Integrated thermal management module for a vehicle
By integrating a thermal management module, including a housing, heat exchanger, and refrigerant storage unit, onto the crossbeam of the electric vehicle floor, the problems of power consumption and temperature management during electric vehicle heating are solved, achieving efficient thermal management and space utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Electric vehicles consume more battery power and have a shorter driving range when heated, and the battery modules need to be used in an optimal temperature environment to maintain performance and lifespan. Existing technologies are not good at effectively managing the temperature inside the vehicle.
Design an integrated thermal management module, including a housing, heat exchanger, refrigerant reservoir and circulation section, mounted on a crossbeam on the vehicle body floor, integrating cooling/heating pipes and heat exchange pipes, and utilizing components such as evaporator core, condenser core, and mixing gate for air conditioning and thermal management.
It achieves a compact thermal management structure, maximizes vehicle interior space, reduces manufacturing costs, ensures body strength and assembly strength, improves thermal management efficiency, and enhances the driving range and interior comfort of electric vehicles.
Smart Images
Figure CN115972849B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to an integrated thermal management module for vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] Recently, the number of environmentally friendly vehicles has been increasing due to policies promoting environmentally friendly vehicles and a preference for highly fuel-efficient vehicles. Electric vehicles are environmentally friendly vehicles powered by electric motors instead of engines that use petroleum fuels. These electric vehicles have a system where the motor uses electricity stored in a battery to rotate and drive the vehicle. Advantageously, electric vehicles emit no harmful substances, are quiet, and are highly energy efficient.
[0003] Vehicles powered by engines already utilize the engine's waste heat to operate the interior heating system. However, electric vehicles do not have engines and therefore have a system that uses electricity to operate the heater. Consequently, when heating is being performed, the power from the battery is used, and the driving range of electric vehicles is significantly reduced.
[0004] Furthermore, the battery modules of electric vehicles can only maintain optimal performance and long lifespan when used in an optimal temperature environment. However, due to the heat generated during driving and changes in ambient temperature, it is difficult to maintain an optimal temperature environment.
[0005] Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric vehicles do not require an engine located at the front of the vehicle, thus offering higher space utilization. Furthermore, there is a need to develop integrated thermal management modules for these vehicles.
[0006] The foregoing is intended only to help understand the background of this disclosure and does not imply that this disclosure falls within the scope of prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0007] This disclosure provides an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle. Specifically, the integrated thermal management module is disposed on the vehicle body floor where the wheels and drive unit are located. The integrated thermal management module includes a housing, multiple heat exchangers, a refrigerant reservoir, and a circulation section to execute a vehicle thermal management mode. The housing is disposed on a crossbeam between side frames on both sides of the vehicle body floor and is provided with cooling / heating pipes and heat exchange pipes.
[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a thermal management module for a vehicle may include: a housing disposed on a crossbeam between side frames on both sides of the vehicle body floor where the wheels and drive unit are located, and including a cooling / heating pipe connected to the upper body of the vehicle and a heat exchange pipe connected to the outside of the vehicle; a cooling / heating heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger disposed on the cooling / heating pipe and the heat exchange pipe of the housing; and a refrigerant reservoir and a refrigerant circulation section disposed on the side of the cooling / heating pipe and the heat exchange pipe of the housing.
[0009] The crossbeam may include: a base extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and a connecting portion disposed at the end of the base, the connecting portion being connected to the side frame to connect the side frames to each other.
[0010] The outer shell can be set on the top area of the base of the crossbeam, and the connecting part is the curved part of the upward and outward base of the vehicle to be supported on and connected to the side and top areas of the side frame, respectively.
[0011] The cooling / heating heat exchanger may include an evaporator core for indoor cooling and a condenser core for indoor heating. The evaporator core and condenser core may be connected to refrigerant lines to allow refrigerant circulation, with the compressor and expansion valve located on the refrigerant lines.
[0012] The thermal management module may further include a mixing gate, disposed between the evaporator core and the condenser core, for selectively opening and closing between the two cores. When the mixing gate is closed, air that has passed through the evaporator core can bypass the condenser core and enter the vehicle's interior space. When the mixing gate is open, air that has passed through the evaporator core can enter the vehicle's interior space through the condenser core.
[0013] An outdoor heat exchanger may include: a radiator in which coolant circulates; and an outdoor condenser in which refrigerant circulates. The radiator may be connected to a coolant line through which the coolant circulates, and the outdoor condenser may be connected to a refrigerant line through which the refrigerant circulates.
[0014] The radiator and outdoor condenser can be located in the flow path within the internal space of the heat exchange pipes. Air that has entered the flow path of the heat exchange pipes can exchange heat with the coolant or refrigerant while passing through the radiator or outdoor condenser.
[0015] The refrigerant storage unit may include a reservoir and an accumulator, and the refrigerant circulation section may include a cooler, pump, valve, and compressor. The reservoir, accumulator, cooler, pump, valve, and compressor may be integrated into a single module located on the side of the cooling / heating piping and heat exchange piping.
[0016] The housing can be mounted on a crossbeam located at the front of the vehicle. The crossbeam with the housing mounted on it can be located in front of the vehicle's front wheels.
[0017] The refrigerant reservoir and refrigerant circulation section can be located on the side of the cooling / heating pipes and heat exchange pipes, either inside or outside the side frame of the vehicle body floor.
[0018] In another form of this disclosure, the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle is disposed on the vehicle body floor where the wheels and drive unit are located, and includes a housing, multiple heat exchangers, a refrigerant reservoir, and a circulation section to perform a vehicle thermal management mode. The housing is disposed on a crossbeam between side frames on both sides of the vehicle body floor and is provided with cooling / heating pipes and heat exchange pipes.
[0019] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a compact structure is provided by integrating components for the air conditioning system and thermal management system into a module. This structure maximizes interior space within the vehicle, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures vehicle body strength and assembly rigidity during the vehicle body design process. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure should be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an integrated thermal management module located at the front of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0024] Figure 4 This is a plan view illustrating an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.
[0027] When components, devices, elements, etc., of this disclosure are described as having a purpose or performing an operation or function, the components, devices, or elements herein shall be considered as being "configured" to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an integrated thermal management module located at the front of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 This is a plan view illustrating an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle. The integrated thermal management module is mounted on the vehicle body floor, on which the vehicle's wheels and drive unit are mounted. In one embodiment, the integrated thermal management module includes: a housing 300, a cooling / heating heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a refrigerant reservoir, and a refrigerant circulation section 400. The housing 300 is located between two side frames 10 on the vehicle body floor and is mounted on a crossbeam 20 connecting the two side frames 10. Cooling / heating pipes 100 connected to the upper body of the vehicle and heat exchange pipes 200 connected to the outside of the vehicle are disposed within the housing 300. The cooling / heating heat exchanger is located on the cooling / heating pipes 100 of the housing 300. The outdoor heat exchanger is located on the heat exchange pipes 200. The refrigerant reservoir and the refrigerant circulation section 400 are disposed on the sides of the cooling / heating pipes 100 and the heat exchange pipes 200.
[0030] The integrated thermal management module for vehicles according to embodiments of this disclosure is advantageously applicable to electric vehicles, particularly electric vehicles with a skateboard platform. The skateboard platform is a vehicle chassis comprising a drive module having a skateboard shape to form the vehicle body floor and a life module connected to top of the drive module, the life module being designed for use in a dedicated vehicle (PBV). This structure offers high space utilization and therefore has the advantage of being able to easily construct the vehicle's interior space as needed.
[0031] The integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure is configured to operate in thermal management modes required for the air conditioning and cooling and heating of the battery, electric drive unit, etc., of an electric vehicle. The integrated thermal management module is compactly disposed at the lower end of the vehicle body floor to increase the vehicle's interior space. The integrated thermal management module is also disposed on the crossbeams 20 connecting the side frames 10 on both sides to advantageously obtain connection strength relative to the vehicle body.
[0032] Because the thermal management module for the vehicle is located on the drive module at the bottom of the vehicle, rather than on the living module at the top, there are significant advantages in terms of design freedom and space constraints. When the thermal management module is located on the drive module, space and assembly strength may be insufficient. To overcome this, the various components of the thermal management module according to this disclosure are configured compactly. Furthermore, since the thermal management module is located on the crossbeam 20 of the vehicle body floor, assembly strength is also advantageously increased.
[0033] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the housing 300 of the thermal management module can be divided into an upper part and a lower part. The upper part of the housing can be used to form a cooling / heating pipe 100 communicating with the interior of the vehicle, while the lower part of the housing can be used to integrally form a heat exchange pipe 200 communicating with the exterior of the vehicle. Additionally, within the upper part of the housing, an evaporator core 110 for indoor cooling and a condenser core 120 for indoor heating can be disposed on the cooling / heating pipe 100. Within the lower part of the housing, a radiator 210, an outdoor condenser 220, and a radiator fan F can be located on the heat exchange pipe 200.
[0034] Additionally, on the outside of the housing 300, various components for the flow and action of refrigerant and coolant are integrally assembled into a module, which is attached side-by-side to the side of the housing 300. This module can have a compact overall structure with a small height, allowing it to be fixedly positioned on top of the crossbeam 20. In this way, a thermal management module with a small size and easy assembly can be provided, minimizing refrigerant usage while ensuring a sufficient level of strength.
[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the integrated thermal management module located at the front of the vehicle. Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] In the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crossbeam 20 includes a base 22 extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle and a connecting portion 500 disposed at an end of the base 22. The connecting portion 500 is connected to the side frame 10, thereby connecting the two side frames 10 to each other.
[0037] Additionally, in the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 300 is disposed on the top surface of the base 22 of the crossbeam 20, and the connecting portion 500 is formed by bending the end of the base toward the upper and outer parts of the vehicle so as to be supported on and connected to the side and top regions of the side frame 10.
[0038] In this way, the crossbeam 20, on which the housing 300 is mounted, has a curved shape to ensure space for various components to be installed in the module. The crossbeam 20 can be connected to the side frames 10 on both sides via the connecting parts 500, thereby securely connecting it to the vehicle body. Therefore, it is possible to improve the strength of the vehicle body and the assembly strength of the thermal management module while ensuring the location of the thermal management module.
[0039] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a plan view illustrating an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooling / heating heat exchanger includes an evaporator core 110 for interior cooling and a condenser core 120 for interior heating. The evaporator core 110 and the condenser core 120 can be connected to a refrigerant line so that refrigerant can circulate, and a compressor 410 and an expansion valve are disposed on the refrigerant line. The cooling / heating duct 100 includes an intake valve D and a blower fan B, through which side interior air or ambient air enters the cooling / heating duct 100. The blower fan B directs air drawn in from the inside or outside of the vehicle side through the evaporator core 110 or the condenser core 120 to be discharged to the interior or exterior of the vehicle.
[0040] In this embodiment, a heat pump system from an electric vehicle is used, and the condenser core 120 is used for indoor heating. However, this disclosure is not limited to heat pump systems, condenser core 120 for indoor air conditioning, etc.
[0041] The thermal management module according to this disclosure typically includes a refrigerant flow section and a coolant flow section. The sections occupying the largest volume are the outdoor condenser 220 on the refrigerant side and the radiator 210 on the coolant side. Each of these sections is configured to allow the refrigerant or coolant flowing through it to exchange heat with the ambient air outside the vehicle. A radiator fan F is provided for heat exchange with the air. Each of the outdoor condenser 220, radiator 210, and radiator fan F is arranged in an assembled configuration and has a significant height. Therefore, as... Figure 1 As shown, each of the outdoor condenser 220, radiator 210, and radiator fan F is mounted on the crossbeam 20 and tilted at a certain angle. This structure reduces the overall height of the front of the drive module, thereby maximizing the internal space at the front of the living module.
[0042] Additionally, other systems for refrigerant and coolant can be installed in the remaining space on the side of the outdoor condenser 220, radiator 210, and radiator fan F. Therefore, all components of the thermal management module can be mounted on the crossbeam 20 for compactness and to ensure assembly strength.
[0043] In the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a mixing door 130, configured to selectively open and close between the evaporator core 110 and the condenser core 120, is disposed between the evaporator core 110 and the condenser core 120. When the mixing door 130 is closed, air that has passed through the evaporator core 110 bypasses the condenser core 120 and enters the vehicle interior space. When the mixing door 130 is open, air that has passed through the evaporator core 110 can enter the vehicle interior space through the condenser core 120. Furthermore, the opening degree of the mixing door 130 can be controlled so that cooling air and heating air can be appropriately mixed to generate air with a suitable temperature for supply to the vehicle interior.
[0044] Additionally, in the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the outdoor heat exchanger includes: a radiator 210 in which coolant circulates; and an outdoor condenser 220 in which refrigerant circulates. The radiator 210 may be connected to a coolant line through which coolant circulates, and the outdoor condenser 220 may be connected to a refrigerant line through which refrigerant circulates.
[0045] Furthermore, in the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the radiator 210 and the outdoor condenser 220 is located in a flow path formed within the internal space of the heat exchange conduit 200. Air that has entered the flow path of the heat exchange conduit 200 can exchange heat with the coolant or refrigerant while passing through the radiator 210 or the outdoor condenser 220.
[0046] Specifically, in the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerant reservoir includes a receiver 420 and an accumulator 405, and the refrigerant circulation section includes a cooler 430, a pump, valves, and a compressor 410. The receiver 420, accumulator 405, cooler 430, pump, valves, and compressor 410 can be integrated into the module so as to be located on one side of the cooling / heating pipe 100 and the heat exchange pipe 200. In this way, the overall height can be reduced.
[0047] An integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, having the above-described structure, can manage the vehicle's interior air conditioning and improve thermal efficiency by implementing cooling and heat pump systems for electronic devices used in the vehicle, such as batteries and electric drive units. Furthermore, since the components for this purpose are integrated and located on top of the vehicle body floor, the utilization of the cabin space above the body floor can be maximized.
[0048] Additionally, the housing 300 of the integrated thermal management module is mounted on a crossbeam 20 located at the front of the vehicle. Here, the crossbeam 20 with the housing 300 can be positioned in front of the front wheels 15 of the vehicle.
[0049] Additionally, the refrigerant reservoir and refrigerant circulation section 400 of the integrated thermal management module for a vehicle according to embodiments of this disclosure may be provided on the side of the cooling / heating pipe 100 and the heat exchange pipe 200, particularly on the inner or outer side of the side frame 10 of the vehicle body floor.
[0050] Because the integrated thermal management module is mounted on the crossbeam 20 connecting the vehicle side frame 10, it can be advantageously installed at any location on the vehicle body floor. In particular, when the integrated thermal management module is located in front of the vehicle's front wheels, it can advantageously ensure ease of air circulation and maximize the space of the passenger compartment.
[0051] Furthermore, the refrigerant reservoir and refrigerant circulation unit 400 for vehicle interior heating and vehicle thermal management can be configured as modules mounted on the sides of the cooling / heating pipe 100 and heat exchange pipe 200, thereby achieving a compact assembly process and a compact loop structure. The lengths of the coolant lines and refrigerant lines can also be minimized.
[0052] In particular, due to such Figure 1 and Figure 4 The heat exchange pipe 200 shown is located at the lower part of the housing 300, and the cooling / heating pipe 100 is located at the upper part of the housing 300. Therefore, the upper part of the single housing 300 can easily supply conditioned air to the adjacent indoor space, and the lower part of the single housing 300 can perform heat exchange with the outside air as needed. Thus, thermal management can be adequately performed with a simple flow path structure in the housing 300, which has minimal space.
[0053] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A thermal management module for a vehicle, the thermal management module comprising: The housing is disposed on a crossbeam between side frames arranged on the side of the vehicle body floor where the wheels and drive unit are located, wherein the housing includes cooling / heating pipes connected to the upper body of the vehicle and heat exchange pipes connected to the outside of the vehicle. A cooling / heating heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger are respectively installed on the cooling / heating pipe and the heat exchange pipe of the housing; and A refrigerant storage unit and a refrigerant circulation unit are disposed on the side of the cooling / heating pipe and the heat exchange pipe of the housing.
2. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein, The crossbeam includes: a base extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle; and a connecting portion disposed at an end of the base, the connecting portion being connected to the side frame to connect the side frames to each other.
3. The thermal management module according to claim 2, wherein, The housing is disposed on the top region of the base of the crossbeam, and the connecting portion is a curved portion of the end of the base of the vehicle to be supported on and connected to the side and top regions of the side frame, respectively.
4. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling / heating heat exchanger includes: an evaporator core for indoor cooling; and a condenser core for indoor heating. The evaporator core and the condenser core are connected to the refrigerant pipeline to allow refrigerant circulation, and the compressor and expansion valve are located on the refrigerant pipeline.
5. The thermal management module according to claim 4, further comprising: A mixing gate is disposed between the evaporator core and the condenser core, and selectively opens and closes between the evaporator core and the condenser core. When the mixing door is closed, the air that has passed through the evaporator core bypasses the condenser core and enters the interior space of the vehicle. When the mixing door is open, the air that has passed through the evaporator core enters the interior space of the vehicle through the condenser core.
6. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein, The outdoor heat exchanger includes: a radiator in which coolant circulates; and an outdoor condenser in which refrigerant circulates. The radiator is connected to the coolant pipeline through which the coolant circulates, and the outdoor condenser is connected to the refrigerant pipeline through which the refrigerant circulates.
7. The thermal management module according to claim 6, wherein, The radiator and the outdoor condenser are located in the flow path within the internal space of the heat exchange pipe. The air that has entered the heat exchange pipe exchanges heat with the coolant or refrigerant while passing through the radiator or the outdoor condenser.
8. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant storage device includes a liquid receiver and an accumulator, and The refrigerant circulation section includes a cooler, a pump, a valve, and a compressor. The liquid receiver, the accumulator, the cooler, the pump, the valve, and the compressor are integrated into a module and located on the side of the cooling / heating pipe and the heat exchange pipe.
9. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein, The housing is mounted on a crossbeam located in the front of the vehicle, and the crossbeam is located in front of the vehicle's front wheels.
10. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant reservoir and the refrigerant circulation section are disposed on the sides of the cooling / heating pipes and the heat exchange pipes, located inside or outside the side frame of the vehicle body floor.