desire to make the thermal management of each module or each internal volume autonomous. Indeed, it turned out that this: - must make it possible to respond more precisely to the needs of the customers, by making it possible in particular to reduce the number of modules for the same objective, with weight and space savings at the end;

- authorizes assemblies where the "adjacent" modules will not necessarily be strictly contiguous although very close (less than

3 / 4cms maximum distance), as for example 4 or 6 where a space 42 exists between two integrated thermal barrier modules 15,23 (Figure 4) or external thermal barrier 15,23, reported (Figure 6) . Indeed, the fact of having provided a modular structure, with this barrier here MCP / PIV between two such modules 3 or adjacent volumes 7, in the retained lateral alignment, allows in at least one direction (here along a lateral face) to reserve this space 42 to circulate in a natural or forced way a fluid F which could advantageously facilitate a heat transfer if, as recommended in the case of a "battery application" as FIGS. 4 and 6, a face other that the side faces of the wall 5, here the bottom 29, is not only devoid of said layers 15/23 of the thermal barrier but doubled (here below) by a means 44 of convection exchange (arrows H in different figures ), natural or forced, such as a thermally conductive plate, for example metal, or at least one conduit in which an exchange fluid, such as water, would circulate to evacuate the heat provided by the layer or layers 15 of MCP coming fromat his touch, as illustrated;

- Can rationalize at low cost, mass production, in several applications, since providing the thermal barrier 15,23 between two modules, we can:

use a single strip 50 of PIV pockets in the context of the integrated thermal barrier embodiment detailed below which can make it possible to manufacture sidewall and bottom modules 29 thus provided, as FIGS.

- To dispense with at least one pouch 34 with PIV constitution at the end of stack Figure 1; makes it easy to use the strips 50 mentioned above, these strips, such as those of FIGS. 12, 15, being able to be placed laterally (axis 51) around the body of a battery cell 52, as can be imagined, each closed on themselves, seeing Figures 4,6,7, to each double their side wall 5 with the thermal barrier 15,23 that each band will then integrate;

and makes it possible to design independent multi-function modules, such as the cells 100 of the pocket-type (battery pouch Cell) of FIGS. 10, 11.

Thus, as shown schematically in FIG. 6, a space 42 may, between two thicknesses of said second layer 23 interposed between two adjacent modules 52, make it possible to circulate, in a natural or forced manner, a fluid F in order to evacuate calories (even frigories ) present in these spaces because of exchanges between modules. Each space 42 can therefore be connected to the respective conduits 43a for supplying fluid and 43b for discharging this fluid.

From the foregoing, it emerges that the thermal insulation portion formed by the barrier 15/23, preferably having a PIV constitution, can be structurally dissociated from both the volumes 7 and the peripheral wall 5 of each module (in the case of the cells 52 mentioned above). . In the latter case this part 15/23 will surround the wall. FIGS. 4, 6, 7 are diagrammatically an independent MCP / PIV barrier, resulting from a band 50 articulated in several places because the flexible sheets or films (or parts of the same sheet or single film) which form (nt) the envelope 37 are:

or in direct contact in intermediate zones between two successive heat-insulating pockets 19 each with MCP 15 / porous material layers 23 integrated within the global vacuum space created, as in FIG. 12 or 15;

- is filled over a few mm thick of a deformable structure 79 may be formed by a conformable or deformable support in a polymer mesh of a few mm thick impregnated with an airgel 81, by example of silica, or its pyrolate (pyrolysed airgel, it being specified that this alternative pyrolate applies to each case of the present description in which a porous thermally insulating material is concerned), as FIG. 12.

Figures 8,13,14 we see, among others, different ways of making a band 50, see individually a pocket 19 15/23 materials and constitution PIV which composes favorably.

In the two preferred embodiments proposed, each pocket 19 comprises at least one closed external envelope 37 which contains the first and second elements 15/23 and consists of at least one conformable or deformable sheet 49 that is tight to the MCP material, with:

a) either said sheet 49 which is sealable (thermally / chemically, such as at 49a, 49b, around the pocket) and impervious to the porous material 23 and to the air (or even to water), so that an air gap prevailing in the envelope 37, a so-called vacuum insulating panel (PIV) is thus defined, as shown in FIGS. 7, 13;

b) the second thermal insulating element 23 contained inside a second sealed envelope 51 (seal 53) that is sealable (as above) and impervious to the porous material and to the air, so that a Vacuum air prevailing in the second envelope, a so-called insulating panel 0 under vacuum (PIV) is defined, as shown in Figures 8,14.

Note that two layers (15a, 15b) containing one or more MCP materials could (as in FIG. 7) be disposed on either side of the layer of porous material 23.

The sheet (s) or film (s) 49 and 53 may typically be made in the form of a multilayer film comprising polymer films (PE and PET) and aluminum in the form of, for example, rolled (sheet of the order of ten micrometers) or metallized (vacuum deposition of a film of a few tens of nanometers). The metallization can be carried out on one or both sides of a PE film and a plurality of metallized PE films can be complexed to form a single film. Example of the design of the film: - PE internal sealing, approx. 40 μηη - Vacuum metalization Al, approx. 0.04 μηη - PET outer layer, approximately 60 μηη.

As already noted, comparing FIGS. 2 and 3-7, it will be noted that the modules 3, if they are formed each time, on a complete modular assembly, stack or line, are superimposed by their openings 31 and bottom 29, FIG. 2, while they are laterally in line, side by side by a portion of their peripheral wall 5 FIGS. 3-7.

In the application "superimposed modules" for the storage-exchanger 1 (see Figure 2), it is therefore not only the peripheral wall 5 but also the bottom 29 which are provided with the double barrier 15/23, for example with minus one strip 50, folded in the corners, used for three sides (see section 2 where the diagram, coarse, does not show the strip), two single pockets 19 for the 4th and 5th sides, the last side being open (opening 31). By cons, Figures 3-4, the band 50 may be arranged horizontally at the single side wall 5. And all these structures, here constitution PIV, will be favorably embedded with a support 55. This support will be favorably monobloc. It may be plastic, metal (stainless steel, aluminum) or composite, in particular. Molded fabrication will be preferred.

The reference to a peripheral side wall 5 of moldable material covers both fiber-filled and injected thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins impregnating a mat, such as a woven or a nonwoven.

Figure 3, the bottom 29 also incorporates a gate MCP / PIV 15/23. It may be at least one pocket 19 or two flat pockets, side by side between which pass or passage channels electrical connections terminals 140,170. In this figure, it has been assumed that an electric cell 52 (completely closed and therefore containing the elements 15, 16, 17) has been placed, in each central space 56 delimited by the inner face of the walls 5 and 29, by the opening 31 opposite the transverse bottom 29. Figure 4, on the contrary is schematically the case where the inside hollow delimited by the inner face of the walls 5 and 29 is directly the volume 7. In this case, the elements 15,16,17 placed there are held by a cover 57 which closes the opening 31. Situations can be switched between the two figures.

Figure 5, and in more detail Figure 7, a feature lies in the PIV wall 23 which is common to the two adjacent cells 52.

Thus, between two adjacent cells 52, there is at least one vacuum bag with three layers: a porous insulating layer 23 between two layers MCP, a priori identical. The thickness of the layer 23 may be twice that of the dedicated layer versions of the other variants. As FIGS. 5, 6, a mechanically protective sleeve 38 may surround the batch of cells and their individual thermal barriers 15/23.

FIGS. 8-11 diagrammatically show another way of producing a battery cell, in this case a "pouch" cell (pocket) FIGS. 10-11, while it may be prismatic cells FIG. in the previous figures.

Figure 8, two elongate pockets 19 each formed of a casing 37 are schematized, face to face. Each has two ends 49a, 49b of outer films 49 welded together. It is these two pairs of ends 49a, 49b that we will be able to join together and solder by torque, as shown in FIGS. 9-11 to constitute a closed central space corresponding to either (FIG. 9) to the space 56 already present in the solution of Figure 3 is directly to the internal volume 7 (Figures 10-11), since the wall 49 will then be chosen to resist the electrolyte and exchanges related to the electrical production in the volume, being so necessary to it doubles with an ad-hoc wall. Figures 10,11, note the bent outward appearance (EXT) sealed envelopes 37/51 flexible sheets, being specified that such a shape can result from a shortening, on each envelope, the length L1 of the inner sheet with respect to the length L2 of the outer sheet, this creating a mechanical tension at the location of the end seals which hinge the envelope.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12, 15, bends can therefore be made at the location of the hinge zones 21, where two sheets 49 are in direct contact with one another and which are each interposed between a pocket 19 and a thermally insulating intermediate zone 59 containing at least one porous material 23.

It will be possible to insert at least one MCP layer between the bottom 29 and the convective exchange means 44, the bottom 29 being able to integrate this or these layers.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative to the solution of FIG. 2: the bottoms 29 may not comprise layers 15 or 23. The same material as that of the wall 5 may be used for a one-piece constitution.

As regards FIG. 17, it shows in plan view a case where the means 44 for transferring thermal energy acts in particular by conduction, via conduits 48 for the circulation of a fluid which, via the transfer plate 50 of thermal energy (metal typically) which doubles a face 58 of the combined blocks 3 (here several adjacent cells 52), ensures the evacuation of the thermal energy supplied to this plate by the MCP layers 15.

It will be noted that such a layer MCP15 surrounds laterally (on the four lateral faces other than the face 58 and its opposite, see figure) all the blocks 3/52 together and is itself doubled externally by a thermal insulator 23.

FIG. 18 schematizes an alternative where the heat transfer means 44, here by convection, extends all around an MCP 15 which surrounds laterally (on the four lateral faces other than the lower and upper faces here; see figure) all the blocks 3/52 together. The means 44 for convection transfer may be an externally carrying plate of fins 46.

FIG. 17 also shows the sleeve, or more generally the envelope in one or more parts, which serves as a mechanically protective wall, or even a lateral holding means (see solution in FIG. 1) to the elements they surround; blocks 3, layers 15/23 ... In the solution of FIG. 18, the outer peripheral carrying plate of fins 46 may play this role, especially if the plates are joined together to form a continuous wall.

In all of the above solutions, it has been noted that it is through their peripheral walls 5 that the adjacent modules 3 would exchange more calories or frigories if the layers 15/23 and / or the PIV envelopes were not present, thus altering their internal management.

Claims

1. Modular assembly comprising a plurality of adjacent modules (3) each having a peripheral wall through which the adjacent modules can be in heat exchange with each other, said adjacent modules being joined together by means (6) for circulating a flow and containing each at least one volume (7) where is present at least one of:

a refrigerant or heat-transfer fluid (9) able to circulate in said volumes under the action of circulation means,

elements (13) for storing and restoring a thermal energy,

at least one element (16, 52) to be maintained at a certain temperature,

at least one heat-generating element (52, 16, 14, 17), at least one first layer (15) comprising at least one thermal phase change material (MCP) being disposed on the periphery of at least some of said volumes (7), including on one side:

where two modules are in contact by their respective peripheral walls, or

where said first layer (15) is clamped between two modules facing each other, or

- where a space (42) is reserved between two modules for circulating a natural or forced fluid,

and wherein at least a portion of at least one second layer (23) comprising a thermally insulating material is interposed.

2. A modular assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thermally insulating material (23) of the second layer comprises a porous heat-insulating material disposed in a chamber (37) under vacuum, to define at least one vacuum insulating panel (19,50 ).

3. Modular assembly according to one of claims 1, 2, wherein a portion of the periphery of at least some of the modules is devoid of said first and / or second layers where a module (3) is in physical contact with a means (44) thermal energy transfer by convection and / or conduction.

4. Modular assembly comprising several adjacent modules (3) each having a peripheral wall:

through which the adjacent modules can be in heat exchange with each other, said adjacent modules being joined together by means (6) for circulating a flow,

and which closes a volume (7), except possibly at the place of an opening (31) allowing access to said volume, in which is present at least one of:

elements (13) for storing and restoring a thermal energy,

at least one element (16, 52) to be maintained at a certain temperature,

at least one heat generating element (52, 16, 14, 17), at least one first layer (15) comprising at least one thermal phase change material (MCP) being disposed on the periphery of at least some of said volumes (7), including on one side:

where said first layer (15) is clamped between two modules facing each other,

and wherein at least a portion of at least one second layer (23) comprising a thermally insulating material is also clamped, said first and / or second layers (15,23), which is / are structurally distinct from said peripheral wall, being arranged (s) around this peripheral wall, with the second layer (23) to outside the first (15), where there is a presence of the first and second layers.

5. Modular assembly comprising several adjacent modules (3) each having a peripheral wall:

elements (13) for storing and restoring a thermal energy,

at least one element (16, 52) to be maintained at a certain temperature,

at least one heat generating element (52, 16, 14, 17), at least one first layer (15) comprising at least one thermal phase change material (MCP) being disposed on the periphery of at least some of said volumes (7), including on one side where two modules are in contact by their respective peripheral walls, and where at least a portion of at least one second layer (23) comprising a thermally insulating material is interposed, the peripheral walls incorporating each a support (55) of moldable material and the first and second layers (15,23).

6. Modular assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modules (3) define or contain electrical accumulators (10,100,52) of a battery pack for a vehicle, where at least one electrolyte (16), and an anode and a cathode disposed in each said volume (7), define all or part of said element to maintain at a certain temperature and / or said element generating heat.

7. Modular assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a space (42) is reserved between two thicknesses of said second layer (23) interposed between two adjacent modules for circulating a natural or forced fluid way.

8. Modular assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:

the modules (3) are those of a unit for storing and restoring a thermal energy,

the volumes (7) contain said elements (13) for storing and restoring said thermal energy,

at least one first passage passing through a wall of at least one of the modules allows said refrigerant or heat transfer fluid (9) to enter and exit,

- And second passages (30) established between at least one of said modules pass the refrigerant or coolant between the volumes.

9. Modular assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modules (3) as a whole are surrounded by a said first layer (15) comprising at least one material with thermal phase change (MCP) doubled:

- by a said second layer (23) comprising a thermally insulating material, except at the location of a plate (50) for transferring thermal energy supplied to this plate by said first layers (15)

or by externally carrying plates of fins (46) acting as means (44) for transferring thermal energy supplied to these plates by said first layers (15).

10. Module for a modular assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second layers (15,23) are grouped in at least one pocket (19) surrounding said volume (7), and the thermally insulating material of the second layer (23) comprises a porous material disposed in a vacuum chamber, for defining at least one vacuum insulating panel.

11. The module of claim 10, wherein the first and second layers (15,23) are distributed in two pockets (19) sealed together around said volume, thereby creating a volume-closing envelope (49) (7).

12. Module according to claim 11 which defines an electric accumulator (52,100) of a vehicle battery unit, wherein at least one electrolyte (16), anode (14) and a cathode (17) disposed in said volume define all or part of said element to be maintained at a certain temperature and / or said element generating heat, the envelope passing means (140, 170) of electrical connection connected to the anode and cathode.

13. Module according to claim 12, wherein the electric accumulator is a cell (100) type pocket (battery pouch Cell in English).