Heat treatment system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A heat treatment system (1) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one refrigerant fluid circuit (3) and at least one heat transfer fluid circuit (2), the heat transfer fluid circuit (2) comprising at least one main radiator (22) arranged on the front of the vehicle, the refrigerant fluid circuit (3) comprising at least one compression device (31), an expansion member (32), a first heat exchanger (33), a second heat exchanger (34), a third heat exchanger (35) and a fourth heat exchanger (36), the second heat exchanger (34) and the third heat exchanger (35) being arranged in the refrigerant fluid circuit (3) between the outlet of the compression device (31) and the inlet of the expansion device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat transfer fluid circuits working with refrigerant circuits. The subject of the invention is a temperature management system comprising at least a heat transfer fluid circuit and a refrigerant circuit. BACKGROUND

[0002] The refrigerant circuit is generally associated with a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning device of a vehicle for managing the temperature of an air flow flowing to the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle. In particular, by means of a change of state of the refrigerant, such a circuit allows the air flow fed to the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning device to be heated and / or cooled.

[0003] Such a temperature management system is generally integrated in a vehicle having an electric powertrain, i.e. in which the powertrain comprises a motor operating at least partly by means of electrical energy provided by one or more electrical storage devices on board the vehicle. Since all these elements cannot withstand excessive temperature variations, the temperature management system ensures thermal regulation, more particularly cooling, of said elements.

[0004] These temperature management systems are generally arranged at least partly at the front end of the vehicle. More particularly, these temperature management systems generally comprise at least one heat exchanger arranged at this front end. This reduction in size of the heat exchanger is accompanied by a loss of efficiency of the temperature management system, and therefore of its ability to cool the various electrical elements mentioned above, when it comes to limiting the size of the devices arranged at the front end.

[0005] In order to optimize the performance of the refrigerant circuit, it is known to incorporate at least one heat exchanger configured to allow overcooling of the refrigerant by means of heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid circulating in a heat transfer fluid circuit. The conventional architecture of such a circuit generally comprises a radiator arranged at the front end of the vehicle downstream of the heat exchanger according to the direction of circulation of the air flow through the heat exchanger.

[0006] However, it can be necessary to reverse this architecture so that the radiator is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger according to the direction of circulation of the outside air flow through the radiator and the heat exchanger from the interior of the vehicle. One drawback of this architecture is that the heat exchanger cannot ensure overcooling of the refrigerant after its condensation phase, thereby further reducing the performance of the temperature management system.

[0007] This loss of performance is particularly noticeable when the electrical storage devices of the vehicle are used in such a way that they become significantly hot, for example during a fast charging phase of the storage devices. Fast charging consists in charging the electrical storage devices at a high voltage and current in order to charge the electrical storage devices in a short time of the order of a few tens of minutes. This fast charging causes the electrical storage devices to become hot to a greater extent than that observed during normal operation of the storage devices, and therefore needs to be managed.

[0008] Moreover, during the fast charging phase, it can be necessary to maintain an acceptable thermal comfort level inside the vehicle interior, which means that the refrigerant circuit can need to be able to manage both the interior temperature and the temperature of the storage means at the same time. This requirement means that the performance of the temperature management system requires the size of the heat exchangers of the system, in particular the front end, to be incompatible to some extent with the front end size limitations imposed on today's motor vehicles, in particular those driven by electric motors. SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention is of this kind and aims to solve these different drawbacks by proposing a temperature management system for a vehicle comprising at least a refrigerant circuit and at least a heat transfer fluid circuit:

[0010] - the refrigerant circuit comprising at least a compression device, an expansion member, a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and an outside air flow of the vehicle interior, a second heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit, and a fourth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and an inside air flow of the vehicle interior;

[0011] - the heat transfer fluid circuit comprising on a main line the second heat exchanger and at least a main radiator configured to exchange heat between the outside air flow of the vehicle interior and the heat transfer fluid.

[0012] The management system is characterized in that the refrigerant circuit comprises a third heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside air flow or between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, and in that the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are arranged in the refrigerant circuit between the outlet of the compression device and the inlet of the expansion device.

[0013] The refrigerant circuit of the temperature management system according to the invention is configured to operate alternately in a heat pump mode in order to heat the inside air flow before it is sent into the vehicle interior, or in an air conditioning mode in order to cool the inside air flow before it is sent into the vehicle interior.

[0014] Depending on the operating mode of the circuit of the temperature management system, the first heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger can thus be configured to operate as a condenser or as an evaporator with respect to the refrigerant.

[0015] Moreover, in order to optimize the efficiency of the temperature management system, at least one heat exchanger can be configured to ensure subcooling of the refrigerant in liquid state. By "subcooling" is meant a reduction in the temperature of the refrigerant below its condensation temperature.

[0016] Advantageously, in the present invention, at least the second heat exchanger and / or the third heat exchanger are configured to ensure subcooling of the refrigerant circulating in the circuit.

[0017] According to the application, the second heat exchanger and the main radiator are arranged in the main line of the heat transfer fluid circuit, so that the main radiator releases the thermal energy captured by the second heat exchanger into the external air flow.

[0018] In other words, in the heat transfer fluid circuit, the second heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the main radiator, according to the direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0019] Thus, the thermal energy captured by the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger is discharged into the external air flow via the main radiator, which ensures that the heat transfer fluid returns to a temperature significantly lower than that of the refrigerant entering the second heat exchanger.

[0020] According to the application, the main radiator is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger, according to the direction of circulation of the external air flow.

[0021] In particular, according to the direction of circulation of the external air flow entering the front end of the vehicle, the main radiator of the heat transfer fluid circuit is arranged directly upstream of the first heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit, so that the air flow heated by heat exchange with the main radiator is sent directly to the first heat exchanger.

[0022] According to the application, the heat transfer fluid circuit is thermally coupled to at least one element of the electric drive train of the vehicle.

[0023] According to another aspect of the application, the refrigerant circuit is a closed circuit comprising at least a main branch on which at least the following are arranged in series: a compression device, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, an expansion member (hereinafter referred to as first expansion member) and a fourth heat exchanger, the refrigerant circuit comprising a second branch extending from a bifurcation point arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger to a convergence point arranged between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger and the inlet of the compression device, the second branch comprising at least an expansion member (referred to as second expansion member) and a fifth heat exchanger thermally coupled to an electric storage device of the vehicle.

[0024] The term "thermally coupled" means that the fifth heat exchanger is configured to allow direct or indirect cooling of the electric storage device. For example, the fifth heat exchanger can be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the electric storage device, the latter being arranged in contact with the fifth heat exchanger. Alternatively, the fifth heat exchanger can be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid included in a second circuit of the temperature management system, the second circuit comprising the electric storage device.

[0025] In this way, the temperature management system can be configured to dissipate the thermal energy generated by at least one element of the drive train and / or the electric storage device, said element being for example a motor operating at least partially on electric energy or an electronic control module controlling the motor.

[0026] It is noted that the qualifiers "first", "second" are intended to distinguish similar elements of the system and do not imply any hierarchy of the components of the temperature management system.

[0027] According to a feature of the application, the refrigerant circuit can comprise a third branch extending between a bifurcation point, hereafter called second bifurcation point, arranged between the outlet of the compression device and the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and a convergence point, hereafter called second convergence point, arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger, the third branch comprising at least one heat exchanger acting as a condenser.

[0028] In particular, the heat exchanger can be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid circulating in a second additional heat transfer fluid circuit. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and an internal air flow to be sent into the vehicle interior, so as to allow temperature management of said internal air flow.

[0029] According to the application, the refrigerant circuit can comprise a fourth branch extending between a bifurcation point, hereafter called third bifurcation point, arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger, and a convergence point, hereafter called third convergence point, arranged between the outlet of the compression device and the inlet of the first heat exchanger, the fourth branch comprising at least an expansion member, hereafter called third expansion member.

[0030] According to a feature of the application, the refrigerant circuit can comprise a fifth branch extending between a bifurcation point, hereafter called fourth bifurcation point, arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the third heat exchanger, and a convergence point, hereafter called fourth convergence point, arranged between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger and the inlet of the compression device.

[0031] According to the application, the temperature management system can further comprise an internal heat exchanger arranged between two separate portions of the refrigerant circuit, in particular a first portion between the outlet of the compression device and the inlet of the first expansion member, in which the refrigerant is at a high pressure, and a second portion of the refrigerant circuit between the outlet of the first expansion member and the inlet of the compression device, in which the refrigerant is at a low pressure lower than the high pressure.

[0032] According to the first, second and third embodiments, the third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and an external air flow of the vehicle interior.

[0033] According to an aspect of these embodiments, the third heat exchanger is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger according to a direction of circulation S3 of the external air flow of the vehicle interior.

[0034] In particular, the third heat exchanger is directly arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger according to the direction of circulation of the external air flow entering the front end of the vehicle, so that the air flow heated by heat exchange with the third heat exchanger is directly sent to the first heat exchanger.

[0035] According to an aspect of the first embodiment, the refrigerant circuit can comprise at least one bottle placed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. Such a bottle ensures that only the liquid fraction of the refrigerant leaving the first heat exchanger is delivered to the second heat exchanger. Thus, when the first heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger can be used as subcoolers of the refrigerant, thereby optimizing the coefficient of performance of the temperature management system.

[0036] According to an aspect of the second embodiment, the refrigerant circuit can comprise at least one bottle integrated in the first heat exchanger. Thus, when the first heat exchanger operates as a condenser, at least one end of said heat exchanger, which is supplied only with liquid refrigerant, can be used as a subcooler of the refrigerant. As a result, the temperature management system ensures three successive subcoolings of the refrigerant, first at the end of the first heat exchanger, second in the second heat exchanger and third in the third heat exchanger, further optimizing the performance of the system without thereby increasing the size of the various heat exchangers arranged in the front end of the vehicle.

[0037] According to a third embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit can comprise a second line branching off from the main line between a branching point arranged between the outlet of the circulation element and the inlet of the main radiator and a connection point arranged between the outlet of the main radiator and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, the second line comprising at least one heat transfer fluid flow control member.

[0038] By way of example, the heat transfer fluid flow control member can be a three-way valve integrated at the branching point. Note that the heat transfer fluid flow control member makes it possible to selectively direct the heat transfer fluid to the main line or to the second line by allowing and prohibiting the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in one or the other of these lines.

[0039] Alternatively, the heat transfer fluid circuit can comprise a plurality of flow control members, for example two two-way valves, one installed in the main line and the other installed in the second line.

[0040] According to a fourth and a fifth embodiment, the third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid.

[0041] According to an aspect of these fourth and fifth embodiments, the heat transfer fluid circuit comprises a branching line comprising at least the third heat exchanger and a secondary radiator configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid and an external air flow, the secondary radiator being arranged upstream of the main radiator according to the direction of circulation S3 of the external air flow inside the vehicle.

[0042] In other words, in the heat transfer fluid circuit according to these embodiments, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are arranged in parallel to each other.

[0043] In particular, according to the flow direction S3 of the external air flow entering the front end of the vehicle, the secondary radiator of the heat transfer fluid circuit is arranged directly upstream of the primary radiator, so that the air flow, heated by the heat exchange with the secondary radiator, is directly sent to the primary radiator and then to the first heat exchanger.

[0044] According to an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the branch line can extend between a separation point arranged between the outlet of the heat transfer fluid flow-through element and the inlet of the primary radiator and a junction point arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the flow-through element.

[0045] In other words, according to the fourth embodiment, a portion of the heat transfer fluid is sent to the primary radiator, while another portion is sent to the secondary radiator, so that the heat transfer fluid flows through the primary radiator and the secondary radiator in parallel and in the same flow-through direction.

[0046] According to an aspect of the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit can comprise a second line branching out from the main line between a separation point arranged between the outlet of the flow-through element and the inlet of the primary radiator and a junction point arranged between the outlet of the primary radiator and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, the second line comprising at least a heat transfer fluid flow control member.

[0047] According to an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the branch line can extend between a separation point arranged between the outlet of the primary radiator and the inlet of the second heat exchanger and a junction point arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the flow-through element.

[0048] In other words, unlike the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment ensures that a portion of the heat transfer fluid flows through the primary radiator and then the secondary radiator in succession, so as to further cool said heat transfer fluid and thus optimize the performance of the temperature management system.

[0049] The application also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one temperature management system as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] Other features, details and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, provided with reference to the various example embodiments illustrated in the following drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 The temperature management systems according to the first and second embodiments are schematically depicted, the temperature management systems comprising at least a refrigerant circuit and a heat transfer fluid circuit;

[0052] Figure 2 schematically depicts Figure 1 a first example of operation of the temperature management system shown, in which the refrigerant circuit is operated in a vehicle interior cooling mode;

[0053] Figure 3 schematically depicts Figure 1 a second example of operation of the temperature management system shown, in which the refrigerant circuit is operated in a mode for cooling an electrical storage device of the vehicle;

[0054] Figure 4 schematically depicts a temperature management system according to a third embodiment;

[0055] Figure 5 shows a temperature management system according to Figure 4 , at a time when it is implementing a first mode of operation, cooling of the vehicle interior;

[0056] Figure 6 shows a temperature management system according to Figure 4 , at a time when it is implementing a third mode of operation, and the refrigerant circuit is being operated in a vehicle interior heating mode;

[0057] Figure 7 schematically depicts a temperature management system according to a fourth embodiment;

[0058] Figure 8 schematically depicts Figure 7 the temperature management system shown in , at a time when it is operating in a vehicle interior cooling mode;

[0059] Figure 9 schematically depicts Figure 7 the temperature management system shown, at a time when the refrigerant circuit is being operated in a vehicle interior heating mode;

[0060] Figure 10 schematically depicts a temperature management system according to a fifth embodiment;

[0061] Figure 11 schematically depicts Figure 10 a first example of operation of the temperature management system shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1A system 1 for the temperature management of various functions of a motor vehicle is schematically depicted, this system comprising at least a vehicle interior heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning device 10, an electrical storage device 11 and at least one element 12 of the electrical drive train of the vehicle. The temperature management system 1 comprises a circuit 2 for a heat transfer fluid, for example glycol water, and a refrigerant circuit 3 in particular for the temperature management of the vehicle interior.

[0063] Throughout the description, the terms "upstream", "downstream", "inlet" and "outlet" refer to the direction of circulation S1 of the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit 2, or to the direction of circulation S2 of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 3, or to the direction of circulation S3 of the outside air flow FA1 of the vehicle interior.

[0064] The refrigerant circuit 3 is constituted by a closed circuit comprising at least a main branch 300 on which are arranged at least a compression device 31 for raising the pressure of the refrigerant and an expansion member 32, called first expansion member 32, for lowering the pressure of the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 3 further comprises at least a first heat exchanger 33 configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside air flow FA1 of the vehicle interior, at least a second heat exchanger 34 configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 2, a third heat exchanger 35 configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside air flow FA1 or between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, and a fourth heat exchanger 36 configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the inside air flow FA2 of the vehicle interior.

[0065] In particular, according to the application, the first heat exchanger 33, the second heat exchanger 34 and the third heat exchanger 35 are arranged in the refrigerant circuit 3 between the outlet of the compression device 31 and the inlet of the first expansion member 32. In the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1 In the first embodiment as shown in Fig. 1, the third heat exchanger 35 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside air flow FA1 and it is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 33 according to the direction of circulation S3 of the outside air flow FA1 of the vehicle interior.

[0066] The heat transfer fluid circuit 2 is constituted by a closed circuit comprising a main line 200 on which are arranged a circulation element 21, such as a pump, for circulating the heat transfer fluid, at least the second heat exchanger 34 and at least a main radiator 22 configured to exchange heat between the outside air flow FA1 of the vehicle interior and the heat transfer fluid. It is noted that the various fluids circulating through the second heat exchanger 34 do not mix and the heat exchange between the two fluids is achieved by conduction.

[0067] Moreover, the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 is thermally coupled to at least one element 12 of the electric transmission train of the vehicle, for example at least one electric motor or a control module controlling said motor, so as to be able to ensure its temperature management, in particular cooling.

[0068] Thus, within the temperature management system 1, the main radiator 22 of the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 and the first heat exchanger 33 of the refrigerant circuit 3 are exposed to the external air flow FA1, according to the application, the main radiator 22 being arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 33 according to the direction of circulation S3 of the external air flow FA1. Advantageously, the main radiator 22 and the first heat exchanger 33 are arranged at the front end of the vehicle. Alternatively, they can also be installed on the roof of the vehicle, in the spoiler, and more generally in any zone of the vehicle where the external air flow FA1 can sweep them.

[0069] Thus, the refrigerant circuit 3 comprises a main branch 300, on which, according to the direction of circulation S2 of the refrigerant, are arranged in succession the compression means 31, the first heat exchanger 33, the second heat exchanger 34, the third heat exchanger 35, the first expansion member 32 and the fourth heat exchanger 36. The refrigerant circulating in a first portion 301 of the refrigerant circuit 3, between the outlet of the compression means 31 and the inlet of the first expansion member 32, is at high pressure, while the refrigerant circulating in a second portion 302 of the circuit, between the outlet of the first expansion member 32 and the inlet of the compression means 31, is at low pressure, lower than the high pressure.

[0070] Advantageously, the refrigerant circuit 3 can comprise at least one bottle 4 between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 33 and the inlet of the second heat exchanger 34. Such a bottle 4 ensures that only the liquid portion of the refrigerant leaving the first heat exchanger 33 is delivered to the second heat exchanger 34, so that the second heat exchanger 34 and / or the third heat exchanger 35 can be used as a subcooler of the refrigerant when the first heat exchanger 33 is used as a condenser.

[0071] Advantageously, the refrigerant circuit 3 of the temperature management system 1 comprises an internal heat exchanger 37. This internal heat exchanger 37 allows the recovery of thermal energy from a portion of the refrigerant circuit 3, in this case the first portion 301, so that it can exchange with another portion of this same circuit, in this case the second portion 302, thus reducing the power consumed by the compression means 31 and increasing the overall performance of the refrigerant circuit 3.

[0072] There is a first duct 3010 of the first portion 301 in which the refrigerant is at high pressure and high temperature, and a second duct 3020 comprised in the second portion 302 in which the refrigerant is at low pressure, lower than the high pressure, and low temperature. In the example shown, the first duct 3010 and the second duct 3020 comprise respectively a first portion 371 and a second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37.

[0073] Since the internal heat exchanger 37 is arranged between the two pipes 3010, 3020, which have a temperature difference between them, it can be understood that the internal heat exchanger 37 thus allows heat exchange between its two portions 371, 372 and therefore between the two pipes 3010, 3020 of the refrigerant circuit 3 in which these portions 371, 372 are arranged. In the example shown, the first portion 371 of the internal heat exchanger 37 is arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger 35 and the inlet of the first expansion member 32, and the second portion 372 of this internal heat exchanger 37 is arranged between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36 and the inlet of the compression device 31, allowing on the one hand to heat the refrigerant upstream of the compression device 31 so that it is in gaseous form only when it reaches the inlet of the compression device 31, and on the other hand to cool the refrigerant upstream of the first expansion member 32, facilitating the pressure drop induced by this expansion member 32. Thus, in the presence of this internal heat exchanger 37, the overall efficiency of the refrigerant circuit 3 is improved.

[0074] The refrigerant circuit 3 comprises a second branch 310 which branches from the main branch 300 and extends between a branching point, called first branching point 311, arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger 35 and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36, and a converging point, called first converging point 312, arranged between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36 and the inlet of the compression device 31.

[0075] According to the direction of circulation S2 of the refrigerant, the second branch 310 comprises in succession an expansion member, called second expansion member 313, and a fifth heat exchanger 314 thermally coupled to an electrical storage device 11 of the vehicle, the electrical storage device 11 being configured to supply electrical power at least to an element 12 of an electric traction chain of said vehicle. Thus, from the point of view of the refrigerant, the fifth heat exchanger 314 is arranged in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 36.

[0076] It is noted that the electrical storage device 11 is arranged close to, or advantageously in thermal contact with, the fifth heat exchanger 314, and that the latter is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant circulating in the second branch 310 and a second heat transfer fluid circuit 5 comprising the electrical storage device 11 and configured to cool it. By way of example, the heat transfer fluid present in this second circuit can circulate through a circulator 51.

[0077] Figure 1A heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning device 10 is also shown, comprising a casing 101 delimiting an internal volume. The internal air flow FA2 is guided through this casing 101 before being sent into the vehicle interior. The casing 101 houses in particular the fourth heat exchanger 36, and can for example house at least one exchanger configured to manage the temperature of the internal air flow sent to the vehicle interior. The heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning device 10 also comprises a fan 102 for activating the internal air flow FA2 in the casing 101, and a mixing or distribution shutter, generally denoted by the reference 103.

[0078] Figure 2 and 3 Examples of different operating modes of the temperature management system 1 as described above, that is to say generated according to the first embodiment, are described. In these figures, the solid lines represent the conduits of the temperature management system 1 in which the refrigerant or the heat transfer fluid circulates, while the dashed lines represent the conduits of the temperature management system 1 in which neither the refrigerant nor the heat transfer fluid circulates. The external air flow FA1 and its direction of circulation S3, the internal air flow FA2, the direction of circulation S1 of the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 and the direction of circulation S2 of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 3 are also schematically shown in each of the figures. The members or means for regulating the flow of the various fluids are shown as solid where they obstruct the circulation of the relevant fluid, and as hollow where they allow said circulation. Figures 1 to 11

[0079] Figure 2 A first example of operation of the temperature management system 1 according to the first embodiment is shown, in which the refrigerant circuit 3 is configured to operate in air conditioning mode, that is to say configured to cool the internal air flow FA2 before it is sent into the vehicle interior.

[0080] In the refrigerant circuit 3, the circulation of the refrigerant is limited in the main branch 300. The refrigerant does not pass through the second branch 310. By way of example, the circulation of the refrigerant can be prevented in said branch by at least the second expansion member 313 and / or a member for regulating the flow of refrigerant, such as a two-way or three-way valve.

[0081] ​The refrigerant leaves the compression device 31 at high pressure, high temperature and in gaseous state, and flows towards the first heat exchanger 33 operating as a condenser. Since the temperature of the refrigerant is higher than the temperature of the external air flow FA1 passing through the first heat exchanger 33, it releases its thermal energy to the external air flow FA1. The so cooled refrigerant leaves the first heat exchanger 33 mainly in liquid state and enters the bottle 4, which is configured to deliver only the liquid portion of the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 34. Thanks to the presence of the bottle 4, the second heat exchanger 34 operates as a subcooler, i.e. it cools the refrigerant flowing in the first passage 341 of the second heat exchanger 34 to a temperature at least lower than its condensation temperature, by means of heat exchange with a colder heat transfer fluid flowing in the second passage 342 of the second heat exchanger 34.

[0082] In particular, it is noted that, in this case, the heat transfer fluid flowing in the second passage 342 of the second heat exchanger 34 comes from the main radiator 22 through which the external air flow FA1 passes first, so that the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is lowered close to the temperature of the external air flow FA1, thus ensuring a first effective subcooling of the refrigerant flowing in the second heat exchanger 34 before being sent to the third heat exchanger 35 for a second subcooling.

[0083] In the third heat exchanger 35, the cooler refrigerant, which is hotter than the external air flow, therefore releases thermal energy to the external air flow and leaves the third heat exchanger 35 at a temperature lower than that observed at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 34.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the third heat exchanger 35 is advantageously arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 33, according to the direction of flow S3 of the external air flow. In this way, the temperature of the external air flow FA1 involved in the heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 35 is lower than the temperature of the external air flow FA1 involved in the heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 33, which has previously been heated. Therefore, the temperature shrinkage between the refrigerant and the external air flow FA1 specific to the first heat exchanger 33 is reduced compared to the temperature shrinkage observed in the third heat exchanger 35. This arrangement helps to increase the capacity of the temperature management system 1, in particular by allowing to reduce the rotation speed of the compression device 31 with the same supply of cold power, which is accompanied by a reduction of the electric power consumption of said device 31 and by a reduction of any noise inside the vehicle that can be caused by a high rotation speed of the compressor.

[0085] The subcooled refrigerant is then sent to the first portion 371 of the internal heat exchanger 37, where, as previously described, it releases thermal energy to the colder refrigerant flowing in the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37. The cooled refrigerant then flows through the first expansion member 32, in which the refrigerant undergoes a pressure drop.

[0086] The low-pressure refrigerant reaches the fourth heat exchanger 36, which acts as an evaporator, where the refrigerant is evaporated by taking heat energy from the internal air flow FA2. The thus cooled internal air flow FA2 is then sent to the vehicle interior, while the refrigerant, when leaving the fourth heat exchanger 36, is heated and at least partially in a gaseous state. The refrigerant then reaches the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37, from which it takes heat energy from the refrigerant circulating in the first portion 371 of the internal heat exchanger 37, before being returned to the compression device 31.

[0087] Alternatively, the refrigerant circuit 3 can comprise an accumulation device (not shown) between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36 and the inlet of the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37, in which the liquid and gaseous phases are separated, so that only the gaseous phase is then sent to the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37, which is then sent again to the compression device 31.

[0088] In the heat transfer fluid circuit 2, the heat transfer fluid circulates through the circulation element 21, takes heat energy from at least one element 12 of the electric vehicle's drive train, and then discharges this heat energy into the external air flow at the main radiator 22. The cooled heat transfer fluid then enters the second heat exchanger 34, where, as mentioned above, it takes heat energy from the refrigerant circulating in the first passage 341 of the second heat exchanger 34.

[0089] The heat transfer fluid leaving the second heat exchanger 34 then returns to the circulation element 21, the second heat exchanger 34 and the main radiator 22 thus being arranged in the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 so that, from one cycle to the other, the main radiator 22 discharges the heat energy taken by the second heat exchanger 34 as well as the heat energy taken by the elements 12 of the electric drive train into the external air flow FA1.

[0090] Figure 3 A second example of operation of the temperature management system 1 is shown. This second example of operation is substantially similar to the above-described example of operation, in which the refrigerant circuit 3 operates in air conditioning mode, therefore reference is made to the above description of the elements given with reference to the first example of operation. Figure 2 The description given of these elements can be transposed to the present example of operation. This second example of operation differs from the first example of operation in that the temperature management system 1 is configured to manage the temperature of the electric storage device 11, while managing the temperature of the vehicle interior. To this end, the second branch 310 of the refrigerant circuit 3 is also crossed by the refrigerant. In other words, the secondary second expansion member 313 allows the refrigerant to circulate in said second branch 310.

[0091] Thus, when the refrigerant reaches the first bifurcation point 311, a portion of the refrigerant is directed to the first expansion member 32 and to the fourth heat exchanger 36, as described with reference to the first example of operation. Figure 2Said another portion of the refrigerant is guided to a second expansion means 313 of the second branch 310, where its pressure is reduced before reaching a fifth heat exchanger 314. In the fifth heat exchanger 314, the refrigerant flowing in a first passage 3141 of the fifth heat exchanger 314 extracts thermal energy from a heat transfer fluid flowing in a second passage 3142 of the fifth heat exchanger 314, which is hotter than the refrigerant.

[0092] The refrigerant leaves the fifth heat exchanger 314 and reaches the first converging point 312, being thus guided to the compression means 31. At the same time, the heat transfer fluid, which has been cooled in the fifth heat exchanger 314, flows in the second heat transfer fluid circuit 5, cooling the electrical storage means 11.

[0093] This operating mode can be implemented in particular during the fast charging phase of the electrical storage means 11, so that it does not heat up too much, the temperature management system 1 thus ensuring at the same time the temperature management of said electrical storage means 11 and maintaining an acceptable level of thermal comfort inside the vehicle interior.

[0094] According to a second embodiment, substantially identical to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 The temperature management system 1 can be configured so that the bottle is integrated in the first heat exchanger 33 and is not arranged between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 33 and the inlet of the second heat exchanger 34. This alternative is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 by the bottle 4' in the first heat exchanger 33, shown in dashed line.

[0095] With this arrangement, the end 38 of the first heat exchanger 33, comprising the outlet of the first heat exchanger 33, is supplied with liquid refrigerant only by the bottle 4'. From this architecture it can be derived that, when the refrigerant circuit 3 of the temperature management system 1 operates in an air conditioning mode, substantially identical to the mode described with reference to Figure 2 above, or in a mode combining air conditioning with temperature management of the electrical storage means 11, as described above with reference to Figure 3 the first part of the first heat exchanger 33 operates as a condenser, while the end 38 operates as a subcooler.

[0096] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing in the temperature management system 1 is subcooled three times in succession in the first heat exchanger 33, the second heat exchanger 34 and the third heat exchanger 35, respectively, and the thermal demand of the temperature management system 1 can be reduced.

[0097] Figures 4 to 6 A third embodiment of the temperature management system 1 is illustrated. In the temperature management system 1 as Figure 6 illustrated, the main branch 300 and the second branch 310 of the refrigerant circuit 3 and the various components they comprise are substantially identical to those described with reference to the first embodiment.Figures 1 to 3 The detailed description is identical, except that the refrigerant circuit 3 does not have the bottle 4.

[0098] Similarly to what described above, the refrigerant circuit 3 can comprise an accumulation device (not shown) located between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36 and the inlet of the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37, in which the liquid and gaseous phases are separated, so that only the gaseous phase is then sent to the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37 and then again to the compression device 31.

[0099] The refrigerant circuit 3 comprises a third branch 320 extending between a bifurcation point (hereinafter referred to as second bifurcation point 321) arranged between the outlet of the compression device 31 and the inlet of the first heat exchanger 33 and a convergence point (hereinafter referred to as second convergence point 322) arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger 35 and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36. The third branch 320 comprises at least one heat exchanger 323 configured to act at least as a condenser. By way of example, the heat exchanger 323 can exchange heat between the refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid or between the refrigerant and an air flow to be sent to the vehicle interior.

[0100] The third branch 320 notably allows the fourth heat exchanger 36 to be bypassed, such a bypass being notably able to be implemented when the circuit is operated in heating mode, in order to send a flow of hot air into the vehicle interior. To this end, the third branch 320 can comprise means 324 for regulating the flow rate of refrigerant, for example a double-pass valve, configured to direct the refrigerant to the main branch 300 or to the third branch 320.

[0101] The refrigerant circuit 3 also comprises a fourth branch 330 extending between a bifurcation point (hereinafter referred to as third bifurcation point 331) arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger 35 and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36 and a convergence point (hereinafter referred to as third convergence point 332) arranged between the outlet of the compression device 31 and the inlet of the first heat exchanger 33. The fourth branch 330 comprises at least one expansion means, referred to as third expansion means 333.

[0102] Finally, the refrigerant circuit 3 comprises a fifth branch 360 extending between a bifurcation point (hereinafter referred to as fourth bifurcation point 361) arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the third heat exchanger 35 and a convergence point (hereinafter referred to as fourth convergence point 362) arranged between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36 and the inlet of the compression device 31. The fifth branch 360 also contributes to bypassing the fourth heat exchanger 36, in particular when the refrigerant circuit 3 is operated in heating mode, as described below. In particular, the fifth branch 360 can comprise at least means 363 for regulating the flow rate of refrigerant, for example a double-pass valve, configured to direct the refrigerant to the main branch 300 or to the fifth branch 360.

[0103] The heat transfer fluid circuit 2 of the temperature management system 1 differs from the first and second embodiments in that, in addition to the main line 200, it comprises a second line 210 branching off from said main line 200. The second line 210 extends between a branching point 201 arranged between the outlet of the flow-through element 21 and the inlet of the main heat sink 22 and a connection point 202 arranged between the outlet of the main heat sink 22 and the inlet of the second heat exchanger 34. The second line 210 comprises at least one heat transfer fluid flow control member 23 configured to selectively direct the heat transfer fluid to the main line 200 and / or to the second line 210. In the example shown, the control device 23 is a three-way valve arranged at the branching point 201. Alternatively, the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 can comprise two heat transfer fluid flow control members 23 arranged in the main line 200 and in the second line 210, for example two two-way valves.

[0104] Figure 5 A third embodiment is shown, this time when it is operating according to a first operating mode of the temperature management system 1, i.e. when the refrigerant circuit 3 is configured to operate in air conditioning mode. In this operating mode, the refrigerant flow-through in the refrigerant circuit 3 is identical to that in the first and second operating modes, therefore reference is made to the description above. Figure 2 The description provided above can be transposed to the present embodiment and the flow-through of the refrigerant is restricted to the main branch 300. The refrigerant does not pass through the second branch 310, the third branch 320, the fourth branch and the fifth branch, as the flow-through of the refrigerant through said branches can be impeded by at least one of the expansion members 313, 333 and / or one of the members or devices 324, 353 for regulating the flow of the refrigerant circuit 3 comprised in the respective branch.

[0105] For example, when the refrigerant reaches the second bifurcation point 321, the combination of the closing of the third regulating member 324 of the third branch 320 and the opening of the regulating member 39 of the main branch 300 prevents the flow-through of the refrigerant in the third branch 320. As a result, the refrigerant flows through in the main branch 300 towards the first heat exchanger 33 operating as a condenser. Similarly, when the liquid refrigerant leaving the second heat exchanger 34 passes through the fourth bifurcation point 361, the closing of the flow regulating device 353 of the fifth branch 360 sends the refrigerant to the third heat exchanger 35. The same applies to the refrigerant leaving the third heat exchanger 35, which, when it passes through the third bifurcation point 331, remains on the main branch due to the closing of the third expansion member 333.

[0106] In the heat transfer fluid circuit 2, the control member 23 prevents the flow-through of the heat transfer fluid in the second line 210, so that the heat transfer fluid flows through in the main line 200 along the same path as described above with reference to the first and second embodiments. Figure 2

[0107] ​It is noted that the present embodiment can also implement a second operating mode, ensuring simultaneous temperature management of the vehicle interior and of the electrical storage device 11, as described above with reference to Figure 3 The description provided above can be transposed to the present alternative.

[0108] Figure 6 A third operating mode of the temperature management system 1 according to the third embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 3 is shown, wherein the refrigerant circuit 3 is operated in a vehicle interior heating mode. Figure 4

[0109] In this third operating example, the second branch 310 of the refrigerant circuit 3, which is thermally coupled to the electrical storage device 11, is not crossed by the refrigerant.

[0110] The refrigerant leaves the compression device 31 in a gaseous, high-pressure and high-temperature state and flows towards a second diverging point 321. The regulating member 39 comprised in the main branch 300 is closed, while a regulating member 324 comprised in the third branch 320 is open. The compressed refrigerant is thus diverted from the main branch 300 and sent to the third branch 320, thereby bypassing the first heat exchanger 33.

[0111] The refrigerant is then sent back to the main branch 300 at a second converging point 322 before passing through a first portion 371 of the interior heat exchanger 37, which operates in the same way as described above. The refrigerant leaves the interior heat exchanger 37 in an at least partially liquid state and circulates on the main branch 300 until a third diverging point 331, at which the refrigerant is sent to the fourth branch 330 due to the opening of a third expansion member 333.

[0112] Advantageously, the main branch 300 can further comprise at least one check valve 391 arranged between the outlet of the third heat exchanger 35 and the third diverging point 331 and configured to prevent the circulation of the refrigerant in the main branch 300 when the refrigerant is sent to the fourth branch 330.

[0113] The refrigerant passes through the third expansion member 333, wherein the refrigerant undergoes an expansion and exits in a two-phase state. This expanded refrigerant then passes through a third converging point 332 before entering the first heat exchanger 33, which operates as an evaporator and is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the flow of external air FA1 of the vehicle interior.

[0114] ​By way of example, the refrigerant entering the first heat exchanger 33 can have a temperature of about -30°C, while the external air flow FA1 has a higher temperature, for example of about -20°C to -5°C. Moreover, when the refrigerant circuit 3 is operating in heating mode, since the main radiator 22 is stopped, the external air flow FA1 involved in the heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 33 is not pre-heated by passing through the main radiator 22. Therefore, the external air flow FA1 releases its thermal energy to the colder refrigerant circulating in the first heat exchanger 33, in order to evaporate it.

[0115] It is also noted that, when the external air flow FA1 is at such a temperature, it can directly cool the electric storage device 11 and / or at least one element 12 of the electric transmission train.

[0116] The refrigerant leaves the first heat exchanger 33 in at least partial gaseous state and is sent to the second heat exchanger, where it undergoes a second evaporation. In particular, according to the third operating mode, the second heat exchanger can be configured to operate as a second evaporator. Therefore, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second passage 342 of the second heat exchanger 22 releases thermal energy to the refrigerant circulating in the first passage 341 of the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant is thus heated and in substantially gaseous state, then circulates to the fourth bifurcation point 361 of the refrigerant circuit 3. Since the device 363 for regulating the flow of refrigerant of the fifth branch 360 is open, the refrigerant bypasses the third heat exchanger 35 and is sent to the fifth branch 360 in the direction of the fourth convergence point 362 and of the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37.

[0117] In the heat transfer fluid circuit, the main radiator 22 does not operate. The heat transfer fluid circulates in the circuit 2 up to the control member 23 arranged at the bifurcation point 201. This is selectively opened in order to prevent the circulation of the heat transfer fluid towards the main radiator 22 and to allow it to circulate in the second line 210. At the connection point 202, the heat transfer fluid returns to the main line 200 in the direction of the second heat exchanger 34, which, as mentioned above, operates as an evaporator with respect to the refrigerant circulating in the circuit 3. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the second passage 342 of the second heat exchanger 34 is colder than the refrigerant and releases thermal energy to the latter. The heat transfer fluid thus cooled is sent back to the circulation element 21 and then to at least one element 12 of the transmission train, which can thus be advantageously cooled.

[0118] Advantageously, with reference to the first and second embodiments described, the third branch and / or the fourth branch and / or the fifth branch can be replaced by a further branch, in which the heat transfer fluid circulates in the direction of the main radiator 22, which operates as a condenser with respect to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 2. Figures 1 to 4 The first and second embodiments described can also comprise, with reference to the third branch and / or the fourth branch and / or the fifth branch, the features and elements associated with these branches can be transposed to the first and second embodiments, according to alternative embodiments. Figures 4 to 6 The third branch and / or the fourth branch and / or the fifth branch described can also be replaced by a further branch, in which the heat transfer fluid circulates in the direction of the main radiator 22, which operates as a condenser with respect to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 2.

[0119] Figures 7 to 11Two embodiments of the temperature management system 1 are shown, in which the third heat exchanger 35 exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating in the circuit 3 and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 2. Unlike the third heat exchanger 35 as previously described, i.e. exchanging heat between the external air flow FA1 and the refrigerant, the third heat exchanger 35 according to the present embodiments does not necessarily have to be located in the circulation area of the external air flow FA1, for example at the front end. Furthermore, such a third heat exchanger 35 can advantageously be arranged at a distance from the first heat exchanger 33, thus facilitating its installation inside the vehicle and limiting the volume generated by the temperature management system 1 at the front end of the vehicle. Furthermore, such a third heat exchanger 35 can have a smaller size than the third heat exchanger 35 described with reference to the first three embodiments, while still having a similar cooling capacity.

[0120] Figure 7 A fourth embodiment of the application is shown, the refrigerant circuit 3 of which is substantially identical to that explained above with respect to the third embodiment. With reference to Figures 4 to 6 The description provided in relation to the circuit can thus be transposed to the present embodiment.

[0121] As mentioned above, the refrigerant circuit 3 can comprise an accumulation device 6 between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 36 and the inlet of the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37.

[0122] Similarly to the description provided with reference to Figures 4 to 6 As explained with respect to the third embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 comprises a main line 200 on which are arranged the heat transfer fluid circulation element 21, the main radiator 22 and the second heat exchanger 34. The heat transfer fluid circuit 2 comprises a second line 210 branching from the main line 200 between the branching point 201 and the connection point 202 as previously described. This second line 210 can comprise at least the heat transfer fluid flow control member 23.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit 2 comprises a branch line 220 comprising at least the third heat exchanger 35 and the secondary radiator 24, which is configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid and the external air flow FA1 of the vehicle interior. According to the circulation direction S3 of the external air flow FA1 of the vehicle interior, the secondary radiator 24 is in particular arranged upstream of the main radiator 22, so that at the front end of the vehicle, according to the circulation direction S3 of the external air flow, there is successively the secondary radiator 24, then the main radiator 22 and then the first heat exchanger 33.

[0124] The branch line 220 extends between a separation point 221 arranged between the outlet of the heat transfer fluid flow-through element 21 and the inlet of the main heat sink 22 and a junction point 222 arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the flow-through element 21. The branch line 220 advantageously allows the heat transfer fluid to flow through in parallel, on the one hand in the main heat sink 22 and then in the second heat exchanger 34, and on the other hand in the secondary heat sink 24 and the third heat exchanger 35, simultaneously.

[0125] Figure 8 The temperature management system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is shown, this time it is operating according to the first operating mode, i.e. when the refrigerant circuit 3 is configured to operate in air conditioning mode.

[0126] In the refrigerant circuit 3, the flow-through of the refrigerant is limited to the main branch 300 of the circuit 3, so the path of the refrigerant is substantially the same as explained above with respect to the first embodiment. Reference is made to Figure 2 or to Figure 5 The description provided can thus be transposed to the present embodiment, except that in the present embodiment, the temperature management system can not have a bottle, or alternatively, the bottle 4 can be arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the third heat exchanger 35, for example downstream of the fourth bifurcation point 361 according to the flow-through direction of the refrigerant in the circuit 3. With this architecture, as explained above, only the third heat exchanger 35 operates as a subcooler, and not at least the second heat exchanger 34 and the third heat exchanger 35.

[0127] It is noted that, in order to simultaneously ensure temperature management of the vehicle interior and temperature management of the electrical storage device 11, the present embodiment can also implement the second operating mode, as explained above with respect to Figure 3 the description provided with respect to Figure 3 the second branch 310 can be transposed to the present embodiment.

[0128] In the heat transfer fluid circuit 2, the heat transfer fluid flows through in the main line 200 until the control member 23 arranged at the branch point 201. This is selectively opened in order to block the flow-through of the heat transfer fluid towards the second line 210 and send the heat transfer fluid to the main heat sink 22. At the separation point 221, the heat transfer fluid is divided into two parts. A first part 301 of the heat transfer fluid is sent on the branch line 220 to the secondary heat sink 24, while a second part remains on the main line 200 and flows through in the direction of the main heat sink 22.

[0129] On the main line 200, the heat transfer fluid enters the main radiator 22 and releases heat into the external airflow. Advantageously, the main radiator 22 is arranged in the loop 2 to discharge heat acquired in at least one element 12 of the drive system into the external airflow FA1. The heat transfer fluid then flows in the second channel 342 of the second heat exchanger 34, where it acquires heat from the hotter refrigerant flowing in the first channel 341 of the second heat exchanger 34. The heat transfer fluid then returns to the flow element 21.

[0130] In branch line 220, the heat transfer fluid flowing in the auxiliary radiator 24 is hotter than the external airflow FA1, releasing heat energy to the latter. The auxiliary radiator 24 is arranged in the loop to discharge heat energy acquired in at least one element 12 of the drivetrain into the external airflow FA1. The auxiliary radiator 24 is advantageously arranged to allow heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the entire external airflow FA1, thus providing good heat exchange efficiency, and the temperature of the heat transfer fluid can be reduced to near the temperature of the external airflow FA1. The thus cooled heat transfer fluid is sent to a third heat exchanger 35, which acts as a subcooler, while the heated external airflow FA1 flows through the main radiator 22, as described above. The heat transfer fluid flowing in the second passage 352 of the third heat exchanger 35 acquires heat energy from the refrigerant flowing in the first passage 351 of the third heat exchanger 35, which is hotter and comes from the second heat exchanger 34, and reduces the temperature of the refrigerant to near the temperature of the external airflow FA1 reaching the front of the vehicle.

[0131] The heat transfer fluid from the secondary radiator 24 is thus advantageously reduced to a temperature close to that of the external airflow. Therefore, this architecture of the temperature management system 1 advantageously reduces the temperature contraction of the third exchanger 35, thereby increasing the system's heat capacity.

[0132] Figure 9 A temperature management system 1 according to a fourth embodiment is shown, in which it is implementing a third operating mode, i.e., when the refrigerant circuit 3 is configured to operate in heating mode. The path of the refrigerant in the circuit is similar to the description above regarding the third embodiment, therefore referring to... Figure 6 The provided description can be applied to this embodiment.

[0133] In heat transfer fluid loop 2, as referenced Figure 6 The control component 23 prevents the heat transfer fluid from flowing to the main radiator 22. In this embodiment, the flow to the secondary radiator 24 is also blocked, so the main radiator 22 and the secondary radiator 24 are not functioning.

[0134] Thus, at the branching point 201, the heat transfer fluid is sent to the second line 210 before being returned to the main line 200 upstream of the second heat exchanger 34, according to the flow direction S1 of the heat transfer fluid in the circuit. As mentioned above, the heat transfer fluid, which is hotter than the refrigerant flowing in the first passage 341 of the second heat exchanger 34, releases thermal energy to the latter to vaporize it. The heat transfer fluid thus leaves the second heat exchanger 34, cooled before being sent back to the flow element 21 and to at least one element 12 of the drive train in order to cool it.

[0135] Figure 10 A fifth embodiment of the application is illustrated, in which a third heat exchanger 35 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing in the circuit and the heat transfer fluid flowing in the circuit. In this embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 3 is substantially identical to that described above with reference to the third and fourth embodiments. Reference is made to Figure 4 and 7 The description provided in relation to the circuit can thus be transposed to this embodiment. This embodiment makes it possible to further reduce the temperature pinch between the heat transfer fluid at the outlet of the secondary radiator 24 and the external air flow FA1, and thus to improve the thermal performance of the temperature management system 1.

[0136] As for the fourth embodiment, the temperature management system can be devoid of a bottle, as currently illustrated, or can comprise a bottle 4 arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the third heat exchanger 35. The same applies for the accumulator arranged upstream of the second portion 372 of the internal heat exchanger 37 according to the flow direction S2 of the refrigerant in the circuit 3, as described above.

[0137] Furthermore, the fifth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that there is no second line 210, and in the arrangement of the branching line 220 in the heat transfer fluid circuit 2. According to this fifth embodiment, the branching line 220 can extend between a separation point 221, which is this time arranged between the outlet of the main radiator and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and a junction point 222 arranged between the outlet of the second heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the flow element 21, as described above. Similarly to the fourth embodiment, the branching line 220 comprises at least the third heat exchanger 35 and the secondary radiator 24, which is configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid and the external air flow, the secondary radiator 24 being arranged upstream of the main radiator 22 according to the flow direction S3 of the external air flow in the vehicle interior. As described above with reference to the fourth embodiment, the secondary radiator 24 is advantageously arranged to allow heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the entire external air flow FA1, it thus provides good heat exchange efficiency and allows the temperature of the heat transfer fluid to decrease close to the temperature of the external air flow FA1.

[0138] Figure 11The temperature management system 1 according to the fifth embodiment is shown, this time while it is implementing the first operating mode, i.e. when the refrigerant circuit 3 is configured to operate in air conditioning mode.

[0139] In the refrigerant circuit 3, the circulation of refrigerant is limited to the main branch 300, the path of the refrigerant being substantially identical to that explained above in relation to the third or fourth embodiments, and therefore, apart from the presence or location of the bottle, reference is made to the description provided above. Figure 5 and Figure 8 The description provided above can be transposed to this mode.

[0140] Note that, in order to simultaneously ensure temperature management of the vehicle interior and temperature management of the electrical storage device 11, this embodiment can also implement the second operating mode as described above, reference being made to the description provided above. Figure 3 The description provided above of the refrigerant path is therefore also applicable to this embodiment.

[0141] In the heat transfer fluid circuit 2, the heat transfer fluid circulates in the main line 200 up to the main radiator 22, where the heat transfer fluid discharges thermal energy into a flow of cooler outside air. The heat transfer fluid thus cooled leaves the main radiator 22 and circulates in the main line 200 up to the separation point 221. There, a first portion of the heat transfer fluid is sent to the second heat exchanger 34, while a second portion of the heat transfer fluid is sent in the branch line 220 to the auxiliary radiator 24 to be cooled a second time.

[0142] As described above in relation to Figure 8 In the second heat exchanger 34, the heat transfer fluid acquires thermal energy from the hotter refrigerant circulating in the first passage 341 of the second heat exchanger 34. This heat transfer fluid then returns to the circulation element 21, for example in order to cool at least one element 12 of the drive train.

[0143] In the branch line 220, the second portion of the heat transfer fluid previously cooled in the main radiator 22 enters the auxiliary radiator 24. The heat transfer fluid releases thermal energy to a flow of cooler outside air and leaves the auxiliary radiator 24 at a temperature lower than that observed at the outlet of the main radiator 22 and close to that of the outside air flow FA1. This heat transfer fluid is then sent to the second passage 352 of the third heat exchanger 35, which acts as a subcooler, in which the heat transfer fluid acquires thermal energy from the hotter refrigerant coming from the second heat exchanger 34. The temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the first passage 351 of the third heat exchanger 35 is thus reduced to close to the temperature of the outside air flow FA1. The heat transfer fluid then circulates in the main line 200, thereby allowing in particular the cooling of at least one element 12 of the electrical drive train.

[0144] This architecture of the temperature management system 1 ensures that the second portion of heat transfer fluid is cooled twice in succession in order to further reduce its temperature, thus optimizing the supercooling of the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 35. In particular, at the inlet of the secondary radiator 24, the temperature of the second portion of heat transfer fluid is lower than the temperature that can be observed at the same point in the fourth embodiment described above with reference to Figure 7 Thus, compared to the fourth embodiment, the temperature pinch between the heat transfer fluid in the secondary radiator 24 and the external air flow FA1 is reduced. The path of the second portion of heat transfer fluid can thus be compared to the flow-through of the fluid in a heat exchanger comprising two layers arranged in counterflow, which is more efficient in thermal terms.

[0145] Thus, the present application proposes a temperature management system for a vehicle, comprising at least a refrigerant circuit in which a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger are arranged between a compression device and an expansion member of said circuit, at least the second heat exchanger and / or the third heat exchanger being configured to operate as a supercooler in order to be able to ensure the supercooling of the refrigerant, thus improving the coefficient of performance of the overall system. The temperature management system further comprises at least one heat transfer fluid circuit comprising at least a primary radiator arranged at the front end of the vehicle, upstream of the first heat exchanger of the circuit, according to the flow-through direction of the external air flow of the vehicle interior.

[0146] However, the present application is not limited to the devices and configurations described and illustrated here and extends also to all equivalent devices or configurations and to any technically operable combination of these devices. In particular, the architecture of the heat transfer fluid flow-through circuit and the architecture of the refrigerant circuit can be modified without prejudice to the present application, as long as they provide the functions of the temperature management system described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A temperature management system (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least a refrigerant circuit (3) and at least a heat transfer fluid circuit (2): - The refrigerant circuit (3) includes at least a compression device (31), a first expansion member (32), a first heat exchanger (33) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the external airflow (FA1) inside the vehicle, a second heat exchanger (34) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid flowing in the circuit (2), and a fourth heat exchanger (36) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the internal airflow (FA2) inside the vehicle; - The heat transfer fluid loop (2) includes a second heat exchanger (34) and at least one main radiator (22) on the main pipeline (200), the main radiator being configured to exchange heat between the external airflow (FA1) inside the vehicle and the heat transfer fluid. Its features are, The refrigerant circuit (3) includes a third heat exchanger (35) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the external airflow (FA1) or between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The first heat exchanger (33), the second heat exchanger (34), and the third heat exchanger (35) are arranged between the outlet of the compressor (31) and the inlet of the first expansion member (32) in the refrigerant circuit (3). The main radiator (22) is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger (33) according to the flow direction (S3) of the external airflow (FA1).

2. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 1, wherein, The second heat exchanger (34) and the main radiator (22) are arranged in the main pipeline (200) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (2) such that the main radiator (22) discharges the heat energy captured by the second heat exchanger (34) into the external airflow (FA1).

3. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (2) is thermally coupled to at least one component (12) of the vehicle's electric drive system.

4. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The refrigerant circuit (3) is a closed circuit including at least a main branch (300), on which at least the compressor (31), a first heat exchanger (33), a second heat exchanger (34), a third heat exchanger (35), a first expansion member (32), and a fourth heat exchanger (36) are arranged in sequence. The refrigerant circuit (3) includes a second branch (310) extending from a first bifurcation point (311) between the outlet of the third heat exchanger (35) and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger (36) to a first convergence point (312) between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger (36) and the inlet of the compressor (31). The second branch (310) includes at least a second expansion member (313) and a fifth heat exchanger (314) thermally coupled to the vehicle electrical storage device (11).

5. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 4, wherein, The refrigerant circuit (3) includes a third branch (320) extending between a second bifurcation point (321) between the outlet of the compressor (31) and the inlet of the first heat exchanger (33) and a second convergence point (322) between the outlet of the third heat exchanger (35) and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger (36), the third branch (320) including at least one heat exchanger (323) serving as a condenser, and the refrigerant circuit (3) includes a fourth branch (330) extending between the third bifurcation point (331) between the outlet of the third heat exchanger (35) and the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger (36) and a third convergence point (332) between the outlet of the compressor (31) and the inlet of the first heat exchanger (33), the fourth branch (330) including at least a third expansion member (333).

6. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The refrigerant circuit (3) includes a fifth branch (360) that extends between a fourth bifurcation point (361) between the outlet of the second heat exchanger (34) and the inlet of the third heat exchanger (35) and a fourth convergence point (362) between the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger (36) and the inlet of the compressor (31).

7. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The third heat exchanger (35) is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the external airflow (FA1) inside the vehicle, and wherein the third heat exchanger (35) is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger (33) according to the flow direction (S3) of the external airflow (FA1) inside the vehicle.

8. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 7, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (2) includes a second line (210) branching off from the main line (200) between a branch point (201) arranged between the outlet of the flow element (21) and the inlet of the main radiator (22) and a connection point (202) arranged between the outlet of the main radiator (22) and the inlet of the second heat exchanger (34), the second line (210) including at least one heat transfer fluid flow controller.

9. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The third heat exchanger (35) is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid.

10. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 9, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (2) includes a branch line (220), which includes at least a third heat exchanger (35) and an auxiliary radiator (24), the auxiliary radiator being configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid and the external airflow (FA1), the auxiliary radiator (24) being arranged upstream of the main radiator (22) according to the flow direction (S3) of the external airflow (FA1) inside the vehicle.

11. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 10, wherein, The branch line (220) extends between the separation point (221) between the outlet of the heat transfer fluid flow element (21) and the inlet of the main radiator (22) and the junction point (222) between the outlet of the second heat exchanger (34) and the inlet of the flow element (21).

12. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 10, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (2) includes a second pipeline (210) that branches off from the main pipeline (200) between a branch point (201) between the outlet of the flow element (21) and the inlet of the main radiator (22) and a connection point (202) between the outlet of the main radiator (22) and the inlet of the second heat exchanger (34). The second pipeline (210) includes at least one heat transfer fluid flow control component (23).

13. The temperature management system (1) as described in claim 10, wherein, The branch line (220) extends between the separation point (221) between the outlet of the main radiator (22) and the inlet of the second heat exchanger (34) and the junction point (222) between the outlet of the second heat exchanger (34) and the inlet of the flow element (21).

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