Thermal management system

Abstract

This application discloses a thermal management system. In a first heating mode, the compressor outlet is connected to the inlet of a first flow regulating device, the outlet of the first flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of a first heat exchanger, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of a second flow regulating device, and the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to the compressor inlet. The first flow regulating device is in a throttling state, and / or the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state. In the first heating mode of this application, a heat source is provided by the compressor, and the first and / or second flow regulating devices are in a throttling state to ensure a pressure difference. The first heat exchanger releases heat to achieve heating, which is relatively energy-efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and more particularly to a thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] The thermal management system of a vehicle (such as an electric vehicle) can regulate the ambient temperature of the passenger compartment, the battery temperature, and the motor temperature.

[0003] In related thermal management systems, when the ambient temperature is low, it is necessary to turn on the heater in the air conditioning unit or the heater in the coolant circuit to heat the passenger cabin. However, using heaters consumes a significant amount of electricity, and the inventors believe there is a need for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems of related technologies, this application provides a more energy-efficient thermal management system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a thermal management system comprising: a compressor, a first flow regulating device, a second flow regulating device, and a first heat exchanger, wherein no heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first flow regulating device; the thermal management system has a first heating mode, wherein in the first heating mode, the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first flow regulating device, the outlet of the first flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the second flow regulating device, the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the compressor, the first flow regulating device is in a throttling state, and / or, the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state.

[0006] In the first heating mode of this application, a heat source is provided by a compressor, and the first flow regulating device and / or the second flow regulating device are in a throttling state to ensure the pressure difference. The first heat exchanger releases heat to achieve heating, which is more energy-efficient.

[0007] This application also adopts the following technical solution: a thermal management system, comprising: a compressor, a second flow regulating device, a first heat exchanger, and a fluid management device, wherein the fluid management device includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel separated from each other, and no heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the second flow regulating device and the inlet of the second flow channel; the thermal management system has a first heating mode, wherein in the first heating mode, the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel, the outlet of the first flow channel is connected to the inlet of the second flow regulating device, the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, the outlet of the second flow channel is connected to the inlet of the compressor, the first flow channel and the second flow channel exchange heat, and the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state.

[0008] In the first heating mode of this application, the heat source is provided by the compressor and the heat is released by the first heat exchanger to achieve heating, which is more energy-efficient. The second flow regulating device is set between the outlet of the first flow channel and the inlet of the second flow channel. The compressor inlet temperature is increased by the fluid management device, thereby improving the heating effect. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a simplified pressure-enthalpy diagram of an embodiment of the first heating mode is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a simplified pressure-enthalpy diagram of another embodiment of the first heating mode is shown;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a simplified pressure-enthalpy diagram of another embodiment of the first heating mode shown;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the third heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first heating mode of another embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second heating mode of another embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the third heating mode of another embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling mode of another embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the fluid management device of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0023] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one; "multiple" indicates two or more. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "front," "rear," "lower," and / or "upper" are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to a location or spatial orientation. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0025] The thermal management system of an exemplary embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations can complement or combine with each other.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment of the thermal management system of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management system includes a second heat exchanger 6 and a fifth heat exchanger 7. Both heat exchangers are liquid-cooled heat exchangers. The structure and working principle of liquid-cooled heat exchangers are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The second heat exchanger 6 includes a first heat exchange section 61 and a second heat exchange section 62, and the fifth heat exchanger 7 includes a third heat exchange section 71 and a fourth heat exchange section 72. The second heat exchanger 6 and the fifth heat exchanger 7 are used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant, respectively. The second heat exchanger 6 and the fifth heat exchanger 7 may be the same or different.

[0027] The various components of the thermal management system are connected by piping to form two main systems: a refrigerant system and a coolant system. These two systems are isolated and not interconnected. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant system, while coolant flows through the coolant system. The refrigerant can be R134A, carbon dioxide, or other heat exchange media, and the coolant can be a mixture of ethanol and water or other cooling media. Specifically, the flow channels of the first heat exchange section 61 and the third heat exchange section 71 are connected to the refrigerant system, while the flow channels of the second heat exchange section 62 and the fourth heat exchange section 72 are connected to the coolant system.

[0028] It should be explained that "the flow channel of the first heat exchange section 61 is connected to the refrigerant system" means that the refrigerant system includes the first heat exchange section 61, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant system can flow into and out of the flow channel of the first heat exchange section 61. The inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange section 61 can be connected to other components in the refrigerant system through pipelines, forming a loop after being connected through the pipelines when the thermal management system is working. The flow channel of the third heat exchange section 71 is connected to the refrigerant system, and the flow channels of the second heat exchange section 62 and the fourth heat exchange section 72 are connected to the coolant system, as explained above.

[0029] In this embodiment, the refrigerant system includes a compressor 1, a first heat exchange unit 61, a third heat exchange unit 71, a first heat exchanger 101, a third heat exchanger 103, a fourth heat exchanger 102, several flow regulating devices, several throttling devices, and several valve devices. The components can be indirectly connected to each other through pipelines or valves, or they can be integrated into a single structure.

[0030] In some other embodiments, the refrigerant system also includes a gas-liquid separator 11, which is located before the inlet of the compressor 1 to separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid before it enters the compressor 1, thereby reducing the possibility of liquid slugging in the compressor 1. For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of a gas-liquid separator 11.

[0031] The flow regulating device has four states: cut-off, throttling, full-flow, and flow regulating. When the flow regulating device's opening is 0, it is in the cut-off state, and the pipes on both sides of the device are not connected. When the opening is greater than 0 but less than or equal to a first set value, it is in the throttling state, and the refrigerant flowing through it experiences cooling and pressure reduction. In the throttling state, the opening is adjusted between 0 and the first set value according to heat exchange requirements, thereby regulating the throttling effect. When the opening is greater than the first set value but less than 100, it is in the flow regulating state, and the pipes on both sides are connected but do not have a throttling function. In the flow regulating state, the opening is adjusted between the first set value and 100 according to heat exchange requirements, thereby regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant. When the opening is equal to 100, it is in the full-flow state, and the pipes on both sides are connected. Optionally, the flow regulating device is a full-flow bidirectional throttle valve. It should be understood that the first set value is a fixed value set according to product requirements, ranging from 0 to 100. In this embodiment, the flow regulating devices include a first flow regulating device 2 and a second flow regulating device 3.

[0032] The throttling device has a throttling state and a shut-off state. When the throttling device is in the throttling state, the refrigerant flows from the inlet to the outlet of the throttling device, and the refrigerant flowing through the throttling device is cooled and depressurized. When the throttling device is in the shut-off state, the inlet and outlet of the throttling device are not connected, and there is no refrigerant flow in the branch where the throttling device is located. Optionally, the throttling device is an electronic expansion valve or a thermostatic expansion valve. Several throttling devices include a first throttling device 4 and a second throttling device 5.

[0033] The valve device has a shut-off state and a fully open state. If the valve device is in the shut-off state, no refrigerant flows in the branch where the valve device is located; if the valve device is in the fully open state, refrigerant can flow in the branch where the valve device is located. Optionally, the valve device is a shut-off valve. The valve devices include a first valve device 8, a second valve device 9, and a third valve device 10.

[0034] In some other embodiments, the first flow regulating device 2, the second flow regulating device 3, the first throttling device 4, and the second throttling device 5 can be other types of valves, or combinations of at least two valves, as long as they have the above-described working state, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0035] The outlet of compressor 1 is connected to one port of the second valve device 9 and one port of the first flow regulating device 2. The other port of the first flow regulating device 2 is connected to one port of the first heat exchanger 101. The other port of the first heat exchanger 101 is connected to one port of the second flow regulating device 3, one port of the first throttling device 4, and one port of the second throttling device 5. The other port of the second flow regulating device 3 is connected to the first port of the first valve device 8 and one port of the third heat exchanger 103. The other port of the third heat exchanger 103 is connected to one port of the first heat exchange section 61. The other port of the first heat exchange section 61 is connected to the other port of the second valve device 9 and one port of the third valve device 10. The other port of the first throttling device 4 is connected to one port of the fourth heat exchanger 102. The other port of the second throttling device 5 is connected to one port of the third heat exchange section 71. The other ports of the first valve device 8, the third valve device 10, the fourth heat exchanger 102, and the third heat exchange section 71 are all connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 11. The outlet of the gas-liquid separator 11 is connected to the inlet of compressor 1.

[0036] The refrigerant system includes a first branch a, which includes a first valve device 8. The first branch a can be used to bypass the branch where the third heat exchanger 103 and the first heat exchange section 61 are located, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second flow regulating device 3 returns directly to the compressor 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the coolant system includes a first pump 16, a second pump 15, a sixth heat exchanger 104, a battery heat exchange device 105, a motor heat exchange device 106, a first multi-port device 12, a second multi-port device 14, a third multi-port device 13, a first pipeline, and a second pipeline. The components can be indirectly connected to each other through pipelines or valves, or they can be integrated into a single structure.

[0038] The first pump 16 and the second pump 15 are used to power the flow of coolant in the coolant system. Optionally, the first pump 16 and the second pump 15 are electric water pumps. The two pumps can be the same or different in type and specification, depending on the requirements of the thermal management system.

[0039] The first multi-way device 12 includes a first interface 121, a second interface 122, a third interface 123, and a fourth interface 124. The first multi-way device 12 has a first operating state and a second operating state, and can switch between the two operating states according to system requirements. In the first operating state, the first interface 121 is connected to the second interface 122, and the third interface 123 is connected to the fourth interface 124. In the second operating state, the first interface 121 is connected to the fourth interface 124, and the second interface 122 is connected to the third interface 123. Optionally, the first multi-way device 12 is a four-way valve.

[0040] The second multi-way device 14 includes a fifth interface 141, a sixth interface 142, and a seventh interface 143. When the second multi-way device 14 is in operation, at least two of the fifth interface 141, the sixth interface 142, and the seventh interface 143 are connected. The third multi-way device 13 includes an eighth interface 131, a ninth interface 132, and a tenth interface 133. When the third multi-way device 13 is in operation, at least two of the eighth interface 131, the ninth interface 132, and the tenth interface 133 are connected. Optionally, the second multi-way device 14 and the third multi-way device 13 are three-way valves.

[0041] The battery heat exchanger 105 is used for thermal management of the battery. Optionally, the battery heat exchanger 105 can be an integrated component with the battery, or it can be a separate component assembled with the battery. The motor heat exchanger 106 is used for thermal management of the motor. Optionally, the motor heat exchanger 106 can be an integrated component with the motor, or it can be a separate component assembled with the motor. Both the first and second pipelines are hollow pipes that can be used to bypass certain components.

[0042] The coolant system includes a battery branch and a motor branch. The battery branch includes a second pump 15, a second multi-port device 14, a fourth heat exchange section 72, a battery heat exchange device 105, and a first pipeline. The motor branch includes a first pump 16, a second heat exchange section 62, a motor heat exchange device 106, a sixth heat exchanger 104, a third multi-port device 13, and a second pipeline.

[0043] In the battery branch, the inlet of the second pump 15 is connected to the second interface 122, the outlet of the second pump 15 is connected to the sixth interface 142, the fifth interface 141 is connected to one port of the battery heat exchange device 105, and the seventh interface 143 is connected to one port of the first pipeline. The other port of the battery heat exchange device 105 and the other port of the first pipeline are connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchange section 72, and the outlet of the fourth heat exchange section 72 is connected to the first interface 121. By adjusting the operating state of the second multi-way device 14, at least one of the battery heat exchange device 105 and the first pipeline can be selectively connected. Optionally, the second multi-way device 14 is a three-way proportional valve, which can adjust the flow ratio of the two branches when the battery heat exchange device 105 and the first pipeline are connected simultaneously.

[0044] In the motor branch, the inlet of the first pump 16 is connected to the fourth interface 124, the outlet of the first pump 16 is connected to one port of the motor heat exchanger 106, and the other port of the motor heat exchanger 106 is connected to the ninth interface 132. The eighth interface 131 is connected to one port of the second pipeline, the tenth interface 133 is connected to one port of the sixth heat exchanger 104, the other port of the second pipeline and the other port of the sixth heat exchanger 104 are connected to one port of the second heat exchange section 62, and the other port of the second heat exchange section 62 is connected to the third interface 123. Optionally, the third multi-way device 13 is a three-way proportional valve, which can adjust the flow ratio of the two branches when the sixth heat exchanger 104 and the second pipeline are connected simultaneously.

[0045] By switching the operating state of the first multi-channel device 12, the battery branch and the motor branch can be connected in series or in parallel. Specifically, when the first multi-channel device 12 is in the first operating state, the battery branch and the motor branch are connected in parallel, forming two independent small loops; when the first multi-channel device 12 is in the second operating state, the battery branch and the motor branch are connected in series, forming a large loop that is interconnected.

[0046] In some other embodiments, the first multi-way device 12, the second multi-way device 14, and the third multi-way device 13 described above can be replaced with other types of valves or combinations of other types of valves according to their functions, such as check valves, shut-off valves, proportional valves, or combinations thereof.

[0047] It is important to understand that "the first branch a includes the first valve device 8" means that the first branch a includes the first valve device 8 and some pipes, wherein the pipes are used to connect and communicate the first valve device 8 with other components in the system. The understanding of the battery branch and the motor branch is the same as that of the battery branch, and will not be repeated here.

[0048] The thermal management system provided in this application embodiment can be applied to electric vehicles. The electric vehicle has an air conditioning unit 100 for heat exchange with the air in the passenger compartment. A first heat exchanger 101 and a fourth heat exchanger 102 are disposed within the air conditioning unit 100. The first heat exchanger 101 and the fourth heat exchanger 102 are used for heat exchange with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to regulate the temperature of the passenger compartment. The first heat exchanger 101 is located downstream of the fourth heat exchanger 102 in the airflow. A fan is provided within the air conditioning unit 100 to guide the airflow within the air conditioning unit 100. A third heat exchanger 103 and a sixth heat exchanger 104 are disposed near the front grille of the vehicle and are equipped with a fan device to guide the airflow. The third heat exchanger 103 and the sixth heat exchanger 104 are arranged side-by-side and are both used for heat exchange with the atmospheric environment, releasing heat into or absorbing heat from the atmospheric environment. A compressor 1 and a gas-liquid separator 11 are disposed in the front engine compartment of the driver's cab. The first heat exchanger 101, the third heat exchanger 103, the fourth heat exchanger 102 and the sixth heat exchanger 104 are all air-cooled heat exchangers and are used to exchange heat with air. The structure of air-cooled heat exchangers is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0049] The thermal management system of this embodiment is not only applicable to vehicles, but also to other heat exchange systems that require thermal management. For ease of description, the specification of this application uses vehicles as an example.

[0050] When the ambient temperature is low, the passenger cabin requires heating, and the thermal management system operates in heating mode to provide heat to the passenger cabin. In some cases, the ambient temperature is too low to obtain heat from the atmosphere, and the coolant circuit cannot provide heat either. In this case, the thermal management system operates in the first heating mode, where the refrigerant does not absorb heat from the atmosphere or the coolant circuit through the heat exchanger, and compressor 1 heats the refrigerant to provide heat.

[0051] Specifically, the thermal management system executes the first heating mode, referring to... Figure 2 When compressor 1 is turned on, the first throttling device 4, the second throttling device 5, the second valve device 9, and the third valve device 10 are in the off state, and at least one of the first flow regulating device 2 and the second flow regulating device 3 is in the throttling state. The second pump 15 and the first pump 16 are turned off, and the coolant circuit is not working. The outlet of compressor 1, the first flow regulating device 2, the first heat exchanger 101, the second flow regulating device 3, the gas-liquid separator 11, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially. The first heat exchanger 101 exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to achieve heating of the passenger cabin.

[0052] If both the first flow regulating device 2 and the second flow regulating device 3 are in a throttling state, the pressure-enthalpy diagram corresponding to the first heating mode is as follows: Figure 3As shown, the circulation path of the thermal management system is ABCDEA. The refrigerant in state A is compressed by compressor 1 to state B, then throttled by the first flow regulating device 2 to state C, condensed in the first heat exchanger 101 to state D, throttled by the second flow regulating device 3 to state E, and finally flows back to state A after passing through the gas-liquid separator 11, completing one cycle. The refrigerant flowing out of compressor 1 undergoes throttling once before flowing into the first heat exchanger 101 for heat exchange, and then returns to compressor 1 after another throttling. Under the same condensing pressure, compared to the refrigerant flowing out of compressor 1 directly entering the first heat exchanger 101, the enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet of the first heat exchanger 101 is larger, resulting in greater heat exchange at the first heat exchanger 101 and better heating performance in the first heating mode.

[0053] If the first flow regulating device 2 is in a throttling state and the second flow regulating device 3 is in a fully open state, the pressure-enthalpy diagram corresponding to the first heating mode is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the thermal management system's circulation path is: A1-B1-C1-A1. The refrigerant in state A1 is compressed by compressor 1 to state B1, then throttled by the first flow regulating device 2 to state C1, and finally condensed in the first heat exchanger 101 to return to state A1, completing one cycle. Throughout the entire cycle, the refrigerant remains gaseous because the temperature effect of the gas-liquid separator 11 on the refrigerant is negligible.

[0054] If the first flow regulating device 2 is in the fully open state and the second flow regulating device 3 is in the throttling state, the pressure-enthalpy diagram corresponding to the first heating mode is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the circulation path of the thermal management system is: A2-B2-C2-D2-A2. The refrigerant in state A2 is compressed to state B2 by compressor 1, condenses in the first heat exchanger 101 and becomes state C2. After being throttled by the second flow regulating device 3, it becomes state D2, flows through the gas-liquid separator 11 and returns to state A2, completing one cycle.

[0055] In the first heating mode, the compressor 1 performs work, causing the refrigerant temperature to rise. The compressor 1 acts as a heating device. In this embodiment, the cooling liquid circuit may not require a heating device. After being throttled by the first flow regulating device 2 and the second flow regulating device 3, the refrigerant pressure and temperature decrease. By adjusting the opening of the flow regulating device in the throttling state, the intake temperature of the compressor 1 is adjusted. The intake temperature of the compressor 1 is controllable, which makes the exhaust temperature of the compressor 1 controllable and relatively stable, resulting in a more stable heating effect.

[0056] Because the vehicle is constantly moving or running, the motor continuously generates heat. If the motor temperature is high enough and has residual heat, the thermal management system will operate in a second heating mode. (Refer to...) Figure 6The connection status of the thermal management system is similar to that of the first heating mode, except that: the third valve device 10 is in a fully open state, the first pump 16 is on, the first multi-port device 12 is in the first working state, and the eighth port 131 and the ninth port 132 of the third multi-port device 13 are connected. The refrigerant system also has a second loop: the outlet of compressor 1, the first flow regulating device 2, the first heat exchanger 101, the second flow regulating device 3, the third heat exchanger 103, the first heat exchange section 61, the gas-liquid separator 11, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially. The outlet of the first pump 16, the motor heat exchange device 106, the second heat exchange section 62, and the inlet of the first pump 16 are connected sequentially. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 61 absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section 62, realizing the recovery of waste heat from the motor. In this mode, no heat exchange occurs at the third heat exchanger 103, and a bypass branch can be used to bypass the third heat exchanger 103.

[0057] In some other embodiments, at least one of the first valve device 8 and the third valve device 10 can be replaced with a flow regulating device. In the second heating mode, the flow regulating device is in a flow regulating state, thereby regulating the flow of refrigerant through the first heat exchange section 61 and the first branch a, thereby regulating the heating effect.

[0058] When there is sufficient heat in the atmospheric environment, the thermal management system can operate in the third heating mode, obtaining heat from the atmospheric environment through the first heat exchanger 101. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The connection status of the thermal management system is similar to that of the first heating mode, except that: the first valve device 8 is in the closed state, the third valve device 10 is in the fully open state, the first flow regulating device 2 is in the fully open state, and the second flow regulating device 3 is in the throttling state. The outlet of compressor 1, the first flow regulating device 2, the first heat exchanger 101, the second flow regulating device 3, the third heat exchanger 103, the first heat exchange section 61, the gas-liquid separator 11, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially.

[0059] The third heat exchanger 103 exchanges heat with the atmospheric environment to obtain heat.

[0060] In some other embodiments, if the motor and battery in the coolant system have residual heat, the connection state of the coolant system can be adjusted to circulate the coolant in the coolant system. Through the second heat exchanger 6 and / or the fifth heat exchanger 7, residual heat from the motor, residual heat from the battery, or residual heat from both the motor and the battery can be recovered from the coolant system.

[0061] When the ambient temperature is high and the passenger cabin requires cooling, the thermal management system operates in cooling mode, referring to... Figure 8When compressor 1 is turned on, the second valve device 9 is in the fully open state, and the first flow regulating device 2, the second throttling device 5, the first valve device 8, and the third valve device 10 are in the closed state. One of the first throttling device 4 and the second flow regulating device 3 is in the throttling state, and the other is in the fully open state. When first pump 16 is turned on, the first multi-port device 12 is in the first working state, and the ninth port 132 and the tenth port 133 of the third multi-port device 13 are connected. The outlet of compressor 1, the first heat exchange section 61, the third heat exchanger 103, the second flow regulating device 3, the first throttling device 4, the fourth heat exchanger 102, the gas-liquid separator 11, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of first pump 16, the motor heat exchange device 106, the sixth heat exchanger 104, the second heat exchange section 62, and the inlet of first pump 16 are connected in sequence. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 61 releases heat to the coolant in the second heat exchange section 62. The temperature of the refrigerant is reduced twice, by the second heat exchanger 6 and the third heat exchanger 103, resulting in a lower temperature of the refrigerant entering the first throttling device 4 and improving the cooling effect. The fourth heat exchanger 102 exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to achieve passenger cabin cooling.

[0062] When the battery needs cooling, the second throttling device 5 is switched to throttling mode, the second pump 15 is turned on, and the temperature of the coolant in the battery branch is reduced through the fifth heat exchanger 7. The coolant circulates to achieve battery cooling. When there is no cooling demand in the passenger cabin and only the battery needs cooling, the first throttling device 4 is switched to the cut-off state, and the second throttling device 5 is switched to throttling mode.

[0063] The thermal management system in this embodiment can not only realize heating and cooling modes, but also heating and dehumidification modes, defrosting modes, battery heating modes, battery rapid cooling modes, and heat dissipation modes. Switching between these operating modes can be achieved by adjusting the states of several throttling devices, several flow regulating devices, and several valve devices. In certain operating modes, if at least one of the two parallel connected branches is equipped with a flow regulating device, the flow ratio through the two branches can be adjusted by regulating the opening of the flow regulating device in flow regulating mode.

[0064] According to another specific embodiment of the thermal management system of this application, such as Figures 9 to 12 As shown, this embodiment is basically the same as the above embodiments, except that: the refrigerant system is equipped with a fluid management device 17 and a third flow regulating device 18, but does not have a gas-liquid separator 11 and a first valve device 8. The connection status of the thermal management system in this embodiment under various operating conditions is basically the same as that in the above specific embodiments. The differences are illustrated below, while the similarities are described in the relevant descriptions of the above embodiments.

[0065] The fluid management device 17 includes a first flow channel section and a second flow channel section. The second flow channel section includes a gas-liquid separation section and a heat exchange section. The gas-liquid separation section is used to separate gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The inlet of the second flow channel section is also the inlet of the gas-liquid separation section. The outlet of the gas-liquid separation section is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange section, and the outlet of the heat exchange section is also the outlet of the second flow channel section. The refrigerant in the heat exchange section can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the first flow channel section. Specifically, refer to... Figure 13 The fluid management device 17 includes an inner cylinder 201, an outer cylinder 202, a gas-liquid separation component 203, and a heat exchange component 204. The gas-liquid separation component 203 is at least partially located in the inner cavity of the inner cylinder 201, and the heat exchange component 204 is at least partially located in the interlayer cavity formed by the inner cylinder 201 and the outer cylinder 202. The fluid management device 17 includes a first inlet 205, a second inlet 207, a first outlet 206, and a second outlet 208. The gas-liquid separation component 203 is used to separate the refrigerant flowing into the first inlet 205 into gas and liquid states. The liquid refrigerant after separation is stored in the inner cylinder 201, and the gaseous refrigerant flows into the interlayer cavity to exchange heat with the heat exchange component 204 before flowing out of the fluid management device 17 from the first outlet 206. The second inlet 207 is the inlet of the heat exchange component 204, and the second outlet 208 is the outlet of the heat exchange component 204. Refrigerant flows through the inner cavity of the heat exchange component 204. Therefore, it can be seen that high-temperature refrigerant flows through the heat exchange component 204, while low-temperature refrigerant flows in from the first inlet 205. The gas-liquid separation section includes an inner cylinder 201 and a gas-liquid separation component 203, the heat exchange section includes an inner cylinder 201, an outer cylinder 202 and a jacketed cavity, and the first flow channel section includes a heat exchange component 204.

[0066] The refrigerant system includes a second branch b and a third branch c, wherein the third branch c includes a second flow regulating device 3. In the refrigerant system, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 101 is connected to one port of the second branch b, one port of the third flow regulating device 18, one port of the first throttling device 4, and one port of the second throttling device 5. The other port of the third flow regulating device 18 is connected to one port of the third heat exchanger 103. The other port of the second branch b is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel section, i.e., the second inlet 207. The outlet of the first flow channel section, i.e., the second outlet 208, is connected to one port of the third branch c. The inlet of the second flow channel section, i.e., the first inlet 205, is connected to the other ports of the third valve device 10, the third branch c, the fourth heat exchanger 102, and the third heat exchange section 71.

[0067] Reference Figure 9In the first heating mode of this embodiment, the first throttling device 4, the second throttling device 5, the second valve device 9, the third valve device 10, and the third flow regulating device 18 are all in the off state, while at least one of the first flow regulating device 2 and the second flow regulating device 3 is in the throttling state. The outlet of compressor 1, the first flow regulating device 2, the first heat exchanger 101, the first flow channel, the second flow regulating device 3, the second flow channel, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The refrigerant in the first flow channel exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchange section, increasing the inlet temperature of compressor 1, thereby increasing the outlet temperature of compressor 1 and improving the heating effect. By switching the states of the first flow regulating device 2 and the second flow regulating device 3, the first heating mode corresponding to the three pressure-enthalpy diagrams in the above embodiments can also be achieved.

[0068] Reference Figure 10 In the second heating mode of this embodiment, the first throttling device 4, the second throttling device 5, and the second valve device 9 are all in the closed state, the third valve device 10 is in the fully open state, at least one of the first flow regulating device 2 and the second flow regulating device 3 is in the throttling state, and at least one of the first flow regulating device 2 and the third flow regulating device 18 is in the throttling state. The outlet of compressor 1, the first flow regulating device 2, the first heat exchanger 101, the first flow channel section, the second flow regulating device 3, the second flow channel section, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The outlet of compressor 1, the first flow regulating device 2, the first heat exchanger 101, the third flow regulating device 18, the third heat exchanger 103, the first heat exchange section 61, the second flow channel section, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. Waste heat from the motor branch is recovered through the second heat exchanger 6 to improve the heating effect.

[0069] Reference Figure 11 In the third heating mode of this embodiment, the first throttling device 4, the second throttling device 5, and the second valve device 9 are all in the off state, the third valve device 10 is in the fully open state, the first flow regulating device 2 is in the fully open state, the second flow regulating device 3 is in the off state, and the third flow regulating device 18 is in the throttling state. The outlet of compressor 1, the first flow regulating device 2, the first heat exchanger 101, the third flow regulating device 18, the third heat exchanger 103, the first heat exchange section 61, the second flow channel section, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. Heat is obtained from the atmospheric environment through the third heat exchanger 103. Similarly, when the motor and battery have residual heat, heat can be obtained from the coolant system.

[0070] Reference Figure 12In the refrigeration mode of this embodiment, the first flow regulating device 2, the second flow regulating device 3, the second throttling device 5, and the third valve device 10 are all in the off state, the second valve device 9 is in the fully open state, and one of the first throttling device 4 and the third flow regulating device 18 is in the fully open state while the other is in the throttling state. The outlet of the compressor 1, the first heat exchange section 61, the third heat exchanger 103, the third flow regulating device 18, the first throttling device 4, the fourth heat exchanger 102, the second flow channel section, and the inlet of the compressor 1 are connected sequentially.

[0071] In this application, the "connection" between two components can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline between them, or they may have valves or other components in addition to a pipeline. Similarly, the "connection" between two components in this application can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline connection, or they may have valves or other components in addition to a pipeline connection.

[0072] This application also provides a control method for a thermal management system. The control method in this application is applied to the thermal management system described in the above embodiments. The thermal management system also includes a control system, which can be used to control the working state of the refrigerant system and the working state of the coolant system.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 The control system includes a controller 200 and multiple sensors. These sensors acquire operational information from the first heat exchanger 101, the second heat exchanger 6, the third heat exchanger 103, the fourth heat exchanger 102, the fifth heat exchanger 7, the sixth heat exchanger 104, the motor, and the battery. Optionally, the operational information includes temperature and pressure. The controller 200 is electrically connected to components such as the compressor 1, the fan inside the air conditioning unit 100, the fan assembly at the air intake grille, multiple flow regulating devices, multiple throttling devices, multiple pumps, multiple multi-way devices, and multiple sensors. The controller 200 can acquire operational information from the sensors. The controller 200 can adjust the operational states of the components of the thermal management system, including at least one of opening components, closing components, speed regulation, opening degree regulation, and power regulation. The controller 200 can execute control methods for the thermal management system.

[0074] The control methods of the thermal management system include:

[0075] Acquire passenger needs and operational information obtained from sensors;

[0076] Based on passenger demand and operational information obtained from sensors, controller 200 adjusts the operating status of various components in the thermal management system, enabling the thermal management system to execute appropriate air conditioning operation modes, thereby achieving thermal management of the passenger cabin, motors, and batteries.

[0077] The thermal management system also includes an interactive device. The controller 200 is electrically connected to the interactive device, through which the controller 200 can obtain passenger requirements, such as the passenger's desired target temperature or operating mode. Optionally, the interactive device can be the control panel of the electric vehicle. The air conditioning operating modes include various working modes of the thermal management system described above. The connection status of the thermal management system under the above working modes can be referred to the previous description and will not be repeated here.

[0078] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has disclosed the preferred embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The compressor, the first flow regulating device, the second flow regulating device, and the first heat exchanger are provided, wherein no heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first flow regulating device; The thermal management system has a first heating mode. In the first heating mode, the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first flow regulating device, the outlet of the first flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the second flow regulating device, the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the compressor, the first flow regulating device is in a throttling state, and / or the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state. The thermal management system includes a first branch, which includes a first valve device. In the first heating mode, the first valve device is in a fully open state, the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to one port of the first branch, and the other port of the first branch is connected to the inlet of the compressor.

2. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a second heat exchanger, a first pump, and a motor heat exchange device. The second heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that are separated from each other. The thermal management system has a second heating mode. In the second heating mode, the first pump, the second heat exchange section, and the motor heat exchange device are connected. The outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first flow regulating device. The outlet of the first flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger. The outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the second flow regulating device. The outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to both the inlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first heat exchange section. The outlet of the first heat exchange section is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section exchange heat. The first flow regulating device is in a throttling state, and / or the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state.

3. A thermal management system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a third heat exchanger and an air conditioning unit, wherein the first heat exchanger is located inside the air conditioning unit and the third heat exchanger is located outside the air conditioning unit; The thermal management system has a third heating mode. In the third heating mode, the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger, the first flow regulating device, and the second flow regulating device are connected. The first flow regulating device is in a fully open state, the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the second flow regulating device, and the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the third heat exchanger.

4. A thermal management system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the second heating mode, the first valve device is in a fully open state, the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to one port of the first branch and the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the other port of the first branch and the outlet of the first heat exchanger are both connected to the inlet of the compressor. In the third heating mode, the first valve device is in the off state.

5. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The compressor, the second flow regulating device, the first heat exchanger, and the fluid management device, wherein the fluid management device includes a first flow channel section and a second flow channel section that are separated from each other, and no heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the second flow regulating device and the inlet of the second flow channel section; The thermal management system has a first heating mode. In the first heating mode, the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel, the outlet of the first flow channel is connected to the inlet of the second flow regulating device, the outlet of the second flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, and the outlet of the second flow channel is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The first flow channel and the second flow channel exchange heat, and the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state.

6. A thermal management system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a first flow regulating device; In the first heating mode, the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first flow regulating device, the outlet of the first flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel, the first flow regulating device is in a throttling state, and / or, the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state.

7. A thermal management system as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a third flow regulating device, a second heat exchanger, a first pump, and a motor heat exchange device. The second heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that are separated from each other. The thermal management system has a second heating mode. In the second heating mode, the first pump, the second heat exchange section, and the motor heat exchange device are connected. The outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first flow regulating device. The outlet of the first flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger. The outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel section and the inlet of the third flow regulating device. The outlet of the first flow channel section is connected to the inlet of the second flow regulating device. The outlet of the third flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange section. The outlets of the second flow regulating device and the first heat exchange section are both connected to the inlet of the second flow channel section. The outlet of the second flow channel section is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the second heat exchange section. The first flow channel section exchanges heat with the second flow channel section. At least one of the first flow regulating device and the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state. At least one of the first flow regulating device and the third flow regulating device is in a throttling state.

8. A thermal management system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a third heat exchanger and an air conditioning unit, wherein the first heat exchanger is located inside the air conditioning unit and the third heat exchanger is located outside the air conditioning unit; The thermal management system has a third heating mode. In the third heating mode, the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger, the first flow regulating device, the third flow regulating device, and the fluid management device are connected. The first flow regulating device is in a fully open state, the third flow regulating device is in a throttling state, the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first flow regulating device, the outlet of the first flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the third flow regulating device, the outlet of the third flow regulating device is connected to the inlet of the third heat exchanger, the outlet of the third heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, and the outlet of the second flow channel is connected to the inlet of the compressor.

9. A thermal management system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a second branch and a third branch, and the third branch includes the second flow regulating device; In the first heating mode, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to one port of the second branch, the other port of the second branch is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel, the outlet of the second flow channel is connected to one port of the third branch, the other port of the third branch is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, and the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state or a fully open state. In the second heating mode, the outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to one port of the second branch and the inlet of the third flow regulating device, the other port of the second branch is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel, the outlet of the first flow channel is connected to one port of the third branch, the other port of the third branch and the outlet of the first heat exchanger are both connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, and the second flow regulating device is in a throttling state or a fully open state. In the third heating mode, the second flow regulating device is in the off state.

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