Hvac module and hvac system comprising such module

Abstract

The present invention relates to an HVAC module for a vehicle, the HVAC module comprising: a main body housing an air passage between an air inlet and an air outlet; an air blowing device for guiding air from the air inlet towards the air outlet; and an air temperature adjustment device for heating and cooling air flowing in the air passage. The air temperature adjustment device comprises one main heat exchanger located in the air passage and fed by at least one heat transfer fluid circuit, and the main heat exchanger is configured to be reversibly switched between a cooling mode and a heating mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is in the field of HVAC for vehicles (or vehicles, i.e. vehicles) such as cars, trucks, buses, railway coaches, trains and the like. BACKGROUND

[0002] HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems are currently used for climate control of the vehicle cabin, defrosting and demisting functions of the vehicle glazing (in particular, the windshield and rear window).

[0003] The HVAC system typically comprises an HVAC module placed inside the vehicle cabin, which comprises a cooling unit and a heating unit connected respectively to a cooling circuit and to a heating device placed under the hood.

[0004] Figure 1 A conventional HVAC system 110 of the so-called direct type is illustrated, which is currently the dominant design in ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles or electric vehicles.

[0005] The HVAC module 120 of such a HVAC system 110 conventionally comprises:

[0006] - a main body 122 which houses an air passage 124 between an air inlet 126 and a plurality of air outlets 128a, 128b, 128c,

[0007] - an air blowing device 130 adapted to draw air from the air inlet 126 and to direct it towards the air outlets 128a, 128b, 128c, and

[0008] - an air temperature adjustment device comprising both an evaporator E as a cooling unit and a heating unit H, such cooling and heating units E, H being located inside the air passage 124 and intended to heat and / or cool the air flowing in said air passage 124 based on the user's request.

[0009] The evaporator E is part of a refrigerant circuit 160, as Figure 1The refrigerant circuit 160 shown includes: a compressor 162 in which gaseous refrigerant is compressed and in motion; a condenser 164 at which the refrigerant from the compressor 162 is cooled and changes from a gaseous phase to a liquid phase by heat exchange with ambient air; an expansion valve 166 through which the refrigerant changes from a liquid phase to a mixture of gas and liquid and cools down; and an evaporator E. At the evaporator E, the expanded refrigerant continues to undergo a phase change by heating due to heat exchange with ambient air. The refrigerant becomes completely gaseous at the end of the evaporator E, and the air flowing in the air passage 124 is cooled.

[0010] This system is called "direct" because the air directly exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulation: the evaporator E is in direct contact with the air flowing in the air passage 124 and is located in the HVAC module 120 within the vehicle compartment. The evaporator E utilizes air / refrigerant fluid technology to operate.

[0011] The heating unit H is typically a heat exchanger that is supplied with a heat transfer fluid that circulates through a dedicated circuit 114 and is heated either by flowing through a water tank (in the case of an ICE vehicle), where the heat transfer fluid exchanges heat with the coolant fluid of the ICE motor M, or by an electric heater or heat pump (in the case of an electric vehicle).

[0012] The second known type of HVAC system used in some electric vehicles is Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an indirect HVAC system. This system differs from a previous system in that the evaporator E' (also referred to herein as a cooler) is separated from the air passage 124 by an intermediate heat transfer fluid loop 112 using a heat transfer fluid (e.g., a mixture of ethylene glycol and water). The cooler E' functions as a two-fluid heat exchanger. It is arranged to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant loop 160 and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid loop 112. The heat transfer fluid loop 112 includes another heat exchanger E'' in the HVAC module 120, which acts as a cooling unit by performing heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid loop 112 and the internal airflow flowing in the air passage 124 and intended to be distributed throughout the vehicle compartment.

[0013] In cooling mode, air from the outside or from the vehicle compartment passes through the cooling unit E (in... Figure 1 (in the direct system) or E'' (in Figure 2 The heat is cooled by heat exchange in the indirect system and (if a temperature selected by the user is required) is reheated by heating unit H.

[0014] In heating mode, the air is heated solely by heating unit H.

[0015] In addition to heating and cooling the vehicle's cabin, the HVAC system is also used for air dehumidification and defogging: air flowing through air passage 124 is dried by water condensation on the cooling unit (E or E'') and then heated by the heating unit to achieve the temperature target set by the HVAC control unit. The entry of dehumidified air into the cabin results in a decrease in the humidity level therein, and thus limits fogging.

[0016] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conventional HVAC system illustrated has the following disadvantages: the presence of both a cooling unit and a heating unit results in a large HVAC module, reducing space in the dashboard area, which is critical to the vehicle architecture. Furthermore, even when the external climate is hot and the HVAC module is in cooling mode, the heating unit is constantly heated by the engine in the ICE vehicle, thus becoming a heat source in the vehicle cabin. Under these conditions, only the damper combination prevents the air from being heated by the heating unit.

[0017] The third drawback is that, particularly in cold and humid climates, the defogging system uses both the cooling and heating units on the same path. As explained above, this inefficiently consumes energy to first cool the air via water condensation to dry it on the cooling unit, and then warm it up by exchanging heat with the heating unit to achieve the temperature target set on the HVAC control unit. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art by providing an HVAC module with reduced cost, smaller size and improved energy efficiency.

[0019] According to the present invention, an HVAC module for a vehicle includes:

[0020] - A main body that houses an air passage between at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet.

[0021] - A device adapted to direct air from an air inlet toward at least one air outlet, and

[0022] - An air temperature control device used to heat and cool the air flowing in the air passage.

[0023] The HVAC module is characterized in that the air temperature regulation device includes at least one main heat exchanger located in the air passage and supplied by at least one heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0024] Furthermore, the main heat exchanger is configured to reversibly switch between a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the cooling mode, the main heat exchanger is supplied with a heat transfer fluid, so that the air flowing in the air passage is cooled by heat transfer with the heat transfer fluid. In the heating mode, the main heat exchanger is supplied with a heat transfer fluid, so that the air flowing in the air passage is heated by heat transfer with the heat transfer fluid.

[0025] The main heat exchanger is a single component responsible for both cooling and heating the air circulating in the air passage.

[0026] The simpler and more compact architecture, along with the use of a reversible main heat exchanger instead of both the cooling and heating units of existing technology systems, allows for a reduction in the overall cost of the vehicle.

[0027] The main heat exchanger is dedicated to exclusively cooling or heating the air in the air passage. The main heat exchanger is preferably configured to bring the air temperature in the air passage to the desired temperature corresponding to the user's request, according to a monotonic function (either increasing in heating mode or decreasing in cooling mode).

[0028] During both cooling and heating modes, the heat transfer fluid supplied to the main heat exchanger is advantageously the same fluid, with only the fluid temperature adjusted to correspondingly cool or heat the air circulating in the air passage. When the HVAC module is in heating mode, the HVAC module of this invention does not include an air drying / dehumidification function.

[0029] To achieve the defogging function, an additional independent defogging device should be installed in the vehicle, which is advantageously in the form of an active heated window system. Such active window systems are already known and include, for example, heating wires, heating films, or special coatings on the vehicle windows.

[0030] Because the active window system manages both defogging and defrosting purposes, the HVAC module does not need to generate the high airflow rates required in the defogging or defrosting modes of conventional HVAC systems. Preferably, the HVAC module is configured not to generate the airflow directed at the vehicle's windows required in the defogging or defrosting modes of conventional HVAC systems. Preferably, the HVAC module does not include air ducts configured for defogging and / or defrosting the vehicle's windows. The fact that the airflow rate is maintained at a lower level allows for a reduction in the size of the air guiding devices: these devices can be simple fans that are more compact and consume less energy than conventional blowers (or air supply fans, compressors, i.e., blowers) (although blowers can also be used in this invention).

[0031] The HVAC module according to the present invention can be implemented in ICE vehicles, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0032] The present invention further relates to an HVAC system for a vehicle, comprising:

[0033] - As defined above, HVAC modules

[0034] - At least one heat transfer fluid loop that supplies heat transfer fluid to the main heat exchanger.

[0035] - A cooling device for cooling the heat transfer fluid to be supplied to the main heat exchanger, and

[0036] - A heating device for heating the heat transfer fluid to be supplied to the main heat exchanger.

[0037] - A switching device for reversibly switching the operation of the main heat exchanger between cooling and heating modes.

[0038] In another optional aspect of the invention:

[0039] - The switching device includes a control mechanism for energizing (or turning on) and de-energizing (or turning off) the heating and cooling devices supplying the heat transfer fluid to the main heat exchanger.

[0040] - The heat transfer fluid circuit has a main loop that includes both cooling and heating devices.

[0041] - The heat transfer fluid circuit has a first main loop including a cooling device and a second main loop including a heating device.

[0042] - The switching device includes a directional control valve, particularly a two-position four-way directional control valve, which is adapted to control the direction of flow of heat transfer fluid between a first main loop of a heat transfer fluid circuit including a cooling device and a second main loop of a heat transfer fluid circuit including a heating device.

[0043] - The switching device can be placed inside or outside the HVAC module (generally under the dashboard or under the hood).

[0044] - The HVAC system further includes a refrigerant circuit, which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger, and the cooling device includes the second heat exchanger.

[0045] The HVAC system further includes a heat output circuit, which includes a condenser, a fourth heat exchanger, and a pump. The fourth heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the fluid circulating in the heat output circuit toward the ambient air. The condenser is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant circuit to the heat output circuit.

[0046] - The fourth heat exchanger is a radiator.

[0047] - The heat output circuit includes a circulating fluid, which includes water, and preferably includes water and ethylene glycol.

[0048] - A condenser is a cooler.

[0049] - The refrigerant circuit has a total piping length of less than 2.5m, especially less than 1.5m, and preferably less than 0.5m.

[0050] - The heat output circuit includes a first heat output branch and a second heat output branch. The first heat output branch includes a fourth heat exchanger, and the second heat output branch includes a main heat exchanger.

[0051] - The heat transfer fluid circuit has a first main loop including a cooling device and a second main loop including a heating device, and a portion of the heat output circuit includes a second heat output branch, which forms the second main loop.

[0052] - The heating device includes a heater, preferably a PTC heater and / or a heat pump.

[0053] - The heating device includes a heat exchanger, preferably a heat exchanger supplied by the coolant circuit of the vehicle engine.

[0054] The heating device includes a heat exchanger supplied by the coolant circuit of the vehicle engine, which is a condenser.

[0055] - A device for directing air from an air inlet toward at least one air outlet typically includes an air blowing device, preferably a blower.

[0056] - The air blowing device includes a fan, and preferably, the air blowing device is formed by a single blower or a single fan.

[0057] In this patent application, a blower is understood as a centrifugal fan that moves air at an angle (typically 90 degrees) to the incoming fluid. The blower is capable of generating a stable airflow at high pressure and low speed before passing through a heat exchanger.

[0058] A simple (axial) fan is understood to move air parallel to its axis. This type of fan is generally compact and inexpensive.

[0059] Another aspect of the present invention is a multifunctional thermal management system comprising an HVAC system as defined above and a battery heat exchanger suitable for thermal management of a battery, wherein the battery heat exchanger is supplied with a heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid loop that supplies the main heat exchanger.

[0060] In another optional aspect of the invention:

[0061] - The heat transfer fluid circuit has a main loop supplying the main heat exchanger, the main loop including both a cooling device and a heating device on the thermal management branch of the circuit, and a secondary loop including a thermal management branch, the secondary loop being installed in parallel with the first loop and supplying the battery heat exchanger. The multi-functional thermal management system further includes a first valve for controlling the flow of the heat transfer fluid in the main loop and a second valve for controlling the flow of the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop.

[0062] - The battery heat exchanger is further connected to a passive heat transfer fluid loop configured to supply cooling heat transfer fluid to the battery heat exchanger.

[0063] - The passive heat transfer loop includes a fourth heat exchanger, which is preferably a radiator.

[0064] Another aspect of the invention is a vehicle that includes an HVAC system or multifunctional thermal management system as defined above and a defogging device for at least one vehicle window, the defogging device being operable independently of the HVAC system.

[0065] The defogging device is preferably a heated glass window.

[0066] It should be understood that different embodiments can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, without departing from the scope of the invention, the foregoing technical features and those to be explained below can be used not only in the indicated combinations, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to specific, non-limiting embodiments thereof. The accompanying drawings depict schematic views of an HVAC system or portions thereof in a simplified, non-scaled representation according to these specific embodiments of the invention:

[0068] – [ Figure 1 [This is a graphical representation of a conventional HVAC system of the direct type in the prior art.]

[0069] - [ Figure 2 This is a graphical representation of a conventional HVAC system of the indirect type in the prior art.

[0070] - [ Figure 3 [This is a graphical representation of an HVAC system in an ICE vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.]

[0071] - [ Figure 4 This is a detailed view of the HVAC module based on the first example.

[0072] - [ Figure 5This is a detailed view of the HVAC module based on the second example.

[0073] - [ Figure 6 [This is a graphical representation of an HVAC system according to a second embodiment of the present invention in an electric vehicle.]

[0074] - [ Figure 7 [This is a graphical representation of an HVAC system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.]

[0075] - [ Figure 8 [Illustrated representation of a multifunctional thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention]

[0076] - [ Figure 9 [This is an overall view of a vehicle equipped with an HVAC system according to the present invention.]

[0077] - [ Figure 10 This is a schematic representation of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The HVAC system includes a heating output circuit, a first main loop including a cooling device, and a second main loop including a heating device.

[0078] [ Figure 11 This is a schematic representation of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a heating output circuit and a main loop including both a cooling device and a heating device.

[0079] - [ Figure 12 [Image] is a schematic representation of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The HVAC system includes a heating output circuit, which includes a second heat output branch forming a second main loop including a heating device.

[0080] - [ Figure 13 [Illustrated representation of a multifunctional thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a heat output circuit.] Detailed Implementation

[0081] Figure 3 This is a schematic representation of an HVAC system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an ICE vehicle. This HVAC system can also be used in hybrid vehicles.

[0082] HVAC system 10 includes HVAC module 20 located in the vehicle compartment and fluid loop 50 located under the hood that supplies heat transfer fluid to HVAC module 20.

[0083] exist Figure 3Above, the dashed line 12 marks the boundary between the component of the HVAC system 10 located inside the vehicle compartment (to the right of the line) and the component located below the hood (to the left of the line).

[0084] Referring to the illustration, one possible embodiment Figure 4 The HVAC module 20 includes a body 22, wherein a channel 24 for airflow is formed between an air inlet 26 connected to a recirculation inlet and / or a fresh air inlet (not shown) and a plurality of air vents 28a, 28b, 28c supplying different areas of the vehicle compartment.

[0085] Channel 24 is referred to as the air channel throughout this disclosure. Air vents 28a, 28b, and 28c may include, for example, an instrument panel outlet, a front foot outlet, a rear vent outlet, and a rear foot outlet, each air vent including a valve (not shown) capable of opening or closing in response to a user command.

[0086] To direct air from air inlet 26 toward air outlet, the HVAC module 20 here includes an air shifting device in the form of an air blowing device, which can take the form of... Figure 4 The blower 30 shown is in the form of a blower. As an example, the air blowing device is configured to draw in air from the air inlet 26 and direct the air toward the air outlet. According to another example, air can be forced through the air inlet by a device outside the body: then, an air blowing device inside the body can be used to maintain the movement of the air along the air passage and toward one or more outlets.

[0087] According to another embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the blower can be replaced by an axial fan 32, which directs air from the air inlet 26 toward the air outlets 28a, 28b, 28c.

[0088] As an example, the air source flowing through air inlet 26 is controlled by moving an air recirculation door (not shown) between a fully closed position and a fully open position: if the air recirculation door is fully open, only outside air enters the air blowing device; if the air recirculation door is fully closed, only recirculated air from the compartment enters the air blowing device. The door can also be partially opened to allow a mixture of outside and inside air to pass through the air blowing device.

[0089] According to the invention, the main heat exchanger 40 is disposed in the air passage 24 so that air entering from the air inlet 26 can flow through it. Advantageously, the main heat exchanger 40 covers the entire cross-section of the air passage 24.

[0090] HVAC module 20 may further include an air filter 34 generally located upstream of main heat exchanger 40.

[0091] It may also include one or more optional preheating resistors 36a, 36b downstream of the main heat exchanger 40 for cold and extreme climates and / or auxiliary PTC heaters (not shown) for transient conditions such as winter start-up of the ICE engine when it is cold.

[0092] The main heat exchanger 40 is a two-fluid heat exchanger designed to exchange heat between a heat transfer fluid and air that flows across the main heat exchanger 40 as it flows along air passage 24. The heat transfer fluid is supplied by a heat transfer fluid loop 50, which is located at least partially below the casing and includes one or more components for heating or cooling the fluid.

[0093] The heat transfer fluid is typically a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0094] According to the present invention, the main heat exchanger 40 forms a reversible heating and cooling unit that can be supplied with either hot fluid (heating mode) or cold fluid (cooling mode) depending on the user's needs.

[0095] In other words, the main heat exchanger is configured to be supplied with a heat transfer fluid that has already been either cooled or heated, depending on whether the main heat exchanger is operating in cooling mode (in order to generate cooling air to be supplied to the vehicle cabin to lower the temperature inside the cabin) or heating mode (in order to generate hot air to be supplied to the vehicle cabin to raise the temperature inside the vehicle cabin).

[0096] exist Figure 3 In the example, the heat transfer fluid loop 50 has: a first main loop 51, which includes a cooling device for cooling the heat transfer fluid; and a second main loop 52, which includes a heating device for heating the heat transfer fluid.

[0097] The control valve 54 allows control of the flow rate and distribution of the heat transfer fluid flow toward either the first main loop 51 or the second main loop 52, and thus forms a switching device for reversibly switching the operation of the main heat exchanger 40 in a cooling mode and a heating mode, in which the main heat exchanger 40 is supplied with a cooling heat transfer fluid and in the heating mode, the main heat exchanger 40 is supplied with a heating heat transfer fluid.

[0098] The control valve 54 is, for example, a two-position four-way directional control valve controlled by the engine control unit 56 based on the thermal settings in the vehicle.

[0099] If the HVAC module 20 is in cooling mode, valve 54 guides the heat transfer fluid in the first main loop 51 of the fluid transfer circuit 50.

[0100] If the HVAC module is in heating mode, valve 54 guides the heat transfer fluid in the second main loop 52 of the fluid transfer circuit 50.

[0101] The HVAC system 10 according to the invention is of an indirect type, i.e., the first main loop 51 of the heat transfer fluid circuit 50 forms an intermediate loop between the main heat exchanger 40 and the refrigerant circuit 60. The refrigerant circuit 60 includes, in a known manner, a compressor 62, a condenser 64, an expansion valve 66, and a two-fluid heat exchanger 68 that also acts as a cooler, thereby forming the second heat exchanger of the HVAC system 10.

[0102] Refrigerant vapor enters compressor 62, where it is compressed to a higher pressure, thus increasing its temperature. The hot, compressed refrigerant vapor is thus at a temperature and pressure at which it can be condensed and is directed through condenser 64, typically located at the front of the vehicle. In condenser 64, the moving fluid from compressor 62 is cooled and changes from a gaseous phase to a liquid phase through heat exchange with ambient air. At expansion valve 66, the fluid exiting condenser 64 expands, experiencing a sudden decrease in pressure, which results in a temperature drop. The fluid is partially changing from a liquid phase to a mixture of gas and liquid exiting expansion valve 66. At cooler 68, the heat from the heat transfer fluid and ambient air causes the liquid portion of the cold refrigerant mixture to evaporate. Thus, the heat transfer fluid and ambient air are cooled, and at the end of cooler 68, the refrigerant becomes completely gaseous. The refrigerant fluid exiting cooler 68 completes the loop by entering compressor 62.

[0103] Cooler 68 is arranged to perform heat exchange between refrigerant fluid circulating in refrigerant circuit 60 and heat transfer fluid circulating in the first main loop 51 of heat transfer fluid circuit 50. Thus, the heat transfer fluid performs heat exchange with the internal airflow flowing in air passage 24 and intended to be distributed in the vehicle compartment.

[0104] The second main loop 52 of the heat transfer circuit 50 includes a third heat exchanger 80, which performs heat exchange between the coolant of the vehicle engine M and the heat transfer fluid. Thus, the third heat exchanger is a heating device 80.

[0105] If the first main loop 51 is closed by the control valve 54, the pump P1 (e.g., a mechanical or electric pump) forces fluid to flow around the first main loop 51 and through the cooler 68, thereby cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0106] If the second main loop 52 is closed by the control valve 54, the pump P2 (e.g., a mechanical or electric pump) forces the fluid to flow around the second main loop 52 and through the third heat exchanger 80, thereby heating the heat transfer fluid.

[0107] Pumps P1 and P2 are controlled by the engine control unit 56 based on the temperature setting in the vehicle cabin. The flow rate of the heat transfer fluid can also be controlled by the speed applied to pumps P1 and P2.

[0108] Figure 6 This illustration schematically depicts a second embodiment of an HVAC system according to the invention, implemented in an electric vehicle (however, such an HVAC system can also be used in hybrid vehicles or ICE vehicles).

[0109] In this example, the heating device in the second main loop 52 includes a PTC heater 84 instead of a heat exchanger 80. In another embodiment, the PTC heater 84 may also be replaced by a heat pump module.

[0110] HVAC modules or other components of HVAC systems are similar to the reference. Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 The components described will not be further described.

[0111] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a third embodiment of the HVAC system 10 according to the invention. This embodiment is particularly suitable for electric vehicles, but can alternatively be implemented in ICE vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit 50 includes both a cooling device and a heating device in a single main loop 53.

[0113] For reference respectively Figure 1 and Figure 4 As in the first or second embodiment disclosed, the cooling device is formed by a second heat exchanger (cooler) 68, which is arranged to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the refrigerant circuit 60 of the type previously described and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the main loop 53 of the heat transfer fluid circuit 50. Thus, the heat transfer fluid performs heat exchange with the internal airflow flowing in the air passage 24 and intended to be distributed in the vehicle compartment.

[0114] In this third embodiment, however, the heating device is not arranged on a separate loop, but rather on the same loop as the cooler 68. As an example, as in... Figure 6 As in the second embodiment, the heating device is formed by a PTC heater 84 or a heat pump module or any suitable heating device.

[0115] The switching device for reversibly switching the operation of the main heat exchanger in cooling mode or heating mode includes control devices 57 and 58 for energizing and de-energizing the cooler 68 and the PTC heater 84, respectively.

[0116] If the HVAC module 20 is in heating mode, the cooler 68 is turned off, and the PTC heater 84 is turned on.

[0117] If the HVAC module 20 is in cooling mode, the cooler 68 is turned on, and the PTC heater 84 is turned off.

[0118] The correct outlet air temperature is determined using feedback from a temperature sensor, which is obtained through a combination of controls on the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, compressor speed, heater power, and the mixing ratio of outside air to inside air.

[0119] Additional devices for regulating flow rate can be integrated into the loop (but are not mandatory).

[0120] Thermal management of electric vehicles (especially battery electric vehicles) involves not only the heating and cooling of the passenger compartment, but also the heating and cooling of the battery. Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a multifunctional thermal management system 100 according to a possible embodiment of the invention, implemented in an electric vehicle. The multifunctional system 100 includes an HVAC system 10 according to the invention and a battery heat exchanger located near the vehicle's battery and adapted for thermal management of the battery.

[0121] In this example, HVAC system 10 is a reference. Figure 7 And one of the types described.

[0122] As previously referenced Figure 7 The heat transfer fluid circuit 50 described herein has a single main loop 53 supplying the main heat exchanger 40, the main loop including both a cooling device (here, cooler 68) and a heating device (here, PTC heater 84) on the so-called thermal management branch 55 of the circuit 50.

[0123] The heat transfer fluid loop 50 further has a sub-loop 92, which includes the thermal management branch 55 and is designed to supply a battery heat exchanger 94 located on the battery side and suitable for the thermal management of the battery 90.

[0124] like Figure 8 As shown, the main heat exchanger 40 and the battery heat exchanger 94 are installed in parallel.

[0125] The first valve V1 allows or stops the flow of heat transfer fluid through the main heat exchanger 40 in the main loop.

[0126] The second valve V2 allows or stops the flow of heat transfer fluid through the battery heat exchanger 94 in the secondary loop 92.

[0127] If the first valve V1 is closed and the second valve V2 is open, battery thermal management can be achieved using the cooler 68 and / or the PTC heater 84, thereby enabling the adjustment of the temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

[0128] If the first valve V1 is open and the second valve V2 is closed, then the HVAC module 20 is exactly as described in the reference. Figure 7 It works as described.

[0129] If both valves are open, the battery 90 is cooled if the HVAC system 10 is in cooling mode, and the battery 90 is heated if the HVAC system 10 is in heating mode.

[0130] To ensure proper battery thermal management even when the battery 90 should be cooled while the HVAC system 10 is in heating mode, the battery heat exchanger 94 is advantageously connected to an auxiliary heat transfer fluid circuit 96 equipped with a cooling device. When valve V2 is closed, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid circuit 96 forms a passive cooling circuit that supplies cold fluid to the battery heat exchanger.

[0131] exist Figure 8 In the example, the cooling device of the auxiliary circuit includes the vehicle's radiator 70, which simultaneously cools the engine M and the fluid flowing in the auxiliary heat transfer fluid circuit 96.

[0132] Figure 9 This is an overall view of a vehicle 1 equipped with an HVAC system 10 according to the invention: the HVAC module 20 is located directly below the dashboard 2. The remainder of the HVAC system 10 is located below the hood 3. A defogger 4 is advantageously located on the windshield 5, and may (but not necessarily) be located on one or more other automotive windows. The defogger 4 may include an active window system with, for example, heating wires, heating films, or special coatings. The defogger 4 can be controlled independently of the HVAC system 10. For example, the defogger 4 can also interact with the HVAC control via shared sensor feedback. Preferably, the user interface 6 on the dashboard is independently connected to the HVAC module 20 and the defogger 4.

[0133] refer to Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 13The HVAC system 10 may include a heat output circuit 110. The heat output circuit 110 includes a condenser 64, a fourth heat exchanger 111, and a pump P3. The fourth heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the fluid circulating in the heat output circuit 110 toward the ambient air. The condenser 64 is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant circuit 60 to the heat output circuit 110. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the length of the refrigerant circuit 60, thereby reducing the risk of refrigerant liquid leakage into the engine and improving user safety. In practice, due to the presence of the heat output circuit 110, the refrigerant circuit 60 is not necessarily located near a gas / liquid heat exchanger. Preferably, the total piping length of the refrigerant circuit is less than 2.5 m, particularly 1.5 m, and preferably less than 0.5 m. The fourth heat exchanger 111 is preferably a radiator 70. The heat output circuit 110 includes a circulating fluid, which preferably includes water, and particularly includes water and ethylene glycol. Therefore, it is possible to improve user safety. The condenser is preferably a cooler. Reference Figure 10 The HVAC system 10, including the heat output circuit 110, can include: a heat transfer fluid circuit 50, which includes a first main loop 51, the first main loop 51 including a cooling device 68; and a second main loop 52, the second main loop 52 including a heating device, such as a PTC heater 84. (Reference) Figure 11 The HVAC system 10, including the heat output circuit 110, can include a heat transfer fluid circuit 50 having a main loop 53, which includes both a cooling device 68 and a heating device.

[0134] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The heat output circuit 110 may include a first heat output branch 112 and a second heat output branch 113. The first heat output branch 112 and the second heat output branch 113 are connected in parallel. The first heat output branch 112 includes a fourth heat exchanger 111, and the second heat output branch 113 includes a main heat exchanger 40. Therefore, heat extracted from the refrigerant circuit 60 can be used to heat the vehicle compartment via the main heat exchanger 40. Thus, when the main heat exchanger 40 is in heating mode, and when the main loops 51, 53 extract heat from engine components (such as battery 90), it is possible to recover this heat to heat the vehicle compartment, and thus avoid consuming energy to power the heating devices 80, 84.

[0135] The heat output circuit 110 may include a fluid distributor disposed at the junction connecting the first heat output branch 112 to the second heat output branch 113. The heat output circuit 110 may include a third valve V3 and a fourth valve V4. The third valve V3 may be disposed in the first heat output branch 112, and the fourth valve V4 may be disposed in the second heat output branch 113. Therefore, it is possible to independently circulate the heat transfer fluid in the first branch and / or the second branch.

[0136] The heat transfer fluid circuit 50 may have a first main loop 51 including a cooling device 68 and a second main loop 52 including a heating device, and a portion of the heat output circuit 110 includes a second heat output branch 113. This portion forms the second main loop 52. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the architecture of the HVAC system 10, thereby avoiding the need to create two separate circuits: one for removing heat from the refrigerant circuit 60 and another for supplying heat to the vehicle compartment. Therefore, the heat exchanger 80 may be a condenser 64.

[0137] refer to Figure 13 Another aspect of the invention is a multifunctional thermal management system 100 including a heat output exchanger 110 as defined in this application. The passive thermal loop 96 may include a fourth heat exchanger 111, which is preferably a radiator 70.

Claims

1. An HVAC system (10) for a vehicle (1), comprising: - an HVAC module (20) comprising: - a main body (22) housing an air passage (24) between at least one air inlet (26) and at least one air outlet (28a, 28b, 28c), - means (30, 32) adapted to direct air from the air inlet towards the at least one air outlet (28a, 28b, 28c), and - air temperature adjustment means for heating and cooling the air flowing in the air passage (24), wherein the air temperature adjustment means comprise at least one main heat exchanger (40) located in the air passage (24) and fed by at least one heat transfer fluid circuit (50), and wherein the main heat exchanger (40) is configured to be reversibly switched between a cooling mode, in which the main heat exchanger (40) is fed with heat transfer fluid so that the air flowing in the air passage (24) is cooled by heat transfer with the heat transfer fluid, and a heating mode, in which the main heat exchanger (40) is fed with heat transfer fluid so that the air flowing in the air passage (24) is heated by heat transfer with the heat transfer fluid, - at least one heat transfer fluid circuit (50) supplying the main heat exchanger (40) with heat transfer fluid, - cooling means (68) for cooling heat transfer fluid to be supplied to the main heat exchanger (40), - heating means (80, 84) for heating heat transfer fluid to be supplied to the main heat exchanger (40), and - switching means for reversibly switching operation of the main heat exchanger (40) between the cooling mode and the heating mode.

2. The HVAC system (10) of claim 1, wherein, The switching means comprise control means (57, 58) for energizing and de-energizing the heating means (84) and the cooling means (68).

3. The HVAC system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The heat transfer fluid circuit (50) has one main loop (53) comprising both the cooling means (68) and the heating means (84).

4. The HVAC system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (50) has a first main loop (51) comprising the cooling means (68) and a second main loop (52) comprising the heating means (80, 84).

5. The HVAC system (10) of claim 4, wherein, The switching means comprise a direction control valve (54) adapted to control the flow direction of heat transfer fluid between the first main loop (51) and the second main loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit (50).

6. The HVAC system (10) of claim 5, wherein, The direction control valve (54) is a two-position four-way direction control valve.

7. The HVAC system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a refrigerant circuit (60) comprising a compressor (62), a condenser (64), an expansion valve (66) and a second heat exchanger, and wherein the cooling means comprise the second heat exchanger.

8. The HVAC system (10) according to claim 7, further comprising a heat output circuit (110) comprising the condenser (64), a fourth heat exchanger (111) configured to transfer heat from a fluid circulating in the heat output circuit towards ambient air, and a pump (P3), the condenser (64) being configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant circuit (60) to the heat output circuit (110).

9. The HVAC system (10) of claim 8, wherein, The fourth heat exchanger (111) is a radiator (70).

10. The HVAC system (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein, The heat output circuit (110) comprises a circulating fluid.

11. The HVAC system (10) of claim 10, wherein, The circulating fluid comprises water and glycol.

12. The HVAC system (10) of any one of claims 8-9, wherein, The condenser (64) is a chiller.

13. The HVAC system (10) of any one of claims 8-9, wherein, The refrigerant circuit (60) has a total pipe length which is less than 2.5 m.

14. The HVAC system (10) of any one of claims 8-9, wherein, The heat output circuit (110) comprises a first heat output branch (112) comprising the fourth heat exchanger (111) and a second heat output branch (113) comprising the main heat exchanger (40).

15. The HVAC system (10) of claim 14, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (50) has a first main loop (51) comprising the cooling device (68) and a second main loop (52) comprising the heating device, a portion of the heat output circuit (110) comprising the second heat output branch (113) forming the second main loop (52).

16. The HVAC system (10) of claim 15, wherein, The heating device comprises a heat exchanger fed by a coolant circuit of the vehicle engine, the heat exchanger being the condenser (64).

17. A multi-functional thermal management system (100) comprising the HVAC system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and a battery heat exchanger (94) adapted for thermal management of a battery (90), wherein, The battery heat exchanger is fed by the heat transfer fluid circuit (50) which feeds the main heat exchanger (40).

18. The multi-functional thermal management system of claim 17, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (50) has one main loop (53) feeding the main heat exchanger (40), the main loop (53) comprising both the heating device (84) and the cooling device (68) on a thermal management branch (55) of the circuit, and a secondary loop (92) comprising the thermal management branch (55), the secondary loop (92) being installed in parallel to the main loop (53) and feeding the battery heat exchanger (94), the multifunctional thermal management system (100) further comprising a first valve (VI) for controlling the flow of heat transfer fluid in the main loop (53) and a second valve (V2) for controlling the flow of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop (92).

19. The multi-functional thermal management system (100) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The battery heat exchanger (94) is further connected to a passive heat transfer fluid circuit (96) configured to supply cooled heat transfer fluid to the battery heat exchanger.

20. The multi-functional thermal management system (100) of claim 19, wherein, The passive heat transfer fluid circuit (96) comprises a fourth heat exchanger (111).

21. The multi-functional thermal management system (100) of claim 20, wherein, The fourth heat exchanger is a radiator (70).

22. A vehicle (1) comprising the HVAC system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or the multifunctional thermal management system according to any one of claims 17 to 18 and a defogging device (4) for at least one vehicle glazing (5), the defogging device (4) being operable independently of the HVAC system (10).

23. The vehicle (1) according to claim 22, wherein The defogging device (4) is a heated glazing.

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