Heat pump system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat pump system of a vehicle. The heat pump system of a vehicle can include a cooling device that circulates a coolant in a coolant line to cool at least one electrical component provided on the coolant line; a battery cooling device that circulates the coolant to a battery module; a heating device that heats an interior of the vehicle using the coolant; and a chiller for heat exchange of the coolant with a refrigerant to control a temperature of the coolant; wherein the chiller is connected to a chiller connection line through a third valve provided on the coolant line between a radiator and a second valve, wherein a reservoir is provided on the coolant line between the radiator and a first valve, and is connected to the coolant line connecting the first valve and a first water pump through a supply line bypassing the first valve.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0069717 filed on Jun. 9, 2020, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes by this reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle that regulates the temperature of a battery module by using a chiller that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and improves heating efficiency by using waste heat generated by electrical components. Background Art

[0004] Generally, an air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle includes an air conditioning system for circulating a refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0005] Such an air conditioning device maintains a comfortable indoor environment by maintaining the interior temperature of the vehicle at a moderate level regardless of changes in the outside temperature, so that the vehicle interior is heated or cooled through heat exchange between the condenser and the evaporator in the following process, and the refrigerant discharged by the drive of the compressor circulates back to the compressor after passing through the condenser, liquid receiver drier, expansion valve and evaporator.

[0006] That is, the air conditioning system condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor in the cooling mode in summer to reduce the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle by evaporation in the evaporator through the receiver drier and the expansion valve.

[0007] Meanwhile, in recent years, due to the increasing concern about energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is a need to develop environmentally friendly vehicles configured to basically replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Environmentally friendly vehicles are generally fuel cell vehicles or electric vehicles driven by electricity, or hybrid vehicles driven by an engine and a battery.

[0008] Unlike air conditioning apparatuses of ordinary vehicles, in eco-friendly vehicles, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles do not use a separate heater, and air conditioning apparatuses applied to eco-friendly vehicles generally refer to heat pump systems.

[0009] On the other hand, in the case of electric vehicles, the chemical reaction energy of oxygen and hydrogen is converted into electrical energy to generate driving force. In this process, since heat energy is generated by the chemical reaction in the fuel cell, it is necessary to effectively remove the generated heat to ensure the performance of the fuel cell.

[0010] Further, even in the hybrid vehicle, the motor is driven by using electric power supplied from a fuel cell or a battery and an engine operated with ordinary fuel, so that only by effectively removing heat generated from the fuel cell or the battery and the motor can the performance of the motor be ensured.

[0011] As a result, in the hybrid vehicle or the electric vehicle, the battery cooling system, the chiller, and the heat pump system need to form separate sealed circuits, respectively, to prevent the motor, the electrical components, and the battery including the fuel cell from overheating.

[0012] Accordingly, the size and weight of the cooling module installed in the front of the vehicle are increased, and the layout of the connection pipes for supplying the refrigerant and the coolant to the heat pump system, the chiller, and the battery cooling system is complicated in the engine room.

[0013] Further, the battery cooling system for heating or cooling the battery according to the state of the vehicle to make the battery show the best performance is separately provided, as a result, a plurality of valves for connecting the respective connection pipes are employed, and noise and vibration caused by frequent opening and closing operations of the valves are transmitted to the inside of the vehicle, thereby deteriorating the ride comfort.

[0014] The information included in the Background section of the present invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the general background of the present invention, and should not be considered as acknowledging that it constitutes prior art for the present invention. SUMMARY

[0015] The various aspects of the present invention are directed to a heat pump system of a vehicle which adjusts the temperature of a battery module by using one chiller which performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and improves heating efficiency by using waste heat generated from electrical components.

[0016] Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a heat pump system of a vehicle, including a cooling device configured to include a radiator, a first water pump, a first valve, a second valve, and a reservoir tank connected by a coolant line to circulate a coolant in the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component disposed in the coolant line; a battery cooling device configured to include a battery coolant line connected to the coolant line by the first valve and a second water pump and a battery module connected by the battery coolant line to circulate the coolant through the battery module; a heating device including a heating line connected to the coolant line by the second valve to heat an interior of the vehicle by using the coolant, and further including a third water pump and a heater disposed on the heating line; and a chiller disposed on the battery coolant line between the first valve and the battery module and connected to a refrigerant line of an air conditioning device by a refrigerant connection line to adjust a temperature of the coolant by heat exchange between the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line and a refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioning device; wherein the chiller is connected to a third valve disposed on the coolant line between the radiator and the second valve and connected to the refrigerant connection line by a chiller connection line, the reservoir tank is disposed on the coolant line between the radiator and the first valve, and the reservoir tank is connected to the coolant line connecting the first valve and the first water pump by a supply line bypassing the first valve.

[0017] The heater can be disposed inside a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module included in the air conditioning device.

[0018] The battery cooling device can further include a coolant heater disposed on the battery coolant line between the battery module and the chiller.

[0019] When the battery module is heated, the battery coolant line can be disconnected from the coolant line by operation of the first valve; the chiller connection line can be shut off by operation of the third valve; the coolant can be circulated along the battery coolant line by operation of the second water pump; and the coolant heater can be operated to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line.

[0020] The air conditioning apparatus can include a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module configured to include an evaporator connected to the HVAC module by a refrigerant line and a damper door configured to control external air passing through the evaporator to be selectively introduced to a heater according to a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a heating and dehumidifying mode of a vehicle; a condenser connected to the refrigerant line and disposed on a heating line between the second valve and the heater to circulate a coolant through the condenser to exchange heat between the coolant and a refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant line; a compressor connected between the evaporator and the condenser by the refrigerant line; a first expansion valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator; and a second expansion valve disposed on the refrigerant connection line.

[0021] The air conditioning apparatus can further include a sub-condenser disposed on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator.

[0022] A first end of the refrigerant connection line can be connected to the refrigerant line between the sub-condenser and the first expansion valve, and a second end of the refrigerant connection line can be connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0023] Each of the chiller and the condenser can be a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the sub-condenser can be an air-cooled heat exchanger.

[0024] The HVAC module can further include an air heater disposed between the heater and the evaporator to selectively heat the external air introduced to the heater.

[0025] The air heater can operate to increase a temperature of the external air introduced to the heater when a temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature for internal heating.

[0026] When the battery module is cooled by using the refrigerant, in the cooling device, the coolant can be circulated in the coolant line by operation of the first water pump, and the supply line can be connected; the chiller connection line can be shut off by operation of the third valve; the heating device can be deactivated; in the battery cooling device, the coolant can be circulated in the battery coolant line by operation of the second water pump; the cooling device and the battery cooling device can form independent closed circuits by operation of the first valve, through which the coolant is individually circulated; in the air conditioning device, the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator can be shut off by operation of the first expansion valve, and the refrigerant connection line can be connected by operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line, and can supply the expanded refrigerant to the chiller.

[0027] When the battery module is cooled in the cooling mode of the vehicle, in the cooling device, the coolant can be circulated in the coolant line by operation of the first water pump, and the supply line can be connected; the chiller connection line can be shut off by operation of the third valve; in the heating device, the coolant can be circulated in the heating line by operation of the third water pump in a state in which the coolant line and the heating line can be connected by operation of the second valve; in the battery cooling device, the coolant can be circulated in the battery coolant line by operation of the second water pump; the cooling device and the battery cooling device can form independent closed circuits by operation of the first valve, through which the coolant is individually circulated; in the air conditioning device, the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator can be connected by operation of the first expansion valve, and the refrigerant connection line can be connected by operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line, and can supply the expanded refrigerant to the chiller.

[0028] When the heating and dehumidification mode of the vehicle is executed, the cooling device and the battery cooling device can be deactivated; the chiller connection line can be shut off by operation of the third valve; in the heating device, the coolant can be circulated in the heating line by operation of the third water pump; in the air conditioning device, the refrigerant connection line can be shut off by operation of the second expansion valve, and the refrigerant can be circulated along the refrigerant line by operation of the compressor.

[0029] When waste heat of the electrical components and the condenser is recovered in the heating mode of the vehicle, in the cooling device, the coolant line connected to the radiator and the coolant line connecting the radiator and the reservoir tank can be shut off by the operation of the third valve; the supply line can be turned on; the battery coolant line other than the battery coolant line connected to the chiller can be shut off by the operation of the first valve; the chiller connection line can be turned on by the operation of the third valve; the coolant, which is raised in temperature as it passes through the electrical components, can be supplied to the chiller along the turned-on coolant line and the turned-on chiller connection line without passing through the radiator by the operation of the first pump; the coolant line can be connected to the heating line by the operation of the second valve; the coolant can be circulated along the heating line by the operation of the third water pump; a portion of the coolant stored in the reservoir tank can be circulated along the turned-on coolant line through the turned-on supply line; in the air conditioning device, the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator can be shut off by the operation of the first expansion valve, and the refrigerant connection line can be turned on by the operation of the second expansion valve; the refrigerant can be circulated along the refrigerant line by the operation of the compressor; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line, and can supply the expanded refrigerant to the chiller.

[0030] When the electrical components and the battery module are cooled by using the coolant cooled in the radiator, the chiller connection line can be shut off by the operation of the third valve; the battery coolant line can be connected to the coolant line by the operation of the first valve; the coolant cooled in the radiator and stored in the reservoir tank can be supplied to the battery module when circulated through the battery coolant line by the operation of the first valve and the operation of the second water pump; the coolant circulated through the battery cooling device can be supplied to the electrical components when circulated through the coolant line by the operation of the first water pump; a portion of the coolant stored in the reservoir tank can be circulated along the coolant line through the turned-on supply line.

[0031] When the waste heat of the electric components is utilized in the heating mode of the vehicle, in the cooling device, a portion of the coolant line connected to the radiator and a portion of the coolant line connecting the radiator and the reservoir can be shut off by the operation of the third valve; the supply line can be connected; the battery coolant line other than the battery coolant line connected to the chiller can be shut off by the operation of the first valve; the chiller connection line can be connected by the operation of the third valve; in the heating device, the heating line can be connected to the coolant line by the operation of the second valve; the coolant, the temperature of which is increased while passing through the electric components, can be supplied to the heating line connected to the connected coolant line without passing through the radiator by the operation of the first water pump; the coolant flowing into the heating line can be supplied to the heater by the operation of the third water pump; the coolant discharged from the heater can pass through the chiller along the connected chiller connection line and then can be introduced again to the electric components; a portion of the coolant stored in the reservoir can be circulated along the coolant line through the connected supply line.

[0032] When the electric components are overheated, the third valve can connect the coolant line connected to the radiator to flow some of the coolant circulating through the heating device into the chiller connection line and the remaining coolant into the radiator.

[0033] The first valve and the second valve can be four-way valves, and the third valve can be a three-way valve configured to distribute the flow of the coolant.

[0034] The electric components can include an electric power control unit (EPCU), or a motor, or an inverter, or an autonomous driving controller, or an on board charger (OBC).

[0035] When the coolant is circulated to the coolant line by the operation of the first water pump, the supply line can be connected to the coolant line.

[0036] As described above, according to the heat pump system of the vehicle according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the temperature of the battery module can be adjusted according to the mode of the vehicle by using one chiller that performs heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the coolant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0037] According to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application, it is also possible to improve the heating efficiency by recovering the waste heat of the electric components and the waste heat of the condenser and using them for interior heating.

[0038] In addition, according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the performance of the battery module can be optimized by effectively controlling the temperature of the battery module, and the total distance traveled by the vehicle can be increased by effective management of the battery module.

[0039] In addition, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, manufacturing costs can be reduced and weight can be lightened, and space utilization can be improved by simplifying the entire system.

[0040] The method and apparatus of the present application have other characteristics and advantages which will be apparent from or will be set forth in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description that follows, and which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the same, and which will be apparent from the detailed description that follows, taken together with the drawings, which are incorporated herein and together serve to explain the principles of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 A block diagram of a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 An operation state diagram of cooling of an electrical component and a battery module by using a radiator in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 An operation state diagram of cooling of a battery module by using a refrigerant in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 An operation state diagram of a heating mode in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0045] Figure 5 An operation state diagram of performing a heating mode using waste heat of an electrical component in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 An operation state diagram of recovering waste heat of an electrical component and a condenser according to a heating mode in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 An operation state diagram of a heating and dehumidification mode in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0048] Figure 8 An operation state diagram of heating of a battery module in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0049] It will be understood that the attached drawings are diagrammatic and are not drawn to scale, but are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the features of the present application in a simplified form and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present application.

[0050] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the application will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the application is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments, which can be included within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

[0052] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The exemplary embodiments described in the present exemplary embodiments and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred exemplary embodiments of the present application, but do not limit the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, it can be understood that various equivalent forms and modification forms exist at the time of filing the present application, which are configured to replace them.

[0054] In order to clarify the present application, components irrelevant to the description are omitted, and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements or equivalent elements.

[0055] The size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, but the present application is not limited thereto, and in the drawings, the thickness of a layer, a film, a plate, a region, and the like is exaggerated for clarity.

[0056] Throughout the specification and claims, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or a group of elements but not the exclusion of any other element or group of elements.

[0057] Further, the terms "unit", "mechanism", "part", "member", and the like used herein refer to a unit of an inclusive component that performs at least one or more functions or operations.

[0058] Figure 1is a block diagram of a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] The heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention can adjust the temperature of the battery module 24 by using one chiller 30 in which a refrigerant and a coolant are heat-exchanged, and can recover waste heat generated by the electrical components 15 to be used for interior heating.

[0060] Such a heat pump system can be applied to an electric vehicle.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 The heat pump system can include a cooling device 10, a battery cooling device 20, a chiller 30, and a heating device 40.

[0062] First, the cooling device 10 includes a radiator 12 connected to a coolant line 11, first water pump 14, a first valve V1, a second valve V2, and a coolant reservoir 16.

[0063] The radiator 12 is installed at a front portion of the vehicle, and a cooling fan 13 is installed at a rear portion of the radiator 12, such that the coolant is cooled by operation of the cooling fan 13 and heat exchange with outside air.

[0064] In addition, the electrical components 15 can include an electric power control unit (EPCU), a motor, an inverter, an autonomous driving controller, or an on board charger (OBC).

[0065] The electrical components 15 configured as described above can be disposed on the coolant line 11 to be cooled in a water cooling manner.

[0066] Accordingly, when recovering waste heat of the electrical components 15 in a heating mode of the vehicle, heat generated by the EPCU, or the motor, or the inverter, or the autonomous driving controller, or the OBC can be recovered.

[0067] In addition, the coolant reservoir 16 is disposed on the coolant line 11 between the radiator 12 and the first water pump 14. The coolant cooled in the radiator 12 can be stored in the coolant reservoir 16.

[0068] The cooling device 10 can circulate the coolant in the coolant line 11 by operation of the first water pump 14, such that the coolant is supplied to the electrical components 15 disposed on the coolant line 11.

[0069] Also, the coolant reservoir 16 can be connected to the coolant line 11 connecting the first valve V1 and the first water pump 14 through a supply line 17.

[0070] When the coolant is circulated to the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first water pump 14, the supply line 17 can be connected to the coolant line 11.

[0071] That is, when the first water pump 14 is operated, the coolant reservoir 16 can always flow a portion of the stored coolant into the coolant line 11 through the supply line 17.

[0072] Accordingly, when the first water pump 14 is operated, cavitation can be prevented from occurring in the first water pump 14. In addition, damage to the first water pump 14 due to cavitation can be prevented in advance.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the battery cooling device 20 includes a battery coolant line 21 connected to the coolant line 11 through the first valve V1, and a second water pump 22 and a battery module 24 connected to the battery coolant line 21.

[0074] The battery cooling device 20 can selectively circulate the coolant through the battery module 24 by the operation of the second water pump 22.

[0075] Meanwhile, the battery cooling device 20 can further include a coolant heater 26 provided on the battery coolant line 21 between the battery module 24 and the first valve V1.

[0076] When it is necessary to raise the temperature of the battery module 24, the coolant heater 26 is turned on to heat the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 so that the coolant having a raised temperature can be supplied to the battery module 24.

[0077] The coolant heater 26 can be an electric heater that operates according to power supply.

[0078] That is, when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 is lower than a target temperature, the coolant heater 26 operates so that the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 can be heated.

[0079] Accordingly, the coolant having a raised temperature by the coolant heater 26 can be supplied to the battery module 24 to raise the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0080] That is, the coolant heater 26 can selectively operate when the temperature of the battery module 24 is raised.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a chiller 30 is provided on the battery coolant line 21 between the first valve V1 and the battery module 24.

[0082] The chiller 30 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 of the air conditioning device 50 through a refrigerant connection line 61. That is, the chiller 30 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0083] Here, the chiller 30 can be connected to a third valve V3 provided on the coolant line 11 between the radiator 12 and the second valve V2 through a chiller connection line 31.

[0084] Accordingly, the chiller 30 can adjust the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant selectively supplied to the battery coolant line 21 and the chiller connection line 31 and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioning device 50.

[0085] Here, a first end of the chiller connection line 31 is connected to the coolant line 11 through the third valve V3. A second end of the chiller connection line 31 can be connected to the chiller 30.

[0086] The chiller connection line 31 can connect the coolant line 11 to the chiller 30 according to the operation of the third valve V3.

[0087] The heating device 40 can include a heating line 41 selectively connected to the coolant line 11 through the second valve V2 to heat the interior of the vehicle by using the coolant and a third water pump 42 and a heater 52a provided on the heating line 41.

[0088] When heating the interior of the vehicle, the heating device 40 can connect the coolant line 11 connected to the electrical component 15 to the heating line 41 through the operation of the second valve V2 so that the coolant of high temperature that has passed through the electrical component 15 is supplied to the heating line 41.

[0089] Accordingly, the coolant of high temperature can be supplied to the heater 52a along the heating line 41.

[0090] That is, the heating device 40 configured as described above supplies the coolant of high temperature introduced from the cooling device 10 to the heating line 41 in the heating mode of the vehicle, or the coolant of which the temperature is increased by the operation of the third water pump 42 is supplied to the heater 52a while circulating through the heating line 41, thereby heating the interior of the vehicle.

[0091] Here, the first water pump 14, the second water pump 22, and the third water pump 42 can be electric water pumps.

[0092] Meanwhile, the heater 52a can be provided inside a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module 52 included in the air conditioning device 50.

[0093] The HVAC module 52 can further include an air heater 52c disposed between the heater 52a and the evaporator 56 to selectively heat the outside air flowing into the heater 52a.

[0094] The air heater 52c can operate to raise the temperature of the outside air flowing into the heater 52a when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 52a is lower than a target temperature for interior heating.

[0095] The air heater 52c can be installed in the front of the heater 52a inside the HVAC module 52 toward the interior of the vehicle to selectively heat the outside air flowing into the heater 52a.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the air conditioning apparatus 50 includes an HVAC module 52, a condenser 53, a sub-condenser 54, a first expansion valve 55, an evaporator 56, and a compressor 59 connected through a refrigerant line 51.

[0097] First, the HVAC module 52 includes a switch door 52b for controlling the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 to be selectively introduced into the heater 52a according to the cooling, heating, and heating dehumidification modes of the vehicle, and the evaporator 56 connected to the HVAC module 52 through the refrigerant line 51.

[0098] That is, in the heating mode of the vehicle, the switch door 52b is opened to introduce the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 into the heater 52a. In contrast, in the cooling mode of the vehicle, the switch door 52b closes the heater 52a to directly flow the outside air cooled while passing through the evaporator 56 into the vehicle.

[0099] Here, the HVAC module 52 can further include an air heater 52c disposed between the heater 52a and the evaporator 56 to selectively heat the outside air flowing into the heater 52a.

[0100] The air heater 52c can operate to raise the temperature of the outside air flowing into the heater 52a when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 52a is lower than a target temperature for interior heating.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the condenser 53 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 to pass the refrigerant through the condenser 53. The condenser 53 is disposed on the heating line 41 between the second valve V2 and the heater 52a so that the coolant circulating through the heating apparatus 40 passes through.

[0102] The condenser 53 can condense the refrigerant by heat-exchanging with the coolant circulating through the heating line 41. That is, the condenser 53 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the sub-condenser 54 can be provided on the refrigerant line 51 between the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56.

[0104] Here, the sub-condenser 54 can further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 by heat-exchanging with the outside air. In other words, the sub-condenser 54 is installed at the front of the radiator 12 to allow the refrigerant flowing into the sub-condenser 54 to heat-exchange with the outside air.

[0105] As a result, the sub-condenser 54 can be an air-cooled heat exchanger for condensing the refrigerant by using the outside air.

[0106] Accordingly, the sub-condenser 54 can further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 to increase secondary cooling of the refrigerant, thereby improving the coefficient of performance (COP) which is a coefficient of refrigerating capacity with respect to power required for the compressor.

[0107] The first expansion valve 55 is provided on the refrigerant line 51 between the sub-condenser 54 and the evaporator 56. The first expansion valve 55 receives the refrigerant passing through the sub-condenser 54 to expand it.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a first end of the refrigerant connection line 61 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 between the sub-condenser 54 and the first expansion valve 55. A second end of the refrigerant connection line 61 can be connected to the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 59.

[0109] Here, the second expansion valve 63 is provided on the refrigerant connection line 61. When the battery module 24 is cooled by the coolant heat-exchanged with the refrigerant, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant connection line 61 to introduce the expanded refrigerant to the chiller 30.

[0110] That is, when the battery module 24 is cooled by using the coolant heat-exchanged with the refrigerant, the second expansion valve 63 operates to expand the refrigerant.

[0111] The second expansion valve 63 can introduce the refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 to the chiller 30 in a state in which the temperature of the refrigerant is lowered by expanding the refrigerant, to further lower the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the inside of the chiller 30.

[0112] As a result, the coolant, whose temperature is lowered while passing through the chiller 30 , is introduced into the battery module 24 , thereby cooling the battery module 24 more effectively.

[0113] The compressor 59 is connected between the evaporator 56 and the condenser 53 through the refrigerant line 51. The compressor 59 can compress the gaseous refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 53.

[0114] Here, the first expansion valve 55 and the second expansion valve 63 may be electronic expansion valves that selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant line 51 or the refrigerant connection line 61 .

[0115] Furthermore, the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 may be four-way valves, and the third valve V3 may be a three-way valve configured to distribute flow.

[0116] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 8 Operations and functions of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention configured as described above are described in detail.

[0117] First, refer to Figure 2 Operations in the case where the electric components 15 and the battery module 24 are cooled using the radiator 12 in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0118] Figure 2 A diagram showing an operation state of cooling electric components and a battery module by using a radiator in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0119] refer to Figure 2 , the chiller connecting line 31 is shut off by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0120] In addition, the battery coolant line 21 is connected to the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first valve V1 .

[0121] In this state, in the cooling device 10 , the first water pump 14 operates to cool the electric components 15 .

[0122] In the battery cooling device 20 , the second water pump 22 operates to cool the battery module 24 .

[0123] Accordingly, the coolant cooled in the radiator 12 and stored in the reservoir tank 16 is supplied to the battery module 24 while circulating through the battery coolant line 21 by operations of the first valve V1 and the second water pump 22 .

[0124] The coolant circulating through the battery cooling device 20 can be supplied to the electrical components 15 while circulating through the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0125] Here, a portion of the coolant stored in the coolant reservoir 16 can be circulated along the coolant line 11 through the open supply line 17.

[0126] That is, the coolant cooled in the radiator 12 and stored in the coolant reservoir 16 is circulated through the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 22, respectively, thereby effectively cooling the electrical components 15 and the battery module 24.

[0127] Since the cooling mode of the vehicle is not activated, the air conditioning device 50 is not operated.

[0128] On the other hand, although it has been described that both the electrical components 15 and the battery module 24 are cooled in the exemplary embodiments of the present application, the present application is not limited thereto, and the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 22 can be selectively operated when one of the electrical components 15 and the battery module 24 is cooled alone.

[0129] The operation of cooling the battery module 24 by using a refrigerant will be described with reference to Figure 3

[0130] Figure 3 Operation state diagrams showing the operation of cooling the battery module by using a refrigerant in the heat pump system of the vehicle according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown.

[0131] Referring to Figure 3 The chiller connection line 31 is closed by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0132] In this state, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 is operated to cool the electrical components 15.

[0133] Accordingly, in the cooling device 10, the coolant is circulated in the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first water pump 14. At the same time, the supply line 17 is open.

[0134] In the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 22 is operated to cool the battery module 24.

[0135] Accordingly, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant can be circulated in the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 22.

[0136] Here, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form independent closed circuits through the operation of the first valve V1, in which the coolant is circulated alone. ​

[0137] That is, by the operation of the first valve V1, the battery cooling device 20 is not connected with the coolant line 11. In this state, the battery cooling device 20 can form a closed circuit through which the coolant is independently circulated in the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 22.

[0138] Meanwhile, the heating device 40 is deactivated.

[0139] In the air conditioning device 50, every constituent element except for the evaporator 56 is operated so that the refrigerant is supplied to the chiller 30.

[0140] That is, in the air conditioning device 50, the refrigerant line 51 connected to the evaporator 56 is shut off by the operation of the first expansion valve 55. In this state, the refrigerant connection line 61 is turned on by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0141] Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the sub-condenser 54 can be circulated along the refrigerant line 51 and the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0142] Here, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line 61 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the chiller 30.

[0143] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the chiller 30 can be circulated in the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 22 to cool the battery module 24.

[0144] The coolant that has passed through the chiller 30 is cooled by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant supplied to the chiller 30. The coolant cooled in the chiller 30 is supplied to the battery module 24. Accordingly, the battery module 24 is cooled by the cooled coolant.

[0145] That is, the second expansion valve 63 expands the refrigerant that has passed through the sub-condenser 54 and turns on the refrigerant connection line 61 so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the chiller 30.

[0146] Accordingly, the operation of the second expansion valve 63 expands the refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 into a low-temperature and low-pressure state and flows into the chiller 30 connected to the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0147] Thereafter, the refrigerant flowing into the chiller 30 exchanges heat with the coolant and flows into the compressor 59 through the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0148] The compressor 59 compresses the refrigerant and supplies it to the condenser 53.

[0149] The sub-condenser 54 can condense the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 53 by heat exchange with outside air.

[0150] In other words, the coolant, which is temperature-increased by cooling the battery module 24, is cooled inside the chiller 30 by heat exchange with low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. The cooled coolant is again supplied to the battery module 24 through the battery coolant line 21.

[0151] As a result, the coolant can effectively cool the battery module 24 while repeating the above operation.

[0152] On the other hand, in a state in which the battery module 24 is cooled with the refrigerant, if it is required to cool the interior of the vehicle, the refrigerant line 51 connecting the sub-condenser 54 and the evaporator 56 can be connected by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0153] That is, the first expansion valve 55 can selectively connect or disconnect the refrigerant line 51 connecting the sub-condenser 54 and the evaporator 56 according to whether the interior of the vehicle is required to be cooled.

[0154] An operation of cooling the battery module 24 in a cooling mode of the vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Figure 4 An operation of cooling the battery module 24 in a cooling mode of the vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0155] Figure 4 An operation state diagram of the cooling mode in the heat pump system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0156] An operation of cooling the battery module 24 in a cooling mode of the vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Figure 4 In the cooling device 10, the coolant is circulated in the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first water pump. At the same time, the supply line 17 is connected.

[0157] Here, the chiller connection line 31 is disconnected by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0158] In the heating device 40, the heating line 41 and the coolant line 11 are connected by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0159] In this state, the coolant supplied from the cooling device 10 is circulated in the heating line 41 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0160] Thus, the coolant cooled with the radiator 12 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after passing through the electrical components 15 by the operation of the first water pump 14 and the third water pump 42.

[0161] At the same time, in the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 22 is operated to cool the battery module 24.

[0162] Accordingly, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant can be circulated in the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the second water pump 22.

[0163] Here, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form independent closed circuits through operation of the first valve V1, through which the coolant is separately circulated.

[0164] That is, through operation of the first valve V1, the battery cooling device 20 is not connected with the coolant line 11.

[0165] In this state, the battery cooling device 20 can form a closed circuit through which the coolant is separately circulated in the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the second water pump 22.

[0166] That is, the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 form independent closed circuits through operation of the first valve V1, respectively.

[0167] Thus, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant that has passed through the chiller 30 can be supplied to the battery module 24 along the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the second water pump 22.

[0168] In the air conditioning device 50, each constituent element operates to cool the interior of the vehicle. Accordingly, the refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant line 51.

[0169] Here, the refrigerant line 51 connecting the sub-condenser 54 and the evaporator 56 is connected through operation of the first expansion valve 55. The refrigerant connection line 61 is connected through operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0170] Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the sub-condenser 54 can be circulated along the refrigerant line 51 and the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0171] Here, the first expansion valve 55 and the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant such that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 and the chiller 30, respectively.

[0172] Meanwhile, the heating device 40 supplies the coolant supplied from the cooling device 10 to the condenser 53 by operation of the third water pump 42.

[0173] The condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant by using the coolant flowing along the heating line 41. The sub-condenser 54 can further condense the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 53 by heat exchange with outside air.

[0174] The coolant that has passed through the chiller 30 is circulated in the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the second water pump 22 to cool the battery module 24.

[0175] The coolant is cooled by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant supplied to the chiller 30. The coolant cooled in the chiller 30 is supplied to the battery module 24. Accordingly, the battery module 24 is cooled by the cooled coolant.

[0176] That is, the second expansion valve 63 expands some of the refrigerant passing through the sub-condenser 54 to supply the expanded refrigerant to the chiller 30, and turns on the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0177] Accordingly, the operation of the second expansion valve 63 expands the refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 to a low-temperature and low-pressure state, and flows into the chiller 30 connected to the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0178] Thereafter, the refrigerant flowing into the chiller 30 exchanges heat with the coolant, and flows into the compressor 59 through the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0179] In other words, the coolant, the temperature of which is increased by cooling the battery module 24, is cooled inside the chiller 30 by heat exchange with the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. The cooled coolant is again supplied to the battery module 24 through the battery coolant line 21.

[0180] As a result, the coolant circulating in the battery cooling device 20 can effectively cool the battery module 24 while repeating the above-described operations.

[0181] On the other hand, the remaining refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 flows through the refrigerant line 51 to cool the interior of the vehicle, and sequentially passes through the first expansion valve 55, the evaporator 56, the compressor 59, and the condenser 53.

[0182] Here, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 is cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56 when passing through the evaporator 56.

[0183] In this case, a portion of the heater 52a through which the cooled outside air passes is closed by the switch door 52b, so that the outside air does not pass through the heater 52a. Accordingly, the cooled outside air directly flows into the interior of the vehicle, thereby cooling the interior of the vehicle.

[0184] On the other hand, the refrigerant, the condensation amount of which is increased when sequentially passing through the condenser 53 and the sub-condenser 54, can be expanded and supplied to the evaporator 56, so that the refrigerant is evaporated at a lower temperature.

[0185] As a result, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant, and the sub-condenser 54 further condenses the refrigerant, which is advantageous in forming secondary cooling of the refrigerant.

[0186] Further, since the refrigerant of the secondary cooling can be evaporated at a lower temperature in the evaporator 56, the temperature of the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 can be further lowered, thereby improving the cooling performance and efficiency.

[0187] In the cooling mode of the vehicle, the refrigerant can cool the interior of the vehicle while repeating the above process, and at the same time, the coolant can be cooled by heat exchange while passing through the chiller 30.

[0188] The low-temperature coolant cooled in the chiller 30 is introduced to the battery module 24. Accordingly, the battery module 24 can be effectively cooled by the low-temperature coolant supplied thereby.

[0189] In the exemplary embodiments of the present application, the operation of utilizing the waste heat of the electrical components 15 without operating the air conditioning device 50 in the heating mode of the vehicle will be described with reference to Figure 5 The operation of performing the heating mode using the waste heat of the electrical components in the heat pump system of the vehicle according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown in the operational state diagrams.

[0190] Figure 5 The operation of performing the heating mode using the waste heat of the electrical components in the heat pump system of the vehicle according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown in the operational state diagrams.

[0191] Referring to Figure 5 , the heat pump system can perform heating of the interior of the vehicle by using the waste heat of the electrical components 15.

[0192] First, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 is operated to circulate the coolant. In this case, the air conditioning device 50 is deactivated.

[0193] Here, a portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the radiator 12 and a portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the radiator 12 and the coolant tank 16 are shut off by the operation of the third valve V3. The supply line 17 is connected.

[0194] Thus, a portion of the coolant stored in the coolant tank 16 can be circulated along the coolant line 11 through the connected supply line 17.

[0195] In addition, the battery coolant line 21 other than the battery coolant line 21 connected to the chiller 30 is shut off by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0196] That is, the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second water pump 22 and the battery module 24 is shut off, and the operation of the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0197] In addition, in the heating device 40, the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 are connected by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0198] Here, the chiller connection line 31 is connected by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0199] In this state, the coolant, whose temperature is raised by the operation of the electric component 15 via the first water pump 14, is supplied into the heating line 41 connected to the connected coolant line 11 without passing through the radiator 12.

[0200] The coolant flowing into the heating line 41 can be supplied to the heater 52a by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0201] The coolant discharged from the heater 52a is introduced to the connected coolant line 11 by the second valve V2.

[0202] Accordingly, the coolant is introduced to the chiller 30 along the connected chiller connection line 31 by the operation of the third valve V3. The coolant discharged from the chiller 30 is again introduced to the electric component 15 along the connected coolant line 11.

[0203] That is, the coolant, which has passed through the electric component 15, continues to circulate along the connected coolant line 11, the chiller connection line 31, and the connected portion of the battery coolant line 21 without passing through the radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat of the electric component 15, so that the temperature of the coolant is raised.

[0204] The coolant, whose temperature has been raised, is supplied to the heater 52a through the heating line 41 connected to the coolant line 11 without passing through the radiator 12.

[0205] Here, the coolant introduced to the heating line 41 passes through the heater 52a by the operation of the third water pump 42. At this time, the air heater 52c can be selectively operated according to the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a.

[0206] When the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than a target temperature, the air heater 52c can operate, thereby heating the outside air flowing into the interior of the vehicle.

[0207] That is, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than a target temperature, the air heater 52c can operate, thereby heating the outside air flowing into the interior of the vehicle.

[0208] When the temperature of the outside air, which has completed heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant when passing through the heater 52a, is lower than a predetermined temperature or a target heating temperature, the air heater 52c operates.

[0209] As a result, when the air heater 52c operates, the outside air can be heated when passing through the air heater 52c, and is introduced to the interior of the vehicle in a state of having a raised temperature.

[0210] Meanwhile, the high-temperature coolant supplied to the heater 52a exchanges heat with outside air, and then is introduced to a portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the heating line 41 through the second valve V2.

[0211] Thereafter, the coolant is introduced to the coolant line 11 connected to the electrical components 15 via the chiller 30 and a portion of the battery coolant line 21 along the chiller connection line 31 connected by the operation of the third valve V3, without passing through the radiator 12.

[0212] Here, the switch door 52b is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 passes through the heater 52a.

[0213] Accordingly, the outside air introduced from the outside flows in a room temperature state without being cooled when passing through the evaporator 56 to which no refrigerant is supplied. The introduced outside air can be converted into a high-temperature state when passing through the heater 52a, and flows into the vehicle, thereby heating the interior of the vehicle.

[0214] In other words, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, waste heat generated in the electrical components 15 can be recovered when the above-described process is repeated, and the waste heat is used to perform interior heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving overall heating efficiency.

[0215] On the other hand, in the process of heating the interior of the vehicle by recovering waste heat of the electrical components 15 using the coolant, when the electrical components 15 are overheated, a portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the radiator 12 and a portion of the coolant line 11 connecting the radiator 12 and the reservoir 16 are connected by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0216] Accordingly, the remaining coolant not introduced to the chiller connection line 31 is cooled when passing through the radiator 12.

[0217] The coolant that has been completely cooled can recover waste heat when passing through the electrical components 15, while the coolant along with the chiller connection line 31 passing through the chiller 30 can effectively cool the electrical components 15.

[0218] When the electrical components 15 are overheated, the third valve V3 can connect the coolant line 11 connected to the radiator 12 so that some of the coolant passing through the heating line 41 flows into the chiller connection line 31, and the remaining coolant flows into the radiator 12.

[0219] As a result, some of the coolant cooled in the radiator 12 can be supplied to the electrical components 15, thereby preventing the electrical components 15 from overheating.

[0220] Accordingly, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, waste heat generated in the electrical component 15 can be recovered, and the waste heat can be used for internal heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving overall heating efficiency.

[0221] Meanwhile, according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, some of the coolant can be introduced into the radiator 12 to be cooled, and then supplied to the electrical component 15 by operation control of the third valve V3 configured to distribute flow, thereby effectively cooling the electrical component 15 and securing cooling performance of the electrical component 15.

[0222] In the exemplary embodiments of the present application, reference is made to Figure 6 An operation of recovering waste heat of the electrical component 15 and the condenser 53 in a heating mode of the vehicle is described.

[0223] Figure 6 An operation state diagram of recovering waste heat of an electrical component and a condenser according to a heating mode in a heat pump system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0224] Referring to Figure 6 In the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 is operated to circulate the coolant.

[0225] Here, a portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the radiator 12 and a portion of the coolant line 11 connecting the radiator 12 and the coolant reservoir 16 are shut off by operation of the third valve V3. The supply line 17 is turned on.

[0226] Accordingly, a portion of the coolant stored in the coolant reservoir 16 can be circulated along the coolant line 11 through the turned-on supply line 17.

[0227] Further, the battery coolant line 21 other than the battery coolant line 21 connected to the chiller 30 is shut off by operation of the first valve V1.

[0228] That is, the battery coolant line 21 connected to the second water pump 22 and the battery module 24 is shut off, and operation of the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0229] Further, in the heating device 40, the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 are connected by operation of the second valve V2.

[0230] Here, the chiller connection line 31 is turned on by operation of the third valve V3.

[0231] In this state, the coolant, which is raised in temperature by passing through the electrical component 15 by operation of the first water pump 14, is supplied to the heating line 41 connected to the turned-on coolant line 11 without passing through the radiator 12.

[0232] The coolant flowing into the heating line 41 can be supplied to the heater 52a by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0233] The coolant discharged from the heater 52a is introduced to the on coolant line 11 by the second valve V2.

[0234] Accordingly, the coolant is introduced to the chiller 30 along the on chiller connection line 31 by the operation of the third valve V3. The coolant discharged from the chiller 30 is introduced to the electrical component 15 again along the on coolant line 11.

[0235] That is, the coolant that has passed through the electrical component 15 continues to circulate along the on portions of the coolant line 11, the chiller connection line 31, and the battery coolant line 21 without passing through the radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat of the electrical component 15, so that the temperature of the coolant increases.

[0236] The coolant whose temperature has increased is supplied to the heater 52a through the heating line 41 connected to the coolant line 11 without passing through the radiator 12.

[0237] Through this operation, the coolant whose temperature has increased by absorbing the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is circulated through the heating device 40. Also, when the coolant passes through the chiller 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the chiller 30 is increased while recovering the heat of the coolant.

[0238] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, the coolant whose temperature has increased while passing through the electrical component 15 is circulated along the heating line 41 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0239] Accordingly, the coolant circulated through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the heater 52a after passing through the condenser 53 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0240] That is, the coolant discharged from the heater 52a can be supplied to the condenser 53 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0241] Meanwhile, in the air conditioning device 50, every constituent element except for the evaporator 56 is operated so that the refrigerant is supplied to the chiller 30.

[0242] Here, the refrigerant line 51 connected to the evaporator 56 is shut off by the operation of the first expansion valve 55. In this state, the refrigerant connection line 61 is turned on by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0243] The refrigerant passing through the sub-condenser 54 can circulate along the refrigerant line 51 and the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0244] Here, the second expansion valve 63 expands the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant connection line 61 to supply it to the chiller 30.

[0245] Accordingly, the coolant, which is temperature-increased by absorbing the waste heat of the electric component 15, is introduced into the connected chiller connection line 31 after being circulated through the heating device 40.

[0246] When the coolant passes through the chiller 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14, it is possible to increase the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the chiller 30 while recovering the heat of the coolant introduced into the chiller connection line 31.

[0247] That is, the chiller 30 receives the refrigerant supplied from the sub-condenser 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63 through the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0248] In addition, the chiller 30 evaporates the supplied refrigerant by heat-exchanging with the coolant, which is temperature-increased when passing through the electric component 15 and the heating device 40, thereby recovering the waste heat of the electric component 159 and the condenser 53.

[0249] Next, the refrigerant passing through the chiller 30 is supplied to the compressor 59 along the refrigerant connection line 61. The refrigerant, which is compressed to high temperature and high pressure in the compressor 59, flows into the condenser 53.

[0250] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 increases the temperature of the coolant by heat-exchanging with the coolant circulating through the heating line 41. The temperature-increased coolant is supplied to the heater 52a.

[0251] That is, the heating device 40 supplies the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 to the condenser 53 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0252] Accordingly, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 59 using the coolant circulating along the heating line 41.

[0253] At this time, the temperature of the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 is increased by heat-exchanging with the refrigerant when passing through the condenser 53. The temperature-increased coolant can be supplied to the heater 52a along the heating line 41.

[0254] Here, the air heater 52c can selectively operate according to the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a.

[0255] When the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 52c can operate, thereby heating the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0256] When the temperature of the outside air that has completed heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant while passing through the heater 52a is lower than a predetermined temperature or a target heating temperature, the air heater 52c is operated.

[0257] As a result, when the air heater 52 c is operated, the outside air can be heated while passing through the air heater 52 c and introduced into the vehicle interior in a state where the temperature is increased.

[0258] Here, the opening and closing door 52 b is opened, so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 52 a.

[0259] Accordingly, the outside air introduced from the outside flows in an uncooled room temperature state when passing through the evaporator 56 to which no refrigerant is supplied. The introduced outside air may be converted into a high temperature state when passing through the heater 52a and flows into the vehicle, thereby heating the interior of the vehicle.

[0260] That is, the heat pump system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention serves to increase the temperature of the coolant by using waste heat of the electric component 15 and the condenser 53 , thereby reducing power consumption of the compressor 59 and improving heating efficiency.

[0261] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made to Figure 7 Describe the operation of the vehicle's heating and dehumidification modes.

[0262] Figure 7 Operation state diagrams of heating and dehumidification modes in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0263] refer to Figure 7 , the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 are deactivated.

[0264] Here, the chiller connecting line 31 is shut off by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0265] In the heating device 40 , the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 by the operation of the third water pump 42 .

[0266] The coolant circulating through the heating line 41 may be supplied to the heater 52 a after passing through the condenser 53 by the operation of the third water pump 42 .

[0267] Accordingly, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 59 using the coolant circulating along the heating line 41 .

[0268] At this time, the temperature of the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 is increased by heat exchange with the refrigerant while passing through the condenser 53. The coolant having the increased temperature may be supplied to the heater 52a along the heating line 41.

[0269] Here, the air heater 52c can selectively operate according to the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a.

[0270] When the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 52c can operate to heat the outside air flowing into the interior of the vehicle.

[0271] When the temperature of the outside air, which has completed heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant while passing through the heater 52a, is lower than a predetermined temperature or a target heating temperature, the air heater 52c operates.

[0272] As a result, when the air heater 52c operates, the outside air can be heated while passing through the air heater 52c, and be introduced into the interior of the vehicle in a state of having a temperature increased.

[0273] Meanwhile, in the air conditioning device 50, each of the constituent elements operates for dehumidification of the interior of the vehicle. Accordingly, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51 by operation of the compressor 59.

[0274] Here, the refrigerant line 51 connecting the sub-condenser 54 and the evaporator 56 is connected by operation of the first expansion valve 55. The refrigerant connection line 61 is disconnected by operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0275] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 increases the temperature of the coolant by heat exchange with the coolant circulating through the heating line 41. The coolant having a temperature increased is supplied to the heater 52a.

[0276] Meanwhile, the expanded refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 56 by operation of the first expansion valve 55 is supplied to the compressor 59 after heat exchange with the outside air passing through the evaporator 56.

[0277] That is, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 56 can be supplied to the compressor 59.

[0278] Here, the switch door 52b is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 52a.

[0279] That is, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 is dehumidified by the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56 in a low-temperature state while passing through the evaporator 56. Next, the outside air is changed to a high-temperature state while passing through the heater 52a, and flows into the interior of the vehicle, thereby heating and dehumidifying the interior of the vehicle.

[0280] That is, the heat pump system according to exemplary embodiments of the present application selectively absorbs waste heat generated from the condenser 53 in a heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle to increase the temperature of the coolant, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and increasing the heating efficiency, according to the interior temperature of the vehicle.

[0281] The operation of heating the battery module 24 will be described with reference to Figure 8 The operation of heating the battery module 24 will be described with reference to

[0282] Figure 8 An operation state diagram of heating the battery module in the heat pump system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0283] The operation of heating the battery module 24 will be described with reference to Figure 8 , the cooling device 10, the heating device 40, and the air conditioning device 50 are deactivated.

[0284] Here, the battery coolant line 21 is disconnected from the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0285] That is, in the battery cooling device 20, the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second water pump 22, the battery module 24, and the coolant heater 26 is turned on.

[0286] Further, the chiller connection line 31 is turned off by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0287] In this state, the coolant is circulated along the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 22.

[0288] Here, the coolant heater 26 operates to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 along the turned-on battery coolant line 21.

[0289] Accordingly, the coolant circulated in the battery coolant line 21 is increased in temperature when passing through the coolant heater 26. Accordingly, the coolant increased in temperature when passing through the coolant heater 26 can be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0290] As a result, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be rapidly increased when the above-described process is repeated, thereby effectively managing the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0291] Accordingly, if the heat pump system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application as described above is applied, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be adjusted according to the mode of the vehicle by using one chiller 30 performing heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the coolant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0292] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, heating efficiency can also be improved by recovering waste heat of the electrical component 15 and using it for internal heating.

[0293] Further, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, performance of the battery module 24 can be optimized by effectively controlling the temperature of the battery module 24, and the total distance of travel of the vehicle can be increased by effective management of the battery module 24.

[0294] Further, the entire system can be simplified to reduce manufacturing costs, reduce weight, and improve space utilization.

[0295] In various exemplary embodiments of the present application, a controller is connected to at least one element of the heat pump system to control the operation thereof.

[0296] Further, the term "controller", "control unit", or "control device" refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor configured to perform one or more steps interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores the algorithmic steps, and the processor executes the algorithmic steps to perform one or more processes of the method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. The controller according to exemplary embodiments of the present application can be implemented by a non-volatile memory configured to store an algorithm for controlling the operation of various components of the vehicle, or data regarding software commands for executing the algorithm, and a processor configured to perform the above-described operation using the data stored in the memory. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated in a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors.

[0297] The controller or control unit can be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program, which can include a series of commands for performing the method included in the aforementioned various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0298] The above-described present application can also be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and the like, and is implemented as a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet).

[0299] In various exemplary embodiments of the present application, each of the above-described operations can be performed by a controller, and the controller can be configured by a plurality of controllers or an integrated single controller.

[0300] For convenience of explanation and precise definition of the appended claims, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "over," "under," "upwardly," "downwardly," "front," "rear," "back," "inwardly," "outwardly," "interior," "exterior," "internal," "external," "inward," "outward," "inside," "outside," "forward" and "rearward" are used to describe the location of the features of the example embodiments shown in the drawings. It will be further understood that the terms "coupled" or "connected," or their derivatives, refer to either a direct or indirect connection.

[0301] The foregoing description of specific example embodiments of the application is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the application. It is apparent that various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the foregoing teachings with the attaining of various ends as set forth. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the application as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat pump system of a vehicle, the heat pump system comprising: a cooling device including a radiator, a first pump, a first valve, a second valve, and a reservoir tank connected by a coolant line, and circulating a coolant in the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component provided in the coolant line; a battery cooling device including a battery coolant line connected to the coolant line by the first valve, and a second pump and a battery module connected by the battery coolant line to circulate the coolant through the battery module; a heating device including a heating line connected to the coolant line by the second valve to heat an interior of the vehicle by using the coolant, and further including a third pump and a heater provided on the heating line; and a chiller provided on the battery coolant line between the first valve and the battery module, and connected to a refrigerant line of an air conditioning device by a refrigerant connection line to adjust a temperature of the coolant by heat exchange between the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line and a refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioning device; wherein the chiller is connected to a third valve provided on the coolant line between the radiator and the second valve and connected to the refrigerant connection line by a chiller connection line; the reservoir tank is provided on the coolant line between the radiator and the first valve, and the reservoir tank is connected to the coolant line connecting the first valve and the first pump by a supply line bypassing the first valve.

2. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, the heater is provided inside a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning module included in the air conditioning device.

3. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, the battery cooling device further includes a coolant heater provided on the battery coolant line between the battery module and the chiller. 4.The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, when the battery module is heated, the battery coolant line is not connected to the coolant line by operation of the first valve; the chiller connection line is shut off by operation of the third valve; the coolant is circulated along the battery coolant line by operation of the second pump; the coolant heater operates to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line.

5. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, the air conditioning device includes: a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning module including an evaporator connected to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning module by a refrigerant line, and a door configured to control external air selectively introduced to the heater by the evaporator according to a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle; a condenser connected to the refrigerant line and provided on the heating line between the second valve and the heater to circulate the coolant through the condenser to exchange heat between the coolant and the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant line; a compressor connected between the evaporator and the condenser by the refrigerant line; a first expansion valve provided on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator; and a second expansion valve provided on the refrigerant connection line.

6. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, the air conditioning device further includes a sub-condenser provided on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator.

7. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the first end portion of the refrigerant connection line is connected to a refrigerant line between the sub-condenser and the first expansion valve; the second end portion of the refrigerant connection line is connected to a refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

8. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, each of the chiller and the condenser is a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the sub-condenser is an air-cooled heat exchanger.

9. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning module further includes an air heater disposed between the heater and the evaporator to selectively heat outside air passing through the heater.

10. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature for interior heating, the air heater operates to raise the temperature of the outside air introduced to the heater.

11. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein when the battery module is cooled by using the refrigerant, in the cooling device, the coolant is circulated in the coolant line by operation of the first pump, and the supply line is connected; the chiller connection line is shut off by operation of the third valve; the heating device is deactivated; in the battery cooling device, the coolant is circulated in the battery coolant line by operation of the second pump; the cooling device and the battery cooling device form independent closed circuits by operation of the first valve, and the coolant is individually circulated through the independent closed circuits; in the air conditioning device, the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator is shut off by operation of the first expansion valve, and the refrigerant connection line is connected by operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line, and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the chiller.

12. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein when the battery module is cooled in the cooling mode of the vehicle, in the cooling device, the coolant is circulated in the coolant line by operation of the first pump, and the supply line is connected; the chiller connection line is shut off by operation of the third valve; in the heating device, the coolant is circulated in the heating line by operation of the third pump in a state where the coolant line and the heating line are connected by operation of the second valve; in the battery cooling device, the coolant is circulated in the battery coolant line by operation of the second pump; the cooling device and the battery cooling device form independent closed circuits by operation of the first valve, and the coolant is individually circulated through the independent closed circuits; in the air conditioning device, the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator is connected by operation of the first expansion valve, and the refrigerant connection line is connected by operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line, and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the chiller.

13. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein when the heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle is executed, the cooling device and the battery cooling device are deactivated; the chiller connection line is shut off by operation of the third valve; in the heating device, the coolant is circulated in the heating line by operation of the third pump; In the air conditioning device, the refrigerant connection line is shut off by operation of the second expansion valve, and refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant line by operation of the compressor.

14. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, when waste heat of at least one electric component and a condenser is recovered in a heating mode of the vehicle, In the cooling device, the cooling liquid line connected to the radiator and the cooling liquid line connecting the radiator and the liquid reservoir are shut off by operation of the third valve; the supply line is turned on; the battery cooling liquid line other than the part of the battery cooling liquid line connected to the chiller is shut off by operation of the first valve; the chiller connection line is turned on by operation of the third valve; cooling liquid, whose temperature is increased by passing through at least one electric component, is supplied to the chiller along the turned-on cooling liquid line and the turned-on chiller connection line without passing through the radiator by operation of the first pump; the cooling liquid line is connected to the heating line by operation of the second valve; cooling liquid is circulated along the heating line by operation of the third pump; a part of the cooling liquid stored in the liquid reservoir is circulated along the turned-on cooling liquid line by the turned-on supply line; In the air conditioning device, the refrigerant connection line is shut off by operation of the second expansion valve, and refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant line by operation of the compressor. refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant line by operation of the compressor; the second expansion valve expands refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line, and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the chiller.

15. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, when at least one electric component and a battery module are cooled by using cooling liquid cooled in a radiator, the chiller connection line is shut off by operation of the third valve; the battery cooling liquid line is connected to the cooling liquid line by operation of the first valve; cooling liquid cooled in the radiator and stored in the liquid reservoir is supplied to the battery module when circulated through the battery cooling liquid line by operation of the first valve and operation of the second pump; cooling liquid circulated through the battery cooling device is supplied to at least one electric component when circulated through the cooling liquid line by operation of the first pump; a part of the cooling liquid stored in the liquid reservoir is circulated along the cooling liquid line by the turned-on supply line.

16. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, when waste heat of at least one electric component is utilized in a heating mode of the vehicle, In the cooling device, a part of the cooling liquid line connected to the radiator and a part of the cooling liquid line connecting the radiator and the liquid reservoir are shut off by operation of the third valve; the supply line is turned on; the battery cooling liquid line other than the part of the battery cooling liquid line connected to the chiller is shut off by operation of the first valve; the chiller connection line is turned on by operation of the third valve; In the heating device, the heating line is connected to the cooling liquid line by operation of the second valve; cooling liquid, whose temperature is increased by passing through at least one electric component, is supplied to the heating line connected to the turned-on cooling liquid line without passing through the radiator by operation of the first pump; The coolant flowing into the heating line is supplied to the heater by the operation of the third pump; The coolant discharged from the heater passes through the chiller along the connected chiller connection line, and is then introduced again into the at least one electrical component; A portion of the coolant stored in the coolant tank is circulated along the coolant line through the connected supply line.

17. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein, When the at least one electrical component is overheated, the third valve connects the coolant line connected to the radiator, so that a portion of the coolant circulating through the heating device flows into the chiller connection line, and the remaining coolant flows into the radiator.

18. The heat pump system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The first valve and the second valve are four-way valves, and the third valve is a three-way valve configured to distribute the flow of the coolant.

19. The vehicle's heat pump system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one electrical component includes a motor, or a power control unit, or an inverter, or an automatic driving controller, or a vehicle charger.

20. The vehicle's heat pump system of claim 1, wherein, The supply line is connected to the coolant line when the coolant is circulated to the coolant line by the operation of the first pump.

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