Heat Management System

Abstract

The thermal management system of the present invention relates to a thermal management system comprising: a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat with a heat exchange medium introduced from a compressor; a first expansion valve that expands the heat exchange medium introduced from the first heat exchanger and sends it to a condenser; a second expansion valve that enables the heat exchange medium introduced from the condenser to expand; a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat exchange medium introduced from the second expansion valve and a heat-generating component; a receiver that stores the heat exchange medium introduced from the second heat exchanger and then supplies the heat exchange medium to the compressor; and an internal heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat exchange medium discharged from the condenser and the heat exchange medium discharged from the evaporator, wherein system performance can be improved by reducing the distance between components constituting the refrigerant module and by minimizing refrigerant pressure loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system in which the components constituting a refrigerant system for cooling vehicles and electronic components are modular. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles have gained attention in the automotive industry as an environmentally friendly technology and a solution to problems such as energy depletion.

[0003] Electric vehicles use motors powered by electricity received from batteries or fuel cells, resulting in low carbon emissions and low noise. Furthermore, electric vehicles are environmentally friendly because the motors used in them are more energy efficient than conventional engines.

[0004] Such electric vehicles include an interior side for air conditioning purposes to cool or heat the vehicle, and a thermal management system for cooling electronic components such as drive motors, batteries, and inverters.

[0005] The thermal management system comprises a refrigerant system for cooling the vehicle's interior and a refrigerant system for cooling electrical components. However, the refrigerant system requires numerous components to circulate the refrigerant and a large number of pipes connecting them, making the assembly process complex and difficult. Furthermore, the long pipes connecting the components create pressure drops in the refrigerant flowing within them, leading to performance losses within the system.

[0006] [Related Technical Documents]

[0007] [Patent Literature]

[0008] KR 2014-0147365 A (December 30, 2014) Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system in which the distance between components constituting a cooling system for cooling the interior side of a vehicle and cooling electronic components is reduced to reduce the pressure loss of refrigerant in the pipes and blocks that connect the components to each other, thereby improving system performance and improving assemblability.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] In one general aspect, a heat management system includes: a first heat exchanger that allows heat exchange of a heat exchange medium flowing from a compressor into the first heat exchanger; a first expansion valve that expands the heat exchange medium flowing from the first heat exchanger into the first expansion valve and transfers the expanded heat exchange medium to a condenser; a second expansion valve that expands the heat exchange medium flowing from the condenser into the second expansion valve; a second heat exchanger that allows the heat exchange medium flowing from the second expansion valve into the second heat exchanger to exchange heat with a heating element; a receiver that stores the heat exchange medium flowing from the second heat exchanger into the receiver and supplies the heat exchange medium to the compressor; and an internal heat exchanger that allows heat exchange of the heat exchange medium discharged from the condenser into heat exchange of a heat exchange medium discharged from an evaporator.

[0013] The heating element may include a battery or electronic components, and the second heat exchanger may cool or heat the heating element.

[0014] The first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the liquid reservoir, and the internal heat exchanger can be modular and integrally formed.

[0015] The second expansion valve and the internal heat exchanger can be positioned above the second heat exchanger in the height direction.

[0016] The liquid reservoir can be positioned below the second heat exchanger in the height direction.

[0017] The second heat exchanger may have a heat exchange medium inlet formed at the upper part of the second heat exchanger in the height direction, and a heat exchange medium outlet formed at the lower part of the second heat exchanger in the height direction.

[0018] The heat management system may further include a first connecting block, which connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve to each other, and connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the internal heat exchanger to each other.

[0019] The heat management system may further include a second connecting block, which connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the second expansion valve and the heat exchange medium inlet of the second heat exchanger to each other, and connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the second heat exchanger and the heat exchange medium inlet of the reservoir to each other.

[0020] The second connecting block can be configured to be opposite the first connecting block based on the second expansion valve, and the flow path from the heat exchange medium inlet of the first connecting block connected to the condenser to the heat exchange medium inlet of the second connecting block connected to the second expansion valve can be formed in a straight line.

[0021] The pair of heat exchange medium outlets of the first connecting block can be located at the same height.

[0022] The heat exchange medium outlet of the first heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve, and one heat exchange medium inlet and another heat exchange medium outlet of the internal heat exchanger can all be formed on the same side.

[0023] The heat management system may further include connecting pipes respectively connected to the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second heat exchanger and the internal heat exchanger, wherein the connecting pipes are formed to extend in the same direction such that the ends of the connecting pipes are located in a specific area.

[0024] The thermal management system may further include: the condenser, which cools the heat exchange medium flowing into the condenser from the first expansion valve by exchanging heat with the air, and transfers the cooled heat exchange medium to the second expansion valve; and an air conditioning unit, which cools and heats the indoor side, wherein the condenser is an air-cooled condenser and the air-cooled condenser is mounted on the air conditioning unit.

[0025] The heat management system may further include: a third expansion valve that expands the heat exchange medium flowing from the condenser into the third expansion valve; and an evaporator that allows the heat exchange medium flowing from the third expansion valve into the evaporator to exchange heat with air to be supplied indoors, and then transfers the heat exchange medium to the reservoir.

[0026] The heat management system may further include an indoor unit connected between the compressor and the first heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchange medium flowing from the compressor into the indoor unit exchanges heat with the air to be supplied indoors, and then the heat exchange medium is transferred to the first heat exchanger.

[0027] In another general aspect, a refrigerant module includes: a first condenser that allows heat exchange of a heat exchange medium flowing from a compressor into the first condenser; a first expansion valve disposed adjacent to a side surface of the first condenser and allowing the heat exchange medium flowing from the first condenser into the first expansion valve to expand, and transferring the expanded heat exchange medium to a second condenser; a battery cooler disposed adjacent to a side surface of the first condenser and allowing heat exchange of the heat exchange medium with a heat-generating component; a second expansion valve disposed above the battery cooler and allowing the heat exchange medium flowing from the second condenser into the second expansion valve to expand; and an internal heat exchanger disposed above the battery cooler and adjacent to the side surface of the second expansion valve, allowing heat exchange of the heat exchange medium discharged from the second condenser into the second expansion valve. The refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat exchange medium discharged from the evaporator; a receiver, disposed below the battery cooler, stores the heat exchange medium flowing into the receiver from the battery cooler and supplies the heat exchange medium to the compressor; a first connecting block, connected to the second expansion valve and the internal heat exchanger, connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the second condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve to each other, and connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the second condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the internal heat exchanger to each other; and a second connecting block, connected to the second expansion valve and the battery cooler, connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the second expansion valve and the heat exchange medium inlet of the battery cooler to each other, and connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the battery cooler and the heat exchange medium inlet of the receiver to each other.

[0028] The first condenser, the first expansion valve, the battery cooler, the second expansion valve, the internal heat exchanger, the liquid reservoir, the first connecting block, and the second connecting block can be modular and integrally formed.

[0029] All of the heat exchange medium outlet of the first condenser, the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve, and one heat exchange medium inlet and another heat exchange medium outlet of the internal heat exchanger can be formed on the same side.

[0030] The refrigerant module may further include connecting pipes respectively connected to the first condenser, the first expansion valve, the battery cooler, the second expansion valve and the internal heat exchanger, wherein the connecting pipes are formed to extend in the same direction such that the ends of the connecting pipes are located in a specific region.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] The advantage of the thermal management system according to the invention is that the distance between the components constituting the cooling system for cooling the interior side of the vehicle and cooling the electronic components can be reduced to reduce the pressure loss of refrigerant in the pipes and blocks that connect the components to each other, thereby improving the performance of the system and improving the assemblability between the components constituting the cooling system.

[0033] Furthermore, the advantage of the heat management system according to the invention is that the path through which the heat exchange medium flows during heating is designed to be as unbent as possible, thereby minimizing the pressure drop of the heat exchange medium and improving the performance of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating the heating mode of a heat management system including a refrigerant system and a coolant system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are front and rear perspective views of the refrigerant module of the thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the thermal management system, with compressors and air conditioning units added to it.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram illustrating the cooling and battery cooling modes of a thermal management system including a refrigerant system and a coolant system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the refrigerant module of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 7 to 11 This is a perspective view showing the components according to embodiments of the present invention being assembled in the order of the refrigerant module of the thermal management system. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following, a heat management system having the above-described structure according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating the heating mode of a heat management system including a refrigerant system and a coolant system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are front and rear perspective views of the refrigerant module of the thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2A three-dimensional diagram of the thermal management system, with compressors and air conditioning units added to it.

[0042] As shown in the figure, the heat management system according to the present invention can be a refrigerant system 200, and the heat management system according to the present invention can largely include a first heat exchanger, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, a second heat exchanger, a liquid receiver, and an internal heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heat management system according to the present invention may also include a condenser and an air conditioning unit, and may also include a third expansion valve and an evaporator.

[0043] The first heat exchanger can be a first condenser, and the first condenser can be a water-cooled condenser 220. The water-cooled condenser 220 can be used to cool the refrigerant, which is the heat exchange medium introduced from the compressor 210, using a coolant. The water-cooled condenser 220 can be connected downstream of the compressor 210 in the refrigerant flow direction. Alternatively, the condenser can be a second condenser, which can be an air-cooled condenser 230. The air-cooled condenser 230 can be used to cool the refrigerant using outside air, and the air-cooled condenser 230 can be connected downstream of the water-cooled condenser 220 in the refrigerant flow direction. Additionally, a first expansion valve 225 can be installed in the refrigerant flow path that connects the refrigerant outlet of the water-cooled condenser 220 and the refrigerant inlet of the air-cooled condenser 230 to each other. As a result, the refrigerant introduced from the compressor 210 into the water-cooled condenser 220 can exchange heat with the coolant in the water-cooled condenser 220, causing the refrigerant to be cooled and condensed into a liquid phase refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the water-cooled condenser 220 can be throttled and expanded as it passes through the first expansion valve 225. Furthermore, the refrigerant that has passed through the first expansion valve 225 can flow into the air-cooled condenser 230. In the air-cooled condenser 230, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the outside air, thus further cooling the refrigerant. Here, the compressor 210 can be an electric compressor driven by electricity, used to draw in and compress the refrigerant and discharge the compressed refrigerant toward the water-cooled condenser 220. Furthermore, depending on how the first expansion valve 225 operates, it can throttle and expand the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to bypass or block its flow. Additionally, the air-cooled condenser 230 can function as either a condenser or an evaporator, and its function can vary depending on the function of the first expansion valve 225. In other words, when the refrigerant system 200 is used as an air conditioning loop, the first expansion valve 225 is fully opened to allow refrigerant to pass through, and the air-cooled condenser 230, together with the water-cooled condenser 220, serves as a condenser, so that the refrigerant, which is primarily cooled when passing through the water-cooled condenser 220, can be further cooled secondaryly when subsequently passing through the air-cooled condenser 230. Furthermore, when the refrigerant system 200 is used as a heat pump loop, the first expansion valve 225 throttles the refrigerant, and the air-cooled condenser 230 serves as an evaporator. The air-cooled condenser 230 can be cooled by air or heated by outside air. Additionally, the air-cooled condenser 230 can be installed on the air conditioning unit 150. The air conditioning unit 150 is a device for cooling and heating the interior of the vehicle. A blower 152 is installed on one side of the air conditioning unit 150 to blow air, and a temperature control door 151 can be installed inside the air conditioning unit 150.Furthermore, the evaporator 242, the indoor unit 470, and the PTC heater 480 (which is an air-heating type heater) are installed in the air conditioning unit 150, and the air conditioning unit 150 can be configured to allow air exhausted from the blower 152 to flow inside the room after passing only through the evaporator 242, or after passing through the evaporator 242 and then through the indoor unit 470 and the PTC heater 480, depending on how the temperature control door 151 operates. Here, the air conditioning unit 150 can be installed on both the interior and exterior sides of the vehicle, the air-cooled condenser 230, the evaporator 242, and the indoor unit 470 can be located in the engine compartment on the exterior side of the vehicle, and the cold air exhaust ports and warm air exhaust ports of the air conditioning unit 150 and the PTC heater 480 can be located on the interior side of the vehicle.

[0044] The second expansion valve 251 can be connected to the downstream side of the air-cooled condenser 230 in the refrigerant flow direction. Furthermore, the second expansion valve 251 can throttle and expand the refrigerant flowing from the air-cooled condenser 230 into the second expansion valve 251. At this time, depending on how the second expansion valve 251 operates, it can throttle and expand the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to bypass or block its flow.

[0045] The second heat exchanger can be a battery cooler 252, and the battery cooler 252 can be connected to the downstream side of the second expansion valve 251 in the refrigerant flow direction. In addition, the battery cooler 252 can allow the refrigerant flowing into the battery cooler 252 from the second expansion valve 251 to exchange heat with at least one of the battery 350 and the electrical component 460, which are heat-generating components.

[0046] The receiver 260 stores the refrigerant flowing into it from the battery cooler 252 and supplies the stored refrigerant to the compressor 210. The refrigerant inlet of the receiver 260 can be connected downstream of the battery cooler 252 in the refrigerant flow direction, and the refrigerant outlet of the receiver 260 can be connected to the compressor 210. Furthermore, the receiver 260 can separate the refrigerant flowing into it into a liquid phase and a gaseous phase, and only supplies the gaseous phase refrigerant to the compressor 210.

[0047] The internal heat exchanger 233 is used to exchange heat between the refrigerant discharged from the air-cooled condenser 230 and the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 242 to improve cooling performance. Here, the internal heat exchanger 233 is configured to allow refrigerant lines connecting the first connecting block 270 and the third expansion valve 240 to pass through it, and also allows refrigerant lines connecting the evaporator 242 and the receiver 260 to pass through it, such that heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant before flowing into the third expansion valve 240 and the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator 242 in the internal heat exchanger 233. As a result, the refrigerant can be further cooled by the internal heat exchanger 233 before flowing into the third expansion valve 240, and the cooling performance can be improved through the evaporator 242, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigerant system.

[0048] The third expansion valve 240 can be used to throttle the refrigerant, allowing it to pass through or blocking its flow. Additionally, the third expansion valve 240 can be constructed in parallel with the second expansion valve 251. That is, the third expansion valve 240 can be connected to one of the two refrigerant lines that branch off at the first connecting block 270, and the second expansion valve 251 can be connected to the other. In this case, the third expansion valve 240 can be positioned upstream of the evaporator 242 in the refrigerant flow direction, and the second expansion valve 251 can be positioned upstream of the battery cooler 252.

[0049] The evaporator 242 is located downstream of the third expansion valve 240 in the refrigerant flow direction and is located inside the vehicle's air conditioning unit 150, so that the air flowing through the blower 152 of the air conditioning unit can be cooled as it passes through the evaporator 242, and the cooled air can be supplied to the interior side of the vehicle for cooling the interior side of the vehicle.

[0050] Thus, the third expansion valve 240 and the evaporator 242 can form one group, and the second expansion valve 251 and the battery cooler 252 can form another group, and the two groups can be constructed in parallel on the refrigerant line. Additionally, refrigerant lines formed downstream of the evaporator 242 and the battery cooler 252 in the refrigerant flow direction can be joined together to form a single refrigerant line, and this refrigerant line can be connected to the receiver 260.

[0051] Furthermore, the thermal management system according to the present invention may also include an indoor unit 215.

[0052] The indoor unit 215 is connected between the compressor 210 and the water-cooled condenser 220, which is the first heat exchanger, and can be housed inside the air conditioning unit 150. As a result, the indoor unit 215 allows the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 210 into the indoor unit 215 to exchange heat with the air to be supplied indoors and transfers the refrigerant to the water-cooled condenser 220. The heat-exchanged air can then be supplied to the interior side of the vehicle for heating. Furthermore, a PTC heater 480 is disposed downstream of the indoor unit 215 in the air conditioning unit 150 along the airflow direction, allowing the air, already heated by the PTC heater 480, to be supplied indoors.

[0053] Furthermore, the thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention may also include a coolant system 300. Although the refrigerant system 200 described above is configured to circulate refrigerant to cool or heat the interior of the vehicle, the coolant system 300 may be configured to circulate coolant to cool heat-generating components. Here, the coolant system 300 may include an electric radiator 310, a water-cooled condenser 220, a reservoir 370, a first coolant pump 450, electrical components 460, a first directional switching valve 320, a battery cooler 252, a second directional switching valve 330, a bypass line 301, a coolant heater 430, a second coolant pump 340, a connection joint 312, and a battery 350.

[0054] The electric radiator 310 is a radiator for cooling the coolant that exchanges heat with the electrical components 460 or the battery 350, and the electric radiator 310 can be cooled by air by a cooling fan 311. As described above, the refrigerant and coolant can exchange heat as they pass through the water-cooled condenser 220, and the water-cooled condenser 220 can be connected downstream of the radiator 310 in the coolant flow direction. The reservoir 370 can be used to store coolant and replenish insufficient coolant in the coolant line, and the reservoir 370 can be connected between the water-cooled condenser 220 and the first coolant pump 450 in the coolant flow direction. The first coolant pump 450 is a device for pumping coolant so that the coolant circulates along the coolant line, and the first coolant pump 450 can be located downstream of the reservoir 370 and installed on the coolant line in the coolant flow direction. Electrical component 460 may be a drive motor, inverter, on-board charger (OBC), etc., and may be installed in such a way that a coolant line passes through electrical component 460 to exchange heat between electrical component 460 and coolant. A first direction switching valve 320 may be connected downstream of electrical component 460 in the coolant flow direction, and the first direction switching valve 320 may be connected to electric radiator 310 and connector 312 to switch the coolant flow direction so that after passing through electrical component 460, coolant flows towards electric radiator 310 or towards connector 312. As described above, refrigerant and coolant may exchange heat as they pass through battery cooler 252, and battery cooler 252 may be connected downstream of first direction switching valve 320 in the coolant flow direction. The second directional switching valve 330 can be connected downstream of the battery cooler 252 in the coolant flow direction, and can be connected adjacent to a branch point where the reservoir 370, bypass line 301, and coolant heater 430 are joined upstream. Consequently, depending on how the second directional switching valve 330 operates, the three coolant lines connected to it can be connected or disconnected from each other. One end of the bypass line 301 can be connected to the coolant line connecting the second directional switching valve 330 and the coolant heater 430, and the other end of the bypass line 301 can be connected to a connector 312, allowing coolant to be bypassed. The coolant heater 430 is a device for heating the coolant and can be connected downstream of the second directional switching valve 330 in the coolant flow direction. The second coolant pump 340 is a device for pumping coolant to circulate along the coolant pipeline, and the second coolant pump 340 can be connected downstream of the coolant heater 430 and installed on the coolant pipeline in the coolant flow direction. The connection joint 312 is the section where the three coolant pipelines intersect and connect with each other.One port of connector 312 can be connected to a coolant line connecting the first directional switching valve 320 and the battery cooler 252 to each other, and another port of connector 312 can be connected to a bypass line 301 and a downstream coolant line of the battery 350. The battery 350 is the power source for the vehicle and can be the driving source for electrical components 460 in the vehicle. Alternatively, the battery 350 can be used to store electricity supplied from a fuel cell connected thereto, or to store electricity supplied from an external source. The battery 350 can be located on a coolant line between the second coolant pump 340 and connector 312, and the battery 350 can be heated or cooled by exchanging heat with the coolant passing through it.

[0055] Furthermore, the blower 152 can be installed on one side of the air conditioning unit 150 to blow air, and the temperature control door 151 can be installed inside the air conditioning unit 150. Additionally, the evaporator 242 and indoor unit 215 provided in the air conditioning unit can be configured to allow air discharged from the blower 152 to flow into the room only after passing through the evaporator 242, or to flow into the room after passing through the evaporator 242 and then through the indoor unit 215, depending on how the temperature control door 151 operates.

[0056] <Heating Mode>

[0057] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating the heating mode of a heat management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 When the thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention operates in heating (heat pump) mode, in the refrigerant system 200, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 210 can exchange heat with the air to be supplied indoors as it passes through the indoor unit 215, thereby heating the air for heating purposes. Then, after passing through the water-cooled condenser 220, the refrigerant, which is throttled and expanded in the first expansion valve 225, evaporates as it passes through the air-cooled condenser 230, thereby absorbing external heat by exchanging heat with the external air. Then, after bypassing the second expansion valve 251, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the coolant by exchanging heat as it passes through the battery cooler 252. The refrigerant is then collected in the receiver 260 and flows back to the compressor 210. Heating is performed by repeating the above process. At this time, the third expansion valve 240 is closed, and the refrigerant does not flow to the evaporator 242 and the internal heat exchanger 233.

[0059] In the coolant system 300, coolant flowing from the reservoir 370 can be pumped by the first coolant pump 450, and the coolant can absorb heat from the electrical component 460 by exchanging heat as it passes through the electrical component 460. Then, after passing through the first directional switching valve 320, the coolant can exchange heat as it passes through the battery cooler 252, causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the coolant. Afterward, the coolant can flow into the reservoir 370 via the second directional switching valve 330. Alternatively, coolant pumped by the second coolant pump 340 absorbs heat from the battery 350 by exchanging heat as it passes through the battery 350, and then the refrigerant can absorb heat from the coolant by exchanging heat as it passes through the battery cooler 252. Afterward, the coolant can flow into the reservoir 370 via the second directional switching valve 330. Here, the coolant heater 430 can be operated to heat the coolant, and the coolant heated by the coolant heater 430 can heat the battery 350 as it passes through the battery 350. Alternatively, coolant may not flow from the coolant line connected to the left side of the first directional switching valve 320 to the electric radiator 310 and the water-cooled condenser 220.

[0060] <Cooling and Battery Cooling Modes>

[0061] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram illustrating the cooling and battery cooling modes of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Reference Figure 5 When the thermal management system according to an embodiment of the invention operates in cooling (air conditioner) and battery cooling modes, in the refrigerant system 200, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 210 is condensed after passing through the indoor unit by exchanging heat with the coolant while passing through the water-cooled condenser 220. The refrigerant is then further cooled and condensed after passing through the air-cooled condenser 230 after bypassing the first expansion valve 225. Thereafter, the refrigerant can branch out, and some refrigerant can be throttled and expanded while passing through the third expansion valve 240, and then exchange heat with the air to be supplied indoors in the evaporator 242, so that the cooling air can be used for cooling. The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 242 flows into the receiver 260. At this time, the refrigerant before flowing into the third expansion valve 240 and the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator 242 can exchange heat with each other in the internal heat exchanger 233. Additionally, other refrigerant discharged and branched from the air-cooled condenser 230 can be throttled and expanded as it passes through the second expansion valve 251, and then exchange heat with the coolant in the battery cooler 252 to cool the coolant. The refrigerant that has passed through the battery cooler 252 flows into the receiver 260. The refrigerant collected in the receiver 260 is supplied back to the compressor 210. Cooling is performed by repeating the above process.

[0063] In the coolant system 300, coolant can cool electrical components 460 after passing through the first coolant pump 450 from the reservoir 370. Then, after passing through the first directional switching valve 320, the coolant is cooled by exchanging heat with outside air in the radiator 310, and then by exchanging heat with refrigerant in the water-cooled condenser 220 to cool the refrigerant. Coolant discharged from the water-cooled condenser 220 is collected in the reservoir 370, and the above process is repeated. Furthermore, on the battery side, after the coolant pumped by the second coolant pump 340 cools the battery as it passes through the battery 350, the coolant can be cooled by exchanging heat with refrigerant in the battery cooler 252. Then, after successively passing through the second directional switching valve 330 and the coolant heater 430, the coolant can flow and circulate back to the second coolant pump 340. At this time, the first direction switching valve 320 and the second direction switching valve 330 can be operated to prevent coolant from flowing through the coolant line connected to the right side of the first direction switching valve 320 and to prevent coolant from flowing through the coolant line connected to the left side of the second direction switching valve 330.

[0064] The above-described construction of the refrigerant module in the refrigerant system of the thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0065] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the refrigerant module of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 7 to 11 This is a perspective view showing the components according to embodiments of the present invention being assembled in the order of the refrigerant module of the thermal management system.

[0066] As shown in the figure, in the refrigerant system of the heat management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant module 201 may include a water-cooled condenser 220, a first expansion valve 225, a second expansion valve 251, a battery cooler 252, a liquid receiver 260, and an internal heat exchanger 233. It may also include a first connecting block 270 and a second connecting block 280, and may also include a connecting pipe connected to the above components and a third expansion valve 240.

[0067] The water-cooled condenser 220 can be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a vertically elongated side having a relatively long side in the height direction, and can be connected to a fixed bracket 221. Furthermore, the water-cooled condenser 220 can have a refrigerant inlet formed in the lower part of the left side surface in the longitudinal direction and a refrigerant outlet formed in the lower part of the right side surface in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the water-cooled condenser 220 can have a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet formed in the left side surface in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet can be formed at various other locations.

[0068] The first expansion valve 225 can be positioned at a height above the water-cooled condenser 220, and the first expansion valve 225 can be connected to the uppermost side of the fixed bracket 221. Furthermore, the refrigerant inlet of the first expansion valve 225 can be connected to the refrigerant outlet of the water-cooled condenser 220 via a connecting pipe.

[0069] The second expansion valve 251 and the internal heat exchanger 233 can be positioned at a height corresponding to the upper side of the water-cooled condenser 220, and the battery cooler 252 can be positioned at a height corresponding to the middle height of the water-cooled condenser 220. In this case, the second expansion valve 251, the internal heat exchanger 233, and the battery cooler 252 can be positioned next to the side surface of the water-cooled condenser 220 where the refrigerant inlet, refrigerant outlet, coolant inlet, and coolant outlet are not formed (e.g., next to the front surface of the water-cooled condenser along the width direction). Additionally, the battery cooler 252 can be positioned below the second expansion valve 251 and the internal heat exchanger 233 in the height direction, and the liquid receiver 260 can be positioned below the battery cooler 252 in the height direction. Furthermore, the second expansion valve 251, the internal heat exchanger 233, the battery cooler 252, and the liquid receiver 260 can be connected and fixed to the mounting bracket 221.

[0070] The first connecting block 270 can be connected longitudinally to the right side of the second expansion valve 251 and the internal heat exchanger 233. A connecting pipe can be connected to the refrigerant inlet of the first connecting block 270, and the refrigerant outlet of the first connecting block 270 can be connected to the liquid receiver 260 via a connecting pipe. Additionally, the second connecting block 280 can be connected longitudinally to the left side of the second expansion valve 251 and the battery cooler 252. The refrigerant outlet of the second connecting block 280 can be connected to the liquid receiver 260 via a connecting pipe.

[0071] Furthermore, the corresponding connecting pipes can be connected in the longitudinal direction to the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet formed on the left side surface of the internal heat exchanger 233, and the third expansion valve 240 can be installed at the end of the connecting pipe extending from each of the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the internal heat exchanger 233.

[0072] Here, the connecting tube can be formed in any of various types, such as metal tubes or flexible hoses.

[0073] As a result, the water-cooled condenser 220, the first expansion valve 225, the second expansion valve 251, the battery cooler 252, the liquid reservoir 260, and the internal heat exchanger 233, which serve as the first heat exchanger, can be compactly modular and integrally formed.

[0074] At this point, the refrigerant inlet of the second expansion valve 251 and one refrigerant inlet of the internal heat exchanger 233 can be connected to each other via the first connecting block 270 to communicate between them, and a refrigerant inlet connected to the refrigerant outlet of the air-cooled condenser 230 can be formed in the first connecting block 270. As a result, the refrigerant flowing from the air-cooled condenser 230 branches at the first connecting block 270, allowing some refrigerant to be transferred to the second expansion valve 251 and others to the internal heat exchanger 233. Furthermore, the pair of refrigerant outlets of the first connecting block 270 can be located at the same height. That is, the refrigerant inlet of the second expansion valve 251 and one refrigerant inlet of the internal heat exchanger 233 can be located at the same height and connected to the first connecting block 270. Therefore, the refrigerant can flow uniformly from the first connecting block 270 to the second expansion valve 251 and the internal heat exchanger 233.

[0075] Furthermore, the refrigerant outlet of the second expansion valve 251 and the refrigerant inlet of the battery cooler 252 can be connected to each other via the second connecting block 280, and the refrigerant outlet connected to the refrigerant inlet of the receiver 260 can be formed in the second connecting block 280. As a result, refrigerant flowing from the second expansion valve 251 can pass through the second connecting block 280 into the battery cooler 252, and refrigerant that has already passed through the battery cooler 252 can again pass through the second connecting block 280 and be transferred to the receiver 260. At this time, the second expansion valve 251 and the internal heat exchanger 233 can be positioned above the battery cooler 252 in the height direction, the receiver 260 can be positioned below the battery cooler 252 in the height direction, and the refrigerant inlet of the battery cooler 252 can be formed to be relatively higher than the refrigerant outlet of the battery cooler 252 in the height direction. Therefore, since the overall flow of the refrigerant is guided downwards (along the direction of gravity) in the height direction, the pressure loss of the refrigerant can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, the second connecting block 280 can be positioned opposite the first connecting block 270 based on the second expansion valve 251, and can form a straight flow path from the refrigerant inlet of the first connecting block 270 connected to the air-cooled condenser 230 to the refrigerant inlet of the second connecting block 280 connected to the second expansion valve 251. In other words, the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the air-cooled condenser 230 and flowing into the battery cooler 252 is formed with a structure that is as straight as possible. This is advantageous because it minimizes the pressure drop of the heat exchange medium, thereby improving system performance.

[0077] Furthermore, the refrigerant outlet of the water-cooled condenser 220, the refrigerant inlet of the second expansion valve 251, and one refrigerant inlet and the other refrigerant outlet of the internal heat exchanger 233 can all be formed on the same side. Additionally, all connecting pipes connected to the water-cooled condenser 220, the first expansion valve 225, the second expansion valve 251, the battery cooler 252, and the internal heat exchanger 233 can extend in the same direction, and the ends of the connecting pipes can be located within a specific area. Here, the aforementioned specific area can be the area adjacent to the air conditioning unit 150, and the ends of the connecting pipes can be the portions connected to the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the evaporator 242, the air-cooled condenser 230, and the indoor unit 215 installed on the air conditioning unit 150, respectively. As a result, the length of the connecting pipes can be reduced, and the refrigerant pressure drop can be minimized, thereby improving system performance. Furthermore, the compressor 210 can be located in various positions, and the pipes connected to the compressor 210 can be formed in various ways depending on the location of the compressor 210.

[0078] The assembly sequence of the refrigerant module 201 will be described below. First, the water-cooled condenser 220 and the battery cooler 252 are mounted on the mounting bracket 221, and then the first expansion valve 225 is mounted on the mounting bracket 221. In this case, the connecting pipes can be assembled on the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the first expansion valve 225 before or after its installation. Then, the second expansion valve 251 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 221, and the second connecting block 280 can be connected to the second expansion valve 251 and the battery cooler 252 to connect the refrigerant outlet of the second expansion valve 251 and the refrigerant inlet of the battery cooler 252 to each other. Furthermore, the pipe connected to the receiver 260 can be assembled on the refrigerant outlet of the second connecting block 280. Afterward, the internal heat exchanger 233 is mounted on the mounting bracket 221, and the first connecting block 270 and the connecting pipes are assembled to connect to one refrigerant inlet and the other refrigerant outlet of the internal heat exchanger 233. At this time, the first connecting block 270 can be connected to the second expansion valve 251 and the internal heat exchanger 233, and the refrigerant inlet of the first connecting block 270, the refrigerant inlet of the second expansion valve 251, and one refrigerant inlet of the internal heat exchanger 233 can be connected to each other through the first connecting block 270. Additionally, a refrigerant discharge channel connected to another refrigerant outlet of the internal heat exchanger 233 can be formed in the first connecting block 270, and a connecting pipe connected to the receiver 260 can be assembled on the refrigerant discharge channel of the first connecting block 270. Then, after assembling the connecting pipe for transferring refrigerant to the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 210 onto the receiver 260, the receiver 260 is mounted on the fixed bracket 221. Thereafter, connecting pipes connecting the compressor 210, the indoor unit 215, and the water-cooled condenser 220 can be assembled, connecting pipes connecting one refrigerant outlet and another refrigerant inlet of the internal heat exchanger 233 can be assembled, and the third expansion valve 240 can be installed at the ends of these connecting pipes. Furthermore, the refrigerant module 201 can be assembled in any of a variety of other ways and in any of a variety of other sequences.

[0079] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be applied in various forms. Various modifications can be made using those of ordinary knowledge in the art to which this invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 150: Air conditioning unit; 151: Temperature-controlled door; 152: Blower.

[0082] 200: Refrigerant system; 201: Refrigerant module; 210: Compressor

[0083] 215: Indoor unit; 220: Water-cooled condenser; 221: Mounting bracket

[0084] 225: First expansion valve; 230: Air-cooled condenser; 233: Internal heat exchanger

[0085] 240: Third expansion valve; 242: Evaporator; 251: Second expansion valve

[0086] 252: Battery cooler; 260: Liquid reservoir; 270: First connecting block

[0087] 280: Second connecting block; 300: Coolant system; 301: Bypass pipeline

[0088] 310: Electric radiator; 311: Cooling fan; 312: Connecting connector

[0089] 320: First direction switching valve; 330: Second direction switching valve

[0090] 340: Second coolant pump; 350: Battery; 370: Liquid reservoir

[0091] 430: Coolant heater; 450: First coolant pump; 460: Electrical components

[0092] 480: PTC heater

Claims

1. A heat management system, the heat management system comprising: A first heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchange medium flowing from the compressor into the first heat exchanger is exchanged for heat; A first expansion valve expands the heat exchange medium flowing from the first heat exchanger into the first expansion valve and transfers the expanded heat exchange medium to the condenser. A second expansion valve, which causes the heat exchange medium flowing from the condenser into the second expansion valve to expand; The second heat exchanger allows the heat exchange medium flowing from the second expansion valve into the second heat exchanger to exchange heat with the heating element. A receiver that stores the heat exchange medium flowing into the receiver from the second heat exchanger and supplies the heat exchange medium to the compressor; An internal heat exchanger that allows the heat exchange medium discharged from the condenser to exchange heat with the heat exchange medium discharged from the evaporator; The first connecting block connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve to each other, and connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the internal heat exchanger to each other. as well as The second connecting block connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the second expansion valve and the heat exchange medium inlet of the second heat exchanger to each other, and connects the heat exchange medium outlet of the second heat exchanger and the heat exchange medium inlet of the reservoir to each other. The second connecting block is configured to be opposite the first connecting block in the longitudinal direction based on the second expansion valve. The flow path from the heat exchange medium inlet of the first connecting block connected to the condenser to the heat exchange medium inlet of the second connecting block connected to the second expansion valve is formed in a straight line.

2. The heat management system according to claim 1, wherein, The heating element includes a battery or electronic components, and The second heat exchanger cools or heats the heating element.

3. The heat management system according to claim 1, wherein, The first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the liquid reservoir, and the internal heat exchanger are modular and integrally formed.

4. The heat management system according to claim 1, wherein, The second expansion valve and the internal heat exchanger are positioned above the second heat exchanger in the height direction.

5. The heat management system according to claim 4, wherein, The liquid reservoir is positioned below the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

6. The heat management system according to claim 5, wherein, The second heat exchanger has a heat exchange medium inlet formed at the upper part of the second heat exchanger in the height direction, and a heat exchange medium outlet formed at the lower part of the second heat exchanger in the height direction.

7. The heat management system according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of heat exchange medium outlets of the first connecting block are located at the same height.

8. The heat management system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange medium outlet of the first heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve, and all of the heat exchange medium inlet and outlet of the internal heat exchanger are formed on the same side.

9. The heat management system according to claim 8, further comprising connecting pipes respectively connected to the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, and the internal heat exchanger. in, The connecting pipe is formed to extend in the same direction, such that the end of the connecting pipe is located in a specific area.

10. The heat management system according to claim 1, further comprising: The condenser cools the heat exchange medium flowing into it from the first expansion valve by exchanging heat with the air, and transfers the cooled heat exchange medium to the second expansion valve. as well as An air conditioning unit that cools and heats the indoor side. The condenser is an air-cooled condenser, and the air-cooled condenser is installed on the air conditioning unit.

11. The heat management system according to claim 1, further comprising: A third expansion valve, which causes the heat exchange medium flowing from the condenser into the third expansion valve to expand; as well as An evaporator that allows the heat exchange medium flowing into the evaporator from the third expansion valve to exchange heat with air to be supplied indoors, and then transfers the heat exchange medium to the reservoir.

12. The heat management system of claim 1, further comprising an indoor unit connected between the compressor and the first heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchange medium flowing from the compressor into the indoor unit exchanges heat with air to be supplied indoors, and then the heat exchange medium is transferred to the first heat exchanger.

13. A refrigerant module, the refrigerant module comprising: A first condenser, wherein the heat exchange medium flowing from the compressor into the first condenser undergoes heat exchange; A first expansion valve is disposed next to the side surface of the first condenser and expands the heat exchange medium flowing from the first condenser into the first expansion valve, and transfers the expanded heat exchange medium to the second condenser. A battery cooler is disposed next to the side surface of the first condenser and allows the heat exchange medium to exchange heat with the heat-generating component; A second expansion valve is disposed above the battery cooler and causes the heat exchange medium flowing from the second condenser into the second expansion valve to expand. An internal heat exchanger is provided above the battery cooler and next to the side surface of the second expansion valve, and allows the refrigerant discharged from the second condenser to exchange heat with the heat exchange medium discharged from the evaporator. A reservoir, disposed below the battery cooler, stores the heat exchange medium flowing from the battery cooler into the reservoir and supplies the heat exchange medium to the compressor; A first connecting block is connected to the second expansion valve and the internal heat exchanger, connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the second condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve to each other, and connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the second condenser and the heat exchange medium inlet of the internal heat exchanger to each other. as well as The second connecting block is connected to the second expansion valve and the battery cooler, connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the second expansion valve and the heat exchange medium inlet of the battery cooler to each other, and connecting the heat exchange medium outlet of the battery cooler and the heat exchange medium inlet of the reservoir to each other.

14. The refrigerant module according to claim 13, wherein, The first condenser, the first expansion valve, the battery cooler, the second expansion valve, the internal heat exchanger, the liquid reservoir, the first connecting block, and the second connecting block are modular and integrally formed.

15. The refrigerant module according to claim 13, wherein, The heat exchange medium outlet of the first condenser, the heat exchange medium inlet of the second expansion valve, and all of the heat exchange medium inlet and outlet of the internal heat exchanger are formed on the same side.

16. The refrigerant module according to claim 15, further comprising connecting pipes respectively connected to the first condenser, the first expansion valve, the battery cooler, the second expansion valve, and the internal heat exchanger. in, The connecting pipe is formed to extend in the same direction, such that the end of the connecting pipe is located in a specific area.

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