Electric vehicle heat pump system and method with self-cleaning function

Abstract

A heat pump system and method for an electric vehicle with a self-cleaning function, comprising a coolant circuit, a self-cleaning circuit and a heat exchanger; the self-cleaning circuit and the coolant circuit exchange energy through the heat exchanger; the self-cleaning circuit comprises a compressor, a four-way valve, an evaporator, an indoor condenser, an outdoor condenser and a gas-liquid separator; the present invention can simply connect the vehicle air-conditioning system and the heat pump system in series to the coolant circuit through the adjustment of the four-way valve, the cooled frost layer covers dust and other debris, and then the frost layer is melted at high temperature so that the dust and debris are collected outside the cabin with the water flow, thereby realizing the self-cleaning function of the air-conditioning system; and then the indoor evaporator is sterilized by high-temperature drying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of electric vehicle air conditioning, and relates to an electric vehicle heat pump system and method with a self-cleaning function. Background Art

[0002] Traditional fuel-powered vehicles have low thermal efficiency and are unable to operate high-power devices for extended periods. However, electric vehicles, with their lower electricity costs, have made significant progress in passenger cabin intelligence. The air conditioning system plays a crucial role in passenger cabin comfort. Therefore, self-cleaning air conditioning systems are crucial.

[0003] More consumers are paying attention to the cleanliness and health of the passenger cabin. As the primary air conditioning device for regulating cabin temperature, the cleanliness of the air conditioner significantly impacts cabin comfort. During the air conditioner's circulation process, dust, impurities, and even harmful substances from the external environment can enter the air conditioner through the airflow. Over time, dust accumulates inside the air conditioner, especially on the aluminum foil fins on both sides of the heat exchanger. This affects the heat exchanger's cooling and heating performance. If left uncleaned for a long time, it can even cause mold and generate toxic substances. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle heat pump system and method with a self-cleaning function to solve the problem that during the circulation process of the air conditioner, dust, impurities and even harmful substances in the external environment will enter the interior of the air conditioner with the air flow, thereby affecting the cooling and heating effects. If not cleaned for a long time, it may even cause mildew and generate toxic substances.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A heat pump system for an electric vehicle with a self-cleaning function includes a coolant circuit, a self-cleaning circuit, and a heat exchanger; the self-cleaning circuit and the coolant circuit exchange energy through the heat exchanger;

[0007] The self-cleaning circuit includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor evaporator, an indoor condenser, an outdoor condenser and a gas-liquid separator; the compressor outlet side is divided into two paths, one path is connected to the first port of the four-way valve, and the second and third ports of the four-way valve are connected to one end of the indoor evaporator and the indoor condenser respectively; the other ends of the indoor evaporator and the indoor condenser are both connected to one end of the outdoor condenser, and the other end of the outdoor condenser is connected to the other path of the compressor outlet; the fourth port of the four-way valve is connected to the first inlet of the heat exchanger, and the first outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the compressor through the gas-liquid separator; the end of the outdoor condenser close to the compressor is connected to the first inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0008] Furthermore, a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve are respectively provided between the indoor evaporator and the indoor condenser and the outdoor condenser.

[0009] Furthermore, a fifth check valve, a fourth check valve, a second check valve and a third check valve are respectively provided between the compressor outlet side and the outdoor condenser, between the outdoor condenser and the heat exchanger, between the indoor condenser and the outdoor condenser, and between the indoor evaporator and the outdoor condenser.

[0010] Furthermore, the indoor condenser and the indoor evaporator are integrated, and the fan is arranged behind the indoor evaporator and the indoor condenser. When the fan is working, the air passes through the indoor condenser or the indoor evaporator and then flows into the cabin.

[0011] Furthermore, the coolant circuit includes a water pump, a power battery pack, a motor and a radiator; the water pump outlet is connected to the heat dissipation unit of the power battery pack and the motor through a pipeline, the heat dissipation structure is connected to the inlet of the radiator through a pipeline, the radiator outlet is connected to the second inlet of the heat exchanger, and the second outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water pump inlet.

[0012] Furthermore, a first check valve is provided between the heat dissipation structure and the inlet of the radiator.

[0013] Furthermore, a dust detection sensor is provided on the indoor evaporator, and the dust detection sensor is connected to the vehicle controller.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

[0015] Furthermore, a self-cleaning method for an electric vehicle heat pump system with a self-cleaning function comprises the following steps:

[0016] The dust detection sensor detects dust on the indoor evaporator. If the dust threshold is greater than the dust threshold, it further determines whether the battery temperature is higher than the preset temperature. If the temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the vehicle controller controls the heat pump air conditioning system to operate in cooling mode.

[0017] The moisture in the cabin air condenses in the form of water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator. The compressor then operates at high power to increase the cooling capacity, causing the water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator to condense into frost. The frost layer combines with the dust on the surface of the indoor evaporator.

[0018] Then, the heat pump air-conditioning system operates in heat pump heating mode, transferring the waste heat of the power battery pack and the motor to the indoor evaporator through the heat exchange plate. The frost layer melts, and the dust and debris are collected outside the cabin with the water flow, completing self-cleaning. The indoor evaporator is then sterilized through high-temperature drying.

[0019] Furthermore, the hot air from the high-temperature drying is led out to the outside through the exhaust device.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0021] The present invention can connect the vehicle air conditioning system and the heat pump system in series to the coolant circuit through the adjustment of the four-way valve. A dust detection sensor is provided to judge the dust threshold and determine whether the cooled frost layer covers dust and other debris. Then, the high temperature melts the frost layer and the dust and debris are collected outside the cabin along with the water flow, thus realizing the self-cleaning function of the air conditioning system.

[0022] The heat pump system with self-cleaning function of the present invention can make full use of the waste heat of batteries and motors when the vehicle is parked, and can realize the self-cleaning function of air-conditioning components with low energy consumption, which not only reduces the energy consumption of the system, but also greatly improves the comfort and cleanliness of the passenger compartment. At the same time, the indoor evaporator can achieve a sterilization effect through high-temperature drying.

[0023] The heat pump air-conditioning system of the present invention is fully functional and has multiple working modes. While maintaining the functional requirements of the electric vehicle under normal driving, it realizes self-cleaning of the air-conditioning system, greatly improving the cleanliness and comfort of the crew cabin.

[0024] The present invention utilizes the waste heat of the power battery system and the motor, and the heat pump system can realize the self-cleaning function of the air conditioner at a low cost, thereby greatly improving the cleanliness and comfort of the passenger cabin.

[0025] The hot air dried at high temperature is led to the outside through the exhaust device, so that the temperature in the passenger cabin does not fluctuate significantly due to the hot air generated by the air conditioner defrosting and sterilization mode blowing into the cabin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A model of a heat pump air conditioning system with self-cleaning energy supply;

[0027] Figure 2 Self-cleaning strategy for heat pump air conditioning system;

[0028] Figure 1 In the figure, 1 is an electric compressor, 2 is a gas-liquid separator, 3 is a radiator, 4 is a first check valve, 5 is a motor, 6 is a power battery system, 7 is a water pump, 8 is a plate heat exchanger, 9 is an indoor condenser, 10 is a second electronic expansion valve, 11 is a second check valve, 12 is a third check valve, 13 is a first electronic expansion valve, 14 is an indoor evaporator, 15 is a four-way valve, 16 is a fourth check valve, 17 is an outdoor condenser, and 18 is a fifth check valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0030] The present invention is applied to the air conditioning self-cleaning of the electric vehicle heat pump system, comprising a refrigerant circuit (self-cleaning circuit) using R134a and a coolant circuit using water and ethylene glycol;

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the self-cleaning circuit includes an electronic compressor, a four-way valve, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve, and an evaporator;

[0032] The evaporator and condenser in the cabin are integrated and arranged so that when the fan is working, the air does not pass through the cabin.

[0033] The high-pressure outlet side of the refrigerant circuit electric compressor is connected to a three-way valve, which switches between cooling and heating modes by adjusting the flow direction of the refrigerant;

[0034] In cooling mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially to the outdoor condenser 17, the first electronic expansion valve 13, the indoor evaporator 14, the four-way valve 15, the heat exchanger 6, the gas-liquid separator 2 and the electric compressor 1;

[0035] In heating mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially to the four-way valve 15, the indoor condenser 9, the second electronic expansion valve 10, the outdoor condenser 17, the heat exchanger 8, the gas-liquid separator 2 and the electric compressor 1;

[0036] In the condensation mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially to the outdoor condenser 17, the first electronic expansion valve 13 and the second electronic expansion valve 10, the indoor condenser 9 and the indoor evaporator 14, the four-way valve 15, the heat exchanger 8, the gas-liquid separator 2 and the electric compressor 1;

[0037] In the defrosting and sterilization mode, the refrigerant flows in sequence to the four-way valve 15, the indoor condenser 9 and the indoor evaporator 14, the first electronic expansion valve 13 and the second electronic expansion valve 10, the outdoor condenser 17, the heat exchanger 8, the gas-liquid separator 2 and the electric compressor 1;

[0038] The coolant circuit includes a water pump, a power battery pack, a motor and a water-cooled condenser; the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit exchange energy through the heat exchanger;

[0039] The first three-way valve is used to adjust the flow direction of the refrigerant to achieve the switching between the cooling and heating modes. In order to smoothly implement the mode switching, the refrigerant circuit valve group also includes a first check valve, a second check valve, a third check valve, a fourth check valve, and a fifth check valve.

[0040] In the heating mode and the defrosting and sterilization mode, the outdoor condenser exchanges heat with the outdoor air, and the refrigerant absorbs heat; in the cooling mode and the condensing mode, the outdoor condenser exchanges heat with the outdoor air, and the refrigerant releases heat.

[0041] Based on the current dust concentration detected on the indoor evaporator, the air conditioning self-cleaning mode is automatically turned on without affecting the comfort in the cabin. The hot air generated by the defrost and sterilization mode is led to the outside through the exhaust device, so that the temperature in the passenger compartment will not fluctuate significantly due to the hot air generated by the defrost and sterilization mode of the air conditioning blowing into the cabin. At the same time, larger impurities in the cabin heat exchanger are discharged outside the vehicle.

[0042] The heat pump air conditioning system with self-cleaning function designed by the present invention is suitable for Figure 1 The electric vehicle thermal management architecture shown includes an electric compressor 1, an indoor condenser 9, an indoor evaporator 14, a power battery system 6, a motor 5, a radiator 3, and a four-way valve 15;

[0043] The indoor condenser and indoor evaporator are integrated, and the fan is placed behind the indoor evaporator and indoor condenser. When the air conditioner is turned on, the fan works, and the air passes through the condenser or evaporator and then flows into the cabin;

[0044] The four-way valve is arranged between the compressor and the indoor evaporator to realize the conversion of different air-conditioning modes;

[0045] In the frost mode, the heat pump air conditioning system operates in the cooling mode, condensing the moisture in the cabin air in the form of water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator. The cooling capacity is then increased by running the compressor at high power, causing the water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator to condense into frost, and the frost layer combines with the dust on the surface of the heat exchanger.

[0046] In defrost mode, the heat pump air conditioning system operates in heat pump heating mode, transferring the waste heat from the battery system and motor system to the indoor evaporator through the heat exchange plate. The frost layer melts, and dust and other debris are collected outside the cabin with the water flow. The indoor evaporator is then sterilized through high-temperature drying.

[0047] See also Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system for an electric vehicle with a self-cleaning function is provided, comprising a coolant circuit, a self-cleaning circuit, and a plate heat exchanger; the self-cleaning circuit and the coolant circuit exchange energy through the plate heat exchanger;

[0048] The self-cleaning circuit includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 15, an evaporator 14, an indoor condenser 9, an outdoor condenser 17 and a gas-liquid separator 2; the outlet side of the compressor 1 is divided into two paths, one path is connected to the first port of the four-way valve 15, and the second and third ports of the four-way valve 15 are respectively connected to one end of the evaporator 14 and the indoor condenser 9; the other ends connected to the evaporator 14 and the indoor condenser 9 are both connected to one end of the outdoor condenser 17, and the other end of the outdoor condenser 17 is connected to the other path of the compressor 1 outlet; the fourth port of the four-way valve 15 is connected to the first inlet of the plate heat exchanger, and the first outlet of the plate heat exchanger is connected to the compressor 1 through the gas-liquid separator 2; the end of the outdoor condenser 17 close to the compressor 1 is connected to the first inlet of the plate heat exchanger.

[0049] A first electronic expansion valve 13 and a second electronic expansion valve 10 are respectively provided between the evaporator 14 and the indoor condenser 9 and the outdoor condenser 17 .

[0050] The indoor condenser 9 and the indoor evaporator 14 are arranged in an integrated manner, and the fan is arranged after the indoor evaporator and the indoor condenser. When the fan is working, the air passes through the condenser or the evaporator and then flows into the cabin.

[0051] The coolant circuit includes a water pump 7, a power battery pack 6, a motor 5 and a radiator 3; the outlet of the water pump 7 is connected to the heat dissipation unit of the power battery pack 6 and the motor 5 through a pipeline, the heat dissipation structure is connected to the inlet of the radiator 3 through a pipeline, the outlet of the radiator 3 is connected to the second inlet of the plate heat exchanger, and the second outlet of the plate heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the water pump 7.

[0052] A dust detection sensor is provided on the indoor evaporator, and the dust detection sensor is connected to the vehicle controller.

[0053] This embodiment can simply connect the vehicle air-conditioning system and the heat pump system in series to the coolant circuit through the adjustment of the four-way valve. The cooled frost layer covers dust and other debris, and the high temperature melts the frost layer so that the dust and debris are collected outside the cabin with the water flow, thereby realizing the self-cleaning function of the air-conditioning system; and then the indoor evaporator is sterilized through high-temperature drying.

[0054] The above is an embodiment of the device of the present invention, which can be used to execute the method embodiment of the present invention. For details not disclosed in the device embodiment, please refer to the method embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The dust detection sensor detects dust on the indoor evaporator. If the dust threshold is greater than the dust threshold, it further determines whether the battery temperature is higher than the preset temperature. If the temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the vehicle controller controls the heat pump air conditioning system to operate in cooling mode.

[0056] The moisture in the cabin air condenses in the form of water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator. The compressor then operates at high power to increase the cooling capacity, causing the water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator to condense into frost. The frost layer combines with the dust on the surface of the heat exchanger.

[0057] Then, the heat pump air-conditioning system operates in heat pump heating mode, transferring the waste heat of the power battery pack and the motor to the indoor evaporator through the heat exchange plate. The frost layer melts, and the dust and debris are collected outside the cabin with the water flow, completing self-cleaning. The indoor evaporator is then sterilized through high-temperature drying.

[0058] The present invention can simply connect the vehicle air-conditioning system and the heat pump system in series to the coolant circuit through the adjustment of the four-way valve. By judging the dust threshold, the cooled frost layer covers the dust and other debris, and then the frost layer is melted at high temperature so that the dust and debris are collected outside the cabin with the water flow, thereby realizing the self-cleaning function of the air-conditioning system; and then the indoor evaporator is sterilized through high-temperature drying.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, ordinary technicians in the field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the present invention can still be modified or replaced by equivalents. Any modification or equivalent replacement that does not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle heat pump system with a self-cleaning function, characterized in that: It includes a cooling liquid circuit, a self-cleaning circuit and a heat exchanger (8); the self-cleaning circuit and the cooling liquid circuit exchange energy through the heat exchanger; The self-cleaning circuit comprises a compressor (1), a four-way valve (15), an indoor evaporator (14), an indoor condenser (9), an outdoor condenser (17) and a gas-liquid separator (2); the outlet side of the compressor (1) is divided into two paths, one path is connected to the first port of the four-way valve (15), and the second and third ports of the four-way valve (15) are respectively connected to one end of the indoor evaporator (14) and one end of the indoor condenser (9); the other ends of the indoor evaporator (14) and the indoor condenser (9) are both connected to one end of the outdoor condenser (17), and the other end of the outdoor condenser (17) is connected to the other path of the compressor (1) outlet; the fourth port of the four-way valve (15) is connected to the first inlet of the heat exchanger (8), and the first outlet of the heat exchanger (8) is connected to the compressor (1) through the gas-liquid separator (2); the end of the outdoor condenser (17) close to the compressor (1) is communicated with the first inlet of the heat exchanger (8).

2. The electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first electronic expansion valve (13) and a second electronic expansion valve (10) are respectively provided between the indoor evaporator (14) and the indoor condenser (9) and the outdoor condenser (17).

3. The electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fifth check valve (18), a fourth check valve (16), a second check valve (11) and a third check valve (12) are respectively provided between the outlet side of the compressor (1) and the outdoor condenser (17), between the outdoor condenser (17) and the heat exchanger (8), between the indoor condenser (9) and the outdoor condenser (17), and between the indoor evaporator (14) and the outdoor condenser (17).

4. The electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The indoor condenser (9) and the indoor evaporator (14) are arranged in an integrated manner, and the fan is arranged behind the indoor evaporator and the indoor condenser. When the fan is working, the air passes through the indoor condenser (9) or the indoor evaporator (14) and then flows into the cabin.

5. The electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coolant circuit comprises a water pump (7), a power battery pack (6), a motor (5) and a radiator (3); the outlet of the water pump (7) is connected to the heat dissipation units of the power battery pack (6) and the motor (5) through a pipeline, the heat dissipation structure is connected to the inlet of the radiator (3) through a pipeline, the outlet of the radiator (3) is connected to the second inlet of the heat exchanger (8), and the second outlet of the heat exchanger (8) is connected to the inlet of the water pump (7).

6. The electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first check valve (4) is provided between the heat dissipation structure and the inlet of the radiator (3).

7. The electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A dust detection sensor is provided on the indoor evaporator, and the dust detection sensor is connected to the vehicle controller.

8. The electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger (8) is a plate heat exchanger.

9. A self-cleaning method for an electric vehicle heat pump system with a self-cleaning function, characterized in that: The electric vehicle heat pump system with a self-cleaning function according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises the following steps: The dust detection sensor detects dust on the indoor evaporator. If the dust threshold is greater than the dust threshold, it further determines whether the battery temperature is higher than the preset temperature. If the temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the vehicle controller controls the heat pump air conditioning system to operate in cooling mode. The moisture in the cabin air condenses in the form of water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator. The compressor then operates at high power to increase the cooling capacity, causing the water droplets on the surface of the indoor evaporator to condense into frost. The frost layer combines with the dust on the surface of the indoor evaporator. Then, the heat pump air-conditioning system operates in heat pump heating mode, transferring the waste heat of the power battery pack and the motor to the indoor evaporator through the heat exchange plate. The frost layer melts, and the dust and debris are collected outside the cabin with the water flow, completing self-cleaning. The indoor evaporator is then sterilized through high-temperature drying.

10. The self-cleaning method of the electric vehicle heat pump system with self-cleaning function according to claim 9, characterized in that: The hot air from the high-temperature drying is led outside through the exhaust device.

Images