Heat transfer liquid circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat transfer liquid circuit (1) for an electric vehicle at least partially driven by an electric motor, the circuit (1) comprising a first leg (10) having at least a pump (11), a first heat exchanger (12) configured to exchange thermal energy between the heat transfer liquid and a refrigerant fluid, an electric heating device (13) and a second heat exchanger (14) configured to exchange thermal energy between the heat transfer liquid and an air flow distributed towards the interior of the vehicle, the circuit (1) comprising a second leg (20) mounted parallel to the first leg (10), the second leg (20) comprising a third heat exchanger (21) thermally coupled to a component of the electric powertrain of the vehicle, the circuit (1) comprising a third leg (30) arranged parallel to the first leg (10) and connected to the first leg (10) by a heat transfer liquid distribution member (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to heat transfer fluid circuits for heating or cooling spaces or components of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Currently, motor vehicles are equipped with heat transfer fluid circuits for heating or cooling various spaces or components within the vehicle. It is particularly well known to use these circuits to maintain a constant temperature in the electrical energy storage devices of the vehicle's electric powertrain, which are used to provide the electrical energy required to propel the vehicle. Thus, the heat transfer fluid circuit can cool the electrical energy storage devices during driving phases and, if necessary, heat them, for example, when the vehicle is stationary.

[0003] It is also known to use such heat transfer liquid circuits in order to thermally treat the air flow fed into the interior of a vehicle, thereby making it possible to increase or decrease the temperature of the vehicle interior.

[0004] A disadvantage of the known heat transfer liquid circuits is that they use a number of components, each of which performs a specific task, which involves a particularly complex wiring of the heat transfer liquid circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to propose a heat transfer liquid circuit capable of performing at least five functions at an acceptable cost and with a limited number of components, including the function of heating the vehicle interior using an electric heating device, the function of cooling the vehicle interior, the function of heating or cooling an electrical energy storage device, the function of heating the vehicle interior using a refrigerant circuit and, finally, the function of recovering energy from components of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention achieves this object by a heat transfer liquid circuit for an electric vehicle at least partially propelled by an electric motor, the circuit comprising a first leg having at least one pump, a first heat exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between the heat transfer liquid and a refrigerant, an electric heating device and a second heat exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between the heat transfer liquid and an air flow intended to be conveyed into the interior of the vehicle, the circuit comprising a second leg mounted parallel to the first leg, the second leg comprising a third heat exchanger thermally coupled to a component of the electric drive train of the vehicle, characterised in that the circuit comprises a third leg arranged parallel to the first leg and connected to the first leg by means of a member for distributing the heat transfer liquid.

[0007] According to an example, the distribution member distributes the heat transfer liquid to the second leg and / or the third leg.

[0008] A vehicle is electric in that it is propelled at least partially by means of an electric motor. This is the case with hybrid vehicles, which also use an internal combustion engine for propulsion. Advantageously, the vehicle is propelled solely by electric means, in particular one or more electric motors. Thus, components of the electric drive train may include, for example, a main electric motor for driving the vehicle, an energy storage device supplying electrical energy to the main electric motor, or, for example, an electronic power module capable of converting or transferring electrical energy to the main electric motor. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of this configuration, the heat transfer fluid circuit makes it possible to maintain a stable or substantially stable temperature at the energy storage device, thereby ensuring a longer lifespan for the energy storage device.

[0009] The distribution member is, for example, a three-way valve, each of which can be configured in an open position for allowing the heat transfer liquid to flow or a closed position for stopping the heat transfer liquid, thereby allowing the heat transfer liquid to flow in a variety of configurations in the circuit.

[0010] The third leg extends between an upstream portion of the first leg and a downstream portion of the first leg in the direction of flow of the heat transfer liquid. In other words, the starting point of the third leg is upstream of the first component of the first leg in the direction of flow of the heat transfer liquid, and the first and third legs thus form a first junction. The end point of the third leg is downstream of the final component of the first leg in the direction of flow of the heat transfer liquid, and the first and third legs thus form a second junction, with the distribution member located at either the first junction or the second junction. Therefore, when the heat transfer liquid passes through the third leg, it does not flow through any components of the first leg, which are at least the pump, the first heat exchanger, the electric heating device such as an electric radiator, and the second heat exchanger.

[0011] Thus, this configuration according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to merge the heating function of the electric heating device of the first leg so as to allow heating of multiple components or spaces of the vehicle, such as components of the electric powertrain or the vehicle interior.

[0012] The heat transfer liquid circuit according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the following improvements, the technical features forming these improvements being considered individually or in combination:

[0013] - the elements of the first leg are arranged in series with one another. In other words, when the heat transfer liquid circulates in the first leg, it first passes through the first element of the first leg and then through the second element of the first leg;

[0014] The electric heating device is interposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. Advantageously, within the first leg, the heat transfer liquid passes through the first heat exchanger, then the electric heating device, and finally the second heat exchanger. According to a first alternative, the pump is located downstream of the other components of the first leg in the direction of circulation of the heat transfer liquid, meaning that the heat transfer liquid first passes through the first heat exchanger, then the electric heating device, then the second heat exchanger, and finally the pump. According to a second alternative, the order of the components in the first leg can be selected from any possible combination;

[0015] The electric heating device is configured to heat the heat transfer liquid using high voltage electrical energy. Therefore, the electric heating device is supplied with electrical energy at a voltage strictly greater than 48 volts, preferably between 48 volts and 800 volts;

[0016] - a pump is interposed between the distribution member and the second heat exchanger;

[0017] - The third leg does not have a heat exchanger. In other words, the third leg is a tube;

[0018] The circuit includes a fourth leg mounted parallel to the second leg and connected to the second leg via a branching device, the fourth leg including a fourth heat exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant. The second leg and the fourth leg thus form a third junction and a fourth junction, with the branching device located at either the third junction or the fourth junction. The branching device is, for example, a three-way valve, each of which can be configured to be in an open position, allowing the heat transfer fluid to flow, or a closed position, interrupting the flow of the heat transfer fluid, thereby allowing a variety of flow configurations of the heat transfer fluid in the circuit.

[0019] The second leg includes a pump, referred to as a second pump, which is different from the pump in the first leg (hereinafter referred to as the first pump). The second pump allows the heat transfer liquid to circulate in the second leg and / or the fourth leg. Thus, the heat transfer liquid can be circulated in the second leg and / or the fourth leg independently of the heat transfer liquid circulating in the first and / or second leg.

[0020] - The first leg and / or the second leg comprises at least one non-return valve. The non-return valve can ensure the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid in the first leg and / or the second leg. Advantageously, the non-return valve is located upstream of the inlet junction between the first leg and the third leg or the second inlet junction between the second leg and the fourth leg in the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid. Preferably, the non-return valve ensures the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid from the inlet junction to the outlet junction in the first leg. Similarly, the non-return valve preferably ensures the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid from the second inlet junction to the second outlet junction in the second leg. In particular, the first junction constitutes the inlet junction, the second junction constitutes the outlet junction, the third junction constitutes the second inlet junction, and the fourth junction constitutes the second outlet junction;

[0021] - the circuit comprises a fifth leg arranged in parallel with the first leg and comprising a fifth heat exchanger configured to effect an exchange of heat between the heat transfer liquid and an air flow outside the vehicle interior;

[0022] The fifth leg comprises a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve of the fifth leg allows for allowing or preventing the circulation of the heat transfer liquid in the fifth leg. The shut-off valve can be located upstream or downstream of the fifth heat exchanger in the direction of circulation of the heat transfer liquid;

[0023] - the circuit comprises a sixth leg arranged in parallel with the second leg, this sixth leg comprising a sixth heat exchanger thermally coupled to a component, referred to as the second component, of the electric powertrain of the vehicle, which is different from a component, referred to as the first component, thermally coupled to the third heat exchanger present in the second leg of the circuit;

[0024] - the sixth leg comprises a seventh heat exchanger connected in series with the sixth heat exchanger;

[0025] - the sixth leg comprises a pump, referred to as the third pump, which is separate from the first pump present in the first leg and the second pump present in the second leg. Thus, the heat transfer liquid can circulate in the fifth and / or sixth leg independently of its circulation in the first, second, third or fourth leg;

[0026] - the sixth leg comprises at least one shut-off member. The shut-off member may be, for example, a two-way valve or a non-return valve;

[0027] The heat transfer liquid is water or an aqueous solution containing ethylene glycol or any other compound. This configuration allows the heat transfer liquid circuit to be used when the vehicle is stored or used at external temperatures below 0°C. By using ethylene glycol, the freezing temperature of the heat transfer liquid is lowered, thereby preventing damage to circuit components when exposed to negative external temperatures. Advantageously, the heat transfer liquid also contains an anti-corrosion additive to protect the circuit from corrosion.

[0028] According to a second aspect, another subject of the invention is the use of a circuit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein, in a mode for heating the vehicle interior, the distribution member forces the heat transfer liquid to circulate from the first leg to the third leg, the pump of the first leg is activated and the electric heating device is preferably powered.

[0029] In this mode, the circulation of the heat transfer liquid is interrupted at the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth legs. For example, the second and third pumps are interrupted or inoperative by a configuration in which the distribution member prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating between the first, fifth, and sixth legs, thereby allowing the heat transfer liquid to circulate only in the first and third legs.

[0030] Therefore, when the electric heating device generates heat energy, the heat energy is transferred by the heat transfer liquid to the second heat exchanger, whereby the heat energy can be exchanged with the air flow passing through the second heat exchanger to heat the vehicle interior.

[0031] According to a third aspect, another subject of the invention is the use of a circuit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein, in a mode for heating a first component of the electric drive train of a vehicle, the distribution member and the branching device force the heat transfer liquid to circulate from the first leg to the second leg, the pump of the first leg and / or the pump of the second leg being activated.

[0032] Heating of the heat transfer liquid can be obtained by supplying electrical energy to the heating device or by exchanging thermal energy between a first heat exchanger and the heat transfer liquid, the first heat exchanger being thermally coupled to the refrigerant circuit.

[0033] In this mode, the circulation of the heat transfer liquid is interrupted in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth legs. For example, the third pump is deactivated, the shutoff member prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the sixth leg, the shutoff valve on the fifth leg is in the closed position, and the distribution device and the branching device prevent the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the third and fourth legs, respectively.

[0034] The heat transfer liquid can thus exchange thermal energy generated by the electric heating device or absorbed by the first heat exchanger with a third heat exchanger located on the second leg, thereby allowing a first component of the vehicle's electric powertrain to be heated. Advantageously, in this mode, the first component of the electric powertrain is an energy storage device, and heating of the energy storage device allows the temperature of the energy storage device to be increased when conditions so require, for example, in low external temperatures, thereby increasing its lifespan.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect, another subject of the invention is the use of a circuit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein, in a mode for cooling a first component of an electric powertrain of a vehicle, the branching device forces the heat transfer liquid to circulate between the second leg and the fourth leg, the second pump being activated.

[0036] Thus, the heat transfer liquid can exchange with the fourth heat exchanger thermal energy generated at the first component of the electric power train and absorbed by the third heat exchanger.

[0037] Advantageously, in this mode, the circuit can also be used to cool the second component of the electric powertrain and / or the third component of the electric powertrain, located in the sixth leg. Thus, the distribution member forces the heat transfer liquid to circulate between the first and fifth legs, the branching device prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating between the second and sixth legs, and the first and third pumps are activated. The heat transfer liquid can thus absorb the thermal energy generated by the second and / or third components of the electric powertrain and unload it at the fifth heat exchanger, located in the fifth leg. This heat energy is then dissipated by airflow intended to be directed outside the vehicle interior. This effect is also achieved by configuring the distribution member so that it prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the third leg. The heat transfer liquid absorbs the heat energy of the refrigerant at the first heat exchanger, which then similarly ensures cooling of the first component of the electric powertrain via the third heat exchanger, located in the fourth leg and connected to the refrigerant circuit.

[0038] The circuit thus makes it possible to achieve cooling of a first component of the electric powertrain independently of cooling of a second and / or third component of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

[0039] According to a fifth aspect, the subject of the invention is the use of the circuit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein, in a mode of cooling the vehicle's main electric motor thermally coupled to the sixth or seventh heat exchanger and cooling the vehicle interior, the distribution member forces the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the first leg and the fifth leg, the first pump and the third pump being activated.

[0040] Therefore, the distribution member prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating between the first leg and the third leg.The second pump is not operated, and the branching device prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating between the second leg and the fourth leg.

[0041] Thus, in this mode, the heat transfer liquid absorbs the heat energy generated by the electric motor, which is the second or third component of the electric powertrain, and then dissipates this heat energy at the fifth heat exchanger present in the fifth leg. This mode also allows the heat transfer liquid to be cooled by the refrigerant circuit at the first heat exchanger of the first leg, and then at the second heat exchanger to cool the air flow sent to the vehicle interior.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to the use of a circuit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein, in a mode of recovering energy from a component of the electric power train thermally coupled to a heat exchanger situated on the sixth leg, the branching device forces the heat transfer liquid to circulate between the fourth leg and the sixth leg, the third pump being activated.

[0043] In this mode, the heat transfer liquid absorbs heat energy generated by the component of the electric powertrain thermally coupled to the heat exchanger in the sixth leg. This heat energy is dissipated as the heat transfer liquid passes through the fourth heat exchanger, located in the fourth leg and connected to the refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the circulation of the heat transfer liquid is interrupted in the second leg by the branching device, and the second pump is deactivated. This configuration thus makes it possible to avoid cooling the first component of the electric powertrain thermally coupled to the third heat exchanger in the second leg, particularly when the first component of the electric powertrain is the vehicle's energy storage device.

[0044] Furthermore, the circulation of the heat transfer liquid can also be interrupted in the first, third and fifth legs, for example due to the configuration of the distribution member relative to the first and third legs and the shut-off valve relative to the fifth leg. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description and also by reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication, in which:

[0046] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a heat transfer liquid circuit according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0047] - Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a heat transfer liquid circuit according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0048] - Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of a heat transfer liquid circuit according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0049] - Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a heat transfer liquid circuit according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0050] - Figures 5 to 9 Shows the different operating modes Figure 4 The heat transfer liquid circuit shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The features, variants and different embodiments of the present invention can be combined with one another in various combinations, as long as they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to distinguish the present invention from the prior art, it is possible to imagine a variant of the present invention that includes only a selection of the features described below, isolated from the other features described.

[0052] In particular, all variants and all embodiments described can be combined with one another, if no technical reasons prevent such a combination.

[0053] The terms upstream and downstream used in the following description relate to the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid in the circuit.

[0054] exist Figures 5 to 9 In the figures, the solid line shows a part of a circuit in which a heat transfer liquid circulates or an active element of a circuit, while the dashed line shows the lack of circulation of the heat transfer liquid or a passive element of the circuit. In these figures, the circulation direction of the heat transfer liquid is indicated by arrows.

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a heat transfer liquid circuit 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is shown.

[0056] Circuit 1 is designed for use in electric vehicles that are propelled at least partially by electrical energy. Thus, heat transfer liquid circuit 1 comprises a first leg 10 and a second leg 20, which form a loop. First leg 10 comprises a first pump 11, a first heat exchanger 12, an electric heating device 13, and a second heat exchanger 14. Second leg 20 comprises a third heat exchanger 21, which is thermally coupled to components of the electric powertrain of the vehicle in which circuit 1 is installed.

[0057] The first pump 11 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the circuit 1. The first heat exchanger 12 allows heat energy to be exchanged between the heat transfer liquid and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit FR equipped by the vehicle. The electric heating device 13, powered by the power supply 100, makes it possible to convert electrical energy into thermal energy in order to heat the heat transfer liquid, thereby allowing heating of components or fluids such as air flows that are thermally coupled to the heat transfer liquid circuit 1. The second heat exchanger 14 is capable of exchanging heat energy between the heat transfer liquid passing through it and the air flow intended to be sent into the interior of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger 12 is interposed between the first pump 11 and the electric heating device 13, which itself is interposed between the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 14.

[0058] Circuit 1 includes a third leg 30, which is arranged parallel to first leg 10 and connected to first leg 10 via a member 15 for distributing the heat transfer liquid between first leg 10, second leg 20, and third leg 30. In this case, distribution member 15 is a three-way valve, each of which can be independently configured to be in an open position, allowing the flow of the heat transfer liquid, or a closed position, preventing the flow of the heat transfer liquid. Thus, first leg 10 and third leg 30 form a first junction 80 and a second junction 81, with distribution member 15 located at second junction 81. A first pump 11, a first heat exchanger 12, an electric heater 13, and a second heat exchanger 14 are located on first leg 10 between first junction 80 and second junction 81.

[0059] Figure 2A second exemplary embodiment of a circuit 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown. Circuit 1 includes a fourth leg 40 arranged parallel to second leg 20. The second and fourth legs 40 are connected by a branching device 25, which in this case is a three-way valve. Consequently, the second and fourth legs 20 and 40 form a third junction 82 and a fourth junction 83. The third heat exchanger 21 is located on the second leg 20 between the third and fourth junctions 82 and 83, with the branching device 25 located at the fourth junction 83.

[0060] The fourth leg 40 includes a fourth heat exchanger 41 configured to exchange thermal energy between a heat transfer liquid and a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit FR equipped in the vehicle.

[0061] The second leg 20 comprises a second pump 22, thus allowing the heat transfer liquid to circulate independently of the operation of the first pump 11. The second pump 22 is interposed between the third junction 82 and the third heat exchanger 21 .

[0062] Figure 3 A third exemplary embodiment of the circuit 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is shown. The circuit 1 comprises a fifth leg 50 arranged parallel to the first leg 10. The fifth leg 50 comprises a fifth heat exchanger 51 configured to exchange heat between a heat transfer liquid and an air flow outside the vehicle interior.

[0063] The fifth leg 50 includes a shut-off valve 52 to allow or prevent the circulation of the heat transfer liquid in the fifth leg 50 .

[0064] In this exemplary embodiment, the first pump 11 is interposed between the second heat exchanger 14 and the distribution member 15. Similarly, the second pump 22 is interposed between the third heat exchanger 21 and the branching device 25.

[0065] The first leg 10 includes a first check valve 17 provided on the first leg 10 immediately upstream of the first junction 81 when the heat transfer liquid originates from the fifth heat exchanger 51. Similarly, the second leg 20 includes a second check valve 27 provided on the second leg 20 immediately upstream of the third junction 82 when the heat transfer liquid originates from the fifth heat exchanger 51. The first check valve 17 and the second check valve 27 ensure the flow direction of the heat transfer liquid in the first leg 10 and the second leg 20, respectively. Figure 4 A fourth exemplary embodiment of a circuit 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is shown.

[0066] Loop 1 includes a sixth leg 60 arranged in parallel with second leg 20. Sixth leg 60 includes a sixth heat exchanger 61 that is thermally coupled to a second component of the vehicle's electric powertrain, such as an electric motor. Sixth leg 60 includes a seventh heat exchanger 62 connected in series with sixth heat exchanger 61. Seventh heat exchanger 62 is thermally coupled to a third component of the vehicle's electric powertrain, such as an electronic power module.

[0067] The sixth leg 60 includes a third pump 63, which ensures the circulation of the heat transfer liquid within the sixth leg 60, and a third check valve 64, which ensures the direction of the heat transfer liquid within the sixth leg 60. The seventh heat exchanger 62 is interposed between the third check valve 64 and the sixth heat exchanger 61, and the third check valve 64 itself is interposed between the third pump 63 and the seventh heat exchanger 62. Therefore, within the sixth leg 60, the heat transfer liquid passes through the sixth heat exchanger 61, the seventh heat exchanger 62, the third check valve 64, and finally reaches the third pump 63.

[0068] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 The circuit 1 shown, according to a second aspect of the invention, is used in a mode of use which makes it possible to heat the interior of a vehicle. This mode of use is also suitable for Figures 1 to 3 The circuit shown, the components of the circuit for this mode are also present in the circuit shown in these figures.

[0069] Thus, the first pump 11 is active, allowing the heat-transfer liquid to circulate in the first leg 10 and in the third leg 30. Furthermore, the distribution member 15 forces the heat-transfer liquid to circulate only between the first leg 10 and the second leg 10. Specifically, the valve of the three-way valve, forming an example of the distribution member 15 connecting the first leg 10 to the rest of the circuit 1, is in the closed position, and the heat-transfer liquid contained in the first leg 10 can then circulate only in the third leg 30. Thus, the heat-transfer liquid moved by the first pump 11 passes through the first heat exchanger 12 and then through the electric heating device 13.

[0070] The heat transfer liquid is heated while passing through the first heat exchanger 12, which acts as a condenser, and / or while passing through the electric heating device 13, which is powered by the power supply 100. The heat transfer liquid then passes through the second heat exchanger 14, where its thermal energy is dissipated by the air flow FH intended for delivery into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior. The heat transfer liquid then circulates through the first pump 11 and then through the distribution member 15, which then directs it to the third leg 30 so that it is injected into the first leg 10, upstream of the first heat exchanger 12, thus completing a new circulation cycle.

[0071] The second pump 22 and the third pump 63 are inoperative, thereby preventing any circulation of the heat transfer liquid in the second leg 20 , the fourth leg 40 , the fifth leg 50 , and the sixth leg 60 .

[0072] Figure 6 Shown Figure 4 The circuit 1 shown is used in a mode of use according to the third aspect of the invention, which mode of use makes it possible to heat a first component of the electric powertrain of a vehicle, which is thermally coupled to a third heat exchanger 21 situated on the second leg 20. This mode of use is also suitable for Figures 1 to 3 The circuit shown, the components used for the circuit in this mode are also present in the circuit shown in these figures.

[0073] The distribution member 15 and the branching device 25 are configured to allow the heat transfer liquid to circulate only in the first leg 10 and the second leg 20. More specifically, the distribution member 15 prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the third leg 30. Similarly, the branching device 25 prevents the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the fourth leg 40. In addition, the shut-off valve 52 and the third check valve 64 located on the fifth leg 50 prevent the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the fifth leg 50 and the sixth leg, respectively. In addition, the first pump 11 or the second pump 22 is enabled to allow the heat transfer liquid to circulate between the first leg 10 and the second leg 20, and the third pump 63 is disabled. Depending on whether the first pump 11 or the second pump 22 is enabled, the heat transfer liquid circulates in the first direction or the second direction, respectively. As Figure 6 As shown, the first pump 11 is activated and the second pump 22 is deactivated, and the heat transfer liquid then circulates in a first direction.

[0074] Thus, the heat transfer fluid circulates through the first leg 10, where it is heated, in particular by the first heat exchanger 12 and / or the electric radiator 13. The heat transfer fluid then passes through a branching device 25 before circulating in the second leg 20. The heat transfer fluid then passes through a third heat exchanger 21, where it dissipates the heat energy absorbed in the first leg 10, thereby heating a first component of the vehicle's electric powertrain, advantageously an energy storage device, such as a battery, that provides the electrical energy required for the main electric motor to drive the vehicle, thereby ensuring that the energy storage device maintains a constant temperature, particularly at low ambient temperatures, to increase its service life. The heat transfer fluid is then injected into the first leg 10, completing a new circulation cycle.

[0075] Figure 7 Shown Figure 4 The circuit 1 shown is used in a mode of use according to a fourth aspect of the invention, which makes it possible to cool a first component of the vehicle's electric powertrain, in particular the battery, which is thermally coupled to a third heat exchanger 21 situated on the second leg 20 .

[0076] Therefore, the branching device 25 forces the heat transfer liquid contained in the second leg 20 to circulate between the second leg 20 and the fourth leg 40, and the second pump 22 is activated. In other words, the branching device 25 prevents the heat transfer liquid circulating in the second leg 20 and the fourth leg 40 from being injected into the first leg 10, the third leg 30, the fifth leg 50, or the sixth leg 60. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid passes through the fourth heat exchanger 41, which is configured to exchange heat energy with the refrigerant, which then acts as an evaporator. The heat transfer liquid then passes through the third heat exchanger 21, which is thermally coupled to the first component of the vehicle's electric powertrain, thereby cooling the latter. Finally, the heat transfer liquid passes through the second pump 22 before being injected back into the fourth leg 40.

[0077] Figure 7 The illustrated operating mode also allows for the dissipation of thermal energy absorbed at the sixth heat exchanger 61 and / or the seventh heat exchanger 62 located in the sixth leg 60. Thus, the liquid circulating in the sixth leg absorbs thermal energy generated by the second and / or third components of the electric powertrain, the second being the electric motor and the third being the electronic power module, which are thermally coupled to the sixth and seventh heat exchangers 61 and 62, respectively. The third pump 63 is activated. The heat transfer liquid contained in the sixth leg is then directed, in particular via the branching device 20 and the distribution member 15, into the fifth leg 50. The shut-off valve 52 is in the open position, allowing the heat transfer liquid to pass through. The heat energy of the heat transfer liquid is then dissipated at the fifth heat exchanger 51 by the air flow FE directed out of the vehicle interior. The heat transfer liquid is then injected back into the sixth leg 60, completing a new circulation cycle.

[0078] To dissipate the heat energy recovered at the heat exchanger 41 of the fourth leg 40 via the refrigerant circuit FR, the first pump 11 is activated, and a heat transfer liquid is circulated through the first leg 10. The heat transfer liquid then passes through the first heat exchanger 12, where it is reheated to extract heat energy from the refrigerant. The first heat exchanger 12 is thermally coupled to the refrigerant circuit FR. The distribution member 15 forces the heat transfer liquid from the first leg 10 to circulate through the fifth leg 50, without passing through the third leg 30. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid mixes with the heat transfer liquid from the sixth leg 60 and then passes through the fifth heat exchanger 51 to be cooled by the external air flow FE, thereby dissipating the heat energy recovered during passage through the first heat exchanger 12 of the first leg 10.

[0079] Figure 8 Shown Figure 4The circuit 1 shown is used for a mode of use according to the fifth aspect of the invention which makes it possible to cool a second component and / or a third component of the vehicle's electric powertrain, which are thermally coupled respectively to a sixth heat exchanger 61 and a seventh heat exchanger 62 of the second leg 60 .

[0080] The heat transfer liquid then passes through sixth heat exchanger 61 and then seventh heat exchanger 62, absorbing heat energy generated by the second and third components of the vehicle's electric powertrain. Third pump 63 is activated. The heat transfer liquid is then injected into fifth leg 50, where it dissipates the heat energy absorbed in sixth leg 60 by fifth heat exchanger 51. This heat energy is then dissipated by external air flow FE. The heat transfer liquid is then injected again into sixth leg 60, completing a new cycle.

[0081] Figure 8 The operating mode shown in FIG. 1 also allows cooling of the vehicle interior. Thus, with the first pump 11 activated, a heat transfer liquid circulates in the first leg 10. The heat transfer liquid then passes through the first heat exchanger 12, where it is reheated to extract thermal energy from the refrigerant. The first heat exchanger 12 is thermally coupled to the refrigerant circuit FR. The refrigerant, cooled by the first heat exchanger, is then directed to the fourth heat exchanger 41, where it is passed through the air flow FH destined for the vehicle interior, thereby cooling the latter. Furthermore, the distribution member 15 forces the heat transfer liquid from the first leg 10 to the fifth leg 50, where it then bypasses the third leg 30. The heat transfer liquid mixes with the heat transfer liquid from the sixth leg 60 and then passes through the fifth heat exchanger 51 to be cooled by the external air flow FE, dissipating the thermal energy recovered by passing through the first heat exchanger 12 of the first leg 10.

[0082] Furthermore, in this operating mode, the second pump 22 is deactivated, thereby preventing the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the second leg 20. Furthermore, the branching device 25 is configured to prevent the heat transfer liquid from circulating in the fourth leg 40.

[0083] Figure 9 Shown Figure 4 The circuit 1 shown is used in a mode of use according to a sixth aspect of the invention which makes it possible to cool the second and / or third component of the electric powertrain while avoiding cooling the first component of the electric powertrain.

[0084] Therefore, the branching device 25 forces the heat transfer liquid to flow from the sixth leg 60 to the fourth leg 40, and the third pump 63 is activated. The heat transfer liquid then passes through the sixth heat exchanger 61 and then the seventh heat exchanger 62, which are arranged in series on the second leg 60 and thermally coupled to the second and third components of the electric powertrain, respectively. The heat transfer liquid is then directed to the fourth leg 40 via the branching device 25, which prevents the heat transfer liquid from flowing through the second leg 20, and the second pump 22 is deactivated. Furthermore, the shutoff valve 52 is closed to prevent the heat transfer liquid from flowing through the fifth leg 50.

[0085] Thus, this configuration makes it possible to direct a heat transfer liquid from the sixth leg to the fourth leg 40, the heat transfer liquid dissipating the thermal energy absorbed in the sixth leg 60 at the fourth heat exchanger 41 thermally coupled to the refrigerant circuit. Thus, in this mode, thermal energy generated at the first component of the electric power train thermally coupled to the third heat exchanger 21 is not dissipated by the heat transfer liquid, for example, when the first component of the electric power train is an energy storage device, to avoid overcooling of the energy storage device, thereby enabling it to be maintained at a constant temperature.

[0086] and, Figure 9 The illustrated operating mode also makes it possible to heat the vehicle interior via the first heat exchanger 12, acting as a condenser, or the electric heating device 13, powered by the power supply 100. Thus, a heat transfer liquid contained in the first leg 10 circulates between the first leg 10 and the third leg 30, the circulation of the heat transfer liquid in the first leg 10 being facilitated by the distribution member 15. The heat transfer liquid absorbs thermal energy in the first heat exchanger 12, acting as a condenser, and / or the electric heating device 13, and dissipates this thermal energy in the second heat exchanger 14, so as to be able to heat the air flow FH that is fed into the vehicle interior.

[0087] The first heat exchanger 12 and the fourth heat exchanger 41 are thermally coupled to the same refrigerant circuit FR, with the first heat exchanger 12 serving as a condenser and the fourth heat exchanger 41 serving as an evaporator. This configuration allows a thermodynamic cycle to be implemented in the circuit 1 using the refrigerant circuit FR, thereby enabling two different functions to be implemented within the circuit 1 based on the refrigerant circuit FR.

[0088] From the above it will be understood that the present invention thus ensures in a simple manner and at optimized costs the objectives set for the present invention by providing a heat transfer liquid circuit capable of performing the following functions: the function of heating the vehicle interior using an electric heating device or using a heat exchanger used as a condenser, the function of cooling the vehicle interior, the function of heating or cooling components of the vehicle's electric powertrain, the function of heating the vehicle interior using a refrigerant circuit, and the function of recovering energy from components of the electric powertrain.

[0089] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples just described, and various modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variations, and embodiments of the present invention may be combined with one another in various combinations, as long as they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variations and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.

Claims

1. A heat transfer liquid circuit (1) for an electric vehicle at least partially propelled by an electric motor, characterized in that The circuit (1) comprises a first leg (10) having at least one pump (11), a first heat exchanger (12) configured to exchange thermal energy between a heat transfer liquid and a refrigerant, an electric heating device (13) and a second heat exchanger (14) configured to exchange thermal energy between the heat transfer liquid and an air flow intended to be fed into the interior of a vehicle, the circuit (1) comprising a second leg (20) comprising a third heat exchanger (21) thermally coupled to a component of the electric powertrain of the vehicle, the circuit (1) comprising a third leg (30) arranged parallel to the first leg (10) and connected to the first leg (10) by means (15) for distributing the heat transfer liquid, The components of the electric powertrain include an energy storage device, The circuit (1) comprises a fourth leg (40) which is mounted in parallel with the second leg (20) and connected to the second leg (20) via a branching device (25), the fourth leg (40) comprising a fourth heat exchanger (41) configured to exchange heat energy between a heat transfer liquid and a refrigerant.

2. The heat transfer liquid circuit (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The components of the first leg (10) are mounted in series with each other.

3. The circuit (1) according to claim 1, wherein The electric heating device (13) is located between the first heat exchanger (12) and the second heat exchanger (14).

4. The circuit (1) according to claim 1, wherein The electric heating device (13) is configured to heat the heat transfer liquid using high voltage electric energy.

5. The circuit (1) according to claim 1, wherein The pump (11) is interposed between the means (15) for distributing the heat transfer liquid and the second heat exchanger (14).

6. The circuit (1) according to claim 1, wherein The third leg (30) does not have a heat exchanger.

7. The circuit (1) according to claim 1, wherein The circuit (1) comprises a fifth leg (50) arranged in parallel with the first leg (10), the fifth leg (50) comprising a fifth heat exchanger (51) configured to exchange heat between a heat transfer liquid and an air flow outside the vehicle interior.

8. A circuit (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein The fifth leg (50) includes a shut-off valve (52).

9. The circuit (1) as claimed in any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein The circuit (1) comprises a sixth leg (60) arranged parallel to the second leg (20), the sixth leg (60) comprising a sixth heat exchanger (61) thermally coupled to a second component of the vehicle's electric powertrain, the second component being different from the component, referred to as the first component, thermally coupled to the third heat exchanger (21) present in the second leg (20) of the circuit (1).

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