TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

A temperature control device may include a temperature control structure through which a fluid is flowable and which may have at least one first conduit wall defining an interior, and at least one thermoelectric module arranged on the first conduit wall on a side facing away from the interior. The thermoelectric module may have at least two element rows, each having at least two thermoelectric elements. The element rows may extend along an extension direction. At least two fluid channels may be provided in the temperature control structure, one fluid channel for each element row such that each fluid channel may be thermally coupled to an associated element row. In at least one fluid channel, a valve may be provided, the valve being adjustable between a closed position, in which the valve may close the fluid channel, and an open position, in which the valve may release the fluid channel.

Claims

1. A temperature control device for controlling a temperature of at least one energy supply unit, comprising: a temperature control structure through which a fluid is flowable, the temperature control structure having at least one first conduit wall defining an interior; at least one thermoelectric module arranged on the at least one first conduit wall on a side facing away from the interior; wherein the at least one thermoelectric module at least two element rows each having at least two thermoelectric elements; wherein the at least two element rows each extends along an extension direction; wherein at least two fluid channels are provided in the temperature control structure, one fluid channel for each element row such that each fluid channel is thermally coupled to an associated element row; and wherein in at least one fluid channel a valve is provided, the valve being adjustable between a closed position, in which the valve closes the fluid channel, and an open position, in which the valve releases the fluid channel in order for the fluid to flow through.

2. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein: the element row associated with the at least one fluid channel with a valve is provided with an electric actuator therein, the electric actuator being electrically connected with the at least two thermoelectric elements of the associated element row; and the electric actuator cooperates with the associated valve such that in a first operating state, the electric actuator adjusts the associated valve into the open position, and in a second operating state, the electric actuator adjusts the associated valve into the closed position.

3. The temperature control device according to claim 2, wherein: the electric actuator is connected electrically in series to the at least two thermoelectric elements and the electric actuator includes an electric coil element, which in the first operating state is flowed through by electric current, but not in the second operating state.

4. The temperature control device according to claim 2, wherein: the electric actuator is constructed to cooperate with the associated valve in a contactless manner for adjusting between the open position and the closed position.

5. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein: the valve includes a spring-elastic element prestressed against one of the open position and the closed position.

6. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the valve is a microvalve.

7. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least two thermoelectric elements of an element row are arranged substantially in a straight line along a longitudinal direction; the at least two element rows are arranged adjacently to one another along a transverse direction running transversely to the longitudinal direction; the thermoelectric elements of an element row are arranged along a vertical direction, which runs orthogonally to the longitudinal direction and to the transverse direction, between a first electrically insulating insulation element and a second electrically insulating insulation element; and the second electrically insulating insulation element is arranged in the vertical direction between the at least two thermoelectric elements and the first conduit wall.

8. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein: the temperature control structure is a flat pipe in which the at least two fluid channels are provided and which with a side facing the at least one thermoelectric module lies in a planar manner on the fluid channels; and the at least two fluid channels each extends along the extension direction, and each fluid channel runs along a vertical direction at a distance from and substantially parallel to the associated element row.

9. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein: in each element row associated with a fluid channel having a valve, an electric switch and an electric actuator are provided, the electric switch being able to be switched between a closed state and an open state; the electric switch is connected electrically in series to the electric actuator provided in the associated element row, and to the at least two thermoelectric elements; and the electric switch and the electric actuator cooperate such that a switching of the electric switch into the closed state brings about a switching of the electric actuator into a first operating state, in which the electric actuator adjusts the associated valve into the open position, and a switching of the electric switch into the open state brings about a switching of the electric actuator into a second operating state, in which the electric actuator adjusts the associated valve into the closed position.

10. The temperature control device according to claim 9, wherein the electric switch includes a semiconductor switch.

11. The temperature control device according to claim 9, wherein: the at least one thermoelectric module includes at least one temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a battery cell, which is able to be thermally coupled to the at least one thermoelectric module; and a control unit is provided, the control unit cooperating with at least one switch and with the at least one temperature sensor, the control unit switching the at least one switch as a function of the temperature measured by the at least one temperature sensor between the open and the closed state.

12. The temperature control device according to claim 11, wherein: for at least one element row, at least one temperature sensor is provided for measuring the temperature of a battery cell, which is able to be thermally coupled to the associated element row; and the control unit is constructed in such a way that the switch associated with a particular element row is actuated by the control unit as a function of the temperature measured by the at least one temperature sensor.

13. The temperature control device according to claim 7, wherein: the at least two thermoelectric elements are arranged substantially in a straight line adjacent to one another along the longitudinal direction; and the at least two element rows are arranged adjacently to one another along the transverse direction.

14. A battery arrangement, comprising: a temperature control device including: a temperature control structure through which a fluid is flowable, the temperature control structure having at least one first conduit wall defining an interior; at least one thermoelectric module arranged on the at least one first conduit wall on a side facing away from the interior; wherein the at least one thermoelectric module has at least two element rows each having at least two thermoelectric elements; wherein the at least two element rows each extends along an extension direction; wherein at least two fluid channels are provided in the temperature control structure, one fluid channel for each element row such that each fluid channel is thermally coupled to an associated element row; and wherein in at least one fluid channel a valve is provided, the valve being adjustable between a closed position, in which the valve closes the fluid channel, and an open position, in which the valve releases the fluid channel in order for the fluid to flow through; and a battery including at least one battery cell, wherein the at least one battery cell on a side facing away from the temperature control structure is arranged on the temperature control structure.

15. The battery arrangement according to claim 14, wherein: the at least one thermoelectric module includes at least two thermoelectric modules; the at least one battery cell includes at least two battery cells; and each battery cell includes a housing with a housing wall, by which the battery cell is connected mechanically and thermally to an associated one of the at least two thermoelectric modules.

16. The battery arrangement according to claim 14, wherein: the battery includes a plurality of battery cells, and for each battery cell, one thermoelectric module is provided and connected mechanically and thermally to the associated battery cell.

17. The battery arrangement according to claim 16, further comprising at least one temperature sensor for each pair of a battery cell and associated thermoelectric module.

18. The battery arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the temperature control device includes: a control unit; and an electric switch in each element row associated with a fluid channel having a valve element; wherein the control unit switches the electric switch between a closed state and an open state as a function of a temperature of the at least one battery cell.

19. The temperature control device according to claim 3, wherein the electric actuator is constructed to cooperate with the associated valve in a contactless manner for adjusting between the open position and the closed position.

20. A temperature control device comprising: a temperature control structure through which a fluid is flowable, the temperature control structure having at least one first conduit wall defining an interior; at least one thermoelectric module arranged on the at least one first conduit wall on a side facing away from the interior; wherein the at least one thermoelectric module has at least two element rows each having at least two thermoelectric elements; wherein the at least two element rows each extends along an extension direction; wherein at least two fluid channels are provided in the temperature control structure, one fluid channel for each element row such that each fluid channel is thermally coupled to an associated element row; wherein in each fluid channel a valve is provided, the valve being adjustable between a closed position, in which the valve closes the fluid channel, and an open position, in which the valve releases the fluid channel in order for the fluid to flow through; wherein each element row is provided with an electric actuator and an electric switch; wherein the electric actuator is electrically connected with the at least two thermoelectric elements of the associated element row, the electric actuator cooperating with the associated valve such that in a first operating state, the electric actuator adjusts the associated valve into the open position, and in a second operating state, the electric actuator adjusts the associated valve into the closed position; and wherein the electric switch is switchable between a closed state and an open state, is connected electrically in series to the electric actuator and the at least two thermoelectric elements, and cooperates with the electric actuator such that a switching of the electric switch into the closed state brings about a switching of the electric actuator into the first operating state, and a switching of the electric switch into the open state brings about a switching of the electric actuator into the second operating state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] There are shown, respectively diagrammatically

[0043] FIG. 1 an example of a temperature control device according to the invention for controlling temperature, in a longitudinal section,

[0044] FIG. 2 the temperature control device of FIG. 1 in a cross-section along the section line II-II in FIG. 1,

[0045] FIG. 3 the temperature control device of FIG. 1 in a cross-section along the section line III-III of FIG. 2,

[0046] FIG. 4 a battery arrangement according to the invention, with twelve to be temperature-controlled 4, in a cross-section along the section line IV-IV of FIG. 5,

[0047] FIG. 5 the battery arrangement 24 of FIG. 4 in a cross-section along the section line V-V of FIG. 4,

[0048] FIG. 6 a detail illustration of FIG. 4 in the region of three adjacent battery cells or respectively three adjacent thermoelectric modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a temperature control device 1 according to the invention for temperature control, in a longitudinal section. The temperature control device 1 serves for controlling the temperature of at least one electrochemical energy supply unit in the form of a battery 23 with at least one battery cell 2. The temperature control device 1 comprises a temperature control structure 3 through which a fluid can flow, the interior 4 of which is delimited by a first and second conduit wall 5a, 5b. In the example of FIG. 1, the conduit walls 5a, 5b lie opposite one another. The temperature control device 1 further comprises a thermoelectric module 6, which is arranged on a side 7 on the first conduit wall 5a of the temperature control structure 3 facing away from the interior 4 of the temperature control structure 3. The thermoelectric module 6 can be fastened to the temperature control structure 3 by means of a contact layer 28 of a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows the temperature control device 1 of FIG. 1 in a cross-section along the section line II-II of FIG. 1. It can be seen that the thermoelectric module 6 in the example has five element rows 8a-8e with respectively several thermoelectric elements 9a-9e. The structure of the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e, which comprise a thermoelectrically active material, is known to the relevant specialist in the art, so that the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e are only sketched roughly diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0051] The individual element rows 8a-8e extend respectively along a shared extension direction E. The thermoelectric elements 9a-9e of each element row 8a-8e are connected electrically to one another in series for the formation of a respective electric line branch 10a-10e. In other words, the thermoelectric elements 9a of the first element row 8a form a first electric line branch 10a, the thermoelectric elements 9b of the second element row 8b form a second electric line branch 10b etc.

[0052] The individual element rows 8a-8e or respectively line branches 10a-10e can be electrically connected to one another in a parallel manner by means of electric connecting elements 33a, 33b, as shown in FIG. 1. Via the electric connecting elements 33a, 33b, the element rows 8a-8e can be electrically connected to an external electrical energy course (not shown). It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e of each element row 8a-8e are arranged substantially in a straight line along a longitudinal direction L and adjacent to one another with respect to a transverse direction Q running orthogonally to the longitudinal direction. In the example of the figures, the extension direction E is identical to the longitudinal direction L. With a non-rectilinear construction of an element row 8a-8e, the extension direction E can, however, also vary along the element row 8a-8e.

[0053] According to FIG. 1, an individual fluid channel 16a-16e is provided in the interior 4 of the temperature control structure 3 for each element row 8a-8e. In the sectional illustration of FIG. 1, only the fluid channel 16a and the element row 8a associated with this channel 16a are shown. FIG. 3, on the other hand, shows the temperature control device 1 in a cross-section along the section line III-III of FIG. 2. In this view, the five element rows 8a-8e and five associated fluid channels 16a-16e can be seen. The arrangement of the fluid channels 16a-16e in the temperature control structure 3 relative to the element row 8a-8e takes place according to FIG. 3 such that each fluid channel 16a-16e is thermally coupled to an element row 8a-8e associated with it.

[0054] Observing now FIG. 1 again, it can be seen that in the first element row 10a, shown in FIG. 1, a first electric switching element 11a is provided, which is connected electrically in series to the thermoelectric elements 9a. Such electric switching elements 11b to 11e can also—as illustrated in FIG. 2—be provided in the other element rows 8b-8e. In simplified variants of the example, only individual element rows 8a-8e are equipped with an electric switching element 11a-11e.

[0055] The electric switching elements 11a-11e able to be switched respectively between a closed and an open state, i.e. the electric switching elements 11a-11e following the operating principle of an electric switch. In the closed state, the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e of the associated element row 8a-8e can be flowed through by an electric current from an external energy source (not shown); in the open state, this is not possible.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows that the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e of each element row 8a-8e, along a vertical direction H which runs orthogonally to the longitudinal direction L and to the transverse direction Q, are arranged in a sandwich-like manner between a first electrically insulating insulation element 12a and a second electrically insulating insulation element 12b. Here, the second insulation element 12b is arranged in vertical direction H between the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e and the first conduit wall 5a of the temperature control structure 3.

[0057] The two electrically insulating insulation elements 12a, 12b can be conventional boards in which, for example by means of a conventional etching process, conductor paths are formed in the form of copper bridges 13a, 13b. These are positioned on the sides of the insulation elements 12a, 12b facing the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e in such a way that they connect electrically with one another adjacent thermoelectric elements 9a-9e, along the extension direction E, of the same line branch 10a-10e or respectively of the same element row 8a-8e (cf. FIG. 1). Such boards can comprise one or several glass fibre reinforced plastic layer(s). The individual plastic layers of the board can have respectively layer thicknesses between 50 μm and 300 μm, so that a good thermal conductivity of the electric insulation elements 12a, 12b is ensured, without the necessary electrical insulation with respect to the battery cell 2 being endangered.

[0058] In order to achieve a good thermal coupling of the battery cell 2 to the thermoelectric module 6, an adapter layer 29 can be provided between the first insulation element 12a and the battery cell 2 which is to be temperature-controlled, which adapter layer comprises a heat-conducting and/or electrically insulating material. For example, the use of a thermoplastic plastic or of a film of a plastic is conceivable. With a suitable dimensioning of the adapter layer 29, it can be prevented that undesired intermediate spaces can form between the first insulation element 12a and the battery cell 2 which is to be temperature-controlled, which would reduce the thermal coupling of the battery cell 2 to the thermoelectric module 6.

[0059] According to FIG. 1, the electric switching elements 11a-11e can be provided on a side of the thermoelectric module 6 facing the temperature control structure 3. In this way, it can be largely or even entirely prevented that waste heat, generated by the electric switching elements 11a-11e during normal operation, is able to appreciably disturb the temperature control of the battery cell 2.

[0060] The thermoelectric module 1 also comprises temperature sensors 14a-14e for measuring the temperature of the battery cell 2 which is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric module 6. In the example scenario of FIG. 2, such a temperature sensor 14a-14e is provided in each element row 8a-8e. In simplified variants, however, such temperature sensors 14a-14e can also be dispensed with in one or more element rows 8a-8e. Vice versa, on the other hand, it is also conceivable to arrange more than only one temperature sensor 14a-14e in the individual element rows 8a-8e. In this case, a matrix-like arrangement of the temperature sensors 14a-14e can be expedient, in order to be able to determine the temperature in a spatially resolved manner. It basically applies here that with an increasing number of temperature sensors 14a-14e, the spatial resolution of the temperature measurement enabled by means of the temperature sensors 14a-14e can be increased.

[0061] The temperature sensors 14a-14e can be constructed as conventional temperature sensors such as for example PTC sensors, which are based on an electrical resistance measurement. Alternatively thereto, however, they can also be constructed as infrared sensors, by means of which the infrared radiation emitted by the battery cell 2 can be measured for determining temperature.

[0062] Furthermore, the temperature control device 1 comprises a control/regulation unit 15, cooperating both with the temperature sensors 14a-14e and also with the switching elements 11a-11e, which is illustrated roughly diagrammatically in FIG. 1, the illustration of which was dispensed with, however, in FIG. 2 for reasons of clarity. The control/regulation unit 15 is arranged/programmed in such a way that it switches the electric switching elements 11a-11e respectively as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 14a-14e of the same element row 8a-8e between the open and the closed state. For this, the temperature sensors 14a-14e are connected with the control/regulation unit 15 via suitable signal lines—in FIG. 1 only the signal line 30a associated with the temperature sensor 14a is shown for reasons of clarity—so that the current temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 14a can be transmitted to the control/regulation unit 15.

[0063] For activation of the electric switching elements 11a-11e, suitable electric control lines—again FIG. 1 shows only one such control line 31a for reasons of clarity—lead from the control/regulation unit 15 to the electric switching element 11a-11e. The regulation of the temperature control brought about by the temperature control device 1 can take place for example in such a way that the control/regulation unit 15 switches one or more switching elements 11a-11e into the closed state, in which the thermoelectric elements contribute to the temperature control of the battery cell 2, as soon as the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 14a-14e exceeds a predetermined first threshold, and is switched into the open state again, by the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e being switched off and not contributing to the cooling of the battery cell 2, as soon as the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 14a-14e falls below a second threshold. The second threshold can be equal to the first threshold here or, for realization of a hysteresis curve, can be smaller than the first threshold. The control/regulation unit 15 can be arranged/programmed in such a way that for the temperature sensors 14a-14e of a particular element row 8a-8e—in the simplest case a single temperature sensor 14a-14e per element row 8a-8e—and the electric switching element 11a-11e associated with these temperature sensors 14a-14e an individual temperature regulation is carried out. The temperature sensors 14a-14e, in connection with the common control/regulation unit 15 and the electric switching elements 11a-11e, permit a regulation of the heating- or respectively cooling power provided by the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e arranged in the element rows 8a-8e or respectively in the line branches 10a-10e, as a function of the temperature of the battery cell 2 coupled to these thermoelectric elements 9a-9e. This leads to an improved, homogenized temperature control of the battery cells 2 of the battery 23 by the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e.

[0064] The electric switching elements 11a-11e can comprise a semiconductor switch, in particular a thyristor. By means of such a semiconductor switch, the controllability of the electric switching element, necessary for the realizing of the temperature regulation explained above, can be ensured in a simple manner by the control/regulation unit 15. The use of a thyristor is recommended, because the latter is suitable to a considerable extent for controlling high electric currents which are necessary for the operation of thermoelectric elements 9a-9e.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows the temperature control device 1 in a cross-section along the section line III-III of FIG. 2. As already explained, not only a single fluid channel 16a is formed in the interior 4 of the temperature control structure 3, but rather an individual fluid channel 16a-16e is provided for each element row 8a-8e. The arrangement of the fluid channels 16a-16e in the temperature control structure 3 takes place in such a way that each fluid channel 16a-16e is thermally coupled to an element row 8a-8e associated with it.

[0066] Particularly expediently, the temperature control structure 3 can be constructed, as shown in FIG. 3, as a flat pipe 21, in which the fluid channels 16a-16e are formed by means of suitable dividing walls 22, and are separated fluidically from one another. The first conduit wall 5a lies here, with its side 7 facing the thermoelectric module 6, in a planar manner against the second insulation element 12b. Between the second electric insulation element 12b realized as a board and the first conduit wall 5a, a contact layer 28 of a heat-conducting adhesive can be provided. This leads to an advantageous thermal contact, over a large area, of the fluid channels 16a-16e of the flat pipe 21 with the thermoelectric module 6.

[0067] As FIG. 3 shows in addition, the fluid channels 16a-16e and the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e of the element rows 8a-8e extend respectively along the already established extension direction E, which in the example scenario is identical to the longitudinal direction L. With respect to the likewise already defined vertical direction H, which runs orthogonally both to the extension direction E or respectively longitudinal direction L and also to the transverse direction Q, each fluid channel 16a-16e therefore runs at a distance from the element row 8a-8e associated with it and parallel thereto.

[0068] Observing FIG. 1 again now, in which only the fluid channel 16a associated with the first element row 8a is shown, it will be seen that a valve element 17a essential to the invention is provided in the fluid channel 8a. This valve element is able to be switched between a closed position, shown in FIG. 1, in which it closes the fluid channel 17a, and an open position (not shown), in which it releases the fluid channel 16a in order for the fluid to flow through.

[0069] Preferably the valve element 17a-17e is arranged, in particular along the extension direction E, in the region of a respective actuator element 18a-18e. In this way, the desired coupling between valve element and actuator element can be realized particularly effectively.

[0070] According to FIG. 1, in the element row 8a which is associated with the fluid channel 16a having the valve element 17a, an electric actuator element 18a, cooperating with this valve element 17a, is also provided. This actuator element is, in turn, electrically connected to the thermoelectric elements 9a of the element row 8a and is connected electrically in series thereto. Particularly preferably, the actuator element 18a-18e is arranged electrically between two thermoelectric elements 9a-9e, therefore connected electrically in series between two thermoelectric elements 9a-9e. In this way, the required installation space for accommodating the respective actuator element 18a-18e can be kept small.

[0071] The electric actuator element 18a has two operating states and cooperates with the valve element 17a in such a way that in a first operating state it adjusts the valve element 17a into the open position. Accordingly, in a second operating state the actuator element 18a adjusts the valve element 17a into the closed position. For this, the actuator element 18a can comprise, for example, an electric coil element 19a, sketched only roughly diagrammatically in FIG. 1, which is connected electrically in series to the thermoelectric elements 9a of the element row 8a and in its first operating state is flowed through by electric current, but not in its second operating state. In a variant, also, an inverse relationship can be realized between the two operating states of the actuator element 18a and the two positions of the valve element 17a associated with the actuator element 18a.

[0072] Such a cooperation of actuator element 18a and valve element 17a makes it possible to couple the thermoelectric elements 9a of the element row 8a with the valve element 17a of the fluid channel 16a associated with this element row 8a. Therefore, the heating- or cooling power generated by the thermoelectric elements 9a can also be coupled with the heating- or respectively cooling power generated by the fluid flowing through the fluid channel 16a.

[0073] The switching of the actuator element 18a between its two operating states takes place in the example scenario of the figures indirectly by switching of the electric switching element 11a between the open and the closed state. Therefore, the fluid channel 16a, which is able to be “connected” by means of the valve element 17a, can be included into the temperature regulation explained above. In the closed state of the electric switching element 11a, an electric current flow is therefore possible through the thermoelectric elements 9a and therefore also through the electric actuator element 18a. The electric actuator element 18a is therefore then situated in its first operating state, in which it brings about an adjustment of the valve element 17a into the open position.

[0074] When the electric switching element 11a is switched into the open state, this leads to an interruption of the electric current flow through the thermoelectric elements 9a of the element row 8a and also through the electric actuator element 18a, so that the latter is switched into its first operating state. Consequently also the valve element 17a is also switched into the closed state, in which a flowing through of the fluid channel 16a with a fluid is prevented.

[0075] The opening of the fluid channel 16a by the valve element 17a, accompanying the first operating state of the actuator element 18a, can take place as follows in the case of the construction of the actuator element 18a as an electric coil element 19a, shown in the example: By the electric current flow through the coil element 19a, a magnetic field is generated, which in turn brings about an adjustment of the valve element 17a into the open position. For this, the valve element 17a can comprise a spring-elastic element 20a in the form of a leaf spring, which is prestressed against the closed position. When the spring-elastic element 20a has magnetic properties, the spring-elastic element 20a is moved into the open position with the aid of the magnetic field generated by the actuator element 18a.

[0076] A switching off of the electric current by means of the actuator element 18a by opening of the electric switching element 11a also results in a switching off of the magnetic field generated by the coil element 19a. The prestressed spring-elastic element then moves again back into the closed position, in which it closes the fluid channel 16a.

[0077] Of course, in a variant of the example, a prestressing of the spring-elastic element 20a into the open position is also conceivable.

[0078] In the scenario presented above, the electric actuator element 18a is constructed in such a way that it cooperates by means of magnetic coupling in a contactless manner with the valve element 17a for adjusting between the open and the closed position.

[0079] Alternatively to the construction as a spring-elastic element 20a, it is also conceivable to realize the valve element 17a in the form of a microvalve, which is then to be coupled electrically with the actuator element 18a.

[0080] The cooperation, explained above, of electric switching element 11a, electric actuator element 18a and valve element 17a within the scope of the invention presented here is not limited only to the first element row 8a and to the fluid channel 16a associated with this element row 8a; rather, it proves to be advantageous that at least two—particularly preferably all—element rows 8a-8a are provided with corresponding actuator elements 18a-18e, for example in the form of electric coil elements 19a-e, and in the corresponding fluid channels 16a-16e also respectively valve elements 17a-17e are provided for example in the form of spring-elastic components 20a-20e. In other words: The above explanations regarding the first element row 18a and the associated fluid channel 16a also apply mutatis mutandis for the remaining element rows 8b-8e and the corresponding fluid channels 16b-16e.

[0081] Particularly preferably, the respective electric switching element 11a-11e is arranged electrically between two thermoelectric elements 9a-9e. In this way, the required electric wiring outlay for the thermoelectric elements 9a-9e can be kept small.

[0082] The temperature control device 1 presented above is also suitable for the temperature control of a battery 23 with more than a single battery cell 2. The temperature control device 1 and at least two battery cells 2 as part of a battery 23 together form here a battery arrangement 24.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows such a battery arrangement 24 with, by way of example, twelve battery cells 2 which are to be temperature-controlled, which together form a battery 23, along a section line IV-IV of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows the battery arrangement 24 of FIG. 4 in a cross-section along the section line V-V of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 shows a detail illustration of FIG. 4.

[0084] It can be seen that the temperature control device 1 for each battery cell 2 comprises its own thermoelectric module 6. The thermoelectric modules 6, just like the battery cells 2, are arranged adjacently to one another along the transverse direction Q. Each battery cell 2 comprises a housing 26 with a housing wall 27, by means of which the battery cell 2 is connected mechanically and thermally with the thermoelectric module 6 associated with it.

[0085] It can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5 that the flat pipe 21 for each thermoelectric module 6 has its own temperature control structure 3 with an interior 4. The interiors 4 can be connected with one another via suitable fluid line structures, for example via a collector 32 shown in FIG. 5, in such a way that the fluid is distributed to the interiors 4 of the temperature control structures 3 via a common inlet 25a provided on the collector 32, and leaves these interiors again via a common outlet 25b, likewise provided on the collector 32.

[0086] Possible technical realizations of the conduction of the flow through the collector 32, the flat pipes 21, the interiors 4 formed therein and the fluid channels 16a-16e, formed in turn in an interior 4, are familiar to the specialist in the art and are therefore not to be explained in further detail here.

[0087] It can be seen from the detail illustration of FIG. 6 that the three temperature control structures 3, shown by way of example in this figure and constructed as flat pipes 21, with their interiors 4, can be constructed respectively in an analogous manner to the temperature control device 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3. Thus, FIG. 6 shows that in the respective interior 4 of each of the three flat pipes 21 five fluid channels 16a-16e are formed, which can be closed by a respective valve element 17a-17e. In FIG. 6, some valve elements 17a-e are illustrated by way of example in the closed position, and some in the open position.

[0088] As already mentioned, the modular design presented above permits the temperature control of a battery 23 with any desired number of battery cells 2. In a preferred variant of the battery arrangement 24 presented here, the battery 23 therefore comprises a plurality of battery cells 2.

[0089] In a particularly preferred variant of the battery arrangement 24, for each pair of a battery cell 2 and thermoelectric module 6 respectively at least one temperature sensor 14a-14e can be provided. This permits a particularly accurate temperature measurement of the temperature of the individual battery cells 2 and therefore also an individual temperature control of the battery cells 2. For this, the temperature regulation carried out by the control/regulation unit 15 can switch the switching elements 11a-11e of a respective thermoelectric module 6 as a function of the temperature between their closed and open state, which is able to be determined by the at least one temperature sensor 14a-14e associated with this thermoelectric module 6. The switching of the electric switching elements 11a-11e is then accompanied by a switching on and off of the element row 8a-8e having the respective switching element 11a-11e, and of the valve elements 17a-17e associated with the element rows 8a-8e via respective actuator elements 18a-18e.