An automobile and a thermal management system thereof

Abstract

The application provides a car and a thermal management system thereof, the thermal management system comprising an electric drive circulation unit, a battery circulation unit, a heating and ventilation circulation unit and an integrated valve unit; the integrated valve unit comprises at least six valve ports, and any two valve ports can be selectively communicated; the electric drive circulation unit comprises an electric drive assembly, an electric drive outlet water pipe and an electric drive inlet water pipe; the battery circulation unit comprises a battery assembly, a battery outlet water pipe and a battery inlet water pipe; the heating and ventilation circulation unit comprises a heating and ventilation assembly, a heating and ventilation outlet water pipe and a heating and ventilation inlet water pipe; the electric drive outlet water pipe, the electric drive inlet water pipe, the battery outlet water pipe, the battery inlet water pipe, the heating and ventilation outlet water pipe and the heating and ventilation inlet water pipe are communicated with the six valve ports one by one. The scheme can effectively utilize the thermal management system to reduce the arrangement space of a water pump and an electronic water valve, reduce the weight of parts, remove the connecting pipeline and reduce the cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile design and manufacturing, and in particular to an automobile and its thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional gasoline-powered vehicle thermal management mainly includes the air conditioning system and engine system thermal management, aiming to keep all vehicle components at suitable temperatures to ensure optimal driving performance. Due to the significant structural differences between new energy vehicles and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the increasing penetration rate of new energy vehicles will inevitably generate more demand in the thermal management industry.

[0003] Compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, new energy vehicles differ in three main ways. First, both require thermal management of their air conditioning systems. However, while traditional gasoline-powered vehicles can utilize waste heat from the engine to heat the interior when the air conditioning is on, new energy vehicles must actively generate heat. Second, due to differences in their powertrain systems, thermal management in traditional gasoline-powered vehicles primarily targets the engine and transmission, while in new energy vehicles it mainly focuses on the electric motor and its controller. Third, new energy vehicles incorporate battery thermal management compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Since new energy vehicles rely on battery power, excessively high battery temperatures can pose certain risks, necessitating battery thermal management.

[0004] However, in traditional vehicle thermal management solutions, the electric drive circulation unit, battery circulation unit, and HVAC circulation unit are connected through motor water pumps, battery water pumps, and corresponding electronic water valves. Since the motor water pumps, battery water pumps, and each electronic water valve are independently distributed and need to be connected through corresponding connecting pipes, the components are scattered throughout the vehicle. This not only increases the difficulty of layout and space occupation, but also increases cost and weight.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides an automobile and its thermal management system to solve the problem in the prior art where the components are scattered in the vehicle and the layout is difficult.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following solution:

[0008] This invention provides a thermal management system, including an electric drive circulation unit, a battery circulation unit, a heating, ventilation and air circulation unit, and an integrated valve unit;

[0009] The electric drive circulation unit includes an electric drive assembly, and an electric drive outlet pipe and an electric drive inlet pipe that are disposed at both ends of the electric drive assembly.

[0010] The battery circulation unit includes a battery assembly, and a battery water outlet pipe and a battery water inlet pipe that pass through both ends of the battery assembly.

[0011] The HVAC circulation unit includes an HVAC assembly, and an HVAC outlet pipe and an HVAC inlet pipe that are connected through both ends of the HVAC assembly.

[0012] The integrated valve unit includes six valve ports, which are respectively connected to the electric drive water outlet pipe, the electric drive water inlet pipe, the battery water outlet pipe, the battery water inlet pipe, the HVAC water outlet pipe, and the HVAC water inlet pipe. Any two of the valve ports are configured to be selectively connected within the integrated valve unit.

[0013] The integrated valve unit in this solution contains at least six valve ports, which are selectively connected to the electric drive circulation unit, battery circulation unit, and HVAC circulation unit, respectively. Different thermal management function modes are achieved by opening and closing the internal valves. Furthermore, the water valve and water pump are integrated into the integrated valve unit, making the arrangement of components on the vehicle more concentrated, effectively reducing the space required for water pumps and electronic water valves, reducing component weight, and eliminating connecting pipes to reduce costs.

[0014] In other preferred embodiments, the integrated valve unit further includes a heat dissipation valve port that can selectively communicate with any of the valve ports;

[0015] The electric drive outlet pipe includes an electric drive main pipe connected to the electric drive assembly, and an electric drive branch pipe and a heat dissipation pipe arranged in parallel and running downstream of the electric drive main pipe. A heat dissipation pipe is provided inside the heat dissipation pipe. The electric drive branch pipe is connected to the valve port, and the heat dissipation pipe is connected to the heat dissipation valve port.

[0016] When it is necessary to use the radiator to cool the high-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor, the radiator valve can be opened to connect the radiator pipe to the inside of the integrated valve unit, and the electric drive pipe can be shut off. As a result, the high-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor will flow through the radiator, and after the temperature is reduced, it will flow into the inside of the integrated valve unit.

[0017] In other preferred embodiments, the battery cycling unit further includes a cooler disposed on the battery water inlet pipe, the cooler being provided with a control valve capable of controlling its opening and closing.

[0018] The cooling effect of the refrigerator in this solution is better than that of the radiator. You can choose to use the refrigerator or the radiator for cooling or heat dissipation according to your needs. Generally, the refrigerator is used in situations with higher temperatures.

[0019] In other preferred embodiments, the heat dissipation valve port and the six valve ports are arranged around the side wall of the integrated valve unit, and the six valve ports are respectively the first valve port, the second valve port, the third valve port, the fourth valve port, the fifth valve port and the sixth valve port;

[0020] The first valve port is connected to the electric drive branch pipe, and the second valve port is connected to the electric drive water inlet pipe; the third valve port is connected to the battery water outlet pipe, and the fourth valve port is connected to the battery water inlet pipe; the fifth valve port is connected to the HVAC water outlet pipe, and the sixth valve port is connected to the HVAC water inlet pipe.

[0021] In other preferred embodiments, inside the integrated valve unit, the heat dissipation valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, the fifth valve port is connected to the sixth valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the second valve port.

[0022] This solution is mainly used in situations where the temperature is not too high, but it is necessary to cool down the high-temperature coolant flowing from the motor. In this case, it is only necessary to use the radiator to cool down the coolant, and there is no need to turn on the cooling device on the battery inlet pipe.

[0023] In other preferred embodiments, inside the integrated valve unit, the heat dissipation valve port is connected to the second valve port, the fifth valve port is connected to the sixth valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port.

[0024] This solution is applicable to situations where the temperature is high and the battery pack needs to be cooled. In such cases, the heat dissipation effect of the radiator is limited. The motor is cooled by the radiator, but the cooling device on the battery inlet pipe still needs to be turned on. The battery pack is cooled by exchanging heat with the car's air conditioning refrigerant through this cooling device.

[0025] In other preferred embodiments, within the integrated valve unit, the first valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, the fifth valve port is connected to the sixth valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the second valve port.

[0026] This solution is applicable to low-temperature environments where battery pack heating is required. In such cases, the high-temperature coolant flowing from the motor can flow directly into the integrated valve unit through the electric drive sub-pipe, without passing through the heat dissipation pipe. The battery pack is heated by the heat generated by the motor. The HVAC circulation unit is independent and provides heat to the passenger compartment.

[0027] In other preferred embodiments, the first valve port is connected to the fourth valve port via a first pipe, the fifth valve port is connected to the sixth valve port via a second pipe, and the third valve port is connected to the second valve port via a third pipe;

[0028] The first pipe is provided with a first tee connector and a second tee connector, and the second pipe is provided with a third tee connector and a fourth tee connector; the first tee connector and the third tee connector are connected through a fourth pipe, and the second tee connector and the fourth tee connector are connected through a fifth pipe.

[0029] This solution is applicable to lower temperature environments. In such cases, the coolant flowing out of the motor can flow directly into the integrated valve unit through the electric drive branch pipe, without passing through the heat dissipation pipe. The heat generated by the motor heats the battery pack. In addition, in this solution, the HVAC circulation unit is connected to the electric drive circulation unit and the battery circulation unit. The low-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor can flow into the HVAC circulation unit to be heated, and then flow out into the battery circulation unit to heat the battery pack.

[0030] In other preferred embodiments, a heating element is provided on the HVAC inlet pipe;

[0031] The first valve port is configured to form a circuit with the first three-way interface, the third three-way interface, the fifth valve port of the HVAC circulation unit, the fourth three-way interface, the second three-way interface, and the fourth valve port. The low-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor can flow into the HVAC circulation unit to be heated, and then flow out into the battery circulation unit to heat the battery pack.

[0032] In another aspect, the present invention also provides an automobile including a vehicle body, wherein the thermal management system is disposed on the vehicle body.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0034] Since the electric drive water outlet pipe, electric drive water inlet pipe, battery water outlet pipe, battery water inlet pipe, HVAC water outlet pipe, and HVAC water inlet pipe are connected to six valve ports one by one, by adjusting the opening and closing of different valve ports on the integrated valve unit, it is possible to achieve an independent working mode in which the electric drive circulation unit, battery circulation unit, and HVAC circulation unit do not interfere with each other, and also to achieve a cooperative working mode in which the electric drive circulation unit, battery circulation unit, and HVAC circulation unit cooperate with each other, such as connecting the electric drive circulation unit and battery circulation unit in series to form a large loop.

[0035] Furthermore, since the integrated valve unit replaces the traditionally dispersed electronic water valve and water pump structure, the components of the thermal management system of this application are more centrally located on the vehicle, while eliminating related connecting pipes, thereby effectively improving the space utilization of the thermal management system on the vehicle, reducing the weight of components, and lowering costs. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a specific thermal management system described in this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the thermal management system described in this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the thermal management system described in this application.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a third schematic diagram of the thermal management system described in this application;

[0041] Figure 5 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the thermal management system described in this application.

[0042] The components represented by each number in the above attached diagram are listed below:

[0043] 100. Electric drive circulation unit; 101. Electric drive assembly; 102. Electric drive water outlet pipe; 1021. Electric drive branch pipe; 1022. Heat pipe; 1023. Radiator; 103. Electric drive water inlet pipe; 104. Heat exchanger; 105. MCU; 106. Vehicle power supply;

[0044] 200. Battery cycle unit; 201. Battery assembly; 202. Battery water outlet pipe; 203. Battery water inlet pipe; 204. Refrigerator; 205. Control valve;

[0045] 300. HVAC circulation unit; 301. HVAC assembly; 302. HVAC outlet pipe; 303. HVAC inlet pipe; 304. Heater;

[0046] 400. Integrated valve unit;

[0047] 401, First valve port; 402, Second valve port; 403, Third valve port; 404, Fourth valve port; 405, Fifth valve port; 406, Sixth valve port; 407, Heat dissipation valve port. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the above and other features and advantages of the present invention clearer, the invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments given herein are for the purpose of explanation to those skilled in the art and are exemplary only, not restrictive.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "beneath" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0053] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0054] The automobile disclosed in this application includes a vehicle body (not shown) and a thermal management system disposed within the vehicle body. Because the thermal management system has fewer components and a compact structure, it improves the overall space utilization of the automobile, reduces vehicle weight, and lowers costs. Furthermore, based on different thermal management modes, it can meet the varying temperature requirements of the automobile during operation.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 1 The thermal management system of this application includes an electric drive circulation unit 100, a battery circulation unit 200, a heating, ventilation and air circulation unit 300, and an integrated valve unit 400.

[0056] The electric drive circulation unit 100 includes an electric drive assembly 101, and an electric drive outlet pipe 102 and an electric drive inlet pipe 103 that pass through both ends of the electric drive assembly 101. The battery circulation unit 200 includes a battery assembly 201, and a battery outlet pipe 202 and a battery inlet pipe 203 that pass through both ends of the battery assembly 201. The HVAC circulation unit 300 includes a HVAC assembly 301, and a HVAC outlet pipe 302 and a HVAC inlet pipe 303 that pass through both ends of the HVAC assembly 301. The integrated valve unit 400 includes six valve ports, which are respectively connected to the electric drive outlet pipe 102, the electric drive inlet pipe 103, the battery outlet pipe 202, the battery inlet pipe 203, the HVAC outlet pipe 302, and the HVAC inlet pipe 303, and any two valve ports can be selectively connected within the integrated valve unit 400.

[0057] Since the electric drive water outlet pipe 102, electric drive water inlet pipe 103, battery water outlet pipe 202, battery water inlet pipe 203, HVAC water outlet pipe 302, and HVAC water inlet pipe 303 are connected to the six valve ports one by one, by adjusting the opening and closing of different valve ports on the integrated valve unit 400, it is possible to achieve an independent working mode in which the electric drive circulation unit 100, battery circulation unit 200, and HVAC circulation unit 300 do not interfere with each other, and also to achieve a cooperative working mode in which the electric drive circulation unit 100, battery circulation unit 200, and HVAC circulation unit 300 cooperate with each other, such as making the electric drive circulation unit 100 and battery circulation unit 200 connected in series to form a large circulation, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, since the integrated valve unit 400 replaces the traditionally dispersed electronic water valve and water pump structure, the components of the thermal management system of this application are more centrally located on the vehicle, while eliminating related connecting pipes, thereby effectively improving the space utilization of the thermal management system on the vehicle, reducing the weight of components, and lowering costs.

[0059] Further reference Figure 1 The electric drive circulation unit 100 also includes a heat exchanger 104, an MCU 105 (microcontroller unit), a three-in-one [OBC (on-board charger) & DC-DC converter & PDU (high-voltage distribution box)] on-board power supply 106, and other components forming a closed loop with some piping. The heating, ventilation, and air circulation unit 300 also includes a heater core, a heater 304, a water pump, and other components forming a closed loop with some piping. The battery circulation unit 200 also includes a battery pack and a cooler 204, and other components forming a closed loop with some piping.

[0060] Optionally, the six valve ports inside the integrated valve unit 400 in this application can be connected in pairs through different pipes (each pipe is equipped with a valve). When different thermal management working modes are required, the valve at the corresponding position can be opened and the valves of other pipes can be closed.

[0061] Furthermore, the integrated valve unit 400 is also provided with a heat dissipation valve port 407 that can selectively communicate with any valve port; the electric drive outlet pipe 102 includes an electric drive main pipe connected to the electric drive assembly 101, and an electric drive branch pipe 1021 and a heat dissipation pipe 1022 connected in parallel and arranged downstream of the electric drive main pipe, and a heat dissipation pipe 1022 is provided with a heat sink 1023; the electric drive branch pipe 1021 is connected to the valve port, and the heat dissipation pipe 1022 is connected to the heat dissipation valve port 407.

[0062] It should be noted that the structure of the heat dissipation valve port 407 is similar to that of the other six valve ports on the integrated valve unit 400, and the connection and control method of the heat dissipation valve port 407 inside the integrated valve unit 400 is also the same as that of the other six valve ports. That is, the heat dissipation valve port 407 can be regarded as the seventh valve port.

[0063] When it is necessary to use the radiator 1023 to cool down the high-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor, the radiator valve port 407 can be opened to connect the heat pipe 1022 with the interior of the integrated valve unit 400, and the electric drive branch pipe 1021 is closed. As a result, the high-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor will flow through the radiator 1023, and after the temperature is reduced, it will flow into the interior of the integrated valve unit 400.

[0064] Furthermore, a cooler 204 is installed on the battery water inlet pipe 203, and a control valve 205 is installed on the cooler 204 to control its opening and closing.

[0065] In this solution, the cooling effect of the cooler 204 is better than that of the radiator 1023. The choice between using the cooler 204 for cooling or the radiator 1023 for heat dissipation can be made according to the requirements. Generally, the cooler 204 is used in situations with higher temperatures. Because the radiator 1023 needs to exchange heat with the air when it is working, if the outside temperature is high, the effect of the radiator 1023 is limited. In this case, the independent cooler 204 is needed to cool the liquid, thereby cooling the battery pack to meet the temperature requirements for normal use of the battery pack.

[0066] Optionally, the cooler 204 in this solution is connected to the air conditioner refrigeration unit. The opening and closing of the control valve 205 controls the heat exchange and cooling between the refrigerant of the air conditioner refrigeration unit and the battery pack. In this embodiment, the control valve 205 is preferably an electronic expansion valve. The electronic expansion valve is existing technology, and its structure will not be described in detail here.

[0067] Furthermore, the heat dissipation valve port 407 and six valve ports are arranged around the side wall of the integrated valve unit 400, and the six valve ports are respectively the first valve port 401, the second valve port 402, the third valve port 403, the fourth valve port 404, the fifth valve port 405 and the sixth valve port 406.

[0068] The first valve port 401 is connected to the electric drive branch pipe 1021, and the second valve port 402 is connected to the electric drive water inlet pipe 103; the third valve port 403 is connected to the battery water outlet pipe 202, and the fourth valve port 404 is connected to the battery water inlet pipe 203; the fifth valve port 405 is connected to the HVAC water outlet pipe 302, and the sixth valve port 406 is connected to the HVAC water inlet pipe 303.

[0069] Optionally, the integrated valve unit 400 is a circular integrated valve, with the first valve port 401, the second valve port 402, the third valve port 403, the fourth valve port 404, the fifth valve port 405, the sixth valve port 406, and the heat dissipation valve port 407 (this does not constitute a limitation on the order of their positions, but is only for recording the names of the components) evenly arranged around the outer wall of the integrated valve.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, inside the integrated valve unit 400, the heat dissipation valve port 407 is connected to the fourth valve port 404, the fifth valve port 405 is connected to the sixth valve port 406, and the third valve port 403 is connected to the second valve port 402.

[0071] This solution is primarily applicable to environments with relatively low temperatures, such as around 20°C. While it's necessary to cool the high-temperature coolant flowing from the motor, the ambient temperature is not high, and the radiator 1023 can also remove some heat during heat exchange with the outside air. Therefore, cooling can be achieved solely through the radiator 1023, without needing to activate the cooling device on the battery inlet pipe 203. In this mode, the electric drive circulation unit 100 and the battery circulation unit 200 are connected in series to form a large circulation loop, while the HVAC circulation is independent. The motor and battery pack are cooled via the radiator 1023, and the HVAC system remains inactive.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, inside the integrated valve unit 400, the heat dissipation valve port 407 is connected to the second valve port 402, the fifth valve port 405 is connected to the sixth valve port 406, and the third valve port 403 is connected to the fourth valve port 404.

[0073] This solution is applied to environments with high temperatures, such as around 30℃, where the battery pack needs cooling. At this temperature, the outside air temperature is high, and heat cannot be dissipated solely through heat exchange with the outside air via radiator 1023. In other words, radiator 1023 has limited cooling capacity, only able to cool the motor and insufficient to meet the cooling needs of the battery pack. Therefore, the cooling device on the battery inlet pipe 203 needs to be activated, allowing the battery pack to exchange heat with the automotive air conditioning refrigerant through this device. In this mode, the electric drive circulation unit 100, battery circulation unit 200, and HVAC circulation unit 300 form three independent cycles. The motor is cooled by radiator 1023, the battery pack is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant through cooler 204, and the HVAC system is not activated.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, inside the integrated valve unit 400, the first valve port 401 is connected to the fourth valve port 404, the fifth valve port 405 is connected to the sixth valve port 406, and the third valve port 403 is connected to the second valve port 402.

[0075] This solution is applied to situations where the temperature is low and the battery pack needs to be heated. In this case, the high-temperature coolant flowing from the motor can flow directly into the integrated valve unit 400 through the electric drive branch pipe 1021, without flowing through the heat dissipation pipe 1022. The battery pack is heated by the heat generated by the motor, and the HVAC circulation unit 300 is independent, providing heat to the passenger compartment. In this mode, the electric drive circulation unit 100 and the battery circulation unit 200 are connected in series to form a large circulation loop, and this large circulation loop does not pass through the radiator 1023; the HVAC circulation is independent.

[0076] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first valve port 401 and the fourth valve port 404 are connected through the first pipe, the fifth valve port 405 and the sixth valve port 406 are connected through the second pipe, and the third valve port 403 and the second valve port 402 are connected through the third pipe.

[0077] The first pipe is equipped with a first tee connector and a second tee connector, and the second pipe is equipped with a third tee connector and a fourth tee connector; the first tee connector and the third tee connector are connected through the fourth pipe, and the second tee connector and the fourth tee connector are connected through the fifth pipe.

[0078] This solution is applicable to lower temperature environments. In such cases, the coolant flowing out of the motor can flow directly into the integrated valve unit 400 through the electric drive branch pipe 1021, without flowing through the heat dissipation pipe 1022. The heat generated by the motor heats the battery pack. In addition, in this solution, the HVAC circulation unit 300 is connected to the electric drive circulation unit 100 and the battery circulation unit 200. The low-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor can flow into the HVAC circulation unit 300 and be heated to form a high-temperature coolant, which then flows out into the battery circulation unit 200 to heat the battery pack.

[0079] Furthermore, a heating element is provided on the HVAC inlet pipe 303, preferably a PTC heater 304. During normal operation, the liquid flows through the loop formed by the first valve port 401, the first tee port, the third tee port, the heating element, the HVAC assembly 301, the fifth valve port 405, the fourth tee port, the second tee port, and the fourth valve port 404. The low-temperature coolant flowing out of the motor can flow into the HVAC circulation unit 300. After being heated by the PTC heater 304, a portion of the high-temperature coolant in the HVAC circulation unit 300 is introduced into the battery circulation unit 200 to heat the battery pack.

[0080] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized by, The application relates to an integrated valve unit and a refrigeration system comprising an electric drive circulation unit, a battery circulation unit, a heating and ventilation circulation unit and the integrated valve unit. The electric drive circulation unit comprises an electric drive assembly, an electric drive outlet pipe and an electric drive inlet pipe which are arranged through the two ends of the electric drive assembly. The battery circulation unit comprises a battery assembly, a battery outlet pipe and a battery inlet pipe which are arranged through the two ends of the battery assembly. The heating and ventilation circulation unit comprises a heating and ventilation assembly, a heating and ventilation outlet pipe and a heating and ventilation inlet pipe which are arranged through the two ends of the heating and ventilation assembly. The integrated valve unit comprises six valve ports which are respectively connected with the electric drive outlet pipe, the electric drive inlet pipe, the battery outlet pipe, the battery inlet pipe, the heating and ventilation outlet pipe and the heating and ventilation inlet pipe, and any two valve ports are selectively connected in the integrated valve unit. The integrated valve unit further comprises a heat dissipation valve port which is selectively connected with any valve port. The electric drive outlet pipe comprises an electric drive main pipe which is connected with the electric drive assembly, an electric drive branch pipe and a heat dissipation pipe which are arranged in parallel and downstream of the electric drive main pipe, and a heat dissipation device is arranged in the heat dissipation pipe; the electric drive branch pipe is connected with the valve port, and the heat dissipation pipe is connected with the heat dissipation valve port. The heat dissipation valve port and the six valve ports are arranged on the side wall of the integrated valve unit, and the six valve ports are respectively a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port, a fourth valve port, a fifth valve port and a sixth valve port. The first valve port is connected with the electric drive branch pipe, and the second valve port is connected with the electric drive inlet pipe; the third valve port is connected with the battery outlet pipe, and the fourth valve port is connected with the battery inlet pipe; the fifth valve port is connected with the heating and ventilation outlet pipe, and the sixth valve port is connected with the heating and ventilation inlet pipe. In the integrated valve unit, the first valve port is connected with the fourth valve port, the fifth valve port is connected with the sixth valve port, and the third valve port is connected with the second valve port. The first valve port is connected with the fourth valve port through a first pipe, the fifth valve port is connected with the sixth valve port through a second pipe, and the third valve port is connected with the second valve port through a third pipe. The first pipe is provided with a first three-way joint and a second three-way joint, the second pipe is provided with a third three-way joint and a fourth three-way joint, the first three-way joint is connected with the third three-way joint through a fourth pipe, and the second three-way joint is connected with the fourth three-way joint through a fifth pipe.

2. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The battery circulation unit further comprises a refrigeration device which is arranged on the battery inlet pipe and provided with a control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the refrigeration device.

3. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, In the integrated valve unit, the heat dissipation valve port is connected with the fourth valve port, the fifth valve port is connected with the sixth valve port, and the third valve port is connected with the second valve port.

4. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, In the integrated valve unit, the heat dissipation valve port is connected with the second valve port, the fifth valve port is connected with the sixth valve port, and the third valve port is connected with the fourth valve port.

5. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The heating and ventilation inlet pipe is provided with a heating component. The first valve port is configured to form a loop with the first three-way interface, the third three-way interface, the heating and cooling circulation unit, the fifth valve port, the fourth three-way interface, the second three-way interface, and the fourth valve port.

6. An automobile comprising a vehicle body, characterized by Also included is the thermal management system of any one of claims 1-5, the thermal management system being disposed in the vehicle body.

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