FR2960050A1 - Power supply device for thermoelectric cells placed inside i.e. heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning installation of motor vehicle e.g. electric vehicle, has secondary positive and negative lines arranged is specific manner - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a secondary positive line (7) and a secondary negative line (8) that are arranged so that a thermoelectric cell (2) is interposed between a main negative line (6) and the secondary positive line, where another thermoelectric cell (3) is interposed between a main positive line (5) and the secondary negative line. The former thermoelectric cell is arranged in a group (2a). A main switch (11) is equipped between the secondary negative line and the secondary positive line. An independent claim is also included for a method for implementing a thermal installation.

Description

Thermoelectric cell power supply device

The invention is in the field of thermoelectric cell power supply devices. It also relates to an installation, including a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning, including such a power supply device for thermoelectric cells. Finally, it relates to a method of implementing such a power supply device for thermoelectric cells, in particular in heating mode or in cooling mode.

Installations including thermoelectric cells are known. In particular, the document FR 2 903 345 teaches a pre-ventilation device of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprising a housing housing a blower to circulate a flow of air from an air intake port to the vehicle. inside the housing to an air outlet outside the housing. To modify the temperature of the air flow prior to its distribution inside the passenger compartment, the housing houses a thermoelectric unit. The thermoelectric unit comprises at least one thermoelectric cell with Peltier effect comprising two faces, able to cool or heat the flow of air flowing in contact with the thermoelectric cell according to the polarity of a supply voltage applied to the thermoelectric cell .

There arises the general problem of the power supply of the thermoelectric unit and, in particular, the thermoelectric cells. It is more particularly desirable to have a power supply device for the thermoelectric cell making it possible to easily modulate a thermal power delivered by the thermoelectric cell, knowing that the thermal power is proportional to the applied voltage. For example, it is commonly desired to be able to deliver a thermal heating power that is greater, for example of the order of twice, a cooling thermal power, from the same electrical voltage delivered by a source of power. power supply.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a device for powering thermoelectric cells housed inside a thermal installation, in particular a heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning installation of a motor vehicle, which is simple and inexpensive. to achieve from a number of elements as low as possible, to produce a mode "cooling" and a mode "heating" optimized from a power consumption as low as possible.

A device of the present invention is a device for powering at least a first thermoelectric cell and at least a second thermoelectric cell, the power supply device comprising a main positive line and a main negative line. In addition, the power supply device comprises a secondary positive line and a secondary negative line such that the first thermoelectric cell is interposed between the main negative line and the secondary positive line. Similarly, the second thermoelectric cell is interposed between the main positive line and the secondary negative line.

The present invention is of particular interest for electric motor vehicles. Indeed, in such vehicles, the thermal management of batteries, necessary for the propulsion of the vehicle, is a major problem. The use of thermoelectric cells makes it possible to maintain the batteries in an optimal temperature range for their operation. It is thus possible to provide a "heating" mode and a "cooling" mode for respectively increasing or lowering the temperature of the environment of the batteries.

Thus, the present invention proposes a device for powering at least one thermoelectric cell, preferably a plurality of thermoelectric cells, making it possible to obtain various modes of operation that deliver sufficient heating power, for example of the order of 1 , 5 KW or 2 KW, without increasing the number of thermoelectric cells, for example the number of 14 or 16. This provides a thermal installation of reduced cost and space.

According to the present invention, the number of thermoelectric cells also makes it possible to deliver a sufficient cooling power, for example of the order of 400 W.

More particularly, a plurality of first thermoelectric cells are arranged in a first group interposed between the main negative line and the secondary positive line. Similarly, a plurality of second thermoelectric cells is arranged in a second group interposed between the main positive line and a secondary negative line.

The secondary negative line is advantageously provided with a secondary negative line switch interposed between the main negative line and the second thermoelectric cell or the second group of second thermoelectric cells.

In a complementary or alternative manner, the secondary positive line is advantageously provided with a secondary positive line switch interposed between the main positive line and the first thermoelectric cell or the first group of first thermoelectric cells.

The power supply device preferably comprises a main switch disposed between the secondary negative line and the secondary positive line.

A thermal installation, in particular a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, of the present invention is mainly recognizable in that it comprises a power supply device as defined previously.

A method of implementing the thermal installation according to a first mode of operation, said first mode "heating", comprises the following steps: closing the secondary negative line switch, closing the secondary positive line switch, opening the 'Main switch.

A method of implementing the thermal installation according to a second mode of operation, said second mode "heating", comprises the following 10 steps: open the secondary negative line switch, - open the secondary positive line switch, - close the main switch.

The present invention will be better understood, other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description comprising exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the disclosure of its realization 20 and, if appropriate, to contribute to its definition, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a power supply device according to FIG. Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the power supply device shown in Fig. 1, in the first "heating" mode, and Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the power supply device shown in Fig. 1. , in second mode "heating".

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a power supply device 1 according to the present invention. The power supply device 1 makes it possible to supply electrical power to first thermoelectric cells 2 and second thermoelectric cells 3. The first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3 are, for example, Peltier-type cells which are intended to to be housed inside a thermal installation, in particular a heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning installation of a motor vehicle or a thermal management installation of a battery of an electric motor vehicle. The thermal installation equipped with the first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3 is provided for modifying the aerothermal parameters of a fluid, in particular an air flow.

The thermal installation is for example a pre-ventilation module housed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The pre-ventilation module is indifferently arranged in a ceiling mounted to a roof of the vehicle or a console attached to a floor of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the thermal installation is a secondary heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system capable of distributing a flow of air at a controlled temperature in a particular zone of the passenger compartment in addition to a main heating and ventilation installation. and / or air conditioning, arranged under a dashboard of the vehicle. The present invention finds a particularly advantageous application for a motor vehicle with electric or hybrid propulsion for which a substantial and easily usable heat source is not available in a constant and continuous manner. However, the present invention is capable of equipping a vehicle with an internal combustion engine.

The present invention also finds a particularly advantageous application for a motor vehicle with electric or hybrid propulsion In order to ensure thermal management of the batteries enabling the propulsion of the vehicle. According to the present invention, the electrical power supply device 1 is capable of allow the management of a first and a second thermoelectric cell 2 and 3. The power supply device 1 is also capable of allowing the management of a plurality of first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3, arranged in two groups of seven thermoelectric cells according to the example of Figures 1 to 3. Nevertheless, the number of first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3 per group and the number of thermoelectric cell group are not limiting.

The first thermoelectric cell 2, respectively the second thermoelectric cell 3, comprises two faces, a first face adapted to cool and / or to heat the fluid, in particular the flow of air, flowing in contact with a polarity applied to the first thermoelectric cell 2, respectively the second thermoelectric cell 3. A second face of the first thermoelectric cell 2, respectively of the second thermoelectric cell 3, is in contact with a surrounding space to allow a heat exchange necessary for the operation of the first thermoelectric cell 2 respectively of the second thermoelectric cell 3.

Thus, according to a first polarity applied to the first thermoelectric cell 2, respectively the second thermoelectric cell 3, the first face is able to heat the fluid, in particular the flow of air flowing at its contact. After inversion of the polarity, the first face is able to cool the fluid, in particular the flow of air flowing at its contact.

Alternatively, according to known arrangements, the fluid, in particular the airflow, is oriented to circulate in contact with the first face or the second face according to the desired thermal requirements, heating or cooling, prior to its distribution out of the thermal installation. The first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3 are in connection with a power source 4, such as a battery of the vehicle or the like. The power supply source 4 is able to deliver a voltage U between a main positive line 5 and a main negative line 6 of the power supply device 1. The voltage U delivered by the power supply source 4 is, for example , of the order of 14 V.

The power supply device 1 of the present invention comprises a secondary positive power supply line 7 of a first group 2a of first thermoelectric cells 2 and a secondary negative power supply line 8 of a second group 3a of second thermoelectric cells 3.

Thus, the first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3 are divided into two groups of cells, of which a first group 2a of first thermoelectric cells 2 disposed between the secondary positive line 7 and the main negative line 6, and a second group 3a of second thermoelectric cells 3 disposed between the secondary negative line 8 and the main positive line 5.

More particularly, the first thermoelectric cells 2 of the first group 2a are arranged in parallel with each other between the secondary positive line 7 and the negative main line 6. Similarly, the second thermoelectric cells 3 of the second group 3a are arranged in parallel with each other. another one between the secondary negative line 8 and the main positive line 5.

The secondary positive line 7 is provided with a secondary positive line switch 9 interposed between the positive line 5 and the first thermoelectric cells 2 of the first group 2a.

The secondary negative line 8 is provided with a secondary negative line switch 10 which is interposed between the negative line 6 and the second thermoelectric cells 3 of the second group 3a.

In addition, a main switch 11 is arranged between the secondary positive line 7 and the secondary negative line 8.

The secondary positive line switch 9, the secondary negative line switch 10 and the main switch 11 can be selectively opened and closed to define various configurations of the power supply device 1.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the power supply device 1 according to the present invention in a first configuration of the power supply device 1.

In this first configuration, the secondary positive line switch 9 is closed so that the main positive line 5 and the secondary positive line 7 are at the same electrical potential. Similarly, the secondary negative line switch 10 is closed so that the main negative line 6 and the secondary negative line 8 are at the same electrical potential.

Finally, the main switch 11 is open such that the secondary positive line 7 and the negative secondary line 8 are isolated from each other.

These arrangements are such that all the first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3 are finally all connected in parallel to each other. It follows that the first thermoelectric cells 2 of the first group 2a and the second thermoelectric cells 3 of the second group 3a are all subjected to the voltage U so that the latter each provide a thermal power Pu.

As presented, the power supply device 1 is advantageously a so-called first mode "heating" of the fluid, in particular the air flow, to provide a hot thermal power Pu.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the power supply device 1 according to the present invention in a second configuration.

In this second configuration, the secondary positive line switch 9 is open such that the main positive line 5 and the secondary positive line 7 are isolated from each other. Similarly, the secondary negative line switch 10 is open such that the main negative line 6 and the negative secondary line 8 are also isolated from each other.

Finally, the main switch 11 is closed so that the secondary positive line 7 and the secondary negative line 8 are at the same electrical potential.

These arrangements are such that the first thermoelectric cells 2 of the first group 2a and the second thermoelectric cells 3 of the second group 3a are connected in series.

Advantageously, the first thermoelectric cells 2 of the first group 2a and the second thermoelectric cells 3 of the second group 3a are identical. According to this configuration, the first thermoelectric cells 20 of the first group 2a and the second thermoelectric cells 3 of the second group 3a are subjected to a voltage U 'which is equivalent, in the example of FIG. 3, to half the voltage U, so that the latter each provide a thermal power Pu ,, which is equivalent, in particular to half the thermal power Pu. As shown, the power supply device 1 is advantageously a so-called second mode "heating" of the fluid, in particular the air flow, to provide a cold thermal power Pu ,.

It finally follows from all these provisions that the power supply device 1 of the present invention makes it possible to deliver a hot thermal power Pu which is, according to the present invention, twice the cold thermal power Pu ,.

In addition, in the second "heating" mode, the electric power consumed by the first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3 is minimized because of the lowering of the voltage U 'applied to the first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3. It finally results in an improvement of a coefficient of performance of the thermal installation, in particular of the installation of heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning. The coefficient of performance is defined as the ratio between a supplied thermal power and an electric power consumed.

In this case, the power supply device 1 makes it possible to deliver a moderate thermal power Pu ,, which is equivalent to half of the hot thermal power Pu that the thermal installation is capable of supplying.

Finally, from a polarity inversion of the voltage U applied to the power supply device 1, it is possible to define "cooling" modes, according to the same arrangements as those shown in FIGS. to which it is possible to cool the fluid, in particular the flow of air.

The embodiment shown in the figures comprises two groups 2a and 3a of first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this number of thermoelectric cell groups. It is conceivable to have a higher number of groups of first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3. By increasing the number of groups of first and second thermoelectric cells 2 and 3, it is possible to increase the operating ranges according to the present invention.

Finally, it should be noted that various implementations can be made according to the principles of the invention. It should be understood, however, that these examples of operation are given by way of illustration of the subject of the invention. Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be considered by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention and in particular any combination of the various embodiments described above.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS1.- Power supply device (1) for at least a first thermoelectric cell (2) and at least a second thermoelectric cell (3), the power supply device (1) comprising a main positive line ( 5) and a negative main line (6), characterized in that the power supply device (1) comprises a secondary positive line (7) and a secondary negative line (8) such that the first thermoelectric cell (2) ) is interposed between the main negative line (6) and the secondary positive line (7) and in that the second thermoelectric cell (3) is interposed between the main positive line (5) and the secondary negative line (8). 2. A power supply device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of first thermoelectric cells (2) arranged in a first group (2a) is interposed between the main negative line (6) and the secondary positive line (7). 3. A power supply device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of second thermoelectric cells (3) arranged in a second group (3a) is interposed between the main positive line (5). and a secondary negative line (8). 4. Power supply device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the secondary negative line (8) is provided with a secondary negative line switch (10) interposed between the main negative line (6) and the second thermoelectric cell (3) or the second group (3a) of second thermoelectric cells (3). 5. A power supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positive secondary line (7) is provided with a secondary positive line switch (9) interposed between the main positive line (5) and the first thermoelectric cell (2) or the first group (2a) of first thermoelectric cells (2). 6. Power supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply device (1) comprises a main switch (11) arranged between the secondary negative line (8) and the secondary positive line (7). 7. Thermal plant comprising a power supply device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6. 8. A method of operating a thermal plant according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: closing the secondary negative line switch (10), closing the secondary positive line switch (9), opening the main switch (11) to define a first mode of operation, in particular a first "heating" mode. 9. A method of implementing a thermal plant according to claim 7, comprising the following operations: opening the secondary negative line switch (10), opening the secondary positive line switch (9), closing the main switch (11). to define a second mode of operation, in particular a second "heating" mode. 10 30