Cooling device, cooling system, and cooling system control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device, a cooling system, and a method for controlling a cooling system. The cooling device includes: a plurality of cooling tubes arranged in parallel so that a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid flow through the cooling tubes; a storage tank connected to the plurality of cooling tubes so that the first cooling fluid or the second cooling fluid flows through the cooling tubes; a partition located within the storage tank to separate the storage tank into a first space in which the first cooling fluid flows and a second space in which the second cooling fluid flows. The partition is coupled to the storage tank so as to be linearly movable in the direction in which the plurality of cooling tubes are arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device, a cooling system and a control method of the cooling system. Background Art

[0002] Generally, electric vehicles tend to have relatively short overhangs because the engine is not mounted in the front portion of the vehicle body, which corresponds to the engine room of a conventional vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine.

[0003] Therefore, in order to mount the drive motor, speed reducer, cooling device, etc. on the shortened overhang, a new cooling device structure with a reduced thickness is required.

[0004] In particular, in the case of a cooling system for an internal combustion engine used in a commercial vehicle, cooling water cools the engine by maintaining its temperature at 110°C, while the electric motor component requires a cooling water temperature of 65°C. Compared to the cooling device used in the engine, the cooling device used in the electric motor component is relatively small in size and can achieve smooth cooling system performance.

[0005] The matters described above as background technology are only for the purpose of promoting understanding of the background technology of the present invention, and should not be regarded as an admission that these matters correspond to the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a structure and a control method for changing heat exchange and preventing refrigerant or cooling water from flowing in by mixing with each other. Specific embodiments of the present invention relate to a cooling device that can be used in small electric vehicles and the like.

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention can solve the problems arising in the related art and can provide a cooling device, a cooling system and a control method for the cooling system. The cooling device, the cooling system and the control method for the cooling system improve the efficiency by changing the structure of the condenser and the radiator of the cooling device installed on the existing internal combustion engine vehicle and arranging the structure in parallel in a single row, so that the size of a vehicle with a shorter overhang body structure (such as a small electric vehicle) can be minimized.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cooling device includes: a plurality of cooling tubes arranged in parallel, through which a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid flow; and a pair of storage tanks connected to the plurality of cooling tubes so that either the first cooling fluid or the second cooling fluid flows through the plurality of cooling tubes. A partition is positioned within each storage tank to separate the tank into a first space in which the first cooling fluid flows and a second space in which the second cooling fluid flows, the partition being coupled to the tank so as to be linearly movable in the direction in which the plurality of cooling tubes are arranged.

[0009] The apparatus may further include: a guide extending in an arrangement direction of the plurality of cooling tubes, the guide coupled to the partition via a screw; and an actuator configured to rotate the guide to linearly move the partition.

[0010] A diaphragm O-ring may be fastened to a gap between an outer surface of the diaphragm and an inner surface of the storage tank; and a guide O-ring and a gasket may be fastened to a gap between the diaphragm and the guide.

[0011] A thread may be provided on each of the partition and the guide, the thread being in the form of a square screw or a toothed screw.

[0012] A cooling system may further include: an air conditioning circuit connected to a first space using a refrigerant as a first cooling fluid so that the first cooling fluid flows therein, the air conditioning circuit being provided with a cooling core for indoor air conditioning; and a cooling circuit connected to a second space using cooling water as a second cooling fluid so that the second cooling fluid flows therein, the cooling circuit being connected to an electrical component so that the second cooling fluid exchanges heat with the electrical component.

[0013] A first gas-liquid separator configured to separate gas from fluid exhausted from the storage tank may be provided in the air conditioning circuit, and the gas separated in the first gas-liquid separator may flow into the first space again.

[0014] A cooling water separator configured to separate the cooling water from the fluid discharged from the storage tank using a difference in specific gravity may be provided in the air conditioning circuit, and the cooling water separator may be connected to the cooling circuit to return the separated cooling water to the cooling circuit.

[0015] The specific gravity of the refrigerant can be higher than that of liquid cooling water. The first cooling water drain outlet is connected to the cooling circuit, and the separated cooling water is discharged through the first cooling water drain outlet. The first cooling water drain outlet can be located on a side of the cooling water separator that is higher than the first refrigerant drain outlet in the direction of gravity when the refrigerant is discharged. The first valve can be arranged in the first cooling water drain outlet to allow or prevent the flow of cooling water.

[0016] The specific gravity of the refrigerant can be higher than that of liquid cooling water, and the first cooling water discharge port is connected to the cooling circuit, and the separated cooling water is discharged through the first cooling water discharge port. The first cooling water discharge port can be located on a side of the cooling water separator that is higher than the first refrigerant discharge port that discharges the refrigerant in the direction of gravity; a cooling water separation plate can be provided, which extends in a planar direction from the interior of the cooling water separator, and the cooling water separation plate is positioned to be movable in a vertical direction, and the specific gravity of the cooling water separation plate is lower than that of the liquid refrigerant, and the specific gravity of the cooling water separation plate is higher than that of the cooling water, and the cooling water separation plate is provided with a through hole that allows the fluid to move between the upper side and the lower side.

[0017] The cooling water separation plate may block the first cooling water discharge port in a state where the interior of the cooling water separator is maximally elevated.

[0018] A second gas-liquid separator may be provided in the cooling circuit, and the second gas-liquid separator is configured to separate gas from the fluid discharged from the storage tank.

[0019] A refrigerant separator may be provided, which is configured to separate liquid refrigerant by utilizing the difference in specific gravity when the gas discharged from the second gas-liquid separator is cooled. The refrigerant separator may be connected to the air conditioning circuit to return the separated refrigerant to the air conditioning circuit.

[0020] A refrigerant separator may be provided in the air conditioning circuit, the refrigerant separator being configured to separate the refrigerant from the fluid discharged from the storage tank by utilizing a difference in specific gravity, the refrigerant separator being connectable to the air conditioning circuit so that the separated refrigerant can be returned to the air conditioning circuit, the specific gravity of the gaseous refrigerant may be lower than that of cooling water, and the specific gravity of the gaseous refrigerant may be higher than that of air; a second refrigerant discharge port is connected to the air conditioning circuit, and cooling water is discharged through the second refrigerant discharge port, and the second refrigerant discharge port may be located on a side of the refrigerant separator that is higher than the second cooling water discharge port for discharging the refrigerant in the direction of gravity; a refrigerant separation plate may be provided, the refrigerant separation plate extending in a planar direction from the interior of the refrigerant separator, the refrigerant separation plate being positioned to be movable in a vertical direction, the specific gravity of the refrigerant separation plate being lower than that of the gaseous refrigerant, and the specific gravity of the refrigerant separation plate being higher than that of the air, and the refrigerant separation plate being provided with a through hole that enables the fluid to move between the upper side and the lower side.

[0021] The cooling water may flow in the refrigerant separator to be maintained at a predetermined height located on a side lower than the second refrigerant discharge port in a gravity direction; and the refrigerant separation plate may block the second refrigerant discharge port at the predetermined height.

[0022] A gas injection unit may be provided on the refrigerant separation plate, the gas injection unit having gas stored therein.

[0023] A flow restriction portion configured to restrict a flow direction of the fluid discharged from the storage tank may be provided inside the refrigerant separator.

[0024] A method for controlling a cooling system may include: calculating a current air conditioning load of an air conditioning circuit and a current cooling load of a cooling circuit based on a current driving state; calculating a ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the calculated current cooling load; and controlling movement of a partition based on the ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the current cooling load.

[0025] The control method may further include: before controlling the movement of the partition, calculating the estimated air conditioning load of the air conditioning circuit and the estimated cooling load of the cooling circuit based on the estimated driving status after a predetermined time or a predetermined distance using navigation information; calculating the ratio between the calculated estimated air conditioning load and the calculated estimated cooling load; and in the movement control of the partition, controlling the movement of the partition based on the ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the calculated current cooling load and the change in the ratio between the calculated estimated air conditioning load and the calculated estimated cooling load.

[0026] As described above, the present invention improves the efficiency by changing the structure of the condenser and radiator of the cooling device installed on the existing internal combustion engine vehicle and arranging the structure in parallel in a single row, so that the size of the vehicle with a shorter overhang body structure (such as a small electric vehicle) can be reduced to the maximum extent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a view showing a cooling device according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is shown connected to Figure 1 a view of some of the parts of the partition;

[0030] Figure 3 is shown connected to Figure 1 a view of the components of the partition;

[0031] Figure 4 is a view showing a cooling system according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 is a view showing a cooling water separator;

[0033] Figure 6 is a view showing a cooling water separation plate;

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 sectional view of ;

[0035] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerant separator;

[0036] Figure 9 is a view of the refrigerant separation plate;

[0037] Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a cooling system according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 is a graph showing the ratio of air conditioning load to cooling load;

[0039] Figure 12 It shows that according to Figure 11 The slope of the air conditioning system adjustment curve diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 , a cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include: a plurality of cooling tubes 1, a pair of storage tanks 3 and a partition 9; the plurality of cooling tubes 1 are arranged in parallel and have a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid flowing therein; the pair of storage tanks 3 are in communication with the plurality of cooling tubes 1 so that the first cooling fluid or the second cooling fluid flows through the plurality of cooling tubes 1; the partition 9 is located inside the storage tank 3, separating the storage tank 3 into a first space 36 in which the first cooling fluid can flow and a second space 38 in which the second cooling fluid can flow, and is connected to the storage tank 3 so as to be linearly movable in the arrangement direction of the plurality of cooling tubes 1.

[0042] In the plurality of cooling tubes 1 of the structure of the cooling device, a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid flow, wherein the first cooling fluid may flow in certain portions of the tubes and the second cooling fluid may flow in the remaining portions of the tubes.

[0043] In addition, a plurality of cooling pipes 1 may be arranged side by side in parallel, in particular, may be arranged in parallel in a row, and may share a common cooling fan.

[0044] Therefore, by reducing the ventilation resistance in the single-row parallel arrangement, the load capacity and size of the fan motor of the heat exchanger can be reduced, and when a motor with the same load capacity is used, the air flow rate and heat flow rate can be increased.

[0045] A condenser in which a first cooling fluid flows and a radiator in which a second cooling fluid flows are arranged in parallel in a row to form a combined heat exchanger, and the condenser and the radiator share one cooling fan.

[0046] In addition, the first cooling fluid and the second cooling fluid flow through the condenser and the radiator using the same cooling pipe 1, and a pair of identical storage tanks 3 are provided on the top and bottom sides of the cooling pipe 1. Therefore, the first cooling fluid and the second cooling fluid flowing in from the upper storage tank 3 can flow to the lower storage tank 3.

[0047] In particular, the cooling pipe 1 may extend in the vertical direction, and the pair of storage tanks 3 may be located at the top and bottom sides, respectively, or may be located only at the top or bottom side.

[0048] Partitions 9 are provided inside each tank 3 to separate the first cooling fluid and the second cooling fluid to prevent them from mixing, and when the partitions 9 are changed, the number of cooling pipes 1 communicating with the first space 36 and the second space 38, respectively, can be determined.

[0049] In other words, in order to change the diaphragm 9, a hole is provided in the center of the diaphragm 9 so that the guide 13 is coupled thereto, and further provided is a shaft 21 extending through the central axis of the guide 13. In addition, an actuator 11 is provided on the head of the guide 13 to linearly move the diaphragm 9 by rotating the guide 13. Therefore, the guide 13 rotates by rotating the actuator 11, thereby changing the diaphragm through linear motion.

[0050] In addition, shaft holders 23 may be further provided to fix opposite ends of the shaft 21 so that the guide 13 does not shake or separate when rotating.

[0051] To describe the shape of the guide 13 in more detail, the guide 13 may be provided in the form of a square screw or a toothed screw, and the hole of the partition 9 may also be provided in the form of a nut-shaped square screw or a toothed screw to couple with the guide 13 .

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, to prevent the first and second cooling fluids from mixing when the diaphragm 9 is moved by the rotational force of the guide 13 within the tank 3, grooves are formed on the outer surface of the diaphragm 9. In other words, grooves are formed on the outer surface of the diaphragm 9 that contacts the tank 3, thereby securing a diaphragm O-ring 17 thereto. Furthermore, a pair of guide O-rings 15 and a gasket 19 are further provided between the diaphragm 9 and the guide 13, thereby securing the diaphragm 9 and the guide 13.

[0053] A cooling system including a cooling device is provided, the cooling system further including: an air conditioning circuit 89 and a cooling circuit 91; the air conditioning circuit 89 uses refrigerant 29 as a first cooling fluid, is connected to the first space 36 so that the first cooling fluid can flow therein, and is provided with a cooling core 43 for indoor air conditioning; the cooling circuit 91 uses cooling water 27 as a second cooling fluid, is connected to the second space 38 so that the second cooling fluid can flow therein, and is connected to the electrical component 57 that exchanges heat with the cooling water 27.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioning circuit 89 is provided with a first gas-liquid separator 35, an expansion valve 41, a cooling core 43, and a compressor 47. The first cooling fluid circulates through each component in sequence and re-enters the inlet 5 of the storage tank 3. In addition, in the cooling circuit 91, the second cooling fluid also circulates through the second gas-liquid separator plate 49 and the electrical components 57 in sequence before entering the inlet 5 of the storage tank 3.

[0055] In other words, the fluids flowing into the storage tank 3 through the cooling circuit 91 and the air conditioning circuit 89 are the refrigerant 29, the gas refrigerant 31, the air 33, and the cooling water 27. Then, the fluids introduced into the storage tank 3 are mixed and discharged by the movement of the partition 9.

[0056] Looking at the flow of fluid flowing in the air conditioning circuit 89, among the gas refrigerant 31, the refrigerant 29, and the cooling water 27 (which are mixed and introduced into the first gas-liquid separator 35 of the air conditioning circuit 89), the gas refrigerant 31 is first separated and discharged to the inlet 5 of the storage tank 3 through the first space 36. At the same time, the cooling water separator 37 is provided to separate the refrigerant 29 and the cooling water 27 discharged from the first gas-liquid separator 35 by utilizing the difference in specific gravity, and the cooling water separator 37 is connected to the cooling circuit 91, thereby sending the separated cooling water 27 back to the cooling circuit 91.

[0057] The gaseous refrigerant 31 here may contain air 33 .

[0058] In the first embodiment of the cooling water separator 37 configured to separate the cooling water 27 and the refrigerant 29, because the specific gravity of the refrigerant 29 is higher than that of the liquid cooling water 27, the cooling water 27 is separated above the refrigerant 29. Therefore, the first cooling water discharge port 65 (through which the separated cooling water 27 is discharged) is higher in the gravity direction than the first refrigerant discharge port 63 (through which the refrigerant 29 is discharged), so that each fluid is arranged to be discharged to a different discharge port.

[0059] In addition, a first valve 39 may be provided between the first cooling water outlet 65 and the cooling water separator 37 . The first valve 39 may allow or block the cooling water 27 from flowing toward the first cooling water outlet 65 and may prevent the refrigerant 29 from flowing in.

[0060] In a second embodiment of a cooling water separator 37 configured to separate cooling water 27 and refrigerant 29, the cooling water separator 37 is provided with a first cooling water discharge port 65 connected to the cooling circuit 91 and through which the separated cooling water 27 is discharged. The first cooling water discharge port 65 is located higher in the direction of gravity than the first refrigerant discharge port 63 through which the refrigerant 29 is discharged. In addition, the cooling water separator 37 is further provided with a cooling water separation plate 59 therein, thereby enabling the cooling water 27 and the refrigerant 29 to be separated.

[0061] In other words, the cooling water separation plate 59 is configured to have a specific gravity higher than that of the cooling water but lower than that of the refrigerant, and is shaped to extend in a planar direction from the interior of the cooling water separator 37. Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 69 are provided to allow fluid to move between the upper and lower sides.

[0062] In addition, the cooling water separation plate 59 is positioned so as to be movable in the vertical direction by the refrigerant 29. Furthermore, in order to prevent the separated cooling water 27 from mixing and being discharged when being discharged to the first cooling water discharge port 65, the cooling water separation plate 59 is configured to include a shape that surrounds the interior of the cooling water separator 37. Therefore, the first valve 39 of the first embodiment does not necessarily need to be provided, but may be provided as needed.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, in a third embodiment of a cooling water separator 37 for separating cooling water 27 and refrigerant 29, the cooling water separator 37 is provided with a first cooling water discharge port 65, which is connected to the cooling circuit 91 and through which the separated cooling water 27 is discharged. The first cooling water discharge port 65 is located on a higher side in the direction of gravity than the first refrigerant discharge port 63, through which the refrigerant 29 is discharged. More specifically, the first cooling water discharge port 65 is provided perpendicular to the top side of the cooling water separator 37 in a direction intersecting the first refrigerant discharge port 63.

[0064] In addition, the cooling water separator 37 is provided with a cooling water separation plate 59 similar to the second embodiment, wherein the cooling water separation plate 59 is configured to further include a plug 67 inserted into the first cooling water discharge port 65 in a state of being maximally raised within the cooling water separator 37, thereby preventing the inflow of the refrigerant 29.

[0065] In other words, when the cooling water separation plate 59 is raised to the maximum in the cooling water separator 37, the plug 67 is inserted into the first cooling water discharge port 65, thereby blocking the first cooling water discharge port 65. However, in order to prevent a predetermined amount of mixed water from flowing in, a groove is provided on the plug 67, and the plug O-ring 71 is coupled to the groove.

[0066] Therefore, depending on the embodiment of the cooling water separator 37 , the positions of the first cooling water discharge port 65 and the first refrigerant discharge port 63 and whether the cooling water separation plate 59 is used may be changed as needed.

[0067] The cooling water separated by the cooling water separator 37 is connected to the discharge port 7 of the storage tank 3, and thus connected to the cooling circuit 91, and the separated refrigerant 29 flows through the expansion valve 41 and the cooling core 43 in sequence, and then flows into the inlet 5 of the storage tank 3 for circulation.

[0068] Looking at the flow of fluid flowing in cooling circuit 91, among the gas refrigerant 31, air 33, and cooling water 27 introduced into second gas-liquid separation plate 49 through cooling circuit 91, cooling water 27 is separated and discharged to electrical components 57, and the gas refrigerant 31 and the air discharged from second gas-liquid separation plate 49 are converted into liquid refrigerant 29 by heat exchanger 45. At the same time, a refrigerant separator 51 configured to separate air 33 and refrigerant 29 is provided.

[0069] In the first embodiment of the refrigerant separator 51 configured to separate the air 33 and the refrigerant 29, the air and the refrigerant 29 in the refrigerant separator 51 are separated so that the air is located above the refrigerant 29 due to the difference in specific gravity. In order to discharge the air, a pressure cap 53 is further provided on the top side of the refrigerant separator 51. Therefore, the air is allowed to be discharged accordingly.

[0070] In addition, the refrigerant separator 51 is provided with a second refrigerant discharge port 75 to return the refrigerant 29 to the air conditioning circuit 89 , and a second valve 55 configured to allow or prevent the flow of the refrigerant 29 is provided in the second refrigerant discharge port 75 .

[0071] The second valve 55 installed in the second cooling water discharge port 75 can be set as needed.

[0072] In addition, in the second embodiment of the refrigerant separator 51, a refrigerant separator 51 is provided that can separate the gas refrigerant 31, air 33 and cooling water 27 without setting the second gas-liquid separation plate 49, so that the gas refrigerant 31, air 33 and cooling water 27 can be directly introduced thereinto.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, a refrigerant separation plate 79 is provided to separate the gas refrigerant 31 and air 33 introduced into the refrigerant separator 51. The refrigerant separation plate 79 is configured to have a specific gravity higher than that of air but lower than that of the gas refrigerant, and is shaped to extend in a planar direction from the interior of the refrigerant separator 51. In addition, a plurality of through holes 83 are provided to allow fluid to move between the upper side and the lower side.

[0074] Therefore, a second refrigerant discharge port 75 is provided to allow the gas refrigerant 31 separated by the refrigerant separator 51 to be discharged therethrough and returned to the air conditioning circuit 89, and a second cooling water discharge port 77 is provided to allow the cooling water 27 to be discharged therethrough. At this time, the second refrigerant discharge port 75 is spaced apart from the second cooling water discharge port 77 in the direction of gravity and is located on a higher side in the direction of gravity.

[0075] In order to ensure that the gas refrigerant 31 introduced into the refrigerant separator 51 does not mix with the cooling water 27 or is introduced into the second cooling water discharge port 77 , a flow restriction portion 85 configured to restrict the flow direction of the gas refrigerant 31 toward the upper side is provided.

[0076] In addition, the refrigerant separation plate 79 is positioned so as to be movable in the vertical direction through the gas refrigerant 31, and is configured to include a shape that surrounds the interior of the refrigerant separator 51. Therefore, when the separated gas refrigerant 31 is discharged to the second refrigerant discharge port 75, the refrigerant separation plate 79 prevents air from being discharged by mixing with the separated gas refrigerant 31. In addition, when an appropriate amount of gas refrigerant 31 is discharged, the refrigerant separation plate descends and blocks the second refrigerant discharge port 75, thereby preventing air from being discharged.

[0077] In other words, the cooling water 27 inside the refrigerant separator 51 flows inside the refrigerant separator 51 to be maintained at a predetermined height 87, which is located below the second refrigerant discharge port 75 in the direction of gravity. Subsequently, when the gas refrigerant 31 is completely discharged, the refrigerant separation plate 79 descends to be located at the predetermined height 87, and blocks the second refrigerant discharge port 75, thereby preventing air from flowing in.

[0078] refer to Figure 9 The refrigerant separation plate 79 disposed between the air 33 and the gas refrigerant 31 may further include a gas injection unit 81 having gas stored therein to balance specific gravity, thereby being coupled with the inside of the refrigerant separator 51 .

[0079] In addition, in order to discharge the air 33 separated by the refrigerant separation plate 79, a pressure cap 53 is further provided on the top side of the refrigerant separator 51. Therefore, the air 33 can be discharged accordingly.

[0080] Therefore, the cooling water 27 separated by the refrigerant separator 51 of the second embodiment is connected to the inlet 5 of the storage tank 3 through the electrical component 57, and as described above, the separated gas refrigerant 31 is discharged by being connected between the cooling core 43 and the compressor 47, thereby returning to the air conditioning circuit 89.

[0081] Reference Figures 10 to 12 , provides a control method for the cooling system of the present invention, the method comprising: in step S40, calculating the current air conditioning load of the air conditioning circuit 89 and the current cooling load of the cooling circuit 91 according to the current driving state; in step S50, calculating the ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the current cooling load; in step S60, controlling the movement of the partition 9 based on the ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the current cooling load.

[0082] In other words, the ratio of the cooling load to the air conditioning load is calculated, and the partition is changed through the circuit connected to the actuator 11 to control each load with priority.

[0083] Therefore, before controlling the movement of the partition 9 in step S60, based on the estimated driving status after a preset time or a preset distance using navigation information, the control method also includes: in step S23, calculating the estimated air conditioning load of the air conditioning circuit 89 and the estimated cooling load of the cooling circuit 91; in step S24, calculating the ratio between the calculated expected air conditioning load and the expected cooling load.

[0084] In other words, when the user does not input a destination into the navigation system during driving, the calculation of energy usage and the control of the cooling system are started based on the current driving state (S30). Because the current driving state is prioritized at this time, the current air conditioning load rate (a) and the current cooling load rate (b) are calculated (S40), thereby determining the ratio D of the condenser and the radiator based on each current ratio (S50).

[0085] Therefore, by performing cooling system control (S60) based on the current ratio D, when the air conditioning load increases, the number of cooling pipes through which the refrigerant flows increases to prioritize air conditioning. Similarly, when the cooling load increases, the number of cooling pipes through which the cooling water flows increases to prioritize cooling.

[0086] While driving the vehicle, it is difficult to react immediately due to the steady speed of the cooling system. To supplement this, the destination is input into the vehicle's navigation system (S10), whereby energy usage estimation and cooling system advance control can be performed using navigation information (S21).

[0087] In other words, before arriving at the destination (S20), the estimated air conditioning load (a') and the estimated cooling load (b') in a few minutes are calculated (S23), from which the slope C of the coordinate can be obtained (S24) by the proportional relationship between the calculated current air conditioning load rate (a) and the current cooling load rate (b).

[0088] like Figure 12 As shown, the future in a few minutes from the current reference can be predicted relative to the 360-degree angle based on the angle of the slope C. Subsequently, a control method having a priority corresponding to the predicted future is determined based on the cooling and air conditioning methods. The cooling and air conditioning methods may have respective priorities or equal priorities, and advance cooling system control is performed based on the corresponding angle (S25).

[0089] Thus, a user may be enabled to predict future conditions, thereby allowing energy usage of air conditioning loads and cooling loads to be predicted.

[0090] Furthermore, to help the user understand the selected navigation system's route, the air conditioning load and cooling load for the next few minutes are calculated using coefficients for each element, such as the road slope, outside temperature, expected vehicle speed, maximum possible speed, traffic volume, and speed limit. Therefore, by determining each ratio in advance and adjusting the partition 9 accordingly, the system stability is taken into consideration.

[0091] Furthermore, if an unexpected situation occurs, the prediction calculation is terminated. When the prediction differs from the current situation, it is corrected by the current situation. In other words, it takes into account factors specific to each unit, such as the target temperature, current room temperature, current passengers on board, vehicle weight, fuel level, accelerator pedal position, and so on.

[0092] The air conditioning load is calculated by sensing the number of people, solar radiation, outside air temperature, and indoor target temperature, while the cooling load is calculated by sensing vehicle speed, accelerator pedal opening, ascent slope, outside air temperature, etc.

[0093] In the control of changing the partition 9 of the present invention to determine the number of cooling tubes, the control method of the cooling system includes controlling the movement of the partition 9 based on the ratio D and the change C of the ratio, wherein the ratio D is used to calculate the current air conditioning load and the current cooling load, and the change C of the ratio is used to calculate the estimated air conditioning load and the estimated cooling load.

[0094] Therefore, by predicting future energy usage and responding in advance using the vehicle's navigation system's destination information, efficiency can be maximized by helping to maintain the vehicle's optimal condition and improving fuel efficiency and energy efficiency.

[0095] While the present invention has been shown and described in connection with the particular embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention as provided by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling system comprising: a plurality of cooling tubes arranged in parallel, wherein a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid are capable of flowing in the cooling tubes; a storage tank in communication with the plurality of cooling tubes so as to allow the first cooling fluid or the second cooling fluid to flow through the plurality of cooling tubes; a partition located inside the storage tank to partition the storage tank into a first space in which a first cooling fluid flows and a second space in which a second cooling fluid flows, the partition being coupled to the storage tank so as to be linearly movable in an arrangement direction of the plurality of cooling tubes; an air conditioning circuit connected to the first space using a refrigerant as a first cooling fluid so that the first cooling fluid flows therein, the air conditioning circuit being provided with a cooling core for indoor air conditioning; a cooling circuit connected to the second space using cooling water as a second cooling fluid so that the second cooling fluid flows therein, the cooling circuit being connected to the electric component so that the second cooling fluid exchanges heat with the electric component; and A cooling water separator is provided in the air conditioning circuit and is configured to separate the cooling water from the fluid discharged from the storage tank by utilizing a difference in specific gravity. The cooling water separator is connected to the cooling circuit to return the separated cooling water to the cooling circuit.

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, further comprising a first gas-liquid separator provided in the air conditioning circuit and configured to separate gas from the fluid exhausted from the storage tank, wherein The gas separated in the first gas-liquid separator can flow into the first space again.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant has a higher specific gravity than liquid cooling water, and the system further comprises: a first cooling water discharge port connected to the cooling circuit and through which the separated cooling water is discharged, the first cooling water discharge port being located on a side of the cooling water separator that is higher in the direction of gravity than the first refrigerant discharge port for discharging the refrigerant; and A first valve is provided in the first cooling water discharge port to allow or prevent the flow of cooling water.

4. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The specific gravity of the refrigerant is higher than that of liquid cooling water, and the system further comprises: a first cooling water discharge port connected to the cooling circuit and through which the separated cooling water is discharged, wherein the first cooling water discharge port is located on a side of the cooling water separator that is higher in the gravity direction than the first refrigerant discharge port for discharging the refrigerant; and A cooling water separation plate extends in a planar direction from the interior of the cooling water separator, the cooling water separation plate being positioned to be movable in a vertical direction, the cooling water separation plate having a lower specific gravity than the liquid refrigerant, the cooling water separation plate having a higher specific gravity than the cooling water, and the cooling water separation plate being provided with a through hole allowing the fluid to move between the upper side and the lower side.

5. The cooling system according to claim 4, wherein: The cooling water separation plate is configured to block the first cooling water discharge port in a state where the cooling water separation plate is maximally raised inside the cooling water separator. 6 . The cooling system of claim 1 , further comprising a second gas-liquid separator in the cooling circuit, configured to separate gas from the fluid exhausted from the storage tank.

7. The cooling system according to claim 6 further comprises a refrigerant separator, wherein the refrigerant separator is configured to separate the liquid refrigerant by utilizing the difference in specific gravity while the gas discharged from the second gas-liquid separator is cooled, and the refrigerant separator is connected to the air conditioning circuit so that the separated refrigerant is returned to the air conditioning circuit.

8. A cooling system comprising: a plurality of cooling tubes arranged in parallel, wherein a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid are capable of flowing in the cooling tubes; a storage tank in communication with the plurality of cooling tubes so as to allow the first cooling fluid or the second cooling fluid to flow through the plurality of cooling tubes; a partition located inside the storage tank to partition the storage tank into a first space in which a first cooling fluid flows and a second space in which a second cooling fluid flows, the partition being coupled to the storage tank so as to be linearly movable in an arrangement direction of the plurality of cooling tubes; an air conditioning circuit connected to the first space using a refrigerant as a first cooling fluid so that the first cooling fluid flows therein, the air conditioning circuit being provided with a cooling core for indoor air conditioning; a cooling circuit connected to the second space using cooling water as a second cooling fluid so that the second cooling fluid flows therein, the cooling circuit being connected to the electric component so that the second cooling fluid exchanges heat with the electric component; a refrigerant separator in the cooling circuit, configured to separate refrigerant from fluid discharged from the storage tank by utilizing a difference in specific gravity, the refrigerant separator being connected to the air conditioning circuit so that the separated refrigerant can be returned to the air conditioning circuit, wherein the specific gravity of the gaseous refrigerant is lower than that of cooling water and the specific gravity of the gaseous refrigerant is higher than that of air; a second refrigerant discharge port connected to the air conditioning circuit, through which refrigerant is discharged, the second refrigerant discharge port being located on a side of the refrigerant separator that is higher in the gravity direction than a second cooling water discharge port through which cooling water is discharged; and A refrigerant separation plate extends in a planar direction from the interior of the refrigerant separator, the refrigerant separation plate being positioned so as to be movable in a vertical direction, the refrigerant separation plate having a lower specific gravity than the gaseous refrigerant and a higher specific gravity than air, and the refrigerant separation plate being provided with a through hole that enables fluid to move between an upper side and a lower side.

9. The cooling system according to claim 8, wherein: The cooling water is capable of flowing in the refrigerant separator so as to be maintained at a predetermined height located on a side lower than the second refrigerant discharge port in the direction of gravity; and The refrigerant separation plate is configured to block the second refrigerant discharge port at a predetermined height. 10 . The cooling system according to claim 8 , further comprising a gas injection unit provided on the refrigerant separation plate, the gas injection unit having gas stored therein. 11 . The cooling system according to claim 8 , further comprising a flow restriction portion configured to restrict a flow direction of the fluid discharged from the storage tank provided inside the refrigerant separator.

12. A cooling system comprising: a plurality of cooling tubes arranged in parallel, wherein a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid are capable of flowing in the cooling tubes; a storage tank in communication with the plurality of cooling tubes so as to allow the first cooling fluid or the second cooling fluid to flow through the plurality of cooling tubes; a partition located inside the storage tank to partition the storage tank into a first space in which a first cooling fluid flows and a second space in which a second cooling fluid flows, the partition being coupled to the storage tank so as to be linearly movable in an arrangement direction of the plurality of cooling tubes; an air conditioning circuit connected to the first space using a refrigerant as a first cooling fluid so that the first cooling fluid flows therein, the air conditioning circuit being provided with a cooling core for indoor air conditioning; a cooling circuit connected to the second space using cooling water as a second cooling fluid so that the second cooling fluid flows therein, the cooling circuit being connected to the electric component so that the second cooling fluid exchanges heat with the electric component; and The controller is configured as follows: Calculating a current air conditioning load of the air conditioning circuit and a current cooling load of the cooling circuit according to a current driving state; calculating a ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the calculated current cooling load; and Based on the calculated ratio between the current air conditioning load and the current cooling load, the movement of the partition is controlled.

13. The cooling system according to claim 12, wherein: The controller is further configured as follows: Before controlling movement of the partition, calculating an estimated air conditioning load of the air conditioning circuit and an estimated cooling load of the cooling circuit based on an estimated driving state after a predetermined time or a predetermined distance using navigation information; calculating a ratio between the calculated estimated air conditioning load and the calculated estimated cooling load; as well as The movement of the partition is controlled based on a change in a ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the calculated current cooling load and a ratio between the calculated estimated air conditioning load and the calculated estimated cooling load.

14. A method of controlling a cooling system; in, The cooling system comprises: a plurality of cooling tubes arranged in parallel, wherein a first cooling fluid and a second cooling fluid are capable of flowing in the cooling tubes; a storage tank in communication with the plurality of cooling tubes so as to allow the first cooling fluid or the second cooling fluid to flow through the plurality of cooling tubes; a partition located inside the storage tank to partition the storage tank into a first space in which a first cooling fluid flows and a second space in which a second cooling fluid flows, the partition being coupled to the storage tank so as to be linearly movable in an arrangement direction of the plurality of cooling tubes; an air conditioning circuit connected to the first space using a refrigerant as a first cooling fluid to flow the first cooling fluid therein, the air conditioning circuit being provided with a cooling core for indoor air conditioning; and a cooling circuit connected to the second space using cooling water as a second cooling fluid to enable the second cooling fluid to flow therein, the cooling circuit being connected to the electric component to enable the second cooling fluid to exchange heat with the electric component; The method comprises: Calculating a current air conditioning load of the air conditioning circuit and a current cooling load of the cooling circuit based on a current driving state; calculating a ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the calculated current cooling load; and Based on the calculated ratio between the current air conditioning load and the current cooling load, the movement of the partition is controlled.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Before controlling movement of the partition, calculating an estimated air conditioning load of the air conditioning circuit and an estimated cooling load of the cooling circuit based on an estimated driving state after a predetermined time or a predetermined distance using navigation information; calculating a ratio between the calculated estimated air conditioning load and the calculated estimated cooling load; as well as In the movement control of the partition, the movement of the partition is controlled based on changes in the ratio between the calculated current air conditioning load and the calculated current cooling load and the ratio between the calculated estimated air conditioning load and the calculated estimated cooling load.

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