Electric vehicle cooling system

Abstract

The application relates to the field of electric vehicles, and particularly provides an electric vehicle cooling system, which comprises a cooling loop, the cooling loop comprises a condenser, a first valve, an evaporator and a compressor which are sequentially connected to form the loop; the electric vehicle cooling system further comprises a cooling branch, the cooling branch is arranged in parallel with the evaporator and comprises a cooling piece, the cooling piece is used for contacting a part, refrigerant flows through the cooling piece and cools the part. In the electric vehicle cooling system, the cooling branch in parallel with the evaporator is added in the cooling loop, and the cooling branch contacts the part, so that the electric vehicle cooling system can provide appropriate temperature for users through the cooling loop, and can also cool the part, so that the electric vehicle cooling system has a double effect, and a new loop for cooling the part does not need to be additionally arranged, cost can be reduced, and space utilization can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electric vehicles, and more particularly to an electric vehicle cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] To improve user comfort, electric vehicles are typically equipped with air conditioning systems for cooling. These systems consist of a condenser, valves, an evaporator, and a compressor connected in series, with refrigerant continuously circulating within the system. Currently, the air conditioning systems in electric vehicles are only used to provide a suitable temperature for the user, offering a limited functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a multifunctional electric vehicle cooling system.

[0004] An embodiment of this application provides an electric vehicle cooling system, including a cooling circuit. The cooling circuit includes a condenser, a first valve, an evaporator, and a compressor connected in sequence to form the circuit. The electric vehicle cooling system also includes a cooling branch, which is arranged in parallel with the evaporator and includes a cooling element. The cooling element is used to contact parts, and refrigerant flows through the cooling element to cool the parts.

[0005] In the electric vehicle cooling system described above, by adding a cooling branch connected in parallel with the evaporator in the cooling circuit, and with the cooling branch in contact with the parts, the electric vehicle cooling system can not only provide the user with a suitable temperature through the cooling circuit, but also cool the parts, giving the electric vehicle cooling system a dual effect. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for an additional circuit to cool the parts, thus simplifying costs, improving space utilization, and reducing the overall weight of the electric vehicle. This is beneficial for improving the acceleration of the electric vehicle and reducing power consumption at the same driving speed.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the cooling branch further includes a second valve, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the first valve, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the cooling component.

[0007] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, the second valve can control the flow rate of refrigerant into the cooling component, thereby controlling the temperature of the cooling component and keeping the temperature of the cooling component stable.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the cooling component includes a cold plate and a cold pipe, the cold plate being used to contact the component. The cold pipe passes through the cold plate for conducting refrigerant, one end of the cold pipe being a liquid inlet for connecting to the first valve, and the other end being a liquid outlet for connecting to the compressor.

[0009] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, the refrigerant passes through the cold pipe and cools the cold plate through the cold pipe. The refrigerant can also absorb the heat from the cold plate, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a gaseous state, allowing the compressor to operate stably.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the cooling pipe includes an inlet, a cooling section, and an outlet. The liquid inlet of the cooling pipe is located in the inlet, and the inlet is connected to the outlet of the second valve. The cooling section is located inside the cold plate and connected to the inlet, and the cooling section has a wavy shape. One end of the outlet is connected to the cooling section, and the liquid outlet of the cooling pipe is located at the other end of the outlet and connected to the compressor.

[0011] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, the cooling section is wavy in shape, which can increase the contact area between the cooling section and the cold plate, thereby improving the cooling speed of the cold plate.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the cold plate includes a plate body and an insulation shell, the insulation shell being fitted onto the plate body to block heat exchange within the plate body, and the insulation shell contacting the component. The cold pipe passes through the plate body and the insulation shell.

[0013] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, the heat insulation shell is fitted onto the plate, which can effectively block heat exchange of the plate and reduce the loss of cold energy from the plate.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, a gap is left between the heat insulation shell and the plate.

[0015] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, a gap is left between the insulation shell and the plate. Compared with the inner surface of the insulation shell being in contact with the plate, this can reduce heat exchange and further reduce the loss of cold energy from the plate.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the insulation shell is made of plastic, and the plate and the cooling pipe are made of copper.

[0017] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, plastic has better heat insulation effect, while copper has better heat conduction effect. The plate and cold pipe material are copper, which can quickly cool down when passing through condensate, while the heat insulation shell can effectively prevent the plate from losing cold energy.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the cooling circuit further includes a third valve located between the first valve and the evaporator, and connected in parallel with the cooling branch.

[0019] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, the third valve can control the flow rate of refrigerant through the evaporator. Thus, in winter or when air conditioning is not needed, the third valve can block the refrigerant from passing through the evaporator, thereby reducing the temperature of the components even when air conditioning is not used.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the cooling component further includes an insulation sleeve, which is fitted over the cold pipe to block heat exchange in the cold pipe.

[0021] In the electric vehicle cooling system described above, the insulation jacket can block heat exchange in the cold pipes and reduce the loss of cold energy from the cold pipes.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the second valve is a temperature control valve used to detect the temperature of the cooling element and regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the cooling element.

[0023] In the electric vehicle cooling system of the above embodiment, the temperature of the cooling component is detected by the second valve, which can keep the temperature of the cooling component constant, thereby improving the effect of stable cooling of the cooling component.

[0024] The electric vehicle cooling system of this application, by adding a cooling branch to the cooling circuit, enables the electric vehicle cooling system to both provide a suitable temperature for the user and cool down the components, achieving a dual effect. Furthermore, compared to adding a separate circuit for cooling components, it saves space, reduces costs, and lightens the weight of the electric vehicle, thereby improving the vehicle's acceleration and reducing power consumption at the same driving speed, thus extending the driving range. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle cooling system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 3D structural diagram of the intermediate cooling component.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side view of the intercooler component.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Top view of the intercooler pipe.

[0029] Explanation of main component symbols

[0030] Electric vehicle cooling system 100

[0031] Cooling circuit 10

[0032] Condenser 11

[0033] First valve 12

[0034] Evaporator 13

[0035] Compressor 14

[0036] Third valve 15

[0037] Liquid storage dryer 16

[0038] Cooling branch 20

[0039] Cooling component 21

[0040] Cold plate 211

[0041] Plate body 2111

[0042] Insulation shell 2112

[0043] Cooling pipe 212

[0044] Entering Section 2121

[0045] Cooling section 2122

[0046] Outflow part 2123

[0047] Insulation sleeve 213

[0048] Second valve 22 Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0050] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may also have an intervening component. When a component is considered to be "placed" on another component, it can be directly placed on the other component or may also have an intervening component. The terms "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application.

[0052] Some embodiments of this application provide an electric vehicle cooling system, including a cooling circuit comprising a condenser, a first valve, an evaporator, and a compressor connected in sequence to form the circuit. The electric vehicle cooling system also includes a cooling branch connected in parallel with the evaporator, comprising a cooling element for contacting components. Refrigerant flows through the cooling element and cools the components. In the above-described electric vehicle cooling system, by adding a cooling branch in parallel with the evaporator to the cooling circuit, and ensuring that the cooling branch contacts the components, the electric vehicle cooling system can not only provide a suitable temperature for the user through the cooling circuit but also cool the components, giving the electric vehicle cooling system a dual effect. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for an additional circuit to cool the components, thus simplifying costs and improving space utilization.

[0053] Some embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0054] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, an electric vehicle cooling system 100 is provided, including a cooling circuit 10 and cooling branches 20. The cooling circuit 10 includes a condenser 11, a first valve 12, an evaporator 13, and a compressor 14. The condenser 11, the first valve 12, the evaporator 13, and the compressor 14 are connected in sequence and each has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet to form a circuit. Refrigerant is disposed in the cooling circuit 10. The compressor 14 compresses the refrigerant from a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state to a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state and transports it to the condenser 11 for cooling. After passing through the condenser 11, the refrigerant becomes a room-temperature, high-pressure liquid and enters the first valve 12 for throttling and pressure reduction to form a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. It then enters the evaporator 13, where the refrigerant evaporates, absorbs heat, forms a gaseous state, and then flows back to the compressor 14.

[0055] Cooling branch 20 is connected in parallel with evaporator 13. Cooling branch 20 includes cooling element 21. The liquid inlet of cooling element 21 is connected to first valve 12, and the liquid outlet of cooling element 21 is connected to compressor 14. Cooling element 21 is used to contact the components and cool them. After passing through first valve 12, part of the refrigerant flows into evaporator 13, and the other part enters cooling element 21, allowing cooling element 21 to maintain a low temperature. Furthermore, the refrigerant exiting through cooling element 21 is heated by cooling element 21 and forms a gaseous state, thereby enabling compressor 14 to operate stably.

[0056] Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling circuit 10 is an air conditioning cooling circuit, and the electric vehicle cooling system 100 can both regulate the temperature inside the driver's cab and cool the parts of the electric vehicle through the cooling branch 20.

[0057] Optionally, in some embodiments, the electric vehicle is a smart electric vehicle, and the component is a chip in the smart electric vehicle. The chip in the smart electric vehicle is used to acquire images and data in real time from the camera or sensors of the smart electric vehicle. The chip generates a large amount of heat during operation. Excessive chip temperature can affect data transmission and the response rate of the program in the smart electric vehicle. Cooling the chip through the cooling branch 20 helps maintain its efficient operating state.

[0058] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first valve 12 is a thermostatic expansion valve. The thermostatic expansion valve can detect the superheat of the refrigerant before the compressor 14 and adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant into the compressor 14 to regulate the superheat of the refrigerant entering the compressor 14, so as to reduce the occurrence of overheating of the compressor 14 and enable the compressor 14 to operate stably.

[0059] Optionally, in some embodiments, the compressor 14 is a variable frequency compressor. By changing the speed of the variable frequency compressor, the power of the variable frequency compressor can be changed. Compared with a compressor with a relatively constant speed, the variable frequency compressor can change the power according to the user's needs, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0060] Cooling circuit 10 is used to regulate the temperature of the driver's cab in the electric vehicle, and cooling branch circuit 20 is used to cool down the parts of the electric vehicle, such as the chips of the smart electric vehicle. This gives the electric vehicle cooling system 100 a dual function, improves the utilization rate of the electric vehicle cooling system 100, and eliminates the need to use a separate electric vehicle cooling system 100 to cool down the parts, which helps to reduce costs and save space.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cooling component 21 includes a cold plate 211 and a cold pipe 212. The cold pipe 212 passes through the cold plate 211, and the cold plate 211 contacts the component directly or through a thermal interface material. One end of the cold pipe 212 is a liquid inlet connected to the first valve 12, and the other end is a liquid outlet connected to the compressor 14. Refrigerant enters from the liquid inlet of the cold pipe 212 and passes through the cold pipe 212 to keep the cold plate 211 at a low temperature. The cold plate 211 contacts the component and continuously cools the component.

[0062] Optionally, in some embodiments, there are multiple cold plates 211, which are connected in series and the position, shape and size of the cold plates 211 are adjusted according to the position of the parts.

[0063] It is understandable that multiple cold plates 211 can be connected not only in series, but also in parallel.

[0064] The cold plate 211 includes a plate body 2111 and an insulation shell 2112. The insulation shell 2112 is fitted onto the plate body 2111, and the cold pipe 212 passes through both the insulation shell 2112 and the plate body 2111. The insulation shell 2112 is used to block heat exchange in the plate body 2111 and prolong the time that the plate body 2111 remains at a low temperature.

[0065] Optionally, in some embodiments, one inner surface of the insulation shell 2112 is fixed to the plate 2111, and the other inner surfaces of the insulation shell 2112 are spaced apart from the plate 2111. Compared with the entire inner surface of the insulation shell 2112 being in contact with the plate 2111, this can further block heat exchange of the plate 2111.

[0066] Optionally, in some embodiments, the plate 2111 is made of copper, which has better thermal conductivity and can quickly reduce the temperature of the plate 2111 when the refrigerant cools the plate 2111 through the cold pipe 212.

[0067] It is understandable that the material of plate 2111 is not limited to copper, but can also be other materials with high thermal conductivity, such as silver, aluminum, aluminum-copper alloy, etc.

[0068] Optionally, in some embodiments, the insulation shell 2112 is made of plastic, which can effectively block the heat exchange of the plate 2111.

[0069] Understandably, the material of the insulation shell 2112 is not limited to this; it can also be made of materials such as glass.

[0070] Please see Figure 4 The cooling pipe 212 includes an inlet 2121, a cooling section 2122, and an outlet 2123. The liquid inlet of the cooling pipe 212 is located at one end of the inlet 2121, and the other end of the inlet 2121 is connected to the cooling section 2122. The cooling section 2122 is disposed inside the plate 2111, and the end of the cooling section 2122 away from the inlet 2121 is connected to the outlet 2123. The liquid outlet is located at the end of the outlet 2123 away from the cooling section 2122.

[0071] Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling section 2122 is wavy in shape, which can increase the contact area with the plate 2111, thereby better reducing the temperature of the plate 2111.

[0072] It is understandable that the shape of the cooling section 2122 is not limited to a wavy shape, but can also be other shapes, such as a zigzag shape.

[0073] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the cold pipe 212 is copper, which has better thermal conductivity and can quickly transfer cold energy to the plate 2111.

[0074] Understandably, the material of the 212 cooling pipe is not limited to copper; it can also be silver, aluminum, aluminum-copper alloy, etc.

[0075] Please see Figure 2 Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling component 21 further includes an insulation sleeve 213, which is fitted onto the cold pipe 212 and can block the heat exchange of the cold pipe 212, thereby reducing the loss of cold energy and saving energy.

[0076] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the insulation sleeve 213 is an insulating material, such as insulation cotton.

[0077] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling branch 20 further includes a second valve 22, which is connected in parallel with the evaporator 13. The inlet of the second valve 22 is connected to the outlet of the first valve 12, and the outlet of the second valve 22 is connected to the inlet of the cooling element 21. The second valve 22 is used to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant entering the plate 2111, thereby controlling the temperature of the plate 2111.

[0078] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second valve 22 is a temperature control valve that automatically adjusts the refrigerant flow rate by detecting the temperature of the plate 2111. This typically ensures the refrigerant is fully vaporized at the outlet 2123, thereby minimizing the flow rate and saving energy. This also allows the plate 2111 to maintain a constant temperature, reducing situations where the plate 2111 temperature is too high, failing to effectively cool components, or too low, resulting in resource waste.

[0079] Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling circuit 10 further includes a third valve 15, which is disposed between the first valve 12 and the evaporator 13 and is connected in parallel with the cooling branch 20. The third valve 15 is used to control the flow rate of refrigerant into the evaporator 13. This allows for cooling of the electric vehicle's components even in winter or other conditions where air conditioning is not required.

[0080] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third valve 15 is a solenoid valve with signal feedback, which can adjust the refrigerant flow rate according to the user's needs.

[0081] Optionally, in some embodiments, the cooling circuit 10 further includes a liquid receiver dryer 16 located between the compressor 14 and the condenser 11 for drying the refrigerant.

[0082] In summary, this application provides an electric vehicle cooling system 100 that can provide a suitable temperature for the user through the cooling circuit 10 and cool components such as chips through the cooling branch circuit 20. Furthermore, chips and other components do not require a separate cooling system, saving costs and space while also reducing the overall weight of the electric vehicle. The reduced weight of the electric vehicle improves acceleration, reduces power consumption, and extends its driving range.

[0083] Furthermore, compared to existing water-cooled cooling systems, the electric vehicle cooling system 100 of this application requires additional heat exchangers and pumps to cool components such as batteries. Moreover, the electric vehicle cooling system 100 achieves direct phase change cooling, resulting in lower thermal resistance than water-cooled systems with heat exchangers. Additionally, the refrigerant temperature flowing into the cold plate 211 is lower than the water temperature in water-cooled systems, enabling the electric vehicle cooling system 100 to cool components rapidly with minimal cooling delay.

[0084] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the essential spirit and scope of this application fall within the scope of this application's disclosure.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle cooling system, comprising a cooling circuit, the cooling circuit including a condenser, a first valve, an evaporator, and a compressor connected in sequence to form the circuit, wherein the first valve is a thermal expansion valve; characterized in that, The electric vehicle cooling system also includes: A cooling branch, connected in parallel with the evaporator, includes a cooling element for contacting the parts, through which refrigerant flows and cools the parts; The cooling branch also includes: The second valve has its inlet connected to the outlet of the first valve, and its outlet connected to the inlet of the cooling component. The cooling component includes: A cold plate, used to contact the part, wherein the part is a chip; A cold pipe, which passes through the cold plate, is used to conduct refrigerant. One end of the cold pipe is a liquid inlet for connecting to the first valve, and the other end is a liquid outlet for connecting to the compressor. The cooling pipe includes: The inlet of the cold pipe is located in the inlet, and the inlet is connected to the outlet of the second valve. A cooling section is located inside the cold plate and connected to the inlet section; the cooling section has a wavy shape. The outlet section is connected to the cooling section at one end, and the liquid outlet of the cold pipe is located at the other end of the outlet section and connected to the compressor. The cold plate includes: plate body; An insulation shell is fitted onto the plate to block heat exchange within the plate, and the insulation shell is in contact with the component. The cold pipe passes through the plate and the insulation shell; The cooling circuit also includes: The third valve is located between the first valve and the evaporator, and is connected in parallel with the cooling branch.

2. The electric vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gap is left between the heat insulation shell and the plate.

3. The electric vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulation shell is made of plastic, while the plate and the cooling pipe are made of copper.

4. The electric vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling component also includes an insulation sleeve, which is fitted over the cold pipe to block heat exchange in the cold pipe.

5. The electric vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second valve is a temperature control valve, used to detect the temperature of the cooling component and regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the cooling component.

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