Vehicle Air Conditioning System And Vehicle Air Conditioning Method

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioning system for a vehicle can be provided, comprising: an engine coolant circulation unit in which coolant that has absorbed waste heat generated from an engine is transferred to a heater to heat air; a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit in which refrigerant compressed through a compressor is transferred to a heat exchanger to preheat the air; and an air conditioning unit in which air is introduced through an air inlet and an air outlet, the heat exchanger is located near the air inlet, and the air preheated through the heat exchanger is heated by passing through the heater located at the rear end of the heat exchanger and discharged through the air outlet.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a vehicle air conditioning system and a vehicle air conditioning method that utilize a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit to prevent engine efficiency degradation and effectively control the internal air temperature of the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The interior air conditioning systems of hybrid vehicles are designed considering the characteristics of the combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In particular, interior air conditioning systems that aim to efficiently utilize the waste heat from engine coolant are attracting attention.

[0003] The engine coolant circulation unit of a hybrid vehicle efficiently utilizes the waste heat of the engine coolant to recover energy and transfer it to the interior of the vehicle. To this end, the engine coolant circulation unit plays the role of heating the air inside the vehicle and providing a comfortable temperature as the coolant heated in the engine flows through a chiller to a heater.

[0004] Furthermore, in hybrid vehicles, heat pumps are applied to improve the vehicle's thermal efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Heat pumps can absorb heat from external sources, such as low-temperature air or water, and use it for heating. This absorbed heat is used to convert the refrigerant into vapor, which is then compressed to raise its temperature. The heat, now in a high-temperature, high-pressure state through compression, passes through a heat pump circulation unit and is transferred into the vehicle's interior to provide an appropriate temperature.

[0005] However, excessive utilization of waste heat from the engine coolant may reduce engine efficiency. If heat is excessively drawn up and used by the heating system, the engine temperature rises, potentially leading to a decrease in engine performance and efficiency.

[0006] In addition, the heat provided through the heat pump has a temperature of 30 to 60°C, whereas the heat provided using engine waste heat has a temperature of 60 to 90°C. Therefore, after the engine is fully preheated, the vehicle interior temperature is raised mainly using the waste heat generated from the engine, and the utilization of the heat provided by the heat pump decreases.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop technology that can increase thermal efficiency by utilizing not only engine waste heat but also heat provided by a heat pump, and prevent a decrease in engine efficiency by appropriately utilizing the waste heat generated by the engine. The problem to be solved

[0008] Against this backdrop, the objective of the present embodiment is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system and a vehicle air conditioning method that can reduce dependence on heat generated from engine coolant and prevent a decrease in engine efficiency by preheating the air using heat generated in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit.

[0009] In addition, another objective of the present embodiment is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system and a vehicle air conditioning method that can utilize the heat generated in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit not only before the engine is preheated but also after the engine is preheated. means of solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objective, one embodiment may provide an air conditioning system for a vehicle comprising: an engine coolant circulation unit in which coolant that has absorbed waste heat generated from an engine is transferred to a heater to heat the air; a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit in which refrigerant compressed through a compressor is transferred to a heat exchanger to preheat the air; and an air conditioning unit in which the air is introduced through an air inlet and an air outlet, the heat exchanger is located near the air inlet, and the air preheated through the heat exchanger is heated by passing through the heater located downstream of the heat exchanger and discharged through the air outlet.

[0011] The above coolant can be transferred from the engine through the water pump, via the chiller, to the heater.

[0012] The above chiller can further heat the cooling water by utilizing the heat transferred through the refrigerant transported from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit.

[0013] The refrigerant transferred to the above chiller can join the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit without passing through the above air conditioning unit.

[0014] Before the engine is preheated, the coolant can absorb heat through the refrigerant transferred to the chiller.

[0015] The refrigerant heat-exchanged in the above heat exchanger can be circulated to the compressor via the radiator and accumulator.

[0016] The refrigerant transferred to the above chiller can be transferred from the compressor through the first three-way valve.

[0017] The refrigerant joining the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit from the above chiller can join through the second three-way valve.

[0018] The above air conditioning unit may further include an evaporator for cooling the air.

[0019] Another embodiment may provide a vehicle air conditioning method comprising: a coolant preheating step in which the coolant of the engine coolant circulation unit is preheated through a refrigerant transferred from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit before the engine is preheated; a first air heating step in which air introduced from the air inlet unit is preheated by heat exchange with the heat exchanger of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit; a second air heating step in which the preheated air is heated through a heater of the engine coolant circulation unit; and an air discharge step in which the heated air is discharged into the vehicle interior through the air outlet unit.

[0020] The above coolant can be transferred from the engine through the water pump, via the chiller, to the heater.

[0021] The heat transferred through the refrigerant transported in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit can be transferred to the coolant flowing through the chiller of the engine coolant circulation unit.

[0022] The first air heating step above may utilize the heat of the refrigerant flowing through a heat exchanger located near the air inlet.

[0023] The refrigerant heat-exchanged in the above heat exchanger can be circulated to the compressor via the radiator and accumulator.

[0024] The second air heating step above may utilize the heat of the cooling water flowing through the heater located at the downstream end of the heat exchanger. Effects of the invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a vehicle air conditioning system and a vehicle air conditioning method can be provided that can prevent a decrease in engine efficiency by reducing dependence on heat generated from the engine coolant.

[0026] In addition, a vehicle air conditioning system and a vehicle air conditioning method can be provided that utilize the heat generated in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit in both situations before and after the engine is preheated.

[0027] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle air conditioning system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the flow of the engine coolant circulation section. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the flow of the heat pump refrigerant circulation section. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the heat pump refrigerant circulation section before the engine is preheated. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the heat pump refrigerant circulation section after the engine has been preheated. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the airflow of the air conditioning unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle air conditioning method according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Some embodiments are described in detail below with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0030] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing components. These terms are intended only to distinguish the component from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "joined" between each component.

[0031] The primary purpose of vehicle air conditioning technology is to provide a comfortable interior environment by regulating the temperature and humidity of the air inside the vehicle. In particular, for hybrid vehicles, the goal is to efficiently manage the interior environment while simultaneously maximizing energy efficiency and maintaining eco-friendliness.

[0032] One of the representative air conditioning technologies for hybrid vehicles is the application of a heat pump. A heat pump is used to absorb external heat and transfer it to the interior. In the process of absorbing heat, the heat pump converts the refrigerant into a gaseous state, enabling effective heating.

[0033] Heat pump systems use refrigerants to absorb and transfer heat, and energy efficiency can be maximized by recovering and reusing this heat. The heat recovered from the heat pump is used for internal heating or cooling, allowing for efficient control of the vehicle's interior environment.

[0034] Meanwhile, hybrid vehicles utilize waste heat from engine coolant through heat exchange technology. The heat generated by the engine is used to heat the air inside the vehicle as it circulates through the engine coolant circulation unit.

[0035] In addition, the air conditioning system of a hybrid vehicle can precisely control the vehicle's interior temperature and air quality by utilizing sensors and control devices. Furthermore, since the electric motor of a hybrid vehicle also generates heat, this can be utilized to regulate the air temperature inside the vehicle.

[0036] An air conditioning system for a vehicle according to one embodiment may include: an engine coolant circulation unit in which coolant that has absorbed waste heat generated from an engine is transferred to a heater to heat the air; a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit in which refrigerant compressed through a compressor is transferred to a heat exchanger to preheat the air; and an air conditioning unit in which the air is introduced through an air inlet and an air outlet, the heat exchanger is located near the air inlet, and the air preheated through the heat exchanger is heated by passing through the heater located at the rear end of the heat exchanger and discharged through the air outlet.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle air conditioning system according to one embodiment.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle air conditioning system (100) according to one embodiment may include an engine coolant circulation unit (200), a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300), and an air conditioning unit (400).

[0039] The arrangement and connection relationships of each component shown in FIG. 1 are exemplary, and the addition, removal, and modification of components, as well as changes in arrangement, may be varied as needed.

[0040] The engine coolant circulation unit (200) may include an engine (210), a water pump (220), and a chiller (230).

[0041] The engine (210) is a primary heat source that supplies heat to the vehicle interior through the air conditioning unit (400). As the hybrid vehicle operates, the engine (210) heats up and requires cooling; to this end, coolant is injected into the engine (210). The heat generated by the engine (210) is waste heat that is difficult to utilize for operating the vehicle, and this waste heat can be absorbed by the coolant and utilized to regulate the air environment inside the vehicle.

[0042] The coolant passing through the engine (210) absorbs heat from the engine (210) and can release heat to the air inside the vehicle in the air conditioning unit (400) via the water pump (220) and chiller (230).

[0043] When the hybrid vehicle is in normal operation, the coolant passing through the engine (210) is generally 60 to 90°C. Therefore, the heat contained in the high-temperature coolant passes through the air conditioning unit (400) and is transferred to the air inside the vehicle, and can be used to control the temperature, humidity, etc. inside the vehicle.

[0044] The water pump (220) can transfer the coolant that has passed through the engine (210) to the chiller (230) and the air conditioning unit (400).

[0045] The chiller (230) serves to control the cooling water so that it has an appropriate temperature before the cooling water transferred through the water pump (220) is introduced into the air conditioning unit (400). In particular, the chiller (230) can control the temperature by effectively transferring heat generated from the refrigerant to the cooling water using a heat pump cycle. The cooling water that has passed through the chiller (230) is transferred to the heater (420) of the air conditioning unit (400) to heat the air inside the vehicle. That is, the cooling water can act as a heat transfer medium that absorbs heat from the engine (210), transfers the corresponding heat to the air conditioning unit (400), and releases heat into the air inside the vehicle.

[0046] The heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) may include a radiator (310), an accumulator (320), and a compressor (330).

[0047] The radiator (310) can release heat from the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) to the outside or absorb heat from the outside into the refrigerant. That is, the radiator (310) can serve as a channel for exchanging heat between the inside of the vehicle and the outside of the vehicle. Through the radiator (310), the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be controlled to an appropriate level, thereby enabling stable operation.

[0048] The accumulator (320) can effectively store heat within the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) and optimize thermal efficiency performance. Through the accumulator (320), heat from the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be partially extracted and stored, and heat can be released when necessary to optimize thermal efficiency performance. Through this, heat can be utilized stably, energy loss can be minimized, and the temperature inside the vehicle can be quickly controlled.

[0049] The compressor (330) is one of the core components of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) and can compress low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant to convert it into high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant. Through the process of compressing the refrigerant, heat is absorbed by the refrigerant, and the heat absorbed by the refrigerant can be transferred to the air conditioning unit (400) and used to heat the air inside the vehicle.

[0050] The air conditioning unit (400) may include a heat exchanger (410), a heater (420), and an evaporator (430).

[0051] The heat exchanger (410) can absorb heat from the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) and transfer it to the air inside the vehicle. The refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (330) of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) is in a high temperature and high pressure state and is transferred to the heat exchanger (410) of the air conditioning unit (400) to transfer heat to the heat exchanger (410), and the heat exchanger (410) can release the corresponding heat to the air inside the vehicle.

[0052] The heater (420) can absorb heat from the coolant circulating in the engine coolant circulation unit (200) and transfer it to the air inside the vehicle. The coolant, having passed through the chiller (230) of the engine coolant circulation unit (200), is transferred to the heater (420) of the air conditioning unit (400) with its temperature controlled to an appropriate level, thereby transferring heat to the heater (420), and the heater (420) can utilize this heat to heat the air inside the vehicle.

[0053] The evaporator (430) can serve to provide cooling by absorbing heat and lowering the temperature inside the vehicle. The evaporator (430) utilizes a cooling refrigerant for cooling, and as the cooling refrigerant changes from liquid to gas, it absorbs heat, thereby lowering the temperature of the surrounding air. Meanwhile, the humidity inside the vehicle can also be controlled by extracting water vapor through the evaporator (430).

[0054] The air conditioning unit (400) may include an air inlet and an air outlet so that air inside the vehicle can circulate. Air inside the vehicle can be introduced through the air inlet, and air inside the vehicle can be discharged through the air outlet.

[0055] The heat exchanger (410) is positioned close to the air inlet so that it can preheat the air inside the vehicle flowing into the air conditioning unit (400). Through this, the heat of the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be utilized for heating the inside of the vehicle even after the engine has been preheated. That is, the heat exchanger (410), which absorbs and releases the heat of the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300), is positioned upstream of the heater (420), which heats the air inside the vehicle using the heat of the coolant circulating in the engine coolant circulation unit (200), thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the vehicle and enabling the vehicle air conditioning system to operate effectively.

[0056] The air inside the vehicle, preheated through the heat exchanger (410), is heated by passing through the heater (420) located at the rear end of the heat exchanger (410), thereby achieving an appropriate temperature. Generally, since the temperature of the coolant passing through the heater (420) is higher than that of the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger (410), the heater (420) plays a greater role in heating the air inside the vehicle.

[0057] Meanwhile, since the air inside the vehicle can be preheated through the heat exchanger (410) through which the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) passes, the amount of heat released by the cooling water circulating in the engine cooling water circulation unit (200) through the heater (420) can be reduced. Therefore, by suppressing the excessive utilization of waste heat generated in the engine (210), the cooling of the engine (210) by the cooling water can be effectively maintained, and the reduction in efficiency of the engine (210) can be prevented.

[0058] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the flow of the engine coolant circulation section.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, the coolant circulating in the engine coolant circulation unit (200) can be transferred from the engine (210) through the water pump (220) to the chiller (230) and then to the heater (420) of the air conditioning unit (400).

[0060] Specifically, the coolant circulating in the engine coolant circulation unit (200) can absorb heat generated from the engine (210) and be transferred to the chiller (230) via the water pump (220). The coolant transferred to the chiller (230) is controlled to an appropriate temperature and transferred to the heater (420) of the air conditioning unit (400) to be used to heat the air inside the vehicle. Meanwhile, the chiller (230) can effectively extract heat from the refrigerant to control the temperature of the coolant. The coolant controlled to an appropriate temperature can be transferred to the heater (420) of the air conditioning unit (400) to be used to heat the air inside the vehicle. Here, the heat of the coolant is released to the air inside the vehicle, and the coolant that has released heat can be circulated back to the engine (210). The air inside the vehicle flows from one side of the air conditioning unit (400) to the other side, and in the process, the heat of the coolant flowing through the heater (420) is absorbed, causing the temperature to rise and thereby heating the vehicle.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of the heat pump refrigerant circulation section, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the heat pump refrigerant circulation section before the engine is preheated, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the heat pump refrigerant circulation section after the engine is preheated.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be transferred from the radiator (310) through the accumulator (320) and compressor (9330) to the heat exchanger (410) of the air conditioning unit (400).

[0063] Specifically, the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can absorb heat from the outside or release heat to the outside through the radiator (310). This allows the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) to be maintained at an appropriate level. The refrigerant that has passed through the radiator (310) can store a portion of the heat in the accumulator (320). In the accumulator (320), the heat of the refrigerant is stored and released when necessary to optimize thermal efficiency performance. Afterward, the refrigerant can be compressed in the compressor (330) and converted into a high-temperature, high-pressure state. As the refrigerant is compressed in the compressor (330), heat is absorbed by the refrigerant, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that has absorbed heat is transferred to the heat exchanger (410) of the air conditioning unit (400) and can be used to preheat the air inside the vehicle. The refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger (410) can be transferred back to the radiator (310) and circulated.

[0064] Meanwhile, the chiller (230) can additionally heat the cooling water circulating in the engine cooling water circulation unit (200) by utilizing the heat transferred through the refrigerant transferred from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300). At this time, the refrigerant can be transferred from the compressor (330) of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) to the chiller (230) through the first three-way valve (340). In addition, the refrigerant transferred to the chiller (230) can be joined to the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) through the second three-way valve (350).

[0065] When the hybrid vehicle is started, it takes about 5 to 20 minutes for the engine (210) to operate and preheat. Therefore, before the engine (210) is preheated, it may take time for the coolant to rise to a temperature sufficient to heat the air inside the vehicle. Therefore, before the engine (210) is preheated, the refrigerant of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) is transferred to the chiller (230) of the engine coolant circulation unit (200) to transfer heat to the coolant, thereby allowing the temperature of the coolant to be raised quickly.

[0066] Meanwhile, since it may be difficult to heat the air inside the vehicle through the heater (420) through which coolant flows until the engine (210) is preheated, the air inside the vehicle may be preheated through the heat exchanger (410) using the heat of the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300).

[0067] That is, until the engine (210) is preheated, the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be transferred only to the chiller (230) to be used to raise the temperature of the coolant, the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be transferred only to the heat exchanger (410) to preheat the air inside the vehicle, or the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be transferred to both the chiller (230) and the heat exchanger (410) to raise the temperature of the coolant and simultaneously to be used to preheat the air inside the vehicle. For example, FIG. 4 shows the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) being transferred only to the chiller (230) to be used to raise the temperature of the coolant.

[0068] Once the engine (210) is sufficiently preheated, there is no need to raise the temperature of the coolant, so the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) may not flow to the chiller (230). However, the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) may be transferred to the heat exchanger (410) of the air conditioning unit (400) and used to preheat the air inside the vehicle.

[0069] After the engine (210) is sufficiently preheated, the temperature of the coolant is 60 to 90°C, which is higher than the temperature of the refrigerant in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300), which is only 30 to 60°C. Therefore, in the past, after the engine (210) is sufficiently preheated, the heating effect inside the vehicle by the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit is minimal, so the utilization of the heat pump is reduced. However, according to one example of the present invention, by positioning the heat exchanger (410) through which the refrigerant of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) flows at the front of the heater (420) and utilizing it to preheat the air inside the vehicle, the thermal efficiency of the vehicle can be improved and the reduction in engine thermal efficiency can be prevented.

[0070] Specifically, even after the engine (210) has been sufficiently preheated, the refrigerant circulating through the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be transferred to the heat exchanger (410) to preheat the air inside the vehicle. At this time, the refrigerant can flow from the compressor (300) through the first three-way valve (340) into the heat exchanger (410). Here, the heat exchanger (410) is located upstream of the heater (420) and is provided near the air inlet, so it can preheat the air inside the vehicle flowing into the air conditioning unit (400). The refrigerant that has preheated the air inside the vehicle can be circulated back to the radiator (410) through the second three-way valve (350).

[0071] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the airflow of the air conditioning unit.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, the air inside the vehicle entering through the air inlet (440) can be discharged to the air outlet (450) via the heat exchanger (410) and the heater (420). Additionally, the air inside the vehicle entering through the air inlet (440) can be discharged to the air outlet (450) via the evaporator (430).

[0073] Specifically, the air inside the vehicle introduced through the air inlet (440) can be preheated by the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger (410). The refrigerant can be compressed to a high temperature and high pressure through the compressor (330) of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) and then introduced into the heat exchanger (410) via the first three-way valve (340). The heat exchanger (410) is located close to the air inlet (440) to preheat the air inside the vehicle, and the preheated air moves to the heater (420) located at the rear end of the heat exchanger (410).

[0074] The heater (420) can heat the air inside the vehicle by receiving coolant transferred from the chiller (230) of the engine coolant circulation unit (200). The coolant can heat the air by releasing engine waste heat absorbed from the engine (210) in the heater (420). The heated air inside the vehicle can be discharged through the air outlet (450).

[0075] Meanwhile, the air conditioning unit (400) may further include an evaporator (430) for cooling the air inside the vehicle. The air inside the vehicle introduced through the air inlet (440) can be cooled through the evaporator (430) and discharged to the air outlet (450).

[0076] Next, a vehicle air conditioning method according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0077] A vehicle air conditioning method according to one embodiment may include: a coolant preheating step in which the coolant of an engine coolant circulation unit is preheated through a refrigerant transferred from a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit before the engine is preheated; a first air heating step in which air introduced from an air inlet unit is preheated by heat exchange with a heat exchanger of a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit; a second air heating step in which the preheated air is heated through a heater of an engine coolant circulation unit; and an air discharge step in which the heated air is discharged into the interior of a vehicle through an air outlet unit.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle air conditioning method according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 7, a vehicle air conditioning method (S500) according to one embodiment may include a coolant preheating step (S510), a first air heating step (S520), a second air heating step (S530), and an air discharge step (S540).

[0080] In the coolant preheating step (S510), the coolant of the engine coolant circulation unit can be preheated through the refrigerant transferred from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) before the engine is preheated.

[0081] Since the temperature of the coolant in the engine coolant circulation unit (200) has not risen sufficiently before the engine is preheated, the refrigerant in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) flows into the chiller (230) to preheat the coolant, thereby preheating the coolant passing through the chiller (230). Through this, the temperature of the coolant can be rapidly raised.

[0082] In the first air heating step (S520), air introduced from the air inlet (440) can be preheated by exchanging heat with the heat exchanger (410) of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300).

[0083] The refrigerant circulating in the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be introduced into a heat exchanger (410) located upstream of the heater (420) to preheat the air. Since the air inside the vehicle is preheated through the heat exchanger (410) before moving to the heater (420), the thermal efficiency of the hybrid vehicle engine can be improved compared to when the air inside the vehicle is heated by relying on the heater (420).

[0084] The heat transferred through the refrigerant transferred from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit (300) can be transferred to the cooling water flowing through the chiller (230) of the engine cooling water circulation unit (200).

[0085] Additionally, the refrigerant that has completed heat exchange in the heat exchanger (410) can be circulated by passing through the radiator (310) and accumulator (320) and moving back to the compressor (330).

[0086] In the second air heating step (S530), preheated air inside the vehicle can be heated while moving through the heater (420). As described above, since the air inside the vehicle is introduced into the heater (420) in a preheated state, the amount of heat loss of the coolant flowing through the heater (420) is reduced, and thus, the thermal efficiency of the hybrid vehicle engine can be improved.

[0087] Coolant can be transferred from the engine (210) through the water pump (220) to the chiller (230) and then to the heater (420).

[0088] In the air discharge step (S540), heated air from the air outlet (450) can be discharged back into the vehicle interior.

[0089] Terms such as "include," "compose," or "have" as described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; therefore, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0090] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0091] 100: Automotive air conditioning system 200: Engine coolant circulation unit 210: Engine 220: Water pump 230: Chiller 300: Heat pump refrigerant circulation unit 310: Radiator 320: Accumulator 330: Compressor 340: First three-way valve 350: Second three-way valve 400: Air conditioning unit 410: Heat exchanger 420: Heater 430: Evaporator 440: Air intake 450: Air outlet S500: Vehicle Air Conditioning Method S510: Coolant preheating stage S520: 1st air heating stage S530; 2nd air heating step S540: Air discharge stage

Claims

Claim 1 An air conditioning system for a vehicle comprising: an engine coolant circulation unit in which coolant that has absorbed waste heat generated from an engine is transferred to a heater to heat the air; a heat pump refrigerant circulation unit in which refrigerant compressed through a compressor is transferred to a heat exchanger to preheat the air; and an air conditioning unit in which air is introduced through an air inlet and an air outlet, the heat exchanger is located near the air inlet, and the air preheated through the heat exchanger is heated by passing through the heater located at the rear end of the heat exchanger and discharged through the air outlet; wherein the heat exchanger that directly preheats the air using the refrigerant and the heater that directly heats the air using the engine coolant are arranged in series in the direction of air flow. Claim 2 A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the coolant is transferred from the engine through a water pump to a chiller to a heater. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the above chiller is a vehicle air conditioning system that further heats the coolant using heat transferred through the refrigerant transferred from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit. Claim 4 A vehicle air conditioning system according to paragraph 3, wherein the refrigerant transferred to the chiller joins the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit without passing through the air conditioning unit. Claim 5 A vehicle air conditioning system according to paragraph 3, wherein the coolant absorbs heat through the refrigerant transferred to the chiller before the engine is preheated. Claim 6 A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger is circulated to the compressor via a radiator and an accumulator. Claim 7 In paragraph 3, the refrigerant transferred to the chiller is transferred from the compressor through the first three-way valve, in a vehicle air conditioning system. Claim 8 In paragraph 4, the refrigerant joining from the chiller to the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit joins through the second three-way valve, in a vehicle air conditioning system. Claim 9 A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning unit further comprises an evaporator for cooling the air. Claim 10 A vehicle air conditioning method comprising: a coolant preheating step in which the coolant of the engine coolant circulation unit is preheated through a refrigerant transferred from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit before the engine is preheated; a first air heating step in which air introduced from the air inlet unit is preheated by heat exchange with the heat exchanger of the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit; a second air heating step in which the preheated air is heated through a heater of the engine coolant circulation unit; and an air discharge step in which the heated air is discharged into the vehicle interior through the air outlet unit. Claim 11 A vehicle air conditioning method according to claim 10, wherein the coolant is transferred from the engine through a water pump to a chiller to a heater. Claim 12 A vehicle air conditioning method according to claim 10, wherein the heat transferred through the refrigerant transferred from the heat pump refrigerant circulation unit is transferred to the coolant flowing through the chiller of the engine coolant circulation unit. Claim 13 In claim 10, the above-mentioned first air heating step utilizes the heat of a refrigerant flowing through a heat exchanger located near the air inlet, a vehicle air conditioning method. Claim 14 A vehicle air conditioning method according to claim 10, wherein the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger is circulated to the compressor via a radiator and an accumulator. Claim 15 In claim 10, the second air heating step utilizes the heat of the cooling water flowing through the heater located at the downstream end of the heat exchanger, a vehicle air conditioning method.

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