SE541754C2 - A cooling system for an electric power unit for a vehicle - Google Patents

A cooling system for an electric power unit for a vehicle

Info

Publication number
SE541754C2
SE541754C2 SE1651712A SE1651712A SE541754C2 SE 541754 C2 SE541754 C2 SE 541754C2 SE 1651712 A SE1651712 A SE 1651712A SE 1651712 A SE1651712 A SE 1651712A SE 541754 C2 SE541754 C2 SE 541754C2
Authority
SE
Sweden
Prior art keywords
radiator
coolant
cooling system
temperature
cooling circuit
Prior art date
Application number
SE1651712A
Other versions
SE1651712A1 (en
Inventor
Ola Hall
Original Assignee
Scania Cv Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scania Cv Ab filed Critical Scania Cv Ab
Priority to SE1651712A priority Critical patent/SE541754C2/en
Priority to DE102017011430.7A priority patent/DE102017011430B4/en
Publication of SE1651712A1 publication Critical patent/SE1651712A1/en
Publication of SE541754C2 publication Critical patent/SE541754C2/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
    • B60K11/02—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units with liquid cooling
    • B60K11/04—Arrangement or mounting of radiators, radiator shutters, or radiator blinds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
    • B60K11/02—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units with liquid cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P11/00—Component parts, details, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01P1/00 - F01P9/00
    • F01P11/02—Liquid-coolant filling, overflow, venting, or draining devices
    • F01P11/029—Expansion reservoirs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P3/00—Liquid cooling
    • F01P3/18—Arrangements or mounting of liquid-to-air heat-exchangers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
    • F01P7/14—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid
    • F01P7/16—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid by thermostatic control
    • F01P7/165—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being liquid by thermostatic control characterised by systems with two or more loops
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/61—Types of temperature control
    • H01M10/613—Cooling or keeping cold
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/62—Heating or cooling; Temperature control specially adapted for specific applications
    • H01M10/625—Vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/66—Heat-exchange relationships between the cells and other systems, e.g. central heating systems or fuel cells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B60K2001/003—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B60K2001/003—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units
    • B60K2001/005—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units the electric storage means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B60K2001/003—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units
    • B60K2001/006—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units the electric motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P3/00—Liquid cooling
    • F01P3/18—Arrangements or mounting of liquid-to-air heat-exchangers
    • F01P2003/182—Arrangements or mounting of liquid-to-air heat-exchangers with multiple heat-exchangers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P2050/00—Applications
    • F01P2050/24—Hybrid vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/656—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
    • H01M10/6567—Liquids
    • H01M10/6568—Liquids characterised by flow circuits, e.g. loops, located externally to the cells or cell casings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling system for an electric power unit for a vehicle (1). The electric power unit comprises an electric machine (2), an electric energy storage (4) for storing of electrical energy and power electronics (5) for controlling the flow of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage (4) and the electric machine (2): The cooling system comprises a high temperature cooling circuit (6) with a circulating coolant configured to cool the power electronics (5) and a low temperature cooling circuit (21) with a circulating coolant configured to cool the electric energy storage (4). The coolant cooling system is configured, at ambient air temperatures below a specific temperature, to cool the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit (6) in a first radiator (8a) and the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit (21) in a second radiator (8b). The coolant cooling system is configured, at ambient air temperatures above said specific temperature, to cool the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit (6) in the first radiator (8a) and in the second radiator (8b), and to cool the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit (21) by means of a refrigeration system (18).

Description

A cooling system for an electric power unit for a vehicle BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART The present invention relates to a cooling system for an electric power unit for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a cooling system.
Hybrid vehicles may be powered by an electric power unit in combination with some other form of power unit such as a combustion engine. The electric power unit may comprise an electric machine which alternately works as motor and generator, an electric energy storage for storing of electrical energy and power electronics for controlling the flow of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage and the electric machine. The power electronics may include a DC converter and an inverter for conducting electrical energy between the electrical energy storage and the electric machine. The electrical energy storage and the power electronics are heated during operation. The electrical energy storage and power electronics are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. The electrical energy storage may have an optimal efficient operating temperature within the temperature range of 20-30°C. The power electronics can usually withstand a temperature up to about 60-70 °C. Consequently, it is suitable to cool the electrical energy storage and the power electronics with coolant of different temperatures. Furthermore, the efficiency of the electrical energy storage is reduced than it has a too low temperature. Consequently, it is also suitable to heat the electrical energy storage during operating conditions when it has a too low temperature.
It is known to use a cooling system in a vehicle comprising a high temperature cooling circuit for cooling of power electronics and a low temperature cooling circuit for cooling of the electrical energy storage. The coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit is cooled in a radiator. The coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit is cooled in a separate radiator during operating conditions when it is possible to cool the electrical energy storage by ambient air. The coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit is cooled by a refrigerant system when ambient air has a too high temperature. The cooling circuits are arranged in a box attached to a side frame of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system providing an efficient cooling of an electric energy storage and power electronics for a vehicle.
The above mentioned object is achieved by the cooling system according to claim 1. The power electronics are cooled by coolant in a high temperature cooling circuit and the electric energy storage is cooled by coolant in a low temperature cooling circuit. The use of two cooling circuits with different coolant temperatures makes it possible to provide an individual cooling of the electric energy storage and the power electronics to required temperatures. During operating conditions when ambient air temperature is low, it is possible to provide a cooling of the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit in the first radiator to a temperature at which it provides a required cooling of the power electronics. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a cooling of the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit in the second radiator to a temperature at which it provides a required cooling of electrical energy storage. During operating conditions when ambient air temperature is higher or close to an optimal efficient operating temperature of the electrical energy storage, it is not possible to cool the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit to a temperature at which it provide a required cooling of the electrical energy storage. In this case, the coolant in low temperature cooling circuit is cooled by the refrigeration system. Thus, the second radiator is not used by the low temperature cooling system at high ambient temperatures. This makes it is possible to cool the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit in the first radiator and in the second radiator. Consequently, the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit receives an increased heat transfer area with ambient air which makes it possible to cool the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit to a lower temperature and provide a more efficiency cooling the power electronics.
According to the invention, the cooling system comprises a valve arrangement configured to control the coolant flow in the high temperature cooling circuit to the first radiator and the second radiator at high ambient air temperatures and to the first radiator at low ambient air temperatures. The high temperature cooling circuit may comprise a first inlet line directing coolant to the first radiator and a second inlet line directing coolant to the second radiator. The second inlet line may receive coolant from the first inlet line and the valve arrangement may comprise a valve member arranged in the second inlet line. In case the valve member is in an open position, a first part of the coolant flow is directed to the first radiator and a second part of the coolant flow is directed to the second radiator. In case the valve member is in a closed position, the entire coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit is directed to the first radiator.
According to the invention, the cooling system comprises a valve arrangement configured to control the coolant flow in the low temperature cooling circuit to the second radiator at low ambient air temperatures and to an evaporator of the refrigeration system at high ambient temperatures. The valve arrangement may comprise a valve member controlling the coolant flow to the second radiator and a valve member controlling the coolant flow to the evaporator of the refrigeration system. By means of such valve members it is possible to direct the coolant flow in the low temperature cooling circuit to the second radiator or to the evaporator of the refrigerant system in a simple manner.
According to the invention, the cooling system comprises a control unit configured to receive information about ambient air temperature and to control the valve arrangement in view of this information. In case ambient temperature is above a specific temperature, the control unit concludes that ambient air temperature is high and it controls the valve arrangement in view of this information. In case ambient temperature is below the specific temperature, the control unit concludes that ambient air temperature is low and it controls the valve arrangement in view of this information. The specific air temperature may be a constant temperature or a temperature related to at least a further parameter.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the first radiator and the second radiator are arranged side by side such that they are cooled by air of the same temperature. The radiators have to be provided in a position of the vehicle in contact with air of a relatively low temperature low in order to able required cooling of the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit. Preferably, the first radiator and the second radiator are arranged in a position such that they are cooled by air of ambient temperature. In such a position, it is possible to provide an optimal cooling of the coolant in the radiators without the use of a refrigerant system. Advantageously, the first radiator and the second radiator are arranged at a front portion of the vehicle. In this position, ram air is forced through the radiators during travel of the vehicle which increases the air flow rate through the radiators and the heat transfer between the air and the coolant in the radiators.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the first radiator and the second radiator are arranged in a position upstream of a charge air cooler at the front portion of the vehicle and that the cooling system is configured to prevent a coolant flow through the second radiator during operating conditions when the charge air is not cooled to a sufficient low temperature in the charge air cooler. In this case, the air of ambient temperature is directed to the part of the charge air cooler arranged downstream of the second radiator. This measure provides a more efficient cooling of the charge air in the charge air cooler and charge air of a sufficient low temperature will be directed to the combustion engine. Preferably, the second radiator is arranged in a position upstream the coldest part of the charge air cooler. In this case, it is possible to decrease the temperature of charge air entering the combustion engine further.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the cooling system comprises a radiator fan arrangement configured to provide an air flow through the first radiator and the second radiator. In order to provide an adjustment of the temperature of the coolant in first radiator and the second radiator to a desired temperature, the air flow rate through the coolers can be adjusted. The radiator fan arrangement may comprise at least one fan driven by an electric motor making is possible to adjust the speed of the fan in a stepless manner.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the control unit also is configured to receive information from a temperature sensor sensing the temperature of the electrical energy storage and a temperature sensor sensing the temperature of the power electronics, and to control the cooling system by means of this information. If the temperature of the electrical energy storage and/or the power electronics are not within an efficient operating temperature range, the control unit provides measures adjusting the cooling power in the high temperature cooling circuit and/or in the low temperature cooling circuit. The control unit may adjust the air flow rate through the radiators or the operation of the refrigerant system.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the cooling system comprises a heating member by which it is possible to heat the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit. The efficiency of the electrical energy storage is reduced when it has a too low temperature.
Consequently, it is also suitable to heat the electrical energy storage during operating conditions when it has a too low temperature. Such operating conditions may be after a cooled start of the combustion engine or at a low ambient air temperature.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the high temperature cooling circuit also is configured to cool the electrical machine. The coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit may first cool the electric machine and then the power electronics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following a preferred embodiment of the invention is described, as an example, and with reference to the attached drawing, in which: Fig. 1 shows a cooling system according to an embodiment of the invention and Fig. 2 shows a front view of the radiator arrangement in Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Fig. 1 shows a cooling system for a schematically indicated hybrid vehicle 1. The hybrid vehicle 1 is powered by an electric machine 2 and a combustion engine 3. The electric machine works alternately as motor and generator. The hybrid vehicle 1 comprises an electric energy storage 4 for storing of electrical energy and power electronics 5 for controlling the flow of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage 4 and the electric machine 2. The electrical energy storage 4 and the power electronics 5 are heated during operation. Thus, the electrical energy storage 4 and the power electronics 5 need to be cooled during operation. The electrical energy storage 4 and the power electronics 5 are design to work within a respective specific temperature range. The electrical energy storage 4 is designed to have a lower temperature than the power electronics 5. The electrical energy storage 4 may have an optimal efficiency temperature within the temperature range of 20-30°C. The power electronics 5 can usually withstand a temperature up to about 60-70 °C. During certain operating conditions such as after a cold start, the temperature of the electrical energy storage 4 can be too low. In this case, it is suitable to use the cooling system for heating of the electrical energy storage 4.
The cooling system comprises a high temperature cooling circuit 6 with a circulating coolant. The high temperature cooling circuit 6 comprises an expansion tank 7. The high temperature cooling circuit further comprises a radiator arrangement 8 where the coolant is cooled. The coolant is directed to the radiator arrangement 8 via a radiator inlet line 9 and leaves the radiator arrangement via a radiator outlet line 10. The radiator outlet line 10 directs the coolant to a pump 11 which circulates the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit 6. The pump 11 directs the coolant to a three way valve 12. The three way valve 12 directs a part of the coolant flow to a first coolant loop 13 or a second coolant loop 14. The first coolant loop 13 includes a heat exchanger 15 in which the coolant cools a circulating fluid. The fluid may be an oil circulating in circuit 16 for cooling of the electric machine 2. The coolant leaving the heat exchanger 15 enters the power electronics 5. The coolant cools the power electronics 5 before it leaves the first cooling loop 13. The three way valve 12 directs a remaining part of the coolant flow to the second cooling loop 14 where it cools refrigerant in a condenser 17 of a refrigeration system 18. The coolant leaving the first coolant loop 13 and the second cooling loop 14 is directed in a common line to a thermostat 19. In case the coolant has a lower temperature than a regulating temperature of the thermostat 16, it is directed back to the pump 11 without cooling. In case the coolant has a higher temperature than the regulating temperature of the thermostat 19, it is directed, via the radiator inlet 9, to the radiator arrangement 8 for cooling. The radiator inlet line 9 is branched into a first inlet line 9a and a second inlet line 9b. The second inlet line 9b comprises a valve member 20.
The cooling system comprises a low temperature cooling circuit 21 with a circulating coolant. The coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 is also cooled in the radiator arrangement 8. The low temperature cooling circuit 21 is connected to the same expansion tank 7 as the high temperature cooling circuit 6 via the radiator arrangement 8. The coolant enters the radiator arrangement 8 via a radiator inlet line 22 and leaves the radiator arrangement 8 via a radiator outlet line 23. The coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 is circulated by a pump 24. The pump 24 sucks coolant from the radiator outlet line 23 to the electrical energy storage 4. The low temperature cooling circuit 21 comprises a valve member 25 controlling the coolant flow to a chiller 27 in the refrigerant system 18 and a valve member 26 controlling the coolant flow to the radiator arrangement 8. In case the valve member 25 is closed and the valve member 26 is open, the coolant leaving the pump 24 is directed, via the radiator inlet line 9, to the radiator arrangement 8. In case the valve member 25 is open and the valve member 26 is closed, the coolant leaving the pump 24 is directed to a chiller 27 where the coolant is cooled by refrigerant in the refrigerant system 18. The coolant leaving the chiller 27 enters a heat exchanger 29 where the coolant can be heated by coolant from a cooling system cooling the combustion engine 3. In case, the coolant has a too high temperature it is cooled in the chiller 27. In case, the coolant has a too low temperature it is heated in the heat exchanger 29. As long as the valve member 25 is open and the valve member 26 is closed, the pump 24 circulates the coolant in a closed loop defined by the electrical energy storage 4, the chiller 27 and the heat exchanger 29.
Thus, the hybrid vehicle 1 also comprises a refrigeration system 18 with a circulating refrigerant. The refrigeration system 18 comprises a compressor 31 which circulates and compresses the refrigerant in the refrigeration system 18. The refrigerant is directed from the compressor 31 to the condenser 17. The refrigerant is cooled in the condenser 17 to a temperature at which it condenses by coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit 6.
A part of the liquefied refrigerant leaving the condenser 17 is directed to a first cooling loop 33 for cooling a cabin in the vehicle 1. The first cooling loop 33 comprises a first expansion valve 34 where the refrigerant experiences a pressure drop and a significantly lower temperature before it enters an evaporator 35. An electrically driven fan 36 is designed to provide an air flow through the evaporator 35 such that cool air is directed into the cabin. The refrigerant is heated by the air flow such that it vaporizes. The vaporized refrigerant is directed back to the compressor 31. A remaining part of the liquefied refrigerant is directed to a second cooling loop 37 comprising a second expansion valve 38 where the refrigerant experiences a pressure drop and a significantly lower temperature. Thereafter, the refrigerant enters the chiller 27 where the refrigerant is heated by the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 to a temperature where it evaporates. The vaporized refrigerant is directed back to a compressor 31.
Fig. 2 shows a front view of the radiator arrangement 8. The radiator arrangement 8 comprises a first radiator 8a and a second radiator 8b. The first radiator 8a and the second radiator 8b are arranged in a common plane at a front portion of the vehicle 1. A radiator fan arrangement 39 and ram air provide a cooling air flow through the radiator arrangement 8. A charge air cooler 40 is arranged in a position downstream of the radiator fan arrangement 8 with reference to the intended direction of the air flow. A main radiator 41 for cooling of coolant cooling the combustion engine 3 is arranged in a position downstream of the radiator arrangement 8 and the charge air cooler 40 with reference to the intended direction of the air flow. Thus, the coolant is cooled in the first radiator 8a and in the second radiator 8b by air of ambient temperature.
The first radiator 8a comprises an inlet tube 8ai receiving coolant from the first radiator inlet line 9a in the high temperature cooling circuit 6. The first radiator 8a comprises an outlet tube 8a2connected to the radiator outlet line 10 in the high temperature cooling circuit 6.
The second radiator 8b comprises an inlet tube 8b1receiving coolant from the second radiator inlet line 9b in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 or the inlet line 22 of the low temperature cooling circuit 21. The second radiator 8b comprises an outlet tube 8b2connected, via a connection line 10a, to the radiator outlet line 10 in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 or the outlet line 23 in the low temperature cooling circuit 21. A control unit 42 is configured to receive information from a temperature sensor 42 about ambient temperature. The control unit 42 is configured to control the valve members 20, 25, 26 by means of this information. The control unit 42 is also configured to control the pumps 11, 24, the compressor 31 and the radiator fan arrangement 39.
During operation of the hybrid vehicle 1, the control unit 42 receives information about ambient temperature from the temperature sensor 42. The control unit 42 also receive information from a temperature sensor 44 sensing the temperature of the coolant leaving the electrical energy storage 4 in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 and from a temperature sensor 45 sensing the temperature of the coolant leaving the power electronic 5 in the high temperature cooling circuit 6. The temperatures of the coolants are related to the temperatures of the electrical energy storage 4 and the power electronics 5. Alternatively, temperature sensors may be used which directly measures the temperatures of the electrical energy storage 4 and the power electronics 5. The control unit 42 the speed of the fans in the radiator arrangement 8 and thus the air flow rate through radiator arrangement 8.
The cooling of the coolants in the first radiator 8a and the second radiator 8b is related to the air flow rate through the radiators 8a, 8b and the ambient air temperature. In case ambient air temperature is low, the coolants in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 obtains an efficient cooling in the first radiator 8a and the coolants in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 obtains an efficient cooling in the second radiator 8b. In this case, the control unit 42 sets the valve member 20 in a closed position at the same time as it sets the valve member 25 in a closed position and the valve member 26 in an open position. Consequently, the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit is directed via the first radiator inlet line 9a to the inlet tube 8ai of the first radiator 8a. When the coolant has been cooled in the first radiator 8a, it enters the radiator outlet line 10 in the high temperature cooling circuit 6. The coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 is directed, via the radiator inlet 22, to the inlet tube 8bi of the second radiator 8b. After that the coolant has been cooled in the second radiator 8b it enters the radiator outlet line 23 in the low temperature cooling circuit 6. Consequently, during operating conditions when the ambient is temperature is low, the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 is cooled in the first radiator 8a and the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 is cooled in the second radiator 8b. In case the electric energy storage 4 and/or the power electronics 5 have a too low or a too high temperature, the control unit 42 controls the speed of the radiator fan arrangement 39 in order to increase or decrease the cooling efficiency of the coolant in the first radiator 8a and in the second radiator 8b.
In case ambient air temperature is high, the coolant obtains a less efficient cooling in the radiator arrangement 8. Especially, it is not possible to provide a cooling of the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 to a required low temperature. In this case, the control unit 42 sets the valve member 20 in an open position at the same time as it sets the valve member 25 in an open position and the valve member 26 in a closed position. Due to this measure, a first part of the coolant flow in the high temperature cooling circuit is directed, via the first radiator inlet line 9a, to the first radiator 8a and a second part of the coolant flow in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 is directed, via the open valve member 20 and the second radiator inlet line 9b, to the radiator inlet line 22 and the second radiator 8b. Consequently, during operating condition when ambient air temperature is low, the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 is cooled in the first radiator 8a and in the second radiator 8b. Since the valve member 25 is open and the valve member 26 is closed, the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 circulates in a closed loop defined by the pump 24, the chiller 27, the heating device 29 and the electric energy storage 4. Thus, the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21 is cooled by the refrigerant system in the chiller 27.
The cooling by the refrigerant system ensures a cooling of the coolant to a required low temperature for maintaining the temperature of the electrical energy storage 4 within a range of about 20-30°C. In case the power electronics 5 has a too low or a too high temperature during operation when ambient air temperature is low, the control unit 42 controls the speed of the radiator fan arrangement 39 in order to increase or decrease the cooling efficiency of the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 in the first radiator 8a and in the second radiator 8b. In case the electric energy storage 4 has a too low or a too high temperature during operation, the control unit 42 controls compressor 31 in the refrigeration system in order to increase or decrease the cooling efficiency of the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 6.At too low temperatures of the coolant, it activates the heating device 29.
The arrangement of the radiator arrangement in the front position of a vehicle 1 in contact with ambient air, makes it possible to cool the coolant with surrounding air of lowest possible temperature. Further, the ram air reduces the energy supply for operation of the fan arrangement 39. At low ambient air temperatures, the use of a radiator arrangement 8 ensures a very effective cooling of the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuits 6 as well as the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit 21. At high ambient air temperatures, the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit 6 obtains an increased cooling efficiency since it is cooled in the both radiators 8a, 8b. Thus, it is possible to use the second radiator 8b for cooling of the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit when the coolant in the low temperature circuit 21 has to be cooled by the refrigerant system 18.
During operating conditions when the combustion engine is heavily loaded and ambient air has a very high temperature, there is a risk that the charge air is not cooled to a sufficient low temperature in the charge air cooler 40. The control unit 42 may receive information about the temperature of the charge air. In case said information indicates that the charge air has a too high temperature, the control unit 42 closes the valve member 20 such the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit only is directed to the first radiator 8a. The valve member 25 is open and the valve member 26 is closed since ambient air temperature is high. In this case, there will be no coolant flow and thus no heat transfer in the second radiator 8b and air of ambient temperature is directed to the part of the charge air cooler 40 arranged downstream of the second radiator 8b. This measure provides an increased cooling of the charge air in the charge air cooler 40. In order to further increase the cooling of the charge air in the charge air cooler 40 during such operating conditions, the radiator can be arranged in a position upstream the coldest part of the charge air cooler 40.
The invention is in no way confined to the embodiment to which the drawings refer but may be varied freely within the scopes of the claims. It is for example possible to use the cooling system in a pure electric vehicle.

Claims (10)

Claims
1. A cooling system for an electric power unit for a vehicle (1), wherein the electric power unit comprises an electric machine (2), an electric energy storage (4) for storing of electrical energy and power electronics (5) for controlling the flow of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage (4) and the electric machine (2), and wherein the cooling system comprises a high temperature cooling circuit (6) with a circulating coolant configured to cool the power electronics (5) and a low temperature cooling circuit (21) with a circulating coolant configured to cool the electric energy storage (4), a first radiator (8a), a second radiator (8b) and a refrigeration system (18), wherein the cooling system is configured, at ambient air temperatures below a specific temperature, to cool the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit (6) in the first radiator (8a) and the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit (21) in the second radiator (8b), characterized in that the cooling system is configured, at ambient air temperatures above said specific temperature, to cool the coolant in the high temperature cooling circuit (6) in the first radiator (8a) and in the second radiator (8b), and to cool the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit (21) by means of the refrigeration system (18) and that the cooling system comprises a valve arrangement (20) configured to direct the coolant flow in the high temperature cooling circuit (6) to the first radiator (8a) at low ambient air temperatures and to the first radiator (8a) and the second radiator (8b) at high ambient air temperatures, a valve arrangement (25, 26) configured to direct the coolant flow in the low temperature cooling circuit (21) to the second radiator (8b) at low ambient air temperatures and to an evaporator (27) of the refrigeration system (18) at high ambient air temperatures and a control unit (42) configured to receive information about ambient air temperature and to control the valve arrangement (20, 25, 26) in view of this information.
2. A cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first radiator (8a) and the second radiator (8b) are arranged side by side such that they are cooled by air of the same temperature.
3. A cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first radiator (8a) and the second radiator (8b) are arranged in a position such that they are cooled by air of ambient temperature.
4. A cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that the first radiator (8a) and the second radiator (8b) are arranged at a front portion of the vehicle (1).
5. A cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that the first radiator (8a) and the second radiator (8b) are arranged in a position upstream of a charge air cooler (40) at the front portion of the vehicle (1) and that the cooling system is configured to prevent coolant flow through the second radiator during operating conditions when the charge air need to be cooled to a lower temperature in the charge air cooler (40).
6. A cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that the second radiator (8b) is arranged in a position upstream of a coldest part of the charge air cooler (40).
7. A cooling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling system comprises a radiator fan arrangement (39) configured to provide an air flow through the first radiator (8a) and the second radiator (8b).
8. A cooling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (12) also is configured to receive information from a temperature sensor (44) sensing the temperature of the electrical energy storage (4) and a temperature sensor (45) sensing the temperature of the power electronics (5), and to control the cooling system by means of this information.
9. A cooling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling system comprises a heating member (29) by which it is possible to heat the coolant in the low temperature cooling circuit (21).
10. A cooling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high temperature cooling circuit (6) also is configured to cool the electrical machine (2). 1 1. A vehicle comprising a cooling system according to any one of the preceding claims 1-10.
SE1651712A 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 A cooling system for an electric power unit for a vehicle SE541754C2 (en)

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DE102017011430.7A DE102017011430B4 (en) 2016-12-21 2017-12-12 Cooling system for an electric drive unit for a vehicle

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DE102018218474A1 (en) * 2018-10-29 2020-04-30 Robert Bosch Gmbh Heating or coolant circuit for an electric vehicle
SE543715C2 (en) 2018-12-14 2021-06-29 Scania Cv Ab Powertrain and Vehicle
SE543023C2 (en) 2018-12-14 2020-09-29 Scania Cv Ab Cooling System, Powertrain, Vehicle, and Method of controlling Cooling System
FR3090501B1 (en) * 2018-12-21 2021-04-09 Renault Sas Thermal management device of a heat transfer fluid circuit of a hybrid vehicle
DE102019000283A1 (en) * 2019-01-16 2020-07-16 Hydac Cooling Gmbh Cooler
CN111403843B (en) 2020-02-18 2021-10-01 华为技术有限公司 A vehicle thermal management system and method
FR3108563A1 (en) * 2020-03-30 2021-10-01 Renault S.A.S Thermal management device for a hybrid motor vehicle
US11787387B2 (en) 2020-08-06 2023-10-17 Caterpillar Inc. Thermal management system for an energy storage container
CN115341988B (en) * 2022-09-06 2023-09-22 三一汽车制造有限公司 Engineering equipment heat dissipation control method and device and engineering equipment

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