Multi-loop thermal management system including a mixing line and vehicle

Abstract

A thermal management system (10) configured to regulate temperatures of a plurality of vehicle components (11, 11', 12, 13) is disclosed. The system (10) comprises an expansion tank (5) and a plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) each configured to regulate a temperature of a vehicle component (11, 11', 12, 13) of the plurality of vehicle components (11, 11', 12, 13). Each of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) comprises a heat exchanger (31, 32, 33) configured to regulate a temperature of a coolant in the coolant circuit (1, 2, 3), a coolant pump (21, 22, 23) comprising a pump inlet (21', 22', 23'), and a static pressure line (41, 42, 43) fluidly connecting the pump inlet (21', 22', 23') to the expansion tank (5). The disclosure further relates to a vehicle (30) comprising the thermal management system (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system configured to regulate the temperature of a plurality of vehicle components. The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle including the thermal management system. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, combustion engines have been used to power vehicles. Combustion engines generate a large amount of excess heat, which is cooled by a cooling system. Such coolant systems typically include coolant channels, a coolant pump, and a radiator configured to transfer heat from the cooling system to the ambient air.

[0003] With the introduction of components and systems such as electric propulsion systems, hybrid electric propulsion systems, waste heat recovery systems, batteries, speed reducers, etc., modern vehicles typically include a large number of components and systems that require temperature regulation. Many of these components and systems have different temperature requirements, and some components, such as batteries, are particularly sensitive to temperature deviations. Therefore, modern vehicles typically include several cooling systems, each of which is configured to regulate the temperature of a vehicle system or vehicle component. All of these cooling systems are typically designed to be large and large enough to provide sufficient cooling at the highest power output of the corresponding system / component. Therefore, under most operating conditions, the size and capacity of the corresponding cooling system are larger than required for the current power output of a given vehicle system or component. In addition, each component of the cooling system adds cost, complexity, and weight to the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, generally speaking, in today's consumer market, it is an advantage if a product has different features and functions, while having conditions and / or characteristics that allow it to be manufactured and assembled in a cost-effective manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate at least some of the above mentioned problems and disadvantages.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a thermal management system configured to regulate the temperature of a plurality of vehicle components. The system includes an expansion tank and a plurality of coolant circuits, each of the plurality of coolant circuits being configured to regulate the temperature of a vehicle component among the plurality of vehicle components. Each of the plurality of coolant circuits includes: a heat exchanger configured to regulate the temperature of coolant in the coolant circuit; a coolant pump including a pump inlet; and a static pressure line fluidly connecting the pump inlet to the expansion tank.

[0007] Because each of the multiple coolant circuits includes the aforementioned features, including a static pressure line fluidically connecting the corresponding pump inlet to an expansion tank, the provided system is capable of independently and individually regulating the temperature of multiple vehicle components while reducing the cost, complexity, and weight of the vehicle incorporating the system. Furthermore, the provided system allows for efficient utilization of available space in the vehicle. This is because only one expansion tank is required to regulate the pressure of the multiple coolant circuits. Furthermore, because each static pressure line fluidically connects each pump inlet to the expansion tank, the pressure of each cooling circuit is efficiently regulated, and degassing of the multiple coolant circuits is possible via the expansion tanks. Furthermore, maintenance and repair of the thermal management system is facilitated. Furthermore, filling the multiple coolant circuits with coolant is facilitated.

[0008] Furthermore, a modular system is provided wherein coolant circuits may be added and removed from the system for different configurations of vehicles without significantly increasing the cost, complexity, and weight of the vehicle incorporating the system.

[0009] Thus, the provided system overcomes or at least alleviates at least some of the above mentioned problems and disadvantages.Thus, the above mentioned objects are achieved.

[0010] Optionally, the system includes a common static line section connected to the expansion tank, and wherein the static line of each coolant circuit fluidly connects the respective pump inlet to the expansion tank via the common static line section. This provides a further simplified system in which coolant circuits can be added to the system simply by connecting the static line of the additional coolant circuit to the common static line section.

[0011] Optionally, the plurality of coolant circuits comprises three or more coolant circuits. Thus, a system is provided that is capable of regulating the temperature of at least three vehicle components in an independent and separate manner while providing for reducing the cost, complexity and weight of a vehicle incorporating the system.

[0012] Optionally, at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits are configured to operate at different temperature levels. Thus, a system is provided that is capable of independently and individually regulating the temperature of a plurality of vehicle components at different temperature levels while providing for reduced cost, complexity, and weight of a vehicle incorporating the system.

[0013] Optionally, the thermal management system includes a heat transfer system configured to transfer heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits. This provides a system capable of increasing the cooling / heating capacity of one or more of the system's coolant circuits. As a further consequence, one or more of the system's coolant circuits can be designed to be smaller in size and capacity than would otherwise be the case. As yet another consequence, the system provides a system capable of further reducing the cost, complexity, and weight of a vehicle incorporating the system.

[0014] Optionally, the heat transfer system includes one or more mixing lines for transferring coolant between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits. Thus, a system is provided that has the conditions for transferring heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits in a simple and efficient manner.

[0015] Optionally, the heat transfer system comprises a valve arrangement configured to control the flow of coolant through the one or more mixing lines. Thus, a system is provided having provisions for controlling heat transfer between at least two coolant circuits of a plurality of coolant circuits in a simple and efficient manner.

[0016] Optionally, at least one of the one or more mixing lines is connected to an expansion tank. Thus, the provided system is capable of utilizing the expansion tank as a mixing chamber for the coolant. In this manner, the provided system provides for transferring heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits in a simple and efficient manner, while also reducing the cost, complexity, and weight of a vehicle incorporating the system.

[0017] Optionally, at least one of the one or more mixing lines is connected to a common static line portion. Thus, the provided system is capable of utilizing the common static line portion as a mixing conduit for the coolant. In this manner, the provided system provides for transferring heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits in a simple and efficient manner, while also reducing the cost, complexity, and weight of a vehicle incorporating the system.

[0018] Optionally, the heat transfer system includes a set of mixing lines, the set of mixing lines including at least the same number of mixing lines as the number of coolant circuits of the thermal management system. Thus, a system is provided having a high capacity for transferring heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits in a simple and efficient manner.

[0019] Optionally, each of the plurality of coolant circuits includes a mixing line configured to transfer coolant from the coolant circuit to another of the plurality of coolant circuits. Thus, a system is provided having a high capacity for transferring heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits in a simple and efficient manner.

[0020] Optionally, at least one of the one or more mixing lines fluidly connects a pump outlet of a coolant pump of one coolant circuit to a pump inlet of a coolant pump of another coolant circuit of the plurality of coolant circuits. Thus, a system is provided having a high capacity for transferring heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits in a direct and efficient manner while avoiding flow disturbances in the system.

[0021] Optionally, the heat transfer system includes a heat pump circuit comprising a condenser arranged in one coolant circuit and an evaporator arranged in another of the multiple coolant circuits. This provides a system capable of transferring heat from a coolant circuit typically operating at a lower temperature to a coolant circuit typically operating at a higher temperature. This improves the distribution and transfer of heat between the coolant circuits. As a further result, the provided system can improve the thermal efficiency of a vehicle incorporating the system.

[0022] Optionally, one of the plurality of coolant circuits is a passenger compartment heating circuit configured to heat a passenger compartment of a vehicle including the thermal management system. Thus, a system is provided that is capable of heating a passenger compartment of a vehicle while reducing the cost, complexity, and weight of a vehicle including the system.

[0023] Optionally, the condenser is arranged in the passenger compartment heating circuit.Thereby, a system is provided that is capable of heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle in an energy-efficient manner while providing for reducing the cost, complexity and weight of a vehicle comprising the system.

[0024] Optionally, at least one of the plurality of coolant circuits is configured to regulate the temperature of a component of the electric propulsion system. Thus, a system is provided that is capable of regulating the temperature of a component of the electric propulsion system while providing for reducing the cost, complexity, and weight of a vehicle incorporating the system.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a thermal management system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Because a vehicle includes a system according to some embodiments, a vehicle is provided that is capable of regulating the temperature of multiple vehicle components in an independent and separate manner, while providing for reduced cost, complexity, and weight of the vehicle.

[0027] Furthermore, the provided vehicle includes a modular system in which coolant circuits may be added and removed from the system for different configurations of the powertrain without significantly increasing the cost, complexity, and weight of the vehicle.

[0028] Thus, a vehicle is provided which overcomes or at least alleviates at least some of the above mentioned problems and disadvantages.Thus, the above mentioned objects are achieved.

[0029] Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Various aspects of the present invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a thermal management system according to some embodiments,

[0032] Figure 2 shows a thermal management system according to some other embodiments,

[0033] Figure 3 shows a thermal management system according to some other embodiments, and

[0034] Figure 4 A vehicle is shown according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or configurations will not necessarily be described in detail.

[0036] Figure 1 A thermal management system 10 is shown according to some embodiments. As further explained herein, the thermal management system 10 is configured to regulate the temperature of a plurality of vehicle components 11, 12, 13. For reasons of brevity and clarity, the thermal management system 10 is referred to as "system 10" in some places herein. The system 10 includes only one expansion tank 5 and a plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Figure 1In the embodiment shown in FIG, system 10 includes three coolant loops 1, 2, and 3. According to other embodiments, as further explained herein, system 10 may include another number of coolant loops 1, 2, and 3, such as two, four, five, six, seven, and so on. Each of the plurality of coolant loops 1, 2, and 3 is configured to regulate the temperature of a vehicle component 11, 12, and 13 in a plurality of vehicle components 11, 12, and 13. By way of example only, one or more of components 11, 12, and 13 may be a component of an internal combustion engine, an electric propulsion system, an electric propulsion motor, power electronics, a propulsion battery, a fuel cell, a retarder, a condenser of a heat pump circuit, a passenger compartment heat exchanger, and the like.

[0037] Each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 includes a heat exchanger 31, 32, 33 configured to regulate the temperature of the coolant in the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. The respective heat exchanger 31, 32, 33 may be a radiator and may be arranged at a front area of ​​a vehicle including the system 10 so as to be exposed to airflow during driving of the vehicle. Furthermore, each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 includes a coolant pump 21, 22, 23, which includes a pump inlet 21', 22', 23'. Each coolant pump 21, 22, 23 is configured to circulate coolant through the respective coolant circuit 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 includes a bypass line 81, 82, 83 and a valve 71, 72, 73. Bypass lines 81, 82, 83 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 bypass heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Respective valves 71, 72, 73 are configured to direct coolant to bypass lines 81, 82, 83 and / or to conduit sections 91, 92, 93 connected to heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Thus, the temperature of the coolant in coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 can be adjusted by regulating valves 71, 72, 73. Valves 71, 72, 73 may be thermostatic valves configured to open and close bypass lines 81, 82, 83 and / or conduit sections 91, 92, 93 based on the temperature of the coolant pumped to valves 71, 72, 73. Alternatively or additionally, valves 71, 72, 73 may be electronically controlled valves 71, 72, 73 controlled by a control device.

[0038] According to other embodiments described herein, one or more of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 may lack the bypass lines 81, 82, 83 that bypass the heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3, and thus also lack the valves 71, 72, 73 configured to direct coolant to the bypass lines 81, 82, 83 and / or to the conduit portions 91, 92, 93 connected to the heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. According to such embodiments, the temperature of the coolant in the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 and / or the cooling power of the vehicle components 11, 12, 13 may be adjusted by controlling the operation of the coolant pumps 21, 22, 23 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 and / or by controlling the operation of the fans configured to generate airflow through the heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. According to embodiments herein, each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1 , 2 , 3 comprises a static pressure line 41 , 42 , 43 fluidly connecting a pump inlet 21 ′, 22 ′, 23 ′ of a coolant pump 21 , 22 , 23 to an expansion tank 5 .

[0039] Due to these features, respective cooling circuits 1, 2, 3 in the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 can be operated independently and individually to regulate the temperature of vehicle components 11, 12, 13. That is, cooling circuits 1, 2, 3 in the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 can be operated at different temperature levels and coolant flow rates than the other coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of system 10. Furthermore, because system 10 includes a common expansion tank 5 fluidically connected to each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 of system 10, a less complex and less expensive system 10 is provided. Furthermore, system 10 is provided with provisions for efficiently utilizing available space in a vehicle.

[0040] Furthermore, a modular system 10 is provided wherein coolant circuits 1 , 2 , 3 may be added and removed from the system 10 for different configurations of the vehicle without significantly increasing the cost, complexity, and weight of the vehicle incorporating the system 10 .

[0041] According to the illustrated embodiment, when system 10 is mounted to a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, expansion tank 5 is mounted at a higher point relative to the local gravity vector gv than the other components of system 1. Each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 fluidly connects expansion tank 5 to coolant circuit 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 may be formed from a pipe or conduit. In this manner, when system 10 is filled with coolant, static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 provide static pressure to the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 of system 10. During normal operation of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3, when coolant pumps 21, 22, 23 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 are operating, static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 are isolated from coolant circuits 1, 2, 3, meaning that no coolant is pumped through static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. Thus, during normal operation of the system 10 , substantially no fluid flow, or at least only a low flow of fluid, may be provided through the respective static pressure lines 41 , 42 , 43 .

[0042] like Figure 1, each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 of system 10 is arranged so that air bubbles are transported from the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 to the expansion tank 5 by gravity. In more detail, according to the illustrated embodiment, each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 of system 10 is arranged so that when system 10 is installed in its intended installation location on a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, the direction in which the static pressure line 41, 42, 43 extends has a vector component that is parallel to the local gravity vector v along the entire length of the static pressure line 41, 42, 43. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, one or more of the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 of system 10 may be arranged so that a portion of the static pressure line 41, 42, 43 has a direction in which it extends that is parallel to the horizontal plane at the location of system 10. According to such embodiments, such static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 can be arranged such that, when system 10 is installed in its intended installation location on a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, the vector component parallel to the extension direction of the local gravity vector gv does not change sign along the entire length of the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. In this manner, due to gravity and the density difference between the gas bubbles and the coolant, air bubbles entering the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 can be efficiently transported along the entire length of the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. Furthermore, due to these features, refilling the system 10 with coolant can be facilitated, for example, during assembly, maintenance, and repair of the system 10. Furthermore, since each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 includes a static pressure line 41, 42, 43 fluidly connecting the pump inlet 21', 22', 23' to the expansion tank 5, the corresponding pump inlet 21', 22', 23' can be efficiently deaerated. Furthermore, due to the fluid connection between the respective pump inlet 21 ′, 22 ′, 23 ′ and the expansion tank 5 , cavitation in the respective coolant pump 21 , 22 , 23 may be avoided.

[0043] According to the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a common static pressure line portion 4 connected to the expansion tank 5. The static pressure line 41, 42, 43 of each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 fluidly connects the corresponding pump inlet 21', 22', 23' to the expansion tank 5 via the common static pressure line portion 4. Thus, a further simplified system 10 is provided, wherein coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 can be added to the system 10 simply by connecting the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 of the added coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 to the common static pressure line portion 4. The common static pressure line portion 4 can have a larger cross-sectional area than the individual static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. According to other embodiments, the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 of the system 10 can be directly connected to the expansion tank 5.

[0044] According to the illustrated embodiment, each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 is configured to operate at a different temperature level. According to other embodiments, at least two coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 may be configured to operate at different temperature levels.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system 10 includes a heat transfer system 20 configured to transfer heat between at least two coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 among a plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 includes a mixing line 51, 52, 53 configured to transfer coolant from the coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 to another coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 among the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Thus, the heat transfer system 20 may include a set of mixing lines 51, 52, 53 including the same number of mixing lines 51, 52, 53 as the number of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of the thermal management system 10. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, each mixing line 51, 52, 53 is connected to the expansion tank 5. In more detail, each mixing line 51, 52, 53 fluidly connects a portion of the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 downstream of the heat exchanger 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 to the expansion tank 5. Furthermore, each mixing line 51, 52, 53 is connected to the second connection 5' of the expansion tank 5, while the common static line portion 4 is connected to the first connection 5' of the expansion tank 5. According to other embodiments, the system 10 may include a common mixing line portion connected to the second connection 5' of the expansion tank 5, wherein the mixing lines 51, 52, 53 are connected to the common mixing line portion. According to other embodiments described herein, the system 10 may include one or more mixing lines 51, 52, 53 for transferring coolant between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, at least one of such one or more mixing lines 51, 52, 53 may be connected to the expansion tank 5.

[0046] Thus, as referred to herein, the heat transfer system 20 may include one or more mixing lines 51, 52, 53 for transferring coolant between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 to transfer heat between the at least two coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. According to other embodiments, as further explained herein, the heat transfer system 20 may have another layout and / or design and may be configured to transfer heat between at least two of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 in another manner, for example, by conduction, by convection, and / or by radiation, using a device or system such as a heat exchanger, a heat pump circuit, etc. As referred to herein, the heat transfer system 20 may also be referred to as a heat transfer device.

[0047] According to the embodiment shown, the heat transfer system 20 includes valve means 61, 62, 63 configured to control the flow of coolant through the mixing lines 51, 52, 53. In more detail, according to the embodiment shown, each mixing line 51, 52, 53 includes a valve 61, 62, 63 configured to control the flow of coolant through the mixing line 51, 52, 53. In this way, a system 10 is provided in which heat can be transferred from the cooler cooling circuit 1, 2, 3 to the warmer cooling circuit 1, 2, 3 and vice versa via the expansion tank 5. Thus, according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the expansion tank 5 serves as a mixing chamber for the coolant.

[0048] Furthermore, as described above, according to the illustrated embodiment, each mixing line 51, 52, 53 is connected to the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 at a location downstream of the heat exchanger 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuit 1, 2, 3. Thus, each mixing line 51, 52, 53 can be used to degas the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3. Each mixing line 51, 52, 53 of the system 10 can be arranged so that air bubbles are transported from the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 to the expansion tank 5 by gravity. More specifically, each mixing line 51, 52, 53 of the system 10 can be arranged so that, when the system 10 is installed in its intended installation location on a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, the direction in which the mixing line 51, 52, 53 extends has a vector component parallel to the local gravity vector gv along the entire length of the mixing line 51, 52, 53. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, one or more of the mixing lines 51, 52, 53 of system 10 may be arranged such that a portion of the mixing line 51, 52, 53 extends parallel to the horizontal plane at the location of system 10. According to such embodiments, such mixing lines 51, 52, 53 may be arranged such that, when system 10 is installed in its intended installation location on a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, the vector component parallel to the extension direction of the local gravity vector gv does not change sign along the entire length of the mixing line 51, 52, 53. In this manner, due to gravity and the density difference between the gas bubbles and the coolant, gas bubbles entering the mixing line 51, 52, 53 can be efficiently transported along the entire length of the mixing line 51, 52, 53. Because each mixing line 51, 52, 53 can be used to deaerate the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3, as referred to herein, the mixing lines 51, 52, 53 may also be referred to as "deaeration lines" 51, 52, 53.

[0049] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 among the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 may lack the mixing line 51, 52, 53 configured to transfer coolant from the coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 to another coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 among the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 among the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 may lack the mixing line 51, 52, 53 configured to transfer coolant from the coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 to another coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 among the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3.

[0050] According to the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a first coolant circuit 1 configured to operate at a high temperature level, a second coolant circuit 2 configured to operate at an intermediate temperature level, and a third coolant circuit 3 configured to operate at a low temperature level. For example, to transfer heat from the first coolant circuit 1 to the third coolant circuit 3, valves 61 and 63 of the first and third coolant circuits 1 and 3 can be controlled to open. As a result, the coolants from the first and third coolant circuits 1 and 3 mix in the expansion tank 5. Furthermore, a coolant flow is achieved from the expansion tank 5 to the first and second coolant circuits 1 and 3 via the common static pressure line portion 4 and the corresponding static pressure lines 41 and 43 of the first and third coolant circuits 1 and 3. In this way, the coolant supplied to the first coolant circuit 1 has a lower temperature than if the valves 61 and 63 were closed, and the coolant supplied to the third coolant circuit 3 has a higher temperature than if the valves 61 and 63 were closed. As long as the valve 62 of its mixing line 52 is closed, the second coolant circuit 2 is unaffected. This is because when the valve 62 of the mixing line 52 of the second coolant circuit 2 is in the closed state, there is only one fluid connection to the other coolant circuits 1, 3 via the static pressure line 42 of the second coolant circuit 2. Therefore, when the corresponding valves 61, 62, 63 are in the closed state, the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of the system 10 are closed circuits in the sense that coolant is pumped through the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3.

[0051] The system 10 according to the present disclosure may include a control device configured to control the opening state of the valves 61, 62, 63. For reasons of brevity and clarity, Figure 1 Furthermore, such control devices may be configured to control other components of the system 10 , such as the coolant pumps 21 , 22 , 23 and the valves 71 , 72 , 73 .

[0052] Figure 2 A thermal management system 10 according to some other embodiments is shown. Figure 2 The thermal management system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes Figure 1 The thermal management system 10 shown in FIG. 1 has the same features, functions, and advantages as the thermal management system 10 shown in FIG. 1 , with some differences explained below.

[0053] according to Figure 2In the embodiment shown in FIG, the mixing lines 51, 52, and 53 of the system 10 are connected to a common static line section 4. According to other embodiments, at least one of the one or more mixing lines 51, 52, and 53 may be connected to the common static line section 4. Due to these features, the common static line section 4 serves as a mixing chamber for the coolants. This means that, in the example given above, in which the valves 61 and 63 of the first and third circuits 1 and 3 are controlled to the open state, the coolants from the first and third circuits 1 and 3 mix in the common static line section 4. Furthermore, a coolant flow is achieved from the common static line section 4 to the first and second coolant circuits 1 and 3 via the respective static lines 41 and 43 of the first and third coolant circuits 1 and 3. In this way, the coolant supplied to the first coolant circuit 1 has a lower temperature than if the valves 61 and 63 were closed, and the coolant supplied to the third coolant circuit 3 has a higher temperature than if the valves 61 and 63 were closed. As long as the valve 62 of its mixing line 52 is in the closed state, the second coolant circuit 2 is not affected. This is because when the valve 62 of the mixing line 52 of the second coolant circuit 2 is in the closed state, there is only one fluid connection to the other coolant circuits 1, 3 via the static pressure line 42 of the second coolant circuit 2.

[0054] Figure 3 A thermal management system 10 is shown according to some other embodiments. As further explained herein, the thermal management system 10 is configured to regulate the temperature of a plurality of vehicle components 11 ', 12, 13. For reasons of brevity and clarity, the thermal management system 10 is referred to as "system 10" in some places herein. The system 10 includes only one expansion tank 5 and a plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG, system 10 includes three coolant loops 1, 2, and 3. According to other embodiments, as further explained herein, system 10 may include another number of coolant loops 1, 2, and 3, such as two, four, five, six, seven, and so on. Each of the plurality of coolant loops 1, 2, and 3 is configured to regulate the temperature of a vehicle component 11 ′, 12, and 13 in a plurality of vehicle components 11 ′, 12, and 13. By way of example only, one or more of components 11 ′, 12, and 13 may be a component of an internal combustion engine, an electric propulsion system, an electric propulsion motor, power electronics, a propulsion battery, a fuel cell, a retarder, a condenser of a heat pump circuit, a passenger compartment heat exchanger, and the like.

[0055] Each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 includes a heat exchanger 31, 32, 33 configured to regulate the temperature of the coolant in the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. The respective heat exchanger 31, 32, 33 may be a radiator and may be arranged at a front area of ​​a vehicle including the system 10 so as to be exposed to airflow during driving of the vehicle. Furthermore, each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 includes a coolant pump 21, 22, 23, each including a pump inlet 21', 22', 23'. Each coolant pump 21, 22, 23 is configured to circulate coolant through the respective coolant circuit 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 includes a bypass line 81, 82, 83 and a valve 71, 72, 73. Bypass lines 81, 82, 83 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 bypass heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Respective valves 71, 72, 73 are configured to direct coolant to bypass lines 81, 82, 83 and / or to conduit sections 91, 92, 93 connected to heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Thus, the temperature of the coolant in coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 can be adjusted by regulating valves 71, 72, 73. Valves 71, 72, 73 may be thermostatic valves configured to open and close bypass lines 81, 82, 83 and / or conduit sections 91, 92, 93 based on the temperature of the coolant pumped to valves 71, 72, 73. Alternatively or additionally, valves 71, 72, 73 may be electronically controlled valves 71, 72, 73 controlled by a control device.

[0056] According to other embodiments described herein, one or more of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 may lack the bypass lines 81, 82, 83 that bypass the heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3, and thus also lack the valves 71, 72, 73 configured to direct coolant to the bypass lines 81, 82, 83 and / or to the conduit portions 91, 92, 93 connected to the heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. According to such embodiments, the temperature of the coolant in the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 and / or the cooling power of the vehicle components 11, 12, 13 may be adjusted by controlling the operation of the coolant pumps 21, 22, 23 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 and / or by controlling the operation of the fans configured to generate airflow through the heat exchangers 31, 32, 33 of the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. According to embodiments herein, each coolant circuit 1 , 2 , 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1 , 2 , 3 comprises a static pressure line 41 , 42 , 43 fluidly connecting the pump inlet 21 ′, 22 ′, 23 ′ to the expansion tank 5 .

[0057] According to the illustrated embodiment, when system 10 is mounted to a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, expansion tank 5 is mounted at a higher point relative to the local gravity vector gv than the other components of system 10. Each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 fluidly connects expansion tank 5 to coolant circuit 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 may be formed from a pipe or conduit. In this manner, when system 10 is filled with coolant, static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 provide static pressure to the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 of system 10. During normal operation of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3, when coolant pumps 21, 22, 23 of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 are operating, static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 are isolated from coolant circuits 1, 2, 3, meaning that no coolant is pumped through static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. Thus, during normal operation of the system 10 , substantially no fluid flow, or at least only a low flow of fluid, may be provided through the respective static pressure lines 41 , 42 , 43 .

[0058] like Figure 3, each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 of system 10 is arranged so that air bubbles are transported from the corresponding coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 to the expansion tank 5 by gravity. In more detail, according to the illustrated embodiment, each static pressure line 41, 42, 43 of system 10 is arranged so that when system 10 is installed in its intended installation location on a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, the direction in which the static pressure line 41, 42, 43 extends has a vector component that is parallel to the local gravity vector v along the entire length of the static pressure line 41, 42, 43. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, one or more of the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 of system 10 may be arranged so that a portion of the static pressure line 41, 42, 43 has a direction in which it extends that is parallel to the horizontal plane at the location of system 10. According to such embodiments, such static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 can be arranged such that, when system 10 is installed in its intended installation location on a vehicle and the vehicle is positioned in an upright use position, the vector component parallel to the extension direction of the local gravity vector gv does not change sign along the entire length of the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. In this manner, due to gravity and the density difference between the gas bubbles and the coolant, air bubbles entering the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 can be efficiently transported along the entire length of the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. Furthermore, due to these features, refilling the system 10 with coolant can be facilitated, for example, during assembly, maintenance, and repair of the system 10. Furthermore, since each of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 includes a static pressure line 41, 42, 43 fluidly connecting the pump inlet 21', 22', 23' to the expansion tank 5, the corresponding pump inlet 21', 22', 23' can be efficiently deaerated. Furthermore, due to the fluid connection between the respective pump inlet 21 ′, 22 ′, 23 ′ and the expansion tank 5 , cavitation in the respective coolant pump 21 , 22 , 23 may be avoided.

[0059] According to the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a common static pressure line portion 4 connected to the expansion tank 5. The static pressure line 41, 42, 43 of each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 fluidly connects the corresponding pump inlet 21', 22', 23' to the expansion tank 5 via the common static pressure line portion 4. Thus, a further simplified system 10 is provided, wherein coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 can be added to the system 10 simply by connecting the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 of the added coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 to the common static pressure line portion 4. The common static pressure line portion 4 can have a larger cross-sectional area than the individual static pressure lines 41, 42, 43. According to other embodiments, the static pressure lines 41, 42, 43 of the system 10 can be directly connected to the expansion tank 5.

[0060] According to the illustrated embodiment, each coolant circuit 1, 2, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 is configured to operate at a different temperature level. According to other embodiments, at least two coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 may be configured to operate at different temperature levels.

[0061] According to the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system 10 includes a heat transfer system 20 configured to transfer heat between at least two coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. In more detail, according to Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the heat transfer system 20 includes a heat pump circuit 45 including a condenser 11' arranged in one coolant circuit 1 and an evaporator 46 arranged in another coolant circuit 3 among the multiple coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. The heat pump circuit 45 further includes a compressor 47 configured to compress the refrigerant in a direction toward the condenser 11' and an expansion valve 49 arranged upstream of the evaporator 46. In this way, heat can be transferred from the cooler coolant circuit 3 to the warmer coolant circuit 1.

[0062] According to the illustrated embodiment, one of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 is a passenger compartment heating circuit 1 configured to heat a passenger compartment 35 of a vehicle 30 including the thermal management system 10. Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, the condenser 11 ′ is arranged in the passenger compartment heating circuit 1 . Thus, the heat collected in the evaporator 46 can be used to heat the passenger compartment 35 of the vehicle 30 . Thus, due to these features, an energy-efficient system 10 is provided. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the passenger compartment heating circuit 1 includes a heat exchanger 31 and a fan 34, wherein the fan 34 is configured to generate an airflow through the heat exchanger 31 into the passenger compartment 35. According to other embodiments, the passenger compartment heating circuit 1 may include another type of heat transfer device for heating the passenger compartment 35, such as one or more radiators arranged in the passenger compartment 35. In addition, as Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the passenger compartment heating circuit 1 may include an additional heater 37, such as an electric heater 37, upstream of the heat exchanger 31. The additional heater 37 may be used if the coolant temperature in the passenger compartment heating circuit 1 is insufficient to heat the passenger compartment 35 to a desired level. Moreover, according to some embodiments, the additional heater 37 may be used to heat another coolant circuit 2, 3 of the system 1. According to such embodiments, the heat transfer system 20 may transfer heat generated by the additional heater 37 to the other coolant circuit 2, 3 of the system 1.

[0063] Figure 3The heat transfer system 20 of the thermal management system 10 shown in FIG further includes a set of mixing lines 51 ′, 52 ′ for transferring coolant between at least two coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. The mixing lines 51 ′, 52 ′ fluidly connect the pump outlet 21 ″, 22 ″ of the coolant pump 21, 22 of one coolant circuit 1, 2 to the pump inlet 21 ′, 23 ′ of the coolant pump 21, 23 of another coolant circuit 1, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 3. In addition, the heat transfer system 20 includes valve devices 61 ′, 62 ′ configured to control the flow of coolant through the one or more mixing lines 51 ′, 52 ′.

[0064] According to the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer system 20 includes a first mixing line 51 ′, which fluidly connects the pump outlet 21 ″ of the coolant pump 21 of the first coolant circuit 1 to the pump inlet 23 ′ of the coolant pump 23 of the third coolant circuit 3. In addition, the heat transfer system 20 includes a valve 61 ′ configured to regulate the flow of coolant through the first mixing line 51 ′. In this way, the coolant can be transferred from the first coolant circuit 1 to the third coolant circuit 3 in a direct manner via the first mixing line 51 ′, so as to transfer heat from the first coolant circuit 1 to the third coolant circuit 3. The coolant can be transferred via the third coolant circuit The static pressure line 43 of the circuit 3, the common static pressure line portion 4, and the static pressure line 41 of the first coolant circuit 1 return from the third coolant circuit 3 to the first coolant circuit 1. Thus, in this manner, coolant can be transferred from the third coolant circuit 3 to the first coolant circuit 1 in a direct manner, thereby transferring heat from the third coolant circuit 3 to the first coolant circuit 1. By controlling the opening degree of the valve 61' and the operating flow rates of the coolant pumps 21, 23 of the first coolant circuit 1 and the third coolant circuit 3, the mixing ratio between the first coolant circuit 1 and the third coolant circuit 3 can be effectively controlled.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer system 20 includes a second mixing line 52 ′ that fluidly connects the pump outlet 21 ″ of the coolant pump 21 of the first coolant circuit 1 to the pump inlet 22 ′ of the coolant pump 22 of the second coolant circuit 2 . Furthermore, the heat transfer system 20 includes a valve 62 ′ configured to regulate the flow of the coolant through the second mixing line 52 ′. According to the illustrated embodiment, as explained below, the valve 62 ′ is configured to regulate the flow of the coolant through the second mixing line 52 ′ in an indirect manner. According to Figure 3In the embodiment shown in FIG, coolant can be returned from the second coolant circuit 2 to the first coolant circuit 1 via the static pressure line 42 of the second coolant circuit 2, the common static pressure line portion 4, and the static pressure line 41 of the first coolant circuit 1. Since the coolant is returned from the second coolant circuit 2 to the first coolant circuit 1, the coolant can be directly transferred from the second coolant circuit 2 to the first coolant circuit 1, thereby transferring heat from the second coolant circuit 2 to the first coolant circuit 1. In addition, the coolant can be directly transferred from the first coolant circuit 1 to the second coolant circuit 2 via the second mixing line 52', thereby transferring heat from the first coolant circuit 1 to the second coolant circuit 2. By controlling the opening degree of the valve 62' and the operating flow rates of the coolant pumps 21 and 22 of the first coolant circuit 1 and the second coolant circuit 2, the mixing ratio between the first coolant circuit 1 and the second coolant circuit 2 can be effectively controlled.

[0066] The system 10 according to the present disclosure may include a control device configured to control the opening state of the valves 61 ', 62'. For reasons of brevity and clarity, Figure 3 Such a control device is not shown in FIG. Furthermore, such a control device may be configured to control other components of the system 10, such as the operating flow rates of one or more of the coolant pumps 21, 22, 23 of the first coolant circuit 1, the second coolant circuit 2, and the third coolant circuit 3, and the valves 71, 72, 73. According to some embodiments, the control device is configured to perform parallel control of the opening state of one or both of the valves 61', 62' and the operating flow rates of one or more of the coolant pumps 21, 22, 23 of the first coolant circuit 1, the second coolant circuit 2, and the third coolant circuit 3, so as to control the mixing ratio between the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3, i.e., the transfer of coolant between the coolant circuits, and therefore also the heat transfer.

[0067] according to Figure 3 The system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may include Figure 1 The one or more mixing lines 51, 52, 53 and / or as described in reference Figure 2 The one or more mixing lines 51, 52, 53. Figure 1 The system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may include Figure 3 The one or more mixing lines 51 ', 52' and / or as described in reference Figure 3 The one or more heat pump circuits 45. Similarly, according to Figure 2 The system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may include Figure 3 The one or more mixing lines 51 ', 52' and / or as described in reference Figure 3 The one or more heat pump circuits 45 .

[0068] In addition, according to Figure 3 The system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG may include one or more degassing lines for degassing the coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 of the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. Figure 3 The system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG may include a first degassing line fluidically connecting the first coolant circuit 1 to the expansion tank 5. The first degassing line may be fluidically connected to the heat exchanger 31 of the first coolant circuit 1, or to a portion located upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger 31 of the first coolant circuit 1. Figure 3 The system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG may include a second degassing line fluidly connecting the second coolant circuit 2 to the expansion tank 5. The second degassing line may be fluidly connected to the heat exchanger 32 of the second coolant circuit 2, or to a portion of the second coolant circuit 2 located upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger 32. Alternatively or additionally, according to Figure 3 The system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG may include a third degassing line fluidly connecting the third coolant loop 3 to the expansion tank 5. The third degassing line may be fluidly connected to the heat exchanger 33 of the third coolant loop 3, or to a portion upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger 33 of the third coolant loop 3. For reasons of brevity and clarity, Figure 3 These types of degassing lines are not shown in FIG.

[0069] Since the thermal management system 10 described herein includes a plurality of coolant loops 1 , 2 , 3 , the thermal management system 10 may also be referred to as a cooling system 10 or a coolant system 10 .

[0070] Figure 4 A vehicle 30 is shown according to some embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 30 is a truck, i.e., a heavy truck. However, according to other embodiments, as mentioned herein, the vehicle 30 may be another type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land-based propulsion, such as a truck, bus, construction vehicle, tractor, car, etc.

[0071] The vehicle 30 includes an electric propulsion system 40 configured to provide power to the vehicle 30 via wheels 38 of the vehicle 30. The electric propulsion system 40 may include one or more electric motors, one or more propulsion batteries, power electronics, etc. Figure 4 The vehicle 30 shown in FIG includes a thermal management system 10. The thermal management system 10 may be configured according to Figure 1 The thermal management system 10 of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 The thermal management system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 3As explained with reference to these figures, the thermal management system 10 includes a plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3. According to the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of coolant circuits 1, 2, 3 are configured to regulate the temperature of a plurality of components of an electric propulsion system 40.

[0072] As used herein, the terms upstream and downstream refer to the relative position of an object relative to the intended flow direction of a fluid in the referenced system or circuit. As an example, the characteristic that a first object is positioned upstream of a second object in a circuit means that the first object is positioned before the second object, as seen in the intended flow direction of the fluid through the circuit. As another example, the characteristic that a first object is positioned downstream of a second object in a circuit means that the first object is positioned after the second object, as seen in the intended flow direction of the fluid through the circuit.

[0073] It should be understood that the foregoing is a description of various exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention is limited only by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments, and that different features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined to produce embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0074] As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “comprises” are open ended and include one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions, but do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A thermal management system (10) configured to regulate the temperature of a plurality of vehicle components (11, 11', 12, 13), wherein the system (10) comprises: - an expansion tank (5), and - a plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3), each of the plurality of coolant circuits being configured to regulate the temperature of a vehicle component (11, 11', 12, 13) of the plurality of vehicle components (11, 11', 12, 13), and wherein each of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) comprises: - a heat exchanger (31, 32, 33) configured to regulate the temperature of the coolant in the coolant circuit (1, 2, 3), - a coolant pump (21, 22, 23) comprising a pump inlet (21', 22', 23'), and - a static pressure line (41, 42, 43) fluidly connecting the pump inlet (21', 22', 23') to the expansion tank (5), and wherein the thermal management system (10) comprises: - a heat exchanger (31, 32, 33) configured to regulate the temperature of the coolant in the coolant circuit (1, 2, 3), - a coolant pump (21, 22, 23) comprising a pump inlet (21', 22', 23'), and - a static pressure line (41, 42, 43) fluidly connecting the pump inlet (21', 22', 23') to the expansion tank (5), A heat transfer system (20) for transferring heat between at least two coolant circuits (1, 2, 3), wherein the heat transfer system (20) comprises one or more mixing lines (51, 51', 52, 52', 53) for transferring coolant between at least two coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3), wherein at least one of the one or more mixing lines (51', 52') fluidly connects a pump outlet (21", 22") of a coolant pump (21, 22) of one coolant circuit (1, 2) to a static line connected to a pump inlet (21', 23') of a coolant pump (21, 23) of another coolant circuit (1, 3) of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 3) without the coolant in the at least one mixing line first passing through the expansion tank (5).

2. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the system (10) comprises a common static pressure line portion (4) connected to the expansion tank (5), and wherein the static pressure line (41, 42, 43) of each coolant circuit (1, 2, 3) fluidly connects the respective pump inlet (21', 22', 23') to the expansion tank (5) via the common static pressure line portion (4).

3. The system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) comprises three or more coolant circuits (1, 2, 3).

4. The system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) are configured to operate at different temperature levels.

5. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer system (20) includes a valve arrangement (61, 61', 62, 62', 63) configured to control the flow of coolant through the one or more mixing lines (51, 51', 52, 52', 53).

6. The system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the one or more mixing lines (51, 52, 53) is connected to the expansion tank (5).

7. The system (10) of claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more mixing lines (51, 52, 53) is connected to the common static pressure line portion (4).

8. The system (10) according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, wherein the heat transfer system (20) comprises a set of mixing lines (51, 51', 52, 52', 53), the set of mixing lines comprising at least the same number of mixing lines (51, 51', 52, 52', 53) as the number of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) of the thermal management system (10).

9. The system (10) of any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein each coolant circuit (1, 2, 3) of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) comprises a mixing line (51, 52, 53) configured to transfer coolant from the coolant circuit (1, 2, 3) to another coolant circuit (1, 2, 3) of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3).

10. The system (10) according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, wherein the heat transfer system (20) comprises a heat pump circuit (45) comprising a condenser (11') arranged in one coolant circuit (1) and an evaporator (46) arranged in another coolant circuit (3) of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3).

11. The system (10) of claim 10, wherein one of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) is a passenger compartment heating circuit (1) configured to heat a passenger compartment (35) of a vehicle (30) including the thermal management system (10).

12. The system (10) according to claim 11, wherein the condenser (11') is arranged in the passenger compartment heating circuit (1).

13. The system (10) of any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, wherein at least one coolant circuit of the plurality of coolant circuits (1, 2, 3) is configured to regulate the temperature of a component (12, 13) of an electric propulsion system (40).

14. A vehicle (30) comprising a thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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