EP4655202A1

EP4655202A1 - A cooling assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4655202A1
Application number: EP23704060.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stiven ALMOU; Jonas Lundh
Original assignee: Volvo Penta AB
Current assignee: Volvo Penta AB
Priority date: 2023-01-26
Filing date: 2023-01-26
Publication date: 2025-12-03
Also published as: WO2024156354A1

Abstract

A modular cooling assembly (100) configured to cool at least a first component (10) of an electrically powered marine propulsion system (3) when the cooling assembly is connected to at least a first component cooling conduit (11) of the marine propulsion system, the cooling assembly comprising: - a primary cooling arrangement comprising a cooling fluid conduit (111) and a cooling fluid pump (112), the cooling fluid conduit (111) comprising an inlet (113) to be connected to a first end (11a) of the first component cooling conduit, and an outlet (114) to be connected to a second end (lib) of the first component cooling conduit, - a secondary cooling arrangement (140) comprising a secondary inlet (143), a secondary outlet (144), and a heat exchanger (146), the secondary cooling arrangement being arranged to cool the first cooling fluid conduit, - a frame arrangement.

Description

A COOLING ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to cooling of marine propulsion systems. In particular aspects, the disclosure relates to a cooling assembly for cooling of an at least partially powered marine propulsion system. The disclosure can be applied in marine vessels, in particular water surface vessels such as power boats. Although the disclosure may be described with respect to a particular marine vessel, the disclosure is not restricted to any particular marine vessel.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric propulsion systems are becoming increasingly common in marine vessels, such as in boats and ships. On the one hand, there are fully electrical solutions in which a rechargeable battery system and an electric motor provide all power needed onboard the vessel. On the other hand, there are hybrid solutions in which a combustion engine or a fuel cell system is used to provide complementary power. In either case, electric propulsion systems including a rechargeable battery tend to be relatively bulky, and further require efficient and versatile cooling to ensure proper function of the various electric components.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a cooling assembly according to claim 1 is provided. The cooling assembly is configured to cool at least a first component of an at least partially electrically powered marine propulsion system when the cooling assembly is fluidly connected to at least a first component cooling conduit of the marine propulsion system. The cooling assembly comprises: a primary cooling arrangement comprising a first cooling circuit, the first cooling circuit comprising a first cooling fluid conduit and a first cooling fluid pump, wherein the first cooling fluid conduit comprises a first inlet configured to be fluidly connected to a first end of the first component cooling conduit, and a first outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a second end of the first component cooling conduit, a secondary cooling arrangement comprising a secondary inlet, a secondary outlet, and a first heat exchanger, wherein the secondary cooling arrangement is arranged to cool the first cooling fluid conduit via the first heat exchanger, and wherein the secondary cooling arrangement is fluidly separated from the primary cooling arrangement, and a frame arrangement to which the primary cooling arrangement and the secondary cooling arrangement are mounted.

[0004] The first aspect of the disclosure may seek to provide a cooling assembly which is in at least some aspect improved with respect to known cooling assemblies. In particular, the first aspect may seek to provide a cooling assembly which is easy to install in a marine vessel, and which can be provided as a stand-alone unit. By providing a frame arrangement to which the primary cooling arrangement and the secondary cooling arrangement are mounted, a modular cooling assembly which is easy to handle, and install, is provided. The cooling assembly can use standardized connection members and/or dimensions for connecting the inlets and outlets to hoses, pipes and similar, such that mounting and installation of the cooling assembly in a marine vessel is greatly facilitated. The frame arrangement may typically define a confined space within which all components of the cooling assembly can be fitted, such that a modular unit is achieved. The cooling assembly may thereby be treated as a modular stand-alone unit having a predefined weight and size.

[0005] The cooling assembly according to the first aspect is useful both in partially and fully electric propulsion systems. In partially electrically powered propulsion systems, a fuel cell system or a combustion engine may be provided as a complement to a rechargeable electric energy storage system. In fully electrically powered propulsion systems, a rechargeable electric energy storage system provides all power needed to drive the propulsion system.

[0006] The cooling assembly may, by way of example, be configured to cool an electric energy storage system and/or power electronics of a motor drive system, including an electric machine/motor, an electric motor drive, on-board and bidirectional chargers, DC/DC converter and other similar components. It may further be used to cool, e.g., a propeller and gear assembly, and/or any other auxiliary components or systems. If a combustion engine or a fuel cell system is provided, the cooling assembly may be used for cooling of those as well. [0007] The secondary cooling arrangement may be a seawater cooling arrangement, or a process water cooling arrangement, or a cooling fluid cooling arrangement. In some examples, such as in a power boat or a similar small vessel, the secondary cooling arrangement may preferably be a seawater cooling arrangement with the secondary inlet configured for intake of seawater from a surrounding body of water, and the secondary outlet configured for discharging the seawater. In this case, the secondary cooling arrangement may comprise a secondary pump for pumping seawater through an open circuit of the secondary cooling arrangement. In a large vessel, such as in a ship, the secondary cooling arrangement may in some examples be a process water cooling arrangement, wherein the secondary inlet and outlet are connected to a process water system that may induce a flow of process water through the secondary cooling arrangement. The process water may in turn be cooled by seawater via a hull of the vessel, or via another component in contact with seawater. In other examples, the secondary cooling arrangement is configured to use a cooling fluid, such as ethylene glycol. A secondary pump may in those cases be configured to induce a flow of the cooling fluid through a closed circuit provided by connecting the secondary inlet and outlet to a connecting component, such as a hose, a tube, or similar, and/or a tank.

[0008] In some examples, the primary cooling arrangement further comprises a second cooling circuit comprising a second cooling fluid conduit and a second cooling fluid pump, wherein the second cooling fluid conduit comprises a second inlet configured to be fluidly connected to a first end of a second component cooling conduit, and a second outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a second end of the second component cooling conduit. In this way, at least two components or systems of the marine propulsion system can be separately cooled by means of the cooling assembly. This is useful for applications in which two components or systems benefit from being independently cooled. The first and second cooling fluid pumps may be independently controllable pumps, such as independently controllable electric pumps.

[0009] Preferably, the second cooling circuit is fluidly separated from the first cooling circuit. This makes it possible to use different cooling fluids and/or different target temperatures in the first and second cooling circuits.

[0010] In some examples, the cooling assembly further comprises a second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger may be mounted to the frame arrangement.

[0011] In some examples, the secondary cooling arrangement is arranged to cool the second cooling circuit via the second heat exchanger. Depending on the positioning of the first and second heat exchangers, the temperature of the second cooling circuit may be kept higher or lower than the first cooling circuit.

[0012] In some examples, the first cooling circuit is arranged to cool the second cooling circuit via the second heat exchanger. This may be beneficial when the second cooling circuit is to be held at a higher temperature than the first cooling circuit. The second heat exchanger may herein be positioned between the first inlet and the first heat exchanger, such that cooling fluid in the first cooling circuit is circulated from the first heat exchanger into the first component cooling conduit, before it reaches the second heat exchanger where it is used for cooling the second cooling circuit. In this way it can be ensured that the first cooling circuit provides sufficient cooling to sensitive components, such as to the electric energy storage system.

[0013] In some examples, the first cooling circuit is configured to deliver a first cooling fluid to the first outlet, and the second cooling circuit is configured to deliver a second cooling fluid to the second outlet, wherein the first and second cooling fluids are of different types. For example, the first cooling fluid may be ethylene glycol and the second cooling fluid may be oil. In other examples, the first and second cooling fluids are of the same type, e.g., ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol may preferably be used for cooling the electric energy storage system and/or power electronics of a motor drive system including an electric machine/motor, an electric motor drive, on-board and bidirectional chargers, DC/DC converter and other similar components. Oil may be used to cool, e.g., an auxiliary component or system such as a mechanical transmission device of, e.g., a propeller drive unit. [0014] In some examples, the primary cooling arrangement further comprises a third cooling circuit comprising a third cooling fluid conduit and a third cooling fluid pump, wherein the third cooling fluid conduit comprises a third inlet configured to be fluidly connected to a first end of a third component cooling conduit, and a third outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a second end of the third component cooling conduit. This allows cooling of three different components or systems at three different temperatures. The third cooling circuit, which is fluidly separated from the first and second cooling circuits as well as from the secondary cooling arrangement, may be configured to be cooled via a heat exchanger, either by the secondary cooling arrangement or by one of the first and second cooling circuits. In some examples, the third cooling circuit may use oil as a cooling fluid and be used for cooling an auxiliary component or system as described above. In this case, the temperature of the third cooling circuit may be higher than those of the first and second cooling circuits.

[0015] In some examples, the first cooling circuit comprises a thermostat configured to regulate a temperature of a first cooling fluid delivered to the first outlet. The thermostat may be an electronically controllable thermostat, such as a controllable three-way valve or similar. In this way, it is ensured that the cooling fluid delivered to the first outlet is within a desired temperature range. [0016] In some examples, the frame arrangement comprises a housing in which the primary cooling arrangement and the secondary cooling arrangement are arranged. The housing encloses the components of the cooling assembly and facilitates handling thereof during transport and installation.

[0017] In some examples, the cooling assembly further comprises at least one gripping member arranged on the frame arrangement. The gripping member(s) may comprise one or two handles, and/or at least one lifting eye. This facilitates installation and removal of the cooling assembly.

[0018] In some examples, the secondary cooling arrangement further comprises a secondary pump provided between the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet. This is particularly useful when the secondary cooling arrangement is a seawater cooling arrangement comprising an open circuit via which seawater is passed from the secondary inlet, through the first heat exchanger, and to the secondary outlet, or when the secondary cooling arrangement is a cooling fluid cooling arrangement in which a closed circuit has been formed for circulation of cooling fluid. The secondary pump can be used to induce a flow of seawater or cooling fluid through the first heat exchanger.

[0019] In some examples, the secondary cooling arrangement further comprises a secondary filter arranged upstream of the secondary pump. This reduces pollution of the secondary cooling arrangement, in particular when seawater is used.

[0020] In some examples, the cooling assembly further comprises an electric connection interface configured to receive electric power from an electric power supply for powering the cooling assembly and/or a communication interface configured to enable control of the cooling assembly via an electronic control unit. The electric connection interface may be configured to provide electric power to some or all electrically powered components of the cooling assembly, such as one or more electrically powered pumps, one or more controllable valves, one or more thermostats, etc. In some examples, the cooling system comprises one or more heaters, which may be electric heater(s) configured to be powered via the electric connection interface.

[0021] In some examples, the cooling assembly further comprises an electronic control unit configured to control the cooling assembly. The electronic control unit may be configured to communicate with other control units of the marine propulsion system by hardwired or wireless communication. The electronic control unit may be configured to control various components of the cooling assembly, such as the secondary pump, the cooling fluid pump(s), and the thermostat(s). [0022] In some examples, the electronic control unit is arranged to automatically calibrate a rotational speed of the first cooling fluid pump to reach a target cooling fluid flow. A desired cooling effect can thereby be achieved. If two or more cooling fluid pumps are provided, the electronic control unit may be arranged to automatically calibrate a rotational speed of each cooling fluid pump to reach a respective target cooling fluid flow.

[0023] In some examples, the cooling assembly is configured as a modular unit installable in parallel with an identical cooling assembly. The cooling capacity is thereby easily scalable according to the cooling needs of the marine propulsion system. The modularity may be achieved by using standard dimensions and/or connection members for the various inlets and outlets of the cooling assembly and by fitting all components of the cooling assembly into a confined space defined by the frame arrangement, such as into a housing. Hence, the cooling assembly is provided as a module that can be fitted into a predefined space in the vessel and mechanically connected to standardized component cooling conduit connection members of the marine propulsion system to provide fluid connections.

[0024] In some examples, the cooling assembly further comprises a heater. The heater may be configured to selectively heat cooling fluid in one or more of the cooling circuits, such as in a cooling circuit configured to provide cooling fluid to the electric energy storage system. In these cases, the cooling assembly may hence be configured as a thermal management system, in which temperatures within the propulsion system may be accurately controlled.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a marine propulsion system is provided. The marine propulsion system comprises: an electric motor drive system, an electric energy storage system, a transmission device, at least one component cooling conduit arranged to cool at least one of the electric motor drive system, the electric energy storage system, and the transmission device, and a cooling assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the primary cooling arrangement is fluidly connected to the at least one component cooling conduit.

[0026] The electric motor drive system may herein be understood as comprising at least one electric machine or electric motor used for propulsion of the marine vessel, an electric motor drive, on-board and bidirectional chargers, DC/DC converter and other similar components. It may further be used to cool, e.g., a propeller and gear assembly.

[0027] All embodiments and effects described in connection with the cooling assembly according to the first aspect are applicable to the marine propulsion system according to the second aspect.

[0028] The marine propulsion system may comprise several component cooling conduits, that may be fluidly connected to different cooling circuits of the cooling assembly. For example, the electric energy storage system may be cooled by a first component cooling conduit, the electric motor drive system by a second component cooling conduit, and the transmission by a third component cooling conduit.

[0029] In some examples, the marine propulsion system further comprises a combustion engine. Hence, a hybrid propulsion system is provided. The cooling assembly may be arranged to cool the combustion engine as well as the electric motor drive system and the electric energy storage system.

[0030] In some examples, the marine propulsion system further comprises a fuel cell system configured to generate electric power. The cooling assembly may be arranged to also cool the fuel cell system.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, a marine vessel comprising the marine propulsion system according to the second aspect is provided. The marine vessel may be a water surface vessel, such as a power boat. In other examples, the marine vessel may be a ship, such as a ferry.

[0032] The above aspects, accompanying claims, and/or examples disclosed herein above and later below may be suitably combined with each other as would be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of aspects of the disclosure cited as examples. The drawings are schematic and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exemplary marine vessel in which a cooling assembly according to one example may be used. [0036] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a marine propulsion system and a cooling assembly according to an example.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooling assembly according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Aspects set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a marine vessel 1 in the form of a boat 1. The boat 1 is an example of a marine vessel which can comprise a cooling assembly according to the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different types of marine vessels, including a water surface vessel in the form of a ship or a power boat, or a submarine.

[0040] The boat 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a hull 2 and a marine propulsion system 3 comprising a tractor-type drive 6 provided with a pulling propeller 4. The drive 6 is herein configured to be mounted to a stern 5 of the hull 2. Although not shown in FIG. 1, an electric energy storage system and an electric motor drive system is provided for powering of the drive 6. Hence, the boat 1 is powered by an electric marine propulsion system 3. To ensure proper function of the electric marine propulsion system 3, the various components thereof should preferably be kept within specific temperature intervals. Since the space available within the boat 1 is limited, it is desirable that the cooling is achieved in a space efficient manner. Since electric marine propulsion systems may sometimes be mounted to existing hulls, replacing a previously used combustion engine powered propulsion system, it is further desirable that a cooling system can be easily mounted and installed in the boat 1.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram that schematically illustrates a marine propulsion system 3 comprising a cooling assembly 100 configured for cooling of the marine propulsion system 3. The marine propulsion system 3 is herein an electrically powered marine propulsion system 3 comprising an electric energy storage system 10, an electric motor drive system 20, and a transmission 30. The electric motor drive system 20, which is not illustrated in greater detail, may comprise at least one electric motor and power electronics for driving the electric motor, as well as power converters and a charging interface. The electric energy storage system 10, not illustrated in greater detail, is configured to provide electric power for driving the electric motor. The electric energy storage system 10 may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries (not shown), battery control circuitry, power converters, and a charging interface. Hence, power converters and/or a charging interface may be provided either as a part of the electric energy storage system 10, or as a part of the electric motor drive system

20. In other examples, the marine propulsion system may further comprise a combustion engine or a fuel cell system in addition to the electric energy storage system 10 and the electric motor drive system 20.

[0042] A first component cooling conduit 11 is arranged for cooling the electric energy storage system 10. A second component cooling conduit 21 is arranged for cooling the electric motor drive system 20. A third component cooling conduit 31 is arranged for cooling the transmission 30. Each one of the first, second and third component cooling conduits 11,

21, 31 is fluidly and mechanically connected to a respective one of a first, second and third cooling circuits 110, 120, 130 of the cooling assembly 100 so as to form closed circuits. [0043] Reference is now also made to FIG. 3, showing a modular cooling assembly 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. The modular cooling assembly 100 shown in FIG. 3 may comprise some or all components of the cooling assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 2, although some of the components are hidden in FIG. 3.

[0044] The cooling assembly 100 comprises a secondary cooling arrangement 140 comprising a secondary inlet 143, a secondary outlet 144, and a secondary pump 142 provided between the secondary inlet 143 and outlet 144. The secondary pump 142 is configured to pump seawater through a secondary conduit 141 extending between the secondary inlet 143 and outlet 144. The secondary cooling arrangement 140 further comprises a first heat exchanger 146 and a second heat exchanger 147. A seawater filter 145 is arranged between the secondary inlet 143 and the secondary pump 142. The secondary inlet 143 is arranged to be connected to a water pipe or hose (not shown) having an inlet below a surface of a body of water surrounding the marine vessel, such that seawater can be pumped through the secondary conduit 141 via the water pipe or hose. The secondary outlet 144 may be connected to a pipe or hose arranged to discharge the used seawater into the body of water.

[0045] The cooling arrangement 100 further comprises a primary cooling arrangement, herein comprising a first cooling circuit 110, a second cooling circuit 120 and a third cooling circuit 130. The first cooling circuit 110 comprises a first cooling fluid conduit 111 extending between a first inlet 113 and a first outlet 114. A first cooling fluid pump 112 is provided downstream of the first inlet 113, configured to pump cooling fluid through the first cooling circuit 110. The second cooling circuit 120 comprises a second cooling fluid conduit 121, extending between a second inlet 123 and a second outlet 124, and a second cooling fluid pump 122 located downstream of the second inlet 123. The third cooling circuit 130 comprises a third cooling fluid conduit 131, extending between a third inlet 133 and a third outlet 134, and a third cooling fluid pump 132 located downstream of the third inlet 133. A third heat exchanger 150 is arranged between the second cooling circuit 120 and the third cooling circuit 130, such that the second cooling fluid conduit 121 can be used for cooling the third cooling fluid conduit 131 when cooling fluid is circulated in the respective circuit. [0046] The first inlet 113 is herein mechanically and fluidly connected to a first end I la of the first component cooling conduit 11, and the first outlet 114 is mechanically and fluidly connected to a second end 1 lb of the first component cooling conduit 11. In a similar vein, the second inlet 123 is mechanically and fluidly connected to a first end 21a of the second component cooling conduit 21, and the second outlet 124 is mechanically and fluidly connected to a second end 21b of the second component cooling conduit 21. Further, the third inlet 133 is mechanically and fluidly connected to a first end 3 la of the third component cooling conduit 31, and the third outlet 134 is mechanically and fluidly connected to a second end 3 lb of the third component cooling conduit 31. Each cooling circuit 110, 120, 130 is further connected or connectable to a respective expansion vessel 115, 125, 135, such that cooling fluid circulating in the respective cooling circuit 110, 120, 130 is allowed to expand when necessary.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the first cooling circuit 110 further comprises a heater 116, such as an electric heater, configured to selectively heat the cooling fluid within the first cooling fluid conduit 111. The first cooling circuit 110 herein further comprises a thermostat 117 in the form of a controllable three-way valve, wherein the thermostat 117 is configured to regulate a temperature of the cooling fluid delivered to the first outlet 114, by directing cooling fluid to the first heat exchanger 146 and/or to a bypass channel 118, bypassing the first heat exchanger 146. Hence, depending on an ambient temperature, the thermostat 117 may be used to create a closed loop in which no cooling fluid is passed through the first heat exchanger 146, and in which the cooling fluid is optionally heated, or it may be used to pass some or all of the cooling fluid to the first heat exchanger 146. Of course, more than one thermostat may be provided, such as in the second and/or third cooling circuit(s). In some examples, the heater may be omitted.

[0048] The secondary cooling arrangement 140 is arranged to cool the first cooling fluid conduit 111 via the first heat exchanger 146 and to cool the second cooling fluid conduit 121 via the second heat exchanger 147. The second heat exchanger 147 is located downstream of the first heat exchanger 146 in the secondary cooling arrangement 140. This means that the second cooling fluid conduit 121 will be cooled to a higher temperature than the first cooling fluid conduit 111. Consequently, the third cooling fluid conduit 131, cooled by the third heat exchanger 150, will be kept at an even higher temperature. The third cooling circuit 130 may use oil as a cooling fluid, while the first and second cooling circuits 110, 120 may preferably use ethylene glycol.

[0049] The secondary cooling arrangement 140 is fluidly separated from the primary cooling arrangement. In a similar vein, all of the first, second and third cooling circuits 110, 120, 130 are fluidly separated from one another.

[0050] The modular cooling assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises a schematically shown frame arrangement 170 to which the components of the cooling assembly 100 are mounted, such as by use of fastening members (not shown). The frame arrangement 170 may be an open frame, or it may be in the form of a housing. The frame arrangement 170 defines a space within which the cooling arrangements of the cooling assembly 100 are provided. Two gripping members 171, 172 in the form of lifting eyes are provided on the frame arrangement 170, for facilitating mounting of the cooling assembly 100 in the marine vessel.

[0051] An electric connection interface comprising electric connectors 161, 162 for providing electric power to drive the secondary pump 142 and the cooling fluid pumps 112, 122, 132 is further provided. The electric connection interface may also provide power for controlling the thermostat 117 and for powering the electric heater 116 (when present).

[0052] A communication interface 165 is further provided for communicating data to and from the cooling assembly 100 and for enabling control of the cooling assembly 100, such as of the pumps 112, 122, 132, 142, the thermostat 117, and the electric heater 116.

[0053] The cooling assembly 100 may comprise or be communicatively connected to an electronic control unit 180 for controlling the components of the cooling assembly 100 to achieve desired temperatures and flows within the cooling assembly 100. The electronic control unit 180 may be arranged to automatically calibrate a rotational speed of at least the first cooling fluid pump 112, preferably also of the second and/or third cooling fluid pumps 122, 132, to reach a target cooling fluid flow.

[0054] The electronic control unit 180 may comprise processing circuitry which is adapted to run a computer program. The control unit 180 may comprise hardware and/or software for controlling the components of the cooling assembly 100. In some examples, the control unit 180 may be denoted a computer. The control unit 180 may be constituted by one or more separate sub-control units. In addition, the control unit 180 may communicate by use of wired and/or wireless communication means, such as by using the communication interface 165.

[0055] Although the cooling assembly 100 illustrated herein comprises three cooling circuits 110, 120, 130, a cooling assembly according to the disclosure may comprise a smaller or larger number of cooling circuits. All of the cooling circuits may use the same cooling fluid, or different cooling fluids may be used in the different cooling circuits. Furthermore, the heat exchangers may be positioned as found suitable depending on the needs within the marine propulsion system. Hence, all heat exchangers may use the secondary conduit to provide direct cooling of the cooling circuits, or one or more heat exchangers may be positioned for heat exchange between two of the cooling circuits. The heat exchangers may be any kind of heat exchangers found to be suitable, such as different types of plate heat exchangers and/or tube heat exchangers.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0057] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0060] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A cooling assembly (100) configured to cool at least a first component (10) of an at least partially electrically powered marine propulsion system (3) when the cooling assembly (100) is fluidly connected to at least a first component cooling conduit (11) of the marine propulsion system (3), the cooling assembly (100) comprising: a primary cooling arrangement comprising a first cooling circuit (110), the first cooling circuit (110) comprising a first cooling fluid conduit (111) and a first cooling fluid pump (112), wherein the first cooling fluid conduit (111) comprises a first inlet (113) configured to be fluidly connected to a first end (I la) of the first component cooling conduit (11), and a first outlet (114) configured to be fluidly connected to a second end (1 lb) of the first component cooling conduit (11), a secondary cooling arrangement (140) comprising a secondary inlet (143), a secondary outlet (144), and a first heat exchanger (146), wherein the secondary cooling arrangement (140) is arranged to cool the first cooling fluid conduit (111) via the first heat exchanger (146), and wherein the secondary cooling arrangement (140) is fluidly separated from the primary cooling arrangement, and a frame arrangement (170) to which the primary cooling arrangement and the secondary cooling arrangement (140) are mounted.

2. The cooling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary cooling arrangement further comprises a second cooling circuit (120) comprising a second cooling fluid conduit (121) and a second cooling fluid pump (122), wherein the second cooling fluid conduit (121) comprises a second inlet (123) configured to be fluidly connected to a first end (21a) of a second component cooling conduit (21), and a second outlet (124) configured to be fluidly connected to a second end (21b) of the second component cooling conduit (21).

3. The cooling assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second cooling circuit (120) is fluidly separated from the first cooling circuit (110).

4. The cooling assembly according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second heat exchanger (147).

5. The cooling assembly according to claim 4, wherein the secondary cooling arrangement (140) is arranged to cool the second cooling circuit (120) via the second heat exchanger (147).

6. The cooling assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first cooling circuit (110) is arranged to cool the second cooling circuit (120) via the second heat exchanger.

7. The cooling assembly according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein the first cooling circuit is configured to deliver a first cooling fluid to the first outlet, and wherein the second cooling circuit is configured to deliver a second cooling fluid to the second outlet, wherein the first and second cooling fluids are of different types.

8. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary cooling arrangement further comprises a third cooling circuit (130) comprising a third cooling fluid conduit (131) and a third cooling fluid pump (132), wherein the third cooling fluid conduit (131) comprises a third inlet (133) configured to be fluidly connected to a first end (31a) of a third component cooling conduit (31), and a third outlet (134) configured to be fluidly connected to a second end (3 lb) of the third component cooling conduit (31).

9. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cooling circuit (10) comprises a thermostat (117) configured to regulate a temperature of a first cooling fluid delivered to the first outlet (114).

10. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame arrangement (170) comprises a housing in which the primary cooling arrangement and the secondary cooling arrangement (140) are arranged.

11. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one gripping member (171, 172) arranged on the frame arrangement (170).

12. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary cooling arrangement (140) further comprises a secondary pump (142) provided between the secondary inlet (143) and the secondary outlet (144).

13. The cooling assembly according to claim 12, wherein the secondary cooling arrangement (140) further comprises a filter (145) arranged upstream of the secondary pump (142).

14. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electric connection interface (161, 162) configured to receive electric power from an electric power supply for powering the cooling assembly (110) and/or a communication interface (165) configured to enable control of the cooling assembly (110) via an electronic control unit (180).

15. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electronic control unit (180) configured to control the cooling assembly (110).

16. The cooling assembly according to claim 15, wherein the electronic control unit (180) is arranged to automatically calibrate a rotational speed of the first cooling fluid pump (112) to reach a target cooling fluid flow.

17. The cooling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling assembly (100) is configured as a modular unit installable in parallel with an identical cooling assembly (100).

18. A marine propulsion system (3) comprising: an electric energy storage system (10), an electric motor drive system (20), a transmission device (30), at least one component cooling conduit (11, 21, 31) arranged to cool at least one of the electric energy storage system (10), the electric motor drive system (20), and the transmission device (30), and a cooling assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary cooling arrangement is fluidly connected to the at least one component cooling conduit (11, 21, 31).

19. The marine propulsion system according to claim 18, further comprising a combustion engine.

20. The marine propulsion system according to claim 18, further comprising a fuel cell system.

21. A marine vessel (1) comprising the marine propulsion system (3) according to any one of claims 18-20.