Vehicle thermal management system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a cooling device for circulating a coolant in a coolant line to cool at least one electrical component disposed in the coolant line; a battery cooling device for circulating a coolant in a battery module; a refrigerator for exchanging heat with a refrigerant to adjust the temperature of the coolant; a heater for heating the interior of the vehicle using the coolant; and a branch line. A condenser included in an air conditioner is connected to the coolant line so that the coolant circulating through the cooling device passes through.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0101745 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system of a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a thermal management system of a vehicle that adjusts the temperature of a battery module by using a refrigerator that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and improves heating efficiency by utilizing waste heat generated from electrical components. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, as the environment and energy resources are becoming important issues, electric vehicles are attracting attention as future transportation tools. Electric vehicles use a battery module formed of a plurality of rechargeable battery cells into a battery pack as a main power source, so they do not generate exhaust gas and have very low noise.

[0005] Such an electric vehicle is driven by a drive motor operated by power supplied from a battery module. In addition, the electric vehicle includes electrical components for controlling and managing the drive motor and a plurality of electronic devices for convenience devices and charging the battery module.

[0006] On the other hand, since a large amount of heat is generated in batteries and electrical components and a drive motor serving as a main power source of an electric vehicle, effective cooling is required, and thus effective temperature management of the electrical components and battery modules is of great significance.

[0007] In the past, separate cooling systems were applied to regulate the temperature of electrical components and battery modules, but this required increasing the capacity of the cooling system according to the size of the electrical components and battery modules, which resulted in space limitations. Furthermore, as the capacity of the cooling system increases, the power required to operate the cooling system also increases.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to develop technology for effectively utilizing waste heat generated from electric components and regulating the temperature of the electric components and batteries to maximize energy efficiency while ensuring the durability of the electric components and battery modules in electric vehicles.

[0009] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present disclosure has been proposed to provide a thermal management system for a vehicle which adjusts the temperature of a battery module by using one refrigerator that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and improves heating efficiency by utilizing waste heat generated from electric components.

[0011] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: a cooling device configured to include a first radiator, a first water pump, and a valve connected by a coolant line, and configured 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 valve and a second radiator, a second water pump, and a battery module connected by the battery coolant line to circulate the coolant in the battery module; a refrigerator connected to the first connecting line and the second connecting line, the first connecting line being connected to the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the battery module, the second connecting line being connected to the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the battery module A pipeline is connected to the valve, the refrigerator is connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner through a refrigerant connecting pipeline, and adjusts the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant flowing into it and the refrigerant selectively supplied by the air conditioner; a heater is arranged in the coolant pipeline between the electrical component and the first radiator to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant supplied from the cooling device; a branch pipeline having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the coolant pipeline between the first radiator and the heater, and the second end being connected to the second connecting pipeline between the valve and the refrigerator, wherein a condenser included in the air conditioner is connected to the coolant pipeline so that the coolant circulating through the cooling device passes through.

[0012] The air conditioner may include: an evaporator, connected through a refrigerant pipeline; a condenser, arranged in the coolant pipeline between the first radiator and the heater so that the coolant inside it circulates to perform heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant pipeline; a compressor, connected between the evaporator and the condenser through the refrigerant pipeline; a sub-condenser, arranged in the refrigerant pipeline between the condenser and the evaporator; a first expansion valve, arranged in the refrigerant pipeline between the sub-condenser and the evaporator; and a second expansion valve, arranged in the refrigerant connecting pipeline.

[0013] When the battery module is cooled by the refrigerant, the second expansion valve may expand the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant connection line to flow into the refrigerator.

[0014] A first end of the refrigerant connecting line may be connected to the refrigerant line between the sub-condenser and the first expansion valve, and a second end of the refrigerant connecting line may be connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0015] Each of the refrigerator and the condenser may be a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the sub-condenser may be an air-cooled heat exchanger.

[0016] An air heater may be further included that is disposed on an opposite side of the evaporator, with the heater being disposed between the evaporator and the air heater to selectively heat external air passing through the heater.

[0017] When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature for interior heating, the air heater may be operated to increase the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater.

[0018] 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 pipeline by operating the first water pump, and the branch pipeline can be closed; the first connecting pipeline can be opened, and the second connecting pipeline can be opened by operating the valve, and the portion of the battery coolant pipeline connected to the second radiator can be closed by operating the valve, and in the battery cooling device, the coolant passing through the refrigerator along the first connecting pipeline and the second connecting pipeline can be supplied to the battery module along the opened portion of the battery coolant pipeline by operating the second water pump, and in the air conditioner, the refrigerant pipeline connecting the sub-condenser and the evaporator can be opened by operating the first expansion valve, the refrigerant connecting pipeline can be opened by operating the second expansion valve, and the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve can respectively expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant pipeline and the refrigerant connecting pipeline, and the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator and the refrigerator.

[0019] The branch line can be closed by operating the check valve set in the branch line, the condenser can condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant circulating in the coolant line, and the sub-condenser can further condense the refrigerant flowing in from the condenser by heat exchange with the external air.

[0020] When the dehumidification mode of the vehicle is executed, the branch line can be opened by operating the check valve set in the branch line, the first connecting line can be closed, and when the part of the second connecting line connected to the refrigerator based on the branch line is closed, the connecting valve and the remaining part of the branch line can be opened. In the cooling device, the coolant line connected to the first radiator and the valve can be closed based on the branch line, and the coolant whose temperature rises when passing through the electrical components by the operation of the first water pump can be supplied to the heater along the open coolant line without passing through the first radiator. The coolant discharged from the heater can flow into the valve along the open coolant line, the open branch line and the open part of the second connecting line. The coolant that can flow into the valve is supplied to the electrical components along the open coolant line. In the air conditioner, the refrigerant can circulate along the open refrigerant line by the operation of the first expansion valve; the first expansion valve can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator, and the second expansion valve can close the refrigerant connecting line.

[0021] When electrical components and battery modules are cooled by using coolant, the branch line can be closed by operating the check valve arranged in the branch line, the first connecting line can be closed, and the second connecting line can be closed by operating the valve, the cooling device and the battery cooling device can form independent closed loops respectively by operating the valve, the coolant cooled in the first radiator can be supplied from the valve along the coolant line to the electrical components by operating the first water pump, and the coolant cooled in the second radiator can be supplied from the valve along the battery coolant line to the battery module by operating the second water pump.

[0022] When waste heat from electrical components is used in a heating mode of the vehicle, the branch line can be opened by operating a check valve arranged in the branch line, and while the portion of the second connecting line connected to the refrigerator based on the branch line is closed, the first connecting line can be closed, and the remaining portion of the connecting valve and the branch line can be opened. In the cooling device, the coolant line connected to the first radiator and the valve can be closed based on the branch line, and the coolant whose temperature is increased when passing through the electrical components by the operation of the first water pump can be supplied to the heater along the opened coolant line without passing through the first radiator, and the coolant discharged from the heater can flow into the valve along the opened coolant line, the opened branch line, and the opened portion of the second connecting line, and the coolant flowing into the valve can be supplied to the electrical components along the opened coolant line.

[0023] When the battery module is heated, the operation of the cooling device can be interrupted, the branch line can be closed by operating the check valve set in the branch line, the first connecting line can be opened, and the second connecting line can be opened by operating the valve, and the battery coolant line connected to the second radiator and the battery coolant line connecting the second radiator and the valve can be closed based on the first connecting line, and the coolant passing through the battery module can be circulated along the opened first connecting line and the second connecting line and the opened battery coolant line by operating the second water pump without passing through the second radiator.

[0024] A first end of the first connecting line may be connected to the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the battery module, and a second end of the first connecting line may be connected to the refrigerator.

[0025] A first end of the second connecting line may be connected to the valve, and a second end of the second connecting line may be connected to the refrigerator.

[0026] The electrical components may include an electric power control unit (EPCU), a motor, an inverter, an on-board charger (OBC), a power converter, or an autonomous driving controller.

[0027] The valve may be a 5-way valve.

[0028] The battery cooling apparatus may further include a first coolant heater disposed in the battery coolant line between the battery module and the second radiator.

[0029] When the battery module is heated, the first coolant heater may be operated to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line.

[0030] The second coolant heater may be provided in the coolant line between the electric component and the heater, and when a temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature, the second coolant heater may be operated to heat the coolant supplied to the heater along the coolant line.

[0031] The first storage tank may be disposed in the coolant line between the first radiator and the valve, and the second storage tank may be disposed in the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the valve.

[0032] As described above, according to the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the battery module can be adjusted according to the mode of the vehicle by using a refrigerator 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.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, it is also possible to improve heating efficiency by recovering waste heat generated from electrical components and using the waste heat for internal heating.

[0034] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to optimize the performance of the battery module by effectively controlling the temperature of the battery module, and to increase the total driving distance of the vehicle through effective management of the battery module.

[0035] Further, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve cooling performance and reduce power consumption of a compressor by increasing condensation performance of a refrigerant using a condenser and a sub-condenser.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, manufacturing costs may be reduced, weight may be reduced, and space utilization may be improved through simplification of the entire system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 An operating state diagram showing cooling of electric components and a battery module by using a coolant in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 A diagram showing an operation state in which a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure cools a battery module by using a refrigerant in a cooling mode of the vehicle.

[0040] Figure 4 An operation state diagram illustrating performing a heating mode using waste heat of an electric component in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 An operation state diagram according to a dehumidification mode in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 6 An operational state diagram of heating a battery module in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only the most preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, but do not limit the idea and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent forms and modifications that can replace them may exist when submitting this application.

[0045] In order to clarify the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and the same elements or equivalents are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0046] The size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and in the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity.

[0047] Throughout the specification and the appended claims, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprising” or “including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0048] Further, the terms “unit”, “mechanism”, “portion”, “component” and the like used in this document refer to a unit of an inclusive component that performs at least one or more functions or operations.

[0049] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the thermal management system of the vehicle can adjust the temperature of the battery module 24 by using one refrigerator 30 that heat-exchanges the refrigerant and the coolant, and can recover waste heat generated from the electric components 15 and use the waste heat for interior heating.

[0051] Such a thermal management system can be applied to electric vehicles.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 , the thermal management system may include a cooling device 10 , a battery cooling device 20 , a refrigerator 30 , and a heater 40 .

[0053] First, the cooling device 10 includes a first radiator 12 , a first water pump 14 , a valve V, and a first storage tank 16 which are connected through a coolant line 11 .

[0054] The first radiator 12 is provided at the front of the vehicle, and the cooling fan 13 is provided at the rear of the first radiator 12 , so that the coolant is cooled by operating the cooling fan 13 and exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0055] In addition, the electrical components 15 may include an electric power control unit (EPCU), a motor, an inverter, a power converter such as an on-board charger (OBC), or an autonomous driving controller.

[0056] The electric components 15 configured as described above may be disposed in the coolant line 11 to cool the electric components 15 by water cooling.

[0057] Therefore, when the waste heat of the electric components 15 is recovered in the heating mode of the vehicle, heat generated from the EPCU, the motor, the inverter, the power converter such as the OBC, or the automatic driving controller can be recovered.

[0058] Also, the first storage tank 16 is provided on the coolant line 11 between the first radiator 12 and the first water pump 14. The coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 may be stored in the first storage tank 16.

[0059] The cooling device 10 may circulate the coolant in the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14 so that the coolant is supplied to the electric components 15 provided in the coolant line 11 .

[0060] In the present exemplary embodiment, the battery cooling device 20 includes a battery coolant line 21 connected to the valve V, a second radiator 22 connected through the battery coolant line 21 , a second water pump 23 , and a battery module 24 .

[0061] The battery cooling apparatus 20 may selectively circulate the coolant in the battery module 24 by operating the second water pump 23 .

[0062] Here, the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 23 may be electric water pumps.

[0063] Meanwhile, the battery cooling device 20 may further include a first coolant heater 26 disposed in the battery coolant line 21 between the battery module 24 and the second radiator 22 .

[0064] When the temperature of the battery module 24 needs to be increased, the first coolant heater 26 is turned on to heat the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 so that the coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the battery module 24 .

[0065] The first coolant heater 26 may be an electric heater that operates according to a power supply.

[0066] That is, when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 is lower than the target temperature, the first coolant heater 26 is operated so that the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 may be heated.

[0067] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature is increased when passing through the first coolant heater 26 may be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24 .

[0068] That is, the first coolant heater 26 may selectively operate while increasing the temperature of the battery module 24 .

[0069] Meanwhile, the second storage tank 27 is provided in the battery coolant line 21 between the second radiator 22 and the valve V. The coolant cooled in the second radiator 22 may be stored in the second storage tank 27 .

[0070] In the present exemplary embodiment, the refrigerator 30 is connected to a first connecting line 32 connected to the battery coolant line 21 between the second radiator 22 and the battery module 24 and to a second connecting line 34 connected to the valve V.

[0071] The refrigerator 30 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 51 of the air conditioner 50 through the refrigerant connection pipe 61 .

[0072] Therefore, the refrigerator 30 may adjust the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant flowing into the inside of the refrigerator 30 and the refrigerant selectively supplied by the air conditioner 50. That is, the refrigerator 30 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0073] Here, a first end of the first connecting line 32 is connected to the battery coolant line 21 between the second radiator 22 and the battery module 24. In addition, a second end of the first connecting line 32 may be connected to the refrigerator 30.

[0074] A first end of the second connecting pipe 34 is connected to the valve V. A second end of the second connecting pipe 34 is connected to the refrigerator 30 .

[0075] The first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 may be selectively opened so that the coolant passing through the battery module 24 circulates in the battery coolant line 21 through the refrigerator 30 or the valve V without passing through the second radiator 22 .

[0076] Therefore, the refrigerator 30 may adjust the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant selectively supplied through the first connection line 32 and the refrigerant selectively supplied by the air conditioner 50 .

[0077] Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the cooling device 10 may further include a branch line 18 .

[0078] A first end of the branch line 18 is connected to the coolant line 11 between the first radiator 12 and the electric component 15. A second end of the branch line 18 may be connected to a second connection line 34 between the valve V and the refrigerator 30.

[0079] Here, the check valve 19 may be provided in the branch line 18. The check valve 19 may control the opening and closing of the branch line 18.

[0080] In addition, when the second connecting line 34 is opened while the branch line 18 is closed, the check valve 19 may prevent the coolant flowing through the second connecting line 34 from flowing into the branch line 18 .

[0081] When recovering waste heat of the electric component 15 , the branch line 18 may be selectively opened and closed by operating the check valve 19 , thereby resupplying the coolant passing through the electric device 15 to the electric component 15 without passing through the first radiator 12 .

[0082] Here, when the branch line 18 is opened, the portion of the second connection line 34 connected to the refrigerator 30 based on the branch line 18 is closed, and the connection valve V and the remaining portion of the branch line 18 can be opened.

[0083] The heater 40 is provided in the coolant line 11 between the electric component 15 and the first radiator 12 to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant.

[0084] Therefore, when heating the vehicle interior, the high-temperature coolant passing through the electric component 15 can be supplied to the heater 40 .

[0085] That is, the high-temperature coolant passing through the electric component 15 is supplied to the heater 40 by operating the first water pump 14 in the heating mode of the vehicle, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0086] The heater 40 may be disposed inside a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module (not shown) included in the air conditioner 50 .

[0087] Here, a second coolant heater 43 that selectively heats the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11 may be provided in the coolant line 11 between the electric component 15 and the heater 40 .

[0088] The second coolant heater 43 performs an on-operation when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 40 is lower than a target temperature in a heating mode of the vehicle to heat the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11 , thereby allowing the coolant with increased temperature to flow into the heater 40 .

[0089] The second coolant heater 43 may be an electric heater that operates according to power supply.

[0090] Although the present exemplary embodiment discloses that the second coolant heater 43 is disposed in the coolant line 11 , it should be understood that other heating means may be used, for example, an air heater 45 that raises the temperature of the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior may be applied instead of the second coolant heater 43 .

[0091] The air heater 45 may be provided at a rear side of the heater 40 toward the interior of the vehicle inside the HVAC module (not shown) to selectively heat the outside air passing through the heater 40 .

[0092] That is, the heater 40 may be any one of the second coolant heater 43 and the air heater 45 .

[0093] The heater 40 configured as described above is supplied with coolant by the operation of the first water pump 14 , and the coolant is increased in temperature while passing through the electric components 15 in the heating mode of the vehicle, thereby being able to heat the vehicle interior.

[0094] In the present exemplary embodiment, the air conditioner 50 includes an HVAC module (not shown), 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 .

[0095] First, the HVAC module (not shown) internally includes: an evaporator 56, which is connected via a refrigerant line 51; and an opening and closing door (not shown), which is used to control the external air passing through the evaporator 56 to selectively flow into the heater 40 according to the vehicle's cooling mode, heating mode, and heating and dehumidification mode.

[0096] That is, the shutter door (not shown) is opened in the heating mode of the vehicle to allow the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 to flow into the heater 40. In contrast, in the cooling mode of the vehicle, the shutter door (not shown) closes the heater 40 so that the outside air cooled while passing through the evaporator 56 flows directly into the vehicle interior.

[0097] Here, when the second coolant heater 43 is not provided in the coolant line 11 , the air heater 45 provided in the HVAC module (not shown) may be provided on the opposite side of the evaporator 56 , with the heater 40 provided between the air heater 45 and the evaporator 56 .

[0098] When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 40 is lower than the target temperature for interior heating, the air heater 45 may be operated to increase the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 40 .

[0099] On the other hand, when the second coolant heater 43 is not provided in the coolant line 11 , the air heater 45 may be provided inside the HVAC module (not shown).

[0100] That is, in the thermal management system according to the present disclosure, only one of the second coolant heater 43 and the air heater 45 may be applied.

[0101] In the present exemplary embodiment, the condenser 53 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 to allow the refrigerant to pass through the condenser 53. The condenser 53 is disposed on the coolant line 11 between the heater 40 and the first radiator 12 so that the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11 passes through the condenser 53.

[0102] The condenser 53 may condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant circulating in the coolant pipe 11. That is, the condenser 53 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0103] The condenser 53 configured as described above may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 59 and the coolant supplied from the cooling device 10 to condense the refrigerant.

[0104] In the present exemplary embodiment, the sub-condenser 54 may be disposed in the refrigerant line 51 between the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56 .

[0105] Here, the sub-condenser 54 can further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 by heat exchange with the outside air. In other words, the sub-condenser 54 is disposed at the front side of the first radiator 12 so that the refrigerant flowing into the sub-condenser 54 and the outside air can exchange heat with each other.

[0106] Therefore, the sub-condenser 54 may be an air-cooled heat exchanger that condenses the refrigerant by using the outside air.

[0107] In this way, the sub-condenser 54 may further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 to increase sub cooling of the refrigerant, thereby improving coefficient of performance (COP), which is a cooling capacity coefficient relative to power required by a compressor.

[0108] The first expansion valve 55 is provided in 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 the refrigerant.

[0109] In the present exemplary embodiment, 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 may be connected to the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 59.

[0110] Here, the second expansion valve 63 is provided in the refrigerant connection line 61. When the battery module 24 is cooled by the coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the second expansion valve 63 may expand the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant connection line 61 and flow into the refrigerator 30.

[0111] In addition, when the battery module 24 is cooled by using the refrigerant in the cooling mode of the vehicle, the second expansion valve 63 is operated to expand the refrigerant.

[0112] That is, the second expansion valve 63 may expand the refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 and allow it to flow into the refrigerator 30 in a state where the temperature is reduced, thereby further reducing the temperature of the coolant passing through the inside of the refrigerator 30 .

[0113] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature is lowered when passing through the refrigerator 30 flows into the battery module 24, thereby enabling more efficient cooling.

[0114] The compressor 59 is connected between the evaporator 56 and the condenser 53 through the refrigerant line 51. The compressor 59 may compress the gaseous refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 53.

[0115] Here, the first expansion valve 55 and the second expansion valve 63 may be electronic expansion valves that control the flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe 51 or the refrigerant connection pipe 61 while selectively expanding the refrigerant.

[0116] Alternatively, the valve V may be a 5-way valve.

[0117] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 6 Operations and functions of the thermal management system of the vehicle configured as described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0118] First, refer to Figure 2 Operation of a case where the electric component 15 and the battery module 24 are cooled using the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 and the second radiator 22 in the thermal management system of the vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0119] Figure 2 An operating state diagram showing cooling of electric components and a battery module by using a coolant in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Reference Figure 2 , the branch line 18 is closed by operating the check valve 19. The first connecting line 32 is closed, and by operating the valve V, the second connecting line 34 is closed.

[0121] Here, by operating the valve V, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form an independent closed circuit that circulates each coolant separately.

[0122] In this state, in the cooling device 10 , the first water pump 14 is operated to cool the electric components 15 .

[0123] Then, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 and stored in the first reservoir tank 16 is supplied to the electric components 15 while circulating through the coolant line 11 by the operation of the valve V and the first water pump 14 .

[0124] In the battery cooling apparatus 20 , the second water pump 23 is operated to cool the battery module 24 .

[0125] Then, the coolant cooled in the second radiator 22 and stored in the second reservoir tank 27 is supplied to the battery module 24 while circulating through the battery coolant line 21 by operations of the valve V and the second water pump 23 .

[0126] That is, each coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 and the second radiator 22 and stored in the first storage tank 16 and the second storage tank 27 circulates through the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 23, respectively, to effectively cool the electric components 15 and the battery module 24.

[0127] Since the cooling mode of the vehicle is deactivated, the air conditioner 50 does not operate.

[0128] On the other hand, although it has been described in the present exemplary embodiment that both the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 are cooled by the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 and the second radiator 22, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and when cooling one of the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 individually, the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 23 and the valve V can be selectively operated.

[0129] Will refer to Figure 3 The operation of the case where the battery module 24 is cooled using the refrigerant in the cooling mode of the vehicle is described.

[0130] Figure 3 An operation state diagram showing cooling of a battery module by using a refrigerant in a cooling mode of a vehicle in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Reference Figure 3 , in the cooling device 10 , by operating the first water pump 14 , the coolant circulates in the coolant line 11 .

[0132] Here, by actuating the nonreturn valve 19, the branch line 18 is closed. The first connecting line 32 is opened. By actuating the valve V, the second connecting line 34 is opened.

[0133] In addition, by operating the valve V, the portion of the battery coolant line 21 connected to the second radiator 22 is closed.

[0134] In this state, in the battery cooling device 20 , the second water pump 23 is operated to cool the battery module 24 .

[0135] Then, in the battery cooling device 20 , the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 along the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 is supplied to the battery module 24 along the opened portion of the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the second water pump 23 without passing through the second radiator 22 .

[0136] Here, by operating the valve V, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form an independent closed circuit that circulates each coolant separately.

[0137] That is, by operating the valve V, the battery cooling device 20 is not connected to the coolant line 11 .

[0138] In this state, the battery cooling device 20 may form a closed loop through which the coolant circulates independently in the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the opened battery coolant line 21 by operating the second water pump 23 .

[0139] That is, by operating the valve V, the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 form independent closed loops, respectively.

[0140] Therefore, in the battery cooling apparatus 20 , by operating the second water pump 23 , the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 may be supplied to the battery module 24 along the first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the battery coolant line 21 .

[0141] The coolant flowing into the battery coolant line 21 passes through the battery module 24 and then flows into the refrigerator 30 along the first connecting line 32 .

[0142] That is, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 flows from the refrigerator 30 into the valve V along the opened second connecting line 34 . Thereafter, by operating the second water pump 23 , the coolant may be supplied to the battery module 24 while flowing along the battery coolant line 21 .

[0143] Meanwhile, in the cooling device 10 , the coolant circulates in the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14 .

[0144] Therefore, by operating the first water pump 14 , the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 may be supplied to the condenser 53 after passing through the electric components 15 and the heater 40 .

[0145] In the air conditioner 50 , each component operates to cool the vehicle interior. Therefore, refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51 .

[0146] Here, by operating the first expansion valve 55, the refrigerant line 51 connecting the sub-condenser 54 and the evaporator 56 is opened. By operating the second expansion valve 63, the refrigerant connection line 61 is opened.

[0147] Then, the refrigerant having passed through the sub-condenser 54 may circulate along the refrigerant pipe 51 and the refrigerant connecting pipe 61 .

[0148] Here, the first expansion valve 55 and the second expansion valve 63 may expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 and the refrigerator 30 , respectively.

[0149] The condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant by using the coolant flowing along the coolant line 11. Also, the sub-condenser 54 may further condense the refrigerant flowing in from the condenser 53 by exchanging heat with external air.

[0150] At the same time, the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 flows into the valve V along the opened second connecting line 34 .

[0151] Thereafter, the coolant circulates in the opened battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 23 to cool the battery module 24 .

[0152] The coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 is cooled by heat-exchanging with the expanded refrigerant supplied to the refrigerator 30. The coolant cooled in the refrigerator 30 is supplied to the battery module 24. Therefore, the battery module 24 is cooled by the cooled coolant.

[0153] That is, the second expansion valve 63 expands some of the coolant passing through the sub-condenser 54 to supply the expanded coolant to the refrigerator 30 , and opens the refrigerant connection line 61 .

[0154] Therefore, by operating the second expansion valve 63 , part of the refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 expands to become a low-temperature and low-pressure state, and flows into the refrigerator 30 connected to the refrigerant connection line 61 .

[0155] Thereafter, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerator 30 performs heat exchange with the coolant and then flows into the compressor 59 through the refrigerant connection line 61 .

[0156] In other words, the coolant whose temperature rises due to cooling the battery module 24 is cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant inside the refrigerator 30. The cooled coolant is supplied to the battery module 24 again through the opened first and second connecting pipes 32 and 34 and the battery coolant pipe 21.

[0157] That is, when the above-mentioned operation is repeated, the coolant can effectively cool the battery module 24 .

[0158] On the other hand, the remaining refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 flows through the refrigerant line 51 to cool the vehicle interior, and passes through the first expansion valve 55 , the evaporator 56 , the compressor 59 , and the condenser 53 in sequence.

[0159] Here, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module (not shown) is cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56 while passing through the evaporator 56 .

[0160] In this case, a portion of the heater 40 through which the cooled outside air passes is closed by an opening and closing door (not shown) so that the outside air does not pass through the heater 40. Therefore, the cooled outside air directly flows into the vehicle interior, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0161] On the other hand, the refrigerant whose condensation amount increases while sequentially passing through the condenser 53 and the sub-condenser 54 may be expanded and supplied to the evaporator 56 , thereby allowing the refrigerant to evaporate at a lower temperature.

[0162] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant, and the sub-condenser 54 further condenses the refrigerant, which is conducive to supercooling of the refrigerant.

[0163] In addition, since the cooled refrigerant can evaporate at a lower temperature in the evaporator 56, the temperature of the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 can be further reduced, thereby improving the cooling performance and efficiency.

[0164] While repeating the above process, the refrigerant may cool the interior of the vehicle in the cooling mode of the vehicle, and at the same time, the coolant may be cooled by heat exchange while passing through the refrigerator 30 .

[0165] The low-temperature coolant cooled in the refrigerator 30 flows into the battery module 24. Therefore, the battery module 24 can be effectively cooled by the supplied low-temperature coolant.

[0166] In this exemplary embodiment, reference will be made to Figure 4 Operation of a case where waste heat of the electric component 15 is used without operating the air conditioner 50 in the heating mode of the vehicle is described.

[0167] Figure 4 An operation state diagram illustrating performing a heating mode using waste heat of an electric component in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Reference Figure 4 , the thermal management system can perform heating of the vehicle interior by using waste heat from the electric components 15 without operating the air conditioner 50 .

[0169] First, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 is operated to circulate the coolant. In this case, the operation of the air conditioner 50 is interrupted.

[0170] Here, the branch line 18 is opened by actuating the nonreturn valve 19. In addition, the first connecting line 32 is closed.

[0171] The portion of the second connecting line 34 connected to the refrigerator 30 is closed with reference to the branch line 18. In this state, the connection valve V of the second connecting line 34 and the remaining portion of the branch line 18 are opened.

[0172] Therefore, with the branch line 18 as a reference, the portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 and the portion of the coolant line 11 connecting the first radiator 12 and the first reservoir tank 16 are closed by operating the valve V.

[0173] That is, with the branch line 18 as a reference, the portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 , the first reservoir tank 16 , and the valve V may be closed.

[0174] In this state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along the opened portion of the coolant line 11 after passing through the valve V along the opened branch line 18 and the second connecting line 34 by operation of the first water pump 14 without passing through the first radiator 12.

[0175] At the same time, in the battery cooling device 20 , the second water pump 23 stops operating.

[0176] That is, the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second water pump 23 and the battery module 24 is closed, and the operation of the battery cooling device 20 is interrupted.

[0177] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electric component 15 continuously circulates along the opened coolant line 11 , the opened branch line 18 , and the opened portion of the second connecting line 34 without passing through the first radiator 12 , and absorbs waste heat from the electric component 15 so that the temperature increases.

[0178] When such operation is repeatedly performed, the coolant may absorb waste heat from the electric components 15 and increase in temperature.

[0179] The coolant whose temperature is increased while passing through the electric components 15 by the operation of the first water pump 14 is supplied to the heater 40 along the opened coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12 .

[0180] The coolant exhausted from the heater 40 flows into the valve V along the opened coolant line 11 , the opened branch line 18 , and the opened portion of the second connecting line 34 .

[0181] The coolant flowing into the valve V is supplied to the electric component 15 along the opened coolant line 11 .

[0182] That is, the coolant passing through the electric component 15 continues to circulate along the opened coolant line 11 and the branch line 18 without passing through the first radiator 12 , and absorbs waste heat from the electric component 15 , so that the temperature of the coolant increases.

[0183] The coolant whose temperature has been increased flows into the heater 40 along the coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12 .

[0184] Here, when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the coolant line 11 is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater 43 is operated so that the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11 may be heated.

[0185] On the other hand, when the air heater 45 is applied instead of the second coolant heater 43 , the air heater 45 may be selectively operated according to the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 40 .

[0186] That is, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 40 is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 45 may be operated to heat the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0187] When the temperature of the outside air that completes the heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant while passing through the heater 40 is lower than a set temperature or a target heating temperature, the air heater 45 is operated.

[0188] When the air heater 45 is operated, the outside air may be heated while passing through the air heater 45 to flow into the vehicle interior in a state where the temperature is increased.

[0189] Meanwhile, the high-temperature coolant supplied to the heater 40 performs heat exchange with the outside air and then flows into the coolant line 11 .

[0190] Thereafter, the coolant flows into the valve V along the opened branch line 18 and the opened portion of the second connecting line 34 without passing through the first radiator 12 .

[0191] The coolant flowing into the valve V flows again into the coolant line 11 connected to the electric component 15 .

[0192] At the same time, an opening and closing door (not shown) is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module (not shown) passes through the heater 40 .

[0193] Therefore, the outside air flowing in from the outside flows into the vehicle in an uncooled temperature state when passing through the evaporator 56 to which no refrigerant is supplied. The flowing outside air is converted into a high temperature state when passing through the heater 40 and flows into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0194] In other words, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to recover waste heat generated in the electrical component 15 while repeating the above-described process and use the waste heat for internal heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving overall heating efficiency.

[0195] Meanwhile, when the electric component 15 is overheated, the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 is opened and the branch line 18 is closed by operating the valve V and the check valve 19 .

[0196] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature is increased when passing through the electric component 15 by the operation of the first water pump 14 is cooled when passing through the first radiator 12 after passing through the heater 40 provided in the coolant line 11, and flows into the electric component 15 again along the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14.

[0197] That is, the coolant passing through the electric components 15 absorbs waste heat from the electric components 15 so that its temperature rises, and is supplied to the heater 40 .

[0198] Thereafter, the coolant passing through the heater 40 is cooled while passing through the first radiator 12 by the operation of the first water pump 14 .

[0199] The coolant that has completed cooling can recover waste heat while passing through the electric components 15 , and at the same time, can effectively cool the electric components 15 .

[0200] Therefore, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be supplied to the electric components 15 , thereby preventing the electric components 15 from being overheated.

[0201] Will refer to Figure 5 The operation according to the dehumidification mode of the vehicle in this exemplary embodiment is described.

[0202] Figure 5 An operation state diagram according to a dehumidification mode in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0203] Here, the dehumidification mode is a mode operated when the interior of the vehicle needs to be dehumidified in a heating mode of the vehicle.

[0204] Reference Figure 5 , when the waste heat of the electrical components 15 is sufficient, the thermal management system can recover the waste heat of the electrical components 15 and use the waste heat to heat the vehicle interior.

[0205] First, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 is operated to circulate the coolant. Here, by operating the check valve 19, the branch line 18 is opened.

[0206] In addition, the first connecting line 32 is closed.

[0207] The portion of the second connecting line 34 connected to the refrigerator 30 is closed with reference to the branch line 18. In this state, the connection valve V of the second connecting line 34 and the remaining portion of the branch line 18 are opened.

[0208] Therefore, with the branch line 18 as a reference, the portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 and the portion of the coolant line 11 connecting the first radiator 12 and the first reservoir tank 16 are closed by operating the valve V.

[0209] That is, with the branch line 18 as a reference, the portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 , the first reservoir tank 16 , and the valve V may be closed.

[0210] In this state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along the opened portion of the coolant line 11 after passing through the valve V along the opened branch line 18 and the second connecting line 34 by operation of the first water pump 14 without passing through the first radiator 12.

[0211] At the same time, in the battery cooling device 20 , the second water pump 23 stops operating.

[0212] That is, the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second water pump 23 and the battery module 24 is closed, and the operation of the battery cooling device 20 is interrupted.

[0213] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electric component 15 continuously circulates along the opened coolant line 11 , the opened branch line 18 , and the opened portion of the second connecting line 34 without passing through the first radiator 12 , and absorbs waste heat from the electric component 15 so that the temperature increases.

[0214] When such operation is repeatedly performed, the coolant may absorb waste heat from the electric components 15 and increase in temperature.

[0215] The coolant whose temperature is increased while passing through the electric components 15 by the operation of the first water pump 14 is supplied to the heater 40 along the opened coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12 .

[0216] The coolant exhausted from the heater 40 flows into the valve V along the opened coolant line 11 , the opened branch line 18 , and the opened portion of the second connecting line 34 .

[0217] The coolant flowing into the valve V is supplied to the electric component 15 along the opened coolant line 11 .

[0218] That is, the coolant passing through the electric component 15 continues to circulate along the opened coolant line 11 and the branch line 18 without passing through the first radiator 12 and absorbs waste heat from the electric component 15, so that the temperature of the coolant increases.

[0219] The coolant whose temperature has been increased flows into the heater 40 along the coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12 .

[0220] Here, when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the coolant line 11 is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater 43 is operated so that the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11 may be heated.

[0221] On the other hand, when the air heater 45 is applied instead of the second coolant heater 43 , the air heater 45 may be selectively operated according to the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 40 .

[0222] That is, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 40 is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 45 may be operated to heat the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0223] When the temperature of the outside air that completes the heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant while passing through the heater 40 is lower than a set temperature or a target heating temperature, the air heater 45 is operated.

[0224] When the air heater 45 is operated, the outside air may be heated while passing through the air heater 45 to flow into the vehicle interior in a state where the temperature is increased.

[0225] Meanwhile, the high-temperature coolant supplied to the heater 40 performs heat exchange with the outside air and then flows into the coolant line 11 .

[0226] Thereafter, the coolant flows into the valve V along the opened branch line 18 and the opened portion of the second connecting line 34 without passing through the first radiator 12 .

[0227] The coolant flowing into the valve V flows again into the coolant line 11 connected to the electric component 15 .

[0228] At the same time, an opening and closing door (not shown) is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module (not shown) passes through the heater 40 .

[0229] Therefore, the inflowing outside air is converted into a high temperature state when passing through the heater 40 and then flows into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0230] In other words, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to recover waste heat generated in the electrical component 15 while repeating the above-described process and use the waste heat for internal heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving overall heating efficiency.

[0231] Meanwhile, in the air conditioner 50 , each component operates to dehumidify the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51 .

[0232] Here, by operating the first expansion valve 55 , the refrigerant line 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56 is opened.

[0233] By operating the second expansion valve 63 , the refrigerant connecting line 61 is closed.

[0234] Here, the first expansion valve 55 may expand the refrigerant supplied from the sub-condenser 54 to the refrigerant line 51 so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 .

[0235] Therefore, the expanded refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 56 by the operation of the first expansion valve 55 is supplied to the compressor 59 along the refrigerant line 51 after heat-exchanging with the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 .

[0236] That is, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 56 may be supplied to the compressor 59. Then, the refrigerant compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure state by the compressor 59 flows into the condenser 53.

[0237] Here, an opening and closing door (not shown) is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module (not shown) and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 40 .

[0238] That is, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module (not shown) is dehumidified by the low temperature refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56 while passing through the evaporator 56. Next, the outside air is converted into a high temperature state while passing through the heater 40 and flows into the vehicle interior, thereby heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0239] Will refer to Figure 6 The operation in the case of heating the battery module 24 is described.

[0240] Figure 6 An operating state diagram of a heating battery module in a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0241] Reference Figure 6 , the operations of the cooling device 10 and the air conditioner 50 are interrupted.

[0242] By operating the non-return valve 19, the branch line 18 is closed. The first connecting line 32 is opened. And by operating the valve V, the second connecting line 34 is opened.

[0243] In addition, by operating the valve V, the portion of the battery coolant line 21 connected to the second radiator 22 is closed.

[0244] That is, with the first connecting line 32 as a reference, the battery coolant line 21 connected to the second radiator 22 and the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second radiator 22 and the valve V are closed.

[0245] In this state, the second water pump 23 is operated to increase the temperature of the battery module 24 .

[0246] Therefore, in the battery cooling apparatus 20 , the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 along the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 is supplied to the battery module 24 along the opened portion of the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 23 .

[0247] Here, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 may circulate along the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the second water pump 23 without passing through the second radiator 22 .

[0248] The first coolant heater 26 is operated to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 along the opened battery coolant line 21 .

[0249] Then, the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 increases in temperature while passing through the first coolant heater 26. Therefore, the coolant increased in temperature while passing through the first coolant heater 26 may be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0250] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, when the above process is repeated, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be quickly increased, thereby effectively managing the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0251] Therefore, if the thermal management system of the vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as described above is applied, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be adjusted according to the mode of the vehicle by using a refrigerator 30 that performs heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and the vehicle interior can be heated by using the coolant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0252] According to the present disclosure, it is also possible to improve heating efficiency by recovering waste heat generated from the electric components 15 and using the waste heat for internal heating.

[0253] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the performance of the battery module 24 can be optimized by effectively controlling the temperature of the battery module 24, and the total driving distance of the vehicle can be increased through effective management of the battery module 24.

[0254] The present disclosure also improves condensation or evaporation performance of the refrigerant by using the condenser 53 and the sub-condenser 54 , thereby improving cooling performance and reducing power consumption of the compressor 59 .

[0255] Furthermore, the entire system can be simplified to reduce manufacturing cost, reduce weight, and improve space utilization.

[0256] While the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, include: a cooling device including a first radiator, a first water pump, and a valve connected by a coolant line, and circulating a coolant in the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component disposed in the coolant line; a battery cooling device including a battery coolant line connected to the valve, a second radiator, a second water pump, and a battery module connected through the battery coolant line so that the coolant circulates in the battery module; a refrigerator connected to a first connecting line connected to a battery coolant line between the second radiator and the battery module and a second connecting line connected to the valve, the refrigerator being connected to a refrigerant line of an air conditioner through the refrigerant connecting line and adjusting a temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant flowing into the interior of the refrigerator and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioner; a heater provided in the coolant line between the electrical component and the first radiator to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant supplied from the cooling device; a branch line having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the coolant line between the first radiator and the heater, and the second end being connected to the second connecting line between the valve and the refrigerator; as well as A condenser is included in the air conditioner and is connected to the coolant line to pass the coolant circulating through the cooling device.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, The air conditioner comprises: an evaporator, connected via the refrigerant pipeline; a condenser disposed in the coolant line between the first radiator and the heater to circulate the coolant inside the condenser to perform heat exchange between the coolant and a refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant line; a compressor connected between the evaporator and the condenser through the refrigerant pipeline; a sub-condenser, disposed in the refrigerant pipeline between the condenser and the evaporator; a first expansion valve, disposed in the refrigerant pipeline between the sub-condenser and the evaporator; and The second expansion valve is arranged in the refrigerant connecting pipeline.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, in, When the battery module is cooled by the refrigerant, the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant connection line to flow into the refrigerator.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 2, in, The first end of the refrigerant connecting pipeline is connected to the refrigerant pipeline between the sub-condenser and the first expansion valve. The second end of the refrigerant connecting line is connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 2, in, Each of the refrigerator and the condenser is a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the sub-condenser is an air-cooled heat exchanger.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 2, further comprising: include: An air heater is disposed on an opposite side of the evaporator, such that the heater is disposed between the air heater and the evaporator to selectively heat external air passing through the heater.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, in, The air heater is configured to increase a temperature of outside air passing through the heater when a temperature of a coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature for interior heating.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 2, in, When cooling the battery module in the cooling mode of the vehicle: In the cooling device, the coolant circulates in the coolant pipeline by operation of the first water pump; The branch pipeline is closed; The first connecting line is opened, and the second connecting line is opened by operation of the valve; The portion of the battery coolant line connected to the second radiator is closed by operation of the valve; In the battery cooling device, the coolant passing through the refrigerator along the first connecting line and the second connecting line is supplied to the battery module along the opened portion of the battery coolant line by operation of the second water pump; In the air conditioner, the refrigerant line connecting the sub-condenser and the evaporator is opened by the operation of the first expansion valve; The refrigerant connection line is opened by operation of the second expansion valve; and The first expansion valve and the second expansion valve expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant line and the refrigerant connecting line, respectively, and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator and the refrigerator.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, in, The branch line is closed by operation of a check valve arranged in the branch line, the condenser condenses the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the coolant circulating in the coolant line, and the sub-condenser further condenses the refrigerant flowing in from the condenser by exchanging heat with external air.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 2, in, When the dehumidification mode of the vehicle is executed: The branch line is opened by operation of a check valve provided in the branch line; The first connecting pipeline is closed; When the portion of the second connecting line connected to the refrigerator based on the branch line is closed, the remaining portion connecting the valve and the branch line is opened; In the cooling device, the coolant pipeline connected to the first radiator and the valve is closed with reference to the branch pipeline; the coolant whose temperature is increased while passing through the electric component by operation of the first water pump is supplied to the heater along the open coolant line without passing through the first radiator; The coolant exhausted from the heater flows into the valve along the opened coolant line, the opened branch line, and the opened portion of the second connecting line; The coolant flowing into the valve is supplied to the electrical component along the opened coolant line; In the air conditioner, the refrigerant circulates along the opened refrigerant line by operation of the first expansion valve; the first expansion valve expands the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator; and The second expansion valve closes the refrigerant connecting pipeline.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, When the electric component and the battery module are cooled by using the coolant: The branch line is closed by operation of a check valve provided in the branch line; The first connecting line is closed, and the second connecting line is closed by operation of the valve; The cooling device and the battery cooling device respectively form independent closed loops through the operation of the valve; the coolant cooled in the first radiator is supplied from the valve to the electric component along the coolant line by operation of the first water pump; and The coolant cooled in the second radiator is supplied from the valve to the battery module along the battery coolant line by operation of the second water pump.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, When using waste heat from the electrical component in a heating mode of the vehicle: The branch line is opened by operation of a check valve provided in the branch line; The first connecting pipeline is closed; When the portion of the second connecting line connected to the refrigerator based on the branch line is closed, the remaining portion connecting the valve and the branch line is opened; In the cooling device, the coolant line connected to the first radiator and the valve with reference to the branch line is closed; the coolant, whose temperature is increased while passing through the electric component by the operation of the first water pump, is supplied to the heater along the opened coolant line without passing through the first radiator; The coolant exhausted from the heater flows into the valve along the opened coolant line, the opened branch line, and the opened portion of the second connecting line; and The coolant flowing into the valve is supplied to the electric component along the opened coolant line.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, When heating the battery module: The cooling device operation is interrupted; The branch line is closed by operation of a check valve provided in the branch line; The first connecting line is opened, and the second connecting line is opened by operation of the valve; Taking the first connecting line as a reference, the battery coolant line connected to the second radiator and the battery coolant line connecting the second radiator and the valve are closed; and The coolant passing through the battery module circulates along the opened first and second connecting lines and the opened battery coolant line by operation of the second water pump without passing through the second radiator.

14. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, A first end of the first connecting line is connected to the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the battery module, and a second end of the first connecting line is connected to the refrigerator.

15. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, A first end of the second connecting line is connected to the valve, and a second end of the second connecting line is connected to the refrigerator.

16. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, The electrical components include an electric power control unit (EPCU), a motor, an inverter, an on-board charger (OBC), a power converter or an autonomous driving controller.

17. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, The valve is a five-way valve.

18. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, The battery cooling apparatus further includes a first coolant heater disposed in the battery coolant line between the battery module and the second radiator.

19. The thermal management system according to claim 18, in, When the battery module is heated, the first coolant heater is operated to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line.

20. The thermal management system according to claim 1, in, A second coolant heater is provided in the coolant line between the electric component and the heater, and is operated to heat the coolant supplied to the heater along the coolant line when a temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature.

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