Heat pump system for vehicle

Abstract

A heat pump system for a vehicle capable of performing cooling or heating of a vehicle interior by using a natural refrigerant and efficiently adjusting a temperature of a battery module by using one cooler at which the refrigerant exchanges heat with a coolant. The system includes an air conditioning unit having a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first expansion valve, and a third heat exchanger connected by a refrigerant line to circulate refrigerant through the refrigerant line. The system also includes a cooler connected to the refrigerant line by a first connection line. The cooler is configured to adjust a temperature of a coolant by heat exchanging the coolant with a refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning unit.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0047977, filed on April 9, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle that can cool or heat the vehicle interior by using a natural refrigerant and efficiently adjust the temperature of a battery module by using a chiller where the refrigerant and coolant exchange heat. Background Art

[0004] Generally, an air conditioning system for a vehicle includes an air conditioning unit that circulates a refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0005] An air conditioning unit, which is used to maintain a suitable temperature inside a vehicle regardless of changes in the outside temperature, is configured to heat or cool the vehicle interior. This is achieved by exchanging heat using a condenser and an evaporator in the following process: refrigerant discharged from a driving compressor circulates through the condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, and evaporator, and then returns to the compressor.

[0006] In other words, in summer cooling mode, the air conditioning unit reduces the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle by condensing the high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant compressed from the compressor by the condenser, passing the refrigerant through the receiver-drier and the expansion valve, and then evaporating the refrigerant in the evaporator.

[0007] Environmentally friendly vehicle technology is a core technology for the future automotive industry. Advanced automakers have focused their efforts on developing environmentally friendly vehicles to meet or satisfy environmental and fuel efficiency regulations.

[0008] Recently, in response to the increasing interest in energy efficiency and environmental pollution, the development of environmentally friendly vehicles that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles is desirable. Environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles driven by fuel cells or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles driven by an engine and a battery.

[0009] Electric vehicles have attracted much attention as a means of transportation to solve environmental and energy problems in the future.

[0010] A heat pump system, which is an air-conditioning device for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle, is applied to such electric vehicles.

[0011] However, refrigerants commonly used in heat pump systems contain a large amount of environmentally friendly materials such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Therefore, there is a need to develop a system that can control the temperature inside a vehicle by using new refrigerants or natural refrigerants that are free of PFAS and flammability issues.

[0012] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure. Therefore, this Background section may contain information that does not constitute prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The present disclosure provides a heat pump system for a vehicle designed to perform cooling or heating of the vehicle interior by using a natural refrigerant to address environmental regulations and efficiently regulating the temperature of a battery module using a chiller where a refrigerant exchanges heat with a coolant.

[0014] In addition, by applying R744 refrigerant, which is a natural refrigerant using carbon dioxide, the heat pump system is designed to operate not only in a supercritical region where the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are higher than a threshold pressure and temperature, but also in a subcritical region, thereby maximizing cooling and heating performance.

[0015] A heat pump system for a vehicle may include an air conditioning unit having a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first expansion valve, and a third heat exchanger connected by a refrigerant line to circulate refrigerant through the refrigerant line. The heat pump system also includes a chiller connected to the refrigerant line via a first connecting line. The chiller is configured to adjust the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat with refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit may include a control device disposed on the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The air conditioning unit may also include a second connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the compressor and the first heat exchanger and a second end connected to the control device. The air conditioning unit may also include a third connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger. The air conditioning unit may also include a fourth connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor. The air conditioning unit may further include a fifth connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0016] The air conditioning unit may further include: a sixth connecting line, a first end of which is connected to the third connecting line and a second end of which is connected to the first end of the fourth connecting line; a first valve provided on the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor; a second valve provided on the third connecting line; a third valve provided on the fifth connecting line; a fourth valve provided on the sixth connecting line; a second expansion valve provided on the first connecting line; and a third expansion valve provided on the fourth connecting line.

[0017] The air conditioning unit may further include an accumulator provided on the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor, and an internal heat exchanger provided within the accumulator. The internal heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied from the second heat exchanger and the refrigerant supplied from the third heat exchanger, and to supply the refrigerant having a higher temperature among the heat-exchanged refrigerants to the third heat exchanger.

[0018] When cooling of the battery module is required in a cooling mode for the vehicle interior, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor and the first heat exchanger and a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first heat exchanger and the control device can be closed by operating the control device. The first connecting line can be opened by operating the second expansion valve, the second connecting line can be opened by operating the control device, the third connecting line can be closed by operating the second valve, the fourth connecting line can be closed by operating the third expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be closed by operating the third valve, and the sixth connecting line can be closed by operating the fourth valve.

[0019] The first expansion valve may be configured to expand refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the third heat exchanger. The second expansion valve may be configured to expand refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the cooler to cool the battery module using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant at the cooler.

[0020] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be introduced into the control device along the second connecting line. The refrigerant discharged from the control device can be introduced into the second heat exchanger. A portion of the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger can be introduced into the cooler along the first connecting line. The remaining refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger can be introduced into the first expansion valve along the refrigerant line. The refrigerant discharged from the cooler and the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger can be supplied to the compressor after passing through the internal heat exchanger and the accumulator along the refrigerant line.

[0021] In heating mode of the vehicle interior, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line to the second end of the third connecting line can be closed by operating the first expansion valve. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the third connecting line to the control device can be closed by operating the control device. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the control device and the second end of the fifth connecting line can be closed by operating the control device. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line and the second end of the first connecting line can be closed by operating the first valve. The first connecting line can be opened by operating the second expansion valve, the second connecting line can be closed by operating the control device, the third connecting line can be opened by operating the second valve, the fourth connecting line can be opened by operating the third expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be opened by operating the third valve, and the sixth connecting line can be closed by operating the fourth valve.

[0022] The third expansion valve may be configured to expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the second heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger, and the cooler, respectively.

[0023] Part of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger to the fourth connecting line may be introduced into the second heat exchanger, and the remaining refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger to the fourth connecting line may be introduced into the internal heat exchanger.

[0024] Part of the refrigerant discharged from the third expansion valve may be introduced into the cooler after passing through the internal heat exchanger along the refrigerant line. The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger and the cooler may be supplied to the compressor after passing through the internal heat exchanger and the accumulator.

[0025] The second expansion valve may be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line to the cooler without expansion.

[0026] In the vehicle interior heating and dehumidification modes, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line and the second end of the third connecting line can be opened by operating the first expansion valve. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the third connecting line and the second heat exchanger can be closed by operating the control device. The refrigerant line connecting the third heat exchanger and the accumulator can be opened by operating the first valve. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second heat exchanger and the internal heat exchanger can be closed. The first connecting line can be closed by operating the second expansion valve, the second connecting line can be closed by operating the control device, a portion of the third connecting line connecting the first end of the third connecting line to the sixth connecting line can be opened, a portion of the third connecting line connecting the second end of the third connecting line to the first end of the sixth connecting line can be closed by operating the second valve, the fourth connecting line can be closed by operating the third expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be closed by operating the third valve, and the sixth connecting line can be opened by operating the fourth valve.

[0027] The first expansion valve may be configured to expand refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger through the third connection line, the sixth connection line, and the refrigerant line. The first expansion valve may also be configured to supply the expanded refrigerant to the third heat exchanger.

[0028] The second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger may be configured to cool or evaporate the refrigerant introduced into the inside.

[0029] The first end of the first connecting line may be connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the first expansion valve. The second end of the first connecting line may be connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor. The second end of the second connecting line may be connected to the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0030] The control device may include a first control valve provided on the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a second control valve provided on the second connecting line. The second control valve may be configured to control the flow of refrigerant flowing through the second connecting line.

[0031] The control device may include a first control valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a second control valve disposed on the second connecting line. The second control valve may be configured to selectively expand the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting line. A fifth valve may be disposed on the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the second end of the fifth connecting line.

[0032] In the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line to the second end of the third connecting line can be closed by operating the first expansion valve. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the third connecting line to the control device can be closed by operating the control device. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the control device to the second end of the fifth connecting line can be opened by operating the control device. A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line to the second end of the first connecting line can be closed by operating the first valve. A portion of the refrigerant line connected from the second end of the fifth connecting line to the first end of the fourth connecting line via the second heat exchanger can be closed by operating the fifth valve. The first connecting line can be opened by operating the second expansion valve, the second connecting line can be opened by operating the control device, the third connecting line can be opened by operating the second valve, the fourth connecting line can be opened by operating the third expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be opened by operating the third valve, and the sixth connecting line can be closed by operating the fourth valve.

[0033] Part of the refrigerant supplied from the compressor may be introduced into the first heat exchanger along the refrigerant line. The remaining refrigerant supplied from the compressor may be introduced into the control device along the second connecting line. The control device may be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced into the second connecting line, such that the expanded refrigerant flows along the fifth connecting line. The third expansion valve may be configured to expand the refrigerant, such that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the internal heat exchanger and the cooler, respectively. The second expansion valve may be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line to the cooler without expanding it.

[0034] The refrigerant may be R744 refrigerant formed from carbon dioxide.

[0035] The cooler may be connected to the electric component and the battery module through a first line and a second line through which a coolant circulates.

[0036] The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger may be air-cooled gas coolers that exchange heat between the refrigerant introduced into the interior and the air. The cooler may be a water-cooled gas cooler that exchanges heat between the refrigerant introduced into the interior and the coolant.

[0037] The first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve may be electronic expansion valves that selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the refrigerant.

[0038] As described above, according to the embodiments of the heat pump system for a vehicle, by performing cooling or heating of the vehicle interior using a natural refrigerant, it is possible to cope with environmental regulations and improve the overall marketability of the vehicle.

[0039] In addition, according to the present disclosure, when cooling and heating the interior of a vehicle, by applying R744 refrigerant, which is a natural refrigerant using carbon dioxide, the cooling and heating performance can be maximized by operating the system not only in a supercritical region where the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are higher than threshold pressure and temperature, but also in a subcritical region.

[0040] In addition, according to the present disclosure, by using a single cooler that exchanges heat between a coolant and a refrigerant according to a mode of a vehicle, the temperature of the battery module is efficiently adjusted, and thus, streamlining and simplification of the system can be achieved.

[0041] In addition, according to the embodiments, by efficiently regulating the temperature of the battery module, optimal performance of the battery module may be achieved, and the overall traveling distance of the vehicle may be increased due to efficient management of the battery module.

[0042] In addition, according to the present disclosure, by streamlining the entire system, manufacturing costs and weight can be reduced, and space utilization can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a control apparatus in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control device for a heat pump system for a vehicle according to another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an operation diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, cooling a battery module in a cooling mode inside a vehicle.

[0047] Figure 5 is an operation diagram according to a heating mode of a vehicle interior in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 6 is an operation diagram according to heating and dehumidification modes of a vehicle interior in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 7 is an operation diagram according to a hot gas heating mode of a vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification and the configurations depicted in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not cover the entire scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist when applying the technical concepts of this specification.

[0052] In order to clarify the present disclosure, parts that are not related to the description have been omitted. In addition, in the entire specification, the same elements or equivalents are referred to with the same reference numerals.

[0053] In addition, the size and thickness of each element may be arbitrarily shown in the drawings, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Further, in the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0054] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the term "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" should be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. The same understanding should apply to similar terms such as "have", "include", etc.

[0055] In addition, terms such as "unit," "means," "portion," "part," and "member" described in the specification refer to a unit of integrated elements that perform at least one function or operation. The refrigerant lines disclosed and described herein may be referred to by sections or portions, such as a first refrigerant line, a second refrigerant line, etc., to distinguish sections of the refrigerant lines that can be described as being disposed between various parts and components of the system.

[0056] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, element, etc. should be considered herein as "configured to" satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0057] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0058] The heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment can perform cooling or heating of the vehicle interior by using a natural refrigerant that complies with environmental regulations, and can efficiently adjust the temperature of the battery module 5 by using a cooler 20 where the refrigerant and the coolant exchange heat with each other.

[0059] The refrigerant may be R744 refrigerant formed from carbon dioxide, which has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1.

[0060] In other words, according to an embodiment of the heat pump system for a vehicle, by applying R744 refrigerant as a natural refrigerant using carbon dioxide, the system can operate not only in a supercritical region where the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are higher than threshold pressure and temperature, but also in a subcritical region, thereby maximizing cooling and heating performance.

[0061] To this end, the heat pump system according to the embodiment may include an air conditioning unit and a chiller 20 .

[0062] refer to Figure 1 The air conditioning unit may include a compressor 10 connected via a refrigerant line 11 to circulate refrigerant through the refrigerant line 11. The air conditioning unit may also include a first heat exchanger 13, a second heat exchanger 14, a third heat exchanger 16, a liquid accumulator 17, and an internal heat exchanger 17a.

[0063] First, the compressor 10 may compress introduced refrigerant and flow the compressed refrigerant to the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant may circulate along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0064] The first heat exchanger 13 may exchange heat between air and refrigerant selectively supplied from the compressor 10 .

[0065] The second heat exchanger 14 may be connected to the first heat exchanger 13 through the refrigerant line 11. Thus, the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant line 11 may pass through the second heat exchanger 14.

[0066] The second heat exchanger 14 may be disposed at a front side of the vehicle and may cool or evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with air introduced from the outside during driving of the vehicle.

[0067] Since the supercritical state of R744 refrigerant does not have a phase change like typical refrigerants, the term "air cooling" can be used instead of the term "condensing".

[0068] In an embodiment, a first expansion valve 15 may be provided, that is, provided on or along the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16. The first expansion valve 15 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11.

[0069] In addition, a third heat exchanger 16 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the first expansion valve 15 and the compressor 10 .

[0070] The first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 may be disposed within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module 12 .

[0071] Accordingly, the third heat exchanger 16 can cool or evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0072] In other words, the first heat exchanger 13, the second heat exchanger 14, and the third heat exchanger 16 can be air-cooled gas coolers that exchange heat between air and refrigerant introduced inside.

[0073] The second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16 can evaporate the refrigerant when the expanded refrigerant is introduced, and can cool the refrigerant when the unexpanded refrigerant is introduced.

[0074] In an embodiment, the accumulator 17 can be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the compressor 10.

[0075] The accumulator 17 can supply only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 10. The efficiency and durability of the compressor 10 can thus be improved.

[0076] In addition, an internal heat exchanger 17a can be provided inside the accumulator 17. The internal heat exchanger 17a can exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied from the second heat exchanger 14 and the refrigerant supplied from the third heat exchanger 16. The internal heat exchanger can supply the refrigerant having a higher temperature among the heat-exchanged refrigerants to the third heat exchanger 16.

[0077] In other words, the internal heat exchanger can cause the refrigerant cooled at the second heat exchanger 14 to exchange heat with the low-temperature refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16. The internal heat exchanger can supply the heat-exchanged refrigerants to the compressor 10 and the third heat exchanger 16, respectively.

[0078] In an embodiment, the cooler 20 can be connected to the electrical components 3 through the first line 2 through which the coolant is circulated.

[0079] The electrical components 3 can include power conversion devices such as an electric power control unit (EPCU), a motor, an inverter, an on-board charger (OBC), an autonomous driving controller, etc.

[0080] The electrical components 3 thus configured can be connected to the first line 2 and cooled in a water-cooling manner.

[0081] The cooler 20 can adjust the temperature of the electrical components 3 by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant, and can recover the waste heat of the electrical components 3.

[0082] In addition, the cooler 20 can be connected to the battery module 5 through the second line 4 through which the coolant is circulated. Accordingly, the coolant can be selectively circulated in the cooler 20.

[0083] The cooler 20 may adjust the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the coolant and the refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning unit. In other words, the cooler 20 may be a water-cooled gas cooler configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant introduced into the interior and the coolant.

[0084] The cooler 20 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 through a first connecting line 21 .

[0085] A first end of the first connecting line 21 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the first expansion valve 15 .

[0086] In other words, the cooler 20 may adjust the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the coolant selectively introduced through the first line 2 or the second line 4 and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air-conditioning unit.

[0087] Therefore, the coolant that has exchanged heat in the cooler 20 may circulate through the electric component 3 through the first line 2. In addition, the coolant that has exchanged heat in the cooler 20 may circulate through the battery module 5 through the second line 4.

[0088] Water pumps (not shown) may be provided on the first pipeline 2 and the second pipeline 4 .

[0089] In other words, the coolant may circulate through the first line 2 and the second line 4 according to the operation of corresponding water pumps (not shown).

[0090] Therefore, the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the cooler 20 can be selectively supplied to the electric components 3 and the battery module 5 , and thus the temperatures of the electric components 3 and the battery module 5 can be adjusted.

[0091] In an embodiment, the air conditioning unit may further include a first valve 19, a second expansion valve 23, a control device 30, a second connecting pipeline 31, a third connecting pipeline 41, a second valve 43, a fourth connecting pipeline 51, a third expansion valve 53, a fifth connecting pipeline 61, a third valve 63, a sixth connecting pipeline 71, and a fourth valve 73.

[0092] First, the first valve 19 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the compressor 10. In more detail, the first valve 19 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the accumulator 17.

[0093] The first valve 19 may open the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 may be introduced into the accumulator 17. In another configuration, the first valve 19 may close the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 may not be introduced into the accumulator 17.

[0094] In other words, in the heating mode of the vehicle interior, the first valve 19 may close the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 may not be introduced into the accumulator 17 .

[0095] On the other hand, in the vehicle interior cooling mode or the vehicle interior heating and dehumidification mode, the first valve 19 may open the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 may be introduced into the accumulator 17 .

[0096] The second expansion valve 23 may be provided on the first connecting line 21 .

[0097] The second expansion valve 23 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced into the first connecting line 21 according to a cooling mode or a heating mode of the vehicle interior and flow the expanded refrigerant to the cooler 20 .

[0098] In addition, the second expansion valve 23 may supply the refrigerant introduced into the first connecting line 21 to the cooler 20 without expansion, or may close the first connecting line 21 so that the refrigerant may not be supplied to the cooler 20 .

[0099] In more detail, in order to cool the battery module 5 by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant at the cooler 20, the second expansion valve 23 may open the first connecting line 21. At the same time, the second expansion valve 23 may expand the refrigerant introduced into the first connecting line 21 and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the cooler 20.

[0100] In other words, the second expansion valve 23 may expand the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 and introduce the expanded refrigerant in a state where its temperature has been lowered into the cooler 20. The temperature of the coolant passing through the inside of the cooler 20 may thus be further lowered.

[0101] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature has been lowered while passing through the cooler 20 can be introduced into the battery module 5 , thereby achieving more efficient cooling.

[0102] In an embodiment, the control device 30 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0103] A first end of the second connecting line 31 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 13. A second end of the second connecting line 31 may be connected to the control device 30.

[0104] In more detail, the second end of the second connecting line 31 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14 through the control device 30 .

[0105] Therefore, each of the refrigerant line 11 and the second connecting line 31 may be connected to the control device 30 .

[0106] The control device 30 configured in this manner can control the flow of the refrigerant and can selectively expand the refrigerant according to various configurations.

[0107] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the configuration of the control device 30 may be varied as described in the first and second embodiments.

[0108] First, if Figure 2 As shown, the control device 30 according to the first embodiment may include a first control valve 32 and a second control valve 33 .

[0109] The first control valve 32 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0110] The first control valve 32 may selectively open and close the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 13 may be selectively introduced into the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0111] In addition, a second control valve 33 may be provided on the second connecting line 31. The second control valve 33 may selectively open and close the second connecting line 31.

[0112] In other words, in the vehicle interior cooling mode, the second control valve 33 may open the second connecting line 31. On the other hand, in the vehicle interior heating mode and the vehicle interior heating and dehumidifying mode, the second control valve 33 may close the second connecting line 31.

[0113] The first control valve 32 and the second control valve 33 may be two-way valves that control opening and closing of the refrigerant line 11 and the second connection line 31 , respectively.

[0114] In the cooling mode of the vehicle interior, the control device 30 according to the first embodiment configured in this manner can close the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first heat exchanger 13. At the same time, the control device 30 can open the second connecting line 31 and the refrigerant line 11 connected to the second heat exchanger 14, respectively.

[0115] In contrast, in a vehicle interior heating mode or a vehicle interior heating and dehumidification mode, the control device 30 may close the refrigerant line 11 and the second connecting line 31 .

[0116] like Figure 3 As shown, the control device 130 according to the second embodiment may include a first control valve 132 and a second control valve 133 .

[0117] First, the first control valve 132 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0118] The first control valve 132 may selectively open and close the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 13 may be selectively introduced into the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0119] The first control valve 132 may be a two-way valve configured to control opening and closing of the refrigerant line 11 .

[0120] In addition, a second control valve 133 may be provided on the second connecting line 31. The second control valve 133 may selectively open and close the second connecting line 31. The second control valve 133 may selectively expand the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting line 31.

[0121] The second control valve 133 may be an electronic expansion valve that selectively expands the refrigerant while controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant.

[0122] In other words, in the vehicle interior cooling mode, the second control valve 133 may open the second connecting line 31. On the other hand, in the vehicle interior heating mode and the vehicle interior heating and dehumidifying mode, the second control valve 133 may close the second connecting line 31.

[0123] In the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior, the second control valve 133 according to the second embodiment may open the second connecting line 31 and may expand the refrigerant introduced into the second connecting line 31 .

[0124] In other words, in the cooling mode of the vehicle interior, the control device 130 according to the second embodiment configured in this manner can close the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first heat exchanger 13. At the same time, the control device 130 can open the second connecting line 31 and the refrigerant line 11 connected to the second heat exchanger 14, respectively.

[0125] In contrast, in the vehicle interior heating mode and the vehicle interior heating and dehumidification mode, the control device 130 may close the refrigerant line 11 and the second connecting line 31 .

[0126] In addition, in the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior, the control device 130 may close the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first heat exchanger 13 and may open the refrigerant line 11 connected to the second heat exchanger 14. At the same time, the control device 130 may open the second connecting line 31 and may expand the refrigerant introduced into the second connecting line 31.

[0127] When the control device 130 according to the second embodiment is applied, a fifth valve 80 may be further provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the control device 130 and the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0128] In an embodiment, a first end of the third connecting line 41 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14. A second end of the third connecting line 41 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16.

[0129] The second valve 43 may be provided on the third connecting line 41. The second valve 43 may selectively open and close the third connecting line 41 to control the flow of the refrigerant through the third connecting line 41.

[0130] In a cooling mode of the vehicle interior, the second valve 43 may close the third connecting line 41. On the other hand, in a heating mode of the vehicle interior, the second valve 43 may open the third connecting line 41.

[0131] In addition, in the heating and dehumidification mode of the vehicle interior, the second valve 43 may close a portion of the third connecting line 41 so that the refrigerant supplied from the first heat exchanger may not be introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 .

[0132] A first end of the fourth connecting line 51 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16 . A second end of the fourth connecting line 51 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the accumulator 17 .

[0133] The third expansion valve 53 may be provided on the fourth connecting line 51 .

[0134] The third expansion valve 53 may control the flow of the refrigerant by selectively opening and closing the fourth connecting line 51 , and may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced into the fourth connecting line 51 .

[0135] In other words, in the vehicle interior heating mode, the third expansion valve 53 may open the fourth connecting line 51 , expand the refrigerant introduced into the fourth connecting line 51 , and supply the expanded refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 14 and the interior heat exchanger 17 a , respectively.

[0136] Therefore, in the heating mode of the vehicle interior, the second heat exchanger 14 may evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with air introduced from the outside.

[0137] The refrigerant having passed through the internal heat exchanger 17a may be supplied to the cooler 20. The cooler 20 may evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the coolant supplied through the first line 2.

[0138] In contrast, in a vehicle interior cooling mode or a vehicle interior heating and dehumidification mode, the third expansion valve 53 may close the fourth connecting line 51 .

[0139] In an embodiment, a first end of the fifth connecting line 61 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the compressor 10 . A second end of the fifth connecting line 61 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0140] In addition, a third valve 63 may be provided on the fifth connecting line 61. The third valve 63 may control the flow of the refrigerant by selectively opening and closing the fifth connecting line 61.

[0141] In the vehicle interior cooling mode or the vehicle interior heating and dehumidification mode, the third valve 63 may close the fifth connecting line 61. Conversely, in the vehicle interior heating mode, the third valve 63 may open the fifth connecting line 61.

[0142] In an embodiment, a first end of the sixth connecting line 71 may be connected to the third connecting line 41 . More specifically, a first end of the sixth connecting line 71 may be connected to the third connecting line 41 between a first end of the third connecting line 41 and the second valve 43 .

[0143] A second end of the sixth connecting line 71 may be connected to a first end of the fourth connecting line 51 .

[0144] In addition, a fourth valve 73 may be provided on the sixth connecting line 71. The fourth valve 73 may control the flow of the refrigerant by selectively opening and closing the sixth connecting line 71.

[0145] The first valve 19 , the second valve 43 , the third valve 63 , and the fourth valve 73 may be two-way valves configured to control opening and closing of the refrigerant line 11 , the third connecting line 41 , the fifth connecting line 61 , and the sixth connecting line 71 , respectively.

[0146] In addition, the first expansion valve 15 , the second expansion valve 23 , and the third expansion valve 53 may be electronic expansion valves that selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the refrigerant.

[0147] Reference below Figures 4 to 7The operation and actions of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment configured as described above are described in detail.

[0148] First, the following reference Figure 4 The operation for cooling the battery module 5 in the cooling mode in the interior of the vehicle is described in detail.

[0149] Figure 4 is an operation diagram for cooling the battery module in the cooling mode in the interior of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the heat pump system for a vehicle.

[0150] Reference Figure 4 , the coolant can be circulated through the first line 2 by the operation of the water pump (not shown). At the same time, the coolant can be circulated through the second line 4 by the operation of the water pump (not shown).

[0151] In other words, the coolant that has passed through the electrical component 3 can be supplied to the cooler 20 along the first line 2, and the coolant that has passed through the battery module 5 can be supplied to the cooler 20 along the second line 4.

[0152] In the air conditioning unit, the respective components can be operated so as to cool the interior of the vehicle. Accordingly, the refrigerant can be circulated along the refrigerant line 11.

[0153] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 13 and a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first heat exchanger 13 and the control device 30 can be closed by the operation of the control device 30.

[0154] In order to cool the electrical component 3 and the battery module 5, the first connection line 21 can be opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 23.

[0155] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 5 can be supplied to the cooler 20 along the second line 4.

[0156] The second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the first connection line 21, and introduce the expanded refrigerant to the cooler 20 so as to cool the battery module 5 by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant at the cooler 20.

[0157] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the cooler 20 can be cooled by exchanging heat with the expanded refrigerant supplied to the cooler 20.

[0158] In other words, the coolant that has passed through the cooler 20 can be cooled by exchanging heat with the expanded refrigerant supplied to the cooler 20. The coolant cooled at the cooler 20 can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second line 4. Accordingly, the battery module 5 can be efficiently cooled by the coolant cooled in the cooler 20.

[0159] The second connecting line 31 can be opened by the operation of the control device 30. In addition, the third connecting line 41 can be closed by the operation of the second valve 43.

[0160] Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be introduced into the control device 30 along the second connecting line 31 .

[0161] In addition, the fourth connecting line 51 can be closed by the operation of the third expansion valve 53. The fifth connecting line 61 can be closed by the operation of the third valve 63. In addition, the sixth connecting line 71 can be closed by the operation of the fourth valve 73.

[0162] Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow along the second connecting line 31 without passing through the first heat exchanger 13 .

[0163] In other words, refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may be introduced into the control device 30 while flowing along the second connecting line 31. Thereafter, refrigerant may be introduced from the control device 30 into the second heat exchanger 14 along the refrigerant line 11 connected to the second heat exchanger 14.

[0164] The second heat exchanger 14 may mainly cool the refrigerant by using air introduced from the outside.

[0165] Refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 may be introduced into the internal heat exchanger 17a along the refrigerant line 11. The internal heat exchanger 17a may additionally cool the refrigerant supplied from the second heat exchanger 14 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant supplied from the third heat exchanger 16 and the cooler 20.

[0166] Part of the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger 17 a may be introduced into the cooler 20 along the first connecting line 21 .

[0167] The refrigerant introduced into the cooler 20 may exchange heat with the coolant supplied through the second line 4 and may be introduced into the compressor 10 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 17 a and the accumulator 17 through the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first connecting line 21 .

[0168] In addition, the remaining refrigerant among the refrigerant discharged from the interior heat exchanger 17 a may be introduced into the first expansion valve 15 along the refrigerant line 11 to cool the vehicle interior.

[0169] The first expansion valve 15 may expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11 and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the third heat exchanger 16 .

[0170] The refrigerant having passed through the third heat exchanger 16 may sequentially pass through the internal heat exchanger 17 a , the accumulator 17 , and the compressor 10 along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0171] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from the cooler 20 and the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 may be supplied to the compressor 10 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 17 a and the accumulator 17 along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0172] The air introduced into the HVAC module 12 may be cooled by the refrigerant in a low-temperature state introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 while passing through the third heat exchanger 16 .

[0173] The cooled air may cool the vehicle interior by being directly introduced into the vehicle interior.

[0174] The refrigerant, whose cooling level has been increased while sequentially passing through the second heat exchanger 14 and the internal heat exchanger 17 a , may be expanded and supplied to the third heat exchanger 16 .

[0175] In an embodiment, the second heat exchanger 14 may cool the refrigerant by exchanging heat with air, and the internal heat exchanger 17a may additionally cool the refrigerant by exchanging heat with a low-temperature refrigerant.

[0176] Through such operation, the heat pump system can cool the R744 refrigerant made of carbon dioxide more efficiently, and thus can more ensure the phase change heat transfer section of the refrigerant.

[0177] In addition, the refrigerant having ensured more phase-change heat transfer sections can evaporate in the third heat exchanger 16. Therefore, the temperature of the air passing through the third heat exchanger 16 can be further reduced, thereby improving cooling performance and efficiency.

[0178] While the above-described process is repeatedly performed, the refrigerant may cool the vehicle interior in a cooling mode of the vehicle interior, and at the same time, may be cooled by exchanging heat while passing through the cooler 20 .

[0179] The low-temperature coolant cooled by the cooler 20 may be introduced into the battery module 5 through the second line 4. Therefore, the battery module 5 may be efficiently cooled by the supplied low-temperature coolant.

[0180] In the examples, the following reference Figure 5 The operation in the heating mode of the vehicle interior is described in detail.

[0181] Figure 5 is an operation diagram of an embodiment according to a heating mode of a vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle.

[0182] refer to Figure 5 , the coolant may circulate through the first pipeline 2 by operation of a water pump (not shown).

[0183] Therefore, the coolant having passed through the electric component 3 may be supplied to the cooler 20 along the first line 2 .

[0184] In the air conditioning unit, corresponding components may be operated to heat the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, refrigerant may circulate along the refrigerant line 11.

[0185] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first end of the first connecting line 21 to the second end of the third connecting line 41 may be closed by operation of the first expansion valve 15 .

[0186] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first end of the third connecting line 41 to the control device 30 may be closed by an operation of the control device 30 .

[0187] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the control device 30 and the second end of the fifth connecting line 61 may be closed by the operation of the control device 30 .

[0188] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line 51 and the second end of the first connecting line 21 may be closed by the operation of the first valve 19 .

[0189] Meanwhile, the first connecting line 21 may be opened by operation of the second expansion valve 23. The second expansion valve 23 may supply the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line 21 to the cooler 20 without expansion.

[0190] The second connecting line 31 can be closed by the operation of the control device 30. The third connecting line 41 can be opened by the operation of the second valve 43.

[0191] Therefore, the first and third heat exchangers 13 and 16 may cool the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 by using the air introduced into the HVAC module 12 .

[0192] In an embodiment, the fourth connecting line 51 may be opened by operation of the third expansion valve 53 .

[0193] Therefore, part of the refrigerant introduced into the fourth connecting line 51 from the third heat exchanger 16 may be introduced into the second heat exchanger 14 .

[0194] Meanwhile, the remaining refrigerant of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger 16 into the fourth connecting line 51 may be introduced into the internal heat exchanger 17 a along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0195] The third expansion valve 53 may expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the second heat exchanger 14 , the internal heat exchanger 17 a , and the cooler 20 , respectively.

[0196] Therefore, the second heat exchanger 14 may evaporate the expanded refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air introduced from the outside. The second heat exchanger 14 may recover ambient air heat when evaporating the expanded refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air.

[0197] In addition, the cooler 20 may evaporate the expanded refrigerant by exchanging heat with the coolant supplied through the first line 2. The cooler 20 may recover waste heat of the electric component 3 from the coolant whose temperature has been increased by recovering the waste heat from the electric component 3.

[0198] In addition, the fifth connecting line 61 can be opened by the operation of the third valve 63. In addition, the sixth connecting line 71 can be closed by the operation of the fourth valve 73.

[0199] Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 may flow along the fifth connecting line 61 , and the refrigerant discharged from the cooler 20 may flow along the first connecting line 21 .

[0200] The refrigerant flowing through the first and fifth connecting lines 21 and 61 may be supplied to the compressor 10 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 17 a and the accumulator 17 along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0201] In other words, part of the refrigerant expanded at the third expansion valve 53 may be introduced into the cooler 20 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 17 a along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0202] In addition, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 may be supplied to the compressor 10 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 17 a and the accumulator 17 .

[0203] In this state, the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 may be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger 13 may flow along the third connecting line 41 connected to the refrigerant line 11.

[0204] The refrigerant flowing along the third connecting line 41 may be introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 along the refrigerant line 11 connected to the third heat exchanger 16 .

[0205] The first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 may cool the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air introduced into the HVAC module 12. The refrigerant mainly cooled at the first heat exchanger 13 may be additionally cooled in the third heat exchanger 16.

[0206] In other words, when the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger 13 is supplied to the third heat exchanger 16 , the third heat exchanger 16 may cool the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air introduced into the HVAC module 12 .

[0207] The refrigerant having passed through the third heat exchanger 16 may flow along the opened fourth connecting line 51. The refrigerant introduced into the fourth connecting line 51 may be expanded by the operation of the third expansion valve 53.

[0208] Part of the refrigerant expanded at the third expansion valve 53 may be introduced into the interior heat exchanger 17 a while flowing along the refrigerant line 11 connected to the interior heat exchanger 17 a .

[0209] The refrigerant having passed through the internal heat exchanger 17 a may pass through the cooler 20 along the refrigerant line 11 and the first connecting line 21 , and then pass through the internal heat exchanger 17 a and the accumulator 17 .

[0210] The remaining refrigerant expanded at the third expansion valve 53 may pass through the second heat exchanger 14 and then flow along the fifth connecting line 61. The refrigerant flowing through the fifth connecting line 61 may pass through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the accumulator 17 together with the refrigerant having passed through the cooler 20.

[0211] Therefore, the second heat exchanger 14 may evaporate the supplied refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air, and at the same time, the cooler 20 may evaporate the supplied refrigerant by exchanging heat with the coolant.

[0212] When such operations are repeatedly performed, the second heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 can recover the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electric components 3 .

[0213] In other words, the heat pump system may use the recovered waste heat of the electric components 3 and the ambient air heat to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 10 and improving heating efficiency.

[0214] The refrigerant having passed through the accumulator 17 may be supplied to the compressor 10 .

[0215] In addition, the refrigerant compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure state by the compressor 10 may be introduced back into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0216] As described above, the refrigerants supplied to the first and third heat exchangers 13 and 16 , respectively, may increase the temperature of air introduced into the HVAC module 12 .

[0217] Therefore, air introduced from the outside is converted into a high-temperature state while sequentially passing through the third heat exchanger 16 and the first heat exchanger 13 , and may then be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0218] In the examples, the following reference Figure 6 The operation in the heating and dehumidification modes of the vehicle interior is described in detail.

[0219] Figure 6 is an operation diagram according to an embodiment of a heating and dehumidification mode of a vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle.

[0220] Reference Figure 6 In the air conditioning unit, the respective components are operable to heat and dehumidify the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line 11.

[0221] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first end of the first connection line 21 and the second end of the third connection line 41 can be opened by operation of the first expansion valve 15.

[0222] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first end of the third connection line 41 and the second heat exchanger 14 can be closed by operation of the control device 30.

[0223] The refrigerant line 11 connecting the third heat exchanger 16 and the accumulator 17 can be opened by operation of the first valve 19. In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the second heat exchanger 14 and the interior heat exchanger 17a can be closed.

[0224] The first connection line 21 can be closed by operation of the second expansion valve 23. The second connection line 31 can be closed by operation of the control device 30.

[0225] A portion of the third connection line 41 connecting the second end of the third connection line 41 to the first end of the sixth connection line 71 can be closed by operation of the second valve 43.

[0226] The fourth connection line 51 can be closed by operation of the third expansion valve 53. The fifth connection line 61 can be closed by operation of the third valve 63.

[0227] In addition, the sixth connection line 71 can be opened by operation of the fourth valve 73.

[0228] The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger 13 through the third connection line 41, the sixth connection line 71, and the refrigerant line 11. Thereafter, the first expansion valve 15 can supply the expanded refrigerant to the third heat exchanger 16.

[0229] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11. The first heat exchanger 13 can cool the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 by using air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0230] The refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger 13 can flow along the third connection line 41 connected to the refrigerant line 11.

[0231] The refrigerant that has flowed along the third connection line 41 can flow to the sixth connection line 71. Thereafter, the refrigerant can be introduced to the inner heat exchanger 17a along the refrigerant line 11 connected to the inner heat exchanger 17a.

[0232] The refrigerant that has passed through the inner heat exchanger 17a can be supplied to the first expansion valve 15 along the refrigerant line 11. The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant.

[0233] The refrigerant expanded at the first expansion valve 15 can be supplied to the third heat exchanger 16 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0234] The air introduced into the HVAC module 12 can be cooled by the refrigerant in a low-temperature state introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 as it passes through the third heat exchanger 16. Thereafter, the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger 16 can pass through the inner heat exchanger 17a and the accumulator 17 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0235] The inner heat exchanger 17a can additionally cool the refrigerant supplied from the first heat exchanger 13 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant supplied from the third heat exchanger 16.

[0236] In addition, the refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator 17 can be supplied to the compressor 10. Thereafter, the refrigerant compressed to a high-temperature and high-pressure state by the compressor 10 can be introduced back into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0237] As described above, the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 13 can increase the temperature of the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0238] In other words, the air introduced into the HVAC module 12 can be dehumidified by the refrigerant in a low-temperature state introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 as it passes through the third heat exchanger 16. Thereafter, the air is converted to a high-temperature state as it passes through the first heat exchanger 13 and is then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby smoothly heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0239] In addition, in a heat pump system according to another embodiment provided with a control apparatus 130 (see Figure 3 ) according to the second embodiment, the operation in a hot air heating mode of the vehicle interior is described in detail below with reference to Figure 7 .

[0240] Figure 7 is a diagram of the operation in a hot air heating mode of the vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to another embodiment.

[0241] Reference is made to Figure 7, when the ambient air heat, the waste heat of the electrical components 3 , and the waste heat of the battery module 5 are insufficient, the heat pump system according to another embodiment may not recover heat.

[0242] In other words, when the outside temperature is low and the heat generated from the electrical components 3 and the battery module 5 in the early stage of vehicle driving is insufficient and heating of the vehicle interior is required, the heat pump system can perform heating of the vehicle interior by directly using high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant.

[0243] As such, heating the vehicle interior by using only the refrigerant may be referred to as a hot gas heating mode.

[0244] A heat pump system according to another embodiment is the same as the above-described embodiment, except that detailed configurations of the control device 130 and the fifth valve 80 are different.

[0245] In another embodiment, the fifth valve 80 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the second end of the fifth connecting line 61 .

[0246] refer to Figure 7 , the coolant does not circulate along the first pipeline 2 and the second pipeline 4.

[0247] In the air conditioning unit, corresponding components may be operated for a hot air heating mode of the vehicle interior operation. Therefore, refrigerant may circulate along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0248] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first end of the first connecting line 21 to the second end of the third connecting line 41 may be closed by operation of the first expansion valve 15 .

[0249] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first end of the third connecting line 41 to the control device 130 may be closed by an operation of the control device 130 .

[0250] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the control device 130 and the second end of the fifth connecting line 61 may be opened by operation of the control device 130 .

[0251] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line 51 and the second end of the first connecting line 21 may be closed by operation of the first valve 19 .

[0252] A portion of the refrigerant line 11 connected from the second end of the fifth connecting line 61 to the first end of the fourth connecting line 51 through the second heat exchanger 14 may be closed by operation of the fifth valve 80 .

[0253] Meanwhile, the first connecting line 21 may be opened by operation of the second expansion valve 23. The second expansion valve 23 may supply the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line 21 to the cooler 20 without expansion.

[0254] In addition, the second connecting line 31 can be opened by operating the control device 130 .

[0255] Therefore, a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 may be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0256] The remaining refrigerant among the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 may be introduced into the control device 130 along the second connecting line 31 .

[0257] The control device 130 may expand the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 through the second connecting line 31. The expanded refrigerant may flow to the refrigerant line 11 connected to the fifth connecting line 61.

[0258] The third connecting line 41 may be opened by operation of the second valve 43. The fourth connecting line 51 may be opened by operation of the third expansion valve 53. The third expansion valve 53 may expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the internal heat exchanger 17a and the cooler 20, respectively.

[0259] The fifth connecting line 61 may be opened by operation of the third valve 63. In other words, the control device 130 may expand the refrigerant introduced into the second connecting line 31 so that the expanded refrigerant may flow along the fifth connecting line 61.

[0260] In addition, the sixth connecting line 71 may be closed by operation of the fourth valve 73 .

[0261] Therefore, part of the refrigerant compressed at the compressor 10 may be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger 13 may be introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 along the refrigerant line 11 after flowing along the third connecting line 41.

[0262] The first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 may cool the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air introduced into the HVAC module 12. The refrigerant mainly cooled at the first heat exchanger 13 may be additionally cooled in the third heat exchanger 16.

[0263] The refrigerants supplied to the first and third heat exchangers 13 and 16 , respectively, may increase the temperature of air introduced into the HVAC module 12 .

[0264] Therefore, air introduced from the outside may be converted into a high-temperature state while sequentially passing through the third heat exchanger 16 and the first heat exchanger 13 , and may then be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0265] The refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 may flow along the refrigerant line 11 connected to the internal heat exchanger 17 a after flowing along the opened fourth connecting line 51 .

[0266] The third expansion valve 53 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger 16 along the fourth connecting line 51. The refrigerant expanded at the third expansion valve 53 may pass through the internal heat exchanger 17a while flowing along the refrigerant line 11.

[0267] The refrigerant having passed through the internal heat exchanger 17a may pass through the cooler 20 along the opened first connecting line 21. The refrigerant having passed through the cooler 20 may flow along the first connecting line 21.

[0268] The refrigerant flowing through the first and fifth connecting lines 21 and 61 may be supplied to the compressor 10 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 17 a and the accumulator 17 along the refrigerant line 11 .

[0269] Refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 may flow to the refrigerant line 11 and the second connection line 31 , respectively, and the above-described operations may be repeatedly performed.

[0270] In an embodiment, when the outside temperature is low and the heat source is insufficient in the early stage of vehicle travel, the vehicle interior may be heated by using the high-temperature refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 .

[0271] Therefore, as described above, according to the embodiments of the heat pump system for a vehicle, by performing cooling or heating of the vehicle interior using a natural refrigerant, it is possible to cope with environmental regulations and improve the overall marketability of the vehicle.

[0272] In addition, according to the present disclosure, by applying R744 refrigerant, which is a natural refrigerant using carbon dioxide, cooling and heating performance can be maximized by operating not only in a supercritical region where the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are higher than a threshold pressure and temperature, but also in a subcritical region, for cooling and heating the interior of a vehicle.

[0273] In addition, according to the present disclosure, by efficiently adjusting the temperature of the battery module 5 using the single cooler 20 that exchanges heat between the coolant and the refrigerant according to the mode of the vehicle, it is possible to achieve streamlining and simplification of the system.

[0274] In addition, according to the embodiment, by efficiently regulating the temperature of the battery module 5 , optimal performance of the battery module 5 may be achieved, and the overall traveling distance of the vehicle may be increased due to efficient management of the battery module 5 .

[0275] In addition, according to the present disclosure, by streamlining the entire system, manufacturing costs and weight can be reduced, and space utilization can be improved.

[0276] Although the technical concept of the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with what is currently considered to be a practical embodiment, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiment. Instead, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0277] Symbol Description

[0278] 2, 4: First pipeline and second pipeline

[0279] 3: Electrical components

[0280] 5: Battery module

[0281] 10: Compressor

[0282] 11: Refrigerant pipeline

[0283] 12: HVAC module

[0284] 13, 14, 16: first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger, and third heat exchanger

[0285] 15: First expansion valve

[0286] 17: Liquid reservoir

[0287] 17a: Internal heat exchanger

[0288] 19: First valve

[0289] 20: Cooler

[0290] 21: First connecting pipeline

[0291] 23: Second expansion valve

[0292] 30, 130: Control equipment

[0293] 31: Second connecting pipeline

[0294] 32, 132: First control valve

[0295] 33, 133: Second control valve

[0296] 41: Third connecting pipeline

[0297] 43: Second valve

[0298] 51: Fourth connecting pipeline

[0299] 53: Third expansion valve

[0300] 61: Fifth connecting pipeline

[0301] 63: The third valve

[0302] 71: Sixth connecting pipeline

[0303] 73: Fourth valve

[0304] 80: Fifth valve.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, the heat pump system comprising: Refrigerant lines; a first connecting pipeline; an air conditioning unit comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first expansion valve, and a third heat exchanger connected by the refrigerant line so that refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant line; as well as a cooler connected to the refrigerant line through the first connecting line, the cooler configured to adjust the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat with the refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning unit, The air conditioning unit further comprises: a control device disposed on the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; a second connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the compressor and the first heat exchanger and a second end connected to the control device; a third connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger; a fourth connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor; and A fifth connecting line has a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor, and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning unit further comprises: a sixth connecting line, a first end of which is connected to the third connecting line, and a second end of which is connected to the first end of the fourth connecting line; a first valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor; a second valve provided on the third connecting pipeline; a third valve provided on the fifth connecting pipeline; a fourth valve provided on the sixth connecting pipeline; a second expansion valve provided on the first connecting pipeline; as well as A third expansion valve is provided on the fourth connecting pipeline.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein the air conditioning unit further comprises: a liquid accumulator provided on the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor; as well as An internal heat exchanger is provided in the accumulator, and is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied from the second heat exchanger and the refrigerant supplied from the third heat exchanger, and supply the refrigerant with a higher temperature among the heat-exchanged refrigerants to the third heat exchanger.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein when cooling of the battery module is required in a cooling mode of the vehicle interior: a portion of a refrigerant line connecting the compressor and the first heat exchanger and a portion of a refrigerant line connecting the first heat exchanger and the control device are closed by operation of the control device; The first connecting line is opened by operation of the second expansion valve; The second connecting line is opened by operation of the control device; The third connecting line is closed by operation of the second valve; The fourth connecting line is closed by operation of the third expansion valve; The fifth connecting line is closed by operation of the third valve; and The sixth connecting line is closed by operation of the fourth valve.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein: the first expansion valve being configured to expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the third heat exchanger; and The second expansion valve is configured to expand refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the cooler to cool the battery module by using the coolant after exchanging heat with the refrigerant at the cooler.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein: The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is introduced into the control device along the second connecting line; The refrigerant discharged from the control device is introduced into the second heat exchanger; Part of the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger is introduced into the cooler along the first connecting line; The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger is introduced into the first expansion valve along the refrigerant line; and The refrigerant discharged from the cooler and the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger are supplied to the compressor after passing through the internal heat exchanger and the accumulator along the refrigerant line.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein in a heating mode of the vehicle interior: a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line to the second end of the third connecting line is closed by operation of the first expansion valve; a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the third connecting line to the control device is closed by operation of the control device; a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the control device and the second end of the fifth connecting line is closed by operation of the control device; a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line and the second end of the first connecting line is closed by operation of the first valve; The first connecting line is opened by operation of the second expansion valve; The second connecting line is closed by operation of the control device; The third connecting line is opened by operating the second valve; The fourth connecting line is opened by operation of the third expansion valve; The fifth connecting line is opened by operation of the third valve; and The sixth connecting line is closed by operation of the fourth valve. 8 . The heat pump system according to claim 7 , wherein the third expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the second heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger, and the cooler, respectively.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein: Part of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger into the fourth connecting line is introduced into the second heat exchanger; and The remaining refrigerant of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger to the fourth connecting line is introduced into the internal heat exchanger.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein: Part of the refrigerant discharged from the third expansion valve is introduced into the cooler after passing through the internal heat exchanger along the refrigerant line; and The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger and the cooler is supplied to the compressor after passing through the internal heat exchanger and the accumulator. 11 . The heat pump system according to claim 7 , wherein the second expansion valve is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line to the cooler without expansion.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein in a heating and dehumidification mode of the vehicle interior: a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line and the second end of the third connecting line is opened by operation of the first expansion valve; a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the third connecting line and the second heat exchanger is closed by operation of the control device; The refrigerant line connecting the third heat exchanger and the accumulator is opened by the operation of the first valve; a portion of a refrigerant line connecting the second heat exchanger and the internal heat exchanger is closed; The first connecting line is closed by operation of the second expansion valve; The second connecting line is closed by operation of the control device; A portion of the third connecting line connected from the first end of the third connecting line to the sixth connecting line is opened; a portion of the third connecting line connecting the second end of the third connecting line to the first end of the sixth connecting line is closed by operation of the second valve; The fourth connecting line is closed by operation of the third expansion valve; The fifth connecting line is closed by operation of the third valve; and The sixth connecting line is opened by operation of the fourth valve. 13 . The heat pump system according to claim 12 , wherein the first expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger through the third connecting line, the sixth connecting line, and the refrigerant line, and to supply the expanded refrigerant to the third heat exchanger. 14 . The heat pump system according to claim 1 , wherein the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are configured to cool or evaporate refrigerant introduced into the interior.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: A first end of the first connecting line is connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the first expansion valve; The second end of the first connecting line is connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor; and A second end of the second connecting line is connected to the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises: a first control valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; as well as A second control valve is provided on the second connecting line, and the second control valve is configured to control the flow of refrigerant flowing through the second connecting line.

17. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein the control device comprises: a first control valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; as well as a second control valve provided on the second connecting line, the second control valve being configured to selectively expand the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting line, A fifth valve is provided on the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the second end of the fifth connecting line.

18. The heat pump system according to claim 17, wherein in a hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior: a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line to the second end of the third connecting line is closed by operation of the first expansion valve; a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the third connecting line to the control device is closed by operation of the control device; a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the control device and the second end of the fifth connecting line is opened by operation of the control device; a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line and the second end of the first connecting line is closed by operation of the first valve; a portion of the refrigerant line connected from the second end of the fifth connecting line through the second heat exchanger to the first end of the fourth connecting line is closed by operation of the fifth valve; The first connecting line is opened by operation of the second expansion valve; The second connecting line is opened by operation of the control device; The third connecting line is opened by operating the second valve; The fourth connecting line is opened by operation of the third expansion valve; The fifth connecting line is opened by operation of the third valve; and The sixth connecting line is closed by operation of the fourth valve.

19. The heat pump system according to claim 18, wherein: Part of the refrigerant supplied from the compressor is introduced into the first heat exchanger along the refrigerant line; The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant supplied from the compressor is introduced into the control device along the second connecting line; The control device is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced into the second connecting line so that the expanded refrigerant flows along the fifth connecting line; The third expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the internal heat exchanger and the cooler, respectively; and The second expansion valve is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line to the cooler without expansion.

20. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is R744 refrigerant formed from carbon dioxide.

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