Thermal Management System

Abstract

The present invention discloses a thermal management system, which includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. The thermal management system also includes a fourth heat exchanger, which is arranged in the coolant system. The fourth heat exchanger can pump heat from the air and release heat to the air, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the thermal management system.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of thermal management, and in particular to a vehicle thermal management system. [Background Technology]

[0002] The thermal management system includes an external heat exchanger, in which the refrigerant can absorb or release heat to the ambient air. The thermal management system can manage the heat of the heat-generating components so that the heat-generating components operate within a reasonable temperature range. How to control the temperature of the heat-generating components and improve the performance of the thermal management system are technical problems that need to be solved. [Summary of the invention]

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the thermal management system.

[0004] A thermal management system, comprising a refrigerant system and a coolant system, wherein the refrigerant in the refrigerant system and the coolant in the coolant system are isolated from each other and do not circulate; the refrigerant system comprises a compressor and a first throttling device; the thermal management system further comprises a first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger comprising a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel, and the first throttling device is capable of communicating with an inlet of the compressor through the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger;

[0005] The coolant system includes a pump, a first branch, and a second branch, the first branch includes a second heat exchanger, the second branch includes a third heat exchanger, and the coolant system further includes at least one fourth heat exchanger, at least one of the first branch and the second branch includes the fourth heat exchanger, and the fourth heat exchanger is disposed outside the air conditioning box of the vehicle;

[0006] In the heating mode of the thermal management system, the compressor, the pump, and the first throttling device are turned on, and the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger, the pump, and the fourth heat exchanger are connected;

[0007] In the first cooling mode of the thermal management system, the pump is turned on, the fourth heat exchanger, the pump and the second heat exchanger are in communication, and / or the fourth heat exchanger, the pump and the third heat exchanger are in communication.

[0008] The thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. The fourth heat exchanger is part of the coolant system. The fourth heat exchanger is arranged outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle. The thermal management system can absorb heat from the air through the fourth heat exchanger, and the coolant system can release heat to the air through the fourth heat exchanger. Arranging the fourth heat exchanger in the coolant system provides a new way for the thermal management system to absorb and release heat. In other words, when the thermal management system is working, the fourth heat exchanger in the coolant system can both absorb heat from the environment and release heat to the environment, which is beneficial to enhancing the heating and cooling performance of the thermal management system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a connection diagram of a first embodiment of a thermal management system;

[0010] Figure 2 is a connection diagram of a second embodiment of a thermal management system;

[0011] Figure 3 is a connection diagram of a third embodiment of a thermal management system;

[0012] Figure 4 is a connection diagram of a fourth embodiment of a thermal management system;

[0013] Figure 5 is a connection diagram of a fifth embodiment of a thermal management system;

[0014] Figure 6 is a connection diagram of a sixth embodiment of a thermal management system;

[0015] Figure 7 4 is a connection diagram of a seventh embodiment of a thermal management system. [Specific implementation method]

[0016] The following is an example of a specific automotive thermal management system with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1The thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. The refrigerant in the refrigerant system and the coolant in the coolant system are isolated from each other and do not circulate. The refrigerant system includes a compressor 10 and a first throttling device 204. The first heat exchanger 104 of the thermal management system has a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flowing through the coolant flow channel can exchange heat within the first heat exchanger 104. The inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 is connected to the first throttling device 204, and the outlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 10 or is connected to the inlet of the compressor 10 via a gas-liquid separator 207. The coolant system includes a first circuit and a second circuit, and the first circuit and the second circuit can operate independently of each other. The first circuit includes a second heat exchanger 106 and a first pump 502, which are connected in series to form the first circuit. The first pump 502 is capable of driving coolant flow within the first circuit. The second heat exchanger 106 can be used to regulate the temperature of heat-generating devices such as motors. These devices can directly or indirectly exchange heat with the coolant in the second heat exchanger 106, thereby regulating the temperature of these devices. The second circuit includes a third heat exchanger 105 and a second pump 501, which are connected in series to form the second circuit. The second pump 501 is capable of driving coolant flow within the second circuit. The third heat exchanger 105 can be used to regulate the temperature of heat-generating devices such as batteries. These devices can directly or indirectly exchange heat with the coolant in the third heat exchanger 105, thereby regulating the temperature of these devices. Because the operating temperature of heat-generating devices such as motors is higher than that of heat-generating devices such as batteries, the coolant in the first circuit is disconnected from the coolant in the second circuit to prevent damage to the batteries.

[0017] Specifically, the first circuit includes a first branch, the first branch includes a second heat exchanger 106 and a first pump 502, the second heat exchanger 106 and the first pump 502 are connected, the first branch has two ports, the two ports of the first branch are the inlet for the coolant to enter the first branch and the outlet for the coolant to flow out of the first branch, the two ports of the first branch can be the opening of the device or the opening of the pipeline. The coolant system includes a first valve component 403. In the present embodiment, the first valve component 403 is a three-way valve having three connection ports. The first connection port 4031 of the first valve component 403 can be communicated with the second connection port 4032 of the first valve component 403 or with the third connection port 4033 of the first valve component 403. The first connection port 4031 of the first valve component 403 is communicated with one port of the first branch, the second connection port 4032 of the first valve component 403 is communicated with one port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104, and the third connection port 4033 of the first valve component and another port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 can be communicated with another port of the first branch. When the first connection port of the first valve component 403 is connected to the third connection port, and the first connection port of the first valve component 403 is not connected to the second connection port, the first valve component and the first branch form a first loop, and the coolant flow path of the first heat exchanger 104 is not connected to the first loop. When the first connection port of the first valve component 403 is not connected to the third connection port, and the first connection port of the first valve component 403 is connected to the second connection port, the coolant flow path of the first heat exchanger 104 is connected to the first branch, that is, the coolant flow path of the first heat exchanger 104, the first pump 502, and the second heat exchanger 106 are connected in series. At this time, the heat of the coolant in the first branch can be released to the refrigerant system through the first heat exchanger 104. In other embodiments, the first valve component 403 can also be a combination of two shut-off valves or flow control valves, which will not be described in detail.

[0018] The second circuit includes a second branch, which includes a third heat exchanger 105 and a second pump 501. The second branch has two ports. The two ports of the second branch are the inlet for the coolant to enter the second branch and the outlet for the coolant to flow out of the second branch. The two ports of the second branch can be openings of a device or openings of a pipeline. The coolant system includes a second valve component 402. In this embodiment, the second valve component 402 is a three-way valve. The first connection port 4021 of the second valve component 402 can be connected to the second connection port 4022 of the second valve component 402 or the third connection port 4023 of the second valve component 402. The first connection port 4021 of the second valve component 402 can be connected to a port of the second branch, and the second connection port 4022 of the second valve component 402 can be connected to a port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104. The other port of the second branch and the other port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 can be connected to the second valve component 40 2; when the first connection port of the second valve component 402 is connected to the third connection port, and the first connection port of the second valve component 402 is not connected to the second connection port, the second valve component 402 and the second branch form a second circuit, and the coolant flow path of the first heat exchanger 104 is not connected to the second circuit; when the first connection port of the second valve component 402 is not connected to the third connection port, and the first connection port of the second valve component 402 is connected to the second connection port, the coolant flow path of the first heat exchanger 104 is connected to the first branch, that is, the coolant flow path of the first heat exchanger 104, the second pump 501, and the third heat exchanger 105 are connected in series. In other embodiments, the second valve component 402 can also be a combination of two shut-off valves or flow control valves, which will not be described in detail. When the thermal management system is working, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 can be connected to the first branch or the second branch. It should be explained that the "coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 can be connected to the first branch or the second branch" mentioned here means that the coolant in the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 can flow into and out of the first branch or the second branch, or in other words, the coolant in the first branch or the second branch can flow into and out of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104.

[0019] The coolant system also includes a fourth heat exchanger 107. In one technical solution of the present invention, the fourth heat exchanger 107 is disposed in the first branch, or in other words, the fourth heat exchanger 107 is part of the first branch. The fourth heat exchanger 107 can be an air-cooled heat exchanger, such as a microchannel heat exchanger. The fourth heat exchanger 107, the first pump 502, and the second heat exchanger 106 are connected in series. In a vehicle thermal management system, the fourth heat exchanger 107 is disposed outside the vehicle's air-conditioning box and can exchange heat with the ambient air. Specifically, when the temperature of a heat-generating device such as a motor is high and needs to be dissipated, the coolant in the first circuit circulates only within the first circuit, and the heat from the motor and other heat-generating devices is released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger 107. At this time, the temperature of the motor and other heat-generating devices can be controlled without turning on the compressor, which can save energy. In other embodiments, the fourth heat exchanger 107 can also be arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger 106 and then connected in series with the first pump 502, or in other words, the fourth heat exchanger 107 is connected in series with the first pump 502, the second heat exchanger 106 is also connected in series with the first pump 502, and the second heat exchanger 106 and the fourth heat exchanger 107 are arranged in parallel. In other technical solutions of the present invention, the fourth heat exchanger 107 can be arranged in the second branch. Of course, the coolant system can also include two fourth heat exchangers 107, one of which is arranged in the first branch and the other is arranged in the second branch. Along the direction of gravity, the height of the two ports of the first branch is higher than the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger, and the height of the two ports of the second branch is higher than the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger. Such an arrangement can reduce the flow of high-temperature coolant to low-temperature coolant, reduce heat exchange, and help reduce heat loss.

[0020] The refrigerant system includes a second throttling device 205, a fifth heat exchanger 101, a seventh heat exchanger 103 and a first valve device 201. The seventh heat exchanger 103 of the refrigerant system includes at least a first port and a second port. The second throttling device 205 is connected to the second port of the seventh heat exchanger 103, the refrigerant inlet of the fifth heat exchanger 101 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 10, and the refrigerant outlet of the fifth heat exchanger 101 is connected to the first valve device 201. The refrigerant outlet of the fifth heat exchanger 101 can be connected to the second throttling device 205 through the first valve device 201, and the fifth heat exchanger 101 can also be connected to the first throttling device 204 through the first valve device. The first port of the seventh heat exchanger 103 can also be connected to the suction port of the compressor 10 through the first valve device 201 or be connected to the inlet of the compressor 10 through the gas-liquid separator 207. The refrigerant system further includes an eighth heat exchanger 102 and a third throttling device 202 . The third throttling device 202 is capable of being connected to the inlet of the eighth heat exchanger 102 , and the outlet of the eighth heat exchanger 102 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 10 . The first valve device 201 includes at least a first connecting port, a second connecting port, a third connecting port and a fourth connecting port. Specifically, the first connecting port is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the fifth heat exchanger 101, the fourth connecting port is connected to the suction port of the compressor 10, the second connecting port is connected to the first throttling device 205, the second throttling device 204 and the third throttling device 202 respectively, and the third connecting port is connected to the first port of the seventh heat exchanger 103. The first valve device 201 includes at least a first working state and a second working state. In the first working state of the first valve device 201, the first valve device 201 opens the connecting channel between the first connecting port and the third connecting port, and closes the connecting channel between the fourth connecting port and the second connecting port and the first connecting port. In the second working state of the first valve device 201, the first valve device 201 opens the connecting channel between the first connecting port and the second connecting port, and opens the connecting channel between the third connecting port and the fourth connecting port. Among them, the fifth heat exchanger 101 and the eighth heat exchanger 102 are arranged in the vehicle's air conditioner to adjust the temperature of the vehicle's passenger compartment, and the seventh heat exchanger 103 and the fourth heat exchanger 107 are arranged outside the vehicle's air conditioner box and can exchange heat with the ambient air.

[0021] The second port of the seventh heat exchanger 103 is further provided with a one-way element 206 in parallel with the second throttling device 205. In other words, the second communication port can communicate with the second port of the seventh heat exchanger 103 via the first throttling device 205 and the one-way element 206 connected in parallel. The one-way element 206 is conductive when the refrigerant flows out of the second port of the seventh heat exchanger 103, and is blocked when the refrigerant flows toward the second port of the seventh heat exchanger 103. Alternatively, the first throttling device 205 can be a throttling device with a shutoff function, thereby eliminating the one-way element 206. In addition, the connection or communication described in this specification can be a direct connection or communication, such as two components can be assembled together, so that there is no need for connecting pipes and the system is more compact. It can also be an indirect connection or communication, such as connecting through a pipe, or connecting after passing through a certain component. Examples are not given here one by one. In the technical solution of the present invention, opening the throttling device means that the opening of the throttling device is the largest, closing the throttling device means that the opening of the throttling device is zero, and opening the throttling device means a state between open and closed, or the throttling state of the throttling device. The third throttling device 202 and the first throttling device 205 can be a throttling device such as a thermal expansion valve, an electronic expansion valve, or a capillary tube that can adjust the flow of refrigerant. The one-way element 206 can be a shut-off valve, a flow regulating valve, or a solenoid valve with an on-off control function, or a one-way valve that allows flow in one direction and shuts off in the other direction. The one-way element or valve module can also be integrated with the heat exchanger to form an assembly with a more compact structure, such as the assembly formed by integrating the third throttling device 202 and the fifth heat exchanger 102.

[0022] The coolant system of the thermal management system also includes a kettle 108. The medium in kettle 108 can be coolant. The coolant flow path of the first heat exchanger 104, kettle 108, second pump 501, and third heat exchanger 105 are serially connected. Kettle 108 can be part of the coolant system flow path, and the coolant in the kettle participates in the flow of the coolant system. Kettle 108 can also be connected only to the coolant flow path and participate in the flow of coolant. A kettle 108' can also be provided within the first circuit, which will not be described in detail.

[0023] The vehicle's air conditioning unit is equipped with several air ducts (not shown) that connect to the vehicle's passenger compartment. These ducts are equipped with adjustable grilles (not shown). On the air inlet side of the air conditioning unit are internal circulation vents, external circulation vents, a circulation damper 301 that adjusts the size of the internal and external circulation vents, and a motor that drives the circulation damper 301. The internal circulation vents connect to the vehicle's passenger compartment, allowing air from the passenger compartment to enter the air conditioning unit through the internal circulation vents and then re-enter the vehicle interior through the ducts, forming an internal circulation system. The external circulation vents connect to the outside of the vehicle's passenger compartment, allowing air from outside the vehicle to enter the air conditioning unit through the external circulation vents and then enter the vehicle's passenger compartment through the ducts. The recirculation damper 301 is positioned between the internal and external recirculation vents. A controller controls the recirculation damper 301 via a motor. When the recirculation damper 301 switches to the internal recirculation vent, it closes the internal recirculation vent, creating external circulation. When the recirculation damper 301 switches to the external recirculation vent, it closes the external recirculation vent, creating in-vehicle circulation. Adjusting the position of the recirculation damper 301 adjusts the size of the internal and external recirculation vents, thereby adjusting the ratio of outside air to interior air entering the air conditioning unit. Furthermore, a fan 303 is provided on one side of the seventh heat exchanger 103 to accelerate the airflow through the seventh heat exchanger 103.

[0024] The fifth heat exchanger 101 is disposed in the air conditioning box, and a blower 304 is provided in the air conditioning box near the internal circulation air inlet and the external circulation air inlet. A temperature damper 302 is also provided on the upwind side of the first heat exchanger 101. When the thermal management system further includes the eighth heat exchanger 102, the fifth heat exchanger 101 and the eighth heat exchanger 102 can be provided at a certain distance from each other in the air conditioning box, or in other words, the temperature damper 302 is provided between the fifth heat exchanger 101 and the eighth heat exchanger 102. When the temperature damper 302 is open, air blown in from the internal circulation air inlet or the external circulation air inlet exchanges heat with the fifth heat exchanger 101. When the temperature damper 302 is closed, air blown in from the internal circulation air inlet or the external circulation air inlet cannot flow through the fifth heat exchanger 101. The air flows through the channels on both sides of the temperature damper 302 and then enters the vehicle interior through the air duct. The seventh heat exchanger 103 and the fourth heat exchanger 107 are disposed outside the air-conditioning box of the vehicle. Specifically, the seventh heat exchanger 103 and the fourth heat exchanger 107 are disposed in a front end module of the vehicle.

[0025] The thermal management system includes a heating mode and a first cooling mode. The following describes the operation of the thermal management system in each of these modes. The heating mode of the thermal management system includes a first heating mode and a second heating mode. When the ambient temperature is too low, the heating performance of the fifth heat exchanger 101 is insufficient, or the heat pumped from the seventh heat exchanger 103 by the thermal management system is insufficient to provide the required indoor heat, the thermal management system enters the first heating mode. In the first heating mode, the first valve device 201 is in the second operating state, with the first throttle device 205 and the second throttle device 204 open. The refrigerant in the thermal management system is compressed by the compressor 10 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The temperature damper 302 opens, and the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the surrounding air in the fifth heat exchanger 101, releasing heat to the surrounding air. The refrigerant outlet of the fifth heat exchanger 101 is connected to the second port of the seventh heat exchanger 103 and the first flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104, while the flow path to the eighth heat exchanger 102 is blocked. Accordingly, after being throttled by the second throttling device 205, the refrigerant enters the seventh heat exchanger 103. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the surrounding air in the seventh heat exchanger 103, absorbing the heat of the air. After flowing out of the seventh heat exchanger 103, the refrigerant can return to the compressor 10, and the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor 10 and is compressed again by the compressor 10 into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, thus repeating the cycle. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel of the fourth heat exchanger 104 exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant system. At this time, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 can be connected to the first circuit, or the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 can be connected to the second circuit by controlling the first valve member 402 and the second valve member 403. Taking the coolant flow path between the first branch and the first heat exchanger 104 as an example, heat-generating equipment such as motors exchange heat with the second heat exchanger 106. The coolant in the second heat exchanger 106 absorbs heat from the motors and other heat-generating equipment. The thermal management system obtains the heat absorbed by the second heat exchanger 106 from the motors and other heat-generating equipment through the first heat exchanger 104 and releases it to the air conditioning unit through the fifth heat exchanger 101. At this time, the thermal management system has two heat sources: the air outside the vehicle air conditioning unit and the heat-generating equipment such as motors. When the fourth heat exchanger 107 is also installed in the first loop, the fourth heat exchanger 107 can absorb heat from the ambient air. It should be emphasized that the fourth heat exchanger 107 is installed upstream of the second heat exchanger 106. The "upstream" mentioned here means that the coolant first passes through the fourth heat exchanger 107 and then passes through the second heat exchanger 106.This configuration is because the ambient air temperature is lower than that of heat-generating equipment such as motors. The coolant first absorbs heat from the ambient air in the fourth heat exchanger 107, raising its temperature. It then absorbs heat in the second heat exchanger 106, allowing the coolant temperature to rise further. If the second heat exchanger 106 were located upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 107, the coolant would absorb heat from the second heat exchanger 106 but would not be able to absorb heat from the fourth heat exchanger 107. The thermal management system can pump heat from the air through the fourth heat exchanger 107, effectively increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the seventh heat exchanger 103. Furthermore, since the first heat exchanger 104 is a dual-channel heat exchanger, superheat control in the first heat exchanger 104 is relatively easier than that in the seventh heat exchanger 107. This is because the coolant has a greater specific heat capacity than air and a smaller temperature fluctuation. Furthermore, the dual-channel heat exchanger has a smaller volume and shorter flow paths, resulting in better oil return performance.

[0026] In winter, the outside temperature in some areas is low. When the outside temperature is below or near zero degrees Celsius, the surface of the seventh heat exchanger 103 is prone to frost or ice, or malfunction, which in turn affects the energy efficiency of the thermal management system and may even cause a loss of heating performance. The thermal management system enters the second heating mode, with the first valve device 201 in the second operating state. The refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 101 passes through the first valve device 201 and enters the first throttling device 204. The first throttling device 204 operates, closing the second throttling device 205 and the third throttling device 202. The first valve member 403 and the second valve member 402 are controlled to connect the first circuit or the second circuit with the coolant flow path of the fourth heat exchanger. The thermal management system pumps heat through the first circuit or the second circuit. Compared with the first heating mode, the thermal management system primarily absorbs heat from the coolant in the first branch or the second branch. When the seventh heat exchanger 103 is unable to effectively pump heat, the heat from devices such as batteries or motors is used to provide a certain amount of heat to the interior, which helps improve comfort. Of course, when the ambient temperature is relatively high, the thermal management system pumps heat through the seventh heat exchanger 103 and then releases the heat in the sixth heat exchanger 101, which will not be described in detail.

[0027] In the first cooling mode of the thermal management system, taking the fourth heat exchanger 107 as an example, when the temperature of a heat-generating device such as a motor is high and needs to be cooled, the first and second valves are controlled to allow the coolant in the first circuit to flow within the first circuit. Heat from the motor or other heat-generating device is released into the coolant and then released into the air through the fourth heat exchanger 107. At this time, the heat-generating device such as the battery can be cooled through the first heat exchanger 104, and the battery or other heat-generating device can cool itself or dissipate heat through the fourth heat exchanger 107. In the first cooling mode, the first pump 502 is turned on, and the fourth heat exchanger 107, the first pump 502, and the second heat exchanger 106 are connected. The first pump 502 drives the coolant to flow within the first circuit. And / or the fourth heat exchanger 107, the second pump 501, and the third heat exchanger 105 are connected. The second pump 501 drives the coolant to flow within the second circuit. In the first coolant mode, at least one of the battery or the motor releases heat using the fourth heat exchanger 107. The compressor can be turned off or operated at a relatively low power consumption, thereby reducing energy consumption and saving energy. In summary, in the heating mode of the thermal management system, the thermal management system can pump heat from the air through the fourth heat exchanger 107, and in the first cooling mode of the thermal management system, the thermal management system can release heat to the air through the fourth heat exchanger 107. Compared with the thermal management system only having the seventh heat exchanger 103, this is equivalent to increasing the heat exchange area of ​​the seventh heat exchanger 103, thereby improving the heating and cooling performance of the thermal management system. In the second coolant mode of the thermal management system, when the motor or battery needs to be cooled, the compressor 10 and the first throttling device 204 are turned on, the first valve and the second valve are controlled, and the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 is selected to be connected to the first circuit or the second circuit, thereby reducing the heat of the battery or motor.

[0028] See also Figure 3 The coolant system may also be provided with only one pump 50, the outlet of the pump 50 being connected to a port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104, and the second connection port 4032 of the first valve member being connected to the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 through the outlet of the pump 50. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the thermal management system can save a pump, thereby relatively reducing the cost.

[0029] See also Figure 2The fifth heat exchanger 101 is a dual-channel heat exchanger, such as a plate heat exchanger. The fifth heat exchanger 101 includes a refrigerant channel and a coolant channel. The outlet of the compressor 10 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant channel of the fifth heat exchanger 101. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can release heat in the refrigerant channel of the fifth heat exchanger 101 to increase the heat content of the coolant channel. The thermal management system includes a third circuit, which includes a third pump 503, the coolant channel of the fifth heat exchanger 101, and a sixth heat exchanger 1001. The third pump 503, the coolant channel of the fifth heat exchanger 101, and the sixth heat exchanger 1001 are connected in series. The sixth heat exchanger 1001 is installed in the vehicle's air conditioning compartment, while the fifth heat exchanger 101 is installed outside the vehicle's air conditioning compartment. The third circuit can exchange heat with the second circuit or the first circuit. In a specific embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a first connecting line 51 and a second connecting line 52. Each of the first connecting line 51 and the second connecting line 52 includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first connecting line 51 is connected to the second circuit, and the second end of the first connecting line 51 is connected to the third circuit. Similarly, the first end of the second connecting line 52 is connected to the second circuit, and the second end of the second connecting line 52 is connected to the third circuit. The thermal management system can exchange coolant in the second circuit with coolant in the third circuit through the first connecting line 51 and the second connecting line 52. In other words, coolant in the second circuit can flow into the third circuit through the first connecting line 51 or the second connecting line 52, or vice versa, coolant in the third circuit can flow into the second circuit through the first connecting line 51 or the second connecting line, ultimately achieving heat exchange between the second circuit and the third circuit. Specifically, among the four ports of the first communicating line 51 and the second communicating line 52, at least one port is directly or indirectly connected to the inlet of the third pump 503 or the second pump 501. For example, the second end of the first communicating line 51 is connected to the inlet of the third pump 503, the second end of the first communicating line 51 is connected to the second circuit, and both ends of the second communicating line 52 are connected to the second circuit and the third circuit, but the two ends of the second communicating line are not directly connected to the third pump 503 or the second pump 501. This facilitates the coolant in the second circuit and the third circuit to flow to each other.

[0030] Specifically, the third circuit includes a third branch, which includes a third pump 503, the coolant flow path of the fifth heat exchanger 101, and the sixth heat exchanger 1001, all connected in series. Alternatively, the third branch represents a disconnected version of the third circuit. The coolant system includes a third valve 401, which includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The third valve 401 is capable of opening or closing the communication path between the first port and the third port, or between the first port and the second port. The first and second ports of the third valve 401 communicate with both ends of the third branch. The third port of the third valve 401 communicates with one end of the first connecting line 51, the other end of which communicates with one end of the second branch. The second connecting line 52 communicates with the other ends of the second and third branches, respectively. The thermal management system can control whether the second and third circuits exchange coolant through the third valve component 401. For example, when the first interface of the third valve component 401 is connected to the second interface and the first interface of the third valve component 401 is disconnected from the third interface, the coolant in the third circuit flows within the third circuit. In the thermal management system's circulation mode, that is, when the third and second circuits need to exchange heat, such as when using the heat generated by the fifth heat exchanger 101 to increase the heat of a heat-generating device such as a battery, or when using the heat of a heat-generating device such as a battery to heat the passenger compartment, the first interface of the third valve component 401 is disconnected from the second interface, and the first interface of the third valve component 401 is connected to the third interface, allowing the coolant in the second and third circuits to exchange coolant, ultimately achieving heat exchange between the second and third circuits. That is, heat from the second circuit is released into the third circuit through the first and second connecting pipes to increase the temperature of the passenger compartment. Alternatively, heat from the third circuit is released into the second circuit through the first and second connecting pipes to increase the temperature of a heat-generating device such as a battery. In other embodiments, the third valve component 401 includes only a first interface and a second interface. The third valve component 401 can open or close the communication path between the first interface of the third valve component 401 and the second interface of the third valve component 401. The first interface of the third valve component 401 is connected to the first connecting line 51, and the second interface of the third valve component 401 is connected to one end of the second branch or one end of the third branch. The thermal management system controls the communication between the second circuit and the third circuit through the third valve component 401. Of course, the third valve component 401 can also be connected to the second connecting line 52, which will not be described in detail. Of course, the coolant system can also include a fourth valve component. The communication method of the fourth valve component is the same as that of the third valve component and will not be described in detail. The thermal management system is equipped with the third valve component 401 and / or the fourth valve component to control the exchange of coolant between the second circuit and the third circuit to save energy of the thermal management system.

[0031] See also Figure 4. The coolant system includes a seventh heat exchanger 2001, and the seventh heat exchanger 2001 includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger 2001 is part of the third circuit, and the second flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger 2001 is part of the second circuit. The coolant in the second circuit and the coolant in the third circuit can exchange heat in the seventh heat exchanger 2001. Compared with the above embodiment, the second circuit and the third circuit only exchange heat but do not exchange coolant. Since the second circuit is provided with a second pump 501 and the third circuit is provided with a third pump 503, when the second circuit and the third circuit need to exchange heat, the third pump 503 and the second pump 501 are turned on, or in other words, the thermal management system can control whether the second circuit and the third circuit are to exchange heat through the controllers of the third pump 503 and the second pump 501. For further information, please refer to Figure 5 The coolant system also includes a bypass line 53, which is arranged in the third circuit and is arranged in parallel with the first flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger 2001. The bypass line 53 can bypass the first flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger 2001. Of course, to control whether the bypass line 53 bypasses the first flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger 2001, the thermal management system is also provided with a corresponding fifth valve component 404. Of course, the bypass line 53 can also be arranged in the second circuit. The bypass line 53 can bypass the second flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger 2001, which will not be described in detail. The thermal management system is provided with a bypass line 53, so that the second circuit and the third circuit can operate independently and simultaneously when not exchanging heat, which is convenient for control.

[0032] See also Figure 6 ,and Figure 1 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, the coolant system includes only one valve component, such as the second valve component 402. The second valve component 402 is a three-way valve. The first connection port of the second valve component 402 is connected to a port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104. The first connection port of the second valve component 402 and the second connection port of the second valve component 402 are respectively connected to one end of the first branch and one end of the second branch. The other end of the first branch and the other end of the second branch are connected to another port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104. When the first connection port of the second valve component 402 is connected to the second connection port or the third connection port, the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger 104 is connected to one of the first branch or the second branch. The heat of the air surrounding the fourth heat exchanger 107 can be pumped into the refrigerant system through the first heat exchanger, and the heat of the motor or battery can be released to the air through the fourth heat exchanger. Compared to Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system is relatively simple.

[0033] See also Figure 7 ,and Figure 6Compared to the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system includes a first shut-off valve 601, whose first port communicates with one port of the first branch, and whose second port communicates with another port of the first branch. The thermal management system also includes a second shut-off valve 602, whose first port communicates with one port of the second branch, and whose second port communicates with another port of the second branch. During operation, the first shut-off valve is open, and the first branch forms a first loop through the first shut-off valve 601. Driven by the first pump 502, coolant flows within the first loop, and heat from heat-generating devices such as motors is released to the air through the fourth heat exchanger 107. Similarly, during operation, the second shut-off valve is open, and the second branch forms a second loop through the second shut-off valve 602. Driven by the second pump 501, coolant flows within the second loop, and heat from heat-generating devices such as batteries is released to the air through the fourth heat exchanger 107. The coolant system is provided with a first shut-off valve 601 and a second shut-off valve 602. The first and second loops can operate simultaneously or independently, or only one of them can operate. Of course, the coolant system may also be provided with only one stop valve, such as the first stop valve or the second stop valve.

[0034] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. For example, regarding the directional definitions of “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, although this specification has described the present invention in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can still be combined, modified or replaced by each other, and all technical solutions and improvements thereof that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, comprising a refrigerant system and a coolant system, wherein the refrigerant in the refrigerant system and the coolant in the coolant system are isolated from each other and do not circulate; the refrigerant system comprises a compressor and a first throttling device; the thermal management system further comprises a first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger comprising a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel, and the first throttling device is capable of communicating with an inlet of the compressor through the refrigerant flow channel of the first heat exchanger; The coolant system includes a pump, a first branch, and a second branch, the first branch including a second heat exchanger, the second branch including a third heat exchanger, the coolant system further includes at least one fourth heat exchanger, at least one of the first branch and the second branch including the fourth heat exchanger, and the fourth heat exchanger is disposed outside the air conditioning box of the vehicle; If the first branch includes the fourth heat exchanger, the fourth heat exchanger is disposed upstream of the second heat exchanger; if the second branch includes the fourth heat exchanger, the fourth heat exchanger is disposed upstream of the third heat exchanger; In the heating mode of the thermal management system, the compressor, the pump, and the first throttling device are turned on, and the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger, the pump, and the fourth heat exchanger are connected; In the first cooling mode of the thermal management system, the pump is turned on, the fourth heat exchanger, the pump and the second heat exchanger are in communication, and / or the fourth heat exchanger, the pump and the third heat exchanger are in communication.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that The thermal management system includes a first stop valve, a first port of the first stop valve is connected to a port of the first branch, and a second port of the first stop valve is connected to another port of the first branch; and / or, the thermal management system includes a second stop valve, a first port of the second stop valve is connected to a port of the second branch, and a second port of the second stop valve is connected to another port of the second branch.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The coolant system includes a first valve component having three connection ports. The first connection port of the first valve component can be communicated with the second connection port of the first valve component or the third connection port of the first valve component. The first connection port of the first valve component is communicated with one port of the first branch circuit, the second connection port of the first valve component is communicated with one port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger, and the third connection port of the first valve component and another port of the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger are communicated with another port of the first branch circuit. When the first connection port of the first valve component is communicated with the third connection port of the first valve component, the first branch circuit and the first valve component form a first circuit. The coolant system includes a second valve component, which has three connection ports. The first connection port of the second valve component can be communicated with the second connection port of the second valve component or the third connection port of the second valve component. The first connection port of the second valve component can be communicated with one port of the second branch, the second connection port of the second valve component is communicated with one port of the coolant flow channel, and the third connection port of the second valve component and another port of the coolant flow channel are communicated with another port of the second branch. When the first connection port of the second valve component is communicated with the third connection port of the second valve component, the second branch and the second valve component form a second circuit.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pump includes a first pump and a second pump, the first pump is arranged in the first branch, and the second pump is arranged in the second branch; The first branch includes the fourth heat exchanger, which is arranged in series with the second heat exchanger and the first pump, or the fourth heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in parallel and then in series with the first pump; And / or, the second branch includes the fourth heat exchanger, and the fourth heat exchanger is arranged in series with the third heat exchanger and the second pump, or the fourth heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are arranged in parallel and then in series with the second pump.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Along the gravity direction, the heights of the two ports of the first branch are higher than the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger, and the heights of the two ports of the second branch are higher than the coolant flow channel of the first heat exchanger.

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 3 and 5, characterized in that: The thermal management system includes a fifth heat exchanger, the fifth heat exchanger including a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel, the outlet of the compressor being in communication with the inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the fifth heat exchanger; the thermal management system includes a third circuit, the third circuit including a third pump, the coolant flow channel of the fifth heat exchanger, and a sixth heat exchanger, the third pump, the coolant flow channel of the fifth heat exchanger, and the sixth heat exchanger being in serial communication, the third pump being capable of driving coolant to flow within the third circuit; the sixth heat exchanger being disposed within the vehicle's air conditioning box, and the fifth heat exchanger being disposed outside the vehicle's air conditioning box; The third circuit can exchange heat with the second circuit or the first circuit.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The thermal management system further includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe. The thermal management system includes at least a circulation mode. In the circulation mode, part of the coolant in the third circuit can flow into the second circuit through the first connecting pipe and mix with the coolant in the second circuit. The mixed part of the coolant in the second circuit can flow into the third circuit through the second connecting pipe.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third circuit includes a third branch, the third branch includes the third pump, the coolant flow channel of the fifth heat exchanger and the sixth heat exchanger, and the third pump, the coolant flow channel of the fifth heat exchanger and the sixth heat exchanger are connected in series; The coolant system further includes a third valve component, the third valve component including a first interface and a second interface, the third valve component being capable of opening or blocking a communication passage between the first interface of the third valve component and the second interface of the third valve component, the first interface of the third valve component being in communication with the first communicating pipe, and the second interface of the third valve component being in communication with one end of the second branch or one end of the third branch; or the third valve component including a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface, the third valve component being capable of opening or blocking a communication passage between the first interface of the first valve component and the third interface of the third valve component or between the first interface and the second interface, the first interface and the second interface of the third valve component being in communication with both ends of the second branch or the third branch respectively, and the third interface of the third valve component being in communication with the corresponding branch via the first communicating pipe; And / or the thermal management system also includes a fourth valve component, the fourth valve component also includes a first interface and a second interface, the fourth valve component is capable of opening or cutting off the communication path between the first interface of the second valve component and the second interface of the fourth valve component, the first interface of the fourth valve component is connected to the second connecting pipe, and the second interface of the fourth valve component is connected to the second circuit or the third circuit; or the fourth valve component includes a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the fourth valve component is capable of opening or cutting off the communication path between the first interface of the second valve component and the third interface of the fourth valve component and / or the first interface of the second valve component and the second interface of the fourth valve component, the first interface of the fourth valve component and the second interface of the fourth valve component are respectively connected to the two ends of the second branch or the third branch, and the third interface of the fourth valve component is connected to the corresponding branch through the second connecting pipe.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The coolant system includes a seventh heat exchanger, the seventh heat exchanger includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the first flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger is part of the third circuit, and the second flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger is part of the second circuit; The coolant system also includes a bypass pipeline; the bypass pipeline is arranged in the third circuit, and the third circuit is arranged in parallel with the first flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger; or the bypass pipeline is arranged in the second circuit, and the bypass pipeline is arranged in parallel with the second flow channel of the seventh heat exchanger.

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