COOLING SYSTEM FOR COOLING A VEHICLE COMPONENT, METHOD FOR OPERATING A COOLING SYSTEM AND VEHICLE COMPRISING A COOLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A cooling system for cooling a vehicle component. The cooling system includes a main cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and a temporary cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component. The cooling system is configured for being operated in a normal operational state by means of the main cooling circuit, or in a redundant operational state by means of the temporary cooling circuit upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The cooling system includes a valve unit. The main cooling circuit is connected to the vehicle component via the valve unit in the normal operational state, and the temporary cooling circuit is connected to the vehicle component via the valve unit in the redundant operational state. The cooling system is configured for activating the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component. The cooling system comprises a main cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and a temporary cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component. The cooling system is configured for being operated in a normal operational state by means of the main cooling circuit. The disclosure further relates to a method for operating a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component and a vehicle comprising a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle heating and cooling systems are commonly used in vehicle applications for controlling the temperature ranges of different critical vehicle components, such as for example vehicle control units, battery units, power electronics units, and other types of vehicle units or components being part of the vehicle construction. In for example new energy vehicles, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the high voltage battery components used for providing energy to the electric motors as well as power electronic components and control units need to be temperature controlled. The temperature controlling may in normal conditions depend on for example the driving conditions of the vehicle, the ambient temperature, and the type of components used in the vehicle system. The thermal management of the vehicle is constructed for cooling or heating the respective vehicle systems.

For new energy vehicles, the thermal management systems need a redesign compared to the systems used in traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines. These systems are often complex in design and construction, involving a high number of components that take up space in the vehicle and increase the weight of the vehicle construction. This leads to component packaging problems and weight issues, and further, the thermal management systems are often expensive and non-flexible in construction.

In new energy vehicle applications, there is a high demand on cooling critical vehicle components, and cooling circuits with heat transfer fluid are operated to control the temperature levels of the vehicle components. One example of critical vehicle components that need temperature control are central processing units (CPU). It is difficult to predict the exact temperature of a CPU, and the functionality of the CPU is not derated with increased temperature. When being overheated, the CPU fails permanently at high costs and risk of functional loss during operation.

Upon increasing temperature of the CPU or other critical vehicle component, it is essential to cool the CPU or vehicle component to a suitable operational temperature. If a cooling circuit that is controlling the temperature of the vehicle component is malfunctioning, there is a high risk for overheating the vehicle component.

A malfunction of the cooling system may for example be a leakage or blockage of the cooling circuit, leading to inefficient cooling of the critical vehicle component. In current systems used, it is however difficult to detect and quickly act upon a leakage or blockage of a cooling circuit. There is thus a need for improved cooling systems, where the systems are simple in design and construction with fewer components compared to current systems used, and where the system further is designed to act quickly upon malfunctioning cooling in order to establish efficient cooling of a critical vehicle component even if the cooling circuit operated in normal conditions is malfunctioning.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component, a method for operating a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component, and a vehicle comprising a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component, where the previously mentioned problems are avoided. This object is at least partly achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain further developments of the cooling system for cooling a vehicle component and the method for operating a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component.

The disclosure concerns a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component. The cooling system comprises a main cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and a temporary cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component. The cooling system is configured for being operated in a normal operational state by means of the main cooling circuit, or in a redundant operational state by means of the temporary cooling circuit upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The cooling system comprises a valve unit. The main cooling circuit is connected to the vehicle component via the valve unit in the normal operational state, and the temporary cooling circuit is connected to the vehicle component via the valve unit in the redundant operational state. The cooling system is configured for activating the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state.

Advantages with these features are that the cooling system can be made simple in design and construction, and where the temporary cooling circuit is efficiently cooling the vehicle component upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit. A malfunction of the main cooling circuit may lead to inefficient cooling of the vehicle component, and with the valve unit, the cooling system is designed to act quickly upon a malfunctioning main cooling circuit. By using the temporary cooling circuit, efficient cooling of the vehicle component is enabled.

In one embodiment, the valve unit is adapted to disconnect the temporary cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component in the normal operational state, and the valve unit is adapted to disconnect the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component in the redundant operational state. The disconnection of the respective circuits is allowing only one circuit for cooling the vehicle component for an efficient operation of the cooling system, where the main cooling circuit is used for cooling the vehicle component in the normal operational state and the temporary cooling circuit is used for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state.

In one embodiment, the cooling system comprises a further cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and to the valve unit. Each one of the main cooling circuit and the temporary cooling circuit is connectable to the vehicle component via the valve unit and the further cooling circuit. The further cooling circuit is arranged for transporting heat transfer fluid to the vehicle component from the valve unit and from the vehicle component to the valve unit, both in the normal operational state and the redundant operational state. The further cooling circuit may be formed by conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means for transporting the heat transfer fluid from the valve unit to the vehicle component, and transporting the heat transfer fluid from the vehicle component to the valve unit. The vehicle component suitably comprises flow channels or similar arrangements for cooling the vehicle component with the heat transfer fluid.

In one embodiment, the valve unit comprises a first outlet flow port and a first inlet flow port connected to the vehicle component. The valve unit comprises a second inlet flow port and a second outlet flow port connected to the main cooling circuit. The valve unit comprises a third inlet flow port and a third outlet flow port connected to the temporary cooling circuit.

In one embodiment, the valve unit comprises a valve body. The valve body is in the normal operational state arranged in a first valve position, and the valve body is in the redundant operational state arranged in a second valve position. In the first valve position, the second inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the second outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port. In the second valve position, the third inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the third outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port. The valve body may have any suitable configuration. As an example, the valve body is arranged as a sliding valve body or as a flap member.

In one embodiment, in the first valve position the valve body is blocking fluid communication between the third inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the third outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port. In the second valve position the valve body is blocking fluid communication between the second inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the second outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port.

In one embodiment, the valve body has a flap configuration. The valve body is configured for pivoting around a shaft structure upon displacement between the first valve position and second valve position.

In one embodiment, the cooling system comprises at least one sensor configured for detecting the malfunction of the main cooling circuit. When the malfunction occurs, the at least one sensor is configured to detect the malfunction in order for the cooling system to change from the normal operational state to the redundant operational state.

In one embodiment, the malfunction of the main cooling circuit is a leakage of heat transfer fluid from the main cooling circuit, or a blockage of heat transfer fluid in the main cooling circuit. The at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a flow sensor connected to the main cooling circuit. The at least one sensor is configured for detecting the leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit. The system is designed to detect and quickly act upon a leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit by the at least one sensor. A combination of different types of sensors may be used in the main cooling system for an efficient and fast detection of the malfunction.

In one embodiment, the temporary cooling circuit comprises a storage unit configured for holding a volume of heat transfer fluid. The volume of heat transfer fluid is arranged as a thermal buffer for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state. The storage unit is used as a flow through cooling volume for heat transfer fluid. The volume of heat transfer fluid in the storage unit acts as a thermal buffer up to a specific cooling temperature of the vehicle component.

In one embodiment, the temporary cooling circuit comprises a pump for circulating heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit to the vehicle component and through the storage unit in the redundant operational state. The cooling system is configured for activating the pump upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The cooling system is configured for activating the pump upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The pump may have any suitable configuration for transporting heat transfer fluid, and the flow rate of heat transfer fluid from the pump may be determined depending on for example the volume of heat transfer fluid in the storage unit, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the storage unit, and the temperature of the vehicle component.

In one embodiment, in the normal operational state the main cooling circuit is fully separated from the temporary cooling circuit by the valve unit, and in the redundant operational state the temporary cooling circuit is fully separated from the main cooling circuit by the valve unit. The separation of the respective circuits is preventing flow between the circuits and only allowing the main cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the normal operational state and only allowing the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state.

In one embodiment, the valve unit is configured as a pressure operated passive valve, where upon activation of the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state, pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit is operating the valve unit to connect the temporary cooling circuit into fluid communication with the vehicle component and disconnect the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component. The valve body may be arranged as a flap member operated by fluid pressure, and the valve body may have a dual flap configuration with a first valve flap and a second valve flap, where the first valve flap and second valve flap are connected to each other via a shaft structure. The valve body with the valve flaps may be arranged to pivot around the shaft structure upon displacement between the first valve position and second valve position.

The disclosure further concerns a method for operating a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component. The cooling system comprises a main cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and a temporary cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component. The cooling system is configured for being operated in a normal operational state, or in a redundant operational state upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The method comprises the steps: arranging the main cooling circuit in fluid communication with the vehicle component via a valve unit in the normal operational state; arranging the temporary cooling circuit in fluid communication with the vehicle component via the valve unit in the redundant operational state, and activating the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state. Advantages with the method are that the cooling system can be made simple in design and construction, where the temporary cooling circuit is efficiently cooling the vehicle component upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit. A malfunction of the main cooling system may lead to inefficient cooling of the vehicle component, and with the valve unit, the cooling system is designed to act quickly upon a malfunctioning main cooling circuit, and through the temporary cooling circuit efficient cooling of the vehicle component is established.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps: disconnecting the temporary cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component by the valve unit in the normal operational state; disconnecting the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component by the valve unit in the redundant operational state. The disconnection of the respective circuits is allowing only one circuit for cooling the vehicle component for an efficient operation of the cooling system.

In one embodiment, the valve unit comprises a first outlet flow port and a first inlet flow port connected to the vehicle component. The valve unit comprises a second inlet flow port and a second outlet flow port connected to the main cooling circuit. The valve unit comprises a third inlet flow port and a third outlet flow port connected to the temporary cooling circuit. The valve unit comprises a valve body. The method further comprises the steps: arranging the valve body in a first valve position in the normal operational state, where in the first valve position the second inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the second outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port; arranging the valve body in a second valve position in the redundant operational state SR, where in the second valve position the third inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the third outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port. The valve body may have any suitable configuration. As an example, the valve body is arranged as a sliding valve body or as a flap member.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps: blocking fluid communication between the third inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the third outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port by the valve body in the first valve position; blocking fluid communication between the second inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the second outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port by the valve body in the second valve position.

In one embodiment, the cooling system comprises at least one sensor configured for detecting the malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The malfunction of the main cooling circuit is a leakage of heat transfer fluid from the main cooling circuit or a blockage of heat transfer fluid in the main cooling circuit. The at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or a flow sensor connected to the main cooling circuit. The method further comprises the step: detecting the leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit by the at least one sensor. When the malfunction occurs, the at least one sensor is detecting the malfunction in order to change from the normal operational state to the redundant operational state. The system is designed to detect and quickly act upon a leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit by the at least one sensor. The main cooling circuit may be designed with a combination of different types of sensors for an efficient and fast detection of the leakage or blockage.

In one embodiment, the temporary cooling circuit comprises a storage unit configured for holding a volume of heat transfer fluid. The volume of heat transfer fluid is arranged as a thermal buffer for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state. The temporary cooling circuit comprises a pump for circulating heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit to the vehicle component and through the storage unit in the redundant operational state. The method further comprises the step: activating the pump upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The storage unit is used as a flow through cooling volume for heat transfer fluid. The volume of heat transfer fluid in the storage unit acts as a thermal buffer up to a specific cooling temperature of the vehicle component. The cooling system is configured for activating the pump upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit. The pump may have any suitable configuration for transporting heat transfer fluid.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps: fully separating the main cooling circuit from the temporary cooling circuit by the valve unit in the normal operational state; fully separating the temporary cooling circuit from the main cooling circuit by the valve unit in the redundant operational state. The separation of the respective circuits is preventing flow between the circuits and only allowing the main cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the normal operational state and only allowing the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state.

In one embodiment, the valve unit is configured as a pressure operated passive valve. The method further comprises the steps: operating the valve unit by pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit upon activation of the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state, wherein the valve unit is connecting the temporary cooling circuit into fluid communication with the vehicle component and disconnecting the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component. The valve body may be arranged as a flap member operated by fluid pressure, and the valve body may have a dual flap configuration with a first valve flap and a second valve flap, where the first valve flap and second valve flap are connected to each other via a shaft structure. The valve body with the valve flaps may be arranged to pivot around the shaft structure upon displacement between the first valve position and second valve position.

The disclosure further concerns a vehicle comprising a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described in detail in the following, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows schematically, a system layout view of a cooling system, according to an embodiment,

FIGS. 2A-2B show schematically, system layout views of the cooling system in a normal operational state and a redundant operational state,

FIG. 3 shows schematically, a perspective view of a cooling system, according to an embodiment,

FIGS. 4A-4B show schematically, perspective views of the cooling system in a normal operational state and a redundant operational state,

FIGS. 5A-5B show schematically, perspective views of a valve unit of the cooling system and a valve body of the valve unit, according to an embodiment, and

FIGS. 6A-6B show schematically, cross-sectional side views of the valve unit in the normal operational state and the redundant operational state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure, wherein like designations denote like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments, but are applicable on other variations of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a system layout view of a cooling system S for cooling a vehicle component 1. The cooling system S comprises a main cooling circuit 2 connected to the vehicle component 1 and a temporary cooling circuit 3 connected to the vehicle component 1. In FIG. 3, a perspective view of a cooling system S is schematically shown.

The vehicle component 1 may be any critical component or system of a vehicle that needs cooling during operation. Examples of vehicle components 1 that need cooling are vehicle control units including central processing units (CPU), battery units, power electronics units, and other types of vehicle units or components being part of the vehicle construction. One specific example of a critical vehicle components that need temperature control are CPUs, where it is difficult to predict the exact temperature of a CPU. The functionality of the CPU is not derated with increased temperature and when being overheated, the CPU fails permanently at high costs and risk of functional loss during operation.

As illustrated in for example FIGS. 1 and 3, the cooling system S comprises a valve unit 4. The valve unit 4 is connecting the main cooling circuit 2 to the vehicle component 1. The valve unit 4 is further connecting the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1.

The main cooling circuit May 2 may have any suitable configuration for cooling the vehicle component 1, and in FIGS. 1 and 3 exemplified embodiments of system configurations are schematically shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the main cooling circuit 2 comprises a circulation pump 2a for circulating heat transfer fluid F, a heat exchanger 2b for cooling the heat transfer fluid F, and an expansion bottle 2c. The circulation pump 2a may have any suitable configuration for transporting heat transfer fluid F. The heat exchanger 2b may be configured as a radiator, or alternatively as a heat exchanger connected to a separate non-illustrated cooling circuit or refrigerant circuit. The expansion bottle 2c may have any suitable configuration allowing the heat transfer fluid F to expand without causing the cooling system S to fail, and the expansion bottle 2c is preventing the cooling system S to becoming over-pressurised as the heat transfer fluid F heats up and expands. It should however be understood that the main cooling circuit 2 may comprise any suitable components needed for cooling the vehicle component 1 depending on the design and construction of the vehicle, and the shown components are only illustrating a possible system layout. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the components of the main cooling circuit 2 have been omitted, which is indicated with the dashed section of the cooling circuit.

In normal operational conditions of the vehicle, the cooling system S is operated in a normal operational state S_N by means of the main cooling circuit 2 for cooling the vehicle component 1, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4A. In the normal operational state S_N, the main cooling circuit 2 is connected to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4. In the normal operational state S_N, the heat transfer fluid F is allowed to circulate from the main cooling circuit 2 to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4. The components of the main cooling circuit 2 are fluidly connected with conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means for transporting the heat transfer fluid F in the main cooling circuit 2, transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the main cooling circuit 2 to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4, and transporting the heat transfer fluid F to the main cooling circuit 2 from the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4. The main cooling circuit 2 thus has the function to cool the vehicle component 1 during normal operating and driving conditions of the vehicle, as will be further described below.

The cooling system S is further configured for being operated in a redundant operational state SR by means of the temporary cooling circuit 3 upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2. The redundant operational state SR is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 4B, and the cooling system S is configured for activating the temporary cooling circuit 3 for cooling the vehicle component 1 in the redundant operational state S_R. The temporary cooling circuit 3 is connected to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4 in the redundant operational state S_R, and the temporary cooling circuit 3 is when connected to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4 in the redundant operational state S_R allowing the heat transfer fluid F to circulate from the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4.

Examples of malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2 is a leakage of heat transfer fluid F from the main cooling circuit 2 or a blockage of heat transfer fluid F in the main cooling circuit 2. A leakage of heat transfer fluid F from the main cooling circuit 2 may for example occur if any of the conduits are leaking, if any of the connections between components and conduits are leaking, or if any of the components are leaking. A leakage may occur if a conduit, a connection, or a components bursts or cracks, or if a seal breaks. A blockage of heat transfer fluid F in the main cooling circuit 2 is occurring if the flow of heat transfer fluid F is prevented from being transported, and may be caused by a malfunctioning component or if an object or contaminant is obstructing the flow path. A blockage of heat transfer fluid F in the main cooling circuit 2 may also occur if power supply to a component is not working properly, such as in the case of a power outage or broken fuse. One specific example of blockage is if the power supply to the circulating pump 2a is prevented, which in turn is preventing the heat transfer fluid F from being transported in the main cooling circuit 2.

The cooling system S comprises at least one sensor 7, as shown in for example FIG. 1. The sensor 7 is configured for detecting the malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2. The at least one sensor 7 is suitably a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a flow sensor connected to the main cooling circuit 2, and the at least one sensor 7 is arranged for detecting the leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit 2.

As shown in for example FIGS. 2B and 4B, the temporary cooling circuit 3 comprises a storage unit 8 configured for holding a volume of the heat transfer fluid F. The volume of heat transfer fluid F is arranged as a thermal buffer for cooling the vehicle component 1 in the redundant operational state S_R. The storage unit 8 is used as a flow through cooling volume for the heat transfer fluid F. The storage unit 8 comprises a flow inlet 8a and a flow outlet 8b. The heat transfer fluid F is in the redundant operational state S_R flowing into the storage unit 8 via the flow inlet 8a and out from the storage unit 8 via the flow outlet 8b. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid F in the storage unit 8 may as an example be kept at ambient temperature if the storage unit 8 is placed at a suitable location within the vehicle, and during a certain time period, the volume of heat transfer fluid F in the storage unit 8 acts as a thermal buffer up to a specific cooling temperature of the vehicle component 1. The storage unit 8 may be cooled with suitable cooling means. If a malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2 occurs, a user of the vehicle should have enough time to take action when the temporary cooling circuit 3 is activated in the redundant operational state S_R. The cooling system S is therefore suitably designed with a volume of heat transfer fluid F in the storage unit 8 and a flow rate of heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit 3 to allow the user to take action and drive the vehicle to a safe location. As a non-limiting example, a realistic reaction time for a user may be at least 2 to 4 minutes, allowing the user to stop safely in most driving scenarios.

The temporary cooling circuit 3 further comprises a pump 9 for circulating heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1 and through the storage unit 8 in the redundant operational state S_R. The cooling system S is configured for activating the pump 9 upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2, as will be further described below. The pump 9 may have any suitable configuration for transporting heat transfer fluid F, and the flow rate of heat transfer fluid F from the pump may be determined depending on for example the volume of heat transfer fluid in the storage unit 8, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the storage unit 8, and the temperature of the vehicle component 1. The pump 9 may be arranged in the flow path of the temporary cooling circuit 3 before or after the storage unit 8 depending on the design of the cooling system S. The pump 9 may further be arranged in connection to the storage unit 8 as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. In alternative non-illustrated embodiments, the pump 9 may be arranged within the storage unit 8, or be structurally integrated with the storage unit 8.

In the redundant operational state S_R, the temporary cooling circuit 3 is connected to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4, as illustrated in for example FIGS. 2B and 4B. In the redundant operational state S_R, the heat transfer fluid F is allowed to circulate from the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4. The components of the temporary cooling circuit 3, such as the storage unit 8 and the pump 9, are fluidly connected with conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means for transporting the heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit 3, transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4, and transporting the heat transfer fluid F to the temporary cooling circuit 3 from the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4.

The cooling system S suitably further comprises a non-illustrated control unit, and the control unit is steering and controlling the operation of the components and circuits of the cooling system S, such as the pump 9 and the valve 4.

The valve unit 4 is adapted to disconnect the temporary cooling circuit 3 from fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 in the normal operational state S_N, and to disconnect the main cooling circuit 2 from fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 in the redundant operational state S_R. When the main cooling circuit 2 is connected to and in fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 in the normal operational state S_N, the temporary cooling circuit 3 is prevented from being in fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 by the valve unit 4. In this way, the main cooling circuit 2 and the vehicle component 1 are forming a closed cooling circuit that is separated from the temporary cooling circuit 3 in the normal operational state S_N. When the temporary cooling circuit 3 is connected to and in fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 in the redundant operational state S_R, the main cooling circuit 2 is prevented from being in fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 by the valve unit 4. In this way, the temporary cooling circuit 3 and the vehicle component 1 are forming a closed cooling circuit that is separated from the main cooling circuit 2 in the redundant operational state S_R. With this valve configuration, the main cooling circuit 2 is fully separated from the temporary cooling circuit 3 by the valve unit 4 in the normal operational state S_N, and the temporary cooling circuit 3 is fully separated from the main cooling circuit 2 by the valve unit 4 in the redundant operational state S_R.

As shown in for example FIGS. 1 and 3, the cooling system S comprises a further cooling circuit 10 connected to the vehicle component 1 and to the valve unit 4. Each one of the main cooling circuit 2 and the temporary cooling circuit 3 is connectable to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4 and the further cooling circuit 10. The further cooling circuit 10 is arranged for transporting heat transfer fluid F to the vehicle component 1 from the valve unit 4 and from the vehicle component 1 to the valve unit 4 in the normal operational state S_N and the redundant operational state S_R, as indicated with arrows in FIGS. 2A-2B, 4A-4B, and 6A-6B. As understood from the figures, the further cooling circuit 10 is formed by conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means for transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the valve unit 4 to the vehicle component 1, and transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the vehicle component 1 to the valve unit 4. The vehicle component 1 suitably comprises non-illustrated flow channels or similar arrangements for cooling the vehicle component 1 with the heat transfer fluid F. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle component 1 comprises an inlet port 1a and an outlet port 1b connected to the further cooling circuit 10, and the flow channels or similar arrangements of the vehicle component 1 are connected to the inlet port 1a and outlet port 1b for enabling a flow of heat transfer fluid F through the vehicle component 1.

The valve unit May 4 have any suitable configuration for controlling the flow of heat transfer fluid F to and from the vehicle component 1. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4A-4B, the valve unit 4 comprises a first outlet flow port 6a and a first inlet flow port 5a connected to the vehicle component 1. The valve unit 4 further comprises a second inlet flow port 5b and a second outlet flow port 6b connected to the main cooling circuit 2, and a third inlet flow port 5c and a third outlet flow port 6c connected to the temporary cooling circuit 3.

In one embodiment, the valve unit 4 comprises a valve body 4a, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6B. The valve body 4a is in the normal operational state S_N arranged in a first valve position P_V1, as shown in FIG. 6A. In the first valve position P_V1, the second inlet flow port 5b is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port 6a and the second outlet flow port 6b is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port 5a. The first valve position P_V1 is enabling a circulating flow of heat transfer fluid from the main cooling circuit 2 to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4 and from the vehicle component 1 to the main cooling circuit 2, as indicated with arrows in FIGS. 2A and 4A. In the first valve position P_V1, the valve body 4a is blocking fluid communication between the third inlet flow port 5c and the first outlet flow port 6a and blocking fluid communication between the third outlet flow port 6c and the first inlet flow port 5a. In this way, flow from the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1 is prevented.

The valve body 4a is in the redundant operational state S_R is arranged in a second valve position P_V2, as shown in FIG. 6B. In the second valve position P_V2, the third inlet flow port 5c is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port 6a and the third outlet flow port 6c is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port 5a. The second valve position P_V2 is enabling a circulating flow of heat transfer fluid from the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4 and from the vehicle component 1 to the temporary cooling circuit 3, as indicated with arrows in FIGS. 2B and 4B. In the second valve position P_V2, the valve body 4a is blocking fluid communication between the second inlet flow port 5b and the first outlet flow port 6a and blocking fluid communication between the second outlet flow port 6b and the first inlet flow port 5a. In this way, flow from the main cooling circuit 2 to the vehicle component 1 is prevented.

The valve body 4a of the valve unit 4 may be connected to an actuator or similar device for displacing the valve body 4a between the first valve position P_V1 and the second valve position P_V2. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6B, the valve unit 4 is configured as a pressure operated passive valve, where the valve body 4a is arranged as a flap member operated by fluid pressure. The valve unit 4 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a first chamber 11a and a second chamber 11b, as shown in FIG. 5A. The first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b are separated from each other and there is thus no fluid transport between the chambers. The first chamber 11a is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port 5a, second outlet flow port 6b, and third outlet flow port 6c. The second chamber 11b is in fluid communication with the second inlet flow port 5b, third inlet flow port 5c, and first outlet flow port 6a.

The valve body 4a may be constructed with a flap configuration, where the valve body 4a is configured for pivoting around a shaft structure 4b upon displacement between a first valve position P_V1 and a second valve position P_V2.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the valve body 4a has a dual flap configuration with a first valve flap 4a₁ and a second valve flap 4a₂. The first valve flap 4a₁ and a second valve flap 4a₂ are connected to each other via a shaft structure 4b, and the valve body 4a with the valve flaps is pivoting around the shaft structure 4b upon displacement between the first valve position P_V1 and second valve position P_V2.

In the first valve position P_V1 the valve body 4a is arranged in a first angular position, and in the second valve position P_V2 the valve body 4a is arranged in a second angular position, as understood from FIGS. 6A-6B. As an example, the angular difference of the valve body 4a between the first valve position P_V1 and the second valve position P_V2 may be in the range 10-180°, preferably in the range 20-45°.

The valve unit 4 is arranged in the first valve position P_V1 as shown in FIG. 6A in the normal operational state S_N during normal operation conditions of the vehicle. Upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2, the temporary cooling circuit 3 is activated for cooling the vehicle component 1 in the redundant operational state S_R. Fluid pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit 3 is operating the valve unit 4 to connect the temporary cooling circuit 3 into fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 and disconnect the main cooling circuit 2 from fluid communication with the vehicle component 1. The pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit 3 is established by operating the pump 9 and the established pressure in the temporary cooling circuit 3 is forcing the valve body 4a of the valve unit 4 to shift position from the first valve position P_V1 to the second valve position P_V2. It should be understood that the pressure in the main cooling circuit 2 upon malfunction may decrease due to the occurred leakage or blockage, and a higher pressure in the temporary cooling circuit 3 than in the main cooling circuit 2 is forcing the valve body 4a to shift from the first valve position P_V1 to the second valve position P_V2. Upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2, for example if a blockage occurs, the circulation pump 2a may be shut off to reduce pressure in the main cooling circuit 2.

The valve unit may have other configurations than the one described. The valve body may instead be arranged as a sliding valve body that is allowing or blocking fluid transportation through the chambers. The valve unit may be arranged with two valves instead of one valve body with two chambers, where each of the two valves is provided with one chamber. The valve unit or valve units may be actuated with fluid pressure or by an actuator, such as an electric motor, stepper motor, or other suitable actuating device. In other alternative embodiments, the valve unit or valve units may be arranged as magnetic flow valves activated through supply of electric current.

When operating the cooling system S in the normal operational state S_N the main cooling circuit 2 is cooling the vehicle component 1, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4A, and the temporary cooling circuit 3 is disconnected from the vehicle component 1. In the normal operational state S_N, the main cooling circuit 2 is arranged in fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4, and the temporary cooling circuit 3 is disconnected from fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 by the valve unit 4.

With the configuration of the valve unit 4 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6B, the valve body 4a is arranged in a first valve position P_V1 in the normal operational state S_N, and in the first valve position P_V1 the second inlet flow port 5b is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port 6a and the second outlet flow port 6b is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port 5a. In the first valve position P_V1, the fluid communication between the third inlet flow port 5c and the first outlet flow port 6a is blocked by the valve unit 4 and the fluid communication between the third outlet flow port 6c and the first inlet flow port 5a is blocked by the valve body 4a. The valve unit 4 is fully separating the main cooling circuit 2 from the temporary cooling circuit 3 in the normal operational state S_N.

When a malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2 occurs, such as a leakage or a blockage, the malfunction is detected by the at least one sensor 7. Upon detection of the malfunction by the at least one sensor 7, the cooling system S is changing from the normal operational state S_N to the redundant operational state S_R, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 4B. When changing from the normal operational state S_N to the redundant operational state S_R, the temporary cooling circuit 3 is instead cooling the vehicle component 1, and the malfunctioning main cooling circuit 2 is disconnected from the vehicle component 1. Thus, in the redundant operational state S_R the temporary cooling circuit 3 is arranged in fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 via the valve unit 4, and the temporary cooling circuit 3 is activated for cooling the vehicle component 1. The activation of the temporary cooling circuit 3 includes activation of the pump 9 for circulating heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit 3 to the vehicle component 1 and through the storage unit 8. The pump 9 is in this way activated upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit 2. The stored volume of heat transfer fluid F in the storage volume 8 is arranged as a thermal buffer for cooling the vehicle component 1 in the redundant operational state S_R, and the heat transfer fluid F in the storage volume 8 is drawn into the conduits of the temporary cooling circuit 3 and transported to the vehicle component 1 for cooling the vehicle component 1. Further in the redundant operational state S_R, the main cooling circuit 2 is disconnected from fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 by the valve unit 4. With the configuration of the valve unit 4 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6B, the valve body 4a is arranged in the second valve position P_V2 in the redundant operational state S_R, and in the second valve position P_V2 the third inlet flow port 5c is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port 6a and the third outlet flow port 6c is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port 5a. In the second valve position P_V2, the fluid communication between the second inlet flow port 5b and the first outlet flow port 6a is blocked by the valve unit 4 and the fluid communication between the second outlet flow port 6b and the first inlet flow port 5a is blocked by the valve body 4a. The valve unit 4 is fully separating the temporary cooling circuit 3 from the main cooling circuit 2 in the redundant operational state S_R.

As described above, the valve unit 4 is configured as a pressure operated passive valve, and the valve unit 4 is operated by pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit 3 upon activation of the temporary cooling circuit 3 for cooling the vehicle component 1 in the redundant operational state S_R. In this way, the valve unit 4 is connecting the temporary cooling circuit 3 into fluid communication with the vehicle component 1 and disconnecting the main cooling circuit 2 from fluid communication with the vehicle component 1.

It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.

Reference Signs

• • 1: Vehicle component
  • 1 a: Inlet port
  • 1 b: Outlet port
  • 2: Main cooling circuit
  • 2 a: Circulation pump
  • 2 b: Heat exchanger
  • 2 c: Expansion bottle
  • 3: Temporary cooling circuit
  • 4: Valve unit
  • 4 a: Valve body
  • 4 a ₁: First valve flap
  • 4 a ₂: Second valve flap
  • 4 b: Shaft structure
  • 5 a: First inlet flow port
  • 5 b: Second inlet flow port
  • 5 c: Third inlet flow port
  • 6 a: First outlet flow port
  • 6 b: Second outlet flow port
  • 6 c: Third outlet flow port
  • 7: Sensor
  • 8: Storage unit
  • 8 a: Flow inlet
  • 8 b: Flow outlet
  • 9: Pump
  • 10: Further cooling circuit
  • 11 a: First chamber
  • 11 b: Second chamber
  • F: Heat transfer fluid
  • S: Cooling system
  • P_V1: First valve position
  • P_V2: Second valve position
  • S_N: Normal operational state
  • S_R: Redundant operational state

Claims

1. A cooling system for cooling a vehicle component, wherein the cooling system comprises a main cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and a temporary cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component, wherein the cooling system is configured for being operated in a normal operational state by means of the main cooling circuit, or in a redundant operational state by means of the temporary cooling circuit upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit,wherein the cooling system comprises a valve unit, wherein the main cooling circuit is connected to the vehicle component via the valve unit in the normal operational state, and wherein the temporary cooling circuit is connected to the vehicle component via the valve unit in the redundant operational state,wherein the cooling system is configured for activating the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational statewherein the valve unit comprises a first outlet flow port and a first inlet flow port connected to the vehicle component, wherein the valve unit comprises a second inlet flow port and a second outlet flow port connected to the main cooling circuit, and wherein the valve unit comprises a third inlet flow port and a third outlet flow port connected to the temporary cooling circuit.

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit is adapted to disconnect the temporary cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component in the normal operational state, and wherein the valve unit is adapted to disconnect the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component in the redundant operational state.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling system comprises a further cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and to the valve unit, wherein each one of the main cooling circuit and the temporary cooling circuit is connectable to the vehicle component via the valve unit and the further cooling circuit.

4. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit comprises a valve body, wherein the valve body in the normal operational state is arranged in a first valve position and wherein the valve body in the redundant operational state is arranged in a second valve position, wherein in the first valve position the second inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the second outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port,wherein in the second valve position the third inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the third outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port.

5. The cooling system according to claim 4, wherein in the first valve position the valve body is blocking fluid communication between the third inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the third outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port, wherein in the second valve position the valve body is blocking fluid communication between the second inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the second outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port.

6. The cooling system according to claim 4, wherein the valve body has a flap configuration, wherein the valve body is configured for pivoting around a shaft structure upon displacement between the first valve position and second valve position.

7. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling system comprises at least one sensor configured for detecting the malfunction of the main cooling circuit.

8. The cooling system according to claim 7, wherein the malfunction of the main cooling circuit is a leakage of heat transfer fluid from the main cooling circuit or a blockage of heat transfer fluid in the main cooling circuit, wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a flow sensor connected to the main cooling circuit, wherein the at least one sensor is configured for detecting the leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit.

9. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the temporary cooling circuit comprises a storage unit configured for holding a volume of heat transfer fluid, wherein the volume of heat transfer fluid is arranged as a thermal buffer for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state.

10. The cooling system according to claim 9, wherein the temporary cooling circuit comprises a pump for circulating heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit to the vehicle component and through the storage unit in the redundant operational state, wherein the cooling system is configured for activating the pump upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit.

11. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein in the normal operational state the main cooling circuit is fully separated from the temporary cooling circuit by the valve unit, and wherein in the redundant operational state the temporary cooling circuit is fully separated from the main cooling circuit by the valve unit.

12. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit is configured as a pressure operated passive valve, wherein upon activation of the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit is operating the valve unit to connect the temporary cooling circuit into fluid communication with the vehicle component and disconnect the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component.

13. A method for operating a cooling system for cooling a vehicle component, wherein the cooling system comprises a main cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component and a temporary cooling circuit connected to the vehicle component, and a valve unit, wherein the valve unit comprises a first outlet flow port and a first inlet flow port connected to the vehicle component, wherein the valve unit comprises a second inlet flow port and a second outlet flow port connected to the main cooling circuit, wherein the valve unit comprises a third inlet flow port and a third outlet flow port connected to the temporary cooling circuit, wherein the valve unit comprises a valve body,wherein the cooling system is configured for being operated in a normal operational state, or in a redundant operational state upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit, wherein the method comprises the steps:arranging the main cooling circuit in fluid communication with the vehicle component via a valve unit in the normal operational state;arranging the temporary cooling circuit in fluid communication with the vehicle component via the valve unit in the redundant operational state, and activating the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state;arranging the valve body in a first valve position in the normal operational state, wherein in the first valve position the second inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the second outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port;arranging the valve body in a second valve position in the redundant operational state, wherein in the second valve position the third inlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port and the third outlet flow port is in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises the steps: disconnecting the temporary cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component by the valve unit in the normal operational state; disconnecting the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component by the valve unit in the redundant operational state.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises the steps: blocking fluid communication between the third inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the third outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port by the valve body in the first valve position; blocking fluid communication between the second inlet flow port and the first outlet flow port and blocking fluid communication between the second outlet flow port and the first inlet flow port by the valve body in the second valve position.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the cooling system comprises at least one sensor configured for detecting the malfunction of the main cooling circuit, wherein the malfunction of the main cooling circuit is a leakage of heat transfer fluid from the main cooling circuit or a blockage of heat transfer fluid in the main cooling circuit, wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a flow sensor connected to the main cooling circuit, wherein the method further comprises the step: detecting the leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit by the at least one sensor.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the temporary cooling circuit comprises a storage unit configured for holding a volume of heat transfer fluid, wherein the volume of heat transfer fluid is arranged as a thermal buffer for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state, wherein the temporary cooling circuit comprises a pump for circulating heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit to the vehicle component and through the storage unit in the redundant operational state, wherein the method further comprises the step: activating the pump upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises the steps: fully separating the main cooling circuit from the temporary cooling circuit by the valve unit in the normal operational state; fully separating the temporary cooling circuit from the main cooling circuit by the valve unit in the redundant operational state.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the valve unit is configured as a pressure operated passive valve, wherein the method further comprises the steps: operating the valve unit by pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid in the temporary cooling circuit upon activation of the temporary cooling circuit for cooling the vehicle component in the redundant operational state, wherein the valve unit is connecting the temporary cooling circuit into fluid communication with the vehicle component and disconnecting the main cooling circuit from fluid communication with the vehicle component.

20. A vehicle comprising the cooling system for cooling the vehicle component according to claim 1.