FR3082296A1 - DEVICE FOR THERMAL REGULATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE CELLS OF A LARGE AREA BATTERY PACK - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device (1), in particular for cooling, of at least one element for storing electrical energy. According to the invention, the thermal regulation device (1) comprises two half-shells (10a, 10b) assembled to one another, the half-shells (10a, 10b) each comprising at least two stamped plates (11 ) juxtaposed in the same plane and assembled to one another, said half-shells (10a, 10b) delimiting a circulation circuit of a heat-transfer fluid within the thermal regulation device (1), at least one of said half-shells (10a, 10b) being intended to come into thermal contact with said at least one element for storing electrical energy.

Description

DEVICE FOR THE THERMAL REGULATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE CELLS OF A LARGE AREA BATTERY PACK

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of thermal regulation of batteries, and more particularly of batteries fitted to a motor vehicle, the propulsion of which is supplied in whole or in part by an electric motor.

More specifically, the invention relates to the field of thermal regulation devices for batteries comprising several electrical energy storage cells linked together so as to create an electrical generator of desired voltage and capacity.

2. Prior art

In the field of electric and hybrid vehicles, the electrical energy storage cells (called “electric cells” in the following) are positioned in a protective casing forming what is called a battery pack (“batterypack”). in English).

During the vehicle's operation, the electrical cells - generally placed at the level of the vehicle's floor - may be subjected to temperature variations which can in some cases cause them to be damaged or even destroyed.

Consequently, the thermal regulation of the electrical cells is essential in order, on the one hand, to keep them in good condition and, on the other hand, to ensure the reliability, the autonomy, and the performance of the vehicle.

Car manufacturers are also seeking today to provide more powerful electric or hybrid vehicles with increased electric range.

To this end, an increasing number of electrical cells are on board vehicles.

Thus, the battery pack covers an increasingly substantial area of the vehicle floor and sometimes even forms the bottom of the vehicle body.

For example, the battery packs can have dimensions up to 2.5m long by 1.5m wide.

The devices intended to regulate the temperature of these electrical cells must therefore extend over equivalent surfaces to optimize the functioning of the electrical cells.

A thermal regulation device is conventionally positioned directly in contact with the electrical cells, at the bottom of the protective housing, or indirectly in contact with the electrical cells in the case of an exchanger placed outside the battery pack.

Such a thermal regulation device is traversed by a heat transfer fluid and performs the heating and / or cooling functions of the electrical cells.

The heat transfer fluid can thus absorb the heat emitted by each electric cell in order to cool it or, as required, it can provide it with heat if the temperature of the electric cell is insufficient for its proper functioning.

Two technologies for thermal regulation devices of the electric cells of a vehicle battery are known, namely tube technology and plate technology.

In the first technology, the thermal regulation device consists of a plurality of tubes comprising fluid circulation channels, the ends of which are connected by manifolds so as to form a circulation circuit for a heat transfer fluid.

This tube regulation device technology is simple to produce but has a major drawback in that it does not make it possible to create complex fluid circulation circuits adapted to the new size constraints of the battery packs.

In the second technology, the thermal regulation device consists of a flat plate (called "base plate" in English) on which is crimped or riveted a plate which has been stamped (called "channel plate" in English) in order to form a hollow imprint with a fluid inlet and outlet.

Once the plates are assembled one on the other, the hollow imprint forms a conduit or circuit in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.

This second technology makes it possible to create, by the use of stamped plates, complex circulation circuits for the heat transfer fluid.

However, a drawback of this plate technology lies in the fact that the production of deep-drawn plates is complex and expensive because it requires the use of large presses.

To solve this problem, it has been proposed to associate a plate thermal regulation device with each electric cell of the battery.

A disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that the multiple thermal regulation devices must be connected together to allow the distribution of the heat transfer fluid, which complicates the assembly and increases the risks of leakage of the heat transfer fluid.

This solution is therefore not entirely satisfactory either.

3. Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to solve these problems of the state of the art and proposes a device for thermal regulation, in particular for cooling, of at least one element for storing electrical energy (called an electrical cell in the detailed description which follows) which, according to the invention, comprises two half-shells assembled to one another, the half-shells each comprising at least two stamped plates juxtaposed in the same plane and assembled to each other, said half-hulls delimiting a circulation circuit of a heat-transfer fluid within the thermal regulation device, at least one of said half-shells being intended to come into thermal contact with said at least one element for storing electrical energy.

The invention provides a device for thermal regulation of the electrical cells of the battery pack of a hybrid or electric vehicle, which implements two half-shells secured to each other, each half-shell comprising a plurality of stamped plates juxtaposed.

Each stamped plate is shaped so as to form a hollow imprint with at least one inlet and at least one fluid outlet.

Once the stamped plates are assembled together, on the one hand to form the half-shells, and on the other hand to join the two half-shells, the assembly delimits a conduit or internal circuit in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.

This solution makes it possible to easily manufacture, at a relatively low cost, thermal regulation devices of large size and of complex shape, which are particularly suitable for battery packs having large surfaces.

The thermal regulation device thus obtained can have dimensions equal to those of the battery pack while each stamped metal plate of the device can have dimensions equal to those of a cell or a group of electrical cells (it can thus be provided with a stamped plate per cell or group of electric cells to be thermally regulated).

The solution of the invention therefore does not require a large press to stamp the plates, which reduces the manufacturing costs of the device of the invention.

Because it is produced by assembling a plurality of stamped plates, the thermal regulation device of the invention is modular and can be adapted to the size and dimension of the electrical cells of the battery pack to be cooled.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the exterior surfaces of the demicoques and the peripheral surfaces bordering said exterior surfaces are substantially flat.

Thus, the half-shells have exterior surfaces oriented towards the outside of the device that are substantially planar and flat peripheral edges to, on the one hand, facilitate the joining of the half-shells to the other (on their edges), and on the other hand On the other hand, ensure optimal contact of the stamped plates with the electrical cells of the battery pack (through the external surfaces).

The external surface of each half-shell can be in thermal contact, direct or indirect, with the electrical energy storage elements to be thermally regulated.

According to another particular aspect of the invention, said at least two juxtaposed stamped plates forming at least one of said half-shells are secured by brazing.

According to yet another particular aspect of the invention, said half-shells are joined together by brazing.

The stamped plates constituting each half-shell are therefore brazed together before the half-shells are then brazed together.

This inexpensive joining technique makes it possible to provide the device of the invention with high mechanical strength.

According to yet another particular aspect of the invention, said at least two stamped plates juxtaposed with one or two half-shells partially overlap.

This aspect makes it possible, on the one hand, to facilitate the brazing of all the plates together and, on the other hand, to seal the circulation circuit of the heat transfer fluid in the device.

This also makes it possible to dispense with the use of conduits for connecting the plates stamped together.

Thus, the assembly is simplified and the risks of leakage of the heat transfer fluid are reduced.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, each of said half-shells of the device comprises a first row of stamped plates ensuring the supply and distribution of the fluid in the device and a second row of stamped plates ensuring the collection and evacuation of the fluid outside the device, and optionally at least one intermediate row of stamped plates.

The half-shells forming the thermal regulation device are therefore each in the form of a matrix consisting of stamped plates juxtaposed and arranged in rows and columns.

This modular structure makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the device while adapting its shape to that of the battery pack and its dimensions to the number of electric cells constituting the battery pack.

It can be provided that one or more locations of a row or of a column of the matrix are traversing to receive electronic equipment the temperature of which must be regulated by the device of the invention. For these locations, each half-shell has a corresponding opening.

According to another particular aspect of the invention, each of the first and second rows comprises at least two types of stamped plates, namely:

at least one distribution plate communicating fluidly on the one hand with one or two stamped plates adjacent to said row and on the other hand with a distribution plate of the second row or an intermediate plate of an intermediate row;

an end plate communicating fluidly, on the one hand, with a stamped plate adjacent to said row and, on the other hand, with a distribution or end plate of the other row among the first and second rows or else an intermediate plate of an intermediate row.

Thus, the thermal regulation device of the invention consists of three types of stamped plates (distribution plates, end plates and intermediate plates) which are standardized during their manufacture and which allow, by assembly, fabricate a thermal control device of complex shape and of large dimension.

From these three types of stamped plates, it is therefore possible to meet a majority of the needs of manufacturers.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the intermediate plate is configured to allow the passage of the fluid between two rows of stamped plates.

Such plates are used when the thermal regulation device comprises more than two rows of stamped plates.

According to one aspect of the invention, at least one row of stamped plates of the device comprises at least one turning plate intended to form a circulation of the U-shaped fluid within said at least one row.

Such turning plates are used when the device has an opening allowing electronic equipment to be received, the temperature of which must be regulated by the device.

According to another aspect of the invention, the stamped plates have studs for distributing the heat transfer fluid.

These studs make it possible to distribute and distribute the heat transfer fluid within and between the stamped plates of the device.

In addition, the pads allow the device to be stiffened so that it can withstand the mechanical stresses undergone during brazing and the pressure constraints of the fluid during operation of the device.

According to one aspect of the invention, each stamped plate is intended to regulate the temperature of a cell or a group of electrical cells.

According to another particular aspect of the invention, the stamped plates comprise a main channel for supplying heat-transfer fluid and a so-called cooling channel for one or more electrical cells.

According to another particular aspect of the invention, different circulation circuits for the heat transfer fluid can be configured in each stamped plate.

According to another particular aspect of the invention, the thermal regulation device has a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery pack containing the electrical energy storage elements.

4. Figures

Other characteristics and advantages will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting examples, and of the appended drawings, among which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a thermal regulation device according to the invention;

Figures 2a to 2d are front views of different types of stamped plate intended to be implemented in the regulation device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a detailed view of the connection between two stamped plates juxtaposed with a half-shell of a thermal regulation device according to the invention;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates the direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the thermal control device of Figure 1;

FIG. 5 details the temperature of the heat transfer fluid within the thermal regulation device, when the fluid circulates in the direction of circulation illustrated in FIG. 4;

Figures 6 to 11 schematically illustrate different examples of circulation circuits of the heat transfer fluid which can be implemented in a thermal regulation device according to the invention.

5. Detailed description of embodiments

In the various figures, unless otherwise indicated, identical elements have the same reference numbers and have the same technical characteristics and operating modes.

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a thermal regulation device, according to a first embodiment of the invention, of the electrical cells (not shown) of the battery pack of a hybrid or electric vehicle.

The device 1 for thermal regulation comprises two half-shells 10a, 10b, preferably symmetrically identical, located opposite, each half-shell 10a, 10b consisting of a plurality of stamped plates 11 juxtaposed.

The thermal regulation device 1 therefore comprises:

an upper half-shell 10a formed by assembling a plurality of stamped plates 11 juxtaposed in the same plane (in this case twenty-five stamped plates 11 in the example of FIG. 1); and a lower half-shell 10b, symmetrically identical to the upper half-shell 10a, formed by assembling an identical number of stamped plates 11 juxtaposed in the same plane.

The half-shells 10a, 10b are intended to be secured to one another, preferably by brazing, so as to form a device 1 for thermal regulation according to the invention.

The half-shells 10a, 10b preferably have an outer surface (oriented towards the outside of the device 1) substantially planar bordered by a peripheral surface 100a, 100b respectively substantially planar in order, on the one hand, to facilitate the joining of the half-shells between them (through their peripheral surfaces 100a, 100b), and on the other hand, ensure optimal contact of the half-shells 10a, 10b with the electric cells of the battery pack (the external surface of one or both demicoques 10a, 10b coming into thermal contact with one or more cells).

The half-shells 10a, 10b preferably have a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to those of the battery pack to be thermally regulated.

In this example, the thermal regulation device 1 is rectangular and has a parallelepipedal lumen 101 at its center.

This light 101 makes it possible, for example, to receive electronic components whose temperature must also be regulated by the device 1.

The stamped plates 11 are juxtaposed and secured so that the half-shells 10a, 10b each have such a lumen 101 at their center.

The stamped plates 11, preferably made of aluminum, are clad in order on the one hand, to be joined together by brazing to form the half-shells 10a, 10b, and on the other hand, to allow the joining of the half-shells shells 10a, 10b therebetween by brazing.

The plates 11 are stamped so as to form on their inner surface studs 117, and in some cases internal walls, to define circuits for circulation of a heat-transfer fluid within the device 1, when the half-shells 10a, 10b are assembled opposite.

Thus, it is possible to configure the circulation circuit of the heat transfer fluid of two stamped plates 11 located opposite by means of the studs 117 and internal walls.

The connections between the stamped plates 11 of the two half-shells 10a, 10b are sealed, as is the connection of the stamped plates 11 of the same half-shell 10a, 10b.

Each half-shell 10a, 10b of the device 1 has, in this example, four distinct types of stamped plates 11 defining three rows of stamped plates 11, namely:

distribution plates 11a of the heat transfer fluid which are arranged along the upper 102 and lower 103 edges of the device 1 in FIG. 1;

end plates 11b which are located in the two opposite corners to the inlet 21 and outlet 22 connectors of the heat transfer fluid in the device 1;

intermediate plates 11c which are located between the distribution plates 11a or the end plates 11b arranged along the upper edge 102 and the distribution plates 11a or the end plates 11b arranged along the lower edge 103 of the device 1 ; and inversion plates lld which are arranged between the central lumen 101 and each of the upper and lower edges of the device 1.

These four types of stamped plates 11 make it possible to obtain a device 1 for thermal regulation which can have a complex shape and relatively large dimensions.

Indeed, the implementation of two half-shells 10a, 10b, each consisting of stamped plates 11 of different types, allows a great modularity of the device 1 so that the latter can be easily adapted to multiple configurations, more or less complex, of a battery pack.

Thus, for this embodiment, only four dies for a stamping press are necessary to manufacture the device 1 for thermal regulation.

It is of course understood that other types of stamped plates, having different shapes and / or fluid circulation circuits, can be implemented according to the configuration of the battery pack on board the motor vehicle.

In all cases, the invention makes it possible to be free from the constraints relating to the size of the presses making the large stamped plates since the device of the invention no longer implements a single large stamped plate but a plurality of stamped plates whose dimensions are reduced and substantially identical to those of an electrical cell or a group of electrical cells.

The invention therefore makes it possible to reduce the costs of manufacturing thermal regulation devices for electrical cells, or elements for storing electrical energy.

It also makes it possible to provide a modular thermal regulation device, easily adaptable to all shapes and sizes of battery pack.

FIG. 2a illustrates a first type of stamped plate 11, taking the form of a distribution plate 11a of rectangular shape.

This stamped distribution plate 11a is arranged in the upper row, called the first row, 300 or in the lower row, called the second row, 400 placed opposite the upper and lower edges of the device 1 of FIG. 1.

It should be noted that the general structure of each of the distribution plates 11a of the device 1 is identical. However, the distribution plates 11a of the second row 400 are reversed with respect to those of the first row 300.

Thus, each distribution plate 11a comprises a main channel 110 and a cooling channel 113. The latter have several studs (called "dimples" in English) 117 defining several passages for circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

The main channel 110, located on one edge of the distribution plate 11a, is intended for supplying and distributing the heat transfer fluid in the distribution plate 11a in the direction of the arrow F1.

The main channel 110 has an inlet opening 111 for heat transfer fluid and an outlet opening 112 for heat transfer fluid which are coaxial.

The inlet opening 111 forms or is in fluid communication with the inlet connector 21 for supplying heat-transfer fluid to the device 1 in the case of the pressed plate 11 of the circuit located at the top left of FIG. 4, on the first row.

For other stamped plates, the inlet opening 111 communicates with the outlet opening 112 of the adjacent stamped plate 11.

The outlet opening 112 of the main channel 110 is fluidly connected (or is in fluid communication) either to the inlet opening 111 of the stamped plate 11 adjacent, or to the outlet connector 22 of the heat transfer fluid of the device 1 for the stamped plate 11 of the circuit located at the bottom left of FIG. 4, in this case.

The main channels 110 of each distribution plate 11a define a distribution / supply duct for the heat transfer fluid for the upper row 300 of the device 1, and a duct for collecting the heat transfer fluid for the lower row 400 of the device 1.

The cooling channel 113 allows the circulation of the heat transfer fluid over its entire width, and between the studs 117, so as to promote heat exchanges with the electrical cell or cells located opposite the device 1.

More specifically, a first end of the cooling channel 113 is in fluid communication with the main channel 110 while the second end of the cooling channel 113 has a distribution opening 114 which makes it possible to distribute the heat transfer fluid (according to arrow F2) towards an adjacent stamped plate 11 (a distribution plate 11a or an end plate 11b or an intermediate plate 11c in the device of FIG. 4 described below).

It is obviously understood that the direction of circulation F2 of the heat transfer fluid in the distribution plates 11a of the lower row 400 are reversed with respect to those of the upper row 300.

FIG. 2b illustrates a second type of stamped plate 11, taking the form of an end plate 11b of rectangular shape.

In the device of FIG. 4, two stamped end plates 11b are situated in the opposite corners to the inlet 21 and outlet 22 connectors of the heat transfer fluid in the device 1.

The end plate 11b comprises a main channel 110 and a cooling channel 113.

The end plate 11b differs from the distribution plate 11a in that it does not have an outlet opening since it is arranged in a corner of the device 1.

Indeed, the heat transfer fluid circulates (in the direction of arrow F3) only from the inlet opening 111 through the cooling channel 113 to exit through the distribution opening 114 located at the end opposite to that of the entrance opening 111.

It is obviously understood that the fluid circulates in the opposite direction to F3 for the end plate 11b of the device located in the lower row 400 of the device 1 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 2c illustrates a third type of stamped plate 11, taking the form of an intermediate plate 11c.

Such stamped intermediate plates 11c are located in the intermediate row 500 which extends between the upper row 300 and the lower row 400 of the device 1 of FIG. 4.

Unlike the distribution plates 11a and end 11b, the intermediate plates 11c do not include a main channel 110.

Indeed, the intermediate plates 11c only comprise a cooling channel 113 each of whose ends has a distribution opening 118 for the passage of the heat transfer fluid.

These distribution openings 118 are connected to a distribution opening 114 or 118 either of another intermediate plate 11c, or of a distribution plate 11a, or of an end plate 11b.

The heat transfer fluid therefore passes through the intermediate plate 11c from one distribution opening 118 to the other (in the direction of the arrow F4).

FIG. 2d illustrates a fourth type of stamped plate 11, taking the form of a turning plate 11d.

Such stamped lld turning plates are situated between the central lumen 101 and each of the upper and lower edges of the device 1 of FIG. 4.

These plates are said to be reversal insofar as they define a U-shaped circulation circuit within them, the heat transfer fluid being unable to pass through the device 1 from the upper row 300 to the lower row 400 due to the presence of the central light 101 formed in the device 1.

To do this, the turning plate lld has an internal wall 119 which defines the U-shaped circulation circuit.

The reversing plates 11d have a cooling channel 113 comprising an inlet opening 111 and an outlet opening 112.

Thus, the heat transfer fluid enters through the inlet opening 111 and then travels through the cooling channel 113 bypassing the internal wall 119 to exit through the outlet opening 112 (according to the circuit illustrated by the arrow F5).

As indicated above, the device 1 is made up of two symmetrically identical half-shells 10a, 10b, each made up of several stamped plates 11 juxtaposed in the same plane.

The stamped plates 11, whatever their types, are brazed together to form the half-shells 10a, 10b.

The half-shells 10a 10b are also joined together by brazing to form the device 1.

In order to guarantee the tightness of the circulation circuit of the heat transfer fluid formed within the device 1 after brazing, the stamped plates 11 adjacent to the same half-shell 10a, 10b may partially overlap.

FIG. 3 illustrates such an overlap between two stamped plates 11 adjacent.

To do this, the inlet opening 111 of each stamped plate 11 has a male element 115 for connection to an adjacent stamped plate 11.

The outlet opening 112 of each stamped plate 11 has, correspondingly, a female connecting element 116 capable of cooperating with the male connecting element 115 of a stamped plate 11 adjacent.

It is obviously understood that the distribution openings 114, 118 of the different stamped plates 11 have equivalent connection elements 115, 116 making it possible to connect the stamped plates 11 to each other by overlapping.

This overlapping of the stamped plates 11 adjacent allows, during brazing, to guarantee the tightness of the circulation circuit of the heat transfer fluid within the device 1.

In addition, such an overlap between the stamped plates 11 adjacent to the same half-shell 10a, 10b makes it possible to obtain half-shells 10a, 10b having a lower surface (that is to say the surface of the half -shell oriented towards the other half-shell, or the surface oriented towards the interior of the device) plane, then facilitating the brazing of the half-shells 10a, 10b therebetween.

This technique makes it possible to dispense with the implementation of additional connection conduits and seals between the stamped plates, which, in known manner, increase the risks of leakage of the heat transfer fluid.

This technique according to which the stamped plates 11 are brazed together also makes it possible to eliminate, or at the very least limit, the risk of leakage of the heat transfer fluid from the device 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 4, the stamped plates 11 have studs, or cells, 117 projecting (called "dimples" in English) which extend towards the stamped plate 11 located opposite and which are in contact with the latter, for example with a stud of the latter arranged opposite, after assembly of the device 1.

These studs 117 aim, on the one hand, to improve the mechanical resistance of the device 1 to the pressure of the heat transfer fluid and, on the other hand, to promote the distribution of the heat transfer fluid in the circulation circuit within the device 1 (but also within each stamped plate 11, whatever its type).

The fluid flow rate in each stamped plate 11 is a function of the number (or density) and of the dimensions of the pads 117 used.

The pads 117 located in the cooling channel 113 of the stamped plates allow the fluid to be distributed throughout the latter so as to optimize the heat exchange surface of the device 1 with the electrical cells.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in top view, an example of a global circulation circuit of a device 1 for thermal regulation according to the invention.

Although only the half-shell 10a is visible in FIG. 4, it is easily understood that a half-shell 10b, symmetrically identical to the upper half-shell 10a, is used in order to form the device 1 for thermal regulation.

In this example, the overall circulation circuit of the heat transfer fluid is a U-shaped circuit, the inlet 21 and outlet 22 connectors for the fluid being arranged on the same lateral edge of the device 1.

The device 1 has, as in FIG. 1, a central light 101 which can receive one or more electronic devices to be cooled.

The device 1 comprises two half-shells 10a, 10b, each comprising:

- twelve distribution plates 11a distributed over two upper and lower rows 300, 400 extending respectively along the upper and lower edges of the device 1 of FIG. 4;

- Two end plates 11b located in the opposite corners to the inlet 21 and outlet 22 connectors of the heat transfer fluid of the device 1;

- Four reversing plates lld located between the central lumen 101 and the upper and lower edges of the device 1 and;

seven intermediate plates 11c extending in the intermediate row 500 situated between the upper row 300 and the lower row 400 of the device 1.

Thus, the heat transfer fluid entering through the input connector 21 in the device 1 is distributed over the entire length of the device 1 (according to the arrow Wire) through the main channels 110 of the distribution plates 11a and end 11b of the upper row 300.

The fluid then circulates in the cooling channels 113 of all the stamped plates 11 of the device 1 towards the lower row 400, via the intermediate row 500 (according to the arrows F12).

It is then directed towards the outlet connector 22 via the main channels 110 of the distribution plates 11a and end plates 11d of the lower row 400 (according to arrow F13).

The lld turning plates have a particular function since they have an internal U-shaped circuit which makes it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid (according to arrow F5) from the inlet opening 111 to the outlet opening 112 via the channel 113 (as illustrated in Figure 2d).

This particular circulation within the lld turning plates is imposed by the configuration of the device 1 having a central lumen 101.

An example of a device 1 not having such a central light 101 is described in more detail in the following description (cf. FIG. 9, for example).

FIG. 5 details the average temperature of the heat transfer fluid circulating within the device 1 according to the circulation circuit of the heat transfer fluid described in FIG. 4, in each of the zones defined by the stamped plates 11.

The temperature difference between the minimum temperature (here at the input of device 1) which is 25 ° C and the maximum temperature (here in the turning plate located in the lower row) which is 28.9 ° C is therefore relatively small .

This demonstrates that the thermal regulation device 1 according to the invention is efficient in the sense that it allows a quasihomogeneous thermal regulation of the electric cells of the battery.

Figures 6 to 11 schematically illustrate different examples of circulation circuits of the heat transfer fluid which can be implemented in a thermal regulation device according to the invention.

Here again, only the half-shell 10a is visible.

It is obviously understood that the regulating device 1 comprises another half-shell 10b, symmetrically identical to the half-shell 10a.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a thermal regulation device 1 having a U-shaped circulation circuit in which the heat transfer fluid traverses the interior space delimited by the half-shells 10a and 10b, the latter each comprising two upper and lower rows 300, 400 of five stamped plates 11.

Here again, only the half-shell 10a is visible.

More specifically, each row comprises four distribution plates 11a and an end plate 11b.

The inlet 21 and outlet 22 connectors of the heat transfer fluid in the device 1 are made on the same lateral edge (on the left in this case).

Similar to the device 1 in FIG. 4, the heat transfer fluid enters via the input connector 21 in the device 1 and is distributed over the entire length of the device 1 (according to the arrow Wire) through the channels main 110 of the distribution plates 11a and end 11b of the upper row 300.

The fluid then circulates in the cooling channels 113 of all the stamped plates 11 of the device 1 towards the lower row 400 (according to the arrows F12), then is directed towards the outlet connector 22 via the main channels 110 of the distribution plates 11a and end 11d of the lower row 400 (according to arrow F13).

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a thermal regulation device 1 having an I-shaped circulation circuit in which the heat transfer fluid traverses the interior space delimited by the half-shells 10a and 10b, the latter each comprising two rows of five plates stamped 11.

Here again, only the half-shell 10a is visible.

More specifically, each row comprises four distribution plates 11a and an end plate 11b.

The operation of this device 1 is substantially identical to those previously described except that the outlet connector 22 for the heat transfer fluid is located on a lateral edge opposite the inlet connector 21.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a thermal regulation device 1 having a U-shaped circulation circuit in which the heat transfer fluid traverses the interior space delimited by the half-shells 10a and 10b, the latter each comprising two rows of ten plates stamped 11.

Here again, only the half-shell 10a is visible.

The circulation of the heat transfer fluid within this device is identical to that of the device of FIG. 6, the number of stamped plates 11 per row here being doubled.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a thermal regulation device 1 having a U-shaped circulation circuit in which the heat transfer fluid traverses the interior space delimited by the half-shells 10a and 10b, the latter each comprising three rows of ten plates stamped 11.

Here again, only the half-shell 10a is visible.

The circulation of the heat transfer fluid within this device is identical to that of the device of FIG. 8. It can however be seen that a row 500 of intermediate plates 11c is interposed between the rows of stamped plates 11 upper 300 and lower 400.

The operation of this device 1 is similar to that described in relation to FIG. 4 except that this device 1 does not have a central light intended to receive electronic equipment to be thermally regulated.

FIG. 10 illustrates a variant of the thermal regulation device of FIG. 4 in which the overall circulation circuit is a U-shaped circuit and the pairs of plates numbered 7, 9 and 8, 10 are configured so as to define a U-shaped circulation in parallel with the distribution and collection conduits of the device 1.

This type of plate has not been described in detail before, but its structure will easily be understood.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the circuit for circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the device 1 for thermal regulation previously described in relation to FIG. 4.

These different variants are given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting examples.

It is easily understood that the number of stamped plates 11, their type and their arrangement (number of rows and columns) can vary without departing from the general principle of the invention.

The thermal regulation device 1 of the invention thus consists of an assembly of two half-shells 10a, 10b each consisting of stamped plates 11 of different types, the shape and dimensions of which are adapted to those of the battery pack.

In order to facilitate the brazing operations, it is intended that all of the stamped plates 11 be clad.

In a variant, only the stamped plates 11 of one of the half-shells 10a, 10b are cladées.

In this case, the connection between them and on the first half-shell of the stamped plates 11 of the second half-shell is implemented by a supply of external material, by means of a clade strip, for example.

In one particular embodiment, none of the plates is clade.

The plates are then joined together by a bonding process.

The bonding process is not limited to the type of adhesive (epoxy, silicone, polyurethane, mono / two-component), nor to a hardening process (called curing in English) at room temperature or at a predetermined temperature.

The inlet 21 and outlet 22 connectors of the heat transfer fluid in the device 1 are preferably not clad in order to guarantee an optimal surface state at the level of the connectors.

In a variant, these connectors are clad and a resumption of machining can be carried out in order to guarantee an optimal surface state.

The location of the inlet 21 and outlet 22 connectors of the heat transfer fluid in the device 1 is not limited to the examples described above.

The connectors 21, 22 can, without limitation, be:

in the joint plane between the two half-shells 10a, 10b; perpendicular to the stamped plates 11;

at any angle to the stamped plates.

The dimensions of the stamped plates are preferably equivalent to the dimensions of the electrical cells so that the temperature of each electrical cell is regulated by a single stamped plate.

For example, electrical cells generally have a size of 350mm long by 150mm wide.

In a variant, the dimensions of the stamped plates are equal to the dimensions of a group of electrical cells.

The stamped plates are further adapted:

the thermal regulation constraints of the electrical cells (density of pads, dimensions of the conduits for circulation of the heat transfer fluid, etc.);

mechanical constraints (material thickness, densities of internal conduits and studs to meet burst and cyclic pressure specifications).

In order to optimally distribute the heat transfer fluid in all of the stamped plates of the thermal regulation device of the invention, it is possible, in addition to the studs 117, to adapt the sections of the inlet and outlet openings of the heat transfer fluid for stamped plates.

The thermal regulation device of the invention makes it possible to cool and, if necessary, to heat the electrical cells.

As indicated throughout the above description, the device 1 for thermal regulation of the invention comprises two symmetrically identical half-shells, each comprising a plurality of stamped plates juxtaposed in the same plane.

It should be noted that it can also be considered that the thermal regulation device according to the invention is obtained by assembling a plurality of shells, each shell being made up of a pair of stamped plates.

In this case, the shells each comprise two stamped plates 5, symmetrically identical, secured vis-à-vis.

The shells (that is to say the pairs of stamped plates) are then joined together in the same plane in order to obtain a device 1 for thermal regulation of desired shape and dimensions.

Claims (10)

1. A thermal regulation device (1), in particular for cooling, of at least one electrical energy storage element, characterized in that it comprises two half-shells (10a, 10b) assembled one at a other, the half-shells (10a, 10b) each comprising at least two stamped plates (11) juxtaposed in the same plane and assembled to one another, said half-shells (10a, 10b) delimiting a circulation circuit of a heat transfer fluid within the thermal regulation device (1), at least one of said half-shells (10a, 10b) being intended to come into thermal contact with said at least one electrical energy storage element. 2. A thermal regulation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the external surfaces of the half-shells (10a, 10b) and the peripheral surfaces (100a, 100b) bordering said external surfaces are substantially planar. 3. A thermal regulation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least two stamped plates (11) juxtaposed with at least one of said half-shells (10a, 10b) are secured by brazing. 4. A thermal regulation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least two stamped plates (11) juxtaposed with at least one of said half-shells (10a, 10b) partially overlap . 5. A thermal regulation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said half-shells (10a, 10b) are joined together by brazing. 6. thermal regulation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each of said half-shells (10a, 10b) comprises a first row (300) of stamped plates (11) ensuring the supply and the distribution of the fluid in the device (1) and a second row (400) of stamped plates (11) ensuring the collection and the evacuation of the fluid out of the device (1), and optionally at least one intermediate row (500) of stamped plates (11). 7. A thermal regulation device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the first (300) and second (400) rows comprises at least two types of stamped plates (11), namely: at least one distribution plate (lia) communicating fluidly on the one hand with one or two stamped plates (11) adjacent to said first row (300) and on the other hand with a distribution plate (lia) of the second row ( 400) or an intermediate plate (11c) of an intermediate row (500); an end plate (11b) communicating fluidly on the one hand with a stamped plate (11) adjacent to said row (300, 400) and on the other hand with a distribution plate (11a) or end plate (11b) of the other row among the first and second rows (300, 400) or an intermediate plate (11c) of an intermediate row (500). 8. A thermal regulation device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said intermediate plate (11c) is configured to allow the passage of the fluid between two rows of stamped plates (11). 9. A thermal regulation device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that at least one of said rows (300, 400, 500) comprises at least one turning plate (lld) intended to form a circulation of the U-shaped fluid within said at least one row (300, 400, 500). 10. A thermal regulation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said stamped plates (11) have studs (117) for distributing the heat transfer fluid.