Heat pump system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a heat pump system for a vehicle, which may include: a cooling device that circulates a coolant in a coolant pipeline to cool at least one electrical component disposed on the coolant pipeline; a battery cooling device that circulates the coolant through a battery module; a refrigerator that exchanges heat between the coolant and a refrigerant to control the temperature of the coolant; a heating device that heats a vehicle interior using the coolant; and a first connection pipeline, a second connection pipeline, and a third connection pipeline.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0101744, filed on August 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 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, which 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 system for a vehicle includes an air - conditioning device for circulating a coolant to heat or cool the vehicle interior.

[0005] Such an air - conditioning device maintains a comfortable interior environment by keeping the temperature of the vehicle interior at an appropriate level regardless of external temperature changes. Thus, during the process in which the refrigerant discharged by driving a compressor passes through a condenser, a liquid receiver dryer, an expansion valve, and an evaporator and then circulates back to the compressor, heat exchange through the condenser and the evaporator is used to heat or cool the vehicle interior.

[0006] That is, the air - conditioning device is configured to reduce the temperature and humidity of the vehicle interior by evaporation in the evaporator after the high - temperature and high - pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor in the cooling mode in summer is condensed by the condenser, passes through the liquid receiver dryer and the expansion valve.

[0007] Meanwhile, in recent years, with the increasing concerns about energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is a need to develop eco - friendly vehicles that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Eco - friendly vehicles are generally electric vehicles driven by fuel cells or electricity, or hybrid vehicles driven by engines and batteries.

[0008] In eco - friendly vehicles, different from the air - conditioning devices of ordinary vehicles, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles do not use a separate heater, and the air - conditioning device applied to eco - friendly vehicles is generally referred to as a heat pump system.

[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 is generated by the chemical reaction in the fuel cell, it is crucial to effectively remove the generated heat to ensure the performance of the fuel cell.

[0010] In addition, even in a hybrid vehicle, the driving force is generated by driving a motor using electric power supplied from a fuel cell or a battery and operating an engine with ordinary fuel. Therefore, only by effectively removing the heat generated by the fuel cell or the battery and the motor can the performance of the motor be ensured.

[0011] Therefore, generally in a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, a battery cooling system needs to be separately formed with a cooler and a heat pump system to form a separate closed loop to prevent heat generation in the motor, electrical components, and the battery including the fuel cell.

[0012] As a result, the size and weight of the cooling module provided at the front of the vehicle increase, and the arrangement of the connecting pipes for supplying the refrigerant and the coolant to the heat pump system, the cooler, and the battery cooling system in the engine compartment is complicated.

[0013] In addition, a battery cooling system for heating or cooling the battery according to the vehicle state is separately provided to enable the battery to exhibit optimal performance. Therefore, a plurality of valves for connecting to the respective connecting pipes are employed, and the noise and vibration generated due to the frequent on / off operation of the valves are transmitted into the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the riding comfort.

[0014] The information disclosed in this background art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the overall background of the present invention and cannot be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a heat pump system for a vehicle that regulates the temperature of a battery module by using one refrigerator that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and improves the heating efficiency by using waste heat generated by electrical components.

[0016] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a heat pump system for a vehicle, the heat pump system including: a cooling device configured to include a first radiator, a first water pump, a first valve, and a second valve connected by a coolant line, circulating coolant in the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component disposed on the coolant line; a battery cooling device configured to include a battery coolant line connected to the first valve and a second radiator, a second water pump, and a battery module connected by the battery coolant line, circulating coolant through the battery module; a refrigerator connected to a first connection line and a second connection line, the first connection line being connected to the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the battery module, the second connection line being connected to the first valve, and the refrigerator being connected to a refrigerant line of an air conditioning device through a refrigerant connection line, and regulating the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the refrigerator and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the refrigerant line of the air conditioning device; a heating device including a heating line and a third water pump and a heater, the heating line being connected to the coolant line through the second valve to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant, the third water pump and the heater being disposed on the heating line; and a third connection line, a first end of the third connection line being connected to the refrigerator, and a second end of the third connection line being connected to the second valve, so that the coolant passing through the electrical component or the heating device is selectively supplied to the refrigerator by the operation of the second valve.

[0017] The air conditioning device may include: an evaporator connected to the refrigerant line; a condenser disposed on the heating line between the second valve and the heater such that the coolant circulating through the heating device passes through the condenser, the condenser being connected to the refrigerant line, and the condenser being configured to have the coolant circulate therein to perform heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant line; a compressor connected between the evaporator and the condenser through the refrigerant line; a heat exchanger disposed on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator; a first expansion valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the evaporator; a second expansion valve disposed on the refrigerant connection line; a receiver disposed on the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor and connected to the refrigerant connection line; and a third expansion valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the heat exchanger.

[0018] According to the selective operation of the third expansion valve, the heat exchanger may additionally condense or evaporate the refrigerant condensed in the condenser through heat exchange with the external air.

[0019] When cooling the battery module by using the refrigerant, the second expansion valve may expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection line and flow into the refrigerator, and in the heating mode and the low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle, the third expansion valve may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger.

[0020] The first end of the refrigerant connection pipeline can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline between the heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and the second end of the refrigerant connection pipeline can be connected to the accumulator.

[0021] Each of the chiller and the condenser can be a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger can be an air-cooled heat exchanger.

[0022] The heating device can further include an air heater disposed on the opposite side of the evaporator. The heater is inserted between the air heater and the evaporator to selectively heat the outside air passing through the heater.

[0023] When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than the target temperature for heating the vehicle interior, the air heater can operate to raise the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater.

[0024] When cooling the battery module in the cooling mode of the vehicle, in the cooling device, through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant can circulate in the coolant pipeline; the first connection pipeline can be opened, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline can be opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline can be closed; through the operation of the first valve, the part of the battery coolant pipeline connected to the second radiator can be closed; in the battery cooling device, through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant passing through the chiller along the first connection pipeline and the second connection pipeline can be supplied to the battery module along the open part of the battery coolant pipeline; in the heating device, through the operation of the second valve, the coolant pipeline and the heating pipeline can be connected so as to supply the coolant from the cooling device; in the air conditioning device, in a state where the refrigerant connection pipeline can be opened through the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant pipeline and the refrigerant connection pipeline; the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant so as to supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator and the chiller respectively; and the third expansion valve can cause the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to flow into the heat exchanger.

[0025] Through the operation of the third water pump, the heating device can supply the coolant supplied from the cooling device to the condenser. The condenser can condense the refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant, and the heat exchanger can additionally condense the refrigerant introduced from the condenser through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0026] When recovering the waste heat of the external heat source and electrical components in the heating mode of the vehicle, the first connection pipeline can be closed, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline can be opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline can be opened; in the cooling device, through the operation of the first valve and the second valve, the coolant pipeline connected to the first radiator can be closed; through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant passing through the electrical components can circulate along the open part of the coolant pipeline without passing through the first radiator after passing through the refrigerator along the second connection pipeline and the third connection pipeline; the battery cooling device can be deactivated; through the operation of the second valve, the cooling device and the heating device can respectively form independent closed loops; in the heating device, through the operation of the third water pump, the coolant can circulate along the heating pipeline; in the air conditioning device, through the operation of the first expansion valve, the refrigerant pipeline connecting the condenser and the evaporator can be closed; through the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant connection pipeline can be opened; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection pipeline and supply the expanded refrigerant to the refrigerator; and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser and supply it to the heat exchanger.

[0027] When recovering the waste heat of the external heat source and the battery module in the heating mode of the vehicle, the cooling device can be deactivated; the first connection pipeline can be opened, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline can be opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline can be closed; in the battery cooling device, through the operation of the first valve, the part of the battery coolant pipeline connected to the second radiator can be closed; through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant passing through the battery module can circulate along the open part of the battery coolant pipeline without passing through the second radiator after passing through the refrigerator along the first connection pipeline and the second connection pipeline; in the heating device, through the operation of the third water pump, the coolant can circulate along the heating pipeline; in the air conditioning device, through the operation of the first expansion valve, the refrigerant pipeline connecting the condenser and the evaporator can be closed; through the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant connection pipeline can be opened; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection pipeline and supply the expanded refrigerant to the refrigerator; and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser and supply it to the heat exchanger.

[0028] When the low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle is executed, the first connection pipeline can be closed, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline can be opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline can be opened; in the cooling device, through the operation of the first valve and the second valve, the coolant pipeline connected to the first radiator can be closed; through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant passing through the electrical components can circulate along the open part of the coolant pipeline without passing through the first radiator after passing through the refrigerator along the second connection pipeline and the third connection pipeline; the battery cooling device can be deactivated; through the operation of the second valve, the cooling device and the heating device can respectively form independent closed loops; in the heating device, through the operation of the third water pump, the coolant can circulate along the heating pipeline; in the air-conditioning device, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant pipeline and the refrigerant connection pipeline opened respectively through the operation of the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve; the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant, so as to supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator and the refrigerator respectively; and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser and supply it to the heat exchanger.

[0029] When heating the battery module, the first connection pipeline can be opened, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline can be opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline can be closed; the cooling device and the heating device can be deactivated; and in the battery cooling device, through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant can circulate along the part of the battery coolant pipeline connected to the battery module and the opened first connection pipeline and second connection pipeline.

[0030] When cooling the electrical components and the battery module by using the coolant, the first connection pipeline can be closed, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline can be closed; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline can be closed; through the operation of the first valve, the cooling device and the battery cooling device can respectively form independent closed loops; through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant cooled in the first radiator can be supplied to the electrical components along the coolant pipeline from the first valve; and through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant cooled in the second radiator can be supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant pipeline from the first valve.

[0031] When using the waste heat of an electrical component without operating the air conditioning device in the heating mode of a vehicle, the first connection pipeline can be closed; by operating the first valve, the second connection pipeline can be opened; by operating the second valve, the third connection pipeline can be opened; in the cooling device, by operating the first valve and the second valve, the coolant pipeline connected to the first radiator can be closed; in the heating device, by operating the second valve, the heating pipeline can be connected to the coolant pipeline; the coolant that has its temperature increased while passing through the electrical component by operating the first water pump can be supplied to the heating pipeline connected to the opened coolant pipeline without passing through the first radiator; by operating the third water pump, the coolant introduced into the heating pipeline can be supplied to the heater; the coolant discharged from the heater can be introduced into the refrigerator from the second valve along the opened third connection pipeline; the coolant discharged from the refrigerator can be introduced into the first valve along the opened second connection pipeline; and the coolant introduced into the first valve again can be supplied to the electrical component along the opened coolant pipeline.

[0032] The first end of the first connection pipeline can be connected to the battery coolant pipeline between the second radiator and the battery module, and the second end of the first connection pipeline can be connected to the refrigerator through the third connection pipeline.

[0033] The first end of the second connection pipeline can be connected to the first valve, and the second end of the second connection pipeline can be connected to the refrigerator.

[0034] In other modes except the mode where the first connection pipeline and the third connection pipeline are both closed at the same time, the first connection pipeline can be opened or closed contrary to the opening or closing operation of the third connection pipeline.

[0035] The first valve and the second valve can be five-way valves.

[0036] The electrical component can include a power control unit (EPCU) or a motor or an inverter or an on-board charger (OBC) or a power converter or an autonomous driving controller.

[0037] The battery cooling device can further include a first coolant heater, and the first coolant heater is arranged on the battery coolant pipeline between the battery module and the second radiator.

[0038] When heating the battery module, the first coolant heater can operate to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant pipeline.

[0039] A second coolant heater can be arranged on the heating pipeline between the third water pump and the heater.

[0040] When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater may operate to heat the coolant supplied to the heater along the heating pipeline.

[0041] A first liquid storage tank may be provided on the coolant pipeline between the first radiator and the first valve, and a second liquid storage tank may be provided on the battery coolant pipeline between the second radiator and the first valve.

[0042] As described above, the heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention can adjust the temperature of the battery module according to the mode of the vehicle by using one refrigerator that performs heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and can heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0043] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the heating efficiency can also be improved by recovering the waste heat from the electrical components and the battery module and using the waste heat for vehicle interior heating.

[0044] In addition, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the performance of the battery module can be optimized by effectively controlling the temperature of the battery module, and the total driving distance of the vehicle can be increased through the effective management of the battery module.

[0045] In addition, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the coolant heater or air heater applied to the heating device can be used to heat the battery module or assist vehicle interior heating, thereby reducing costs and weight.

[0046] In addition, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the heat of the external air, the waste heat of the electrical components and the battery module are selectively utilized in the heating mode of the vehicle, thereby improving the heating efficiency.

[0047] In addition, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the condensation or evaporation performance of the refrigerant can be improved by using the condenser and the heat exchanger, thereby improving the cooling performance and reducing the power consumption of the compressor.

[0048] In addition, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the weight can be reduced by simplifying the entire system, and the space utilization rate can be improved.

[0049] The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent in or will be more particularly set forth in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description incorporated herein, which together are used to explain certain principles of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0050] Figure 1A block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 2 An operating state diagram of cooling electrical components and a battery module by using a coolant in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 3 An operating state diagram of cooling a battery module by using a refrigerant in a heat pump system for a vehicle in a cooling mode of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 4 An operating state diagram of recovering external heat and waste heat of electrical components according to a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 5 An operating state diagram of recovering external heat and waste heat of a battery module according to a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 6 An operating state diagram of performing a heating mode by using waste heat of electrical components in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 7 An operating state diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a low-temperature dehumidification mode according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0057] Figure 8 An operating state diagram of heating a battery module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0058] It can be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present a somewhat simplified representation of various features showing the basic principles of the present invention. Specific design features of the present invention, such as including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, as included herein, will be partially determined by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0059] In the drawings, reference numerals always refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout several views of the drawings. Detailed Description

[0060] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternative forms, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0061] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only the most preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it can be understood that various equivalent forms and modifications that may be configured to replace the most preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0063] In order to clarify the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and throughout the specification, the same elements or equivalents will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0064] The dimensions and thicknesses of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and in the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, plates, regions, etc. are enlarged for clarity.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiments and the appended claims, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprising" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated element but not the exclusion of any other element.

[0066] Furthermore, the terms "…… unit", "…… mechanism", "…… part", "…… component", etc. used herein refer to a unit of an inclusive component that performs at least one or more functions or operations.

[0067] Figure 1 A block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0068] The heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention can adjust the temperature of the battery module 24 by using a refrigerator 30 that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and a coolant, and can recover the waste heat generated by the electrical components 15 and the battery module 24 to heat the vehicle interior using the waste heat.

[0069] Such a heat pump system can be applied to an electric vehicle.

[0070] Refer to Figure 1, the heat pump system may include a cooling device 10, a battery cooling device 20, a chiller 30, and a heating device 40.

[0071] First, the cooling device 10 includes a first radiator 12 connected to a coolant pipeline 11, a first water pump 14, a first valve V1, a second valve V2, and a first liquid storage tank 16.

[0072] The first radiator 12 is disposed at the front of the vehicle, and a cooling fan 13 is disposed behind the first radiator 12, so as to cool the coolant through the operation of the cooling fan 13 and heat exchange with external air.

[0073] In addition, the electrical component 15 may include a power control unit (EPCU), or a motor, or an inverter, or an on-board charger (OBC), or a power converter, or an autonomous driving controller.

[0074] The electrical component 15 configured as described above may be disposed in the coolant pipeline 11 to be cooled by water cooling.

[0075] Therefore, when recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15 in the heating mode of the vehicle, the heat generated by the EPCU, or the motor, or the inverter, or the OBC, or the power converter, or the autonomous driving controller can be recovered.

[0076] In addition, the first liquid storage tank 16 is disposed on the coolant pipeline 11 between the first radiator 12 and the first valve V1. The coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be stored in the first liquid storage tank 16.

[0077] The cooling device 10 can circulate the coolant in the coolant pipeline 11 through the operation of the first water pump 14, so that the coolant is supplied to the electrical component 15 disposed on the coolant pipeline 11.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery cooling device 20 includes a battery coolant pipeline 21 connected to the first valve V1, and a second radiator 22, a second water pump 23, and a battery module 24 connected to the battery coolant pipeline 21.

[0079] The battery cooling device 20 can selectively circulate the coolant through the battery module 24 through the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0080] Here, the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 23 may be electric water pumps.

[0081] Meanwhile, the battery cooling device 20 may further include a first coolant heater 26, which is disposed on the battery coolant pipeline 21 between the battery module 24 and the second radiator 22.

[0082] When it is necessary to increase the temperature of the battery module 24, the first coolant heater 26 is turned on to heat the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21, so that the coolant with an increased temperature can be supplied to the battery module 24.

[0083] The first coolant heater 26 can be an electric heater that operates according to the power supply.

[0084] 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 operates, so that the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 can be heated.

[0085] Therefore, the coolant with an increased temperature while passing through the first coolant heater 26 can be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0086] That is, when increasing the temperature of the battery module 24, the first coolant heater 26 can be selectively operated.

[0087] Meanwhile, the second liquid storage tank 27 is provided on the battery coolant line 21 between the second radiator 22 and the first valve V1. The coolant cooled in the second radiator 22 can be stored in the second liquid storage tank 27.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator 30 is connected to the first connection line 32 and the second connection line 34. The first connection line 32 is connected to the battery coolant line 21 between the second radiator 22 and the battery module 24, and the second connection line 34 is connected to the first valve V1.

[0089] The refrigerator 30 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 of the air conditioner 50 through the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0090] Therefore, the refrigerator 30 can adjust the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the refrigerator 30 and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioner 50. That is, the refrigerator 30 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0091] Meanwhile, the heat pump system can further include a third connection line 36.

[0092] The first end of the third connection line 36 is connected to the refrigerator 30. In addition, the second end of the third connection line 36 is connected to the second valve V2.

[0093] By the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection line 36 can selectively supply the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 or the coolant passing through the heating device 40 to the refrigerator 30.

[0094] Meanwhile, the first end of the first connection pipeline 32 is connected to the battery coolant pipeline 21 between the second radiator 22 and the battery module 24. In addition, the second end of the first connection pipeline 32 can be connected to the chiller 30 through the third connection pipeline 36.

[0095] The first end of the second connection pipeline 34 is connected to the first valve V1. The second end of the second connection pipeline 34 is connected to the chiller 30.

[0096] Here, in the cooling mode, heating mode, and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle, except for the mode of using the coolant to cool the electrical components 15 and the battery module 24, the first connection pipeline 32 can be opened or closed contrary to the opening or closing operation of the third connection pipeline 36.

[0097] That is, when the first connection pipeline 32 is open, the third connection pipeline 36 is closed. On the other hand, when the third connection pipeline 36 is open, the first connection pipeline 32 can remain closed.

[0098] The first connection pipeline 32 can be selectively opened so that the coolant passing through the battery module 24 circulates through the battery coolant pipeline 21 through the chiller 30 without passing through the second radiator 22.

[0099] Therefore, the chiller 30 can adjust the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant selectively supplied through the first connection pipeline 32 and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioning device 50.

[0100] The heating device 40 can include a heating pipeline 41, as well as a third water pump 42 and a heater 43. The heating pipeline 41 is selectively connected to the coolant pipeline 11 through the second valve V2 to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant. The third water pump 42 and the heater 43 are provided on the heating pipeline 41.

[0101] When heating the vehicle interior without the operation of the air conditioning device 50, through the operation of the second valve V2, the heating device 40 can connect the coolant pipeline 11 connected to the electrical components 15 and the heating pipeline 41, so that the high-temperature coolant passing through the electrical components 15 is supplied to the heating pipeline 41.

[0102] Therefore, the high-temperature coolant can be supplied to the heater 43 along the heating pipeline 41.

[0103] That is, the heating device 40 configured as described above supplies the high-temperature coolant introduced from the cooling device 10 to the heating pipeline 41 in the heating mode of the vehicle, or supplies the coolant whose temperature has risen while circulating through the heating pipeline 41 to the heater 43 through the operation of the third water pump 42, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0104] Here, the third water pump 42 may be an electric water pump.

[0105] Meanwhile, the heater 43 may be disposed inside a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module included in the air conditioning device 50.

[0106] Here, a second coolant heater 45 for selectively heating the coolant circulating in the heating pipeline 41 may be disposed on the heating pipeline 41 between the third water pump 42 and the heater 43.

[0107] When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 43 in the heating mode of the vehicle is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater 45 turns on (ON) to heat the coolant circulating in the heating pipeline 41, so that the heated coolant flows into the heater 43.

[0108] The second coolant heater 45 may be an electric heater that operates according to the power supply.

[0109] On the other hand, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second coolant heater 45 is described as being disposed on the heating pipeline 41. However, it is not limited thereto, and an air heater 47 for raising the temperature of the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior may be applied instead of the second coolant heater 45.

[0110] The air heater 47 may be disposed behind the heater 43 inside the HVAC module and facing the vehicle interior to selectively heat the outside air passing through the heater 43.

[0111] That is, either the second coolant heater 45 or the air heater 47 may be applied to the heating device 40.

[0112] The heating device 40 configured as described above supplies the high-temperature coolant introduced from the cooling device 10 into the heating pipeline 41 or the coolant whose temperature has risen while circulating through the heating pipeline 41 to the heater 43 through the operation of the third water pump 42 in the heating mode of the vehicle, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning device 50 includes an HVAC module, a condenser 53, a heat exchanger 54, a first expansion valve 55, an evaporator 56, a receiver 57, and a compressor 59 connected by a refrigerant pipeline 51.

[0114] First, the HVAC module (not shown) includes: an evaporator 56 connected to the HVAC module through a refrigerant pipeline 51; and an opening and closing door that controls the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 to be selectively introduced into the heater 43 according to the cooling mode, heating mode, and heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle.

[0115] That is, in the heating mode of the vehicle, the opening / closing door opens to allow outside air passing through the evaporator 56 to be introduced into the heater 43. On the contrary, in the cooling mode of the vehicle, the opening / closing door closes the heater 43 so that the outside air cooled while passing through the evaporator 56 directly flows into the vehicle interior.

[0116] Here, when the second coolant heater 45 is not provided in the heating device 40, the air heater 47 provided in the HVAC module can be disposed on the opposite side of the evaporator 56, and the heater 43 is interposed between the air heater 47 and the evaporator 56.

[0117] When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature for heating the vehicle interior, the air heater 47 can operate to raise the temperature of the outside air flowing into the heater 43.

[0118] On the other hand, when the second coolant heater 45 is not provided on the heating pipeline 41, the air heater 47 can be disposed inside the HVAC module.

[0119] That is, in the heat pump system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, only one of the second coolant heater 45 and the air heater 47 can be applied.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the condenser 53 is connected to the refrigerant pipeline 51 to allow the refrigerant to pass through the condenser 53. The condenser 53 is disposed on the heating pipeline 41 between the second valve V2 and the heater 43 so that the coolant circulating in the heating device 40 passes through the condenser 53.

[0121] The condenser 53 can condense the refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant circulating in the heating pipeline 41. That is, the condenser 53 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0122] The condenser 53 configured as described above can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 59 and the coolant supplied from the heating device 40 to condense the refrigerant.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 54 can be disposed on the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56.

[0124] The first expansion valve 55 is disposed on the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the evaporator 56. The first expansion valve 55 receives the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 to expand the refrigerant.

[0125] The accumulator 57 is disposed on the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 59 and is connected to the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0126] Such a liquid reservoir 57 improves the efficiency and durability of the compressor 59 by supplying only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 59.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first end portion of the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 is connected to the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the first expansion valve 55. A second end portion of the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 may be connected to the liquid reservoir 57.

[0128] Herein, the liquid reservoir 57 may supply the gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 to the compressor 59.

[0129] On the other hand, a second expansion valve 63 is provided in the refrigerant connection pipeline 61, and a third expansion valve 65 may be provided in the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54.

[0130] When the battery module 24 is cooled by the refrigerant, the second expansion valve 63 may expand the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 and flow into the refrigerator 30.

[0131] Herein, in the heating mode and the heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle, when recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15 or the battery module 24, the second expansion valve 63 operates.

[0132] The second expansion valve 63 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 and flow into the refrigerator 30.

[0133] That is, the second expansion valve 63 may introduce the refrigerant into the refrigerator 30 in a state where the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced by expanding the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 54, thereby further reducing the temperature of the coolant passing through the inside of the refrigerator 30.

[0134] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature is reduced while passing through the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the battery module 24, so that the battery module 24 is cooled more effectively.

[0135] The third expansion valve 65 may selectively expand the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 54 in the heating mode and the low-temperature dehumidifying mode of the vehicle.

[0136] Herein, according to the selective operation of the third expansion valve 65, the heat exchanger 54 may further condense or evaporate the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 through heat exchange with the external air.

[0137] In other words, the heat exchanger 54 is disposed in front of the first radiator 12 so that the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 54 exchanges heat with the external air. The heat exchanger 54 may be an air-cooled heat exchanger that condenses the refrigerant by using the external air.

[0138] Meanwhile, when the heat exchanger 54 condenses the refrigerant, the heat exchanger 54 can further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 to increase the sub-cooling of the refrigerant, thereby improving the coefficient of performance (COP), which is the coefficient of refrigerating capacity relative to the power required by the compressor.

[0139] The compressor 59 is connected between the evaporator 56 and the condenser 53 through the refrigerant pipeline 51. The compressor 59 can compress the gaseous refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 53.

[0140] The first expansion valve 55, the second expansion valve 63, and the third expansion valve 65 can be electronic expansion valves that selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipeline 51 or the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0141] In addition, the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 can be five-way valves.

[0142] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 8 the operation and functions of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments configured as described above will be described in detail.

[0143] First, reference will be made to Figure 2 the operation of cooling the electrical components 15 and the battery module 24 by using the first radiator 12 and the second radiator 22 in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0144] Figure 2 The operation state diagram of cooling the electrical components and the battery module by using the coolant in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0145] Referring to Figure 2 , the first connection pipeline 32 is closed, and through the operation of the first valve V1, the second connection pipeline 34 is closed.

[0146] Through the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection pipeline 36 is closed.

[0147] Here, through the operation of the first valve V1, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form independent closed loops, and each coolant circulates separately through the independent closed loops.

[0148] In this state, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 operates to cool the electrical components 15.

[0149] Therefore, by the operation of the first valve V1 and the first water pump 14, the coolant that is cooled and stored in the first radiator 12 in the first liquid storage tank 16 is supplied to the electrical component 15 while circulating through the coolant pipeline 11.

[0150] In the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 operates to cool the battery module 24.

[0151] Therefore, by the operation of the first valve V1 and the second water pump 23, the coolant that is cooled and stored in the second radiator 22 in the second liquid storage tank 27 is supplied to the battery module 24 while circulating through the battery coolant pipeline 21.

[0152] That is, each coolant that is cooled and stored in the first radiator 12 and the second radiator 22 in the first liquid storage tank 16 and the second liquid storage tank 27 respectively cools the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 while circulating through the coolant pipeline 11 and the battery coolant pipeline 21 by the operation of the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 23, so that the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 can be effectively cooled.

[0153] Since the cooling mode of the vehicle is not operated, the air conditioning device 50 is not operated.

[0154] On the other hand, although it is described in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention 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 invention is not limited thereto, and when one of the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 is cooled separately, the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 23 and the first valve V1 can be selectively operated.

[0155] Reference will be made to Figure 3 Describe the operation of cooling the battery module 24 using a refrigerant in the cooling mode of the vehicle.

[0156] Figure 3 The operation state diagrams for cooling the battery module by using a refrigerant in the cooling mode of the vehicle in the heat pump system for the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0157] Reference Figure 3 In the cooling device 10, by the operation of the first water pump 14, the coolant circulates in the coolant pipeline 11.

[0158] Here, the first connection pipeline 32 is opened. By the operation of the first valve V1, the second connection pipeline 34 is opened.

[0159] In addition, by the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection pipeline 36 is closed. By the operation of the first valve V1, the part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second radiator 22 is closed.

[0160] In the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 operates to cool the battery module 24.

[0161] Therefore, in the battery cooling device 20, by the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant passing through the chiller 30 along the open first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34 is supplied to the battery module 24 along the open part of the battery coolant pipeline 21.

[0162] Here, by the operation of the first valve V1, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form independent closed loops, and each coolant circulates separately through the independent closed loops.

[0163] That is, by the operation of the first valve V1, the battery cooling device 20 is not connected to the coolant pipeline 11.

[0164] In this state, the battery cooling device 20 can form a closed loop, and by the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant circulates independently through the open first connection pipeline 32, the second connection pipeline 34, and the open battery coolant pipeline 21 through this closed loop.

[0165] That is, by the operation of the first valve V1, the coolant pipeline 11 and the battery coolant pipeline 21 form independent closed loops respectively.

[0166] Therefore, in the battery cooling device 20, by the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant passing through the chiller 30 can be supplied to the battery module 24 along the first connection pipeline 32, the second connection pipeline 34, and the battery coolant pipeline 21.

[0167] The coolant introduced into the battery coolant pipeline 21 passes through the battery module 24 and then is introduced into the chiller 30 along the first connection pipeline 32.

[0168] That is, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 is introduced from the chiller 30 along the open second connection pipeline 34 to the first valve V1. Thereafter, by the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant can be supplied to the battery module 24 while flowing along the open battery coolant pipeline 21.

[0169] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, by the operation of the second valve V2, the heating pipeline 41 is connected to the coolant pipeline 11.

[0170] In this state, by the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant supplied from the cooling device 10 circulates in the heating pipeline 41.

[0171] Therefore, through the operations of the first water pump 14 and the third water pump 42, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after passing through the electrical components 15.

[0172] In the air conditioning device 50, each component operates to cool the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipeline 51.

[0173] Here, through the operation of the first expansion valve 55, the refrigerant pipeline 51 connecting the heat exchanger 54 and the evaporator 56 is opened. Through the operation of the second expansion valve 63, the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 is opened.

[0174] Therefore, the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 can circulate along the refrigerant pipeline 51 and the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0175] Here, the first expansion valve 55 and the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 and the refrigerator 30 respectively. The third expansion valve 65 can allow the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53 to flow into the heat exchanger 54 without expansion.

[0176] Meanwhile, through the operation of the third water pump 42, the heating device 40 supplies the coolant supplied from the cooling device 10 to the condenser 53.

[0177] The condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant by using the coolant flowing along the heating pipeline 41. Moreover, through the operation of the third expansion valve 65, the heat exchanger 54 can further condense the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 53 through heat exchange with the external air.

[0178] Meanwhile, the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the opened second connection pipeline 34.

[0179] Thereafter, through the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant circulates in the opened battery coolant pipeline 21 to cool the battery module 24.

[0180] The coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 is cooled by heat exchange 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.

[0181] That is, the second expansion valve 63 expands some of the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 and opens the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 to supply the expanded refrigerant to the refrigerator 30.

[0182] Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 54 expands through the operation of the second expansion valve 63 and enters a low-temperature and low-pressure state, and then flows into the refrigerator 30 connected to the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0183] Thereafter, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerator 30 exchanges heat with the coolant, and then is introduced into the compressor 59 after passing through the accumulator 57 via the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0184] In other words, the coolant whose temperature has risen 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 second connection pipeline 34 and the battery coolant pipeline 21.

[0185] That is, while repeating the above operations, the coolant can effectively cool the battery module 24.

[0186] On the other hand, the remaining refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 54 flows through the refrigerant pipeline 51 to cool the vehicle interior, and sequentially passes through the first expansion valve 55, the evaporator 56, the compressor 59, and the condenser 53.

[0187] Here, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module is cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56 while passing through the evaporator 56.

[0188] In the current situation, the open / close door closes the part through which the cooled outside air passes through the heater 43, so that the outside air does not pass through the heater 43.

[0189] Therefore, the cooled outside air directly flows into the vehicle interior to cool the vehicle interior.

[0190] On the other hand, the refrigerant whose condensation amount increases while sequentially passing through the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54 can expand and be supplied to the evaporator 56, so that the refrigerant evaporates at a lower temperature.

[0191] Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant, and the heat exchanger 54 further condenses the refrigerant, which is advantageous for forming the recooling of the refrigerant.

[0192] In addition, since the recooled 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.

[0193] In the cooling mode of the vehicle, while repeating the above process, the refrigerant can cool the vehicle interior, and at the same time, the coolant can be cooled by heat exchange while passing through the refrigerator 30.

[0194] The cryogenic coolant cooled in the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the battery module 24. Accordingly, the battery module 24 can be effectively cooled by the cryogenic coolant supplied from the refrigerator 30.

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 4 the operation of recovering the external heat source and the waste heat of the electrical component 15 in the heating mode of the vehicle.

[0196] Figure 4 An operation state diagram for recovering the external heat and the waste heat of the electrical component according to the heating mode in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0197] Reference is made to Figure 4 , the heat pump system can absorb the external heat from the external air and the waste heat of the electrical component 15 during the initial start idle state (IDLE) or the initial driving state of the vehicle where the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is insufficient.

[0198] First, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 operates to circulate the coolant.

[0199] Here, the first connection pipeline 32 is closed, and by the operation of the first valve V1, the second connection pipeline 34 is opened.

[0200] By the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection pipeline 36 is opened.

[0201] In addition, in the cooling device 10, by the operation of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2, the coolant pipeline 11 connected to the first radiator 12 is closed.

[0202] In this state, by the operation of the first water pump 14, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along the open part of the coolant pipeline 11 without passing through the first radiator 12 after passing through the refrigerator 30 along the second connection pipeline 34 and the third connection pipeline 36.

[0203] That is, by the operation of the second valve V2, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 is supplied to the refrigerator along the open third connection pipeline 36.

[0204] By the operation of the first valve V1, the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connection pipeline 34. Thereafter, the coolant circulates in the coolant pipeline 11 connected to the electrical component 15 through the first valve V1.

[0205] Meanwhile, in the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 is deactivated.

[0206] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 continuously circulates along the open coolant pipeline 11 and the open second connection pipeline 34 and third connection pipeline 36 without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thereby increasing in temperature.

[0207] The coolant with increased temperature can be supplied to the refrigerator 30. Therefore, the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 increases the temperature of the coolant supplied to the refrigerator 30.

[0208] That is, while repeating this operation, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and can increase in temperature.

[0209] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating pipeline 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0210] Through the operation of the second valve V2, the coolant pipeline 11 and the heating pipeline 41 can respectively form independent closed loops.

[0211] Therefore, through the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant circulating through the heating pipeline 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after passing through the heater 43.

[0212] Here, when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating pipeline 41 is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater 45 operates, so that the coolant circulating in the heating pipeline 41 can be heated.

[0213] On the other hand, when the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 47 operates, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0214] In the air conditioning device 50, each component operates to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipeline 51.

[0215] Here, through the operation of the first expansion valve 55, the refrigerant pipeline 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56 is closed.

[0216] Through the operation of the second expansion valve 63, the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 is opened.

[0217] Here, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 and supply the refrigerant to the refrigerator 30.

[0218] The third expansion valve 65 can also expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53 and supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54.

[0219] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers external heat while evaporating and expanding the refrigerant through heat exchange with external air.

[0220] The coolant that has absorbed the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and has increased in temperature passes through the refrigerator 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14 while increasing the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerator 30, thereby recovering the heat.

[0221] That is, the refrigerator 30 receives the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63 through the refrigerant connection pipeline 61, and evaporates the supplied refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant that has increased in temperature while passing through the electrical component 15, thereby recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15.

[0222] Thereafter, the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerator 30 is supplied to the accumulator 57 along the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0223] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 57 is separated into gas and liquid. Among the refrigerant separated into gas and liquid, the gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0224] The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 59 flows into the condenser 53.

[0225] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 can increase the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange with the coolant circulating through the heating pipeline 41. The coolant with increased temperature is supplied to the heater 43.

[0226] At the same time, the opening and closing door is opened so that the external air introduced into the HVAC module and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 43.

[0227] Therefore, when the external air flowing in from the outside passes through the evaporator 56 to which no refrigerant is supplied, the external air flowing in from the outside flows into the interior in an uncooled temperature state. The introduced external air is converted into a high-temperature state while passing through the heater 43 and is introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0228] That is, the heat pump system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention absorbs external heat in the heat exchanger 54 when heating is required in the initial start idle state (IDLE) of the vehicle or during the initial driving state, and is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant by utilizing the waste heat of the electrical component 15, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and improving the cooling efficiency.

[0229] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 5 Describe the operation of recovering the waste heat of the external heat source and the battery module 24 in the heating mode of the vehicle.

[0230] Figure 5 Shows an operating state diagram of waste heat recovery of external heat and a battery module according to a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0231] Referring to Figure 5 , the heat pump system can absorb external heat from the external air and waste heat of the battery module 24 during the initial start idle state (IDLE) or the initial driving state of a vehicle where the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is insufficient.

[0232] First, the cooling device 10 is deactivated.

[0233] Here, the first connection pipeline 32 is opened, and through the operation of the first valve V1, the second connection pipeline 34 is opened.

[0234] In addition, through the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection pipeline 36 is closed.

[0235] In the battery cooling device 20, through the operation of the first valve V1, the part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second radiator 22 is closed.

[0236] In this state, the second water pump 23 operates to circulate the coolant through the open part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 and the first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34.

[0237] Therefore, through the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 can circulate along the open part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 and the first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34 without passing through the second radiator 22 after passing through the refrigerator 30.

[0238] That is, the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the second connection pipeline 34. Thereafter, the coolant is introduced into the battery coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second water pump 23 through the first valve V1.

[0239] Through the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 can circulate in the open part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 and the first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34.

[0240] Therefore, the coolant circulating along the battery coolant pipeline 21 absorbs waste heat from the battery module 24 and can increase in temperature.

[0241] The coolant with increased temperature can be supplied to the refrigerator 30 connected to the first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34. That is, the waste heat generated by the battery module 24 increases the temperature of the coolant supplied to the refrigerator 30.

[0242] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating pipeline 41 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0243] Herein, by the operation of the second valve V2, the heating pipeline 41 is not connected to the coolant pipeline 11.

[0244] Therefore, by the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant circulating through the heating pipeline 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after passing through the heater 43.

[0245] Herein, when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating pipeline 41 is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater 45 operates, so that the coolant circulating in the heating pipeline 41 can be heated.

[0246] On the other hand, when the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 47 operates, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0247] In the air conditioning device 50, each component operates to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipeline 51.

[0248] Herein, by the operation of the first expansion valve 55, the refrigerant pipeline 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56 is closed.

[0249] By the operation of the second expansion valve 63, the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 is opened.

[0250] Herein, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 and supply the refrigerant to the refrigerator 30.

[0251] The third expansion valve 65 can also expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53 and supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54.

[0252] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat while evaporating the expanded refrigerant through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0253] The coolant whose temperature has risen by absorbing the waste heat of the battery module 24 passes through the refrigerator 30 by the operation of the second water pump 23 while raising the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerator 30 for recovery.

[0254] That is, the refrigerator 30 receives the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63 through the refrigerant connection pipeline 61, and evaporates the supplied refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant whose temperature has risen while passing through the battery module 24, thereby recovering the waste heat of the battery module 24.

[0255] Thereafter, the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerator 30 is supplied to the liquid receiver 57 along the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0256] The refrigerant supplied to the liquid receiver 57 is separated into gas and liquid. Among the refrigerant separated into gas and liquid, the gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0257] The refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure compressed by the compressor 59 flows into the condenser 53.

[0258] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 can increase the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat with the coolant circulating through the heating pipeline 41. The coolant with increased temperature is supplied to the heater 43.

[0259] At the same time, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air introduced into the HVAC module and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 43.

[0260] Therefore, when the outside air flowing in from the outside passes through the evaporator 56 to which no refrigerant is supplied, the outside air flowing in from the outside flows into the interior in an uncooled temperature state. The introduced outside air is converted into a high-temperature state while passing through the heater 43 and is introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby realizing the heating of the vehicle interior.

[0261] That is, the heat pump system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention absorbs external heat in the heat exchanger 54 in the initial start idle state (IDLE) of the vehicle or when heating is required during the initial driving state, and is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant by utilizing the waste heat of the battery module 24, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and improving the cooling efficiency.

[0262] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made to Figure 6 Describe the operation of using the waste heat of the electrical component 15 in the heating mode of the vehicle without operating the air conditioning device 50.

[0263] Figure 6 The operation state diagrams showing the operation of using the waste heat of the electrical component to execute the heating mode in the heat pump system for vehicles according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0264] Refer to Figure 6 , the heat pump system can perform vehicle interior heating by utilizing the waste heat from the electrical component 15 without operating the air conditioning device 50.

[0265] First, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 operates to circulate the coolant. In the current case, the air conditioning device 50 is deactivated.

[0266] Here, the first connection pipeline 32 is closed, and through the operation of the first valve V1, the second connection pipeline 34 is opened.

[0267] Through the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection pipeline 36 is opened.

[0268] In addition, in the cooling device 10, through the operation of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2, the coolant pipeline 11 connected to the first radiator 12 is closed.

[0269] In this state, through the operation of the first water pump 14, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along the open part of the coolant pipeline 11 without passing through the first radiator 12 after passing through the refrigerator 30 along the second connection pipeline 34 and the third connection pipeline 36.

[0270] At the same time, in the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 is deactivated.

[0271] That is, the battery coolant pipeline 21 connecting the second water pump 23 and the battery module 24 is closed, and the operation of the battery cooling device 20 stops.

[0272] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 continuously circulates along the open coolant pipeline 11 and the open second connection pipeline 34 and third connection pipeline 36 without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thereby increasing the temperature.

[0273] While repeating this operation, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and can increase the temperature.

[0274] In the heating device 40, through the operation of the second valve V2, the heating pipeline 41 is connected to the coolant pipeline 11.

[0275] In this state, the coolant whose temperature has increased while passing through the electrical component 15 through the operation of the first water pump 14 is supplied to the heating pipeline 41 connected to the open coolant pipeline 11 without passing through the first radiator 12.

[0276] Through the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant introduced into the heating pipeline 41 can be supplied to the heater 43.

[0277] The coolant discharged from the heater 43 is introduced into the refrigerator 30 along the third connection pipeline 36 opened through the operation of the second valve V2.

[0278] The coolant introduced into the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connection pipeline 34. The coolant introduced into the first valve V1 is supplied to the electrical component 15 along the open coolant pipeline 11.

[0279] That is, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 continuously circulates along the open coolant line 11, the heating line 41, the second connection line 34, and the third connection line 36 without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thereby increasing in temperature.

[0280] The coolant with increased temperature is introduced into the heating line 41 connected to the coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12.

[0281] Through the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant introduced into the heating line 41 can pass through the heater 43.

[0282] Here, when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating line 41 is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater 45 operates, so that the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 can be heated.

[0283] On the other hand, when the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 47 operates, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0284] That is, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 47 can operate to heat the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0285] When the temperature of the outside air that has completed heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant while passing through the heater 43 is lower than the predetermined temperature or the target heating temperature, the air heater 47 operates.

[0286] When the air heater 47 operates, the outside air can be heated while passing through the air heater 47, and thus is introduced into the vehicle interior in a state of increased temperature.

[0287] At the same time, the high-temperature coolant supplied to the heater 43 exchanges heat with the outside air, and then is introduced into the third connection line 36 connected to the heating line 41 through the second valve V2.

[0288] Thereafter, after passing through the refrigerator 30, the coolant is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connection line 34, and the coolant can circulate while repeating the above process.

[0289] At the same time, the opening and closing door opens, so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module passes through the heater 43.

[0290] Therefore, when the outside air flowing in from the outside passes through the evaporator 56 that is not supplied with the refrigerant, the outside air flowing in from the outside flows into the interior in an uncooled temperature state. The introduced outside air is converted into a high-temperature state while passing through the heater 43 and is introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0291] In other words, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the waste heat generated in the electrical component 15 can be recovered while repeating the above process, and the waste heat can be used for interior heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving the overall heating efficiency.

[0292] Meanwhile, when the electrical component 15 overheats, through the operations of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2, the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 is opened, and the third connection line 36 is closed.

[0293] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature has risen while passing through the electrical component 15 through the operation of the first water pump 14 is supplied to the heating line 41 connected to the opened coolant line 11.

[0294] Through the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant introduced into the heating line 41 can be supplied to the heater 43.

[0295] The coolant discharged from the heater 43 is introduced into the coolant line 11 connected to the heating line 41 through the second valve V2.

[0296] Thereafter, the coolant introduced into the coolant line 11 is cooled while passing through the first radiator 12, and is introduced into the electrical component 15 again along the coolant line 11 through the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0297] That is, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, so that the temperature of the coolant rises, and is supplied to the heater 43 through the heating line 41 connected to the coolant line 11.

[0298] Through this operation, the coolant whose temperature has risen by absorbing the waste heat of the electrical component 15 circulates through the heating device 40. Thereafter, the coolant is cooled while passing through the first radiator 12 through the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0299] The coolant that has been completely cooled can recover the waste heat while passing through the electrical component 15, and at the same time can effectively cool the electrical component 15.

[0300] Therefore, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be supplied to the electrical component 15, thereby preventing the electrical component 15 from overheating.

[0301] In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made toFigure 7 Describe the operation according to the low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0302] Figure 7 The operation state diagrams according to the low-temperature dehumidification mode in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0303] Here, the low-temperature dehumidification mode is a mode that operates when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior in the heating mode of the vehicle.

[0304] Referring to Figure 7 , when the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is sufficient, the heat pump system can recover the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and use the waste heat of the electrical component 15 for vehicle interior heating.

[0305] First, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 operates to circulate the coolant.

[0306] Here, the first connection pipeline 32 is closed, and through the operation of the first valve Vl, the second connection pipeline 34 is opened.

[0307] Through the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection pipeline 36 is opened.

[0308] In addition, in the cooling device 10, through the operation of the first valve Vl and the second valve V2, the coolant pipeline 11 connected to the first radiator 12 is closed.

[0309] In this state, through the operation of the first water pump 14, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along the open part of the coolant pipeline 11 without passing through the first radiator 12 after passing through the refrigerator 30 along the second connection pipeline 34 and the third connection pipeline 36.

[0310] That is, through the operation of the second valve V2, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 is supplied to the refrigerator along the open third connection pipeline 36.

[0311] Through the operation of the first valve V1, the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connection pipeline 34. Thereafter, the coolant circulates in the coolant pipeline 11 connected to the electrical component 15 through the first valve V1.

[0312] Meanwhile, in the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 is deactivated.

[0313] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 continuously circulates along the open coolant pipeline 11 and the open second connection pipeline 34 and third connection pipeline 36 without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thereby increasing the temperature.

[0314] The coolant with an increased temperature can be supplied to the refrigerator 30. Thus, the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 raises the temperature of the coolant supplied to the refrigerator 30.

[0315] That is, while repeating such an operation, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and can increase in temperature.

[0316] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, by the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant circulates along the heating pipeline 41.

[0317] By the operation of the second valve V2, the coolant pipeline 11 and the heating pipeline 41 can respectively form independent closed circuits.

[0318] Therefore, by the operation of the third water pump 42, the coolant circulating through the heating pipeline 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after passing through the heater 43.

[0319] Here, when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating pipeline 41 is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater 45 operates so that the coolant circulating in the heating pipeline 41 can be heated.

[0320] On the other hand, when the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, the air heater 47 operates, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0321] Meanwhile, in the air conditioning device 50, each component operates to heat and dehumidify the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipeline 51.

[0322] Here, by the operation of the first expansion valve 55, the refrigerant pipeline 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56 is opened.

[0323] By the operation of the second expansion valve 63, the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 is opened.

[0324] Here, the first expansion valve 55 and the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection pipeline 61 and the refrigerant pipeline 51, so that the expanded refrigerant is respectively supplied to the evaporator 56 and the refrigerator 30.

[0325] The third expansion valve 65 can also expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53 and supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54.

[0326] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat while evaporating the expanded refrigerant through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0327] The coolant that absorbs the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and increases in temperature is recovered by the operation of the first water pump 14 while passing through the refrigerator 30 and increasing the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerator 30.

[0328] That is, the refrigerator 30 receives the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63 through the refrigerant connection pipeline 61, and evaporates the supplied refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant that increases in temperature while passing through the electrical component 15, thereby recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15.

[0329] Thereafter, the refrigerant passing through the refrigerator 30 is supplied to the accumulator 57 along the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0330] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 57 is separated into gas and liquid. Among the refrigerant separated into gas and liquid, the gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0331] The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 59 flows into the condenser 53.

[0332] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 can increase the temperature of the coolant by heat exchange with the coolant circulating through the heating pipeline 41. The coolant with increased temperature is supplied to the heater 43.

[0333] On the other hand, the expanded refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 56 by the operation of the first expansion valve 55, after heat exchange with the outside air passing through the evaporator 56, is supplied to the compressor 59 along the refrigerant pipeline 51 via the accumulator 57.

[0334] That is, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 56 can be supplied to the compressor 59 together with the refrigerant introduced into the accumulator 57 through the refrigerant connection pipeline 61.

[0335] Then, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 59 is introduced into the condenser 53.

[0336] Here, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air introduced into the HVAC module and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 43.

[0337] That is, the outside air introduced into the HVAC module is dehumidified by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced 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 43 and introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0338] That is, in the low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle, the heat pump system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention selectively absorbs external heat and waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 according to the internal temperature of the vehicle to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and improving the heating efficiency.

[0339] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the operation of heating the battery module 24 will be described with reference to Figure 8 the following.

[0340] Figure 8 The operation state diagrams of heating the battery module in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0341] With reference to Figure 8 the following, the cooling device 10, the heating device 40, and the air conditioning device 50 are deactivated.

[0342] Here, the first connection pipeline 32 is opened, and through the operation of the first valve V1, the second connection pipeline 34 is opened.

[0343] Through the operation of the second valve V2, the third connection pipeline 36 is closed.

[0344] In the battery cooling device 20, through the operation of the first valve V1, the part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second radiator 22 is closed.

[0345] In this state, the second water pump 23 operates to circulate the coolant through the open part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 and the first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34.

[0346] Therefore, through the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 from the first valve V1 can circulate along the open part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 after passing through the refrigerator 30 along the open first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34 without passing through the second radiator 22.

[0347] That is, the coolant passing through the refrigerator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the second connection pipeline 34. Thereafter, the coolant is introduced into the battery coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second water pump 23 through the first valve V1.

[0348] Through the operation of the second water pump 23, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 can circulate in the open part of the battery coolant pipeline 21 and the first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34.

[0349] Here, the first coolant heater 26 operates to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 along the open battery coolant pipeline 21 and the first connection pipeline 32 and the second connection pipeline 34.

[0350] Therefore, the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 and the first and second connection lines 32 and 34 increases in temperature while passing through the first coolant heater 26. The coolant that increases in temperature while passing through the first coolant heater 26 can be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0351] Therefore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, while repeating the above process, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be rapidly increased, thereby effectively managing the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0352] Therefore, if a heat pump system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention 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 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.

[0353] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the heating efficiency can also be improved by recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 and using the waste heat for vehicle interior heating.

[0354] In addition, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, 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 by the effective management of the battery module 24.

[0355] In addition, the present invention can use the second coolant heater 45 or the air heater 47 applied to the heating device 40 to heat the battery module 24 or assist vehicle interior heating, thereby reducing costs and weight.

[0356] In addition, the present invention selectively uses external heat and the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 in the heating mode of the vehicle, thereby improving the heating efficiency.

[0357] The present invention also improves the condensation or evaporation performance of the refrigerant by using the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54, thereby improving the cooling performance and reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59.

[0358] In addition, the entire system can be simplified to reduce manufacturing costs and weight and improve space utilization.

[0359] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the controller is connected to at least one of the components of the heat pump system to control the operation of the components.

[0360] In addition, terms regarding a control device such as "controller", "control unit", "control device", or "control module" refer to a hardware device including a memory and a processor, the processor being configured to execute 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 invention. The controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by a non-volatile memory and a processor, where the non-volatile memory is configured to store data related to an algorithm for controlling the operation of various components of a vehicle or software commands for executing the algorithm, and the processor is configured to use the data stored in the memory to perform the operations described above. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Optionally, the memory and the processor can be integrated in a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors. The processor can include various logic circuits and arithmetic circuits, can process data according to a program provided from the memory, and can generate a control signal according to the processing result.

[0361] The control device can be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program, and the predetermined program can include a series of commands for implementing the methods included in the foregoing various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0362] The foregoing invention can also be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data that can be subsequently read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state disks (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc. and carrier wave implementations (e.g., transmission via the Internet).

[0363] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the above operations can be performed by a controller, and the controller can be configured by multiple controllers or an integrated single controller.

[0364] For convenience of explanation and for an accurate definition in the appended claims, reference is made to the positions of the features of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, and the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "behind", "inner side", "outer side", "inward", "outward", "inside", "outside", "within", "outside", "forward", and "backward" are used to describe these features. It will be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct connection and indirect connection.

[0365] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive of the invention or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application so that others skilled in the art may be enabled to implement and utilize the invention in its various exemplary embodiments and its various alternative forms and modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, the heat pump system comprising: A cooling device, including a first radiator, a first water pump, a first valve, and a second valve connected by a coolant pipeline, to circulate coolant in the coolant pipeline to cool at least one electrical component provided on the coolant pipeline; A battery cooling device, including a battery coolant pipeline connected to the first valve, and a second radiator, a second water pump, and a battery module connected by the battery coolant pipeline, to circulate coolant through the battery module; A refrigerator, connected to a first connection pipeline and a second connection pipeline, the first connection pipeline being connected to the battery coolant pipeline between the second radiator and the battery module, the second connection pipeline being connected to the first valve, and the refrigerator being connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioning device through a refrigerant connection pipeline, and regulating the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the refrigerator and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioning device; A heating device, including a heating pipeline, a third water pump, and a heater, the heating pipeline being connected to the coolant pipeline through the second valve to heat the vehicle interior by using coolant, and the third water pump and the heater being provided on the heating pipeline; And A third connection pipeline, the first end of the third connection pipeline being connected to the refrigerator, and the second end of the third connection pipeline being connected to the second valve, so as to selectively supply the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component or the heating device to the refrigerator through the operation of the second valve.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein The air conditioning device includes: An evaporator, connected to the refrigerant pipeline; A condenser, provided on the heating pipeline between the second valve and the heater so that the coolant circulating through the heating device passes through the condenser, the condenser being connected to the refrigerant pipeline, and the coolant circulating inside the condenser 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 heat exchanger, provided on the refrigerant pipeline between the condenser and the evaporator; A first expansion valve, provided on the refrigerant pipeline between the heat exchanger and the evaporator; A second expansion valve, provided on the refrigerant connection pipeline; A liquid receiver, provided on the refrigerant pipeline between the evaporator and the compressor and connected to the refrigerant connection pipeline; and A third expansion valve, provided on the refrigerant pipeline between the condenser and the heat exchanger.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein According to the selective operation of the third expansion valve, the heat exchanger additionally condenses or evaporates the refrigerant condensed in the condenser through heat exchange with external air.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein When the battery module is cooled by the refrigerant, the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection pipeline and flows into the refrigerator, and In the heating mode and the low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle, the third expansion valve selectively expands the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein The first end of the refrigerant connection pipeline is connected to the refrigerant pipeline between the heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and The second end of the refrigerant connection pipeline is connected to the accumulator.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein Each of the refrigerator and the condenser is a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger is an air-cooled heat exchanger.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein The heating device further includes an air heater, the air heater is disposed on the opposite side of the evaporator, and the heater is inserted between the air heater and the evaporator to selectively heat the outside air passing through the heater.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than the target temperature for heating the vehicle interior, the air heater operates to raise the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein When the battery module is cooled in the cooling mode of the vehicle, In the cooling device, through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant circulates in the coolant pipeline; The first connection pipeline is opened, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline is opened; Through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline is closed; Through the operation of the first valve, the part of the battery coolant pipeline connected to the second radiator is closed; In the battery cooling device, through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant passing through the refrigerator along the first connection pipeline and the second connection pipeline is supplied to the battery module along the opened part of the battery coolant pipeline; In the heating device, through the operation of the second valve, the coolant pipeline and the heating pipeline are connected, so as to supply coolant from the cooling device; In the air conditioning device, in a state where the refrigerant connection pipeline is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipeline and the refrigerant connection pipeline; The first expansion valve and the second expansion valve expand the refrigerant, so as to supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator and the refrigerator respectively; and The third expansion valve makes the refrigerant supplied from the condenser flow into the heat exchanger.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 9, wherein Through the operation of the third water pump, the heating device supplies the coolant supplied from the cooling device to the condenser, and The condenser condenses the refrigerant through heat exchange with a coolant, and the heat exchanger additionally condenses the refrigerant introduced from the condenser through heat exchange with external air.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, when recovering waste heat from an external heat source and the at least one electrical component in a heating mode of the vehicle, the first connection pipeline is closed, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline is opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline is opened; in the cooling device, through the operations of the first valve and the second valve, the coolant pipeline connected to the first radiator is closed; through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component circulates along the open portion of the coolant pipeline without passing through the first radiator after passing through the refrigerator along the second connection pipeline and the third connection pipeline; the battery cooling device is deactivated; through the operation of the second valve, the cooling device and the heating device respectively form independent closed loops; in the heating device, through the operation of the third water pump, the coolant circulates along the heating pipeline; in the air conditioning device, through the operation of the first expansion valve, the refrigerant pipeline connecting the condenser and the evaporator is closed; through the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant connection pipeline is opened; the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection pipeline and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the refrigerator; and the third expansion valve expands the refrigerant supplied from the condenser and supplies it to the heat exchanger.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, when recovering waste heat from an external heat source and the battery module in a heating mode of the vehicle, the cooling device is deactivated; the first connection pipeline is opened, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline is opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline is closed; in the battery cooling device, through the operation of the first valve, the portion of the battery coolant pipeline connected to the second radiator is closed; through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant passing through the battery module circulates along the open portion of the battery coolant pipeline without passing through the second radiator after passing through the refrigerator along the first connection pipeline and the second connection pipeline; in the heating device, through the operation of the third water pump, the coolant circulates along the heating pipeline; in the air conditioning device, through the operation of the first expansion valve, the refrigerant pipeline connecting the condenser and the evaporator is closed; through the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant connection pipeline is opened; the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection pipeline and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the refrigerator; and the third expansion valve expands the refrigerant supplied from the condenser and supplies it to the heat exchanger.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, When the low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle is executed, the first connection pipeline is closed, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline is opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline is opened; in the cooling device, through the operation of the first valve and the second valve, the coolant pipeline connected to the first radiator is closed; through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component circulates along the open part of the coolant pipeline without passing through the first radiator after passing through the refrigerator along the second connection pipeline and the third connection pipeline; the battery cooling device is deactivated; through the operation of the second valve, the cooling device and the heating device respectively form independent closed loops; in the heating device, through the operation of the third water pump, the coolant circulates along the heating pipeline; in the air-conditioning device, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant pipeline and the refrigerant connection pipeline opened respectively through the operation of the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve; the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve expand the refrigerant, so as to supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator and the refrigerator respectively; and the third expansion valve expands the refrigerant supplied from the condenser and supplies it to the heat exchanger.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, when heating the battery module, the first connection pipeline is opened, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline is opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline is closed; the cooling device and the heating device are deactivated; and in the battery cooling device, through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant circulates along the part of the battery coolant pipeline connected to the battery module and the opened first connection pipeline and second connection pipeline.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, when cooling the at least one electrical component and the battery module by using coolant, the first connection pipeline is closed, and through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline is closed; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline is closed; through the operation of the first valve, the cooling device and the battery cooling device respectively form independent closed loops; through the operation of the first water pump, the coolant cooled in the first radiator is supplied from the first valve along the coolant pipeline to the at least one electrical component; and through the operation of the second water pump, the coolant cooled in the second radiator is supplied from the first valve along the battery coolant pipeline to the battery module.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, when using the waste heat of the at least one electrical component without operating the air-conditioning device in the heating mode of the vehicle, the first connection pipeline is closed; through the operation of the first valve, the second connection pipeline is opened; through the operation of the second valve, the third connection pipeline is opened; In the cooling device, the coolant line connected to the first radiator is closed by the operations of the first valve and the second valve; In the heating device, the heating line is connected to the coolant line by the operation of the second valve; The coolant that has been heated while passing through the at least one electrical component by the operation of the first water pump is supplied to the heating line connected to the open coolant line without passing through the first radiator; By the operation of the third water pump, the coolant introduced into the heating line is supplied to the heater; The coolant discharged from the heater is introduced into the refrigerator from the second valve along the open third connection line; The coolant discharged from the refrigerator is introduced into the first valve along the open second connection line; And The coolant that is introduced into the first valve again is supplied to the at least one electrical component along the open coolant line.

17. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein The first end of the first connection line is connected to the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the battery module, the second end of the first connection line is connected to the refrigerator through the third connection line, and The first end of the second connection line is connected to the first valve, and the second end of the second connection line is connected to the refrigerator.

18. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein In modes other than the mode in which the first connection line and the third connection line are simultaneously closed, the opening or closing operations of the first connection line and the third connection line are opposite to each other.

19. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein The battery cooling device further includes a first coolant heater, the first coolant heater is disposed on the battery coolant line between the battery module and the second radiator, and When heating the battery module, the first coolant heater operates to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line.

20. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein A second coolant heater is disposed on the heating line between the third water pump and the heater, and When the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than the target temperature, the second coolant heater operates to heat the coolant supplied to the heater along the heating line.

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