Temperature control system

Abstract

The temperature control system (401) has a first mode in which the first thermal connector (458) thermally connects the second cooling water circuit (250) and the third cooling water circuit (350), the second thermal connector (358) thermally separates the third cooling water circuit (350) and the fourth cooling water circuit (450), the drive system heat exchanger (259) absorbs heat from the drive system components (3) to cause the refrigerant to absorb heat from the cooling water in the first heat exchanger (26), thereby performing the heating operation of the air heating device (22) in the refrigeration cycle circuit (20), and the cooling water cooled in the second outdoor heat exchanger (452) by heat exchange with the outside air is used to cool the battery (2) in the battery heat exchanger (53), and a second mode in which the first thermal connector (458) thermally separates the second cooling water circuit (250) and the third cooling water circuit (350), the second thermal connector (358) thermally connects the third cooling water circuit (350) and the fourth cooling water circuit (450), and the first bypass switching valve (457) is switched to cause the cooling water to flow in the first bypass passage (456), thereby heating the cooling water in the heater (54) and causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the cooling water in the first heat exchanger (26), thereby performing the heating operation of the air heating device (22) in the refrigeration cycle circuit (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a temperature control system for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] JP2012-076589A discloses a vehicle air-conditioning device having a heat pump circuit that includes a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between outside air and refrigerant, an expansion mechanism that expands refrigerant, and an indoor heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air sent into a vehicle cabin and refrigerant. SUMMARY

[0003] However, in the air-conditioning device described in JP2012-076589A, in the case where the outside air temperature is, for example, -10°C or less, the density of the refrigerant decreases and it is difficult to perform heat pump heating operation.

[0004] An object of the present application is to enable heat pump heating operation using a refrigeration cycle circuit even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, a temperature control system of a vehicle has a refrigeration cycle circuit for circulating refrigerant, and a cooling water circuit for circulating cooling water, the refrigeration cycle circuit having a compressor that compresses refrigerant, a heat releasing device that heats air for air conditioning using heat of the refrigerant compressed by the compressor, and a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and cooling water in the cooling water circuit, the cooling water circuit having a first cooling water circuit having the first heat exchanger and a first pump that draws and discharges cooling water and circulating the cooling water, a second cooling water circuit having a first outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between cooling water and outside air, a second pump that draws and discharges cooling water, and a drive system heat exchanger that exchanges heat with a drive system component and circulating the cooling water, and a first thermal connector that switches between thermal connection and thermal separation of cooling water circulating in the first cooling water circuit and cooling water circulating in the second cooling water circuit, the first cooling water circuit including a third cooling water circuit having the first heat exchanger and circulating the cooling water, a fourth cooling water circuit having a heater that heats cooling water, a battery heat exchanger that exchanges heat with a battery, the first pump, a second outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between cooling water and outside air, a first bypass passage through which cooling water flows bypassing the second outdoor heat exchanger, and a first bypass switching valve that switches between causing cooling water to flow to the second outdoor heat exchanger and causing cooling water to flow to the first bypass passage, and circulating the cooling water, and a second thermal connector that switches between thermal connection and thermal separation of cooling water circulating in the third cooling water circuit and cooling water circulating in the fourth cooling water circuit, the temperature control system having a first mode and a second mode, in the first mode, the first thermal connector thermally connects the second cooling water circuit and the third cooling water circuit, the second thermal connector thermally separates the third cooling water circuit and the fourth cooling water circuit, the drive system heat exchanger absorbs heat from the drive system component to cause refrigerant to absorb heat from cooling water in the first heat exchanger, thereby performing a heating operation in which the heat releasing device heats air in the refrigeration cycle circuit, and cooling water cooled in the second outdoor heat exchanger by heat exchange with outside air is used to cool the battery in the battery heat exchanger, in the second mode, the first thermal connector thermally separates the second cooling water circuit and the third cooling water circuit, the second thermal connector thermally connects the third cooling water circuit and the fourth cooling water circuit, the first bypass switching valve is switched to cause cooling water to flow to the first bypass passage, thereby heating cooling water in the heater, and refrigerant absorbs heat from cooling water in the first heat exchanger, thereby performing the heating operation in which the heat releasing device heats air in the refrigeration cycle circuit.

[0006] In the above-described manner, when the heating operation of the heat releasing device in the refrigeration cycle circuit is performed, the cooling water is heated in the heater, and thus the refrigerant is heat-absorbed from the cooling water heated by the heater in the first heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat pump heating operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the heater. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump heating operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit can be performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs the cooling operation while the temperature control system operates in the cooling mode.

[0009] Figure 3 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs the heating operation while the temperature control system operates in the first separate heat absorption mode.

[0010] Figure 4 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs the heating operation while the temperature control system operates in the simultaneous heat absorption mode.

[0011] Figure 5 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs the heating operation while the temperature control system operates in the second separate heat absorption mode.

[0012] Figure 6 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs the dehumidification and heating operation while the temperature control system operates in the dehumidification and heating mode.

[0013] Figure 7 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the modified example of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 8 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the second embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 9 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs the heating operation while the temperature control system operates in the second separate heat absorption mode.

[0016] Figure 10 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the modified example of the second embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 11 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs the heating operation while the temperature control system operates in the second separate heat absorption mode.

[0018] Figure 12A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the third embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 13 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs a warming operation while the temperature control system operates in the simultaneous heat absorption mode.

[0020] Figure 14 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs a warming operation while the temperature control system operates in the third separate heat absorption mode.

[0021] Figure 15 A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system operates in the battery warming mode.

[0022] Figure 16 A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system operates in the first battery cooling mode.

[0023] Figure 17 A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system operates in the second battery cooling mode.

[0024] Figure 18 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 19 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs a warming operation and cools a battery while the temperature control system operates in the simultaneous heat absorption mode.

[0026] Figure 20 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs a warming operation and warms a battery while the temperature control system operates in the simultaneous heat absorption mode.

[0027] Figure 21 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs a warming operation while the temperature control system operates in the third separate heat absorption mode.

[0028] Figure 22 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 23 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system of the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 24 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device performs a warming operation while the temperature control system operates in the third separate heat absorption mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] (First Embodiment)

[0033] Hereinafter, referring to Figures 1 to 7 A temperature control system 1 of a first embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0034] First, referring to Figure 1 , the overall structure of the temperature control system 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the temperature control system 1.

[0035] The temperature control system 1 is a system mounted on a vehicle (omitted from the drawing) that adjusts the temperature of a storage battery 2 as a first storage battery while performing air conditioning in a passenger compartment (omitted from the drawing). The temperature control system 1 has an air conditioning device 10 and a cooling water circuit 50 through which cooling water circulates.

[0036] The air conditioning device 10 has an HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) unit 11 through which air for air conditioning passes, a refrigeration cycle circuit 20 through which a refrigerant circulates, and a controller (omitted from the drawing). The air conditioning device 10 is a heat pump system that can perform cooling and heating. The air conditioning device 10 is mounted on a vehicle (omitted from the drawing) and performs air conditioning in a passenger compartment (omitted from the drawing). As the refrigerant, for example, an HF-based refrigerant such as HFC-134a, HFO-1234yf, a natural refrigerant such as R744 (C02), or the like is used.

[0037] The HVAC unit 11 cools or heats air for air conditioning. The HVAC unit 11 has a blower (omitted from the drawing), an air mixing door 13, and a casing 14 that surrounds these components so that air for air conditioning can pass through these components. In the HVAC unit 11, an evaporator 25 and a heater core 22 of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 to be described later are arranged. With respect to air blown by the blower, heat exchange is performed with a refrigerant flowing in the evaporator 25 and heat exchange is performed with a refrigerant flowing in the heater core 22.

[0038] The blower is a supply fan that supplies air into the HVAC unit 11.

[0039] The air mixing door 13 adjusts the amount of air that passes through the heater core 22 arranged in the HVAC unit 11. The air mixing door 13 is provided on the blower side of the heater core 22 and on the side of the heater core 22 opposite the blower side, respectively. The position of the air mixing door 13 is moved in accordance with an instruction signal of the controller (omitted from the drawing). The air mixing door 13 opens the heater core 22 side in a heating operation and closes the heater core 22 side in a cooling operation. The amount of heat exchange between air and a refrigerant in the heater core 22 is adjusted by the degree of opening of the air mixing door 13.

[0040] The refrigeration cycle circuit 20 has an electric compressor 21 as a compressor, a heater core 22 as a heat releasing device, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, a gas-liquid separator 24, an evaporator 25 as an evaporator, a cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 as a first heat exchanger, a variable throttle mechanism 27 as a first variable throttle mechanism, a variable throttle mechanism 28 as a second variable throttle mechanism, a variable throttle mechanism 29 as a third variable throttle mechanism, a bypass passage 30 as a first refrigerant bypass passage, a flow switching valve 31 as a first refrigerant flow switching valve, a bypass passage 32 as a second refrigerant bypass passage, a flow switching valve 33 as a second refrigerant flow switching valve, a bypass passage 34 as a third refrigerant bypass passage, a check valve 35 as a first check valve, and a check valve 36 as a second check valve.

[0041] The electric compressor 21 is driven by an electric motor (omitted from the drawing) to compress refrigerant. The electric compressor 21 is, for example, a vane-type rotary compressor, but a scroll-type compressor can also be used. The rotational speed of the electric compressor 21 is controlled according to an instruction signal from a controller.

[0042] The heater core 22 heats air for air conditioning using the heat of refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21. The heater core 22 does not directly heat the air for air conditioning, but can heat warm water using the heat of refrigerant and heat the air for air conditioning using the warm water that has been heated (see Figure 23 ). The heater core 22 is provided in the casing 14. Refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22. In a case where the heater core 22 contacts air flowing in the casing 14, heat exchange occurs between the air and the refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21, and the air is warmed. The amount of air that contacts the heater core 22 is adjusted according to the position of an air mixing door 13 provided at a position that is closer to the upstream side and the downstream side of the direction in which air flows in the casing 14 than the heater core 22.

[0043] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is, for example, disposed in the engine compartment (in the case of an electric vehicle, the electric motor compartment) of a vehicle. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 performs heat exchange between refrigerant and outside air. Outside air is introduced to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by the running of the vehicle or the rotation of an outdoor fan (omitted from the drawing). The outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser in a case where the air conditioning device 10 performs cooling operation, and functions as an evaporator in a case where the air conditioning device 10 performs heating operation or dehumidifying and heating operation.

[0044] The gas-liquid separator 24 separates the refrigerant flowing in from the evaporator 25, the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, or the outdoor heat exchanger 23 into liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator 24 supplies the gas-phase refrigerant to the electric compressor 21.

[0045] The evaporator 25 cools and dehumidifies the air flowing in the casing 14 using the refrigerant expanded by the variable throttle mechanism 27 and having a temperature drop. In the evaporator 25, the liquid-phase refrigerant is evaporated to become gas-phase refrigerant using the heat of the air flowing in the casing 14. The gas-phase refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 25 is again supplied to the electric compressor 21 via the gas-liquid separator 24.

[0046] The cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is provided at a position further downstream than the variable throttle mechanism 29 in the bypass passage 34. The refrigerant flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 via the variable throttle mechanism 29, while the cooling water flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 via the cooling water circuit 50. That is, the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 exchanges heat between the refrigerant expanded by the variable throttle unit 29 and having a temperature drop and the cooling water flowing in the cooling water circuit 50.

[0047] The variable throttle mechanism 27 is provided between the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the evaporator 25. The variable throttle mechanism 27 pressure-reducingly expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to cause a temperature drop. The variable throttle mechanism 27 passes the refrigerant in the open state, cuts off the passage of the refrigerant in the closed state, and pressure-reducingly expands the refrigerant in the throttling state. The degree of throttling in the throttling state is adjusted by the controller.

[0048] The variable throttle mechanism 28 is provided between the heater core 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The variable throttle mechanism 28 pressure-reducingly expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing in from the heater core 22 to cause a temperature drop. The variable throttle mechanism 28 passes the refrigerant in the open state, cuts off the passage of the refrigerant in the closed state, and pressure-reducingly expands the refrigerant in the throttling state. The degree of throttling in the throttling state is adjusted by the controller.

[0049] The variable throttle mechanism 29 is provided between the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The variable throttle mechanism 29 pressure-reducingly expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to cause a temperature drop. The variable throttle mechanism 29 passes the refrigerant in the open state, cuts off the passage of the refrigerant in the closed state, and pressure-reducingly expands the refrigerant in the throttling state. The degree of throttling in the throttling state is adjusted by the controller.

[0050] The bypass passage 30 connects the upstream of the variable throttle mechanism 28 and the downstream of the check valve 35. Refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 30, bypassing the variable throttle mechanism 28, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the check valve 35.

[0051] The flow path switching valve 31 is provided in the bypass passage 30. The flow path switching valve 31 switches between an open state in which refrigerant flows, an open state in which a part of refrigerant flows, and a closed state in which the flow of refrigerant is shut off. The flow path switching valve 31 is switched according to an instruction signal from the controller. In the case where the flow path switching valve 31 is in the closed state, refrigerant flowing in from the heater core 22 flows through the variable throttle mechanism 28, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the check valve 35, and no refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 30. If the flow path switching valve 31 is switched to the open state, refrigerant flowing in from the heater core 22 is branched and guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 and the variable throttle mechanism 29, respectively. If the flow path switching valve 31 is switched to the open state and the variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to the closed state, refrigerant flowing in from the heater core 22 flows in the bypass passage 30, and no refrigerant flows in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the check valve 35.

[0052] The bypass passage 32 connects the upstream of the check valve 35 and the gas-liquid separator 24. Refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 32, bypassing the variable throttle mechanism 27, the evaporator 25, and the check valve 36, and the variable throttle mechanism 29 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 at the same time.

[0053] The flow path switching valve 33 is provided in the bypass passage 32. The flow path switching valve 33 switches between an open state in which refrigerant flows and a closed state in which the flow of refrigerant is shut off. The flow path switching valve 33 is switched according to an instruction signal from the controller. In the case where the flow path switching valve 33 is in the closed state, refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 flows through the check valve 35, the variable throttle mechanism 27, the evaporator 25, and the check valve 36, or flows through the check valve 35, the variable throttle mechanism 29, and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, or flows through both of the above, and no refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 32. On the other hand, if the flow path switching valve 33 is switched to the open state, refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 flows in the bypass passage 32, and no refrigerant flows in the variable throttle mechanism 27, the evaporator 25, the check valve 36, the variable throttle mechanism 29, and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0054] The bypass passage 34 connects the downstream of the check valve 35 and the upstream of the gas-liquid separator 24. Refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 34, bypassing the variable throttle mechanism 27, the evaporator 25, and the check valve 36. The variable throttle mechanism 29 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 are provided in the bypass passage 34.

[0055] A check valve 35 is provided downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The check valve 35 allows the flow of refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 while preventing the refrigerant flowing through the bypass passage 30 from flowing backward to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0056] A check valve 36 is provided downstream of the evaporator 25. The check valve 36 allows the flow of refrigerant flowing from the evaporator 25 while preventing the refrigerant flowing through the bypass passage 34 from flowing backward to the evaporator 25.

[0057] The cooling water circuit 50 has an electric pump 51 as a first pump, a battery heat exchanger 53 as a first battery heat exchanger, an electric hot water heater 54 as a heater, a gas-liquid separator 55, and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0058] The electric pump 51 is provided upstream of the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The electric pump 51 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) to suck and discharge the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50 to circulate it. The rotational speed of the electric pump 51 is controlled according to an instruction signal from the controller.

[0059] The battery heat exchanger 53 performs heat exchange between the battery 2 and the cooling water. The battery heat exchanger 53 heats the battery 2 with the cooling water at a high temperature.

[0060] The electric hot water heater 54 is provided downstream of the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 and upstream of the battery heat exchanger 53. The electric hot water heater 54 is an electric heater that generates heat by being supplied with electric power. The output of the electric hot water heater 54 is controlled according to an instruction signal from the controller. The electric hot water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50 to raise its temperature. The electric hot water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the case where the battery 2 is heated.

[0061] The gas-liquid separator 55 is provided upstream of the electric pump 51. The gas-liquid separator 55 separates gas bubbles generated in the cooling water flowing in the cooling water circuit 50 to allow only liquid cooling water to flow into the electric pump 51.

[0062] Next, the operation of the temperature control system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 The operation of the temperature control system 1 will be described. In the following description, the case where the air conditioning device 10 is operated in the cooling mode will be described. Figures 2 to 5 In the cooling mode, the parts through which the refrigerant or the cooling water flows are shown by thick solid lines, and the parts through which the flow of the refrigerant or the cooling water is stopped are shown by thin solid lines.

[0063] <cooling mode>

[0064] Figure 2 A diagram for explaining the case where the temperature control system 1 is operated in the cooling mode and the air conditioning device 10 is operated in the cooling operation will be described. The cooling mode is a mode that operates in the case where the interior of the vehicle cabin is cooled.

[0065] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position that makes the air flowing in the casing 14 bypass the heater core 22.

[0066] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a throttling state that makes the refrigerant expand with pressure reduction. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to an open state that makes the refrigerant pass through. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The flow switching valve 31 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the flow of the refrigerant in the bypass passage 30. The flow switching valve 33 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the flow of the refrigerant in the bypass passage 32.

[0067] Further, the cooling water circuit 50 is set to an arbitrary operation state in accordance with the temperature of the storage battery 2. In the case where the temperature of the storage battery 2 rises to a degree that requires cooling, the variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that makes the refrigerant expand with pressure reduction, and in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, heat exchange with the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is performed, and the refrigerant is used to cool the cooling water.

[0068] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in a high-temperature and high-pressure state through the heater core 22 and the variable throttle mechanism 28. At this time, the air mixing door 13 is positioned to make the air flowing in the casing 14 bypass the heater core 22, and thus heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air does not occur in the heater core 22.

[0069] The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is liquefied by heat exchange with the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant liquefied in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 flows into the evaporator 25 via the variable throttle mechanism 27. At this time, the variable throttle mechanism 27 expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 with pressure reduction.

[0070] The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 25 is vaporized by heat exchange with the air flowing in the casing 14, using the heat of the air flowing in the casing 14. The air in the casing 14 that has performed heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 25 is cooled and dehumidified and passes through the casing 14. Thus, the interior of the vehicle cabin is cooled and dehumidified.

[0071] The refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator 25 is supplied again to the electric compressor 21 via the gas-liquid separator 24. In the cooling mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and thus the air flowing in the casing 14 is cooled and dehumidified.

[0072] <First Separate Heat Absorption Mode>

[0073] Figure 3A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system 1 operates in the first separate heat absorption mode and the air conditioning device 10 performs heating operation. The first separate heat absorption mode is a mode that operates in a case where the vehicle cabin is heated when the outside air temperature is relatively high (for example, a case where the temperature is several degrees C to several tens of degrees C or so).

[0074] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted so that the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the position of the heater core 22.

[0075] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a throttling state that allows the refrigerant to be reduced pressure expanded. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The flow path switching valve 31 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the flow of the refrigerant in the bypass flow path 30. The flow path switching valve 33 is switched to an open state that allows the refrigerant to flow in the bypass passage 32.

[0076] Further, the cooling water circuit 50 is set to an arbitrary operation state in accordance with the temperature of the battery 2. In a case where the temperature of the battery 2 rises to a degree that requires cooling, the variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that allows the refrigerant to be reduced pressure expanded, and in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, heat exchange with the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle flow path 20 is performed, and the refrigerant is used to cool the cooling water.

[0077] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22, and is liquefied by performing heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0078] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is reduced pressure expanded by the variable throttle mechanism 28, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is vaporized by performing heat exchange with the outside air guided into the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0079] The refrigerant vaporized in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 flows into the gas-liquid separator 24 through the flow path switching valve 33, and is supplied again to the electric compressor 21. In the first separate heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to heat the vehicle cabin.

[0080] <Simultaneous heat absorption mode>

[0081] Figure 4A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system 1 operates in the simultaneous heat absorption mode and the air conditioning device 10 performs the heating operation. The simultaneous heat absorption mode is a mode that operates in a case where the vehicle cabin is heated when the outside air temperature is relatively low (for example, in a case where the outside air temperature is several degrees C to several tens of degrees C).

[0082] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted so that the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the position of the heater core 22.

[0083] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to the closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to the throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to the throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The flow passage switching valve 31 is switched to the open state that makes a part of the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 30. The flow passage switching valve 33 is switched to the open state that makes the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 32.

[0084] In the cooling water circuit 50, the electric pump 51 operates to circulate the cooling water. The electric water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50.

[0085] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22, and is liquefied by exchanging heat with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0086] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is branched and guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 and the variable throttle mechanism 29. The refrigerant guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 is expanded and depressurized in the variable throttle mechanism 28, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is vaporized by exchanging heat with the outside air guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0087] On the other hand, the refrigerant guided to the variable throttle mechanism 29 via the bypass passage 30 is expanded and depressurized in the variable throttle mechanism 29, and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by exchanging heat with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50.

[0088] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 50, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. The cooling water, whose temperature is raised by the electric water heater 54, is introduced into the battery heat exchanger 53. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water, which has heated the battery 2, is supplied to the electric pump 51 through the gas-liquid separator 55. The cooling water, which is sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51, is introduced into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. In the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water, whose temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, is heated again by the electric water heater 54.

[0089] The refrigerant, which is vaporized in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the refrigerant, which is vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, flow into the gas-liquid separator 24, and are supplied again to the electric compressor 21. In the simultaneous heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant is circulated in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the cooling water is circulated in the cooling water circuit 50, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0090] As described above, in the simultaneous heat absorption mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water, which is heated by the electric water heater 54 of the cooling water circuit 50, in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, a plurality of heat absorption sources can be provided, whereby the decrease in the surface temperature of the heat exchange surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be suppressed. Therefore, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 at low temperatures can be suppressed.

[0091] <Second separate heat absorption mode>

[0092] Figure 5 A diagram for explaining the case where the temperature control system 1 is operated in the second separate heat absorption mode and the air conditioning device 10 is operated in the warming operation. The second separate heat absorption mode is a mode that operates in the case of warming the vehicle cabin when the outside air temperature is extremely low (for example, in the case of -10°C or less).

[0093] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0094] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The flow passage switching valve 31 is switched to an open state that makes the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 30. The flow passage switching valve 33 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant.

[0095] In the cooling water circuit 50, the electric pump 51 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The electric warm water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50.

[0096] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22, and is liquefied by heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0097] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is guided to the variable throttle mechanism 29 through the bypass passage 30. The refrigerant flowing into the variable throttle mechanism 29 is expanded and depressurized by the variable throttle mechanism 29, and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50.

[0098] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 50, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. The cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54 to be raised in temperature is guided to the battery heat exchanger 53. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water that has heated the battery 2 is supplied to the electric pump 51 through the gas-liquid separator 55. The cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is guided to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. In the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water that has been heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 to be lowered in temperature is heated again by the electric warm water heater 54 to be raised in temperature.

[0099] The refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flows into the gas-liquid separator 24, and is supplied again to the electric compressor 21. In the second separate heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant is circulated in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the cooling water is circulated in the cooling water circuit 50, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0100] As described above, in the second separate heat absorption mode, when the heating operation of the heater core 22 to heat air in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is performed, the cooling water is heated in the electric water heater 54, and the refrigerant is heat-absorbed from the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, the heat pump heating operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump heating operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be performed.

[0101] Further, the first separate heat absorption mode, the simultaneous heat absorption mode, and the second separate heat absorption mode can be switched based on, for example, the determination of the frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23. Specifically, in the case where the frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is determined when the operation in the first separate heat absorption mode is performed, the simultaneous heat absorption mode is switched to. Further, in the case where the frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is determined when the operation in the simultaneous heat absorption mode is performed, the second separate heat absorption mode is switched to. In this way, the heat absorption source is switched according to the outside air temperature, and thus the frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be prevented. Alternatively, in the case where the frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is determined when the operation in the first separate heat absorption mode is performed, the second separate heat absorption mode can be directly switched to without passing through the simultaneous heat absorption mode.

[0102] The frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is determined based on the difference between the outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature sensor (omitted from illustration) and the refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 detected by a refrigerant temperature sensor (omitted from illustration). That is, in the case where there is a difference between the outside air temperature and the refrigerant temperature, it is determined that the refrigerant and the outside air do not perform sufficient heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the frost formation occurs.

[0103] Further, the frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be determined based on the difference between the refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant outlet. That is, in the case where the difference between the refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the refrigerant temperature at the refrigerant outlet is small, it is determined that the refrigerant and the outside air do not perform sufficient heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the frost formation occurs.

[0104] In addition to this, the frost formation in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be determined based on the image of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 captured by a camera (omitted from illustration), and a plurality of frost determination methods can be used in combination.

[0105] Instead of the method of switching the operation mode in the case where it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger 23 has undergone frosting, the first separate heat absorbing mode, the simultaneous heat absorbing mode, and the second separate heat absorbing mode can also be switched based on a preset time. In this case as well, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be suppressed.

[0106] <Dehumidifying and heating mode>

[0107] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating a case where the temperature control system 1 is operated in the dehumidifying and heating mode and the air conditioning device 10 is operated in the dehumidifying and heating operation. The dehumidifying and heating mode is a mode that operates while dehumidifying the vehicle cabin and heating the vehicle cabin.

[0108] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0109] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a throttling state in which the refrigerant is reduced in pressure and expanded. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a throttling state in which the refrigerant is reduced in pressure and expanded. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a closed state in which the passage of the refrigerant is shut off. The flow path switching valve 31 is switched to an open state in which the refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 30. The flow path switching valve 33 is switched to an open state in which the refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 32.

[0110] Further, the cooling water circuit 50 is set to an arbitrary operation state in accordance with the temperature of the storage battery 2. In the case where the temperature of the storage battery 2 rises to a degree at which cooling is required, the variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state in which the refrigerant is reduced in pressure and expanded, and in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, heat exchange with the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is performed, and the refrigerant is used to cool the cooling water.

[0111] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22, and is liquefied by performing heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0112] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is branched and guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 and the variable throttle mechanism 27. The refrigerant guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 is reduced in pressure and expanded in the variable throttle mechanism 28, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is vaporized by performing heat exchange with the outside air guided into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The vaporized refrigerant is again supplied to the electric compressor 21 via the gas-liquid separator 24.

[0113] On the other hand, the refrigerant introduced into the variable throttle mechanism 27 via the bypass passage 30 is depressurized and expanded in the variable throttle mechanism 27, and flows into the evaporator 25.

[0114] The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 25 exchanges heat with the air flowing in the casing 14, and is vaporized using the heat of the air flowing in the casing 14. The air in the casing 14 that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 25 is dehumidified and passes through the casing 14. The refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator 25 is again supplied to the electric compressor 21 via the gas-liquid separator 24.

[0115] As described above, in the dehumidification and warming mode, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is dehumidified in the evaporator 25, and the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated (reheated) in the heater core 22, so that the dehumidification and warming of the vehicle cabin can be performed.

[0116] (Modified example of the first embodiment)

[0117] Hereinafter, the temperature control system 1 of the modified example of the first embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 7 , the temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 7 is a structural view of the temperature control system 1. In this modified example, the cooling water circuit 50 has a bypass passage 56 and a three-way valve 57.

[0118] The bypass passage 56 connects the upstream of the battery heat exchanger 53 and the downstream of the battery heat exchanger 53. The cooling water that bypasses the battery heat exchanger 53 flows in the bypass passage 56.

[0119] The three-way valve 57 is switched according to an instruction signal from the controller. The three-way valve 57 is switched between a normal state in which the cooling water flows through the battery heat exchanger 53 and a bypass state in which the cooling water flows in the bypass passage 56 while bypassing the battery heat exchanger 53. In the case where the three-way valve 57 is switched to the normal state, the cooling water does not flow through the bypass passage 56. On the other hand, in the case where the three-way valve 57 is switched to the bypass state, the cooling water does not flow through the battery heat exchanger 53.

[0120] Thus, in the case where the battery 2 does not need to be heated, the three-way valve 57 is switched to the bypass state, so that the cooling water can flow while bypassing the battery heat exchanger 53. Therefore, since the battery 2 is not heated, all of the heat of the electric hot water heater 54 can be used as a heat source for the refrigeration cycle circuit 20.

[0121] According to the above first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0122] In the second separate heat absorption mode, when the warming-up operation of the heater core 22 in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is performed, the cooling water is heated in the electric water heater 54, and the refrigerant is heat-absorbed from the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, the heat pump warming-up operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump warming-up operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be performed.

[0123] Further, in the case where the battery 2 is not required to be heated, the three-way valve 57 is switched to the bypass state, whereby the cooling water can be caused to flow in a manner of bypassing the battery heat exchanger 53. Therefore, the battery 2 is not heated, and thus all of the heat of the electric water heater 54 can be used as the heat source of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20.

[0124] (Second Embodiment)

[0125] Hereinafter, the temperature control system 201 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The temperature control system 201 of the second embodiment of the present application will be described. In each of the embodiments shown below, the description will be made focusing on the points different from the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the structures having the same functions, and the description will be omitted. Further, in each of the embodiments shown below, the detailed description of each operation mode will be appropriately omitted, but the operation of each operation mode and the switching of the operation mode can be performed in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0126] First, the temperature control system 201 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8 The overall structure of the temperature control system 201 will be described. Figure 8 Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of the temperature control system 201.

[0127] The temperature control system 201 is a system mounted on a vehicle, which adjusts the temperature of the battery 2 while performing air conditioning in a vehicle cabin. The temperature control system 201 has the air conditioning device 10 and a cooling water circuit 205 through which cooling water circulates.

[0128] The cooling water circuit 205 has the cooling water circuit 150 as a first cooling water circuit through which cooling water circulates, the cooling water circuit 250 as a second cooling water circuit through which cooling water circulates, and the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. At this time, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 corresponds to the first heat connector.

[0129] The cooling water circuit 150 has the electric pump 51, the battery heat exchanger 53, the electric water heater 54, the gas-liquid separator 55, the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the bypass passage 56, and the three-way valve 57.

[0130] The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is provided downstream of the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 exchanges heat between the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250. When the cooling water in at least one of the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circuit 250 does not circulate, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 does not exchange heat. That is, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 switches between heat connection and heat separation of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250.

[0131] The cooling water flow path 250 has an electric pump 251 as a second pump that sucks and discharges cooling water, the outdoor heat exchanger 52 as a first outdoor heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator 255, and the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0132] The electric pump 251 is provided upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 52. The electric pump 251 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) to circulate the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 250. The rotation speed of the electric pump 251 is controlled according to an instruction signal from the controller. The electric pump 51 and the electric pump 251 are provided separately, whereby the flow rates of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circuit 250, respectively, can be changed independently of each other.

[0133] The outdoor heat exchanger 52 is provided downstream of the electric pump 251 and upstream of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. The outdoor heat exchanger 52 is disposed, for example, in an engine room (in the case of an electric vehicle, an electric motor room) of the vehicle. The outdoor heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat between the cooling water and outside air. The outside air is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 52 by the running of the vehicle or the rotation of an outdoor fan (not shown).

[0134] The gas-liquid separator 255 is provided upstream of the electric pump 251. The gas-liquid separator 255 separates gas bubbles generated in the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250 and causes only liquid cooling water to flow into the electric pump 251.

[0135] The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is provided downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 and upstream of the electric pump 251 and the gas-liquid separator 255.

[0136] Next, the simultaneous heat absorption mode of the temperature control system 201 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Figure 9 The simultaneous heat absorption mode of the temperature control system 201 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Figure 9 In FIG. 6, the portions through which the refrigerant or the cooling water flows are shown by thick solid lines, and the portions in which the flow of the refrigerant or the cooling water is stopped are shown by thin solid lines.

[0137] <Second Separate Heat Absorption Mode>

[0138] Figure 9 FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a case where the air conditioning device 10 performs a heating operation with the temperature control system 201 operating in the second separate heat absorption mode.

[0139] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0140] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that reduces and expands the refrigerant. The flow path switching valve 31 is switched to an open state that makes refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 30. The flow path switching valve 33 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant.

[0141] In the cooling water circuit 150, the electric pump 51 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a bypass state that bypasses the battery heat exchanger 53 and makes the cooling water flow in the bypass passage 56. The electric hot water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 150.

[0142] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250 can be set to a flow rate different from that of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150.

[0143] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22 and is liquefied by heat exchange with air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0144] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is guided to the variable throttle mechanism 29 through the bypass passage 30. The refrigerant flowing into the variable throttle mechanism 29 is reduced and expanded by the variable throttle mechanism 29 and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 150.

[0145] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 150, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. The cooling water, which has been heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 and has a lowered temperature, is introduced into the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. In the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the temperature of the cooling water is increased by heat exchange between the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250. The cooling water, which has a raised temperature in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, is heated by the electric hot water heater 54 and has a further raised temperature. The cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 is again supplied to the electric pump 51 through the three-way valve 57, the bypass passage 56, and the gas-liquid separator 55.

[0146] Further, in the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 251. The cooling water, which has been heat-exchanged with the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and has a lowered temperature, is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 52. In the outdoor heat exchanger 52, the temperature of the cooling water is increased by heat exchange with the outside air. The cooling water, which has a raised temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 52, is again supplied to the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. Thus, the cooling water can be heat-absorbed from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 52 of the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water can be heat-absorbed from the cooling water in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, and the refrigerant can be heat-absorbed from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0147] The refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flows into the gas-liquid separator 24 and is again supplied to the electric compressor 21. In the second separate heat-absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 and the cooling water circulates in the cooling water circuit 150, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0148] As described above, in the second separate heat-absorption mode, when the heater core 22 performs the warming operation of heating the air in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the cooling water is heated in the electric hot water heater 54 and the refrigerant is heat-absorbed from the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, the heat pump warming operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump warming operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be performed.

[0149] Further, in the temperature control system 201, in a case where it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is frosting in the second separate heat absorption mode, the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250 is made larger than the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150. Thus, even if the amount of heat absorption from the outdoor heat exchanger 52 becomes small, the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250 is made larger than the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150, so that the heat exchange amount per unit volume of the cooling water of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is maintained and the temperature of the cooling water is increased, and thus the operation can be continued even if the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is frosting. Thus, the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigeration cycle 20 through the cooling water circuit 150 can be ensured.

[0150] The frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is determined based on the difference between the outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature sensor (not shown) and the cooling water temperature at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 detected by a cooling water temperature sensor (not shown). That is, in a case where there is a difference between the outside air temperature and the cooling water temperature, it is determined that the cooling water and the outside air are not sufficiently heat-exchanged at the outdoor heat exchanger 52, and the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is frosting.

[0151] Further, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 can also be determined based on the difference between the cooling water temperature at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 and the cooling water temperature at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 52. That is, in a case where the difference between the cooling water temperature at the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 and the cooling water temperature at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is small, it is determined that the cooling water and the outside air are not sufficiently heat-exchanged at the outdoor heat exchanger 52, and the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is frosting.

[0152] In addition, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 can also be determined based on an image of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 captured by a camera (not shown), and a plurality of frosting determination methods can be used in combination.

[0153] Instead of the method of switching the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250 and the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 in a case where it is determined that the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is frosting, the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250 and the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 can also be switched based on a predetermined time. In this case as well, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 can be suppressed.

[0154] (Variation of the Second Embodiment)

[0155] Hereinafter, the temperature control system 201 of the variation of the second embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Figure 11 The temperature control system 201 of the variation of the second embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0156] First, reference will be made to Figure 10 The overall structure of the temperature control system 201 will be described. Figure 10 A configuration diagram of the temperature control system 201 is shown in FIG. 1.

[0157] The temperature control system 201 is a system mounted on a vehicle, which adjusts the temperature of the storage battery 2 while performing air conditioning in the vehicle cabin. The temperature control system 201 has an air conditioning device 10 and a cooling water circuit 205 through which cooling water circulates.

[0158] The cooling water circuit 205 has the cooling water circuit 150, a cooling water circuit 250, and a cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0159] The cooling water circuit 150 has an electric pump 51, a storage battery heat exchanger 53, an electric water heater 54, a gas-liquid separator 55, a cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, a bypass passage 56, and a three-way valve 57.

[0160] The electric pump 51 is provided upstream of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. The electric pump 51 draws in and circulates the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50.

[0161] The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is provided downstream of the electric pump 51 and upstream of the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 performs heat exchange between the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250. When the cooling water in at least one of the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circuit 250 does not circulate, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 does not perform heat exchange. That is, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 switches between heat connection and heat separation of the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250.

[0162] The cooling water circuit 250 has an electric pump 251, an outdoor heat exchanger 52, a gas-liquid separator 255, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, a drive system heat exchanger 259, a bypass passage 256, and a three-way valve 257. The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the bypass passage 256, and the three-way valve 257 constitute a first heat connector.

[0163] The outdoor heat exchanger 52 is provided downstream of the electric pump 51 and upstream of the drive system heat exchanger 259.

[0164] The drive system heat exchanger 259 is provided downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 and upstream of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. The drive system heat exchanger 259 exchanges heat with the drive motor 3, which is a drive system component. The drive system heat exchanger 259 recovers heat discharged from the drive motor 3 and cools the drive motor 3. In addition, the drive system component is a component that generates heat during operation, and thus can be an inverter (not shown) that drives the drive motor 3, an internal combustion engine (not shown), or the like, and is not limited to the drive motor 3.

[0165] The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is provided downstream of the drive system heat exchanger 259 and upstream of the electric pump 251 and the gas-liquid separator 255.

[0166] The bypass passage 256 connects the upstream of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and the downstream of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. Cooling water that bypasses the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 flows in the bypass passage 256.

[0167] The three-way valve 257 is switched according to an instruction signal from the controller. The three-way valve 257 is switched between a normal state in which cooling water flows through the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and a bypass state in which cooling water flows through the bypass passage 256 while bypassing the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. In the case where the three-way valve 257 is switched to the normal state, cooling water does not flow through the bypass passage 256. On the other hand, in the case where the three-way valve 257 is switched to the bypass state, cooling water does not flow through the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0168] Next, the second separate heat absorption mode of the temperature control system 201 will be described with reference to Figure 11 The second separate heat absorption mode of the temperature control system 201 will be described with reference to Figure 11 In the second separate heat absorption mode, the parts through which refrigerant or cooling water flows are shown in thick solid lines, and the parts in which the flow of refrigerant or cooling water is stopped are shown in thin solid lines.

[0169] <Second Separate Heat Absorption Mode>

[0170] Figure 11 A diagram for explaining a case where the air conditioning device 10 performs a heating operation in the second separate heat absorption mode in which the temperature control system 201 operates.

[0171] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0172] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The flow passage switching valve 31 is switched to an open state that makes the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 30. The flow passage switching valve 33 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of refrigerant.

[0173] In the cooling water circuit 150, the electric pump 51 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a bypass state that makes the cooling water bypass the battery heat exchanger 53 and flow in the bypass passage 56. The electric warm water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 150.

[0174] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The flow rate of the cooling water circulated in the cooling water circuit 250 can be set to a flow rate different from that of the cooling water circulated in the cooling water circuit 150. The three-way valve 257 is switched to a normal state that makes the cooling water flow in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0175] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22 and is liquefied by heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0176] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is guided through the bypass passage 30 to the variable throttle mechanism 29. The refrigerant flowing into the variable throttle mechanism 29 is expanded and depressurized by the variable throttle mechanism 29 and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 50.

[0177] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 150, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. In the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the temperature of the cooling water is increased by heat exchange between the cooling water circulated in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling water circulated in the cooling water circuit 250. The cooling water whose temperature is increased in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is guided to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 to heat the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20. The cooling water whose temperature is decreased by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is heated by the electric warm water heater 54 to increase the temperature. The cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54 is supplied again to the electric pump 51 through the three-way valve 57, the bypass passage 56, and the gas-liquid separator 55.

[0178] Further, in the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 251. The cooling water, whose temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 52 through the gas-liquid separator 255 and the electric pump 251. In the outdoor heat exchanger 52, the temperature of the cooling water is raised by heat exchange with the outside air. The cooling water, whose temperature is raised in the outdoor heat exchanger 52, further raises the temperature by recovering heat discharged from the drive motor 3 in the drive system heat exchanger 259. The cooling water, whose temperature is raised in the drive system heat exchanger 259, is again supplied to the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 through the three-way valve 257. Thus, the cooling water can absorb heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 52 of the cooling water circuit 250, absorb heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, and absorb heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0179] Further, heat discharged from the drive motor 3 is recovered in the drive system heat exchanger 259, and thus the amount of heat to be absorbed from the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is reduced, so that the surface temperature of the heat exchange surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 can be suppressed from lowering. Thus, the frost formation of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 at low temperature can be suppressed.

[0180] The refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flows into the gas-liquid separator 24 and is again supplied to the electric compressor 21. In the second separate heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the cooling water circulates in the cooling water circuit 150 and the cooling cycle circuit 250, so that the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0181] As described above, in the second separate heat absorption mode, when the heating operation of the heater core 22 to heat the air in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is performed, the cooling water is heated in the electric water heater 54 to cause the refrigerant to absorb heat from the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Thus, the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54 can be used to perform the heat pump heating operation. Therefore, even when the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump heating operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be performed.

[0182] According to the above second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0183] In the second separate heat absorption mode, when the heating operation of the heater core 22 in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is performed, the cooling water is heated in the electric water heater 54, and the refrigerant is heat-absorbed from the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, the heat pump heating operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump heating operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be performed.

[0184] Further, the heat discharged from the drive motor 3 is recovered in the drive system heat exchanger 259, and thus the amount of heat to be heat-absorbed from the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is reduced, and thus the surface temperature of the heat exchange surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be suppressed from decreasing. Therefore, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 at low temperature can be suppressed.

[0185] (Third Embodiment)

[0186] Hereinafter, the temperature control system 301 of the third embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 17 The temperature control system 301 of the third embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0187] First, the temperature control system 301 of the third embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 12 The overall structure of the temperature control system 301 will be described. Figure 12 Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of the temperature control system 301.

[0188] The temperature control system 301 is a system mounted on a vehicle, which adjusts the temperature of the storage battery 2 while performing the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin. The temperature control system 301 has the air conditioning device 10 and a cooling water circuit 305 through which cooling water circulates.

[0189] The cooling water circuit 305 has the cooling water circuit 306 as a first cooling water circuit, the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, and a four-way valve 358 as a second heat connector. The cooling water circuit 306 has a cooling water circuit 350 as a third cooling water circuit through which cooling water circulates, and a cooling water circuit 450 as a fourth cooling water circuit through which cooling water circulates.

[0190] The cooling water circuit 250 has the electric pump 251, the outdoor heat exchanger 52, the gas-liquid separator 255, the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the drive system heat exchanger 259, a bypass passage 256, and a three-way valve 257.

[0191] The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is provided downstream of the drive system heat exchanger 259, upstream of the electric pump 251, and upstream of the gas-liquid separator 255.

[0192] The cooling water circuit 350 includes an electric pump 351 that acts as a third pump for drawing in and discharging cooling water, a gas-liquid separator 355, a cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, a cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, and a four-way valve 358. In this case, the four-way valve 358 functions as a second thermal connector.

[0193] An electric pump 351 is located upstream of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. Driven by a motor (not shown), the electric pump 351 draws in and circulates cooling water within the cooling water circuit 350. The rotational speed of the electric pump 351 is controlled by a command signal from a controller.

[0194] A gas-liquid separator 355 is located upstream of the electric pump 351. The gas-liquid separator 355 separates air bubbles generated in the cooling water flowing in the cooling water circuit 350, allowing only liquid cooling water to flow into the electric pump 351.

[0195] The cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is located downstream of the electric pump 351 and upstream of the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0196] The four-way valve 358 is located downstream of the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 and upstream of the electric pump 351 and the gas-liquid separator 355.

[0197] The cooling water circuit 450 includes an electric pump 51, a battery heat exchanger 53, an electric air-water heater 54, a gas-liquid separator 55, a four-way valve 358, a bypass passage 56, and a three-way valve 57.

[0198] The four-way valve 358 is located downstream of the electric pump 51 and upstream of the electric temperature and water heater 54.

[0199] The four-way valve 358 is switched according to a command signal from the controller. The four-way valve 358 switches between a separated state, where cooling water circuits 350 and 450 circulate independently, and a connected state, where cooling water circulates continuously between cooling water circuits 350 and 450. When the four-way valve 358 is switched to the connected state, cooling water drawn in and discharged by the electric pump 51 is introduced into the gas-liquid separator 355, and cooling water passing through the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is introduced into the electric temperature-water heater 54. In other words, the four-way valve 358 switches between thermal connection and thermal separation between the cooling water circulating in cooling water circuit 350 and cooling water circulating in cooling water circuit 450.

[0200] Next, refer to Figures 13 to 17 The various operating modes of the temperature control system 301 are described. Figures 13 to 17 In the diagram, a thick solid line indicates the portion where refrigerant or cooling water flows, while a thin solid line indicates the portion where the flow of refrigerant or cooling water stops.

[0201] <Simultaneous heat absorption mode>

[0202] Figure 13 A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system 301 is operated in the simultaneous heat absorption mode and the air conditioning device 10 is operated in the heating operation.

[0203] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0204] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The flow switching valve 31 is switched to an open state that allows a portion of the refrigerant to flow in the bypass passage 30. The flow switching valve 33 is switched to an open state that allows the refrigerant to flow in the bypass passage 32.

[0205] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 257 is switched to a normal state in which the cooling water flows in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0206] In the cooling water circuit 350, the electric pump 351 is operated to circulate the cooling water.

[0207] In the cooling water circuit 450, the electric pump 51 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The electric water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 350. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a normal state in which the cooling water flows in the battery heat exchanger 53.

[0208] The four-way valve 358 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450 are separated to independently circulate the cooling water.

[0209] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows in the heater core 22, and exchanges heat with the air passing through the heater core 22 to liquefy. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0210] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is branched and guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 and the variable throttle mechanism 29. The refrigerant guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 is expanded and depressurized in the variable throttle mechanism 28, and flows in the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the outside air guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to vaporize.

[0211] On the other hand, the refrigerant introduced into the variable throttling mechanism 29 via the bypass passage 30 is depressurized and expanded in the variable throttling mechanism 29, and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 350.

[0212] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 350, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 351. The cooling water, which has lowered its temperature by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, is introduced into the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 via the gas-liquid separator 355 and the electric pump 351. In the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the temperature of the cooling water is raised by heat exchange with the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250. The cooling water, which has raised its temperature in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, is supplied again to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0213] Further, in the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 251. The cooling water, which has lowered its temperature by heat exchange with the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 150 in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 52 via the gas-liquid separator 255 and the electric pump 251. In the outdoor heat exchanger 52, the temperature of the cooling water is raised by heat exchange with the outside air. The cooling water, which has raised its temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 52, is supplied again to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 via the three-way valve 257. Thus, it is possible to cause the cooling water to absorb heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 52 of the cooling water circuit 250, to absorb heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, and to absorb heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0214] On the other hand, in the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. At this time, the four-way valve 358 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are separated and independently circulate the cooling water, and thus the cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is heated by the electric water heater 54, and is introduced into the battery heat exchanger 53 via the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water, which has heated the battery 2, is supplied again to the electric pump 51 via the gas-liquid separator 55.

[0215] Thus, in the temperature control system 301, it is possible to cause the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 to absorb heat from the outdoor heat exchanger 52 in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, while warming the battery 2.

[0216] The refrigerant vaporized in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flow into the gas-liquid separator 24, and are supplied again to the electric compressor 21. In the simultaneous heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the cooling water circulates in the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water circuit 350, and the cooling water circuit 450, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0217] As described above, in the simultaneous heat absorption mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the cooling water absorbs heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 52 of the cooling water circuit 250, absorbs heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, a plurality of heat absorption sources that absorb heat from the outside air can be provided, whereby the decrease in the surface temperature of the heat exchange surfaces of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the outdoor heat exchanger 52 can be suppressed. Therefore, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 at low temperatures can be suppressed.

[0218] Further, in the temperature control system 301, the battery 2 can be warmed while the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 absorbs heat from the outdoor heat exchanger 52 by means of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0219] <Third separate heat absorption mode>

[0220] Figure 14 A diagram for explaining the case where the temperature control system 301 operates in the third separate heat absorption mode and the air conditioning device 10 performs a warming operation. The third separate heat absorption mode is a mode that operates in the case where the vehicle cabin is warmed when the outside air temperature is extremely low (for example, in the case where it is below -10°C).

[0221] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0222] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The flow path switching valve 31 is switched to an open state that makes the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 30. The flow path switching valve 33 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant.

[0223] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 257 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water is made to flow in the bypass passage 256 bypassing the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0224] The four-way valve 358 is switched to a connection state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are connected to circulate the cooling water continuously.

[0225] In the cooling water circuit 306, the electric pumps 351 and 51 are operated to circulate the cooling water continuously between the cooling water circuits 350 and 450. The electric hot water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 305. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water is made to flow in the bypass passage 56 bypassing the battery heat exchanger 53.

[0226] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22 and is liquefied by heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0227] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is guided through the bypass passage 30 to the variable throttle mechanism 29. The refrigerant flowing into the variable throttle mechanism 29 is expanded and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 306.

[0228] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 306, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pumps 351 and 51. The cooling water whose temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is heated by the electric hot water heater 54. The cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 is guided again to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 through the three-way valve 57, the gas-liquid separator 55, the electric pump 51, the four-way valve 358, the gas-liquid separator 355, the electric pump 351, and the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. Further, in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the three-way valve 257 is switched to the bypass state, and thus heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 250 is not performed. Thus, the cooling water can be heated in the electric hot water heater 54 of the cooling water circuit 305, and the refrigerant can absorb heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0229] As such, in the temperature control system 301, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can absorb heat from the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54.

[0230] The refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flows into the gas-liquid separator 24 and is supplied again to the electric compressor 21. In the third separate heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the cooling water circulates in the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling cycle circuit 305, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0231] As described above, in the third separate heat absorption mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the outdoor heat exchanger 52 do not absorb heat, but the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the warming operation can be performed.

[0232] <Battery warming mode>

[0233] Figure 15 A diagram for explaining the case where the temperature control system 301 operates in the battery warming mode. The battery warming mode is a mode operated in the case where the temperature of the battery 2 is low and the battery 2 needs to be warmed.

[0234] In the HVAC unit 11 and the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, appropriate operation is performed in accordance with the required operation mode of the air conditioning device 10.

[0235] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 operates to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 257 is switched to the normal state in which the cooling water flows through the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0236] In the cooling water circuit 350, the electric pump 351 is stopped to stop the circulation of the cooling water.

[0237] In the cooling water circuit 450, the electric pump 51 operates to circulate the cooling water. The electric hot water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 350. The three-way valve 57 is switched to the normal state in which the cooling water flows through the battery heat exchanger 53. The four-way valve 358 is switched to the separation state in which the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450 are separated to independently circulate the cooling water. Therefore, in the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling water circuit 350 are separated to independently circulate the cooling water.

[0238] In the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. The cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is heated by the electric hot water heater 54 and is guided to the battery heat exchanger 53 through the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water that has heated the battery 2 is supplied again to the electric pump 51 through the gas-liquid separator 55.

[0239] Thus, in the temperature control system 301, the cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54 can be used to warm the battery 2.

[0240] <First battery cooling mode>

[0241] Figure 16 A diagram illustrating a case where the temperature control system 301 operates in the first battery cooling mode. The first battery cooling mode is a mode that operates in a case where the temperature of the battery 2 is high and the battery 2 needs to be cooled.

[0242] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0243] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state that cuts off the passage of the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant. The flow passage switching valve 31 is switched to an open state that makes a part of the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 30. The flow passage switching valve 33 is switched to an open state that makes the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage 32.

[0244] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 operates to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 257 is switched to a bypass state that bypasses the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and makes the cooling water flow in the bypass passage 256.

[0245] The four-way valve 358 is switched to a connection state that connects the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450 to continuously circulate the cooling water.

[0246] In the cooling water circuit 306, the electric pump 351 and the electric pump 51 operate to circulate the cooling water in a continuous manner between the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450. The electric warm water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 306. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a normal state that makes the cooling water flow in the battery heat exchanger 53.

[0247] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22 and liquefies by exchanging heat with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0248] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is branched and guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 and the variable throttle mechanism 29. The refrigerant guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 is expanded and depressurized in the variable throttle mechanism 28 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 vaporizes by exchanging heat with the outside air guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0249] On the other hand, the refrigerant introduced into the variable throttle mechanism 29 via the bypass passage 30 is depressurized and expanded in the variable throttle mechanism 29, and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 350.

[0250] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 305, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 351 and the electric pump 51. The cooling water, whose temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, is introduced into the battery heat exchanger 53 via the four-way valve 358, the electric hot water heater 54, and the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water, which has cooled the battery 2, is supplied again to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 via the gas-liquid separator 55, the electric pump 51, the four-way valve 358, the gas-liquid separator 355, the electric pump 351, and the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0251] As such, in the temperature control system 301, the battery 2 can be cooled using the cooling water cooled by the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0252] <Second battery cooling mode>

[0253] Figure 17 A diagram for explaining the case where the temperature control system 301 operates in the second battery cooling mode. The second battery cooling mode is a mode that operates in a case where the temperature of the battery 2 is high and the battery 2 needs to be cooled.

[0254] In the HVAC unit 11 and the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, appropriate operation is performed in accordance with the required operation mode of the air conditioning device 10.

[0255] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 operates to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 257 is switched to a normal state in which the cooling water flows through the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58.

[0256] The four-way valve 358 is switched to a connection state in which the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450 are connected to continuously circulate the cooling water.

[0257] In the cooling water circuit 305, the electric pump 351 and the electric pump 51 operate to circulate the cooling water in a manner that is continuous between the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a normal state in which the cooling water flows through the battery heat exchanger 53.

[0258] In the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water sucked by the electric pump 251 is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 52. In the outdoor heat exchanger 52, the temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the outside air. The cooling water whose temperature is lowered in the outdoor heat exchanger 52 is supplied again to the electric pump 251 through the drive system heat exchanger 259, the three-way valve 257, the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, and the gas-liquid separator 255.

[0259] In the cooling water circuit 305, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 351 and the electric pump 51. The cooling water whose temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 250 in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 is introduced into the battery heat exchanger 53 through the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the four-way valve 358, the electric hot water heater 54, and the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water that cools the battery 2 is supplied again to the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 through the gas-liquid separator 55, the electric pump 51, the four-way valve 358, the gas-liquid separator 355, and the electric pump 351.

[0260] As such, in the temperature control system 301, the battery 2 can be cooled using the cooling water cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 52.

[0261] According to the above third embodiment, the following effects can be exerted.

[0262] In the third separate heat absorption mode, when the heating operation in which the heater core 22 heats air in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is performed, the cooling water is heated in the electric hot water heater 54, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, the heat pump heating operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump heating operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be performed.

[0263] Further, the heat absorption source can be changed according to the outside air temperature, and therefore it is not necessary to stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 at the time of the heating operation, and the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be operated even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low.

[0264] Further, in the temperature control system 301, the operation is performed in the battery heating mode, the first battery cooling mode, or the second battery cooling mode, and therefore the temperature of the battery 2 can be adjusted.

[0265] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0266] Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 21A temperature control system 401 of a fourth embodiment of the application will be described. In each of the embodiments shown below, detailed description of each operation mode is appropriately omitted, but the operation of each operation mode and the switching of the operation mode can be performed in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments.

[0267] First, reference will be made to Figure 18 The overall structure of the temperature control system 401 will be described. Figure 18 The structure of the temperature control system 401 is shown in FIG. 4.

[0268] The temperature control system 401 is a system mounted on a vehicle, which adjusts the temperature of the storage battery 2 while performing air conditioning in the vehicle cabin. The temperature control system 401 has an air conditioning device 10 and a cooling water circuit 405 through which cooling water circulates.

[0269] The cooling water circuit 405 has a cooling water circuit 406 as a first cooling water circuit, the cooling water circuit 250, a four-way valve 358 as a third switching valve, and a four-way valve 458 as a first switching valve. The cooling water circuit 406 has the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450. At this time, the four-way valve 458 constitutes a first thermal connector, and the four-way valve 358 constitutes a second thermal connector.

[0270] The cooling water circuit 250 has an electric pump 251, an outdoor heat exchanger 52, a gas-liquid separator 255, a drive system heat exchanger 259, and the four-way valve 458.

[0271] The four-way valve 458 is provided downstream of the drive system heat exchanger 259 and upstream of the electric pump 251 and the gas-liquid separator 255.

[0272] The cooling water circuit 350 has a cooling water - refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the four-way valve 358, and the four-way valve 458.

[0273] The four-way valve 358 is provided downstream of the cooling water - refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The four-way valve 458 is provided upstream of the cooling water - refrigerant heat exchanger 26. At this time, the four-way valve 458 corresponds to the first thermal connector.

[0274] The cooling water circuit 450 has an electric pump 51, a storage battery heat exchanger 53, an electric warm water heater 54, a gas-liquid separator 55, the four-way valve 358, a bypass passage 56 as a second bypass passage, a three-way valve 57 as a second bypass switching valve, a bypass passage 456 as a first bypass passage, a three-way valve 457 as a first bypass switching valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger 452 as a second outdoor heat exchanger.

[0275] The four-way valve 358 is provided downstream of the three-way valve 457 and upstream of the electric warm water heater 54.

[0276] The bypass passage 456 connects the upstream of the four-way valve 358 and the downstream of the electric pump 51. The cooling water bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 452 and flows in the bypass passage 456.

[0277] The three-way valve 357 is switched according to an instruction signal from the controller. The three-way valve 457 switches between a normal state in which the cooling water flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 452 and a bypass state in which the cooling water bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 452 and flows in the bypass passage 456. In a case where the three-way valve 457 is switched to the normal state, the cooling water does not flow in the bypass passage 456. On the other hand, in a case where the three-way valve 457 is switched to the bypass state, the cooling water does not flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 452.

[0278] The outdoor heat exchanger 452 is disposed downstream of the electric pump 51 and upstream of the four-way valve 358 when the three-way valve 457 is switched to the normal state. The outdoor heat exchanger 452 is provided, for example, in an engine room (in an electric vehicle, an electric motor room) of a vehicle. The outdoor heat exchanger 452 exchanges heat between the cooling water and outside air. The outside air is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 452 by running of the vehicle or rotation of an outdoor fan (omitted from the drawing).

[0279] The four-way valve 358 switches between a separation state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are separated and each independently circulate the cooling water and a connection state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are connected and continuously circulate the cooling water. In a case where the four-way valve 358 is switched to the connection state, the cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is selected according to the state of the three-way valve 357 whether to pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 452 or not, and is introduced into the cooling water circuit 350 through the four-way valve 358. Further, the cooling water that has passed through the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is introduced into the electric water heater 54 through the four-way valve 358. That is, the four-way valve 358 switches heat connection and heat separation between the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 450.

[0280] The four-way valve 458 is switched according to an instruction signal from the controller. The four-way valve 458 is switched between a separation state in which the cooling water circuits 250 and 350 are separated to circulate cooling water independently of each other and a connection state in which the cooling water circuits 250 and 350 are connected to circulate cooling water continuously. That is, an independent flow path in which heat exchange, mixing, and merging are stopped to make the heat of the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 250 independent of each other. In a case where the four-way valve 458 is switched to the connection state, cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 251 is guided to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 through the outdoor heat exchanger 52, the drive system heat exchanger 259, and the four-way valve 458. Further, cooling water that has passed through the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is guided to the electric pump 251 through the four-way valve 358, the four-way valve 458, and the gas-liquid separator 255. That is, the four-way valve 458 switches heat connection and heat separation between cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250 and cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 350.

[0281] Next, the operation of the temperature control system 401 will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 21 The operation of each of the operation modes of the temperature control system 401 will be described. In the Figures 19 to 21 In the drawing, a portion in which refrigerant or cooling water flows is shown by a thick solid line, and a portion in which the flow of refrigerant or cooling water is stopped is shown by a thin solid line.

[0282] <Simultaneous heat absorption mode>

[0283] Figure 19 A drawing for describing a case where the temperature control system 401 is operated in a simultaneous heat absorption mode as a first mode, and the air conditioning device 10 is operated to warm up and cool the battery 2.

[0284] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0285] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state in which the passage of refrigerant is shut off. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a throttling state in which refrigerant is expanded and depressurized. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state in which refrigerant is expanded and depressurized. The flow path switching valve 31 is switched to an open state in which a portion of refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 30. The flow path switching valve 33 is switched to an open state in which refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 32.

[0286] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 is operated to circulate cooling water.

[0287] In the cooling water circuit 450, the electric pump 51 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a normal state in which the cooling water flows through the battery heat exchanger 53. The three-way valve 457 is switched to a normal state in which the cooling water flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 452.

[0288] The four-way valve 358 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are separated to circulate the cooling water independently. The four-way valve 458 is switched to a connection state in which the cooling water circuits 250 and 350 are connected to circulate the cooling water continuously.

[0289] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22, and is liquefied by heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0290] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is branched and guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 and the variable throttle mechanism 29. The refrigerant guided to the variable throttle mechanism 28 is expanded by pressure reduction in the variable throttle mechanism 28, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is vaporized by heat exchange with the outside air guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0291] On the other hand, the refrigerant guided to the variable throttle mechanism 29 via the bypass passage 30 is expanded by pressure reduction in the variable throttle mechanism 29, and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 350.

[0292] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 406, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 251. The cooling water, which has lowered the temperature by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 52 through the four-way valve 358, the four-way valve 458, the gas-liquid separator 255, and the electric pump 251. In the outdoor heat exchanger 52, the temperature of the cooling water is raised by heat exchange with the outside air. The cooling water, which has raised the temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 52, is further heated by the drive system heat exchanger 259, and is supplied again to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 through the four-way valve 458.

[0293] On the other hand, in the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. The cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 452 through the three-way valve 457 and is cooled. At this time, the four-way valve 358 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are separated and the cooling water is circulated independently in each of the cooling water circuits 350 and 450, and thus the cooling water cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 452 is guided to the battery heat exchanger 53 through the four-way valve 358, the electric hot water heater 54, and the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water, which has cooled the battery 2 and has increased in temperature, is supplied again to the electric pump 51 through the gas-liquid separator 55.

[0294] Thus, in the temperature control system 401, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 452 while being cooled by the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 from the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 450.

[0295] The refrigerant vaporized in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flow into the gas-liquid separator 24 and are supplied again to the electric compressor 21. In the simultaneous heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant is circulated in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 and the cooling water is circulated in the cooling water circuits 250 and 350, and thus the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0296] As described above, in the simultaneous heat absorption mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the cooling water absorbs heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 52 of the cooling water circuit 250, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, a plurality of heat absorption sources that absorb heat from the outside air can be provided, and thus the decrease in the surface temperature of each of the outdoor heat exchangers 23 and 52 can be suppressed. Therefore, the frosting of the outdoor heat exchangers 23 and 52 at low temperatures can be suppressed.

[0297] Figure 20 A diagram for explaining the case where the temperature control system 401 is operated in the simultaneous heat absorption mode, the air conditioning device 10 is operated in the warming operation, and the battery 2 is heated.

[0298] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 450, the three-way valve 457 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 452 and flows in the bypass passage 456. The electric hot water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 250.

[0299] In the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. At this time, the four-way valve 358 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are separated to independently circulate the cooling water, and thus the cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is guided to the electric water heater 54 through the three-way valve 457 and the four-way valve 358 and heated. The cooling water heated by the electric water heater 54 is guided to the battery heat exchanger 53 through the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water. The cooling water, which has heated the battery 2 and thus has a decreased temperature, is supplied again to the electric pump 51 through the gas-liquid separator 55.

[0300] Thus, in the temperature control system 401, the battery 2 can be heated using the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 450 heated by the electric water heater 54.

[0301] <Third Separate Heat Absorption Mode>

[0302] Figure 21 A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system 401 operates in a third separate heat absorption mode as a second mode and the air conditioning device 10 performs a heating operation. The third separate heat absorption mode is a mode that operates in a case where the vehicle cabin is heated when the outside air temperature is extremely low (for example, a case where the outside air temperature is -10°C or less).

[0303] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted to a position at which the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0304] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state in which the passage of the refrigerant is shut off. The variable throttle mechanism 28 is switched to a closed state in which the passage of the refrigerant is shut off. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state in which the refrigerant is pressure-reduced and expanded. The flow switching valve 31 is switched to an open state in which the refrigerant flows in the bypass passage 30. The flow switching valve 33 is switched to a closed state in which the passage of the refrigerant is shut off.

[0305] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 operates to circulate the cooling water.

[0306] The four-way valve 358 is switched to a connection state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are connected to continuously circulate the cooling water. The four-way valve 458 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuits 250 and 350 are separated to independently circulate the cooling water.

[0307] In the cooling water circuit 406, the electric pump 51 is operated to circulate the cooling water in a continuous manner between the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450. The electric warm water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 305. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water bypasses the battery heat exchanger 53 to flow in the bypass passage 56. The three-way valve 457 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 452 to flow in the bypass passage 456.

[0308] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the heater core 22, and is liquefied by heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is guided from the casing 14 into the vehicle cabin. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0309] The refrigerant liquefied in the heater core 22 is guided through the bypass passage 30 to the variable throttle mechanism 29. The refrigerant flowing into the variable throttle mechanism 29 is expanded by the variable throttle mechanism 29, and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 306.

[0310] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 406, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. The cooling water, which has lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, is guided through the four-way valve 358 to the electric warm water heater 54 to be heated. The cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54 is guided again through the three-way valve 57, the gas-liquid separator 55, the electric pump 51, the three-way valve 457, the four-way valve 358, and the four-way valve 458 to the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Thus, the cooling water can be heated in the electric warm water heater 54 of the cooling water circuit 305, and the refrigerant can absorb heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0311] Thus, in the temperature control system 401, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can absorb heat from the cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54.

[0312] The refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flows into the gas-liquid separator 24, and is supplied again to the electric compressor 21. In the third separate heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the cooling water circulates in the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling cycle circuit 406, whereby the air flowing in the casing 14 is heated to warm the vehicle cabin.

[0313] As described above, in the third separate heat absorption mode, instead of absorbing heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 52, and the outdoor heat exchanger 452, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heating operation can be performed.

[0314] (Modified example of the fourth embodiment)

[0315] Hereinafter, the temperature control system 401 of the modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 22 The temperature control system 401 of the modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present application will be described. Figure 22 is a configuration diagram of the temperature control system 401.

[0316] In this modified example, the outdoor heat exchanger 52 of the cooling water circuit 250 and the outdoor heat exchanger 452 of the cooling water circuit 450 are provided as one body. Thereby, the layout of the outdoor heat exchanger 52 and the outdoor heat exchanger 452 of the vehicle can be simplified.

[0317] According to the above fourth embodiment, the following effects can be exerted.

[0318] In the third separate heat absorption mode, in the case where the heating core 22 performs the heating operation of heating air in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, the cooling water is heated in the electric warm water heater 54, and the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. Therefore, the heating pump heating operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heating pump heating operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be performed.

[0319] Further, the heat absorption source can be changed according to the outside air temperature, and therefore, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 at the time of the heating operation, and even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can be operated.

[0320] Further, in the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. The cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 452 to be cooled by the three-way valve 457. At this time, the four-way valve 358 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450 are separated to independently circulate the cooling water, and therefore, the cooling water cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 452 is guided to the battery heat exchanger 53 through the four-way valve 358, the electric warm water heater 54, and the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water.

[0321] Further, in the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 51. At this time, the four-way valve 358 is switched to a separation state in which the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450 are separated to independently circulate the cooling water, and thus the cooling water sucked and discharged by the electric pump 51 is guided to the electric hot water heater 54 through the three-way valve 457 and the four-way valve 358 and heated. The cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 is guided to the battery heat exchanger 53 through the three-way valve 57. In the battery heat exchanger 53, the battery 2 is heated by heat exchange with the cooling water.

[0322] Therefore, in the temperature control system 401, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the battery 2 using the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 450 while the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is allowed to absorb heat from the outdoor heat exchanger 52 by means of the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0323] As described above, the temperature control system 401 has the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 for circulating refrigerant, which has the electric compressor 21 that compresses refrigerant, the heater core 22 that heats air for air conditioning using heat of the refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21, and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the cooling water circuit 405, and the cooling water circuit 405 for circulating cooling water, which has the cooling water circuit 406 for circulating cooling water that has the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 and the electric pump 51 that sucks and discharges cooling water, the cooling water circuit 250 for circulating cooling water that has the outdoor heat exchanger 52 that exchanges heat between cooling water and outside air, the electric pump 251 that sucks and discharges cooling water, and the drive system heat exchanger 259 that exchanges heat with the drive motor 3, and the four-way valve 458 that switches heat connection and heat separation between cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 406 and cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water circuit 406 including the cooling water circuit 350 for circulating cooling water that has the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the cooling water circuit 450 for circulating cooling water that has the electric warm water heater 54 that heats cooling water, the battery heat exchanger 53 that exchanges heat with the battery 2, the electric pump 51, the outdoor heat exchanger 452 that exchanges heat between cooling water and outside air, a bypass passage 456 through which cooling water flows bypassing the outdoor heat exchanger 452, a three-way valve 457 that switches between causing cooling water to flow in the outdoor heat exchanger 452 and causing cooling water to flow in the bypass passage 456, and the cooling water circuit 450 for circulating cooling water that has the cooling water circuit 350 for circulating cooling water that has the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, the four-way valve 458 that switches heat connection and heat separation between cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 406 and cooling water circulating in the cooling water circuit 450, the temperature control system 401 has a first mode and a second mode, in the first mode, the four-way valve 458 heat connects the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling water circuit 350, the four-way valve 358 heat separates the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450, the drive system heat exchanger 259 absorbs heat from the drive motor 3 to cause refrigerant to absorb heat from cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, thereby performing heating operation in which the heater core 22 heats air in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20, and the battery 2 is cooled in the battery heat exchanger 53 using cooling water cooled in the outdoor heat exchanger 452 by heat exchange with outside air, in the second mode, the four-way valve 458 heat separates the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling water circuit 350, the four-way valve 358 heat connects the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling water circuit 450, and the three-way valve 457 is switched to cause cooling water to flow in the bypass passage 456, thereby heating cooling water in the electric warm water heater 54, and refrigerant absorbs heat from cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, thereby performing heating operation in which the heater core 22 heats air in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20.

[0324] According to this structure, in the first mode, in a state where the four-way valve 458 thermally connects the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling water circuit 350, and the four-way valve 358 thermally separates the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450, the cooling water does not continuously flow in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 and the battery heat exchanger 53, and therefore the cooling water flowing in the battery heat exchanger 53 is not affected by heat exchange in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. In a situation where the warming operation is performed in a case where the outdoor air temperature of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is relatively low, and the battery 2 is slightly higher than the preferable temperature range, if the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 is operated in a state where the four-way valve 358 thermally connects the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450, there is a case where the temperature of the cooling water becomes negative due to heat exchange in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, and if this cooling water is supplied to the battery heat exchanger 53, there is a risk that the temperature of the battery 2 becomes lower than the preferable temperature range, but if the operation is performed in the first mode, the cooling water cooled by heat exchange with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 452 is used, and therefore it is possible to maintain the battery 2 in the preferable temperature range. Further, in the second mode, in a state where the four-way valve 458 thermally separates the cooling water circuit 250 and the cooling water circuit 350, and the four-way valve 358 thermally connects the cooling water circuit 350 and the cooling water circuit 450, the electric warm water heater 54 is operated to heat the cooling water, and the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 absorbs heat from the heated cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, and therefore it is possible to perform the warming operation rapidly and regardless of the situation of the drive motor 3 in a case where the outdoor air temperature is extremely low.

[0325] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0326] Hereinafter, a temperature control system 501 of a fifth embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 23 and Figure 24 The temperature control system 501 of the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0327] First, the overall structure of the temperature control system 501 will be described with reference to Figure 23 Figure 23 is a structural diagram of the temperature control system 501.

[0328] The temperature control system 501 is a system mounted on a vehicle, which adjusts the temperature of the battery 2 while performing air conditioning in a vehicle cabin. The temperature control system 501 has the air conditioning device 10, a cooling water circuit 305 through which cooling water circulates, and a cooling water circuit 550 as a fifth cooling water circuit through which cooling water circulates. Since the cooling water circuit 305 is the same as in the third embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0329] ​The air conditioning device 10 has an HVAC unit 11, a refrigerant circulation refrigeration cycle circuit 520, and a controller (omitted from the drawing). The air conditioning device 10 is a heat pump system that can perform cooling and heating. The air conditioning device 10 is mounted on a vehicle (omitted from the drawing) and performs air conditioning in a cabin (omitted from the drawing). As the refrigerant, for example, an HF-based refrigerant such as HFC-123a, HFO-1234yf, a natural refrigerant such as R744 (CO2) is used.

[0330] The refrigeration cycle circuit 520 has an electric compressor 21, a refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 as a second heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator 24, an evaporator 25, a cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, a variable throttle mechanism 27, a variable throttle mechanism 29, a bypass passage 34, and a check valve 36.

[0331] The refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 heats cooling water as a fluid in a cooling water circuit 550 using the heat of the refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21. At this time, the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 and the cooling water circuit 550 correspond to a heat releasing device.

[0332] The gas-liquid separator 24 separates the refrigerant flowing in from the evaporator 25 or the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 into a liquid-phase refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator 24 supplies the gas-phase refrigerant to the electric compressor 21.

[0333] The variable throttle mechanism 29 is provided between the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The variable throttle mechanism 29 pressure-reduces and expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 to lower the temperature. The variable throttle mechanism 29 passes the refrigerant in the open state, cuts off the passage of the refrigerant in the closed state, and pressure-reduces and expands the refrigerant in the throttled state. The degree of throttling in the throttled state is adjusted according to the controller.

[0334] The bypass passage 34 connects the downstream of the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 and the upstream of the gas-liquid separator 24. The refrigerant bypassing the variable throttle mechanism 27, the evaporator 25, and the check valve 36 flows in the bypass passage 34. The variable throttle mechanism 29 and the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 are provided in the bypass passage 34.

[0335] The cooling water circuit 550 has an electric pump 551 as a fourth pump, an outdoor heat exchanger 552 as a third outdoor heat exchanger, a heater core 22 as an indoor heat releasing device, a gas-liquid separator 555, the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522, a bypass passage 556, and a three-way valve 557 as a bypass switching valve.

[0336] The electric pump 551 is provided upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 552, downstream of the heater core 22 when the three-way valve 557 is in the normal state, and is provided upstream of the refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger 522, downstream of the heater core 22 when the three-way valve 557 is in the bypass state. The electric pump 551 is driven by a motor (omitted from the drawing) to circulate the coolant water in the coolant water circuit 550. The rotational speed of the electric pump 551 is controlled according to an instruction signal from the controller.

[0337] The outdoor heat exchanger 552 is provided, for example, in an engine compartment (in an electric vehicle, an electric motor compartment) of a vehicle. The outdoor heat exchanger 552 exchanges heat between the coolant water and outside air. The outside air is introduced to the outdoor heat exchanger 552 by running of the vehicle, rotation of an outdoor fan (omitted from the drawing).

[0338] The heater core 22 heats air for air conditioning using heat of the coolant water in the coolant water circuit 550. The heater core 22 is provided in the casing 14. Coolant water that has released heat from the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 520 in the refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger 522 flows into the heater core 22. In a case where the heater core 22 contacts air flowing in the casing 14, the air is warmed by heat exchange between the air and the coolant water that has released heat from the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 520 in the refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger 522. The amount of air that contacts the heater core 22 is adjusted according to a position of an air mixing door 13 that is provided at a position more upstream and downstream of the air flow direction in the casing 14 than the heater core 22.

[0339] The gas-liquid separator 555 is provided upstream of the electric pump 551. The gas-liquid separator 555 separates gas bubbles generated in the coolant water flowing in the coolant water circuit 550 and causes only liquid coolant water to flow into the electric pump 551.

[0340] The bypass passage 556 connects the upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 552 and the downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 552. Coolant water bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 552 and flows in the bypass passage 556.

[0341] The three-way valve 557 is switched according to an instruction signal from the controller. The three-way valve 557 is switched between a normal state in which the coolant water flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 552 and a bypass state in which the coolant water bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 552 and flows in the bypass passage 556. In a case where the three-way valve 557 is switched to the normal state, the coolant water does not flow in the bypass passage 556. On the other hand, in a case where the three-way valve 557 is switched to the bypass state, the coolant water does not flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 552.

[0342] Next, the third separate heat absorption mode of the temperature control system 501 will be described. Figure 24 Next, the third separate heat absorption mode of the temperature control system 501 will be described.Figure 24 The portion in which the refrigerant or the cooling water flows is shown by a thick solid line, and the portion in which the flow of the refrigerant or the cooling water is stopped is shown by a thin solid line.

[0343] <Third separate heat absorption mode>

[0344] Figure 24 A diagram for explaining a case where the temperature control system 501 is operated in the third separate heat absorption mode and the air conditioning apparatus 10 is operated in a heating operation.

[0345] In the HVAC unit 11, the air mixing door 13 is adjusted so that the air flowing in the casing 14 passes through the position of the heater core 22.

[0346] In the refrigeration cycle circuit 520, the variable throttle mechanism 27 is switched to a closed state in which the passage of the refrigerant is shut off. The variable throttle mechanism 29 is switched to a throttling state in which the refrigerant is expanded and depressurized.

[0347] In the cooling water circuit 250, the electric pump 251 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 257 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water bypasses the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58 and flows in the bypass passage 256.

[0348] The four-way valve 358 is switched to a connection state in which the cooling water circuits 350 and 450 are connected to continuously circulate the cooling water.

[0349] In the cooling water circuit 306, the electric pumps 351 and 51 are operated to circulate the cooling water in a continuous manner between the cooling water circuits 350 and 450. The electric hot water heater 54 heats the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 305. The three-way valve 57 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water bypasses the battery heat exchanger 53 and flows in the bypass passage 56.

[0350] In the cooling water circuit 550, the electric pump 551 is operated to circulate the cooling water. The three-way valve 557 is switched to a bypass state in which the cooling water bypasses the outdoor heat exchanger 552 and flows in the bypass passage 556.

[0351] The refrigerant compressed by the electric compressor 21 flows into the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 and is liquefied by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 550.

[0352] The refrigerant liquefied in the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522 is introduced into the variable throttle mechanism 29 through the bypass passage 34. The refrigerant flowing into the variable throttle mechanism 29 is expanded and depressurized by the variable throttle mechanism 29, and flows into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26. The refrigerant flowing into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 is vaporized by heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 306. The refrigerant vaporized in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 flows into the gas-liquid separator 24, and is supplied again to the electric compressor 21.

[0353] At this time, in the cooling water circuit 306, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 351 and the electric pump 51. The cooling water, which has lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, is introduced into the electric hot water heater 54 and heated. The cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 is introduced again into the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 through the three-way valve 57, the gas-liquid separator 55, the electric pump 51, the four-way valve 358, the gas-liquid separator 355, the electric pump 351, and the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58. Further, in the cooling water-cooling water heat exchanger 58, the three-way valve 257 is switched to the bypass state, and thus heat exchange with the cooling water in the cooling water circuit 250 is not performed. Thus, the cooling water can be heated in the electric hot water heater 54 of the cooling water circuit 305, and the refrigerant can absorb heat from the cooling water in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26.

[0354] Thus, in the temperature control system 301, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 can absorb heat from the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54.

[0355] On the other hand, in the cooling water circuit 550, the cooling water is circulated by the electric pump 551. The cooling water, which has risen in temperature by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522, flows into the heater core 22, and lowers in temperature by heat exchange with the air passing through the heater core 22. The air heated by the heater core 22 is introduced into the vehicle cabin from the housing 14. Thus, the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0356] In the third separate heat absorption mode, as described above, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle circuit 520, and the cooling water circulates in the cooling water circuit 250, the cooling water circuit 306, and 550, whereby the air flowing in the housing 14 is heated and the vehicle cabin is warmed.

[0357] As described above, in the third separate heat absorption mode, heat is not absorbed in the outdoor heat exchanger 52, but the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water heated by the electric hot water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, and the cooling water absorbs heat in the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522. Thus, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the warming operation can be performed.

[0358] According to the above-described fifth embodiment, the following effects can be exerted.

[0359] In the third separate heat absorption mode, when the warming operation in which the heater core 22 heats air in the cooling water circuit 550 is performed, the cooling water is heated in the electric warm water heater 54, and the refrigerant is heat-absorbed from the cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54 in the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26, and the cooling water is heat-absorbed from the refrigerant heated by the cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger 26 in the refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger 522. Thus, the heat pump warming operation can be performed using the cooling water heated by the electric warm water heater 54. Therefore, even in the case where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the heat pump warming operation using the refrigeration cycle circuit 520 can be performed.

[0360] Further, the refrigeration cycle circuit 520 and the cooling water circuit 550 can be provided instead of the refrigeration cycle circuit 20 in the other embodiments. In the cooling water circuit 550, the refrigeration cycle circuit 520 is a simple structure in which the flow path switching valve, the bypass passage, and the like are omitted. In this way, in the case where the refrigeration cycle circuit 520 using the simple structure is used, the operation of the same operation mode as the above-described other embodiments can be achieved.

[0361] The above-described embodiments are merely a part of the application examples, and the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the specific structures of the above-described embodiments.

[0362] Further, the above-described embodiments and the above-described modifications can be appropriately combined.

[0363] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-013990 filed on January 29, 2021, and the entire contents of the application are incorporated herein by reference in the specification.

Claims

1. A temperature control system which is a temperature control system for a vehicle, comprising: a refrigeration cycle circuit for circulation of refrigerant; and a cooling water circuit for circulation of cooling water, a heat releasing device which heats air for air conditioning using heat of refrigerant compressed by said compressor; and a first heat exchanger which exchanges heat between refrigerant and cooling water in said cooling water circuit, said cooling water circuit having: a first cooling water circuit for circulation of cooling water, having said first heat exchanger and a first pump which sucks and discharges cooling water; a second cooling water circuit for circulation of cooling water, having a first outdoor heat exchanger which exchanges heat between cooling water and outside air, a second pump which sucks and discharges cooling water, and a drive system heat exchanger which exchanges heat with a drive system component; and a first thermal connector which switches thermal connection and thermal separation between cooling water circulating in said first cooling water circuit and cooling water circulating in said second cooling water circuit, said first cooling water circuit including: a third cooling water circuit for circulation of cooling water, having said first heat exchanger; a fourth cooling water circuit for circulation of cooling water, having a heater which heats cooling water, a battery heat exchanger which exchanges heat with a battery, said first pump, a second outdoor heat exchanger which exchanges heat between cooling water and outside air, a first bypass passage through which cooling water flows bypassing said second outdoor heat exchanger, and a first bypass switching valve which switches between causing cooling water to flow to said second outdoor heat exchanger and causing cooling water to flow to said first bypass passage; and a second thermal connector which switches thermal connection and thermal separation between cooling water circulating in said third cooling water circuit and cooling water circulating in said fourth cooling water circuit, said temperature control system having a first mode and a second mode, in said first mode, said first thermal connector thermally connects said second cooling water circuit and said third cooling water circuit, said second thermal connector thermally separates said third cooling water circuit and said fourth cooling water circuit, said drive system heat exchanger absorbs heat from said drive system component to cause refrigerant to absorb heat from cooling water in said first heat exchanger, thereby performing a heating operation in which said heat releasing device heats air in said refrigeration cycle circuit, and said battery is cooled in said battery heat exchanger using cooling water cooled in said second outdoor heat exchanger by heat exchange with outside air, in said second mode, said first thermal connector thermally separates said second cooling water circuit and said third cooling water circuit, said second thermal connector thermally connects said third cooling water circuit and said fourth cooling water circuit, said first bypass switching valve is switched to cause cooling water to flow to said first bypass passage, thereby heating cooling water in said heater, and refrigerant absorbs heat from cooling water in said first heat exchanger, thereby performing a heating operation in which said heat releasing device heats air in said refrigeration cycle circuit.

2. The temperature control system according to claim 1, wherein said cooling water circuit has: ​ The refrigeration cycle circuit has: a compressor that compresses refrigerant; ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a second bypass passage in which cooling water flows in a manner bypassing the battery heat exchanger, and a second bypass switching valve that switches between causing cooling water to flow to the battery heat exchanger and causing cooling water to flow to the second bypass passage.

3. The temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat releasing device has a fifth cooling water circuit through which cooling water circulates, the fifth cooling water circuit has: a second heat exchanger that heats cooling water using refrigerant within the refrigeration cycle circuit; an indoor heat releaser that heats air for air conditioning using heat of cooling water heated by the second heat exchanger; and a third outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between cooling water and outside air.

4. The temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first thermal connector is a four-way valve that is provided at a position both downstream of the drive system heat exchanger in the second cooling water circuit and upstream of the first pump, upstream of the first heat exchanger in the third cooling water circuit, and switches between a separation state in which the second cooling water circuit and the third cooling water circuit are separated to circulate cooling water independently of each other and a connection state in which the second cooling water circuit and the third cooling water circuit are connected to circulate cooling water continuously, the second thermal connector is a four-way valve that is provided downstream of the first heat exchanger in the third cooling water circuit, upstream of the heater in the fourth cooling water circuit, and switches between a separation state in which the third cooling water circuit and the fourth cooling water circuit are separated to circulate cooling water independently of each other and a connection state in which the third cooling water circuit and the fourth cooling water circuit are connected to circulate cooling water continuously.

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