Electric vehicle temperature control system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of electric vehicles, and discloses an electric vehicle temperature control system and method. The system includes a first water pump connected to one end of the electric vehicle powertrain, with the other end of the powertrain and the other end of the first water pump respectively connected to a radiator via a first straight-through valve and a second straight-through valve; a second water pump connected to one end of a battery energy storage device, with the other end of the battery energy storage device and the other end of the second water pump respectively connected to the powertrain and the first water pump via the horizontal channels of a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve; and a heater core, with one end connected to the first water pump via a third straight-through valve and the other end connected to the powertrain. The present invention integrates the cooling, heating, and battery cooling pipelines of the entire vehicle, and achieves multiple cooling and heating requirements through the comprehensive control of multiple valves, thereby reducing the cost of the entire vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of electric vehicles, and in particular relates to a temperature control system and method for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Currently, temperature control in electric vehicles is primarily focused on three aspects: vehicle interior temperature control (e.g., CN108839543A), battery temperature control (e.g., CN100452530A), and temperature control of key components such as the drive motor and motor controller (e.g., CN100575136A). These three temperature control systems operate independently, resulting in low energy efficiency. To improve energy efficiency and ensure battery range, some studies have proposed integrating battery cooling and air conditioning systems. However, combining the two inevitably requires additional system accessories and piping, increasing complexity. To connect the various temperature control systems, three-way valves are often used at the interfaces, increasing vehicle cost. Furthermore, since pure electric vehicles lack an engine and lack the waste heat of the engine coolant as a heat source, indoor heating in electric vehicles poses a high energy consumption problem. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an electric vehicle temperature control system and method, which integrates the vehicle cooling, heating and battery cooling pipelines, and realizes various cooling and heating requirements through the comprehensive control of multiple valves.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] A temperature control system for an electric vehicle, comprising:

[0007] a first water pump connected to one end of the electric vehicle powertrain, with the other end of the powertrain and the other end of the first water pump connected to the radiator via a first straight-through valve and a second straight-through valve, respectively; a second water pump connected to one end of the battery energy storage device, with the other end of the battery energy storage device and the other end of the second water pump connected to the powertrain and the first water pump via horizontal channels of a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve, respectively; and a heater core, with one end connected to the first water pump via a third straight-through valve and the other end connected to the powertrain;

[0008] The entire vehicle or battery is cooled or heated by controlling the opening and closing of the first straight-through valve, the second straight-through valve, the third straight-through valve, the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the electronic expansion valve, as well as the opening and closing of the radiator and the heater core.

[0009] Furthermore, a fan is provided at the radiator.

[0010] Furthermore, the system also includes an oil pump connected to the electric motor in the powertrain.

[0011] Furthermore, the vertical channels of the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are both connected to a heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger forms a loop with the compressor and the condenser through an electronic expansion valve.

[0012] Furthermore, the system further comprises an evaporator, which forms a loop with the compressor and the condenser via a solenoid valve.

[0013] Furthermore, both ends of the radiator are connected to a first expansion tank; the other end of the battery energy storage device and the other end of the second water pump are also connected to a second expansion tank.

[0014] One or more embodiments provide a control method based on the electric vehicle temperature control system, comprising the following steps:

[0015] Obtain the vehicle start signal, control the first straight-through valve, the second straight-through valve and the radiator to open, and control the first water pump and the oil pump to run at a low speed;

[0016] Obtain vehicle operation signals, control the first three-way valve, the horizontal channel of the second three-way valve to open, and the second water pump to operate at low speed;

[0017] During vehicle operation, the temperature of each powertrain component, battery energy storage device, and room temperature are monitored in real time;

[0018] When the temperature of each component of the powertrain is greater than the set first cooling temperature threshold, the vehicle cooling control method is executed; when the temperature of the battery energy storage device is greater than the set first battery temperature threshold, the battery cooling control method is executed; when the room temperature is lower than the set room temperature threshold and the temperature of the battery energy storage device is lower than the first battery temperature threshold, the vehicle heating control method is executed.

[0019] Furthermore, the vehicle cooling control method includes:

[0020] Control the first water pump to run at medium speed;

[0021] It is further determined whether the temperatures of all components of the powertrain are greater than a set second cooling temperature threshold. If so, the first water pump is controlled to run at a high speed and the fan at the radiator is controlled to turn on.

[0022] Furthermore, the motor temperature is obtained to determine whether it is greater than a set motor temperature threshold. If so, the oil pump is controlled to run at a high speed.

[0023] Furthermore, the battery cooling control method includes:

[0024] Control the second water pump to run at medium speed and turn on the fan at the radiator;

[0025] It is further determined whether the temperature of the battery energy storage device is greater than a set second battery temperature threshold. If so, the second water pump is controlled to run at high speed, and the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are controlled to be fully opened, the electronic expansion valve is opened, and the compressor is started to perform heat exchange.

[0026] Furthermore, the vehicle heating control method includes:

[0027] Control the first through valve and the second through valve to close, and the third through valve to open, and at the same time control the first water pump and the second water pump to start, and the heater core to start;

[0028] The temperature of each powertrain component is obtained in real time. If the highest temperature is greater than the set powertrain temperature threshold, the first and second through-valve are controlled to open, and the fan at the radiator is turned on; otherwise, the heater core is kept on.

[0029] Furthermore, if the room temperature is not less than the indoor temperature threshold and the temperature of the battery energy storage device is less than the first battery temperature threshold, the first through valve and the second through valve are controlled to be closed, and the first water pump and the second water pump are controlled to be turned on, the third through valve is opened, and the heater core is turned on;

[0030] The temperature of each powertrain component is obtained in real time. If the highest temperature is greater than the set powertrain temperature threshold, the first and second through-valve are controlled to open, and the fan at the radiator is turned on; otherwise, the heater core is kept on.

[0031] One or more of the above technical solutions have the following beneficial effects:

[0032] The vehicle cooling, heating and battery cooling pipelines are integrated together, and various cooling and heating needs can be achieved through the comprehensive control of multiple valves. In addition, compared with the existing temperature control system, the number of three-way valves is reduced and replaced by straight-through valves, which reduces the cost of the entire vehicle.

[0033] The vehicle and battery cooling systems share a common cooling system. The first and second straight-through valves open when the vehicle is started, and the radiator is controlled to open when vehicle cooling is required. Furthermore, when battery cooling is required, the horizontal channels of the first and second three-way valves are opened to connect them to the vehicle cooling system, which also uses the radiator for heat dissipation. Furthermore, when the battery temperature is too high, the vertical channels of the first and second three-way valves are opened to cool the battery via the compressor and condenser. This simplifies the piping design, reducing vehicle costs, while also providing a two-stage cooling system tailored to different cooling requirements, improving cooling efficiency.

[0034] When the room temperature is lower than the set threshold, the pipeline related to the cooling equipment is closed, and the third through valve is opened to connect with the heater core. At the same time, the water pump is turned on so that the temperature of the powertrain can be transported to the heater core by the medium in the pipeline. That is, the heat generated by the heater core and the high-voltage components are used together to heat the entire vehicle, effectively utilizing the heat generated by each high-voltage component and reducing the power consumption of the electric vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0036] Figure 1 A framework diagram of a temperature control system for an electric vehicle in one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 A flow chart of a vehicle cooling control method in one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 A flow chart of a battery cooling method in one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of a vehicle heating method in one or more embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] In the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof may be combined with each other.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] This embodiment discloses a temperature control system for an electric vehicle, including a cooling system and a heating system. Figure 1As shown, the temperature control system referred to in the present invention includes a cooling device system and a heating device system. The cooling device system mainly consists of an all-in-one electric drive system for the cooled component, and its temperature sensor, battery energy storage device, first water pump, second water pump, first expansion tank and second expansion tank (i.e., expansion tank 1 and expansion tank 2 in the figure), first straight valve and second straight valve (i.e., straight valve 1 and straight valve 2 in the figure), first three-way valve and second three-way valve (i.e., three-way valve 1 and three-way valve 2 in the figure), evaporator, HVAC, condenser, compressor, electronic expansion valve, fan, radiator, water hose and cooling pipe, etc.; the heating device system mainly consists of an all-in-one electric drive system for the heated component, and its temperature sensor, battery energy storage device, first water pump, second water pump, expansion pot, first straight valve, second straight valve, third straight valve (i.e., straight valve 3 in the figure), HVAC, solenoid valve, heater core, radiator, fan, water hose and cooling pipe, etc.

[0045] The powertrain, i.e., the electric vehicle powertrain device, includes a drive motor (MOT), a motor controller (MCU), a reducer (REDU), and a DC converter / charger (CMDC). One end of the MCU is connected to the DC converter / charger (CMDC), and the other end is connected to the first heat exchange device (chiller1). The MCU is also connected to an oil pump via the drive motor (MOT) and the reducer (REDU), and the other end of the oil pump is connected to the first cooling device.

[0046] One end of the power assembly is connected to the first straight-through valve through a pipeline, and the other end is connected to the first water pump and the second straight-through valve in sequence through pipelines. The other ends of the first straight-through valve and the second straight-through valve are both connected to the radiator, and both ends of the radiator are also connected to the first expansion tank through pipelines.

[0047] One end of the power assembly is also connected to the heater core through a pipeline, and the other end of the heater core is connected to the first water pump through a third through valve.

[0048] The first cooling device in the power assembly is connected to the first water pump, and the CMDC is connected to the first straight valve and the heater core.

[0049] The circuit formed by the above powertrain and radiator constitutes the vehicle cooling control system. When the vehicle is started, it controls the opening of the first and second through-valve, as well as the operation of the water pump and oil pump, to ensure the heat dissipation of the powertrain.

[0050] During vehicle operation, the controller monitors temperature data from temperature sensors in various powertrain components in real time to determine whether vehicle cooling is necessary. It also sets secondary temperature thresholds to determine the extent to which each powertrain component requires heat dissipation, thereby increasing the water pump speed, accelerating heat exchange and improving cooling efficiency. The controller also monitors the motor's temperature and, if it exceeds a set threshold, accelerates the oil pump.

[0051] One end of the battery energy storage device is connected to the first three-way valve via a pipeline, and the other end is connected to the second water pump and the second three-way valve in sequence via pipelines. Both ends of the battery energy storage device are also connected to the second expansion tank. The horizontal channel of the first three-way valve has one end connected to the battery energy storage device and the other end connected to the heater core, the all-in-one electric drive system for the cooled component, and the first straight-through valve. The horizontal channel of the second three-way valve has one end connected to the second water pump and the other end connected to the third straight-through valve, the first water pump, and the radiator.

[0052] The vertical channels of the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are both connected to the second heat exchange device (chiller2), and the second cooling device is connected to the compressor and condenser through an electronic expansion valve; the evaporator is also connected to the compressor and condenser through a solenoid valve.

[0053] The first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve and part of the radiator pipeline in the above-mentioned vehicle cooling control system, combined with the above-mentioned battery energy storage device, the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the electronic expansion valve, the compressor, the condenser, etc., together constitute a battery cooling control system. When the vehicle is running, the controller monitors the battery temperature data fed back by the battery temperature sensor in real time to determine whether cooling is needed. At the same time, a dual cooling mechanism is set up. When the temperature is high, the direct current channel of the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve will be opened, and the heat dissipation will be based on the radiator and the fan; when the temperature is too high, the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve will be fully opened to accelerate the heat dissipation based on the air conditioning system.

[0054] The system also includes a heater core, one end of which is connected to the first water pump via a third through-valve and the other end is connected to the powertrain. The circuit formed by the powertrain, first water pump, heater core, and third through-valve is referred to as the vehicle heating system. When the vehicle is operating and the first and second through-valve, as well as the horizontal channels of the first and second three-way valves, are all open, the room temperature is monitored in real time. If heating is required, the battery temperature is further determined. If the battery temperature is low, the first and second through-valve are controlled to close, the third through-valve is opened, and the first and second water pumps are activated. Heat generated by the powertrain is transported through the pipeline to the heater core, where it is used as a heating component, saving energy to a certain extent.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] Based on the temperature control system provided in the embodiment, this embodiment provides an electric vehicle temperature control method, which is applied to the vehicle controller, including: a vehicle cooling control method, a battery cooling control method, and a vehicle heating control method. Specifically, the control method includes:

[0057] Obtain the vehicle start signal, control the first straight-through valve, the second straight-through valve and the radiator to open, and control the first water pump and the oil pump to run at a low speed;

[0058] Obtain vehicle operation signals, control the first three-way valve, the horizontal channel of the second three-way valve to open, and the second water pump to operate at low speed;

[0059] During vehicle operation, the temperature of each powertrain component, battery energy storage device, and room temperature are monitored in real time;

[0060] When the temperature of each component of the powertrain is greater than the set first cooling temperature threshold, the vehicle cooling control method is executed; when the temperature of the battery energy storage device is greater than the set first battery temperature threshold, the battery cooling control method is executed; when the room temperature is lower than the set room temperature threshold and the temperature of the battery energy storage device is lower than the first battery temperature threshold, the vehicle heating control method is executed.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle cooling control method is configured as follows:

[0062] (1) Obtaining a vehicle start signal, controlling the first through valve and the second through valve to open, and the first water pump and the oil pump to operate at low speed;

[0063] (2) Obtain the temperature of each component in the all-in-one electric drive system, including the CMDC temperature Tcm and the MCU temperature Tmcu, and determine whether they are both greater than the set first cooling temperature threshold T 冷1 If not, keep the first water pump and the oil pump running at low speed; if so, control the first water pump to run at medium speed and further execute step (3);

[0064] Obtain the motor temperature Tmot and determine whether it is greater than the set motor temperature threshold Tmot1. If not, keep the first water pump and oil pump running at low speed; if so, control the oil pump to run at high speed;

[0065] (3) Obtain the temperature of each component in the all-in-one electric drive system, including the CMDC temperature Tcm and the MCU temperature Tmcu, and determine whether they are both greater than the set second cooling temperature threshold T 冷2 If not, keep the first water pump running at low speed. If so, control the first water pump to run at high speed, and control the radiator to open and the fan to turn on.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery cooling control method is configured as follows:

[0067] (1) Obtaining the vehicle operation signal, controlling the horizontal channels of the first and second three-way valves to open, and the second water pump to operate at a low speed;

[0068] (2) Obtain the battery temperature Tbat and determine whether it is greater than the set first battery temperature threshold Tbat 冷1 If not, keep the second water pump running at low speed and continue to execute temperature value acquisition and comparison judgment; if so, control the second water pump to run at medium speed, and turn on the radiator and fan at the same time;

[0069] And further determine whether the battery temperature Tbat is greater than the set second battery temperature threshold Tbat 冷2 If not, keep the second water pump running at medium speed and turn on the fan. If so, control the second water pump to run at high speed, and control the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve to be fully opened, the electronic expansion valve to open, the compressor to start, and perform heat exchange.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle heating method is configured as follows:

[0071] (1) Obtaining a vehicle start signal, controlling the first straight-through valve and the second straight-through valve to open, and simultaneously controlling the horizontal channels of the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve to open;

[0072] (2) Get the indoor temperature of the passenger compartment. If the indoor temperature value is T 室 Less than the first indoor temperature threshold T 室阈1 , enter the battery temperature threshold determination, if the battery temperature Tbat is less than the first battery temperature threshold Tbat1, control the first straight valve and the second straight valve to close, and the third straight valve to open, and at the same time control the first water pump and the second water pump to start, the heater core to develop, and the HVAC to start; enter step (3); otherwise, control the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve to close, and return to step (2);

[0073] If the indoor temperature is T 室 Greater than the first indoor temperature threshold T 室阈1 , and also enter the battery temperature threshold judgment. If the battery temperature Tbat is less than the first battery temperature threshold Tbat1, the first straight-through valve and the second straight-through valve are controlled to be closed, and the first water pump and the second water pump are controlled to be turned on, as well as the heater core, and enter step (3); otherwise, return to step (2).

[0074] (3) Obtain the powertrain temperature. If the powertrain temperature T 动总 The maximum temperature of each component of the multi-in-one powertrain is greater than the set first powertrain temperature threshold T 动总1 When T 动总The value is not greater than the set threshold T 动总1 Keep the heater core and HVAC on.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above vehicle cooling control method, battery cooling control method, and vehicle heating control method are based on the temperature monitoring of the powertrain components, the battery energy storage device, and the room temperature by the controller, and are combined with specific cooling or heating needs. There is no necessary order of precedence among the three.

[0076] Although the above describes the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art on the basis of the technical solution of the present invention without any creative work are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an electric vehicle temperature control system, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Obtain the vehicle start signal, control the first straight-through valve, the second straight-through valve and the radiator to open, and control the first water pump and the oil pump to run at a low speed; Obtain vehicle operation signals, control the first three-way valve, the horizontal channel of the second three-way valve to open, and the second water pump to operate at low speed; During vehicle operation, the temperature of each powertrain component, battery energy storage device, and room temperature are monitored in real time; When the temperature of each component of the powertrain is greater than a set first cooling temperature threshold, the vehicle cooling control method is executed; when the temperature of the battery energy storage device is greater than a set first battery temperature threshold, the battery cooling control method is executed; when the room temperature is lower than the set room temperature threshold and the temperature of the battery energy storage device is lower than the first battery temperature threshold, the vehicle heating control method is executed; The electric vehicle temperature control system includes: a first water pump connected to one end of the electric vehicle powertrain, wherein the other end of the powertrain and the other end of the first water pump are connected to a radiator via a first through-valve and a second through-valve, respectively; a second water pump connected to one end of the battery energy storage device, the other end of the battery energy storage device and the other end of the second water pump being connected to the powertrain and the first water pump respectively through the horizontal channels of the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve; a heater core having one end connected to the first water pump through the third through-valve and the other end connected to the powertrain; By controlling the opening and closing of the first straight-through valve, the second straight-through valve, the third straight-through valve, the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the electronic expansion valve, as well as the opening and closing of the radiator and the heater core, the vehicle or the battery is cooled or heated; The radiator is also provided with a fan; the system also includes an oil pump connected to the electric motor in the powertrain; the system also includes an evaporator, which forms a circuit with the compressor and the condenser through a solenoid valve.

2. The control method of the electric vehicle temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical channels of the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are both connected to a heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger forms a circuit with a compressor and a condenser through an electronic expansion valve.

3. The control method of the electric vehicle temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the radiator are connected to the first expansion tank; the other end of the battery energy storage device and the other end of the second water pump are also connected to the second expansion tank.

4. The control method of the electric vehicle temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle cooling control method includes: Control the first water pump to run at medium speed; It is further determined whether the temperatures of all components of the powertrain are greater than a set second cooling temperature threshold. If so, the first water pump is controlled to run at a high speed and the fan at the radiator is controlled to turn on.

5. The control method of the electric vehicle temperature control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The motor temperature is also obtained to determine whether it is greater than the set motor temperature threshold. If so, the oil pump is controlled to run at high speed.

6. The control method of the electric vehicle temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery cooling control method includes: Control the second water pump to run at medium speed and turn on the fan at the radiator; It is further determined whether the temperature of the battery energy storage device is greater than a set second battery temperature threshold. If so, the second water pump is controlled to run at high speed, and the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are controlled to be fully opened, the electronic expansion valve is opened, and the compressor is started to perform heat exchange.

7. The control method of the electric vehicle temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle heating control method includes: Control the first through valve and the second through valve to close, and the third through valve to open, and at the same time control the first water pump and the second water pump to start, and the heater core to start; The temperature of each powertrain component is obtained in real time. If the highest temperature is greater than the set powertrain temperature threshold, the first and second through-valve are controlled to open, and the fan at the radiator is turned on; otherwise, the heater core is kept on.

8. The control method of the electric vehicle temperature control system according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: If the room temperature is not less than the indoor temperature threshold, and the temperature of the battery energy storage device is less than the first battery temperature threshold, the first and second through-valve are controlled to be closed, and the first and second water pumps, the third through-valve, and the heater core are controlled to be turned on. The temperature of each powertrain component is obtained in real time. If the highest temperature is greater than the set powertrain temperature threshold, the first and second through-valve are controlled to open, and the fan at the radiator is turned on; otherwise, the heater core is kept on.

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