FR3040210A1 - MODULAR ASSEMBLY FOR STORER OR BATTERY - Google Patents

Abstract

Is concerned a modular assembly comprising several adjacent modules joined together by means (6) for circulating a flow and which each contain at least one volume where there is present a fluid (9) refrigerant or coolant circulating in said volumes under l action of circulation means and elements (13) for storing and restoring a thermal energy. At least one first layer (15) comprising at least one MCP material is disposed at the periphery of at least some of the modules, including on one side where two adjacent modules face each other and where at least a portion 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 as 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 coolant circulating in said volumes under the action of circulation means, - elements for storing and restoring a thermal energy, - at least one element to be maintained 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 electric 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, or to promote the operational operation of an element in its optimum operating temperature range (for example a battery of accumulators). It is in this context that here is proposed in particular a set as mentioned above, comprising several modules: - functionally combined with each other by means of circulation of a flow, - and where at least one (first layer of) material to thermal phase change, so-called MCP, will be disposed at the periphery of at least some of said volumes, including on one side where two adjacent modules face each other and where at least a portion of at least one (a second layer comprising) thermally material insulation will also be inserted.

Such a modular solution will make it possible to limit the volume, indeed the overall weight, of the assembly. In addition the thermal performance of MCP materials is recognized. In addition, the local complex MCP / thermal insulation will allow to associate a thermal insulation between modules and a capacity: - of retarding effect as to an undesired temperature variation (effect of the MCP materials), - and / or smoothing of the variations of fluid temperature and / or elements present in the internal volume of the module in question (via the MCP material). For all purposes, it is specified that a phase change material - or MCP - refers to any material capable of changing physical state within a restricted temperature range. The thermal storage can take place by the use of its Sensitive Heat (CS): the material can yield or store energy by seeing to vary its own temperature, without changing of state, and / or 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 state. We can mention paraffins, fatty alcohols, hydrated salts ...

The thermally insulating material of the second layer will have a lower thermal conductivity than the MCP material.

The thermally insulating material of the second layer, which will therefore not be a MCP material, will be an insulator such as a glass wool, a porous insulator, a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam, or even more favorably a porous heat-insulating material. disposed in a vacuum chamber, to define 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 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 less severe depression in the PIV envelope.

By "PIV" is meant a vacuum partial air structure (internal pressure of between 10 and 104 Pa) containing at least one a priori porous thermal insulating material (pore sizes less than 10 microns).

Typically, the PIV panels (vacuum insulating panel; VIP in English) are thermal insulators where cores 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 resulting vacuum, of a residual pressure typically less than 1 mbar (102Pa), typically lowers the thermal conductivity to less than about 0.01 / 0.020 W / m-K under the conditions of use. An insulation efficiency 3 to 10 times higher than that of more conventional insulating materials is thus obtained.

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 for a part of the periphery of at least some of the modules to be devoid of at least the second layer: where a module is in physical contact with a thermal energy transfer means by convection and / or conduction , and / or where the volume of a module has an opening, to allow access.

It follows that at a given localized area of a given module, a thermal transfer can 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: - that the first and second layers are grouped in at least one pocket that 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 (1/1 Omm 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, large-scale manufacturing capacity (automotive field typically), reliability and reduced costs, namely: a) - each module will have at least one peripheral wall that will close the volume, except possibly at the location 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, where there will be a presence of the first and second layers, b) or each module near has entered at least one peripheral wall: - which will close the volume, except possibly at the place of an opening allowing 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.

These are: - 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 maintaining at a certain temperature and / or said heat generating element; and in the case where: the adjacent modules are those of a unit for storing and restoring a thermal energy; the volumes contain said storage and retrieval elements of this thermal energy; at least one first pass; 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 at least one of said modules pass the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid 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 an electric vehicle battery, electrical performance over time depends in fact significantly on the internal conditions temperature, in the block, which must be contained in an optimum range of about 25 to 35 ° C; otherwise the yield drops, - in a unit of storage and of restitution of thermal energy, it is necessary to store this energy (typically after about 6-10 minutes) in the unit at a moment, to preserve it a certain time ( typically several hours, for 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 an incoming refrigerant or coolant 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: - Figure 1 is a unit diagram of type storage-heat exchanger, in exploded view; FIG. 2 shows two modules of the unit of FIG. 1 superimposed, with an integrated active barrier 15/23; FIGS. 3 to 7 show embodiments of battery cells arranged in a lateral line; - Figure 8 schematize two pockets ready to be interassembled (see arrows) to form a cell or pocket type battery module (pouch); FIGS. 9 and 10 schematize two results of the assembly of FIG. 8; FIG. 11 schematizes an alternative of FIG. 10, with MCP only inside (INT) closed state of an articulated panel with continuous insulation; FIGS 12, 15 schematize, closed on itself, two strips with MCP / PIV structure (the MCP layer has not been shown, it doubles the porous layer 23), and - FIGS. in a local view (to extend on both sides in the case of an articulable panel) two possible structures of insulating pockets (19 hereinafter), - Figure 16 is an alternative solution diagram of Figure 2,. and FIGS. 17, 18 are top and cutaway diagrams of the embodiments which may 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 can be 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. However, note that, if a modular assembly is recommended, it is here the individual thermal structuring of each "module" that prevails. 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 that can circulate, in an external circuit 110 and in said volumes, under the action of means 11 of circulation, and / or flow of electrical energy 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) battery pack, in order to obtain a 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 means 44 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 detail relief), 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 in FIG. 1, the adjacent two-to-two modules 3 of the set 1 are those of a unit for storing and restoring (later) a 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 module considered, in addition to the peripheral wall 5. Opposite their bottom 29, the modules are open, at 31, to allow placing in each volume 7 thus defined elements 13 of storage and restitution of the thermal energy that will have been provided by the fluid 9. The elements 13 will favorably bead material partially (for example in addition to a polymer) or totally MCP, for thermal efficiency and good ability 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 heat-insulating material disposed in a vacuum chamber 37, to define 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 this 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 pack, beyond the lateral periphery and its wall 55, as for example in areas 111 Figure 4, then the phase change temperatures will be different, the change of state temperature increasing as one go 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. constituting the / each panel PIV 19 a porous thermal insulating material, which can therefore be the second layer 23, this material being contained in the casing 37 forming a sealed enclosure to said material and 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 / m.K. The use of insulating panels under vacuum should achieve a thermal resistance R = 5 m2.K / W with only 35 mm of insulation. 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 (SiO 2), 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 allow to respond more precisely to the needs of customers, including allowing to reduce the number of modules for the same goal, with weight and weight savings to the key; - Permits assemblies where the "adjacent" modules will not necessarily be strictly contiguous although very close (less than 3 / 4cms of difference at most), as for example Figures 4 or 6 where a space 42 exists between two barrier modules integrated thermal 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 which could for example 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 in PCM coming into contact with him, as illustrated; allows to rationalize, at reduced cost, a mass production, in several applications, since by providing the thermal barrier 15,23 between two modules, it will be possible: to use a single band 50 of PIV bags in the part of the integrated thermal barrier embodiment detailed below which can make it possible to manufacture modules with sidewall 5 and bottom 29 thus provided, as FIGS. 2, 3 - dispense with at least one pocket 34 with a 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.

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: - either in direct contact in intermediate zones 21 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, for example silica, or its pyrolate (airgel pyrolyzed, it being specified that this pyrolate alternative applies to each case of the present description in which a thermally insulating porous material is concerned), as in FIG. 12.

Figures 8,13,14 we see, among others, different ways of making a band 50, see individually a pocket 19 15/23 material 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 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 a vacuum of air prevailing in the envelope 37, a said vacuum insulating panel (PIV) is thus defined, as shown in Figures 7,13; b) is the second thermal insulating element 23 contained inside a second sealed envelope 51 53 sealable flexible envelope (as above) and impervious to the porous material and air, so that a vacuum of air prevailing in the second envelope, a said vacuum insulating panel (PIV) is thus 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, laminated (foil of thickness 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 several metallized PE films can be complexed to form a single film. Example of the design of the film: - Internal PE sealing, approx. 40 μm - Vacuum metallization Al, approx. 0.04 pm - PET outer layer, about 60 μm.

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 opposed to the transverse bottom 29. Figure 4 is instead schematically the case where the hollow interior defined 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. The situations can be interchanged 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.

12 or 15, it will also be noted at 89a, 89b, holding means on itself of the band 50, once folded on itself. One can imagine a solution clip, Velcro (TM), Velcro, or other type. It is in each case, as will be understood, in the central space INT that will be placed the module 3, whether it is one of those of the storage-exchanger or a cell 52.

In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the folds can therefore take place at the location of the hinge zones 21, where two sheets 49 are in direct contact with each other and which are each interposed between a pocket 19 and an outer thermally insulating intermediate zone 59 containing at least one porous material 23.

It should be noted that it is 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.

Figure 16 shows an alternative to the solution of Figure 2: the funds 29 may not include layers 15 and 23. The same material as that of the wall 5 can 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 MCP layer 15 laterally surrounds (on the four lateral faces other than the face 58 and its opposite, see figure) all the blocks 3/52 joined and is itself lined externally by a porous thermal insulation 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.

Claims (12)

1. Modular assembly comprising several adjacent modules joined together by means (6) for circulating a flow and which each contain at least one volume (7) where is present at least one of: - a fluid (9) refrigerant or coolant 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 adjacent modules face each other and where at least a portion of at least one second layer (23) comprising a thermally insulating material is also interposed. The modular assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermally insulating material (23) of the second layer comprises a porous heat-insulating material disposed in a vacuum enclosure (37) to define at least one vacuum insulating panel, PIV (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) of heat transfer by convection and / or conduction, and / or where the volume of a module has an opening (31), to allow access thereto. 4. Modular assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: - each module has at least one peripheral wall (5) which closes the volume (7), except possibly at the location of an opening (31) leaving access to said volume, - and the first and / or second layers (15,23), which is / are structurally distinct from said peripheral wall, is / are arranged around this peripheral wall, with the second layer (23) outside the first (15), where there is a presence of the first and second layers. 5. Modular assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, each module has at least one peripheral wall (5): - which closes the volume (7), except possibly at the location of an opening (31) allowing access said volume, and which incorporates 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 claims 1 to 5, wherein: - the modules (3) are those of a storage unit and the restitution of a thermal energy, - the volumes (7) contain said elements (13). ) for storing and restoring said thermal energy, - at least a 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. 8. Module for a modular assembly comprising a plurality of such modules to be functionally interconnected by means for circulating a flow (9,6), the module containing at least one volume (7) where 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, 14). 17) maintaining at a temperature at least one heat generating member (52), at least one first layer (15) comprising at least one MCP material being disposed at the periphery of the module at the location, or including at the location of a part of the module: - intended to be arranged facing an adjacent module, - and where at least a portion of at least a second layer (23) comprising a thermally insulating material is also arranged . 9. Module according to claim 8: - 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, to define at least one vacuum insulating panel, PIV. 10. Module according to claim 9, wherein the first and second layers (15,23) are distributed in two pockets (19) sealed together around said volume, thereby creating a casing (49) closing the volume (7). 11. The module of claim 10 which defines an electric accumulator (52,100) of a vehicle battery pack, 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. 12. Module according to claim 11, wherein the electric accumulator is a cell (100) pocket type (battery pouch Cell in English).