DE102004025831B4 - Motor vehicle with a coolable electrical storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

Motor vehicle with a coolable electrical energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device has an inner region and an air supply channel is arranged with an inlet opening in a region of the vehicle front end, through which an air mass flow generated by the driving operation of the vehicle can be provided to the inner region of the energy storage device for heat dissipation , wherein a flap for controlling the air mass flow is arranged in the air supply channel.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a coolable electrical storage device according to the preamble of the independent claim.

Modern motor vehicles have an increased demand for electrical power that is at least partially supplied by an electrical energy storage device to one or more electrical power consumers on board the vehicle. This is especially true in hybrid vehicles in which two drive units are combined, providing in different ways the power for the vehicle drive. In the case of parallel hybrid concepts, it is fundamentally possible to use the drive source in the various operating states of the motor vehicle, which has the better efficiency in the given speed / load range. The properties of an internal combustion engine and an electric machine complement each other particularly well, so that today hybrid vehicles are predominantly found in such a combination. The connection of the electric machine to the engine crankshaft of the internal combustion engine can be done in various ways. A connection via a clutch or directly to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is preferred. Another preferred option is a connection via a belt drive or a transmission.

As an electrical energy storage device are used in hybrid vehicles usually deep cycle batteries. These have the advantage of a comparatively high volume and mass-related energy density, but are limited in terms of achievable power consumption and power output. Furthermore, the life of such batteries is beyond that established, i. limited and stored energy, so that a strong Zyklisierung leads to a reduced life. Alternatively, it may therefore be useful in a hybrid vehicle to use other energy storage types for the energy storage system. It is known, instead of using a battery, to use a capacitor storage device which operates virtually indefinitely cyclically, i. compared to batteries can be charged with a significantly higher number of cycles. The disadvantage of conventional capacitor storage in relation to a battery is above all the lower energy which can be stored relative to the volume of construction. This means that only a relatively small amount of energy can be provided by a capacitor storage a vehicle with limited space available in case of load. By parallel use of a battery and a capacitor storage, the advantages of both energy storage concepts can be combined, so that a large part of the cyclic storage and withdrawal processes is handled by the capacitor storage and only in the very rarely occurring, long-lasting electrical load phases, the battery is used.

The operation of the vehicle with the electric machine, for example, is preferably carried out in areas with only low load requirements, in which the internal combustion engine has only low efficiencies. Areas with higher load requirements are used to recharge the electric energy storage device in the internal combustion engine with then relatively good efficiency by additional regenerative operation of the electric machine, from which the electric machine is powered during engine operation. In addition, the torque output of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine can also take place in parallel, for example in order to increase the maximum torque which can be made available to the vehicle.

Since the capacitor memory according to the conductivity of the electrolyte and the line resistance of the electrodes have an electrical resistance (ESR), the injection and withdrawal of electrical energy leads to a power loss in the capacitor memory and thus to a heating of the components. It is understood that for optimum operation certain temperature thresholds should not be exceeded in order to preclude an excessively fast component aging or possible damage to the components, so that measures for heat removal are expedient.

A heating of the capacitor memory is mainly in connection with the storage of recuperated braking energy and withdrawal for the electrical system supply and electrical drive support in highly cyclized operation. The capacitors must therefore also be cooled according to their cyclic load, in particular for longer distances or increased outside temperature, to ensure adequate performance and to exclude damage. Otherwise, if the temperature is too high, the capacitors for the electrical operation or the mechanical-electrical energy conversion during recuperation can no longer or no longer be used to their full extent, whereby the function of the hybrid vehicle is limited and fuel consumption unnecessarily increases.

It is already known to install a capacitor storage in the vehicle interior, for example in the area of the trunk or the rear seat. Due to the only slight air movement there, only a small amount of heat can be dissipated from the capacitor store. In such a case Therefore, it may be necessary to work with additional electric air blowers to increase the heat dissipation by increasing convection. However, such blowers have an additional on-board power requirement and a higher weight result, which has a negative effect on the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle. It goes without saying that this also involves higher costs.

From the DE 101 28 164 A1 A vehicle cooling system for a temperature-increasing device is already known, preferably for an electric or hybrid vehicle with a device cooling the air conditioning. Such a cooling system has an additional electrical power consumption, additional weight and thus also increased fuel consumption and overall increased costs in production and operation result.

When using double-layer capacitors, it must be taken into account that the maximum permissible temperatures for unrestricted operation are typically around 50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, a use of the engine cooling device of an internal combustion engine for cooling such capacitor storage is excluded.

In the document JP H11-178115 A discloses a vehicle with coolable electrical energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device has an inner region and an air supply channel with inlet opening at the front of the vehicle. When driving, an air mass flow of the feed air cools the interior.

From the document DE 100 03 247 A1 discloses a coolable electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle having an interior region. The vehicle may be a vehicle with pure electric drive or even a hybrid vehicle with internal combustion engine and electric machine.

The object of the present invention is to develop a generic motor vehicle so that in an electrical energy storage device in a simple way better control of heat dissipation is possible.

According to the invention the object is solved by the features of the independent claim. Further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

In the motor vehicle having a coolable electric energy storage device, the energy storage device has an inner region, wherein an air supply channel is provided with an intake port in a region of the vehicle front end, by which an air mass flow generated by the driving operation of the vehicle is provided to the inner region of the energy storage device for heat dissipation can. The invention contemplates that the energy storage device is primarily heated by injection and deposition processes, i. preferably when driving the motor vehicle. occurring processes. Thus, it is advantageous to avoid a complex fan cooling and to protect the energy storage device by a Fahrtwindkühlung from high temperatures. According to the invention, a flap in the air supply channel is used to control the air mass flow. The heat dissipation is particularly effective in that the air mass flow directed into an inner region of the energy storage device. A particularly large air mass flow can be made available to the inner region of the energy storage device for heat removal by providing an air supply channel with an inlet opening in a region of the front end, since an increased dynamic pressure prevails in the region of the front end during driving operation.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner region has a flow volume with main flow paths and associated main flow directions. A major portion of the air mass flow provided impinges the interior in a main inflow direction, with the angular deviation between the main inflow and main flow directions being between + 60 degrees and -60 degrees. This increases the possible air flow to the advantage of the desired cooling effect, since it is avoided that the air flow in the energy storage unit experiences too strong deflections, which would lead to increasing pressure losses and thus lower the air mass flow rate.

If the energy storage device includes at least two memory modules and at least part of the flow volume is formed by the space between the memory modules, the main flow directions in the interior of the energy storage device can be set particularly easily. It is particularly preferred if the energy storage device includes a plurality of memory modules arranged in an array, preferably in rows or circles. If the memory modules have a columnar design, their combination is possible in a particularly simple manner to form compact units. It is particularly preferred if the memory modules each have a longitudinal axis and are parallel to one another with their longitudinal axes. It is expedient if the longitudinal axes are arranged parallel, perpendicular or in an angle between 0 and 90 degrees to a road surface on which the vehicle is in use.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the inner region is arranged in a housing for guiding the air mass flow, wherein this housing preferably has a connection device to the air supply channel. By means of such a housing, a deflection of the air mass flow can be prevented and thereby the cooling effect can be concentrated on the inner area or the partial area.

If the inner region of the energy storage device is connected to a negative pressure region by a Luftabströmkanal to produce a suction effect, the air flow rate and thus the heat dissipation is increased in a simple manner.

As a preferred region with local negative pressure when the vehicle is moving, an area of the vehicle underbody is expediently used.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy storage device is a capacitor, preferably a double-layer capacitor device, possibly combined with a battery device. Particularly high savings of fuel can be achieved in a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, each for delivering a torque to the operation of the vehicle.

Other embodiments, aspects, and advantages of the invention are to be had in conjunction with the drawings, without restricting the generality of the following description of the invention, independently of their summary in the claims.

• 1 eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs
• 2 eine Draufsicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs
• 3 eine Detailansicht einer kühlbaren elektrischen Speichereinrichtung.

It show in a schematic representation

• 1 a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention
• 2 a plan view of a motor vehicle according to the invention
• 3 a detailed view of a coolable electrical storage device.

In the 1 to 3 is shown in side view and top view of the front end region of a vehicle, preferably a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 10 has an energy storage device 12 and an internal combustion engine 13 on and an electric machine 15 , which may for example also be a starter generator, and preferably the energy storage device 12 assigned. The energy storage device 12 has an inner region 12a and is preferably a capacitor, particularly preferably a double-layer capacitor device. However, other energy stores, for example batteries, can be cooled in the manner described below. An air supply duct 14 with an inlet opening 19 is in an area of the front end 11 of the vehicle 10 intended. The air supply channel 14 is used to drive one of the vehicle 10 generated air mass flow 17 specifically to the energy storage device 12 to judge. The energy storage device 12 may comprise a housing, is delimited by the at least a portion of the inner region 12a from the environment. It is understood that the energy storage device 12 can also be formed without such a housing. Through the air supply channel 14 may be the inner region 12a of the energy storage device 12 by the driving of the vehicle 10 generated air mass flow 17 be provided for heat dissipation. The positioning of the inlet opening 19 In the front-end area, it allows the increased dynamic pressure there to generate a particularly large air mass flow 17 to use for cooling. In the in the 1 illustrated embodiment is the inlet opening 19 in an area of the front end 11 , the forward direction of the vehicle 10 is facing. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the inlet opening 19 be arranged in an area of the vehicle underbody. In the latter case, it is preferred if by means of suitable measures a suction effect within the air supply channel 17 is generated, which will be discussed in more detail below.

If the energy storage device is designed as a capacitor device, there is the highest cooling or heat dissipation requirement on average during a highway journey and / or a mountainous journey, since the highest cyclization is to be expected under such conditions. Another operating parameter, the increased cooling or heat dissipation requirement for the energy storage device 12 is expected, additionally or alternatively, a vehicle speed in a range between 80 and 100 km / h. According to the invention, therefore, the motor vehicle with energy storage device 12 to a set by the mentioned air mass flow at a highway drive and / or a mountainous ride, preferably set at a vehicle speed between 80 and 100 km / h target temperature. As will be explained in more detail below, the target temperature is preferably in a range between 10 and 40 degrees C, preferably 15 to 35 degrees C, particularly preferably 20 to 30 degrees C.

To a particularly effective cooling of the energy storage device 12 is to be achieved according to the invention proposed, the inner region 12a with a flow volume with main flow paths and their associated Main flow directions 21b form. A major part of the air mass flow provided for heat dissipation 17 acts on the inner region 12a in a main inflow direction 21a, wherein the angular deviation between the main inflow direction 21a and the main flow directions 21b is in a range between + 60 degrees and -60 degrees. An angular deviation between + 45 and -45 degrees is preferred. The main part 21a of the air mass flow provided for heat removal 17 comprises at least 50%, preferably 60%, more preferably 80% of the total throughput of air from the end region 14a of the air supply channel 14 leaking air mass. The main flow paths 21b receive at least 50%, preferably 60%, more preferably 80% of the total throughput of air through the inner region 12a. It is further preferred if the air mass flow 17 after the inner region 12a has been acted upon by an air outlet channel with an outflow direction 18 leaves, wherein the angular deviation between the main inflow direction 21a and outflow direction 18 is less than ± 30 degrees, preferably less than 20 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees.

The energy storage device 12 comprises a plurality of memory modules arranged in an array, preferably in rows or circles 20 , At least part of the flow volume in the interior is from the space between the memory modules 20 educated. Preferably, the memory modules 20 a columnar design on. The memory modules 20 can each have a longitudinal axis. Optionally, the longitudinal axes are arranged parallel to each other standing.

In order to form a flow volume in the inner region 12a with main flow paths and associated main flow directions, it is provided that the memory modules are arranged substantially one behind the other relative to the air mass flow which acts on them.

As in the detailed representation of the plan view in 3 shown, the memory modules 20 For example, be arranged in rows offset from each other, with formed by the displacement of the rows preferred main flow paths and these associated main flow directions. It is understood that other arrangements of energy storage modules than those in 3 illustrated with staggered rows of the invention.

In the embodiment according to 1 to 3 The memory modules are arranged with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to a road surface on which the vehicle is in use. However, the invention also encompasses other orientations of the longitudinal axes of the memory modules.

The memory modules 20 are arranged in a substantially rectangular array. The air mass flow 17 is through the air supply duct 14 on a side portion of the energy storage device 12 directed. In the presentation of the 2 and 3 is that of the air mass flow 17 acted upon area of the array one longitudinal side. Other configurations are also included in the invention.

The air supply channel 14 has an end portion 14a, which is a connection of the air supply channel to the inner region 12a of the energy storage device 12 allowed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the inner region 12a is in a housing 16 arranged to guide the air mass flow. The housing 16 has an outlet opening with an air flow channel 16a, through which an outflowing air mass flow 18 is guided, so that in the field of energy storage device 12 the lowest possible pressure loss occurs. Preferably, the housing 16 via the connection device with the end region 14a of the air supply channel 14 connected.

For steering the air mass flow 17 In the interior, air baffles may be provided which define the main flow paths 21b.

The main directions 21b of the preferred flow paths between the memory modules 20 not more than ± 60 degrees, preferably not more than ± 30 degrees, more preferably not more than ± 20 degrees from the main inflow direction 21a of the end portion 14a of the air channel 14 exiting air mass.

The inner region 12a of the energy storage device 12 can be connected through the air outlet 16a with a negative pressure area for generating a suction effect, whereby the heat dissipation by the cooling air mass flow 17 even can be supported.

In the area, the air supply channel 14 and possibly the Luftabströmkanals 16 a, a flap for controlling the air mass flow is arranged to the air mass flow 17 and thus to control the heat dissipation as needed.

Since double-layer capacitors typically have minimum values of electrical resistance (ESR) at about 50 degrees C, but increase at higher, but especially at lower temperatures, offers a controllable or switchable flap, the possibility at low outdoor temperatures with respect to the internal resistance and taking into account the aging effect optimal temperature level of the energy storage device 12 adjust. In particular, for example, after a cold run by closing the flap as a result of the associated with a high cyclization increased heat production in the energy storage device 12 relatively quickly an efficiency-optimized operation of the energy storage device 12 be achieved. In this way, to be set target temperature ranges are taking into account the above-mentioned aging effect in a range of the operating temperature of the energy storage device 12 between 10 and 40 degrees C, preferably 15 to 35 degrees C and particularly preferably 20 to 30 degrees C.

With the described invention, it is possible to make better use of a loss energy occurring anyway due to the air resistance when driving a vehicle to achieve a cooling effect, wherein the fuel consumption is not increased.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

vehicle

11

front end

12

Energy storage device

12 a

interior

13

internal combustion engine

14

Air supply duct

14 a

End region of the air supply channel

15

electric machine

16

casing

16 a

Luftabströmkanal

17

Air mass flow

18

outflow

19

inlet port

20

memory module

21 a

Main flow direction

21 b

Main flow direction

Claims (16)

Motor vehicle with a coolable electrical energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device has an inner region and an air supply channel is arranged with an inlet opening in a region of the vehicle front end, through which an air mass flow generated by the driving operation of the vehicle can be provided to the inner region of the energy storage device for heat dissipation , wherein a flap for controlling the air mass flow is arranged in the air supply channel. Motor vehicle after Claim 1 characterized in that said inner portion has a flow volume with main flow paths and associated main flow directions, and a majority of the air mass flow provided for heat removal in a main inflow direction impinges on the inner region, the angular deviation between said main inflow direction and said main flow directions being in a range between + 60 degrees and - 60 degrees, lies. Motor vehicle after Claim 2 , characterized in that the angular deviation between the main inflow direction and the main flow directions is in a range between + 45 degrees and - 45 degrees. Motor vehicle after Claim 2 or 3 , Characterized in that the energy storage device includes at least two memory modules and at least a portion of the flow volume of the space between the memory modules is formed. Motor vehicle after Claim 4 , characterized in that the energy storage device includes a plurality of memory modules arranged in an array. Motor vehicle after Claim 5 , Characterized in that the energy storage device includes a plurality of circles arranged in rows or memory modules. Motor vehicle according to one of Claims 4 to 6 , characterized in that the memory modules have a column-like shape. Motor vehicle after Claim 7 , characterized in that the memory modules each have a longitudinal axis and are parallel to each other with their longitudinal axes. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the inner region is arranged in a housing for guiding the air mass flow. Motor vehicle after Claim 9 , characterized in that the housing has a connection device to the air supply channel. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner region of the energy storage device by a Luftabströmkanal is connected to a negative pressure area for generating a suction effect. Motor vehicle after Claim 11 , characterized in that the negative pressure area is disposed in an area of the vehicle underbody. Motor vehicle according to one of Claims 11 or 12 , characterized in that a flap for controlling the air mass flow is arranged in the air outlet passage. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, each for outputting a torque for operating the vehicle. Motor vehicle after Claim 14 , characterized in that the energy storage device is a capacitor, and / or a battery device. Motor vehicle after Claim 15 , characterized in that the energy storage device is a double-layer capacitor device.

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