WO2023030792A1 - Modular platform of a chassis of an electric motor vehicle, comprising a cooling module having a tangential turbomachine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular platform (A) of a chassis of an electric motor vehicle, said modular platform (A) comprising batteries (B) and the electric power train of the electric motor vehicle, said modular platform (A) comprising at least one cooling module (C) through which a flow of external air (500) is intended to pass, said cooling module (C) comprising at least one first heat exchanger (C40) through which the flow of external air (500) is intended to pass, and a first collecting box (C41) adjacent to said heat exchanger (C40), said first collecting box (C41) forming a volute housing within which a tangential turbomachine (C30) extends, said tangential turbomachine (C30) comprising a turbine (C28) extending along a rotational axis (Cy) parallel to the plane formed by the heat exchanger (C40), said modular platform (A) comprising at least one cooling module (C) at each of its front and rear ends, each cooling module (C) being arranged such that its first collecting box (C41) is arranged between the heat exchanger (C40) and the central part of the modular platform (A).

Description

Modular platform of an electric motor vehicle chassis with tangential turbomachine cooling module

The present invention relates to the field of cooling modules for electric vehicles and more particularly to cooling modules for a modular platform of an electric motor vehicle chassis.

In the automotive field and in particular in the field of electric motor vehicles, for reasons of standardization and economy of scale, it is sometimes possible to use modular platforms for the chassis of an electric motor vehicle. Such modular platforms include in particular the batteries, the electric power train as well as the cycle part, in particular the wheels, the braking and suspension system of the motor vehicle. By electric power train of the motor vehicle, we mean more precisely the electric power as well as the electric motor or motors of the motor vehicle. Such a modular platform is used in order to have a single platform, bringing together most of the propulsion, power supply and electrical storage components on which various passenger compartments and bodywork are installed, corresponding to different models of motor vehicles.

However, in order to improve the autonomy of the electric vehicle, a large part of the space within this modular platform is reserved for the batteries. There is then little space left to integrate a thermal management device allowing thermal management of both the batteries and the passenger compartment. Conventional thermal management devices are generally bulky and require significant space to be integrated into a motor vehicle. Thermal management devices generally comprise a cooling module comprising at least one heat exchanger intended to be crossed by an external air flow. This cooling module is one of the components of the most imposing thermal management device. It is therefore difficult to integrate them within such a modular platform in which the free space is reduced while maintaining a heat exchange surface allowing efficient operation of the thermal management device.

One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to remedy, at least partially, the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose a modular platform with improved integration of a cooling module. The present invention therefore relates to a modular platform of an electric motor vehicle chassis, said modular platform comprising the batteries as well as the electric power train of the electric motor vehicle, said modular platform comprising at least one cooling module intended to be crossed by an external air flow, said cooling module comprising at least a first heat exchanger, intended to be traversed by the external air flow, and a first collector box attached to said heat exchanger, said first collector box forming a volute within which extends a tangential turbomachine, said tangential turbomachine comprising a turbine extending along an axis of rotation parallel to the plane formed by the heat exchanger, said modular platform comprising at least one cooling module each of its front and rear ends, each cooling module being disposed so that their first collector box is placed between their heat exchanger and the central part of the modular platform.

According to one aspect of the invention, the modular platform comprises at least two longitudinal crosspieces of frames parallel to each other, said modular platform comprising, at at least one of its ends, a cooling module arranged under said longitudinal crosspieces .

According to another aspect of the invention, the modular platform comprises at least two longitudinal frame crosspieces parallel to each other, said modular platform comprising, at at least one of its ends, three cooling modules arranged on the same plane than said longitudinal crosspieces, a central cooling module being arranged between two longitudinal crosspieces and two side cooling modules each arranged laterally with respect to said longitudinal crosspieces.

According to another aspect of the invention, the modular platform comprises at least one additional cooling module arranged on one side of said modular platform.

According to another aspect of the invention, the additional cooling module is arranged so that its heat exchanger faces one or the other of the front or rear ends of said platform.

According to another aspect of the invention, the additional cooling module is arranged so that its heat exchanger faces the side of said platform. According to another aspect of the invention, the modular platform comprises an additional cooling module on either side of the batteries.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cooling modules of the front or rear ends of the platform, and/or the additional cooling module are configured to operate in suction and in discharge.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, provided by way of illustration and not limitation, and the appended drawings in which:

[Fig 1] Figure 1 is a semi-transparent schematic representation of a modular platform,

[Fig 2a] figure 2a is a schematic representation in perspective and in section of a cooling module,

[Fig 2b] figure 2b is a schematic representation in semi-transparency and in top view of a modular platform according to a first embodiment,

[Fig 2c] figure 2c is a schematic representation in semi-transparency and in top view of a modular platform according to a second embodiment,

[Fig 2d] Figure 2d is a schematic representation in semi-transparency and in front view of a modular platform according to a third embodiment,

[Fig 2e] Figure 2e is a schematic representation in semi-transparency and in front view of a modular platform according to a fourth embodiment,

[Fig 3] Figure 3 is a schematic representation in perspective of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device.

In the various figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments may also be combined and/or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the present description, it is possible to index certain elements or parameters, such as for example first element or second element as well as first parameter and second parameter or else first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements or parameters or criteria close, but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element, parameter or criterion with respect to another and it is easy to interchange such denominations without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexation does not imply an order in time either, for example to assess such and such a criterion.

In the present description, “placed upstream” means that one element is placed before another with respect to the direction of circulation of a fluid. Conversely, “placed downstream” means that one element is placed after another in relation to the direction of fluid circulation.

In FIGS. 1 and 2b to 2e is represented a direction XYZ trihedron. The X axis corresponds to a longitudinal axis along, for example, the longitudinal axis of the modular platform A. The Y axis corresponds to a transverse axis along the transverse axis of the modular platform A connecting, for example, the sides or the wheels R of the modular platform A. The Z axis corresponds to a vertical axis along the axis of the height of the modular platform. Figure 1 shows a modular platform A of an electric motor vehicle chassis. This modular platform A comprises in particular the batteries B, the electric power train as well as the cycle part of the motor vehicle, in particular the wheels R, the braking and suspension system of the motor vehicle. By electric power train of the motor vehicle is meant more specifically the power electronics as well as the electric motor or motors of the motor vehicle. Such a modular platform A is used in particular in order to have a platform on which various cockpits and bodies can be installed.

In order to allow the thermal management of the batteries B as well as of the passenger compartment, the modular platform A comprises a thermal management device comprising one or more heat transfer fluid circuits (not shown). The thermal management device more particularly comprises various modules fluidly connected to each other in order to form the various heat transfer fluid circuits.

The thermal management device thus comprises a first module M1 and a second module M2 which comprise components such as heat exchangers, coolers, valves, pumps and compressors forming heat transfer fluid circulation circuits for thermal management.

The thermal management device also comprises a cooling module C being intended to be traversed by an external air flow 500. The cooling module C notably comprises at least one heat exchanger C40 also intended to be crossed by the external air flow 500. This cooling module C is intended to be integrated within the modular platform A.

Such a cooling module C is notably illustrated in FIG. 2a. The cooling module C can thus comprise a heat exchanger C40 and a first manifold box C41 attached to said heat exchanger C40. The first collector box C41 preferably forms a volute with a first open end C41a arranged facing the heat exchanger C40 and a second open end C41b at the opposite end of the volute.

The cooling module C can also comprise at least one tangential fan, also called tangential turbomachine C30, configured so as to generate the external air flow 500 , for example when the motor vehicle is stopped or when it is at a low speed. The C30 tangential turbomachine comprises a C28 rotor or turbine (or tangential propeller). The C28 turbine has a substantially cylindrical shape. The turbine C28 advantageously comprises several stages of blades (or blades). The turbine C28 is rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation Cy, for example parallel to the plane formed by the heat exchanger C40 and extending across its width. The turbine C28 is more particularly arranged within the volute formed by the first collector casing. The C30 tangential turbomachine is thus compact. The use of such a tangential turbomachine C30 notably allows the external air flow 500 to be equal over the entire surface of F at least one heat exchanger C40. In addition, such a C30 tangential turbomachine saves space compared to conventional fans.

The tangential turbomachine C30 can also comprise a motor C31 configured to set the turbine in rotation. Motor C31 is for example adapted to drive the turbine in rotation, at a speed of between 200 revolutions/min and 14,000 revolutions/min. This makes it possible in particular to limit the noise generated by the tangential turbomachine C30.

In the example illustrated in Figure 2a, the tangential turbomachine C30 is configured to operate in suction mode, i.e. it sucks in ambient air so that it passes through the heat exchanger C40 and is evacuated. by the second open end C41b of the volute. Alternatively, the tangential turbomachine C30 can operate by discharge, ie blowing the air from the second open end C41b of the volute towards the heat exchanger C40. A variant can also be that the C30 tangential turbomachine is configured to operate in suction and in discharge as required. The cooling module C can also comprise a second collector box (not shown) attached to the heat exchanger C40 on its face opposite to that comprising the first collector box C41. This second manifold box may include an opening to allow the external air flow 500 to pass. This opening may include a shutter device (not shown) movable between a first so-called open position and a second so-called closed position. This closure device is in particular configured to allow the external air flow 500 to pass through said opening in its open position and to close said opening in its closed position. The closure device can be in different forms, such as for example in the form of a plurality of flaps mounted to pivot between an open position and a closed position. These flaps are preferably mounted parallel to the width of the cooling module C. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible to imagine other configurations, such as for example flaps mounted parallel to the height of the cooling module. The shutters can be flag type shutters but other types of shutters such as butterfly shutters are quite possible.

FIG. 2b shows a modular platform A in top view comprising at least one cooling module C at each of its front and rear ends. By front and rear end of the modular platform A, is meant more precisely the ends of the latter facing or opposite the direction of movement of the motor vehicle along the axis X. Each cooling module C is arranged so that their first collector box C41 is arranged between their heat exchanger C40 and the central part of the modular platform A. This central part of the modular platform A is more precisely that in which the batteries are installed.

Having a cooling module at each end of the modular platform A increases the potential exchange surface for the C40 heat exchangers. In addition, this allows vehicles configured to move indifferently in one direction or the other to have a cooling module C and a heat exchanger C40 in the direction of travel at all times.

As shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c, the modular platform A can also comprise at least one additional cooling module C′” arranged on one side of said modular platform A. Such an additional cooling module C′” makes it possible to increase the total heat exchange surface and allows better efficiency of the thermal management device. Advantageously, the modular platform A may include an additional cooling module C'” on either side of batteries B.

According to a first example illustrated in Figure 2b, the additional cooling module C′” can be arranged so that its heat exchanger C40 faces one or the other of the front or rear ends of the platform A.

According to a second example illustrated in FIG. 2c, the additional cooling module C′” can be arranged so that its heat exchanger C40 faces the side of said platform A. This makes it possible to increase the surface of 'exchange by extending the additional cooling module C'”.

As illustrated in Figures 2d and 2e, the modular platform A may in particular comprise at least two longitudinal crosspieces Al of frames parallel to each other. These longitudinal crosspieces Al more exactly form the structural framework of the motor vehicle chassis and generally extend along the entire length of said chassis. According to a first example illustrated in FIG. 2d, the modular platform A may comprise, at at least one of its ends, a cooling module C arranged under said longitudinal crosspieces Al. By under the longitudinal crosspieces Al, is meant more precisely between said Al longitudinal crosspieces and the floor. This thus makes it possible to have a cooling module C that is sufficiently long and able to extend over a large part of the width of the modular platform A.

According to a second example illustrated in FIG. 2e, the modular platform A can comprise, at at least one of its ends, three cooling modules C′, C″ arranged on the same plane as said longitudinal crosspieces Al. A central cooling module C′ is placed between two longitudinal crosspieces Al and two lateral cooling modules C″ are each placed laterally with respect to said longitudinal crosspieces Al. The heat exchange surface between these three cooling modules C′, C″ is then combined. This thus makes it possible to have a large heat exchange surface while limiting the increase in the height of the modular platform A.

The thermal management device also comprises a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D intended to be traversed by an internal air flow 400 destined for a passenger compartment. Such a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D is illustrated in FIG. 3. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D comprises in particular, within a box, a cooler D2, intended to cool the internal airflow 400, a heat exchanger D3, intended to heat the internal airflow 400, and a ventilation means DI configured to generate the internal air flow 400. The cooler D2 and the heat exchanger D3 are in particular intended to be connected to the heat transfer fluid circuits of the thermal management device. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D may also include an electric heater D4 intended to heat the internal air flow 400 as a backup.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D can in particular be placed outside the modular platform A, for example within a passenger compartment installed on said modular platform A. In this case, the management device circuit comprises a connection interface I (see figure 1) intended to allow the fluidic connection of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D to heat transfer fluid circuits and to the elements of the thermal management device arranged within the platform modular a.

The thermal management device finally comprises a heat exchange interface BAT with the batteries B. The heat exchange interface BAT is in particular arranged within the modular platform A and connected to the heat transfer fluid circuits of the thermal management device.

The various modules M1, M2, the cooling module C, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D and the heat exchange interface BAT with the batteries B are connected to each other so as to form the various circuits heat transfer fluids.

The use of a first module M1, of a second module M2 as well as of a cooling module C and of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device D makes it possible to have a compact thermal management device and can be easily integrated into the modular platform A

Thus, it is clear that the arrangement and placement of several cooling modules C, C', C" makes it possible to obtain a sufficient heat exchange surface and this by limiting the size within the modular platform A.

Claims

9 Claims [Claim 1] Modular platform (A) of an electric motor vehicle chassis, said modular platform (A) comprising the batteries (B) as well as the electric power train of the electric motor vehicle, said modular platform (A) comprising at at least one cooling module (C) intended to be crossed by an external air flow (500), said cooling module (C) comprising at least one first heat exchanger (C40), intended to be crossed by the flow of external air (500), and a first manifold housing (C41) attached to said heat exchanger (C40), said first manifold housing (C41) forming a volute within which extends a tangential turbomachine (C30), said turbomachine tangential (C30) comprising a turbine (C28) extending along an axis of rotation (Cy) parallel to the plane formed by the heat exchanger (C40), characterized in that the said modular platform (A) comprises at least one cooling module (C) at each of its front and rear ends, each cooling module (C) being arranged so that their first manifold box (C41) is arranged between their heat exchanger (C40) and the central part of the modular platform ( AT). [Claim 2] Modular platform (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two longitudinal crosspieces (Al) of frames parallel to each other, and in that said modular platform (A) comprises, at at least one of its ends, a cooling module (C) arranged under said longitudinal crosspieces (Al). [Claim 3] Modular platform (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two longitudinal crosspieces (Al) of frames parallel to each other, and in that said modular platform (A) comprises, at at least one of its ends, three cooling modules (C', C") arranged on the same plane as said longitudinal crosspieces (Al), a central cooling module (C') being placed between two longitudinal crosspieces ( Al) and two lateral cooling modules (C”) each arranged laterally with respect to said longitudinal crosspieces (Al). [Claim 4] Modular platform (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional cooling module (C'") arranged on one side of the said modular platform (A). [Claim 5] Modular platform (A) according to claim 4, characterized in that the additional cooling module (C'”) is arranged so that its heat exchanger (C40) faces one or the other front or rear ends of said platform (A). [Claim 6] Modular platform (A) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the additional cooling module (C'”) is arranged so that its heat exchanger (C40) faces the side of the said platform (A) . [Claim 7] Modular platform (A) according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an additional cooling module (C'") on either side of the batteries (B). [Claim 8] Modular platform (A) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling modules (C) of the front or rear ends of the platform (A), and/or the additional cooling module ( C'”) are configured to operate in suction and discharge.