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

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.

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.

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.1schematically shows a system layout view of a cooling system S for cooling a vehicle component1. The cooling system S comprises a main cooling circuit2connected to the vehicle component1and a temporary cooling circuit3connected to the vehicle component1. InFIG.3, a perspective view of a cooling system S is schematically shown.

The vehicle component1may be any critical component or system of a vehicle that needs cooling during operation. Examples of vehicle components1that 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 exampleFIGS.1and3, the cooling system S comprises a valve unit4. The valve unit4is connecting the main cooling circuit2to the vehicle component1. The valve unit4is further connecting the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1.

The main cooling circuit May2may have any suitable configuration for cooling the vehicle component1, and inFIGS.1and3exemplified embodiments of system configurations are schematically shown. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the main cooling circuit2comprises a circulation pump2afor circulating heat transfer fluid F, a heat exchanger2bfor cooling the heat transfer fluid F, and an expansion bottle2c. The circulation pump2amay have any suitable configuration for transporting heat transfer fluid F. The heat exchanger2bmay be configured as a radiator, or alternatively as a heat exchanger connected to a separate non-illustrated cooling circuit or refrigerant circuit. The expansion bottle2cmay have any suitable configuration allowing the heat transfer fluid F to expand without causing the cooling system S to fail, and the expansion bottle2cis 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 circuit2may comprise any suitable components needed for cooling the vehicle component1depending on the design and construction of the vehicle, and the shown components are only illustrating a possible system layout. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the components of the main cooling circuit2have 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 SNby means of the main cooling circuit2for cooling the vehicle component1, as shown inFIGS.2A and4A. In the normal operational state SN, the main cooling circuit2is connected to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4. In the normal operational state SN, the heat transfer fluid F is allowed to circulate from the main cooling circuit2to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4. The components of the main cooling circuit2are fluidly connected with conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means for transporting the heat transfer fluid F in the main cooling circuit2, transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the main cooling circuit2to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4, and transporting the heat transfer fluid F to the main cooling circuit2from the vehicle component1via the valve unit4. The main cooling circuit2thus has the function to cool the vehicle component1during 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 circuit3upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit2. The redundant operational state SR is schematically illustrated inFIGS.2B and4B, and the cooling system S is configured for activating the temporary cooling circuit3for cooling the vehicle component1in the redundant operational state SR. The temporary cooling circuit3is connected to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4in the redundant operational state SR, and the temporary cooling circuit3is when connected to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4in the redundant operational state SRallowing the heat transfer fluid F to circulate from the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4.

Examples of malfunction of the main cooling circuit2is a leakage of heat transfer fluid F from the main cooling circuit2or a blockage of heat transfer fluid F in the main cooling circuit2. A leakage of heat transfer fluid F from the main cooling circuit2may 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 circuit2is 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 circuit2may 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 pump2ais prevented, which in turn is preventing the heat transfer fluid F from being transported in the main cooling circuit2.

The cooling system S comprises at least one sensor7, as shown in for exampleFIG.1. The sensor7is configured for detecting the malfunction of the main cooling circuit2. The at least one sensor7is suitably a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a flow sensor connected to the main cooling circuit2, and the at least one sensor7is arranged for detecting the leakage or blockage of the main cooling circuit2.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.2B and4B, the temporary cooling circuit3comprises a storage unit8configured 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 component1in the redundant operational state SR. The storage unit8is used as a flow through cooling volume for the heat transfer fluid F. The storage unit8comprises a flow inlet8aand a flow outlet8b. The heat transfer fluid F is in the redundant operational state SRflowing into the storage unit8via the flow inlet8aand out from the storage unit8via the flow outlet8b. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid F in the storage unit8may as an example be kept at ambient temperature if the storage unit8is placed at a suitable location within the vehicle, and during a certain time period, the volume of heat transfer fluid F in the storage unit8acts as a thermal buffer up to a specific cooling temperature of the vehicle component1. The storage unit8may be cooled with suitable cooling means. If a malfunction of the main cooling circuit2occurs, a user of the vehicle should have enough time to take action when the temporary cooling circuit3is activated in the redundant operational state SR. The cooling system S is therefore suitably designed with a volume of heat transfer fluid F in the storage unit8and a flow rate of heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit3to 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 circuit3further comprises a pump9for circulating heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1and through the storage unit8in the redundant operational state SR. The cooling system S is configured for activating the pump9upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit2, as will be further described below. The pump9may 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 unit8, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the storage unit8, and the temperature of the vehicle component1. The pump9may be arranged in the flow path of the temporary cooling circuit3before or after the storage unit8depending on the design of the cooling system S. The pump9may further be arranged in connection to the storage unit8as shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3. In alternative non-illustrated embodiments, the pump9may be arranged within the storage unit8, or be structurally integrated with the storage unit8.

In the redundant operational state SR, the temporary cooling circuit3is connected to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4, as illustrated in for exampleFIGS.2B and4B. In the redundant operational state SR, the heat transfer fluid F is allowed to circulate from the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4. The components of the temporary cooling circuit3, such as the storage unit8and the pump9, are fluidly connected with conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means for transporting the heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit3, transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4, and transporting the heat transfer fluid F to the temporary cooling circuit3from the vehicle component1via the valve unit4.

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 pump9and the valve4.

The valve unit4is adapted to disconnect the temporary cooling circuit3from fluid communication with the vehicle component1in the normal operational state SN, and to disconnect the main cooling circuit2from fluid communication with the vehicle component1in the redundant operational state SR. When the main cooling circuit2is connected to and in fluid communication with the vehicle component1in the normal operational state SN, the temporary cooling circuit3is prevented from being in fluid communication with the vehicle component1by the valve unit4. In this way, the main cooling circuit2and the vehicle component1are forming a closed cooling circuit that is separated from the temporary cooling circuit3in the normal operational state SN. When the temporary cooling circuit3is connected to and in fluid communication with the vehicle component1in the redundant operational state SR, the main cooling circuit2is prevented from being in fluid communication with the vehicle component1by the valve unit4. In this way, the temporary cooling circuit3and the vehicle component1are forming a closed cooling circuit that is separated from the main cooling circuit2in the redundant operational state SR. With this valve configuration, the main cooling circuit2is fully separated from the temporary cooling circuit3by the valve unit4in the normal operational state SN, and the temporary cooling circuit3is fully separated from the main cooling circuit2by the valve unit4in the redundant operational state SR.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.1and3, the cooling system S comprises a further cooling circuit10connected to the vehicle component1and to the valve unit4. Each one of the main cooling circuit2and the temporary cooling circuit3is connectable to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4and the further cooling circuit10. The further cooling circuit10is arranged for transporting heat transfer fluid F to the vehicle component1from the valve unit4and from the vehicle component1to the valve unit4in the normal operational state SNand the redundant operational state SR, as indicated with arrows inFIGS.2A-2B,4A-4B, and6A-6B. As understood from the figures, the further cooling circuit10is formed by conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means for transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the valve unit4to the vehicle component1, and transporting the heat transfer fluid F from the vehicle component1to the valve unit4. The vehicle component1suitably comprises non-illustrated flow channels or similar arrangements for cooling the vehicle component1with the heat transfer fluid F. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle component1comprises an inlet port1aand an outlet port1bconnected to the further cooling circuit10, and the flow channels or similar arrangements of the vehicle component1are connected to the inlet port1aand outlet port1bfor enabling a flow of heat transfer fluid F through the vehicle component1.

The valve unit May4have any suitable configuration for controlling the flow of heat transfer fluid F to and from the vehicle component1. As shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1,3, and4A-4B, the valve unit4comprises a first outlet flow port6aand a first inlet flow port5aconnected to the vehicle component1. The valve unit4further comprises a second inlet flow port5band a second outlet flow port6bconnected to the main cooling circuit2, and a third inlet flow port5cand a third outlet flow port6cconnected to the temporary cooling circuit3.

In one embodiment, the valve unit4comprises a valve body4a, as shown inFIGS.5A-5B and6A-6B. The valve body4ais in the normal operational state SNarranged in a first valve position PV1, as shown inFIG.6A. In the first valve position PV1, the second inlet flow port5bis in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port6aand the second outlet flow port6bis in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port5a. The first valve position PV1is enabling a circulating flow of heat transfer fluid from the main cooling circuit2to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4and from the vehicle component1to the main cooling circuit2, as indicated with arrows inFIGS.2A and4A. In the first valve position PV1, the valve body4ais blocking fluid communication between the third inlet flow port5cand the first outlet flow port6aand blocking fluid communication between the third outlet flow port6cand the first inlet flow port5a. In this way, flow from the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1is prevented.

The valve body4ais in the redundant operational state SRis arranged in a second valve position PV2, as shown inFIG.6B. In the second valve position PV2, the third inlet flow port5cis in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port6aand the third outlet flow port6cis in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port5a. The second valve position PV2is enabling a circulating flow of heat transfer fluid from the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1via the valve unit4and from the vehicle component1to the temporary cooling circuit3, as indicated with arrows inFIGS.2B and4B. In the second valve position PV2, the valve body4ais blocking fluid communication between the second inlet flow port5band the first outlet flow port6aand blocking fluid communication between the second outlet flow port6band the first inlet flow port5a. In this way, flow from the main cooling circuit2to the vehicle component1is prevented.

The valve body4aof the valve unit4may be connected to an actuator or similar device for displacing the valve body4abetween the first valve position PV1and the second valve position PV2. However, in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.5A-5B and6A-6B, the valve unit4is configured as a pressure operated passive valve, where the valve body4ais arranged as a flap member operated by fluid pressure. The valve unit4of the illustrated embodiment comprises a first chamber11aand a second chamber11b, as shown inFIG.5A. The first chamber11aand the second chamber11bare separated from each other and there is thus no fluid transport between the chambers. The first chamber11ais in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port5a, second outlet flow port6b, and third outlet flow port6c. The second chamber11bis in fluid communication with the second inlet flow port5b, third inlet flow port5c, and first outlet flow port6a.

The valve body4amay be constructed with a flap configuration, where the valve body4ais configured for pivoting around a shaft structure4bupon displacement between a first valve position PV1and a second valve position PV2.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.5B, the valve body4ahas a dual flap configuration with a first valve flap4a1and a second valve flap4a2. The first valve flap4a1and a second valve flap4a2are connected to each other via a shaft structure4b, and the valve body4awith the valve flaps is pivoting around the shaft structure4bupon displacement between the first valve position PV1and second valve position PV2.

In the first valve position PV1the valve body4ais arranged in a first angular position, and in the second valve position PV2the valve body4ais arranged in a second angular position, as understood fromFIGS.6A-6B. As an example, the angular difference of the valve body4abetween the first valve position PV1and the second valve position PV2may be in the range 10-180°, preferably in the range 20-45°.

The valve unit4is arranged in the first valve position PV1as shown inFIG.6Ain the normal operational state SNduring normal operation conditions of the vehicle. Upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit2, the temporary cooling circuit3is activated for cooling the vehicle component1in the redundant operational state SR. Fluid pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit3is operating the valve unit4to connect the temporary cooling circuit3into fluid communication with the vehicle component1and disconnect the main cooling circuit2from fluid communication with the vehicle component1. The pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit3is established by operating the pump9and the established pressure in the temporary cooling circuit3is forcing the valve body4aof the valve unit4to shift position from the first valve position PV1to the second valve position PV2. It should be understood that the pressure in the main cooling circuit2upon malfunction may decrease due to the occurred leakage or blockage, and a higher pressure in the temporary cooling circuit3than in the main cooling circuit2is forcing the valve body4ato shift from the first valve position PV1to the second valve position PV2. Upon malfunction of the main cooling circuit2, for example if a blockage occurs, the circulation pump2amay be shut off to reduce pressure in the main cooling circuit2.

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 SNthe main cooling circuit2is cooling the vehicle component1, as shown inFIGS.2A and4A, and the temporary cooling circuit3is disconnected from the vehicle component1. In the normal operational state SN, the main cooling circuit2is arranged in fluid communication with the vehicle component1via the valve unit4, and the temporary cooling circuit3is disconnected from fluid communication with the vehicle component1by the valve unit4.

With the configuration of the valve unit4illustrated inFIGS.5A-5B and6A-6B, the valve body4ais arranged in a first valve position PV1in the normal operational state SN, and in the first valve position PV1the second inlet flow port5bis in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port6aand the second outlet flow port6bis in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port5a. In the first valve position PV1, the fluid communication between the third inlet flow port5cand the first outlet flow port6ais blocked by the valve unit4and the fluid communication between the third outlet flow port6cand the first inlet flow port5ais blocked by the valve body4a. The valve unit4is fully separating the main cooling circuit2from the temporary cooling circuit3in the normal operational state SN.

When a malfunction of the main cooling circuit2occurs, such as a leakage or a blockage, the malfunction is detected by the at least one sensor7. Upon detection of the malfunction by the at least one sensor7, the cooling system S is changing from the normal operational state SNto the redundant operational state SR, as shown inFIGS.2B and4B. When changing from the normal operational state SNto the redundant operational state SR, the temporary cooling circuit3is instead cooling the vehicle component1, and the malfunctioning main cooling circuit2is disconnected from the vehicle component1. Thus, in the redundant operational state SRthe temporary cooling circuit3is arranged in fluid communication with the vehicle component1via the valve unit4, and the temporary cooling circuit3is activated for cooling the vehicle component1. The activation of the temporary cooling circuit3includes activation of the pump9for circulating heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit3to the vehicle component1and through the storage unit8. The pump9is in this way activated upon detection of the malfunction of the main cooling circuit2. The stored volume of heat transfer fluid F in the storage volume8is arranged as a thermal buffer for cooling the vehicle component1in the redundant operational state SR, and the heat transfer fluid F in the storage volume8is drawn into the conduits of the temporary cooling circuit3and transported to the vehicle component1for cooling the vehicle component1. Further in the redundant operational state SR, the main cooling circuit2is disconnected from fluid communication with the vehicle component1by the valve unit4. With the configuration of the valve unit4illustrated inFIGS.5A-5B and6A-6B, the valve body4ais arranged in the second valve position PV2in the redundant operational state SR, and in the second valve position PV2the third inlet flow port5cis in fluid communication with the first outlet flow port6aand the third outlet flow port6cis in fluid communication with the first inlet flow port5a. In the second valve position PV2, the fluid communication between the second inlet flow port5band the first outlet flow port6ais blocked by the valve unit4and the fluid communication between the second outlet flow port6band the first inlet flow port5ais blocked by the valve body4a. The valve unit4is fully separating the temporary cooling circuit3from the main cooling circuit2in the redundant operational state SR.

As described above, the valve unit4is configured as a pressure operated passive valve, and the valve unit4is operated by pressure from circulated heat transfer fluid F in the temporary cooling circuit3upon activation of the temporary cooling circuit3for cooling the vehicle component1in the redundant operational state SR. In this way, the valve unit4is connecting the temporary cooling circuit3into fluid communication with the vehicle component1and disconnecting the main cooling circuit2from fluid communication with the vehicle component1.

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 component1a: Inlet port1b: Outlet port2: Main cooling circuit2a: Circulation pump2b: Heat exchanger2c: Expansion bottle3: Temporary cooling circuit4: Valve unit4a: Valve body4a1: First valve flap4a2: Second valve flap4b: Shaft structure5a: First inlet flow port5b: Second inlet flow port5c: Third inlet flow port6a: First outlet flow port6b: Second outlet flow port6c: Third outlet flow port7: Sensor8: Storage unit8a: Flow inlet8b: Flow outlet9: Pump10: Further cooling circuit11a: First chamber11b: Second chamberF: Heat transfer fluidS: Cooling systemPV1: First valve positionPV2: Second valve positionSN: Normal operational stateSR: Redundant operational state