A cold storage type automobile thermal management system

Abstract

The application relates to a cold storage type automobile thermal management system, comprising: a refrigeration circuit configured to circulate refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit can cool a heat exchange medium in a heat exchange medium circuit; a refrigeration system component arranged on the refrigeration circuit; a cold storage branch communicating with the refrigeration circuit at both ends; a cold storage component arranged on the cold storage branch, the cold storage component comprising a cold storage device and being configured to store and release cold energy, wherein a part of the cold storage device communicates with the cold storage branch and another part communicates with the heat exchange medium circuit; a heat exchange medium circuit for circulating heat exchange medium to cool or heat a battery pack and / or a passenger cabin; a first heat exchange device configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and the heat exchange medium circuit; a second heat exchange device configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and air; and a third heat exchange device configured to transfer heat between the heat exchange medium circuit and air.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of heat management, and in particular to a cold storage type automobile heat management system. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the operation of the compressor and other components of the automobile heat management system is controlled according to the actual refrigeration requirements of the passenger cabin and the battery. However, due to the characteristics of the compressor and other components, they are not actually operating at the best efficiency point in a large proportion of working conditions, which results in a low actual coefficient of performance (COP) of the system and a waste of a large amount of energy.

[0003] In order to meet the requirements of different working conditions, the compressor, the expansion valve, the electronic fan and other core components need to be adjusted in working state, and there are frequent speed or opening degree changes, and even frequent start-stop situations, which will greatly affect the reliability and service life of the moving parts of the system. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve at least one of the above problems in the prior art, the present application provides a cold storage type automobile heat management system, comprising:

[0005] a refrigeration circuit configured to circulate refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit can cool the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium circuit;

[0006] a refrigeration system component arranged on the refrigeration circuit;

[0007] a cold storage branch communicating with the refrigeration circuit at both ends;

[0008] a cold storage component arranged on the cold storage branch, the cold storage component comprising a cold storage device and being configured to store and release cold energy, wherein a part of the cold storage device communicates with the cold storage branch, and another part communicates with the heat transfer medium circuit;

[0009] a heat transfer medium circuit for circulating heat transfer medium to cool or heat the battery pack and / or the passenger cabin;

[0010] a first heat transfer device configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit;

[0011] a second heat transfer device configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and the air;

[0012] a third heat transfer device configured to transfer heat between the heat transfer medium circuit and the air.

[0013] Further, the heat exchange medium circuit includes a main heat exchange medium circuit and a first heat exchange branch, a heating branch, and a second heat exchange branch connected to the main heat exchange medium circuit, wherein the first heat exchange branch, the heating branch, and the second heat exchange branch are connected in parallel, and the battery pack is disposed on the first heat exchange branch; and / or

[0014] The refrigeration circuit includes a main refrigeration circuit and a first refrigeration branch and a second refrigeration branch connected to the main refrigeration circuit, wherein the first refrigeration branch and the second refrigeration branch are connected in parallel.

[0015] Furthermore, the refrigeration system components include:

[0016] A compressor is located on the main refrigeration line and is configured to compress the refrigerant;

[0017] A condenser is installed on the main refrigeration circuit and connected to the compressor;

[0018] A first throttling element is disposed on the first refrigeration branch and is connected to the condenser;

[0019] The second throttling element is disposed on the second refrigeration branch and is connected to the condenser.

[0020] Furthermore, a portion of the first heat exchange device is connected to a refrigeration circuit, and another portion is connected to a heat exchange medium circuit, wherein the first heat exchange device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for heat exchange medium to flow through;

[0021] The second heat exchange device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for air to flow through;

[0022] The second heat exchange device is installed on the second refrigeration branch;

[0023] The third heat exchange device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for air to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for heat exchange medium to flow through;

[0024] The third heat exchange device is installed on the second heat exchange branch;

[0025] The cold storage device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for heat exchange medium to flow through.

[0026] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0027] An electric heater, which is installed on the heating branch, is used to heat the heat exchange medium;

[0028] A cold storage throttling element is disposed on the cold storage branch;

[0029] The first three-way proportional valve is installed on the main circuit of the heat exchange medium. Its first path is connected to the second outlet of the first heat exchange device, its second path is connected to the first path of the third three-way proportional valve and the heating branch, and its third path is connected to the first heat exchange branch.

[0030] The second three-way proportional valve is installed on the main circuit of the heat exchange medium. Its first path is connected to the second inlet of the first heat exchange device and the first heat exchange branch, its second path is connected to the second inlet of the cold storage device and the second heat exchange branch, and its third path is connected to the heating branch.

[0031] The third three-way proportional valve is installed on the main circuit of the heat exchange medium. Its first path is connected to the first path of the first three-way proportional valve and the heating branch, its second path is connected to the second outlet of the cold storage device, and its third path is connected to the second heat exchange branch.

[0032] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0033] A first water pump is installed on the first heat exchange branch and a second water pump is installed on the second heat exchange branch. The first water pump and the second water pump are configured to provide power for the circulating flow of the heat exchange medium.

[0034] An electric fan is mounted on the condenser;

[0035] A blower, which is connected to the second heat exchange device and the third heat exchange device.

[0036] Furthermore, when one or both of the first and second throttling elements are in the open state, and W 压缩机 >W 电池 +W 乘客舱 At that time, the cold storage throttling element is activated, and the activation ratio of the cold storage throttling element is adjusted in real time according to the difference in mass production cold capacity, where W 压缩机 W represents the cooling capacity of the compressor. 电池 To meet the cooling requirements of the battery pack, W 乘客舱 The required cooling capacity for the passenger cabin;

[0037] When the cooling capacity of the cold storage device is detected to be saturated, the compressor is shut down and the first water pump and / or the second water pump are started. The cooling capacity in the cold storage device is released through the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange medium circuit, and the cooling capacity is released to the battery pack and / or the third heat exchange device through heat exchange medium circulation.

[0038] Furthermore, when the compressor is running, the battery pack cooling process includes:

[0039] The first and third ports of the first three-way proportional valve are open, while the second port is closed. The first, second, and third ports of the second and third three-way proportional valves are all closed.

[0040] The first throttling element is turned on, the first water pump is running, the first throttling element throttles the incoming refrigerant, the throttled refrigerant expands rapidly and enters the first heat exchange device, in the first heat exchange device, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat exchange medium, causing the heat exchange medium to drop to the expected temperature, the cooled heat exchange medium enters the first heat exchange branch to cool the battery pack, and then enters the first heat exchange device again.

[0041] When the compressor is running, the cooling process for the passenger cabin includes:

[0042] The second throttling element opens, throttling the incoming refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant expands rapidly and enters the second heat exchanger. The blower draws in air and delivers it to the second heat exchanger. In the second heat exchanger, the throttled and expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, absorbing heat from the air and thus lowering the air to the desired temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, when the compressor is off, the cold energy in the cold storage unit is used to cool the battery pack and passenger cabin, including:

[0044] When both the battery pack and the passenger compartment require cooling, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and second paths of the second three-way proportional valve are open, and its third path is closed; the first, second, and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve are open.

[0045] When only the battery pack needs cooling, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and second paths of the second three-way proportional valve are open, and its third path is closed; the first and second paths of the third three-way proportional valve are open, and its third path is closed.

[0046] When only the passenger cabin needs cooling, the first and second channels of the first three-way proportional valve are closed, the first and second channels of the second three-way proportional valve are closed, and the second and third channels of the third three-way proportional valve are open, while the first channel is closed.

[0047] Furthermore, using the cold energy in the cold storage device to cool the battery pack also includes: the operation of a first water pump, the heat exchange medium exchanging heat with the cold storage working fluid in the cold storage device, causing the heat exchange medium to drop to the expected temperature, the cooled heat exchange medium entering the first heat exchange branch to cool the battery pack, and then entering the cold storage device again.

[0048] The use of the cold energy in the cold storage device to cool the passenger cabin also includes: the operation of a second water pump, the heat exchange medium cooled by the cold storage medium in the cold storage device entering the second heat exchange branch, reaching the third heat exchange device, the blower drawing in air and delivering it to the third heat exchange device, in the third heat exchange device, the heat exchange medium and the air exchange heat, the heat exchange medium absorbs the heat in the air, thereby lowering the air to the expected temperature.

[0049] Furthermore, when the battery pack and passenger compartment require heating, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are opened; the first, second, and third paths of the second three-way proportional valve are opened; and the first and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve are opened, while its second path is closed.

[0050] When only the battery pack needs heating, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and third paths of the second three-way proportional valve are open, and its second path is closed; the first path of the third three-way proportional valve is closed.

[0051] When heating is only required in the passenger cabin, the second path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, the first path of the second three-way proportional valve is closed, and the second and third paths are open; the first and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve are open, and the second path is closed.

[0052] Furthermore, the compressor and cold storage device are shut down, and the electric heater is started to heat the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium heated by the electric heater can heat the battery pack or passenger compartment, and can also be divided into two paths to heat the battery pack and passenger compartment simultaneously.

[0053] When heating the battery pack, the first water pump is turned on, and the heat exchange medium heated by the electric heater enters the first heat exchange branch to heat the battery pack.

[0054] When heating the passenger cabin, the second water pump is turned on, and the heat exchange medium, heated by the electric heater, enters the second heat exchange branch and reaches the third heat exchange device. At the same time, the blower draws in air and delivers it to the third heat exchange device. In the third heat exchange device, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the air to heat the passenger cabin.

[0055] This invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The disclosed automotive thermal management system is equipped with a super cold storage device. Depending on the ambient temperature and vehicle operation, the compressor always operates at its maximum efficiency point. Excess cooling capacity is stored in the cold storage device. When the cold storage device is saturated, the compressor stops operating, and the cold storage device releases the cooling capacity. This method ensures that the compressor always operates at its optimal efficiency point, greatly improving the system's energy utilization rate. The cold storage device uses a high-performance cold storage medium material capable of storing over 5kW of cooling capacity. This allows for the storage of excess cooling capacity, ensuring that a single release can meet cooling needs for a longer period, avoiding frequent compressor start-stop cycles. When the cold storage device is cooling, the cooling is applied to the passenger compartment through a heat exchange core. This structure can also be used for heating the passenger compartment, simplifying the structure and effectively reducing piping costs. The parallel connections of the heat exchange medium circuit branches are achieved using three-way proportional valves, allowing all three circuits to be fully open or closed, or any two circuits to be connected. Furthermore, the proportional adjustment can be made according to requirements. This structure can fully meet the cooling and heating needs under various operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0056] To further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the various embodiments of the present invention, a more specific description of the embodiments of the invention will be presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit its scope. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts will be indicated by identical or similar reference numerals for clarity.

[0057] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cold storage automotive thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] It should be noted that the components in the accompanying drawings may be shown exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be to scale.

[0059] In this invention, the various embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the solutions of the invention and should not be construed as limiting.

[0060] In this invention, unless otherwise specified, the quantifiers “a” and “one” do not exclude scenarios involving multiple elements.

[0061] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, only a portion of the parts or components may be shown for clarity and simplicity. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, under the teachings of the present invention, the required parts or components can be added as needed for specific scenarios.

[0062] It should also be noted that within the scope of this invention, the terms "same", "equal", and "equal to" do not mean that the two values ​​are absolutely equal, but allow for a certain reasonable error. In other words, the terms also cover "substantially the same", "substantially equal", and "substantially equal to".

[0063] It should also be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0064] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention describe the process steps in a specific order. However, this is only for the convenience of distinguishing each step, and is not a limitation on the order of each step. In different embodiments of the present invention, the order of each step can be adjusted according to the process.

[0065] In this invention, high temperature > medium temperature > low temperature, and high pressure > low pressure.

[0066] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cold storage automotive thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, a cold storage-type automotive thermal management system includes:

[0068] The refrigeration circuit is used to circulate refrigerant and includes a main refrigeration circuit 10 and a first refrigeration branch circuit 11 and a second refrigeration branch circuit 12 connected to the main refrigeration circuit 10, wherein the first refrigeration branch circuit 11 and the second refrigeration branch circuit 12 are connected in parallel.

[0069] Refrigeration system components, which are installed on the refrigeration circuit;

[0070] The cold storage branch 20 is connected to the refrigeration circuit at both ends and is connected in parallel with the first refrigeration branch 11 and the second refrigeration branch 12.

[0071] A cold storage assembly, installed on the cold storage branch 20, includes a cold storage device 21 and a cold storage throttling element 22. The cold storage device 21 is configured to store and release cold energy, and includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant flow, and a second inlet and a second outlet for heat exchange medium flow. A portion of the cold storage device 21 is connected to the cold storage branch 20, and another portion is connected to the heat exchange medium loop. The cold storage device 21 adopts a heat insulation design with a heat preservation efficiency of over 95% for 1 hour. It uses a high-performance cold storage working fluid material and can store over 5kW of cold energy. The cold storage throttling element 22 is configured to throttle the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and pressure.

[0072] A heat exchange medium circuit is used to circulate a heat exchange medium for cooling or heating the battery pack or passenger compartment. The heat exchange medium circuit includes a main heat exchange medium circuit 30 and a first heat exchange branch 31, a heating branch 32, and a second heat exchange branch 33 connected to the main heat exchange medium circuit 30, wherein the first heat exchange branch 31, the heating branch 32, and the second heat exchange branch 33 are connected in parallel. The battery pack 1 is disposed on the first heat exchange branch 31.

[0073] The refrigeration system components include a compressor 41, a condenser 42, a first throttling element 43, and a second throttling element 44. The compressor 41 is configured to compress the refrigerant. The condenser 42 is connected to the compressor 41 and is configured to condense the refrigerant. The first throttling element 43 is located on a first refrigeration branch 11. The second throttling element 44 is located on a second refrigeration branch 12. Both the first throttling element 43 and the second throttling element 44 are connected to the condenser 42. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 is condensed into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid by the condenser 42. The function of the throttling elements is to throttle the refrigerant to reduce its temperature and pressure, transforming the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. The throttling elements include an expansion valve, a capillary tube, and a throttling tube. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant is transformed into a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant by the first throttling element 43 and the second throttling element 44.

[0074] A cold storage-type automotive thermal management system further includes a first heat exchange device 50, a portion of which is connected to a refrigeration circuit and another portion to a heat exchange medium circuit, and is configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and the heat exchange medium circuit. The first heat exchange device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant flow, and a second inlet and a second outlet for the heat exchange medium flow. A second heat exchange device 51 is disposed on a second refrigeration branch 12 and configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and air. The second heat exchange device 51 includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant flow, and a second inlet and a second outlet for air flow. An electric heater 52 is disposed on a heating branch 32 for heating the heat exchange medium. A third heat exchange device 53 is disposed on a second heat exchange branch 33 and configured to transfer heat between the heat exchange medium circuit and air. The third heat exchange device 53 includes a first inlet and a first outlet for air flow, and a second inlet and a second outlet for the heat exchange medium flow. The first heat exchange device 50 includes a plate heat exchanger. The second heat exchange device 51 includes an evaporator. The third heat exchange device 53 includes a heat exchange core.

[0075] A cold storage-type automotive thermal management system further includes a first three-way proportional valve 61, a second three-way proportional valve 62, and a third three-way proportional valve 63 disposed on the heat exchange medium main circuit 30. The two ends of the first heat exchange branch 31 are respectively connected to the first three-way proportional valve 61 and the heat exchange medium main circuit 30; the two ends of the heating branch 32 are respectively connected to the second three-way proportional valve 62 and the heat exchange medium main circuit 30; and the two ends of the second heat exchange branch 33 are respectively connected to the third three-way proportional valve 63 and the heat exchange medium main circuit 30.

[0076] The three-way proportional valves used can achieve full opening or full closing of all three channels, or connection of any two channels, and can also be proportionally adjusted according to needs. This structure can fully meet the requirements of cooling and heating under various operating conditions. The third channel of the first three-way proportional valve 61 is connected to the first heat exchange branch 31, its first channel is connected to the second outlet of the first heat exchange device 50, and its second channel is connected to the first channel of the third three-way proportional valve 63 and the heating branch 32. The third channel of the second three-way proportional valve 62 is connected to the heating branch 32, its first channel is connected to the second inlet of the first heat exchange device 50 and the first heat exchange branch 31, and its second channel is connected to the second inlet of the cold storage device 21 and the second heat exchange branch 33. The third channel of the third three-way proportional valve 63 is connected to the second heat exchange branch 33, its first channel is connected to the second channel of the first three-way proportional valve 61 and the heating branch 32, and its second channel is connected to the second outlet of the cold storage device 21.

[0077] A cold storage-type automotive thermal management system further includes a first water pump 34 disposed on a first heat exchange branch 31 and a second water pump 35 disposed on a second heat exchange branch 33, the first water pump 34 and the second water pump 35 being configured to power the circulation of the heat exchange medium; an electric fan 45 mounted on a condenser 42; and a blower 46 connected to a second heat exchange device 51 and a third heat exchange device 53. The blower 46 is capable of drawing in air and delivering it to the second heat exchange device 51 or the third heat exchange device 53.

[0078] The heat exchange medium circulation of the aforementioned cold storage automotive thermal management system is a multi-parallel structure. The first water pump 34 and the second water pump 35 serve as the power sources for heat exchange between the battery pack and the passenger compartment, respectively. The first heat exchange device 50 and the cold storage device 21 are located at both ends of the main heat exchange medium loop 30, respectively transferring the heat of the refrigerant and the cold storage medium to the heat exchange medium. The first heat exchange branch 31 and the second heat exchange branch 33 are connected in parallel in the middle. A heating branch 32 is also connected in parallel between the first heat exchange branch 31 and the second heat exchange branch 33. The flow direction of the heat exchange medium is switched throughout the loop via a three-way proportional valve.

[0079] When the above-mentioned cold storage-type automotive thermal management system is running, the refrigerant circulation process is as follows:

[0080] Compressor 41, as the power source for refrigerant circulation within the system, compresses the refrigerant. The compressed, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant reaches condenser 42 through the main refrigeration circuit 10. Electric fan 45 draws ambient air into the condenser fins, and condenser 42 exchanges heat between the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant and the air. The condensed refrigerant can be divided into three paths: one path enters the first refrigeration branch 11, reaching the first throttling element 43; another path enters the second refrigeration branch 12, reaching the second throttling element 44; and the last path enters the cold storage branch 20, reaching the cold storage throttling element 20.

[0081] When the first throttling element 43 is opened, it throttles the incoming refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant expands rapidly, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant, and enters the first heat exchange device 50. In the first heat exchange device 50, the throttled refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat exchange medium, thereby lowering the heat exchange medium to the expected temperature to meet the cooling requirements of the battery pack. The refrigerant then becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas and returns to the compressor.

[0082] When the second throttling element 44 is opened, it throttles the incoming refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant expands rapidly, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant, and enters the second heat exchange device 51. In the second heat exchange device 51, the throttled and expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the air. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, thereby lowering the air to the expected temperature and achieving the cooling effect. After evaporation and heat absorption, the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas and returns to the compressor.

[0083] When the cold storage throttling element 22 is opened, it throttles the incoming refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant expands rapidly, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant, and enters the cold storage device 21. The working fluid in the cold storage device 21 exchanges heat with the throttled and expanded refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the cold storage working fluid, thereby lowering the temperature of the cold storage working fluid and realizing the collection of cold energy in the cold storage device. After evaporation and heat absorption, the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas and returns to the compressor.

[0084] The automotive thermal management system determines the cooling capacity (W) required by the battery pack. 电池 Cooling capacity required for passenger cabin (W) 乘客舱 The compressor is designed and developed for maximum extreme cooling load, meaning that the compressor's optimal efficiency point can meet W under the same operating conditions. 电池 and W 乘客舱 Maximum cooling load ensures that the compressor operates at its best under any conditions.

[0085] The first throttling element 43 before the first heat exchange device 50 and the second throttling element 44 before the second heat exchange device 51 are respectively controlled in real time to open their opening status and opening size according to the cooling requirements of the battery pack 1 and the cooling requirements of the passenger cabin. That is, only one throttling element can be opened, or both can be opened at the same time.

[0086] When the aforementioned cold storage-type automotive thermal management system is running, priority is given to cooling the battery pack, followed by cooling the passenger compartment. Only when the system has surplus capacity will the cold storage throttling element 22 before the cold storage device be activated. The activation of the cold storage throttling element 22 before the cold storage device 21 requires the following two conditions: first, one or both of the first throttling element 43 and the second throttling element 44 must be in the open state; second, the cooling capacity W of the compressor 41 must be met. 压缩机 The required cooling capacity (W) for the battery pack 电池 The cooling capacity required by the passenger cabin (W) 乘客舱 The relationship is determined. When one or both of the first throttling element 43 and the second throttling element 44 are in the open state, and W 压缩机 >W 电池 +W 乘客舱The cold storage throttling element 22 before the cold storage device 21 is opened, and the opening ratio of the cold storage throttling element 22 is adjusted in real time according to the difference in mass production cooling capacity. The difference in mass production cooling capacity refers to the cooling capacity W of the compressor. 压缩机 The required cooling capacity W for the battery pack 电池 The cooling capacity required by the passenger cabin (W) 乘客舱 The difference between the sums. The cold storage device 21 adopts a closed insulation design with a heat preservation efficiency of over 95% for 1 hour. The internal cold storage medium material has good properties and can store more than 5kW of cold energy.

[0087] During actual vehicle operation, ambient temperature and vehicle speed change in real time. Therefore, based on the different real-time ambient temperature and vehicle operating conditions, the compressor always maintains a good pressure ratio, allowing the compressor to operate at its optimal efficiency point to ensure the system's best coefficient of performance (COP).

[0088] The above-mentioned cold storage vehicle thermal management system operates as follows: Compressor 41 compresses the refrigerant, which is then condensed by the condenser. The condensed refrigerant is divided into three paths, entering the first throttling element 43, the second throttling element 44, and the cold storage throttling element 22 respectively. The first throttling element 43 and the second throttling element 44 automatically adjust their openings according to the cooling demand of the passenger compartment and the battery pack, respectively. If the cooling demand of the passenger compartment and the battery pack is met, the cold storage throttling element 22 is opened, allowing the refrigerant to enter the cold storage device 21, which stores the cold energy. When the cold storage device 21 is detected to be saturated, the compressor is shut down, and the first water pump 34 and / or the second water pump 35 are started. The cold energy in the cold storage device 21 is released through the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange medium circuit, and then released to the battery pack 1 and / or the third heat exchange device 53 through heat exchange medium circulation. Under the action of the three-way proportional valve, the heat exchange medium does not pass through the electric heater 52 and the first heat exchange device 50. At this time, the passenger cabin no longer uses the second heat exchange device 51 for cooling, but uses the third heat exchange device 53 for cooling.

[0089] Specifically, the cooling process for the battery pack during compressor operation is as follows:

[0090] The first three-way proportional valve 61 has its first and third channels open and its second channel closed; the second three-way proportional valve 62 has its first, second, and third channels closed; and the third three-way proportional valve 63 has its first, second, and third channels closed.

[0091] When the first throttling element 43 is turned on, the first water pump 34 starts running. The first throttling element 43 throttles the incoming refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant expands rapidly and enters the first heat exchange device 50. In the first heat exchange device 50, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat exchange medium, causing the heat exchange medium to drop to the expected temperature. The cooled heat exchange medium enters the first heat exchange branch 31 to cool the battery pack 1, and then enters the first heat exchange device 50 again.

[0092] When the compressor is running, the process of cooling the passenger cabin is as follows: the second throttling element 44 is opened, and the second throttling element 44 throttles the incoming refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant expands rapidly and enters the second heat exchange device 51. The blower 46 draws in air and delivers it to the second heat exchange device 51. In the second heat exchange device 51, the throttled and expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the air. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, thereby lowering the air to the expected temperature and achieving the cooling effect.

[0093] When the compressor is off, the cold energy in the cold storage unit is used to cool the battery pack and passenger cabin, including:

[0094] When both the battery pack and the passenger compartment require cooling, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve 61 is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and second paths of the second three-way proportional valve 62 are open, and its third path is closed; the first, second, and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve 63 are open.

[0095] When only the battery pack needs cooling, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve 61 is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and second paths of the second three-way proportional valve 62 are open, and its third path is closed; the first and second paths of the third three-way proportional valve 63 are open, and its third path is closed.

[0096] When only the passenger cabin needs cooling, the first and second channels of the first three-way proportional valve 61 are closed, the first and second channels of the second three-way proportional valve 62 are closed, and the second and third channels of the third three-way proportional valve 63 are opened while the first channel is closed.

[0097] Battery pack cooling: The first water pump 34 operates, and the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the cold storage working medium in the cold storage device 21, so that the heat exchange medium drops to the expected temperature. The cooled heat exchange medium enters the first heat exchange branch 31 to cool the battery pack 1, and then enters the cold storage device 21 again.

[0098] Cooling the passenger cabin: The second water pump 35 operates, and the heat exchange medium cooled by the cold storage medium in the cold storage device 21 enters the second heat exchange branch 33 and reaches the third heat exchange device 53. The blower 46 draws in air and delivers it to the third heat exchange device 53. In the third heat exchange device 53, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the air. The heat exchange medium absorbs heat from the air, thereby lowering the air to the expected temperature and achieving the cooling effect.

[0099] The above-mentioned cold storage vehicle thermal management system operates in heating mode:

[0100] When the battery pack and passenger compartment require heating, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve 61 is closed, and its second and third paths are opened; the first, second, and third paths of the second three-way proportional valve 62 are opened; and the first and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve 63 are opened, while its second path is closed.

[0101] When only the battery pack has a heating requirement, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve 61 is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and third paths of the second three-way proportional valve 62 are open, and its second path is closed; the first path of the third three-way proportional valve 63 is closed.

[0102] When only the passenger cabin requires heating, the second path of the first three-way proportional valve 61 is closed, the first path of the second three-way proportional valve 62 is closed, and the second and third paths are open; the first and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve 63 are open, and the second path is closed.

[0103] The compressor 41 and the cold storage device 21 are turned off, and the electric heater 52 is started to heat the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium heated by the electric heater 52 can heat the battery pack 1 or the passenger compartment, and can also be divided into two paths to heat the battery pack 1 and the passenger compartment at the same time.

[0104] The first water pump 34 is turned on, and the heat exchange medium heated by the electric heater 52 enters the first heat exchange branch 31 to heat the battery pack 1.

[0105] The second water pump 35 is turned on, and the heat exchange medium, heated by the electric heater 52, enters the second heat exchange branch 33 and reaches the third heat exchange device 53. At the same time, the blower 46 draws in air and delivers it to the third heat exchange device 53. In the third heat exchange device 53, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the air to heat the passenger compartment. The first heat exchange branch 31 and the second heat exchange branch 33 are connected in parallel. When the above-mentioned cold storage vehicle thermal management system is in operation, under the action of the three-way proportional valve, the heat exchange medium does not pass through the first heat exchange device 50 and the cold storage device 21.

[0106] While some embodiments of the present invention have been described in this application, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative. Numerous variations, alternatives, and improvements will arise in those skilled in the art under the teachings of this invention without departing from its scope. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of the invention and thereby cover methods and structures within the scope of the claims themselves and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cold storage-type automotive thermal management system, characterized in that, include: A refrigeration circuit configured to allow refrigerant to circulate, wherein the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit is capable of cooling the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange medium circuit. Refrigeration system components, which are installed on the refrigeration circuit; A cold storage branch, both ends of which are connected to the refrigeration circuit; A cold storage assembly is disposed on the cold storage branch, the cold storage assembly includes a cold storage device and is configured to store and release cold energy, wherein a portion of the cold storage device is connected to the cold storage branch and another portion is connected to the heat exchange medium circuit. A heat exchange medium circuit is used to circulate a heat exchange medium to cool or heat the battery pack and / or passenger compartment; the heat exchange medium circuit includes a main heat exchange medium circuit and a first heat exchange branch, a heating branch and a second heat exchange branch connected to the main heat exchange medium circuit, wherein the first heat exchange branch, the heating branch and the second heat exchange branch are connected in parallel, and the battery pack is disposed on the first heat exchange branch. The first heat exchange device is configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and the heat exchange medium circuit; The second heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat between the refrigeration circuit and the air. The third heat exchange device is configured to transfer heat between the heat exchange medium loop and the air; An electric heater, which is installed on the heating branch, is used to heat the heat exchange medium; A cold storage throttling element is disposed on the cold storage branch; The first three-way proportional valve is installed on the main circuit of the heat exchange medium. Its first path is connected to the second outlet of the first heat exchange device, its second path is connected to the first path of the third three-way proportional valve and the heating branch, and its third path is connected to the first heat exchange branch. The second three-way proportional valve is installed on the main circuit of the heat exchange medium. Its first path is connected to the second inlet of the first heat exchange device and the first heat exchange branch, its second path is connected to the second inlet of the cold storage device and the second heat exchange branch, and its third path is connected to the heating branch. The third three-way proportional valve is installed on the main circuit of the heat exchange medium. Its first path is connected to the first path of the first three-way proportional valve and the heating branch, its second path is connected to the second outlet of the cold storage device, and its third path is connected to the second heat exchange branch.

2. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration circuit includes a main refrigeration circuit and a first refrigeration branch and a second refrigeration branch connected to the main refrigeration circuit, wherein the first refrigeration branch and the second refrigeration branch are connected in parallel.

3. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigeration system components include: A compressor is located on the main refrigeration line and is configured to compress the refrigerant; A condenser is installed on the main refrigeration circuit and connected to the compressor; A first throttling element is disposed on the first refrigeration branch and is connected to the condenser; The second throttling element is disposed on the second refrigeration branch and is connected to the condenser.

4. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A portion of the first heat exchange device is connected to a refrigeration circuit, and another portion is connected to a heat exchange medium circuit. The first heat exchange device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for heat exchange medium to flow through. The second heat exchange device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for air to flow through; The second heat exchange device is installed on the second refrigeration branch; The third heat exchange device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for air to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for heat exchange medium to flow through; The third heat exchange device is installed on the second heat exchange branch; The cold storage device includes a first inlet and a first outlet for refrigerant to flow through, and a second inlet and a second outlet for heat exchange medium to flow through.

5. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A first water pump is installed on the first heat exchange branch and a second water pump is installed on the second heat exchange branch. The first water pump and the second water pump are configured to provide power for the circulating flow of the heat exchange medium. An electric fan is mounted on the condenser; A blower, which is connected to the second heat exchange device and the third heat exchange device.

6. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, When one or both of the first and second throttling elements are in the open state, and W 压缩机 >W 电池 +W 乘客舱 At that time, the cold storage throttling element is activated, and the activation ratio of the cold storage throttling element is adjusted in real time according to the difference in mass production cold capacity, where W 压缩机 W represents the cooling capacity of the compressor. 电池 To meet the cooling requirements of the battery pack, W 乘客舱 The required cooling capacity for the passenger cabin; When the cooling capacity of the cold storage device is detected to be saturated, the compressor is shut down and the first water pump and / or the second water pump are started. The cooling capacity in the cold storage device is released through the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange medium circuit, and the cooling capacity is released to the battery pack and / or the third heat exchange device through heat exchange medium circulation.

7. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the compressor is running, the battery pack cooling process includes: The first and third ports of the first three-way proportional valve are open, while the second port is closed. The first, second, and third ports of the second and third three-way proportional valves are all closed. The first throttling element is turned on, the first water pump is running, the first throttling element throttles the incoming refrigerant, the throttled refrigerant expands rapidly and enters the first heat exchange device, in the first heat exchange device, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat exchange medium, causing the heat exchange medium to drop to the expected temperature, the cooled heat exchange medium enters the first heat exchange branch to cool the battery pack, and then enters the first heat exchange device again. When the compressor is running, the cooling process for the passenger cabin includes: The second throttling element opens, throttling the incoming refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant expands rapidly and enters the second heat exchanger. The blower draws in air and delivers it to the second heat exchanger. In the second heat exchanger, the throttled and expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, absorbing heat from the air and thus lowering the air to the desired temperature.

8. The cold storage-type automotive thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the compressor is off, the cold energy in the cold storage unit is used to cool the battery pack and passenger cabin, including: When both the battery pack and the passenger compartment require cooling, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and second paths of the second three-way proportional valve are open, and its third path is closed; the first, second, and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve are open. When only the battery pack needs cooling, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and second paths of the second three-way proportional valve are open, and its third path is closed; the first and second paths of the third three-way proportional valve are open, and its third path is closed. When only the passenger cabin needs cooling, the first and second channels of the first three-way proportional valve are closed, the first and second channels of the second three-way proportional valve are closed, and the second and third channels of the third three-way proportional valve are open, while the first channel is closed.

9. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method of using the cold energy in the cold storage device to cool the battery pack also includes: the operation of the first water pump, the heat exchange medium exchanging heat with the cold storage working fluid in the cold storage device, so that the heat exchange medium is reduced to the expected temperature, the cooled heat exchange medium enters the first heat exchange branch to cool the battery pack, and then enters the cold storage device again. The use of the cold energy in the cold storage device to cool the passenger cabin also includes: the operation of a second water pump, the heat exchange medium cooled by the cold storage medium in the cold storage device entering the second heat exchange branch, reaching the third heat exchange device, the blower drawing in air and delivering it to the third heat exchange device, in the third heat exchange device, the heat exchange medium and the air exchange heat, the heat exchange medium absorbs the heat in the air, thereby lowering the air to the expected temperature.

10. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the battery pack and passenger compartment require heating, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are opened; the first, second, and third paths of the second three-way proportional valve are opened; and the first and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve are opened, while its second path is closed. When only the battery pack needs heating, the first path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, and its second and third paths are open; the first and third paths of the second three-way proportional valve are open, and its second path is closed; the first path of the third three-way proportional valve is closed. When heating is only required in the passenger cabin, the second path of the first three-way proportional valve is closed, the first path of the second three-way proportional valve is closed, and the second and third paths are open; the first and third paths of the third three-way proportional valve are open, and the second path is closed.

11. The cold storage automotive thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The compressor and cold storage unit are turned off, and the electric heater is started to heat the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium heated by the electric heater can heat the battery pack or passenger compartment, and can also be divided into two paths to heat the battery pack and passenger compartment at the same time. When heating the battery pack, the first water pump is turned on, and the heat exchange medium heated by the electric heater enters the first heat exchange branch to heat the battery pack. When heating the passenger cabin, the second water pump is turned on, and the heat exchange medium, heated by the electric heater, enters the second heat exchange branch and reaches the third heat exchange device. At the same time, the blower draws in air and delivers it to the third heat exchange device. In the third heat exchange device, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the air to heat the passenger cabin.

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