WO2024033202A1

WO2024033202A1 - Cooling system for cooling power electronics and/or for controlling the temperature of a coolant

Info

Publication number: WO2024033202A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/071497
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sven Peters; Andreas Stephan; Doris Haug; Jonas STÖCKL
Original assignee: Man Truck & Bus Se
Priority date: 2022-08-12
Filing date: 2023-08-03
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling system (100), preferably for a motor vehicle, comprising a battery cooling circuit (10) for cooling a battery device (12) and comprising power electronics (21), preferably for processing data for an autonomous or a partially autonomous drive of the motor vehicle. The cooling system (100) comprises a second circuit (20) into which the power electronics (21) are integrated and which is designed to cool the power electronics (21) and/or to control the temperature of the coolant in order to prevent the formation of condensation on or in the power electronics (21). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

Cooling system for cooling power electronics and/or for coolant temperature control

Description

The invention relates to a cooling system, preferably for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle (e.g. truck or bus). The cooling system is used in particular for cooling power electronics and/or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics. The invention also relates to an associated method.

It is known from practice that power electronics such as B. to ventilate and thus cool motor vehicle control devices. Power electronics in the form of e.g. B. high-performance computers for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving usually require more efficient cooling than conventional motor vehicle control units. However, excessive cooling of the power electronics and/or cold weather (e.g. in combination with low utilization of the power electronics and/or in a warm and/or humid environment of the power electronics) can lead to disadvantageous condensation forming on or in the power electronics .

An object of the invention is to provide an efficient and/or structurally simple option for cooling power electronics and/or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in power electronics, in particular power electronics for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving.

This task can be solved with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are disclosed in the subclaims or result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention.

The invention relates to a cooling system, preferably for a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle, e.g. an autonomous or semi-autonomous truck or bus.

The cooling system includes a battery cooling circuit, in particular for cooling a (e.g. rechargeable) battery device (e.g. battery device, etc.). The battery device can e.g. B. serve to supply energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle.

The battery cooling circuit serves in particular to carry a (e.g. gaseous or liquid) cooling medium. The battery cooling circuit is preferably an accumulator cooling circuit.

The cooling system includes power electronics, preferably at least one control device and/or at least one computer (e.g. at least one chip and/or one or more other electronic components, etc.), preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle. The computer can in particular be a high-performance computer.

The cooling system includes a second circuit (e.g. cooling circuit) into which the power electronics is integrated and which is set up for cooling the power electronics and/or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics.

The second circuit serves in particular to carry a (e.g. gaseous or liquid) coolant.

According to the invention, the battery cooling circuit and the second circuit are thermally connected to one another directly or indirectly via a heat exchanger, preferably a plate heat exchanger, in particular so that the battery cooling circuit can be used to generate and/or provide refrigeration and/or cooling power for the second circuit. A thermal connection can thus be established between the battery cooling circuit and the second circuit, enabling heat transfer between these circuits and thus temperature control of the power electronics as required. In this context, an indirect or direct thermal connection means that at least one additional, here third cooling circuit is optionally arranged between the battery circuit and the second circuit, this additional cooling circuit being in thermal contact with both the battery circuit and the second circuit, or heat can be transferred between the battery circuit and the second circuit directly or directly via an intermediate heat exchanger.

According to a special development, the cooling system has a third circuit, which is expediently thermally connected (e.g. coupled) to the second circuit via a first heat exchanger (e.g. a chiller, in particular an evaporator) and via a second heat exchanger (e.g B. Chiller, in particular evaporator) is expediently thermally connected (e.g. coupled) to the battery cooling circuit, preferably so that the third Circuit can be used to generate and/or provide cooling power (appropriately cold) for the battery cooling circuit and the second circuit.

One advantage is e.g. B. that by means of the battery cooling circuit and/or the third circuit, a cooling system that is often already present in motor vehicles can be expediently used directly or indirectly to generate refrigeration and/or cooling power in order to cool and/or control the temperature of the power electronics. Alternatively or additionally, an advantage is that the cooling system can preferably be set up not only for cooling the power electronics, but preferably also for coolant temperature control in order to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics, so that advantageously a temperature on or in the power electronics is essentially above a dew point temperature can be maintained.

The battery cooling circuit can e.g. B. a pump and / or z. B. include a cooling device, preferably a cooler with a fan.

It is possible for the battery cooling circuit to be thermally connected (e.g. coupled) to a third circuit via a (e.g. further, in particular second) heat exchanger, preferably a chiller (e.g. evaporator), preferably so, that the third circuit can be used to generate and/or provide cooling and/or cooling power (expediently cold and/or cooling) for the battery cooling circuit and/or the second circuit.

The third circuit can e.g. B. include an expansion element (e.g. expansion valve), a compressor (e.g. compressor) and / or a capacitor.

The expansion element can in particular be connected upstream of the further heat exchanger, e.g. B. be arranged upstream of the heat exchanger and / or downstream of the compressor and / or condenser.

The battery cooling circuit can expediently be integrated between the second circuit and the first circuit.

In an advantageous manner, the first heat exchanger can z. B. be a chiller (in particular an evaporator) and / or the second heat exchanger can z. B. be a chiller (especially an evaporator). It is possible for the third circuit to include a first expansion element (e.g. an expansion valve) for the first heat exchanger and/or a second expansion element (e.g. an expansion valve) for the second heat exchanger.

The third circuit can e.g. B. include a compressor (e.g. compressor) and / or a capacitor. The compressor and/or the condenser can preferably be operatively connected to the first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger.

The first expansion element can expediently be connected upstream of the first heat exchanger, e.g. B. be arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger and / or downstream of the compressor and / or condenser.

The second expansion element can expediently be connected upstream of the second heat exchanger, e.g. B. be arranged upstream of the second heat exchanger and / or downstream of the compressor and / or condenser.

It is possible for the first heat exchanger (and in particular its expansion element) and the second heat exchanger (and in particular its expansion element) to be connected in parallel in the third circuit.

The third circuit can expediently be integrated between the battery cooling circuit and the second circuit.

The second circuit can e.g. B. include a valve for coolant temperature control in order to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics.

The valve can e.g. B. be a directional control valve and / or be set up to combine coolant at different temperatures, appropriately in the second circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the valve can have at least three connections and/or have at least two switching positions and/or be designed as a 3-way valve, in particular a 3/2-way valve.

The second circuit can e.g. B. include a cooling device, e.g. B. a cooler with a fan. The cooling device serves in particular to cool the coolant of the second circuit.

The cooling device can e.g. B. a liquid-air heat exchanger, preferably with a fan, the performance of which can be advantageously increased by the fan. It is possible that the second circuit includes a first line section, which is z. B. can extend upstream of the power electronics, in particular between the first heat exchanger and the power electronics. Alternatively or additionally, the second circuit can z. B. include a second line section, which is z. B. can extend downstream of the power electronics between the power electronics and in particular the first heat exchanger.

The first line section can thus be coupled, for example, to an input side of the power electronics and to an output side of a heat exchanger, in particular of the first heat exchanger, with alternatively or additionally the second line section z. B. can be coupled to an output side of the power electronics and to an input side of a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger.

It is possible for a third line section to connect the second line section to the valve and/or to form a bypass line in order to supply coolant (expediently of the second circuit) to the valve and/or in bypassing the cooling device and/or a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger to lead the first line section and preferably (in particular indirectly) back to the power electronics.

The third line section is expediently part of the second circuit.

The valve can e.g. B. be integrated into the first and / or third line section.

It is possible for the third line section to branch off from the second line section at a branch point.

The branch point is preferably downstream of the power electronics and z. B. positioned upstream of the cooling device and / or a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger.

The second circuit can e.g. B. include a pump.

The pump can e.g. B. be set up to change, preferably optionally increase and / or reduce, a coolant heat flow or coolant volume flow, preferably for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics. The change can e.g. B. can be realized by changing the performance of the pump. The pump is preferably integrated into the first line section and/or upstream of the power electronics and z. B. positioned downstream of the valve and/or downstream in particular of the first heat exchanger.

The valve preferably comprises a first inlet (which can preferably be connected to an outlet of a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger, by means of a first section of the first line section) and/or a second inlet (which can preferably be connected to the second line section by means of the third line section can). Alternatively or additionally, the valve can expediently comprise an output in order to expediently direct coolant for coolant temperature control from the first inlet and/or from the second inlet to the power electronics and/or into a second section of the first line section, depending on the valve switching positions.

The first input can be used in particular to receive coolant cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit, a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger and/or the cooling device.

The second input can be used in particular to receive coolant warmed up by the power electronics.

The first input and/or the second input and/or the output may have at least one of the following: an open position in which it is fully open, a closed position in which it is fully closed, and/or at least one intermediate position in which it is partially open.

It is possible for the valve for coolant temperature control to have a switching position in which the first input is completely closed and the second input is completely or partially open, preferably such that coolant (in particular warmed up by the power electronics) flows between the output, the power electronics and can circulate at the second inlet, but an inflow of coolant via the first inlet and preferably thus from the cooling device and/or from a heat exchanger, in particular from the first heat exchanger, is prevented. This can z. B. a (“small”) circuit or circuit mode can be made possible, which includes the power electronics, the valve (namely the preferably completely or partially opened second input) and preferably the Pump includes, in particular with the first inlet closed and thus excluding the cooling device and / or a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger.

The valve can be used for coolant temperature control, e.g. B. have a switching position in which the first input is partially open and the second input is completely or partially open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular warmed up by the power electronics) can circulate between the output, the power electronics and the second input, but an inflow of coolant (in particular cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit and/or the cooling device) via the first inlet and preferably thus from the cooling device and/or a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger, is also permitted. This can z. B. a circuit or circuit mode can be made possible, which includes the power electronics, the valve (namely preferably the first at least partially opened input and the second at least partially opened input) and the cooling device and / or a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger and z. B. includes the pump.

It is possible for the valve for coolant temperature control to have a switching position in which the first input is completely open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit and/or the cooling device) circulates between the output, the power electronics and the first input , and in which the second input z. B. is completely closed or z. B. is opened only partially and/or intermittently. This allows a (“large”) circuit or circuit mode to be made possible, which includes the power electronics, the valve (namely preferably the fully opened first inlet) and the cooling device and/or a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger and e.g. B. includes the pump, preferably with the second input essentially closed.

The cooling device can e.g. B. be integrated into the second line section, positioned downstream of the power electronics and/or downstream of the branch point, and/or positioned upstream of a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger and/or the second input.

The coolant of the second circuit can in particular absorb heat from the power electronics and use the heat for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics, preferably in combination with means the battery cooling circuit, a heat exchanger, in particular the first heat exchanger and / or the cooling device cooled coolant.

In the context of the invention, the second circuit can therefore preferably provide at least three different circuit modes, namely preferably a first circuit mode in order to expediently increase the coolant temperature for the power electronics, a second circuit mode in order to expediently increase the coolant temperature for the power electronics reduce, and a third circuit mode that combines the first and second circuit modes.

It is possible that the valve is a thermostatic valve and/or a self-adjusting valve for coolant temperature control and thus preferably forms a non-electronically controlled and/or regulated valve.

The valve can e.g. B. include an expansion material or expansion fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably to influence a coolant flow, e.g. B. to block completely, to let through completely and/or to let through only partially. The valve can e.g. B. include a wax insert and slider.

The valve can e.g. B. be set up for temperature fixed value control, preferably to keep the coolant temperature for the power electronics in a predetermined temperature range. The predetermined (e.g. preset) temperature is preferably chosen so that falling below the dew point is excluded in all operating states.

The valve can e.g. B. be a mechanical valve.

However, it is also possible for the valve to be an electrical valve, in particular an electronically controlled and/or regulated valve.

The cooling system can e.g. B. include an electronic control and / or regulating device which is set up to control the valve and / or the pump, preferably for cooling the power electronics and / or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics and / or to regulate.

The control and/or regulating device can in particular be set up to control the valve and/or the pump depending on at least one of the following and/or - to regulate: a temperature and/or a humidity of the ambient air of the power electronics, a temperature on or in the power electronics (e.g. a surface temperature of the power electronics), a coolant temperature of the second circuit (e.g. upstream and/or downstream of the power electronics), a coolant temperature of the battery cooling circuit and/or a coolant temperature of the third circuit. To record the temperature, the cooling system can e.g. B. include suitable sensors.

The control and/or regulating device can, for. B. be set up to carry out an adjustment with at least one dew point curve and / or to keep the coolant temperature of the second circuit in a predetermined temperature range.

It is possible that the control and/or regulating device forms part of the power electronics and is therefore preferably coolable by the second circuit, or is made available in addition to the power electronics and, for. B. is decoupled from the second circuit (appropriately thermally).

The battery cooling circuit and/or the second circuit preferably includes no evaporator, no expansion element (e.g. expansion valve), no compressor and/or no condenser.

Advantageously, the battery cooling circuit can be used in particular to generate and/or provide cooling and/or cooling power for the second circuit, so that preferably cold and/or cooling from the battery cooling circuit can be used by means of the second circuit to cool the power electronics.

The battery cooling circuit can (in particular in addition to the battery device) e.g. B. include at least one electronic component (preferably control electronics, at least one chip, processor, at least one power converter (e.g. inverter) and / or one or more other electronic components, etc.).

The battery cooling circuit can in particular be set up to cool the at least one electronic component.

Preferably, the at least one electronic component comprises control electronics (e.g. at least one chip, processor, computer, etc.), preferably for controlling the battery device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one electronic component can z. B. one Power converters (e.g. inverters), in particular for a motor vehicle air conditioning system.

It is possible that the battery cooling circuit is a low-temperature circuit, is a closed circuit and/or has a (in particular liquid or gaseous) cooling medium (e.g. glycol-water mixture).

It is possible that the second circuit is a closed circuit, is a high-temperature circuit and/or has a (in particular liquid or gaseous) coolant or refrigerant (e.g. glycol-water mixture).

The third circuit is preferably a refrigeration circuit and expediently has a refrigerant.

It should be mentioned that the power electronics can in particular include a high-performance computer, useful for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

It should also be mentioned that the coolant temperature control serves in particular to maintain a temperature on or in the power electronics essentially above a dew point temperature, in particular to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics.

It should also be mentioned that the coolant temperature control can preferably be achieved without reducing a coolant volume flow.

It should also be mentioned that the battery cooling circuit is preferably a circuit for cooling a z. B. rechargeable battery device (e.g. battery device etc.).

It is possible for the coolant temperature of the second circuit, preferably on or (preferably shortly) before entering the power electronics, to serve as a control variable for controlling the valve and/or the pump. The cooling device of the battery cooling circuit and/or the second circuit in particular provides passive cooling.

The invention also includes a motor vehicle, preferably an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle, with a cooling system as disclosed herein.

The motor vehicle is preferably a truck or bus that drives (in particular autonomously or semi-autonomously). The invention also includes a method for a cooling system, preferably a cooling system as disclosed herein. The method may in particular be carried out with a cooling system as disclosed herein.

The cooling system comprises a battery cooling circuit for cooling a (e.g. rechargeable) battery device (e.g. battery device etc.), preferably a battery device for supplying energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle, and power electronics, preferably at least one control device and/or at least one Computer, preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

The cooling system comprises a second circuit in which power electronics (preferably at least one control unit and/or at least one computer, e.g. for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle) is integrated and which cools the power electronics and/or which provides coolant temperature control Avoiding the formation of condensation on or in the power electronics.

According to a particular embodiment, the cooling system comprises a third circuit, which is expediently thermally connected (e.g. coupled) to the second circuit via a first heat exchanger and is expediently thermally connected (e.g. coupled) to the battery cooling circuit via a second heat exchanger , preferably so that the third circuit can be used to generate and / or provide cooling power for the battery cooling circuit and the second circuit.

The disclosure regarding the cooling system also applies to the method.

The preferred exemplary embodiments and features of the invention described above can be expediently combined with one another. Other advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims or result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the attached figures.

Figure 1 shows a cooling system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 shows a cooling system according to a second embodiment of the invention and Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the cooling system, in particular a valve for coolant temperature control.

Figures 1 and 3 each show a cooling system 100 according to a first and a second embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the cooling system 100, in particular a valve 22 for coolant temperature control.

The cooling system 100 is preferably part of a motor vehicle, e.g. B. an autonomous or semi-autonomous bus or truck.

The cooling system 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a battery cooling circuit 10 for carrying a (e.g. liquid or gaseous) cooling medium, in particular for cooling a battery device (e.g. battery device) 12. The battery device 12 is in particular rechargeable and can e.g. B. serve to supply energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle. The battery cooling circuit 10 is therefore preferably a circuit for cooling a rechargeable battery device 10 (e.g. battery device) and thus in particular forms a battery cooling circuit.

The battery cooling circuit 10 also includes a cooling device 11 (e.g. a cooler with a fan) and a pump 13. The cooling medium can e.g. B. be a glycol-water mixture.

The battery cooling circuit 10 can also z. B. include an expansion tank 14 (e.g. expansion tank) for the cooling medium of the battery cooling circuit 10.

Furthermore, the battery cooling circuit 10 can be in addition to the battery device 12 z. B. include at least one electronic component 15 and be set up to cool the electronic component 15. The electronic component 15 can be, for. B. be control electronics, in particular for controlling the battery device 12. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic component 15 can also include a power converter (e.g. inverter), in particular for a motor vehicle air conditioning system.

In Figure 1, the electronic component 15 is shown as an example between the cooling device 11 and the battery device 12. The electronic component 15 can also z. B. be arranged between the pump 13 and the battery device 12 or at another suitable location.

The cooling system 100 also includes a second circuit 20, which is explained in more detail below. The battery cooling circuit 10 and the second circuit 20 are expediently thermally connected to one another via a (e.g. first) heat exchanger X1 (e.g. a plate heat exchanger), so that the battery cooling circuit 10 is used to generate and/or provide cooling and/or cooling power (appropriately cold and/or cool) can be used for the second circuit 20. The heat exchanger X1 can expediently be arranged upstream or downstream of the battery device 12.

The cooling system 100 may also include an optional third circuit 30 (appropriately refrigeration circuit). The third circuit 30 can z. B. have a compressor and / or a capacitor, which are summarized schematically in Figure 1 under the reference number 32. The third circuit 30 can also have an expansion element 31 (e.g. an expansion valve).

The battery cooling circuit 10 can be thermally connected to the third circuit 30 via a particularly further (e.g. second) heat exchanger or provision of cooling capacity (expediently cold) for the battery cooling circuit 10 and/or the second circuit 20 can be used.

The expansion element 31 is expediently connected upstream of the further heat exchanger X2.

The battery cooling circuit 10 and the third circuit 30 can be, for. B. be a conventional battery cooling arrangement. This means that all of the components (in particular compressor and/or condenser) of an active refrigeration circuit required to generate cooling capacity are already present and therefore advantageously do not have to be installed again or possibly even operated electrically.

The cooling system 100 includes power electronics 21, preferably at least one control device and/or at least one computer (e.g. at least one chip, processor, etc.), preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

The cooling system 100 is characterized in particular in that the second circuit 20 (expediently cooling circuit) is set up for cooling the power electronics 21 and/or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21. The second circuit 20 expediently serves to carry a (e.g. liquid or gaseous) coolant (e.g. glycol-water mixture). The battery cooling circuit 10 is expediently integrated between the second circuit 20 and the third circuit 30.

The second circuit 20 can z. B. include an expansion tank 50 (e.g. expansion tank) for the coolant of the second circuit 20.

A special feature is that the second circuit 20 can include a valve 22 for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is preferably a 3-way valve. It can e.g. B. have at least three connections 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and/or have at least two switching positions and z. B. be designed as a 3/2-way valve. In particular, the valve 22 can be set up to bring together coolant at different temperatures.

The second circuit 20 may also have an optional cooling device 24, e.g. B. a cooler with a fan.

The second circuit 20 comprises a first line section A and a second line section B.

The first line section A expediently extends upstream of the power electronics 21 between the heat exchanger X1 and the power electronics 21.

The second line section B expediently extends downstream of the power electronics 21 between the power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger X1 and/or the cooling device 24.

The power electronics 21 and the heat exchanger X1 can therefore z. B. be positioned between the first line section A and the second line section B, so that the first line section A corresponds to a line section upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the heat exchanger X1 and / or the second line section B corresponds to a line section downstream of the power electronics 21 and upstream of the heat exchanger X1 corresponds.

A third line section C of the second circuit 20 is set up to form a bypass line and z. B. to connect the second line section B to the valve 22 in order to deliver coolant to the cooling device 24 and/or the heat exchanger X1 Valve 22 and/or into the first line section A and preferably back to the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is expediently integrated into the first line section A and the third line section C.

The third line section C branches off from the second line section B at a branch point 25. The branch point 25 is downstream of the power electronics 21 and z. B. positioned upstream of the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1.

The cooling device 24 is preferably integrated into the second line section B and / or downstream of the branch point 25 and z. B. positioned upstream of the heat exchanger X1.

The second circuit 20 also includes a pump 23, which can expediently be integrated into the first line section A. The pump 23 can z. B. be integrated into the second circuit 20 upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the valve 22 and/or downstream of the heat exchanger X1.

The coolant of the second circuit 20 can in particular absorb heat from the power electronics 21 and use the heat for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21, preferably in combination with coolant cooled by means of the heat exchanger X1 and/or the cooling device 24.

The valve 22 includes a first input 22.1, which is connected to an output of the heat exchanger X1 by means of a first section A1 of the first line section A.

The valve 22 includes a second inlet 22.2, which is connected to the second line section B by means of the third line section C.

The valve 22 comprises an output 22.3 in order to supply coolant via a second section A2 of the first line section A depending on valve switching positions for coolant temperature control (expediently warmed up by means of the power electronics 21 and/or cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit 10 and/or the cooling device 24). Power electronics 21 to forward.

The first input 22.1 and/or the second input 22.2 and optionally the output 22.3 can z. B. have an open position in which it is completely open, have a closed position in which it is completely closed, and / or have at least an intermediate position in which it is partially opened. The valve 22 can have different switching positions in order to selectively let through coolant heated by the power electronics 21 (expediently by means of the second input 22.2) and coolant cooled by the battery cooling circuit 10 and/or the cooling device 24 (expediently by means of the first input 22.1) for coolant temperature control and/or to block.

The valve 22 can z. B. have a switching position in which the first input 22.1 is completely closed and the second input 22.2 is completely or partially open, preferably so that coolant (in particular warmed up by the power electronics 21) between the output 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second Input 22.2 can circulate, but an inflow of coolant via the first input 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or from the heat exchanger X1 can be prevented. This allows a (“small”) circuit mode to be made possible, which includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely the preferably completely or partially opened second input 22.2) and preferably the pump 23, in particular with the first input 22.1 closed and thus bypassing or .Exclusion of the cooling device 24 and/or the heat exchanger X1.

The valve 22 can z. B. have a switching position in which the first input 22.1 is partially open and the second input 22.2 is completely or partially open, preferably so that coolant (in particular warmed up by the power electronics 21) between the output 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second Input 22.2 can circulate, but also an inflow of coolant (in particular cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) via the first input 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1 is permitted. This can z. B. a circuit mode can be made possible, which includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the first at least partially open input

22.1 and the second at least partially open entrance 22.2) and the cooling device 24 and / or the heat exchanger X1 and z. B. the pump 23 includes.

The valve 22 can z. B. have a switching position in which the first input 22.1 is completely open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) circulates between the output 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the first input 22.1, and in which the second entrance

22.2 is completely closed or is only partially and/or intermittently opened. This allows a (“large”) circuit mode to be enabled that the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the fully opened first entrance 22.1) and the cooling device 24 and/or the heat exchanger X1 and z. B. includes the pump 23, preferably with the second input 22.2 essentially closed.

The valve 22 can z. B. be a thermostat valve and / or a self-adjusting valve for coolant temperature control. The valve 22 can z. B. be a non-electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

The valve 22 can in particular comprise an expansion material or expansion fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably in order to influence a coolant flow.

The valve 22 can z. B. be set up for fixed temperature control in order to keep the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 in a predetermined temperature range.

A special feature is that the pump 23 can be set up, for example. B. for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21, to change a coolant heat flow or coolant volume flow, preferably to optionally increase and / or reduce.

In the context of the invention, it is in particular possible to generate refrigeration and/or cooling power (expediently refrigeration and/or cooling) for the second circuit 20, in particular including the battery cooling circuit 10 and/or its refrigeration circuit components such as. B. the third circuit 30.

In the context of the invention, it is particularly possible for the second circuit 20, the valve 22 and/or the pump 23 to be set up for coolant temperature control in order to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21, in particular because this results in a temperature at or in the Power electronics 21 can expediently be kept essentially above a dew point temperature.

The valve 22 can in particular also be an electrical valve, in particular an electronically controlled and/or regulated valve.

The cooling system 100 may include an electronic control and/or regulating device (not shown in the figures). The control and/or regulating device is expediently set up to control and/or regulate the valve 22 and/or the pump 23 depending on at least one of the following: a temperature and/or a humidity of the ambient air of the power electronics 21, one Temperature on or in the power electronics 21, a coolant temperature of the second circuit 20 (e.g. upstream and/or downstream of the power electronics 21), a coolant temperature of the third circuit 30 and/or a coolant temperature of the battery cooling circuit 10. To record the respective temperature, e.g. B. suitable sensors can be used.

The control and/or regulating device can, for. B. be set up to carry out an adjustment with at least one dew point curve and / or to keep the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 in a predetermined temperature range.

The control and/or regulating device can, for. B. form part of the power electronics 21 and can therefore preferably be cooled by the second circuit 20. The control and/or regulating device can also be provided in addition to the power electronics 21 and can be decoupled from the second circuit 20.

The battery cooling circuit 10 is expediently a closed low-temperature circuit, the cooling medium (in particular glycol-water mixture) e.g. B. is liquid.

The second circuit 20 is expediently a closed high-temperature circuit, the coolant (in particular glycol-water mixture) being, for example, liquid.

The third circuit 30 is expediently a closed refrigeration circuit, the (particularly liquid) refrigerant of which undergoes an aggregate change during operation.

The cooling system 100 shown in Figure 2 comprises a battery cooling circuit 10 for carrying a (e.g. liquid or gaseous) cooling medium, in particular for cooling a battery device (e.g. rechargeable battery device) 12. The battery device 12 is in particular rechargeable and can e.g. B. serve to supply energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle. The battery cooling circuit 10 is therefore preferably a circuit for cooling a rechargeable battery device 10 (e.g. battery device) and thus in particular forms a battery cooling circuit.

The battery cooling circuit 10 also includes a cooling device 11 (e.g. a cooler with a fan) and a pump 13. The cooling medium can e.g. B. be a glycol-water mixture. The battery cooling circuit 10 can also z. B. include an expansion tank 14 (e.g. expansion tank) for the cooling medium of the battery cooling circuit 10.

In Figure 2, the electronic component 15 is shown as an example between the cooling device 11 and the battery device 12. The electronic component 15 can also z. B. be arranged between the pump 13 and the battery device 12 or at another suitable location.

The cooling system 100 also includes a second circuit 20, which is explained in more detail below.

The cooling system 100 also includes a third circuit 30 (appropriately a refrigeration circuit). The third circuit 30 can z. B. have a compressor and / or a capacitor, which are summarized schematically in Figure 2 under the reference number 32.

The third circuit 30 is thermally connected to the second circuit 20 via a first heat exchanger X1 (e.g. a chiller, in particular evaporator) and thermally connected to the battery cooling circuit 10 via a second heat exchanger connected, preferably so that the third circuit 30 can be used to generate and / or provide cooling power (expediently cold) for the battery cooling circuit 10 and the second circuit 20.

The third circuit 30 is expediently integrated between the battery cooling circuit 10 and the second circuit 20.

The third circuit 30 includes a first expansion element 33 (e.g. in an expansion valve) for the first heat exchanger X1 and a second expansion element 31 (e.g. in an expansion valve) for the second heat exchanger X2.

The compressor and/or the condenser are expediently operatively connected to the first heat exchanger X1 and its upstream expansion element 33 and expediently with the second heat exchanger X2 and its upstream expansion element 31 are operatively connected.

The first heat exchanger X1 and the second heat exchanger X2 are in particular connected in parallel in the third circuit 30. The battery cooling circuit 10 and the third circuit 30 can in principle be z. B. be a conventional battery cooling arrangement. This means that all of the components (in particular compressor and/or condenser) of an active refrigeration circuit required to generate cooling capacity are already present and therefore advantageously do not have to be installed again or possibly even operated electrically.

The second circuit 20 (expediently cooling circuit) serves in particular for cooling the power electronics 21 and/or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21. The second circuit 20 expediently serves to carry a (e.g. liquid or gaseous) coolant (e.g. glycol-water mixture).

The second circuit 20 comprises a first line section A and a second line section B. The first line section A expediently extends upstream of the power electronics 21 between the first heat exchanger X1 and the power electronics 21.

The second line section B expediently extends downstream of the power electronics 21 between the power electronics 21 and the first heat exchanger X1 and/or the cooling device 24.

The power electronics 21 and the first heat exchanger X1 can therefore z. B. be positioned between the first line section A and the second line section B, so that the first line section A corresponds to a line section upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the first heat exchanger X1 and / or the second line section B corresponds to a line section downstream of the power electronics 21 and upstream of the first Heat exchanger X1 corresponds.

A third line section C of the second circuit 20 is set up to form a bypass line and z. B. to connect the second line section B with the valve 22 in order to lead coolant to the valve 22 and/or into the first line section A, bypassing the cooling device 24 and/or the first heat exchanger X1, and preferably back to the power electronics 21. The valve 22 is expediently integrated into the first line section A and the third line section C.

The third line section C branches off from the second line section B at a branch point 25. The branch point 25 is downstream of the power electronics 21 and z. B. positioned upstream of the cooling device 24 and/or the first heat exchanger X1.

The cooling device 24 is preferably integrated into the second line section B and / or downstream of the branch point 25 and z. B. positioned upstream of the first heat exchanger X1.

The second circuit 20 also includes a pump 23, which can expediently be integrated into the first line section A. The pump 23 can z. B. be integrated into the second circuit 20 upstream of the power electronics 21 and downstream of the valve 22 and/or downstream of the first heat exchanger X1.

The coolant of the second circuit 20 can in particular absorb heat from the power electronics 21 and use the heat for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21, preferably in combination with coolant cooled by means of the first heat exchanger X1 and/or the cooling device 24.

The valve 22 includes a first input 22.1, which is connected to an output of the first heat exchanger X1 by means of a first section A1 of the first line section A.

The first input 22.1 and/or the second input 22.2 and optionally the output 22.3 can z. B. have an open position in which it is completely open, have a closed position in which it is completely closed, and / or have at least an intermediate position in which it is partially opened.

The valve 22 can have different switching positions in order to selectively let through coolant heated by the power electronics 21 (expediently by means of the second input 22.2) and coolant cooled by the battery cooling circuit 10 and/or the cooling device 24 (expediently by means of the first input 22.1) for coolant temperature control and/or to block.

The valve 22 can z. B. have a switching position in which the first input 22.1 is completely closed and the second input 22.2 is completely or partially open, preferably so that coolant (in particular warmed up by the power electronics 21) between the output 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second Input 22.2 can circulate, but an inflow of coolant via the first input 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or from the first heat exchanger X1 can be prevented. This allows a (“small”) circuit mode to be enabled, which includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely the preferably complete or partial wisely opened second input 22.2) and preferably the pump 23, in particular with the first input 22.1 closed and thus bypassing or excluding the cooling device 24 and / or the first heat exchanger X1.

The valve 22 can z. B. have a switching position in which the first input 22.1 is partially open and the second input 22.2 is completely or partially open, preferably so that coolant (in particular warmed up by the power electronics 21) between the output 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the second Input 22.2 can circulate, but also an inflow of coolant (in particular cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) via the first input 22.1 and preferably thus from the cooling device 24 and / or the first heat exchanger X1 is permitted. This can z. B. a circulation mode can be made possible, which includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the first at least partially open input 22.1 and the second at least partially open input 22.2) and the cooling device 24 and / or the first heat exchanger X1 and z. B. the pump 23 includes.

The valve 22 can z. B. have a switching position in which the first input 22.1 is completely open, preferably in such a way that coolant (in particular cooled by means of the battery cooling circuit 10 and / or the cooling device 24) circulates between the output 22.3, the power electronics 21 and the first input 22.1, and in which the second entrance 22.2 is completely closed or is only partially and/or intermittently opened. This allows a (“large”) circuit mode to be enabled, which includes the power electronics 21, the valve 22 (namely preferably the fully opened first input 22.1) and the cooling device 24 and/or the first heat exchanger X1 and z. B. includes the pump 23, preferably with the second input 22.2 essentially closed.

The valve 22 can z. B. be set up for fixed temperature control in order to keep the coolant temperature for the power electronics 21 in a predetermined temperature range. A special feature is that the pump 23 can be set up, for example. B. for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics 21, to change a coolant heat flow or coolant volume flow, preferably to optionally increase and / or reduce.

In the context of the invention, it is in particular possible to generate cooling and/or cooling power (expediently cold and/or cooling) for the second circuit 20, in particular including the battery cooling circuit 10 and/or the third circuit 30.

The cooling system 100 may include an electronic control and/or regulating device (not shown in the figures).

The control and/or regulating device is expediently set up to control and/or regulate the valve 22 and/or the pump 23 depending on at least one of the following: a temperature and/or a humidity of the ambient air of the power electronics 21, one Temperature on or in the power electronics 21, a coolant temperature of the second circuit 20 (e.g. upstream and/or downstream of the power electronics 21), a coolant temperature of the third circuit 30 and/or a coolant temperature of the battery cooling circuit 10. To record the respective temperature, e.g. B. suitable sensors can be used.

The control and/or regulating device can, for. B. form part of the power electronics 21 and can therefore preferably be cooled by the second circuit 20. The control and/or regulating device can also be provided in addition to the power electronics 21 and can be decoupled from the second circuit 20. The battery cooling circuit 10 is expediently a closed low-temperature circuit, the cooling medium (in particular glycol-water mixture) e.g. B. is liquid.

The second circuit 20 is expediently a closed high-temperature circuit, the coolant (in particular glycol-water mixture) being, for example, liquid. The third circuit 30 is expediently a closed refrigeration circuit, the (particularly liquid) refrigerant of which undergoes an aggregate change during operation.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive idea and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In addition, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the referenced features and claims.

Reference symbol list

10 battery cooling circuit

11 Cooling device, preferably cooler with fan

12 battery device, preferably battery device

13 pump, especially the battery cooling circuit

14 expansion tank

15 at least one electronic component

20 second circuit, preferably cooling circuit

21 Power Electronics

22 valve, preferably for coolant temperature control

22.1 first entrance

22.2 second entrance

22.3 Exit

23 pump

24 Cooling device, preferably cooler with fan

25 branch point

A first line section, preferably upstream of the power electronics and downstream of the first heat exchanger and/or the cooling device 24

A1 first section

A2 second section

B second line section, preferably downstream of the power electronics and upstream of the first heat exchanger and / or the cooling device 24 C third line section, preferably bypass line to bypass the cooling device 24 and/or the first heat exchanger

30 third circuit, preferably refrigeration circuit

31 Expansion element for second heat exchanger 32 Condenser and/or compressor

33 Expansion element for first heat exchanger

X1 first heat exchanger, preferably chiller

X2 second heat exchanger, preferably chiller,

50 expansion tank t coolant temperature

100 cooling system

Claims

Patent claims

1. Cooling system (100), preferably for a motor vehicle, preferably an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle, in particular a truck or bus, with: a battery cooling circuit (10) for cooling a battery device (12), preferably a battery device (12) for supplying energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle, and

Power electronics (21), preferably at least one control device and/or at least one computer, preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle, wherein the cooling system (100) comprises a second circuit (20) into which the power electronics (21) is integrated and which is set up for cooling the power electronics (21) and/or for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics (21), characterized in that the battery cooling circuit (10) and the second circuit (20) are connected directly or indirectly via one Heat exchangers (X1), preferably a plate heat exchanger, are thermally connected to one another, in particular so that the battery cooling circuit (10) can be used to generate and/or provide refrigeration and/or cooling power for the second circuit (20).

2. Cooling system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery cooling circuit (10) comprises a pump (13) and / or comprises a cooling device (11), preferably a cooler with a fan.

3. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery cooling circuit (10) is thermally connected to a third circuit (30) via a particularly further heat exchanger (X2), preferably a chiller, preferably in such a way that third circuit (30) for generation and/or provision of refrigeration and/or cooling capacity can be used for the battery cooling circuit (10) and/or the second circuit (20).

4. Cooling system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the third circuit (30) comprises an expansion member (31), a compressor and a condenser.

5. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the battery cooling circuit (10) is integrated between the second circuit (20) and the third circuit (30).

6. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second circuit (20) comprises a valve (22) for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics (21).

7. Cooling system (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the valve (22) is a directional valve, in particular a 3-way valve and / or 3/2-way valve, is set up to bring together coolant at different temperatures, and / or at least has three connections (22.1, 22.2, 22.3) and / or at least two switching positions.

8. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second circuit (20) comprises a cooling device (24), preferably a cooler with a fan.

9. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second circuit (20) comprises: a first line section (A), preferably upstream of the power electronics (21) between the heat exchanger (X1) and the power electronics ( 21), and/or a second line section (B), preferably which extends downstream of the power electronics (21) between the power electronics (21) and the heat exchanger (X1).

10. Cooling system (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that a third line section (C) connects the second line section (B) to the valve (22) and / or forms a bypass line to coolant bypassing the cooling device (24) and / or the heat exchanger (X1) to the valve (22) and/or into the first line section (A) and preferably back to the power electronics (21).

11. Cooling system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the third line section (C) branches off from the second line section (B) at a branch point (25) and / or the valve (22) in the first line section (A) and the third line section (C) is integrated.

12. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second circuit (20) comprises a pump (23), preferably integrated into the first line section (A) and / or upstream of the power electronics (21) and downstream of the Valve (22).

13. Cooling system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pump (23) is set up to, preferably for coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics (21), a coolant heat flow or the coolant volume flow to change, preferably either to increase and / or reduce.

14. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the valve (22) has: a first inlet (22.1), preferably by means of a first section

(A1) of the first line section (A) is connected to an output of the heat exchanger (X1), a second input (22.2), preferably which is connected to the second line section (B) by means of the third line section (C), and an output ( 22.3) in order to direct coolant from the first input (22.1) and/or from the second input (22.2) to the power electronics (21) and/or into a second section (A2) of the first line section (A), depending on the valve switching positions lead.

15. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger (X1) and / or the second heat exchanger (X2) is a chiller.

16. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third circuit (30) has a first expansion element (33) for the first heat exchanger (X1) and / or a second expansion element (31) for the second heat exchanger (X2 ).

17. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second circuit (20) comprises a cooling device (24), preferably a cooler with a fan.

18. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the first entrance (22.1) and / or the second entrance (22.2) has an open position in which it is completely open, has a closed position in which it is completely closed and has at least one intermediate position in which it is partially open.

19. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 18, characterized in that the valve (22) for coolant temperature control has a switching position in which the first input (22.1) is completely closed and the second input (22.2) is completely or partially closed is opened, preferably so that coolant can circulate between the output (22.3), the power electronics (21) and the second input (22.2), but an inflow of coolant via the first input (22.1) is prevented.

20. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 19, characterized in that the valve (22) for coolant temperature control has a switching position in which the first input (22.1) is partially open and the second input (22.2) is completely or partially open is opened, preferably in such a way that coolant can circulate between the output (22.3), the power electronics (21) and the second input (22.2), but also an inflow of coolant via the first input (22.1) is permitted.

21. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 20, characterized in that the valve (22) has a switching position for coolant temperature control, in which the first input (22.1) is completely open, preferably so that coolant can circulate between the output (22.3), the power electronics (21) and the first input (22.1), and preferably in which the second input (22.2) is completely open is closed or is only partially and/or intermittently opened.

22. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 9 to 21, characterized in that the cooling device (24) is integrated into the second line section (B), is positioned downstream of the power electronics (21) and / or downstream of the branch point (25). , and/or positioned upstream of the heat exchanger (X1) and/or the first inlet (22.1).

23. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 22, characterized in that the valve (22) is a thermostat valve and / or is a self-adjusting valve for coolant temperature control and preferably thus forms a non-electronically controlled and / or regulated valve .

24. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 23, characterized in that the valve (22) comprises an expansion material or expansion fluid that reacts to temperature fluctuations, preferably in order to influence a coolant flow.

25. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 24, characterized in that the valve (22) is set up for temperature fixed value control in order to keep the coolant temperature for the power electronics (21) in a predetermined temperature range.

26. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 25, characterized in that the valve (22) is an electrical valve, in particular an electronically controlled and / or regulated valve.

27. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 6 to 26, characterized in that the cooling system (100) comprises an electronic control and / or regulating device which is set up to, preferably for cooling, the power electronics (21) and / or to Coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics (21), to control and/or regulate the valve (22) and/or the pump (23).

28. Cooling system (100) according to claim 27, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device is set up to control and / or the valve (22) and / or the pump (23) depending on at least one of the following to regulate: a temperature and/or a humidity of an ambient air of the power electronics (21), a temperature on or in the power electronics (21), a coolant temperature of the second circuit (20), in particular upstream and/or downstream of the power electronics (21 ), a coolant temperature of the battery cooling circuit (10), and / or a coolant temperature of the third circuit (30).

29. Cooling system (100) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device is set up to carry out an adjustment with at least one dew point curve and / or to adjust the coolant temperature of the second circuit (20) in one to maintain a predetermined temperature range.

30. Cooling system (100) according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device forms part of the power electronics (21) and can therefore preferably be cooled by the second circuit (20), or in addition to the power electronics ( 21) is provided and is decoupled from the second circuit (20).

31. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery cooling circuit (10) and / or the third circuit (30) for generating and / or providing cooling and / or refrigeration power for the second circuit (20) serves and preferably coolness and/or cold from the battery cooling circuit (10) and/or the third circuit (30) is used by means of the second circuit (20) to cool the power electronics (21).

32. Cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery cooling circuit (10) is a low-temperature circuit and / or has a liquid cooling medium, the second circuit (20) is a high-temperature circuit and / or a liquid Has coolant, and / or the third circuit (30) is a refrigeration circuit and / or has a refrigerant.

33. Motor vehicle, preferably an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle, in particular a truck or bus, with a cooling system (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

34. Method for a cooling system (100), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 32, with: a battery cooling circuit (10) for cooling a battery device (12), preferably a battery device (12) for supplying energy to an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle, a second circuit (20), in which power electronics (21), preferably at least one control device and / or at least one computer, preferably for data processing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle, is integrated and which cools the power electronics (21) and / or the one Coolant temperature control to avoid condensation formation on or in the power electronics (21), and a third circuit (30), which is thermally connected to the second circuit (20) via a first heat exchanger (X1) and via a second heat exchanger (X2). is thermally connected to the battery cooling circuit (10), preferably so that the third circuit (30) can be used to generate and / or provide cooling power for the battery cooling circuit (10) and the second circuit (20).