Heat pump system for vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250030562
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images
Figure PAT00001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle heat pump system, specifically a vehicle heat pump system equipped with two air conditioning systems. Background Technology
[0002] A typical automotive air conditioning system includes a cooling system for cooling the vehicle's interior and a heating system for heating the interior. The cooling system is configured to cool the vehicle's interior by converting air passing outside the evaporator into cold air through heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator on the evaporator side of the refrigerant cycle, while the heating system operates by having high-temperature refrigerant from the compressor outlet side flow into a heat exchanger and exchange heat with the surrounding air, causing the refrigerant to condense and converting the air into warm air for heating.
[0003] Meanwhile, in the case of electric vehicles, a heat pump system is applied to minimize heating energy consumption in order to increase driving range. The heat pump system can selectively perform cooling and heating by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant using a single refrigerant cycle. The problem to be solved
[0004] The present invention was created to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a heat pump system with a new structure that can implement both heating and cooling functions without additionally installing an indoor condenser for heating in a conventional vehicle heat pump system equipped with two air conditioning units by applying a combined heat exchanger capable of performing cooling and heating simultaneously to the air conditioning unit. means of solving the problem
[0005] A vehicle heat pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a first air conditioning unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an evaporator for heat-exchanging the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a second air conditioning unit including a combined heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant delivered from the first air conditioning unit; and an outdoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant with the outdoor air; wherein the second air conditioning unit performs both heating and cooling functions through the combined heat exchanger.
[0006] In addition, the above-mentioned combined heat exchanger can evaporate the refrigerant in cooling mode and condense the refrigerant in heating mode.
[0007] Additionally, the first air conditioning unit has the indoor heat exchanger and the evaporator installed inside the first air conditioning case, the second air conditioning unit is provided separately from the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger is installed inside the second air conditioning case, the compressor, the first air conditioning unit, and the outdoor heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant circulation line, and the second air conditioning unit can be connected to the vehicle heat pump system through at least one refrigerant line.
[0008] In addition, a first expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant flowing to the first air conditioning unit may be installed at the upstream end of the evaporator of the refrigerant circulation line leading from the outlet end of the outdoor heat exchanger to the evaporator of the first air conditioning unit.
[0009] In addition, a directional control valve is installed upstream of the first expansion valve, and the first refrigerant line may be branched from the directional control valve and extended to the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning device.
[0010] In addition, a second refrigerant line branches off from a branch point of the refrigerant circulation line leading from the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger and joins the first refrigerant line, and a first three-way valve may be formed at the branch point.
[0011] Additionally, the inlet of the first three-way valve is connected to the compressor, and the two outlets are each connected in parallel to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit, and the first three-way valve may switch the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit or the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit.
[0012] In addition, the refrigerant passing through the first three-way valve may flow to an indoor heat exchanger along the refrigerant circulation line, flow to a combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning device via the second refrigerant line and the first refrigerant line, or flow to both the indoor heat exchanger and the combined heat exchanger.
[0013] In addition, it may further include a second expansion valve installed in the inlet side refrigerant circulation line of the outdoor heat exchanger to expand or pass the refrigerant supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger.
[0014] In addition, a third refrigerant line may be extended from the combined heat exchanger to join the refrigerant circulation line between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and a second three-way valve may be installed to change the flow direction of the third refrigerant line.
[0015] In addition, it may further include a chiller that introduces refrigerant from the above refrigerant circulation line to exchange heat with a heat source of a battery or electric field.
[0016] In addition, the second three-way valve may send the refrigerant that has passed through the combined heat exchanger to a refrigerant circulation line between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to join with the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger, or send it to a refrigerant circulation line connecting the chiller and the compressor to send it to the compressor.
[0017] In addition, a third expansion valve may be installed on the first refrigerant line.
[0018] Additionally, in the heating mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows into the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor condenses while exchanging heat with the air inside the vehicle as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the condensed refrigerant expands at the second expansion valve and then flows to the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, and after absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, it passes through the accumulator and flows to the compressor.
[0019] Additionally, in the heating mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor condenses while exchanging heat with the air inside the vehicle as it passes through the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit, and the condensed refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve and expands at the second expansion valve, then flows to an outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, and after absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, passes through an accumulator and flows to the compressor.
[0020] Additionally, in the heating mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to both the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor branches off from the first three-way valve and passes through the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit, where it condenses while exchanging heat with the air inside the vehicle, respectively; the refrigerant condensed in the combined heat exchanger passes through the second three-way valve and joins the refrigerant circulation line to combine with the refrigerant coming out of the indoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger and the refrigerant condensed in the combined heat exchanger are expanded at the second expansion valve and then flow to the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, and after absorbing heat in the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, they pass through the accumulator and flow to the compressor.
[0021] Additionally, in cooling mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the directional valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger flows to the evaporator of the first air conditioning unit.
[0022] In addition, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the compressor may flow to the outdoor heat exchanger after passing through the first three-way valve and the indoor heat exchanger and the second expansion valve of the first air conditioning unit, and the high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant may flow to the chiller after being cooled and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, or flow into the evaporator of the first air conditioning unit after passing through the directional control valve and evaporate in the evaporator, and the refrigerant that has moved to the chiller may join with the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator, pass through the accumulator, and flow to the compressor.
[0023] Additionally, in cooling mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the directional valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger flows to the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit.
[0024] In addition, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the compressor flows to the outdoor heat exchanger after passing through the first three-way valve and the indoor heat exchanger and the second expansion valve of the first air conditioning unit, and the high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant is cooled and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger and then flows to the chiller, or flows to the second air conditioning unit after passing through the directional control valve and evaporates in the combined heat exchanger, and the evaporated low-temperature refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve, and the second three-way valve sends the low-temperature refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation line connecting the chiller and the compressor, and combines it with the refrigerant from the chiller and sends it to the compressor.
[0025] In addition, the refrigerant transferred to the chiller is used to cool the battery or the electrical field, and the refrigerant flowing from the chiller to the compressor may join with the refrigerant discharged from the combined heat exchanger, pass through the accumulator, and flow to the compressor.
[0026] Additionally, in cooling mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the directional valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger flows to both the evaporator of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit.
[0027] In addition, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the compressor flows to the outdoor heat exchanger after passing through the indoor heat exchanger and the second expansion valve of the first air conditioning unit after passing through the first three-way valve, and the high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant is cooled and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger and then flows to the chiller, or flows to both the first air conditioning unit and the second air conditioning unit while passing through the directional control valve, and the refrigerant flowing to the first air conditioning unit evaporates in the evaporator after passing through the expansion valve by throttling, and the refrigerant flowing to the second air conditioning unit evaporates in the combined heat exchanger after passing through the expansion valve by throttling via the first refrigerant line, and the evaporated low-temperature refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve, and the second three-way valve sends the low-temperature refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation line connecting the chiller and the compressor, where it is combined with the refrigerant from the chiller and sent to the compressor.
[0028] In addition, the refrigerant transferred to the chiller is used to cool the battery or the electrical field, and the refrigerant flowing from the chiller to the compressor may join with the refrigerant discharged from the combined heat exchanger, pass through the accumulator, and flow to the compressor. Effects of the invention
[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second air conditioning unit can perform both heating and cooling functions with a single combined heat exchanger, thereby minimizing the volume of the second air conditioning unit and eliminating the need to install an additional heat exchanger to perform the heating function in the second air conditioning unit, thus simplifying the flow of the refrigerant and minimizing the addition of components such as piping. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle heat pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the refrigerant circulation line and a plurality of refrigerant lines separately in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a case where a heating mode is implemented using only the first air conditioning unit. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a case where a heating mode is implemented using only the second air conditioning unit. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a case where a heating mode is implemented using both the first air conditioning unit and the second air conditioning unit. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a case where a cooling mode is implemented using only the first air conditioning unit. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a case where a cooling mode is implemented using only the second air conditioning unit. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a case where a cooling mode is implemented using both the first air conditioning unit and the second air conditioning unit. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art.
[0032] Additionally, in the drawings below, the thickness or size of each layer is exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and like reference numerals in the drawings refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the listed items and all combinations of one or more thereof. Also, as used herein, the meaning of "connected" implies not only the case where Member A and Member B are directly connected, but also the case where Member C is interposed between Member A and Member B so that Member A and Member B are indirectly connected. The terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, "comprise, include" and / or "comprising, including" specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, members, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, members, elements, and / or groups.
[0033] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts, it is obvious that these components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or part from another region, layer, or part. Accordingly, the first component, part, region, layer, or part described below may refer to the second component, part, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
[0034] Spatial terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to facilitate understanding of one element or feature depicted in the drawings and another element or feature. These spatial terms are intended to facilitate understanding of the invention according to various process or usage conditions of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, if an element or feature in the drawings is inverted, an element or feature described as "beneath" or "below" becomes "upper" or "on top." Therefore, "below" is a concept that encompasses "upper" or "below."
[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the refrigerant circulation line and a plurality of refrigerant lines separately in FIG. 1. A vehicle heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The following description will be made with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
[0038] A vehicle heat pump system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor (101), a first air conditioning unit (110), a second air conditioning unit (120), and an outdoor heat exchanger (103).
[0039] The compressor (101), the first air conditioning unit (110), and the outdoor heat exchanger (103) are connected by a refrigerant circulation line (R), and the second air conditioning unit (120) is connected to a vehicle heat pump system (100) through at least one refrigerant line (L1, L2, L3, L4). In the present invention, the refrigerant line used for cooling and heating using the second air conditioning unit (120) is conceptually distinguished from the refrigerant circulation line (R) used for cooling and heating by the first air conditioning unit (110) by being named the first to fourth refrigerant lines (L4). In FIG. 2, for distinction, the refrigerant circulation line (R) is indicated by a dotted line and the refrigerant lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) are indicated by a solid line.
[0040] The compressor (101) sucks in and compresses the refrigerant, then discharges it in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. The compressor (101) is connected to the first air conditioning unit (110) through a refrigerant circulation line (R), and an indoor heat exchanger (112) and an evaporator (113) are installed inside the first air conditioning case (111) of the first air conditioning unit (110) and are connected to the compressor (101). An accumulator (170) is installed in the inlet side refrigerant circulation line (R) of the compressor (101) to prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor (101) during heating.
[0041] The indoor heat exchanger (112) is an indoor condenser and exchanges heat with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (101). That is, the indoor heat exchanger (112) condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant by exchanging heat with the indoor air, and in this process releases high-temperature heat, and supplies the released heat to the interior of the vehicle to heat the interior.
[0042] The evaporator (113), like the indoor heat exchanger (112), is installed inside the first air conditioning case (111) and exchanges heat between the ambient air inside the air conditioning case and the refrigerant supplied from the compressor (101) in the cooling cycle so that the air is cooled.
[0043] The outdoor heat exchanger (103) is installed outside the first air conditioning unit (110) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. That is, it cools and condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant or absorbs the outdoor heat source with the expanded refrigerant.
[0044] Meanwhile, a heat pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a second air conditioning unit (120) separately from the first air conditioning unit (110). The second air conditioning unit (120) includes a combined heat exchanger (122) installed inside a second air conditioning case (121) and heat-exchanging the refrigerant delivered from the first air conditioning unit (110). The combined heat exchanger (122) according to the present invention operates to evaporate the refrigerant in the cooling mode and condense the refrigerant in the heating mode. That is, the combined heat exchanger (122) can perform both cooling and heating functions depending on the air conditioning mode, and acts as an evaporator (113) in the cooling mode and as an indoor condenser in the heating mode. The operating mechanism related thereto will be explained in detail below.
[0045] Meanwhile, a vehicle heat pump system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a chiller (160) that introduces refrigerant from a refrigerant circulation line (R) and exchanges heat with a battery or electrical equipment. The chiller (160) can regulate the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant circulation line (R) and the coolant introduced from a coolant line (not shown) in which coolant is supplied from an electrical component or a coolant line (not shown) in which coolant is supplied from a battery module. In a cooling state, this chiller (160) expands the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the low-pressure refrigerant and the vehicle's battery or electrical equipment heat source. This chiller (160) may be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which coolant is introduced.
[0046] Meanwhile, in the refrigerant circulation line (R) leading from the outlet end of the outdoor heat exchanger (103) to the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110), a first expansion valve (141) is installed at the front end of the evaporator (113). The first expansion valve (141) is configured to expand the refrigerant flowing to the first air conditioning unit (110) during cooling mode.
[0047] Meanwhile, a directional control valve (151) is installed upstream of the first expansion valve (141). The refrigerant circulation line (R) between the outdoor heat exchanger (103) and the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110) is branched at one point so that a portion of the refrigerant can flow to the second air conditioning unit (120) as described below. To this end, a directional control valve (151) is installed at the branching point of the refrigerant circulation line (R), and the first refrigerant line (L1) is branched from the directional control valve (151) and then extended to the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120).
[0048] Meanwhile, the compressor (101) and the first air conditioning unit (110) are connected by a refrigerant circulation line (R), and refrigerant is supplied. At this time, a second refrigerant line (L2) branches off at a point (branching point) of the refrigerant circulation line (R) leading from the compressor (101) to the indoor heat exchanger (112) and joins at the top of the combined heat exchanger (122) of the first refrigerant line (L1) mentioned above. As the second refrigerant line (L2) branches off, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (101) can flow into the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120). Here, a first three-way valve (131) is installed at the branching point of the refrigerant circulation line (R). The inlet of the first three-way valve (131) is connected to the compressor (101), and one of the two outlets is connected to the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110) and the other outlet is connected to the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120). Accordingly, the first three-way valve (131) is configured to divert the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) to the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110) or the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120).
[0049] In the present invention, the first three-way valve (131) is configured to be opened and closed so that the refrigerant passing through the first three-way valve (131) flows to the indoor heat exchanger (112) along the refrigerant circulation line (R), flows to the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning device (120) via the second refrigerant line (L2) and the first refrigerant line (L1), or flows to both the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the combined heat exchanger (122).
[0050] Meanwhile, a second expansion valve (142) is installed in the inlet side refrigerant circulation line (R) of the outdoor heat exchanger (103), that is, the refrigerant circulation line (R) connecting the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103). This second expansion valve (142) is configured to expand or allow the refrigerant supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) to pass through.
[0051] Meanwhile, a third refrigerant line (L3) extends from the combined heat exchanger (122) and joins the refrigerant circulation line (R) between the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103). As illustrated, it joins upstream of the second expansion valve (142) of the refrigerant circulation line (R). At this time, a second three-way valve (132) is installed on the third refrigerant line (L3) to change the flow direction of the refrigerant to implement cooling mode and heating mode.
[0052] The inlet of the second three-way valve (132) is connected to the combined heat exchanger (122) through the third refrigerant line (L3), and one of the two outlets is connected to the refrigerant circulation line (R) between the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103) through the fourth refrigerant line (L4). The other outlet is connected to the refrigerant circulation line (R) connecting the chiller (160) to the compressor (101) through the fifth refrigerant line (L5). Accordingly, the second three-way valve (132) controls the refrigerant that has passed through the combined heat exchanger (122) to be sent to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) by joining it to the refrigerant circulation line (R) between the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103), or switches the opening and closing to send the refrigerant to the compressor (101) by joining it to the refrigerant circulation line (R) connecting the chiller (160) and the compressor (101). Accordingly, the direction of the refrigerant flow of the refrigerant that has passed through the combined heat exchanger (122) can be changed by the opening and closing control of the second three-way valve (132).
[0053] Meanwhile, a third expansion valve (143) (2-way expansion valve) is installed on the first refrigerant line (L1). The first refrigerant line (L1) is a line for flowing refrigerant to the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning device (120) when a cooling mode using the second air conditioning device (120) is performed, and the third expansion valve (143) functions to throttle the refrigerant so that the combined heat exchanger (122) performs the cooling function.
[0055] Hereinafter, a mechanism for implementing an air conditioning mode in a vehicle heat pump system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0057] [Example 1] Heating mode using only the first air conditioning unit (110)
[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a case where a heating mode is implemented using only the first air conditioning unit. Example 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.
[0059] In order to implement a heating mode using only the first air conditioning unit (110), in the heating mode according to Example 1, the first three-way valve (131) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows into the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110).
[0060] Specifically, when the refrigerant passes through the compressor (101), it is discharged in a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows to the first air conditioning unit (110) as the flow direction is determined at the first three-way valve (131). Subsequently, the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110) and exchanges heat with the air inside the vehicle, and as the air inside the vehicle becomes warm through heat exchange, the heating system is activated. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger (112) condenses, and the condensed refrigerant moves to the second expansion valve (142) along the refrigerant circulation line (R) leading to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) and expands. After expansion, the refrigerant, which has become low-pressure, flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or the chiller (160). As the refrigerant passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or chiller (160), it absorbs external heat, and the absorbed refrigerant passes through the accumulator (170) and is then sucked into the compressor (101).
[0062] [Example 2] Heating mode using only the second air conditioning unit (120)
[0063] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a case where a heating mode is implemented using only the second air conditioning unit. Example 2 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.
[0064] In order to implement a heating mode using only the second air conditioning unit (120), in the heating mode according to Example 2, the first three-way valve (131) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows into the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120). At this time, the second three-way valve (132) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the combined heat exchanger (122) flows into the refrigerant circulation line (R) between the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103).
[0065] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (101) flows to the second air conditioning unit (120) as the flow direction is determined at the first three-way valve (131). Subsequently, the refrigerant passes through the combined heat exchanger (122) and exchanges heat with the air inside the vehicle. As the air inside the vehicle becomes warm through this heat exchange, the heating system is activated. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the combined heat exchanger (122) condenses, and the condensed refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve (132) via the third refrigerant line (L3) and joins the refrigerant circulation line (R) between the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103). Subsequently, the refrigerant moves along the refrigerant circulation line (R) to the second expansion valve (142) and expands. After expansion, the refrigerant, which has become low-pressure, flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or the chiller (160). As the refrigerant passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or chiller (160), it absorbs external heat, and the absorbed refrigerant passes through the accumulator (170) and is then sucked into the compressor (101).
[0067] [Example 3] Heating mode using both the first air conditioning unit (110) and the second air conditioning unit (120)
[0068] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a case where a heating mode is implemented using both the first air conditioning device and the second air conditioning device. Example 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0069] In order to implement a heating mode using both the first air conditioning unit (110) and the second air conditioning unit (120), in the heating mode of Example 3, the first three-way valve (131) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows to both the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110) and the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120). At this time, the second three-way valve (132) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the combined heat exchanger (122) flows to the refrigerant circulation line (R) between the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103).
[0070] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) is branched out to both outlets at the first three-way valve (131) and flows to the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110) and the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120). First, in the first air conditioning unit (110), the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (112) and exchanges heat with the air inside the vehicle, and as the air inside the vehicle becomes warm through heat exchange, the heating system is activated. Similarly, in the second air conditioning unit (120), the refrigerant passes through the combined heat exchanger (122) and exchanges heat with the air inside the vehicle, and as the air inside the vehicle becomes warm through heat exchange, the heating system is activated. The refrigerant condensed while passing through the indoor heat exchanger (112) moves to the expansion valve (142) through the refrigerant circulation line (R). At this time, in the second air conditioning unit (120), the refrigerant condenses while passing through the combined heat exchanger (122), and the condensed refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve (132) via the third refrigerant line (L3) and joins the refrigerant circulation line (R) between the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the outdoor heat exchanger (103). Accordingly, it is combined with the refrigerant coming out of the indoor heat exchanger (112). Afterward, the combined refrigerant moves along the refrigerant circulation line (R) to the second expansion valve (142) and expands. After expansion, the refrigerant, which has become low pressure, flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or the chiller (160). As the refrigerant passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or the chiller (160), it absorbs external heat, and the absorbed refrigerant passes through the accumulator (170) and is then sucked into the compressor (101).
[0072] According to the embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the first air conditioning device (110) or the second air conditioning device (120) may each perform a cooling function, or the first air conditioning device (110) and the second air conditioning device (120) may simultaneously perform a cooling function.
[0074] [Example 4] Cooling mode using only the first air conditioning unit (110)
[0075] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a case where a cooling mode is implemented using only the first air conditioning unit. Example 4 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.
[0076] In order to implement a cooling mode using only the first air conditioning unit (110), in the cooling mode of Example 4, the first three-way valve (131) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows into the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110). Then, the directional control valve (151) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (103) flows into the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110).
[0077] High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows to the first air conditioning unit (110) as the flow direction is determined at the first three-way valve (131). Subsequently, the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the second expansion valve (142) of the first air conditioning unit (110). At this time, the second three-way valve (132) installed in the third refrigerant line (L3) prevents backflow of the refrigerant by controlling the outlet on the refrigerant circulation line (R) side to be closed. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or the chiller (160).
[0078] The high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) is condensed and cooled in the outdoor heat exchanger (103), then flows into the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110) through the refrigerant circulation line (R) and evaporates in the evaporator (113). At this time, the refrigerant passes through the directional control valve (151) and the first expansion valve (141) at the front end of the evaporator (113).
[0079] Additionally, the refrigerant may flow into a chiller (160) for battery cooling, and the refrigerant that evaporates while passing through the chiller (160) flows through the refrigerant circulation line (R) to the front of the accumulator (170) and is then sucked into the compressor (101). At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the chiller (160) joins with the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110), passes through the accumulator (170), and flows into the compressor (101).
[0081] [Example 5] Cooling mode using only the second air conditioning unit (120)
[0082] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a case where a cooling mode is implemented using only the second air conditioning unit. Example 5 will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.
[0083] In order to implement a cooling mode using only the second air conditioning unit (120), in the cooling mode of Example 5, the first three-way valve (131) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows into the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110). Additionally, the directional control valve (151) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (103) flows into the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120).
[0084] High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows to the first air conditioning unit (110) as the flow direction is determined at the first three-way valve (131). Subsequently, the refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger (112) and the second expansion valve (142) of the first air conditioning unit (110). At this time, the second three-way valve (132) installed in the third refrigerant line (L3) prevents backflow of the refrigerant by controlling the outlet on the refrigerant circulation line (R) side to be closed. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or the chiller (160). The high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant that has moved to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) is condensed and cooled in the outdoor heat exchanger (103), then flows through the refrigerant circulation line (R) and passes through the direction change valve (151). At this time, the directional control valve (151) is opened and closed to allow the refrigerant to flow into the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120), so that the refrigerant bypasses the first air conditioning unit (110) and flows into the second air conditioning unit (120) through the first refrigerant line (L1). During this process, the refrigerant is throttled as it passes through the third expansion valve (143). Afterward, the refrigerant flows into the second air conditioning unit (120) and evaporates in the combined heat exchanger (122).
[0085] The low-temperature refrigerant cooled while passing through the combined heat exchanger (122) passes through the second three-way valve (132), and as previously described, the outlet of the second three-way valve (132) on the refrigerant circulation line (R) side is closed. Accordingly, the second three-way valve (132) sends the refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation line (R) connecting the chiller (160) and the compressor (101), and the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant circulation line (R) joins with the refrigerant from the chiller (160) and flows toward the compressor (101).
[0086] The refrigerant transferred to the chiller (160) is used to cool the battery or the electric field, and the refrigerant flowing from the chiller (160) to the compressor (101) joins with the refrigerant discharged from the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120), passes through the accumulator (170), and flows to the compressor (101).
[0088] [Example 6] Cooling mode using both the first air conditioning unit (110) and the second air conditioning unit (120)
[0089] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a case where a cooling mode is implemented using both the first air conditioning unit and the second air conditioning unit. Example 6 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8.
[0090] In order to implement a cooling mode using both the first air conditioning unit (110) and the second air conditioning unit (120), in the cooling mode of Example 6, the first three-way valve (131) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows into the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110). In addition, the directional control valve (151) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (103) flows into both the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110) and the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120).
[0091] High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor (101) flows to the first air conditioning unit (110) as the flow direction is determined at the first three-way valve (131). Subsequently, the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (112) of the first air conditioning unit (110) moves to the second expansion valve (142) along the refrigerant circulation line (R). At this time, the second three-way valve (132) installed in the third refrigerant line (L3) prevents backflow of the refrigerant by controlling the outlet on the refrigerant circulation line (R) side to be closed. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (103) or the chiller (160).
[0092] High-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (103) is condensed and cooled in the outdoor heat exchanger (103), then flows through the refrigerant circulation line (R) and passes through the directional control valve (151). At this time, the directional control valve (151) is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant flows to both the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110) and the combined heat exchanger (122) of the second air conditioning unit (120), so that the refrigerant flows to both the first air conditioning unit (110) and the second air conditioning unit (120).
[0093] First, the refrigerant flowing from the directional control valve (151) to the first air conditioning unit (110) passes through the expansion valve (141) and then evaporates in the evaporator (113).
[0094] Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing from the directional control valve (151) to the second air conditioning unit (120) through the first refrigerant line (L1) is throttled and passes through the electronic expansion valve (143) during the flow process, and then evaporates in the combined heat exchanger (122). The low-temperature refrigerant cooled while passing through the combined heat exchanger (122) passes through the second three-way valve (132), and as previously described, the outlet of the second three-way valve (132) on the refrigerant circulation line (R) side is closed. Accordingly, the second three-way valve (132) sends the refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation line (R) connecting the chiller (160) and the compressor (101), and the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant circulation line (R) flows toward the compressor (101).
[0095] Meanwhile, the refrigerant that has moved to the chiller (160) is used to cool the battery, and the refrigerant flowing to the compressor (101) joins with the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator (113) of the first air conditioning unit (110), passes through the accumulator (170), and flows to the compressor (101).
[0097] According to the embodiments 4 to 6 described above, the first air conditioning unit (110) or the second air conditioning unit (120) may each perform a heating function, or the first air conditioning unit (110) and the second air conditioning unit (120) may simultaneously perform a heating function.
[0099] According to a vehicle heat pump system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a single combined heat exchanger (122) is applied to the second air conditioning unit (120) to perform both heating and cooling functions, thereby minimizing the volume of the second air conditioning unit (120). Additionally, as there is no need to install an additional heat exchanger in the second air conditioning unit (120), the flow direction of the refrigerant is simplified, and the necessary piping components can be minimized.
[0100] The above description is merely one embodiment for implementing a vehicle heat pump system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The technical spirit of the present invention extends to the scope in which various modifications can be made by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the invention belongs, without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the following patent claims. Explanation of the symbols
[0101] 100: Automotive heat pump system 101: Compressor 110: First air conditioning unit 111: First Cooperation Case 112: Indoor heat exchanger 113: Evaporator 120: Second air conditioning unit 121: Second Cooperation Case 122: Dual-purpose heat exchanger 103: Outdoor heat exchanger R: Refrigerant circulation line L1: 1st refrigerant line L2: Second refrigerant line L3: Third refrigerant line L4: 4th refrigerant line L5: 5th refrigerant line 151: Directional control valve 131: First three-way valve 132: Second three-way valve 141: First expansion valve 142: Second expansion valve 143: Third expansion valve 160: Chiller 170: Accumulator
Claims
Claim 1 A heat pump system for a vehicle comprising: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a first air conditioning unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an evaporator for heat-exchanging the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a second air conditioning unit including a combined heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant delivered from the first air conditioning unit; and an outdoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant with the outdoor air; wherein the second air conditioning unit performs both heating and cooling functions through the combined heat exchanger. Claim 2 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the combined heat exchanger evaporates the refrigerant in the cooling mode and condenses the refrigerant in the heating mode. Claim 3 A vehicle heat pump system according to paragraph 2, wherein the first air conditioning unit has the indoor heat exchanger and the evaporator installed inside the first air conditioning case, the second air conditioning unit is provided separately from the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger is installed inside the second air conditioning case, the compressor, the first air conditioning unit, and the outdoor heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant circulation line, and the second air conditioning unit is connected to the vehicle heat pump system through at least one refrigerant line. Claim 4 A vehicle heat pump system according to paragraph 3, wherein a first expansion valve is installed at the front end of the evaporator of the refrigerant circulation line leading from the outlet end of the outdoor heat exchanger to the evaporator of the first air conditioning device to expand the refrigerant flowing to the first air conditioning device. Claim 5 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein a directional control valve is installed upstream of the first expansion valve, and a first refrigerant line is branched from the directional control valve and then extended to the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning device. Claim 6 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 5, wherein a second refrigerant line branches off from a branch point of the refrigerant circulation line leading from the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger and joins the first refrigerant line, and a first three-way valve is formed at the branch point. Claim 7 A heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the inlet of the first three-way valve is connected to the compressor, and the two outlets are each connected in parallel to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit, and the first three-way valve switches the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigerant passing through the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit or the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit. Claim 8 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein the refrigerant passing through the first three-way valve flows to an indoor heat exchanger along the refrigerant circulation line, flows to a combined heat exchanger of a second air conditioning device via the second refrigerant line and the first refrigerant line, or flows to both the indoor heat exchanger and the combined heat exchanger. Claim 9 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 8, further comprising a second expansion valve installed in the inlet side refrigerant circulation line of the outdoor heat exchanger to expand or pass the refrigerant supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger. Claim 10 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein a third refrigerant line extends from the combined heat exchanger and joins the refrigerant circulation line between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and a second three-way valve is installed to change the flow direction of the third refrigerant line. Claim 11 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 10, further comprising a chiller that introduces refrigerant from the above-mentioned refrigerant circulation line to exchange heat with a heat source in a battery or electric field. Claim 12 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 11, wherein the second three-way valve sends the refrigerant that has passed through the combined heat exchanger to a refrigerant circulation line between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to join with the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger, or sends it to a refrigerant circulation line connecting the chiller and the compressor to send it to the compressor. Claim 13 A vehicle heat pump system according to Clause 12, wherein a third expansion valve is installed on the first refrigerant line. Claim 14 A heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein in a heating mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor condenses while exchanging heat with the indoor air of the vehicle as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, the condensed refrigerant expands at the second expansion valve and then flows to an outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, and after absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, passes through an accumulator and flows to the compressor. Claim 15 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein in a heating mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning device, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor condenses while exchanging heat with the air inside the vehicle as it passes through the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning device, the condensed refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve and expands at the second expansion valve, then flows to an outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, and after absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, passes through an accumulator and flows to the compressor. Claim 16 In claim 1, in a heating mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to both the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit; the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor branches off from the first three-way valve and passes through the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit, where it condenses while exchanging heat with the indoor air of the vehicle, respectively; the refrigerant condensed in the combined heat exchanger passes through the second three-way valve and joins the refrigerant circulation line to be combined with the refrigerant coming out of the indoor heat exchanger; the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger and the refrigerant condensed in the combined heat exchanger are expanded at the second expansion valve and then flow to an outdoor heat exchanger or chiller; and after absorbing heat in the outdoor heat exchanger or chiller, they pass through an accumulator and flow to the compressor, thereby forming a heat pump system for a vehicle. Claim 17 A heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein in cooling mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the directional control valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger flows to the evaporator of the first air conditioning unit. Claim 18 A heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the outdoor heat exchanger after passing through the first three-way valve and the indoor heat exchanger and the second expansion valve of the first air conditioning unit, and the high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant is cooled and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger and then flows to the chiller, or flows into the evaporator of the first air conditioning unit after passing through the directional control valve and evaporates in the evaporator, and the refrigerant that moved to the chiller joins with the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator and flows to the compressor after passing through the accumulator. Claim 19 A heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein in cooling mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the directional control valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger flows to the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit. Claim 20 In claim 19, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the outdoor heat exchanger after passing through the indoor heat exchanger and the second expansion valve of the first air conditioning unit, and the high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant is cooled and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger and then flows to the chiller, or flows to the second air conditioning unit after passing through the directional control valve and evaporates in the combined heat exchanger, and the evaporated low-temperature refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve, and the second three-way valve sends the low-temperature refrigerant to a refrigerant circulation line connecting the chiller and the compressor, combines with the refrigerant from the chiller, and sends it to the compressor, thereby forming a heat pump system for a vehicle. Claim 21 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 20, wherein the refrigerant transferred to the chiller is used to cool the battery or the electrical system, and the refrigerant flowing from the chiller to the compressor is combined with the refrigerant discharged from the combined heat exchanger and flows through an accumulator to the compressor. Claim 22 A heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein in cooling mode, the first three-way valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the indoor heat exchanger of the first air conditioning unit, and the directional control valve is controlled to open and close so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger flows to both the evaporator of the first air conditioning unit and the combined heat exchanger of the second air conditioning unit. Claim 23 In paragraph 22, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the compressor flows to the outdoor heat exchanger after passing through the indoor heat exchanger and the second expansion valve of the first air conditioning unit, and the high-pressure / high-temperature refrigerant flows to the chiller after being cooled and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, or flows to both the first air conditioning unit and the second air conditioning unit while passing through the directional control valve. The refrigerant flowing through the first air conditioning device throttles and passes through the expansion valve, then evaporates in the evaporator, and A heat pump system for a vehicle, wherein the refrigerant flowing through the second air conditioning device passes through the first refrigerant line and the expansion valve to throttling, then evaporates in a combined heat exchanger, the evaporated low-temperature refrigerant passes through the second three-way valve, and the second three-way valve sends the low-temperature refrigerant to a refrigerant circulation line connecting the chiller and the compressor, whereby it is combined with the refrigerant from the chiller and sent to the compressor. Claim 24 A vehicle heat pump system according to claim 23, wherein the refrigerant transferred to the chiller is used to cool the battery or the electrical system, and the refrigerant flowing from the chiller to the compressor is combined with the refrigerant discharged from the combined heat exchanger and flows through an accumulator to the compressor.