Thermal Management System

Abstract

The thermal management system includes a refrigeration cycle device (10) and a heat medium circuit (40). The heat medium circuit (40) includes: a high-temperature side circuit (41) with a heat medium passage (12b) connected to a high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange unit (12); a low-temperature side circuit (42) with a heat medium passage (20b) connected to a low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange unit (20); and a heat transfer unit (43) connecting the high-temperature side circuit (41) and the low-temperature side circuit (42). The low-temperature side circuit (42) includes a first heat exchange unit (51a), a second heat exchange unit (50a), a heat medium bypass passage (424), and a low-temperature side circuit switching unit (422). Furthermore, when the heat-moving section (43) moves the heat, the low-temperature side circuit switching section (422) switches the circuit structure of the low-temperature side circuit (42) to a circuit structure that allows the heat medium to circulate between the first heat exchange section (51a) and the heat medium bypass passage (424).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-9652, filed on January 25, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a thermal management system for adjusting the temperature of multiple objects subject to temperature adjustment. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, a thermal management system for vehicles was disclosed in Patent Document 1. The thermal management system of Patent Document 1 regulates the air inside the vehicle and adjusts the temperature of multiple objects subject to temperature regulation. Here, the objects subject to temperature regulation in the thermal management system of Patent Document 1 are batteries that supply power to onboard equipment and onboard equipment that generates heat during operation (specifically, inverters, electric generators, etc.).

[0005] Patent Document 1's thermal management system includes a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle device and a heat transfer medium circuit. The refrigeration cycle device adjusts the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior and the temperature of the heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium circuit circulates the heat transfer medium whose temperature has been adjusted by the refrigeration cycle device. Furthermore, the heat transfer medium circuit is connected to the battery's cooling water passage and the vehicle's onboard equipment's cooling water passage.

[0006] In the thermal management system of Patent Document 1, when cooling the battery and on-board equipment and heating the vehicle interior, the heat medium flowing from the cooling water passages of the battery and on-board equipment exchanges heat with the low-pressure refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle unit in the chiller of the refrigeration cycle unit. Then, the heat medium cooled by the chiller flows back into the cooling water passages of the battery and on-board equipment, thereby cooling the battery and on-board equipment.

[0007] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device, the low-pressure refrigerant that has absorbed waste heat from the battery and on-board equipment in the refrigeration unit is compressed. Then, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor is used as a heat source to heat the supply air. In other words, in the thermal management system of Patent Document 1, in the operation mode of simultaneously cooling the battery and on-board equipment and heating the vehicle interior, waste heat from the battery and on-board equipment is recovered and used as a heat source for heating.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-26111

[0011] However, in the circuit structure of the heat transfer medium circuit in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the cooling water passage of the battery is the same as the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the cooling water passage of the vehicle equipment. Therefore, in the thermal management system of Patent Document 1, although it is possible to adjust both the battery and the vehicle equipment to the same temperature, it is difficult to adjust the battery temperature and the vehicle equipment temperature to different temperatures.

[0012] However, the appropriate temperature range for proper battery operation and the appropriate temperature range for proper operation of on-board equipment are often different. Therefore, there may be operating conditions where battery preheating must be performed while other on-board equipment is cooled.

[0013] However, in the thermal management system of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to preheat the battery while simultaneously cooling other on-board equipment. In other words, in the thermal management system of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to fully and effectively utilize the heat generated by other on-board equipment for heating while simultaneously preheating the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a thermal management system that can fully and effectively utilize the heat generated by the object subject to temperature adjustment.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the thermal management system of the present invention includes a refrigeration cycle device and a heat transfer medium circuit.

[0016] The refrigeration cycle unit has a high-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section and a low-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section. The high-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section allows the high-pressure refrigerant to exchange heat with the heat medium. The low-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section allows the low-pressure refrigerant to exchange heat with the heat medium.

[0017] The heat transfer medium circuit circulates the heat transfer medium. Furthermore, the heat transfer medium circuit includes a high-temperature side circuit, a low-temperature side circuit, and a heat transfer section. The high-temperature side circuit is connected to the heat transfer medium passage of the high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section. The low-temperature side circuit is connected to the heat transfer medium passage of the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section. The heat transfer section allows heat to move between the heat transfer medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit and the heat transfer medium flowing in the low-temperature side circuit.

[0018] The low-temperature side circuit includes a first heat exchange section, a second heat exchange section, a heat medium bypass passage, and a low-temperature side circuit switching section. The first heat exchange section allows a first temperature-adjustable object to exchange heat with the heat medium. The second heat exchange section allows a second temperature-adjustable object to exchange heat with the heat medium. The heat medium bypass passage allows heat medium flowing from either the first or second heat exchange section to bypass the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section and return to the heat medium inlet side of either the first or second heat exchange section. The low-temperature side circuit switching section switches the circuit structure of the low-temperature side circuit.

[0019] The heat transfer section moves the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section towards the heat medium flowing into the first heat exchange section.

[0020] Furthermore, when the heat-moving unit moves the heat, the low-temperature side circuit switching unit switches the circuit structure of the low-temperature side circuit to a circuit structure that allows the heat medium to circulate between the first heat exchange unit and the heat medium bypass passage.

[0021] Therefore, by providing a heat transfer section, the heat of the heat medium heated by the high-temperature water refrigerant heat exchange section in the high-temperature side circuit can be moved towards the heat medium flowing into the first heat exchange section in the low-temperature side circuit. Thus, the object to be heated at the first temperature can be heated.

[0022] Furthermore, when the heat is moved by the heat transfer section, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section is not affected by the temperature of the heat medium circulating between the first heat exchange section and the heat medium bypass passage.

[0023] Therefore, as needed, the heat medium flowing out of the second heat exchange section is made to exchange heat with the low-pressure refrigerant in the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section, thereby enabling the low-pressure refrigerant to absorb the heat possessed by the second temperature-adjustable object. Furthermore, the heat medium flowing into the second heat exchange section can be cooled, thereby cooling the second temperature-adjustable object.

[0024] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device, the waste heat recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant in the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section can be used as a heat source, and the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit can be heated by the high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section.

[0025] In other words, according to one aspect of the thermal management system of the present invention, it is possible to heat a first temperature-adjustable object while simultaneously recovering heat from a second temperature-adjustable object as needed and utilizing it as a heating source for a heat medium flowing in a high-temperature side circuit. That is, it is possible to fully and effectively utilize the heat generated by the temperature-adjustable object. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1This is a schematic overall structural diagram of the thermal management system of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the five-way valve in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another mode of operation of the five-way valve according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another working mode of the five-way valve of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the electrical control unit of the thermal management system in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a control characteristic diagram showing the switching of the operating mode for temperature adjustment of the thermal management system in the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat medium in the B1C1 mode of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat medium in the B1C3 mode of the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat medium in the B2C1 mode of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat medium in the B2C3 mode of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat medium in the B3C3 mode of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat transfer medium in the fast charging cooling mode of the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic overall structural diagram of the thermal management system according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a control characteristic diagram showing the switching of the operating mode for temperature adjustment of the thermal management system in the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat medium in the B4C1 mode of the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a schematic overall structural diagram illustrating the flow of the heat medium in the B4C3 mode of the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a schematic overall structural diagram of the thermal management system according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Several embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below. In each embodiment, the same reference numerals are sometimes used to mark parts corresponding to matters described in previous embodiments, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In cases where only a part of the structure is described in each embodiment, other parts of the structure can be applied using other embodiments previously described. Not only are combinations of combinable parts specifically shown in each embodiment, but embodiments can also be partially combined with each other even if not explicitly shown, provided that the combination does not particularly hinder it.

[0044] (First Implementation)

[0045] use Figures 1-12 A first embodiment of the thermal management system 1 according to the present invention will be described. The thermal management system 1 of this embodiment is applied to an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle is a vehicle that obtains driving force from an electric motor. The thermal management system 1 performs air conditioning of the vehicle interior (the space to be air-conditioned) and temperature adjustment of onboard equipment (the objects to be temperature-regulated) within the electric vehicle.

[0046] Specifically, the on-board equipment that is the object of temperature adjustment in the thermal management system 1 includes the battery 51, the inverter 52, the electric generator 53, and the control device 54 for the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0047] Battery 51 is a secondary battery that stores electricity supplied to electrical on-board equipment such as inverter 52. Battery 51 is a battery pack formed by electrically connecting multiple stacked battery cells in series or parallel. The battery cells in this embodiment are lithium-ion batteries.

[0048] The battery 51 generates heat during operation (i.e., during charging and discharging). The battery 51 has the following characteristics: if its temperature is low, its output tends to decrease; if its temperature is high, its degradation tends to accelerate. Therefore, the temperature of the battery 51 needs to be maintained within a suitable temperature range (in this embodiment, 15°C or higher and 55°C or lower). Therefore, in the thermal management system 1, the battery 51 is considered the first object for temperature adjustment.

[0049] Inverter 52 is a power conversion device that converts the frequency of the power supplied from battery 51 to generator 53, and converts the alternating current (AC) power generated by generator 53 into direct current (DC) power and outputs it to battery 51. Generator 53 is an electric motor that outputs driving force for travel by supplying power, and is a power generation device that generates regenerative power during vehicle deceleration or downhill driving. The advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is a system that assists the driver in driving operations.

[0050] The inverter 52, the electric generator 53, and the ADAS control device 54 all generate heat during operation. There is a possibility that circuit degradation will be exacerbated if the inverter 52, the electric generator 53, and the ADAS control device 54 are at high temperatures. Therefore, they need to be maintained at temperatures lower than the reference heat resistance temperature (130°C in this embodiment) required to protect the circuit.

[0051] Therefore, in the thermal management system 1, the inverter 52, the electric generator 53, and the control device 54 for ADAS are considered as the second objects of temperature regulation. In the following description, the general term for the inverter 52, the electric generator 53, and the control device 54 for ADAS, which are the second objects of temperature regulation, is sometimes referred to as "high-voltage system equipment 50".

[0052] Therefore, in the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, the appropriate temperature range of the first temperature-adjusting object that enables the first temperature-adjusting object to operate properly and the appropriate temperature range of the second temperature-adjusting object that enables the second temperature-adjusting object to operate properly are not completely the same. That is, the appropriate temperature range of the first temperature-adjusting object is different from the appropriate temperature range of the second temperature-adjusting object.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown in the overall structural diagram, the thermal management system 1 includes a refrigeration cycle device 10, an indoor air conditioning unit 30, and a heat medium circuit 40.

[0054] First, the refrigeration cycle device 10 will be described. The refrigeration cycle device 10 cools or heats the air blown into the vehicle interior and the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 40 in order to regulate the air inside the vehicle and adjust the temperature of the on-board equipment. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle device 10 is configured to switch the refrigerant circuit according to various operating modes described later in order to regulate the air inside the vehicle interior and adjust the temperature of the on-board equipment.

[0055] In the refrigeration cycle unit 10, an HFO-type refrigerant (specifically R1234yf) is used as the refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle unit 10 constitutes a vapor compression subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the pressure of the discharged refrigerant from the compressor 11 does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. Refrigeration oil for lubricating the compressor 11 is mixed into the refrigerant. The refrigeration oil is a PAG oil that is miscible with the liquid refrigerant. A portion of the refrigeration oil circulates in the cycle along with the refrigerant.

[0056] The compressor 11 draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle unit 10. The compressor 11 is disposed in the drive unit compartment on the front side of the vehicle compartment. The drive unit compartment forms a space for accommodating at least a portion of equipment for generating driving force for vehicle movement (e.g., electric generator 53).

[0057] Compressor 11 is an electric compressor with a fixed capacity type, which uses an electric motor to drive a compression mechanism with a fixed discharge capacity. Compressor 11 controls its speed (i.e., refrigerant discharge capacity) according to a control signal output from the control device 60 for system control described later.

[0058] The inlet side of the refrigerant passage of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 11. The water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 has a refrigerant passage 12a through which high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows and a heat medium passage 12b through which heat medium flows on the high-temperature side circuit 41 side of the heat medium circuit 40.

[0059] The water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is a high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section that allows high-pressure refrigerant flowing in refrigerant passage 12a to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing in heat medium passage 12b. In the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, the heat of the high-pressure refrigerant is dissipated to the heat medium, thereby heating the heat medium.

[0060] The outlet of the refrigerant passage 12a in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is connected to the inlet side of the first refrigerant connector 13a. The first refrigerant connector 13a is a tee connector with three interconnected inlet and outlet ports. The first refrigerant connector 13a can be a connector formed by joining multiple pipes, or a connector formed by providing multiple refrigerant passages in a metal block or resin block.

[0061] Furthermore, as described later, the refrigeration cycle device 10 has a second refrigerant connector 13b to a sixth refrigerant connector 13f. The basic structure of the second refrigerant connector 13b to the sixth refrigerant connector 13f is the same as that of the first refrigerant connector 13a.

[0062] The outlet of one of the first refrigerant connectors 13a is connected to the inlet side of the heating expansion valve 14a. The outlet of the other of the first refrigerant connectors 13a is connected to the inlet side of one of the second refrigerant connectors 13b via the dehumidification passage 22a.

[0063] The dehumidification passage 22a is formed as a flow path for refrigerant circulation during parallel dehumidification and heating modes described later. A dehumidification on / off valve 15a is installed in the dehumidification passage 22a. The dehumidification on / off valve 15a is a solenoid valve that opens and closes the dehumidification passage 22a. The operation of the dehumidification on / off valve 15a is controlled by a control voltage output from the control device 60.

[0064] Furthermore, as described later, the refrigeration cycle device 10 includes a heating on / off valve 15b. The basic structure of the heating on / off valve 15b is the same as that of the dehumidification on / off valve 15a. The dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b can switch the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle device 10 by opening and closing the refrigerant passage. Therefore, the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b are refrigerant circuit switching parts for switching the refrigerant circuit.

[0065] The expansion valve 14a for heating is a pressure reducing unit for heating, which reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage 12a of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 during the heating mode described later, and adjusts the flow rate (mass flow rate) of the refrigerant flowing downstream.

[0066] The heating expansion valve 14a is an electrically operated variable throttling mechanism having a valve core that changes the throttling opening and an electric actuator (specifically a stepper motor) that displaces the valve core. The operation of the heating expansion valve 14a is controlled by control pulses output from the control device 60.

[0067] The heating expansion valve 14a has a fully open function that allows it to function solely as a refrigerant passage without exerting any refrigerant pressure reduction or flow regulation effects by fully opening the valve. Additionally, the heating expansion valve 14a also has a fully closed function that closes the refrigerant passage by fully closing the valve.

[0068] Furthermore, as described later, the refrigeration cycle device 10 includes a refrigeration expansion valve 14b and a cooling expansion valve 14c. The basic structure of the refrigeration expansion valve 14b and the cooling expansion valve 14c is the same as that of the heating expansion valve 14a.

[0069] The heating expansion valve 14a, the cooling expansion valve 14b, and the cooling expansion valve 14c can switch the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle device 10 by performing the aforementioned fully closed function. Therefore, the heating expansion valve 14a, the cooling expansion valve 14b, and the cooling expansion valve 14c also function as refrigerant circuit switching units.

[0070] Of course, a variable throttling mechanism without a fully closed function can also be combined with an on / off valve to form a heating expansion valve 14a, a cooling expansion valve 14b, and a cooling expansion valve 14c. In this case, the on / off valve becomes a refrigerant circuit switching unit.

[0071] The outlet of the heating expansion valve 14a is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is an outdoor heat exchange section that allows the refrigerant flowing out of the heating expansion valve 14a to exchange heat with outside air blown by a cooling fan (not shown). The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is located at the front of the drive unit compartment. Therefore, when the vehicle is in motion, the driving air can be blown onto the outdoor heat exchanger 16.

[0072] The refrigerant outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the inlet side of the third refrigerant connector 13c. The outlet of one side of the third refrigerant connector 13c is connected to the inlet side of one side of the fourth refrigerant connector 13d via a heating passage 22b. The heating passage 22b forms a flow path for refrigerant circulation during the heating mode described later. A heating on / off valve 15b is provided in the heating passage 22b to open and close the heating passage 22b.

[0073] The outlet of the third refrigerant connector 13c is connected to the inlet of the second refrigerant connector 13b. A check valve 17 is provided in the refrigerant passage connecting the outlet of the third refrigerant connector 13c to the inlet of the second refrigerant connector 13b. The check valve 17 allows refrigerant to flow from the third refrigerant connector 13c to the second refrigerant connector 13b, and prevents refrigerant from flowing from the second refrigerant connector 13b to the third refrigerant connector 13c.

[0074] The outlet of the second refrigerant connector 13b is connected to the inlet side of the fifth refrigerant connector 13e. The inlet side of the refrigeration expansion valve 14b is connected to one outlet of the fifth refrigerant connector 13e. The inlet side of the cooling expansion valve 14c is connected to the other outlet of the fifth refrigerant connector 13e.

[0075] The expansion valve 14b for refrigeration is a pressure-reducing unit for refrigeration that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing downstream, as described later in the refrigeration mode.

[0076] The refrigerant inlet side of the indoor evaporator 18 is connected to the outlet of the expansion valve 14b. The indoor evaporator 18 is disposed within the air conditioning housing 31 of the indoor air conditioning unit 30, which will be described later. The indoor evaporator 18 is a cooling heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the low-pressure refrigerant, which has been depressurized by the expansion valve 14b, and the supply air blown into the vehicle interior. In the indoor evaporator 18, the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat by evaporating, thereby cooling the supply air.

[0077] An evaporating pressure regulating valve 19 is connected to the inlet side of the refrigerant outlet of the indoor evaporator 18. The evaporating pressure regulating valve 19 is a variable throttling mechanism that changes its valve opening to maintain the refrigerant evaporation pressure in the indoor evaporator 18 above a predetermined set pressure, in order to suppress frosting on the indoor evaporator 18. More specifically, the evaporating pressure regulating valve 19 is constructed by a mechanical mechanism that increases the valve opening as the refrigerant pressure on the inlet side rises. The outlet of the evaporating pressure regulating valve 19 is connected to the inlet side of one of the sixth refrigerant connectors 13f.

[0078] The cooling expansion valve 14c is a cooling pressure reducing unit that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing downstream, as described later in the B1C1 mode.

[0079] The outlet of the cooling expansion valve 14c is connected to the inlet side of the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20. The chiller 20 has a refrigerant passage 20a through which low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the cooling expansion valve 14c, flows, and a heat medium passage 20b through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side circuit 42 side of the heat medium circuit 40. The chiller 20 is a low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section that allows heat exchange between the low-pressure refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage 20a and the heat medium flowing in the heat medium passage 20b. In the chiller 20, the heat medium is cooled by the low-pressure refrigerant evaporating and absorbing heat.

[0080] The outlet of the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20 is connected to the inlet side of the other side of the sixth refrigerant connector 13f. The outlet of the sixth refrigerant connector 13f is connected to the inlet side of the other side of the fourth refrigerant connector 13d.

[0081] The inlet side of the receiver 21 is connected to the outlet of the fourth refrigerant connector 13d. The receiver 21 is a low-pressure gas-liquid separator that separates the gas and liquid phase of the refrigerant flowing into it and stores the remaining liquid phase refrigerant in the cycle. The suction side of the compressor 11 is connected to the gas phase refrigerant outlet of the receiver 21.

[0082] Next, the heat medium circuit 40 will be described. The heat medium circuit 40 is a circuit that circulates the heat medium. In the heat medium circuit 40, an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol is used as the heat medium. The heat medium circuit 40 includes a high-temperature side circuit 41, a low-temperature side circuit 42, a connection passage 43, a three-way valve 44, etc.

[0083] The high-temperature side circuit 41 includes a high-temperature side pump 411, an electric heater 412, a heater core 413, etc. The high-temperature side circuit 41 is connected to the heat medium passage 12b of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, a three-way valve 44, etc.

[0084] The high-temperature side pump 411 is a high-temperature side heat medium pressurization section that pressurizes the heat medium to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 12b of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12. The high-temperature side pump 411 is an electric pump whose speed (i.e., pressurization capacity) is controlled by a control voltage output from the control device 60.

[0085] Furthermore, as described later, the heat medium circuit 40 has a first cryogenic side pump 421a and a second cryogenic side pump 421b on the cryogenic side circuit 42 side. The basic structure of the first cryogenic side pump 421a and the second cryogenic side pump 421b is the same as that of the high-temperature side pump 411.

[0086] An electric heater 412 is disposed on the outlet side of the heat medium passage 12b of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12. The electric heater 412 is a heating section that heats the heat medium flowing out of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12. In this embodiment, a PTC heater having a PTC element that generates heat by being supplied with electricity is used as the electric heater 412. The heat output of the electric heater 412 is controlled by a control voltage output from the control device 60.

[0087] A three-way valve 44 is connected to the inlet side of the electric heater 412 downstream of the hot medium flow. The three-way valve 44 is a three-way flow regulating valve that allows the hot medium flowing out of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 to flow into the interior and out to at least one of the heater core 413 side and the inlet side connection passage 431 side described later.

[0088] The three-way valve 44 is configured to continuously adjust the flow rate ratio of the hot medium flowing into the heater core 413 to the hot medium flowing into the inlet-side connection passage 431. Thus, the three-way valve 44 can adjust the flow rate of the hot medium flowing in the inlet-side connection passage 431.

[0089] Furthermore, by adjusting the flow ratio, the three-way valve 44 can ensure that the entire flow of the heat medium flowing in from the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 flows into either the heater core 413 or the inlet-side connection passage 431. Therefore, the three-way valve 44 also functions as a high-temperature side circuit switching unit, serving as a circuit structure for switching the high-temperature side circuit 41. The operation of the three-way valve 44 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0090] The heater core 413 is disposed within the air conditioning housing 31 of the indoor air conditioning unit 30. The heater core 413 is a heat exchange section for heating, which allows a heat medium heated by a water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 or similar device to exchange heat with the supply air blown into the vehicle interior. In the heater core 413, the heat of the heat medium is dissipated to the supply air, thereby heating the supply air. Therefore, the fluid to be heated in the thermal management system 1 is the supply air.

[0091] The heat medium outlet of the heater core 413 is connected to the suction port of the high-temperature side pump 411 via a first heat medium connector 45a. The first heat medium connector 45a is a three-way connector for heat medium.

[0092] Furthermore, as described later, the heat medium circuit 40 has a second heat medium connector 45b to a sixth heat medium connector 45f on the low-temperature side circuit 42 side. The basic structure of the first heat medium connector 45a to the sixth heat medium connector 45f is the same as that of the first refrigerant connector 13a of the refrigeration cycle device 10.

[0093] The low-temperature side circuit 42 includes a first low-temperature side pump 421a, a second low-temperature side pump 421b, a cooling water passage 51a for the battery 51, a five-way valve 422, and a low-temperature side radiator 423. A heat medium passage 20b for the chiller 20 is connected to the low-temperature side circuit 42.

[0094] The first low-temperature side pump 421a is a battery-side heat medium pressurization section that pressurizes the heat medium to the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. The cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is formed within a dedicated housing section that houses the multiple battery cells constituting the battery 51. The cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is a first heat exchange section that allows the multiple battery cells constituting the battery 51 to exchange heat with the heat medium.

[0095] The outlet of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is connected to the battery side inlet 422a of the five-way valve 422 via the second heat medium connector 45b.

[0096] The second cryogenic side pump 421b is a high-voltage system equipment-side heat medium pressurization section that pressurizes the heat medium to the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50. The cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 are formed within the housing or enclosure portion that forms the outer shell of each high-voltage system equipment 50. The cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 are a second heat exchange section that enables heat exchange between the high-voltage system equipment 50 and the heat medium.

[0097] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 are the cooling water passage 52a of the inverter 52, the cooling water passage 53a of the electric generator 53, and the cooling water passage 54a of the ADAS control device 54. Furthermore, the hot medium pressurized from the second cryogenic pump 421b flows in the order of the cooling water passage 52a of the inverter 52, the cooling water passage 53a of the electric generator 53, and the cooling water passage 54a of the ADAS control device 54.

[0098] The outlet of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 (i.e., the outlet of the cooling water passage 54a of the control device 54 used in ADAS) is connected to the high-voltage system equipment side inlet 422b of the five-way valve 422.

[0099] The five-way valve 422 is a cryogenic side circuit switching unit that switches the circuit structure of the cryogenic side circuit 42. The five-way valve 422 has a battery-side inlet 422a and a high-voltage system equipment-side inlet 422b as inlets for the flow of the heat medium. The five-way valve 422 has a chiller-side outlet 422c, a bypass passage-side outlet 422d, and a radiator-side outlet 422e as outlets for the flow of the heat medium. The detailed structure of the five-way valve 422 will be described later.

[0100] The chiller-side outlet 422c of the five-way valve 422 is connected to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20. The outlet of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 is connected to the inlet side of the third heat medium connector 45c. One outlet of the third heat medium connector 45c is connected to the inlet side of one of the fourth heat medium connectors 45d. The other outlet of the third heat medium connector 45c is connected to the inlet side of one of the fifth heat medium connectors 45e.

[0101] The outlet of the fourth heat medium connector 45d is connected to the suction port of the first cryogenic pump 421a via the sixth heat medium connector 45f. Additionally, the outlet 422d of the bypass passage of the five-way valve 422 is connected to the inlet of a heat medium bypass passage 424. The outlet of the heat medium bypass passage 424 is connected to the inlet of the other side of the fourth heat medium connector 45d.

[0102] The heat medium bypass passage 424 forms a flow path that allows the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to bypass the chiller 20 and the low-temperature side radiator 423 and return to the inlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51.

[0103] The outlet of the fifth heat medium connector 45e is connected to the suction port of the second cryogenic pump 421b. Additionally, the radiator-side outlet 422e of the five-way valve 422 is connected to the heat medium inlet of the cryogenic radiator 423. The cryogenic radiator 423 is a cryogenic outside air heat exchange section that allows heat exchange between outside air and the heat medium flowing out from the radiator-side outlet 422e of the five-way valve 422. The heat medium outlet of the cryogenic radiator 423 is connected to the inlet of the other side of the fifth heat medium connector 45e.

[0104] Connection passage 43 is a flow path for the heat medium connecting the high-temperature side circuit 41 and the low-temperature side circuit 42. Connection passage 43 has an inlet-side connection passage 431 and an outlet-side connection passage 432. The inlet-side connection passage 431 forms a flow path that guides the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 to the low-temperature side circuit 42. The outlet-side connection passage 432 forms a flow path that guides the heat medium flowing in the low-temperature side circuit 42 to the high-temperature side circuit 41.

[0105] The inlet of the inlet-side connection passage 431 is connected to one outlet of the three-way valve 44. The outlet of the inlet-side connection passage 431 is connected to one inlet of the sixth hot medium connector 45f. The inlet of the outlet-side connection passage 432 is connected to one outlet of the second hot medium connector 45b. The outlet of the outlet-side connection passage 432 is connected to one inlet of the first hot medium connector 45a.

[0106] Therefore, the inlet-side connection passage 431 can guide the heat medium, which is heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 of the high-temperature side circuit 41 and is upstream of the heater core 413, to the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 421a in the low-temperature side circuit 42. The outlet-side connection passage 432 can guide the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the downstream side of the heater core 413 in the high-temperature side circuit and to the suction port of the high-temperature side pump 411.

[0107] Therefore, by allowing the hot medium to flow through the inlet-side connection passage 431 and the outlet-side connection passage 432, which serve as connection passages 43, the three-way valve 44 enables the hot medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 to mix with the hot medium flowing in the low-temperature side circuit 42. This allows heat to move between the hot medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 and the hot medium flowing in the low-temperature side circuit 42. Therefore, the connection passage 43 is a heat-moving part.

[0108] At this time, the three-way valve 44 can adjust the amount of thermal movement between the thermal medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 and the thermal medium flowing in the low-temperature side circuit 42 by adjusting the flow rate of the thermal medium flowing in the inlet-side connection passage 431. Therefore, the three-way valve 44 is a thermal movement adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of thermal movement in the connection passage 43.

[0109] Next, use Figures 2-4 The detailed structure of the five-way valve 422 will be explained below. Figures 2-4 As shown, the five-way valve 422 allows the hot medium to flow into the interior from the battery-side inlet 422a and the high-voltage system equipment-side inlet 422b. Furthermore, it allows the hot medium flowing into the interior to flow out from at least one of the chiller-side outlet 422c, the bypass passage-side outlet 422d, and the radiator-side outlet 422e.

[0110] like Figures 2-4 As shown in the explanatory diagram, such a five-way valve 422 can be formed by, for example, combining multiple three-way flow control valves.

[0111] like Figure 2 As shown by the thick solid line in the diagram, the five-way valve 422 allows the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to flow into the interior via the battery-side inlet 422a. Furthermore, it allows the hot medium flowing into the interior via the battery-side inlet 422a to flow out to at least one of the hot medium bypass passage 424 side and the hot medium passage 20b side of the chiller 20.

[0112] The five-way valve 422 is configured to continuously adjust the flow rate ratio of the hot medium flowing into the hot medium bypass passage 424 to the hot medium flowing into the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20. Furthermore, by adjusting the flow rate ratio, the five-way valve 422 can also ensure that the entire flow rate of the hot medium flowing from the cooling water passage 51a side of the battery 51 flows into either the hot medium bypass passage 424 or the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0113] Therefore, the five-way valve 422 can switch between the circuit that connects the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the hot medium bypass passage 424 and the circuit that connects the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0114] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown by the thick solid line in the diagram, the five-way valve 422 allows the hot medium flowing out from the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to flow into the interior via the high-voltage system equipment side inlet 422b. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing into the interior via the high-voltage system equipment side inlet 422b can flow out to at least one of the low-temperature radiator 423 side and the hot medium passage 20b side of the chiller 20.

[0115] The five-way valve 422 is configured to continuously adjust the flow rate ratio of the hot medium flowing into the low-temperature side radiator 423 to the hot medium flowing into the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20. Furthermore, by adjusting the flow rate ratio, the five-way valve 422 can also ensure that the entire flow rate of the hot medium exiting from the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 flows into either the low-temperature side radiator 423 or the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0116] Therefore, the five-way valve 422 can switch the circuit that connects the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the inlet side of the heat medium of the low-temperature radiator 423, and the circuit that connects the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown by the thick solid lines and thick dashed lines in the illustration, the five-way valve 422 allows at least one of the hot medium flowing out from the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 and the hot medium flowing out from the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to flow into the interior and out towards the hot medium passage 20b side of the chiller 20.

[0118] The five-way valve 422 is configured to continuously adjust the flow ratio of the hot medium flowing into the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 and the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the power system equipment 50.

[0119] Furthermore, by adjusting the flow ratio, the five-way valve 422 can set the total flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 to either the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 or the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the power system equipment 50.

[0120] Therefore, the five-way valve 422 can switch between the circuit that connects the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 and the circuit that connects the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the power system equipment 50 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0121] Furthermore, the five-way valve 422 can perform the aforementioned heat medium circuit switching function in combination. For example, it can connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium bypass passage 424, while simultaneously connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0122] Additionally, for example, it is possible to connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, while simultaneously connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the inlet side of the heat medium of the low-temperature radiator 423.

[0123] Additionally, for example, it is possible to connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, while simultaneously connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0124] Next, the interior air conditioning unit 30 will be described. The interior air conditioning unit 30 is a unit that integrates multiple components to blow air, which is adjusted to an appropriate temperature for air conditioning inside the vehicle, to appropriate parts of the vehicle interior. The interior air conditioning unit 30 is located inside the instrument panel (dashboard) at the front of the vehicle interior.

[0125] like Figure 1 As shown, the indoor air conditioning unit 30 houses an indoor fan 32, an indoor evaporator 18, a heater core 413, etc., within an air conditioning housing 31 that forms an air passage for supplying air. The air conditioning housing 31 is molded from a resin (e.g., polypropylene) that has a certain degree of elasticity and excellent strength.

[0126] An indoor / outdoor air switching device 33 is disposed at the upstream side of the air supply airflow in the air conditioning housing 31. The indoor / outdoor air switching device 33 switches the introduction of indoor air (i.e., air inside the vehicle) and outdoor air (i.e., air outside the vehicle) into the air conditioning housing 31. The operation of the indoor / outdoor air switching device 33 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0127] An indoor air supply fan 32 is disposed downstream of the air supply airflow of the indoor / outdoor air switching device 33. The indoor air supply fan 32 blows the air drawn in through the indoor / outdoor air switching device 33 into the vehicle interior. The indoor air supply fan 32 is an electric air supply fan that uses an electric motor to drive a centrifugal multi-blade fan. The speed (i.e., air supply capacity) of the indoor air supply fan 32 is controlled by a control voltage output from the control device 60.

[0128] An indoor evaporator 18 and a heater core 413 are disposed downstream of the supply airflow of the indoor fan 32. The indoor evaporator 18 is disposed upstream of the supply airflow compared to the heater core 413. In addition, a cold air bypass passage 35 is formed in the air conditioning housing 31 to allow the supply air after passing through the indoor evaporator 18 to flow around the heater core 413.

[0129] An air mixing door 34 is provided on the downstream side of the supply air flow of the indoor evaporator 18 inside the air conditioner housing 31 and on the upstream side of the supply air flow of the heater core 413 and the cold air bypass passage 35.

[0130] The air mixing door 34 is an airflow ratio adjustment unit that adjusts the airflow ratio between the supply air passing through the heater core 413 side and the supply air passing through the cold air bypass passage 35 in the supply air after passing through the indoor evaporator 18. The air mixing door 34 is driven by an electric actuator for the air mixing door. The operation of the electric actuator for the air mixing door is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0131] A mixing space 36 is provided downstream of the supply air flow of the heater core 413 and the cold air bypass passage 35. The mixing space 36 is a space for mixing the supply air heated by the heater core 413 with the supply air that has not been heated by passing through the cold air bypass passage 35.

[0132] Therefore, in the indoor air conditioning unit 30, the temperature of the supply air (i.e., the air conditioning air) mixed in the mixing space 36 can be adjusted by adjusting the air volume ratio through the air mixing door 34.

[0133] Multiple openings (not shown) are formed at the lowest part of the air supply airflow of the air conditioning housing 31 for blowing the air supply air mixed in the mixing space 36 into the vehicle interior.

[0134] Multiple openings connect to multiple air vents formed within the vehicle interior. These air vents include a face vent, a foot vent, and a defrost vent. The face vent blows air towards the upper body of the occupant. The foot vent blows air towards the feet of the occupant. The defrost vent blows air towards the front windshield of the vehicle.

[0135] Each of the multiple openings is equipped with a blow-out mode door (not shown). The blow-out mode door opens and closes its respective opening. The blow-out mode door is driven by an electric actuator. The operation of the electric actuator is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0136] Therefore, in the indoor air conditioning unit 30, the location from which the air conditioning air is blown out can be changed by switching the opening hole of the blow-out mode door.

[0137] Next, an overview of the electrical control unit in this embodiment will be described. The control device 60 is composed of a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and its peripheral circuitry. The control device 60 performs various calculations and processes based on the control program stored in the ROM, and controls the operation of various controllable devices 11, 14a-14c, 15a, 15b, 32, 33, 34, 44, 411, 412, 421a, 421b, 422, etc., connected to its output side.

[0138] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown in the block diagram, the control device 60 is connected to the input side of an internal air temperature sensor 61, an external air temperature sensor 62, a sunlight sensor 63, first refrigerant temperature sensors 64a to third refrigerant temperature sensors 64c, an evaporator temperature sensor 64f, first refrigerant pressure sensors 65a to third refrigerant pressure sensors 65c, a high-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 66a, a first low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 67a, a second low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 67b, a battery temperature sensor 68, and an air conditioning fan temperature sensor 69. The detection signals from these sensor groups are input to the control device 60.

[0139] Interior air temperature sensor 61 is an interior air temperature detection unit that detects the interior temperature (interior air temperature) Tr. Outside air temperature sensor 62 is an outside air temperature detection unit that detects the outside temperature (outside air temperature) Tam. Sunlight sensor 63 is a sunlight intensity detection unit that detects the amount of sunlight As shining into the vehicle interior.

[0140] The first refrigerant temperature sensor 64a is a first refrigerant temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11, specifically the first refrigerant temperature TR1. The second refrigerant temperature sensor 64b is a second refrigerant temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage 12a of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 12, specifically the second refrigerant temperature TR2. The third refrigerant temperature sensor 64c is a third refrigerant temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 16, specifically the third refrigerant temperature TR3.

[0141] The evaporator temperature sensor 64f is an evaporator temperature detection unit that detects the refrigerant evaporation temperature (evaporator temperature) Tefin in the indoor evaporator 18. Specifically, in the evaporator temperature sensor 64f of this embodiment, the temperature of the heat exchange fins of the indoor evaporator 18 is detected.

[0142] The first refrigerant pressure sensor 65a is a first refrigerant pressure detection unit that detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11, which is the first refrigerant pressure PR1. The second refrigerant pressure sensor 65b is a second refrigerant pressure detection unit that detects the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage 12a of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, which is the second refrigerant pressure PR2. The third refrigerant pressure sensor 65c is a third refrigerant pressure detection unit that detects the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 16, which is the third refrigerant pressure PR3.

[0143] The high-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 66a is a high-temperature side heat medium temperature detection unit that detects the high-temperature side heat medium temperature TWH, which is the temperature of the heat medium flowing downstream of the electric heater 412 and flowing into the three-way valve 44.

[0144] The first low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 67a is a first low-temperature side heat medium temperature detection unit that detects the first low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL1, which is the temperature of the heat medium that is pumped from the first low-temperature side pump 421a and flows into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51.

[0145] The second low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 67b is a second low-temperature side heat medium temperature detection unit that detects the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2, which is the temperature of the heat medium pumped from the second low-temperature side pump 421b and flowing into the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50. More specifically, the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2 is the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the cooling water passage 52a of the inverter 52.

[0146] The battery temperature sensor 68 is a battery temperature detection unit that detects the battery temperature TB (i.e., the temperature of the battery 51). In this embodiment, the battery temperature sensor 68 has multiple temperature sensors that detect the temperature of multiple parts of the battery 51. Therefore, the control device 60 can detect the temperature difference between each individual battery cell forming the battery 51. Furthermore, the battery temperature TB is calculated using the average value of the detection values ​​from the multiple temperature sensors.

[0147] The air conditioning air temperature sensor 69 is an air conditioning air temperature detection unit that detects the temperature (TAV) of the air supplied from the mixing space 36 into the vehicle interior.

[0148] Moreover, such as Figure 5 As shown, an air conditioning control panel 70 is connected to the input side of the control device 60. The air conditioning control panel 70 is located near the instrument panel at the front of the vehicle interior. Operation signals from various operation switches located on the air conditioning control panel 70 are input to the control device 60.

[0149] The various operating switches provided on the control panel 70 for air conditioning include, specifically, an automatic switch, an air conditioning switch, an airflow setting switch, and a temperature setting switch.

[0150] The automatic switch is an operating unit for the user to set or deactivate the automatic control operation of the vehicle's air conditioning. The air conditioning switch is an operating unit for the user to request cooling of the supplied air in the indoor evaporator 18. The fan speed setting switch is an operating unit for the user to manually set the fan speed of the indoor air supply fan 32. The temperature setting switch is an operating unit for the user to set the set temperature Tset in the vehicle's interior.

[0151] Furthermore, the control device 60 of this embodiment is integrally configured with a control unit that controls various controllable devices connected to its output side. Moreover, the structure (hardware and software) within the control device 60 that controls the operation of each controllable device constitutes the control unit that controls the operation of each controllable device.

[0152] For example, the structure in the control device 60 that controls the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor 11 (specifically, the speed of the compressor 11) constitutes the compressor control unit 60a. Furthermore, the structure that controls the operation of the five-way valve 422 constitutes the low-temperature side heat medium circuit control unit 60b. Additionally, the structure that controls the operation of the three-way valve 44 constitutes the heat transfer quantity control unit 60c.

[0153] Next, the operation of the thermal management system 1 with the above-described structure will be explained. As described above, the thermal management system 1 is capable of regulating the air inside the vehicle and adjusting the temperature of the on-board equipment. Therefore, in the thermal management system 1, various operating modes are executed by switching the loop structure of the refrigeration cycle device 10 and the loop structure of the heat transfer medium loop 40.

[0154] The thermal management system 1 has two operating modes: one for air conditioning inside the vehicle and another for temperature adjustment of onboard equipment. The thermal management system 1 can appropriately combine the air conditioning mode and the temperature adjustment mode for execution.

[0155] Therefore, in the thermal management system 1, it is possible to regulate the air inside the vehicle without adjusting the temperature of the onboard equipment. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the onboard equipment without regulating the air inside the vehicle. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the onboard equipment while simultaneously regulating the air inside the vehicle.

[0156] First, let's explain the operating modes of the air conditioner. The operating modes of the air conditioner include (A1) cooling mode, (A2) series dehumidification and heating mode, (A3) parallel dehumidification and heating mode, and (A4) heating mode.

[0157] (A1) Cooling mode is an operating mode that cools the vehicle interior by cooling the supplied air and blowing it into the vehicle interior.

[0158] (A2) The series dehumidification and heating mode is an operation mode that dehumidifies and heats the vehicle interior by reheating the cooled and dehumidified supply air and blowing it into the vehicle interior.

[0159] (A3) Parallel dehumidification and heating mode is an operation mode that dehumidifies and heats the vehicle interior by reheating the cooled and dehumidified supply air with a higher heating capacity than the series dehumidification and heating mode and blowing it into the vehicle interior.

[0160] (A4) Heating mode is an operating mode that heats the vehicle interior by heating the supplied air and blowing it into the vehicle interior.

[0161] The switching of the air conditioning operating mode is performed by executing the air conditioning control program stored in the control device 60. The air conditioning control program is executed when the automatic switch on the operation panel 70 is turned on and the automatic control operation of the vehicle's air conditioning is set.

[0162] In the main program of the air conditioning control program, the detection signals of the aforementioned sensor group and the operation signals of the operation switches on the operation panel 70 are read at predetermined intervals. Then, based on the values ​​of the read detection signals and operation signals, the target airflow temperature TAO, which is the target temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior, is calculated.

[0163] More specifically, the target blowout temperature TAO is calculated using the following mathematical formula F1.

[0164] TAO=Kset×Tset-Kr×Tr-Kam×Tam-Ks×As+C…(F1)

[0165] In addition, Tset is the set temperature inside the vehicle, set via the temperature setting switch on the control panel 70. Tr is the interior air temperature detected by the interior air temperature sensor 61. Tam is the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 62. As is the amount of sunlight detected by the sunlight sensor 63. Kset, Kr, Kam, and Ks are control gains, and C is a constant used for calibration.

[0166] Furthermore, when the air conditioner switch on the control panel 70 is turned on, if the target blowout temperature TAO is lower than the predetermined cooling reference temperature KTAO1, the air conditioner's operating mode is switched to cooling mode.

[0167] In addition, when the air conditioner is switched on, if the target blowout temperature TAO is above the cooling reference temperature KTAO1 and the outside air temperature Tam is higher than the predetermined dehumidification and heating reference temperature KTAO2, the air conditioner's operating mode will switch to series dehumidification and heating mode.

[0168] In addition, when the air conditioner is switched on, if the target blowout temperature TAO is above the cooling reference temperature KTAO1 and the outside air temperature Tam is below the dehumidification and heating reference temperature KTAO2, the air conditioner's operating mode will switch to parallel dehumidification and heating mode.

[0169] In addition, when the cooling switch of the air conditioner is not turned on, the air conditioner switches to heating mode.

[0170] Therefore, cooling mode is mainly used when the outside air temperature is high, such as in summer. Series dehumidification and heating mode is mainly used in spring or autumn. Parallel dehumidification and heating mode is mainly used when a higher heating capacity than series dehumidification and heating mode is needed to heat the supply air, such as in early spring or late autumn. Heating mode is mainly used when the outside air temperature is low in winter. The following is a detailed explanation of the operation of each air conditioning mode.

[0171] (A1) Cooling Mode

[0172] In cooling mode, control device 60 sets heating expansion valve 14a to fully open and cooling expansion valve 14b to a throttling state to reduce refrigerant pressure. Cooling expansion valve 14c is controlled according to the operating mode for temperature adjustment. This is also the case in other air conditioning operating modes. Additionally, control device 60 closes dehumidification valve 15a and heating valve 15b.

[0173] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the refrigeration mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following order: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, fully open heating expansion valve 14a, outdoor heat exchanger 16, check valve 17, refrigeration expansion valve 14b, indoor evaporator 18, evaporation pressure regulating valve 19, liquid receiver 21, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0174] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled devices. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 so that the evaporator temperature Tefin detected by the evaporator temperature sensor 64f is close to the target evaporator temperature TEO. The target evaporator temperature TEO is determined based on the target blow-out temperature TAO and with reference to a control mapping pre-stored in the control device 60.

[0175] In addition, the control device 60 controls the throttling opening of the refrigeration expansion valve 14b so that the subcooling degree SC3 of the refrigerant flowing into the refrigeration expansion valve 14b is close to the target subcooling degree SCO3.

[0176] The subcooling degree SC3 of the refrigerant flowing into the expansion valve 14b is calculated using the third refrigerant temperature TR3 detected by the third refrigerant temperature sensor 64c and the third refrigerant pressure PR3 detected by the third refrigerant pressure sensor 65c. The target subcooling degree SCO3 is determined based on the outside air temperature Tam and with reference to the control mapping pre-stored in the control device 60, such that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the cycle is close to its maximum value.

[0177] Additionally, the control device 60 controls the high-temperature side pump 411 to achieve a predetermined pressure delivery capacity. Furthermore, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 44 to ensure that at least a portion of the heat medium flowing into the interior flows out towards the heater core 413. The first low-temperature side pump 421a, the second low-temperature side pump 421b, and the five-way valve 422 are controlled according to the operating mode for temperature adjustment. This is also the case in other air conditioning operating modes.

[0178] Additionally, when the high-temperature side heat medium temperature TWH detected by the high-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 66a is lower than the predetermined reference high-temperature side heat medium temperature KTWH, the control device 60 activates the electric heater 412.

[0179] Furthermore, the control device 60 determines the air delivery capacity of the indoor fan 32 based on the target blowout temperature TAO and with reference to the control mapping pre-stored in the control device 60. Additionally, the control device 60 controls the opening degree of the air mixing door 34 so that the supply air temperature TAV detected by the air conditioning air temperature sensor 69 is close to the target blowout temperature TAO.

[0180] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 16 function as condensers (in other words, radiators) to dissipate heat and condense the refrigerant, and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator to evaporate the refrigerant. As a result, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in cooling mode, the heat medium in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is heated. Moreover, the air supplied by the indoor evaporator 18 is cooled.

[0181] In addition, in the heat medium circuit 40 of the cooling mode, the heat medium heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is supplied to the heater core 413.

[0182] In addition, in the cooling mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30, the supply air blown from the indoor fan 32 is cooled in the indoor evaporator 18. The supply air cooled by the indoor evaporator 18 passes through the heater core 413 and the cold air bypass passage 35 according to the opening of the air mixing door 34, thereby adjusting the temperature to be close to the target blow-out temperature TAO. Then, the temperature-adjusted supply air is blown into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving cooling of the vehicle interior.

[0183] (A2) Series dehumidification and heating mode

[0184] In the series dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to a throttling state and the cooling expansion valve 14b to a throttling state. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0185] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 of the series dehumidification and heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following order: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, heating expansion valve 14a, outdoor heat exchanger 16, check valve 17, cooling expansion valve 14b, indoor evaporator 18, evaporation pressure regulating valve 19, liquid receiver 21, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0186] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled devices. For example, the control device 60 controls the speed of the compressor 11 in the same way as the cooling mode.

[0187] Furthermore, the control device 60 determines the throttling opening of the heating expansion valve 14a and the cooling expansion valve 14b to be close to their maximum COP based on the target outlet temperature TAO and referring to the control mapping pre-stored in the control device 60. In the control mapping of the series dehumidification heating mode, it is determined that as the target outlet temperature TAO increases, the throttling opening of the heating expansion valve 14a decreases, and the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14b increases.

[0188] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the high-temperature side pump 411 of the heat medium circuit 40 in the same way as in the cooling mode. Furthermore, the control device 60 controls the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 30's indoor fan 32 in the same way as in the cooling mode.

[0189] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 with series dehumidification and heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured, in which the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator. Furthermore, when the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is higher than the outside air temperature Tam, the outdoor heat exchanger 16 functions as a condenser. Conversely, when the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is lower than the outside air temperature Tam, the outdoor heat exchanger 16 functions as an evaporator.

[0190] As a result, in the refrigeration cycle unit 10 in series dehumidification and heating mode, the heat medium in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is heated. Meanwhile, the air supplied to the indoor evaporator 18 is cooled.

[0191] In addition, in the heat medium circuit 40 of the series dehumidification and heating mode, the heat medium heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is supplied to the heater core 413.

[0192] In addition, in the indoor air conditioning unit 30 in series dehumidification and heating mode, the supply air blown from the indoor fan 32 is cooled and dehumidified in the indoor evaporator 18. The supply air cooled and dehumidified by the indoor evaporator 18 is adjusted to a temperature close to the target outlet temperature TAO by adjusting the opening of the air mixing door 34. Then, the temperature-adjusted supply air is blown into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving dehumidification and heating in the vehicle interior.

[0193] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the series dehumidification and heating mode, as the target outlet temperature TAO increases, the throttling opening of the heating expansion valve 14a decreases, while the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14b increases. As a result, the heating capacity of the heater core 413 for the supply air can be improved as the target outlet temperature TAO increases.

[0194] More specifically, when the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is higher than the outside air temperature Tam, the temperature difference between the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and the outside air temperature Tam can be reduced as the target outlet temperature TAO increases. Therefore, as the target outlet temperature TAO increases, the amount of heat dissipated by the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 to the outside air decreases, thereby increasing the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the heat medium in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0195] Furthermore, when the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is lower than the outside air temperature Tam, the temperature difference between the outside air temperature Tam and the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 can increase as the target outlet temperature TAO rises. Therefore, as the target outlet temperature TAO rises, the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 from the outside air increases, thereby increasing the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the heat medium in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0196] As a result, in the series dehumidification and heating mode, the heating capacity of the heater core 413 for the supply air can be improved as the target blow-out temperature TAO increases.

[0197] (A3) Parallel dehumidification and heating mode

[0198] In the parallel dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to a throttling state and the cooling expansion valve 14b to a throttling state. Additionally, the control device 60 opens the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0199] Therefore, in the parallel dehumidification and heating mode refrigeration cycle device 10, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following sequence: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, first refrigerant connector 13a, heating expansion valve 14a, outdoor heat exchanger 16, heating passage 22b, receiver 21, and compressor 11 suction inlet. Simultaneously, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed, in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following sequence: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, first refrigerant connector 13a, dehumidification passage 22a, refrigeration expansion valve 14b, indoor evaporator 18, evaporation pressure regulating valve 19, receiver 21, and compressor 11 suction inlet. In other words, a cycle is formed in which the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and indoor evaporator 18 are connected in parallel with respect to the refrigerant flow.

[0200] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 so that the first refrigerant pressure PR1 detected by the first refrigerant pressure sensor 65a is close to the target condensing pressure PDO. The target condensing pressure PDO is determined when the high-temperature side heat medium temperature TWH is close to the predetermined target water temperature TWHO.

[0201] Furthermore, the control device 60 determines the throttling opening of the heating expansion valve 14a and the cooling expansion valve 14b to be close to their maximum COP based on the target blow-out temperature TAO and referring to the control mapping pre-stored in the control device 60. In the control mapping of the parallel dehumidification and heating mode, it is determined that as the target blow-out temperature TAO increases, the throttling opening of the heating expansion valve 14a decreases, and the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14b increases.

[0202] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the high-temperature side pump 411 of the heat medium circuit 40 in the same way as in the cooling mode. Furthermore, the control device 60 controls the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 30's indoor fan 32 in the same way as in the cooling mode.

[0203] Therefore, in the parallel dehumidification and heating mode refrigeration cycle device 10, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured, in which the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and indoor evaporator 18 function as evaporators. As a result, in the parallel dehumidification and heating mode refrigeration cycle device 10, the heat medium in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is heated. Furthermore, the air supplied to the indoor evaporator 18 is cooled.

[0204] In addition, in the heat medium circuit 40 of the parallel dehumidification and heating mode, the heat medium heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is supplied to the heater core 413.

[0205] In addition, in the parallel dehumidification and heating mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30, the supply air blown from the indoor fan 32 is cooled and dehumidified in the indoor evaporator 18. The supply air cooled and dehumidified by the indoor evaporator 18 is adjusted to a temperature close to the target outlet temperature TAO by adjusting the opening of the air mixing door 34. Then, the temperature-adjusted supply air is blown into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving dehumidification and heating in the vehicle interior.

[0206] Furthermore, in the parallel dehumidification and heating mode of the refrigeration cycle device 10, the throttling opening of the heating expansion valve 14a can be reduced compared to the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14b. As a result, the refrigerant evaporation temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 can be lowered to a temperature lower than the refrigerant evaporation temperature in the indoor evaporator 18.

[0207] Therefore, compared to the series dehumidification and heating mode, the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 from the outside air is increased, thereby increasing the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the heat medium in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12. As a result, in the parallel dehumidification and heating mode, the heating capacity of the heater core 413 for the supply air is improved compared to the series dehumidification and heating mode.

[0208] (A4) Heating Mode

[0209] In heating mode, the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to a throttling state and the cooling expansion valve 14b to a fully closed state. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and opens the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0210] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following order: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, heating expansion valve 14a, outdoor heat exchanger 16, heating passage 22b, liquid receiver 21, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0211] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the speed of the compressor 11 in the same way as in the parallel dehumidification and heating mode.

[0212] In addition, the control device 60 controls the throttling opening of the heating expansion valve 14a so that the subcooling degree SC2 of the refrigerant flowing into the heating expansion valve 14a is close to the target subcooling degree SCO2.

[0213] The subcooling degree SC2 of the refrigerant flowing into the heating expansion valve 14a is calculated using the second refrigerant temperature TR2 detected by the second refrigerant temperature sensor 64b and the second refrigerant pressure PR2 detected by the second refrigerant pressure sensor 65b. The target subcooling degree SCO2 is determined based on the first refrigerant temperature TR1 detected by the first refrigerant temperature sensor 64a and with reference to the control mapping pre-stored in the control device 60, with the COP approaching its maximum value.

[0214] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the high-temperature side pump 411 of the heat medium circuit 40 in the same way as in the cooling mode. Furthermore, the control device 60 controls the operation of the indoor air conditioning unit 30's indoor fan 32 in the same way as in the cooling mode.

[0215] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured, in which the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 16 functions as an evaporator. As a result, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in heating mode, the heat medium in the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is heated.

[0216] In addition, in the heat medium circuit 40 of the heating mode, the heat medium heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is supplied to the heater core 413.

[0217] In addition, in the heating mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30, the supply air blown from the indoor fan 32 passes through the indoor evaporator 18. The supply air that has passed through the indoor evaporator 18 is adjusted to a temperature close to the target blow-out temperature TAO by adjusting the opening of the air mixing door 34. Then, the temperature-adjusted supply air is blown into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0218] Next, the operating mode for temperature adjustment will be explained. In the operating mode for temperature adjustment, the temperature of the battery 51, which is the first object of temperature adjustment, and the high-voltage system equipment 50, which is the second object of temperature adjustment, are adjusted.

[0219] As described above, in this embodiment, the appropriate temperature range of the battery 51, which is the first object of temperature adjustment, is different from the appropriate temperature range of the high-voltage system device 50, which is the second object of temperature adjustment. Therefore, in the temperature adjustment operation mode, the battery operation mode for adjusting the temperature of the battery 51 and the high-voltage system device operation mode for adjusting the temperature of the high-voltage system device 50 are executed in combination.

[0220] As operating modes for the battery, there are (B1) battery heating mode, (B2) battery temperature equalization mode, and (B3) battery cooling mode.

[0221] (B1) Battery heating mode is an operating mode that uses a temperature-adjusted heat medium to preheat battery 51.

[0222] (B2) Battery temperature equalization mode is an operating mode that equalizes the temperature of each cell in the battery 51.

[0223] (B3) Battery cooling mode is an operating mode that uses the heat medium cooled by the cooler 20 to cool the battery 51.

[0224] In addition, as an operating mode for high-voltage system equipment, it has (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode, (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode, and (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode.

[0225] (C1) The heat storage mode of the high-voltage system equipment is an operation mode in which the heat generated by the high-voltage system equipment 50 is used to preheat the high-voltage system equipment 50 and heat the heat medium.

[0226] (C2) The waste heat recovery mode of the high-voltage system equipment is an operating mode in which the heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 is used to cool the high-voltage system equipment 50. In other words, it is an operating mode in which the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 absorbs the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50.

[0227] (C3) The power system equipment cooling mode is an operation mode that uses the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side radiator 423 to cool the power system equipment 50.

[0228] Switching between operating modes for temperature adjustment is performed by executing a temperature adjustment control program stored in the control device 60. This temperature adjustment control program is executed when the vehicle system is started or when the battery 51 is being charged from an external power source, regardless of whether the user requests air conditioning in the vehicle interior.

[0229] In the temperature adjustment control program, the detection signals from the aforementioned sensor group are read at predetermined intervals. Then, the operating mode for temperature adjustment is switched based on the read detection signals.

[0230] More specifically, in the temperature adjustment control program, the operating mode for temperature adjustment is switched based on the battery temperature TB detected by the battery temperature sensor 68 and the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2 detected by the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 67b, and with reference to the control mapping pre-stored in the control device 60.

[0231] In the control mapping referenced by the control program used for temperature adjustment, such as Figure 6 As shown in the control characteristic diagram, when the battery temperature TB is below the first reference battery temperature KTB1, the battery operation mode is switched to (B1) battery heating mode.

[0232] Furthermore, during the rise of the battery temperature TB, when the battery temperature TB is above the second reference battery temperature KTB2, the system switches from the (B1) battery heating mode to the (B2) battery temperature equalization mode. Further, when the battery temperature TB is above the fourth reference battery temperature KTB4, the system switches from the (B2) battery temperature equalization mode to the (B3) battery cooling mode.

[0233] On the other hand, during the process of battery temperature TB decreasing, when the battery temperature TB is below the third reference battery temperature KTB3, the system switches from (B3) battery cooling mode to (B2) battery temperature equalization mode. Furthermore, when the battery temperature TB is below the first reference battery temperature KTB1, the system switches from (B2) battery temperature equalization mode to (B1) battery heating mode.

[0234] The temperature difference between the fourth reference battery temperature KTB4 and the third reference battery temperature KTB3, and the temperature difference between the second reference battery temperature KTB2 and the first reference battery temperature KTB1, are set as hysteresis widths to prevent control oscillations.

[0235] Moreover, such as Figure 6As shown in the control characteristic diagram, when the temperature of the second low-temperature side heat medium TWL2 is below the temperature of the first reference high-voltage system equipment KTWL21, the operating mode of the high-voltage system equipment is switched to the (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode.

[0236] Furthermore, during the rise of the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2, when the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2 is above the second reference high-voltage system equipment side temperature KTWL22, the system switches from (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode to (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode. Further, when the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2 is above the fourth reference high-voltage system equipment side temperature KTWL24, the system switches from (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode to (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode.

[0237] On the other hand, during the decrease of the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2, when the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2 is below the third reference high-voltage system equipment side temperature KTWL23, the system switches from the (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode to the (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode. Furthermore, when the second low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL2 is below the first reference high-voltage system equipment side temperature KTWL21, the system switches from the (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode to the (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode.

[0238] However, as Figure 6 As shown in the control characteristic diagram, in this embodiment, when the battery operation mode is (B3) battery cooling mode, in order to prioritize the cooling of the battery 51, the operation mode for the power system equipment is (C3) power system equipment cooling mode.

[0239] The following is a detailed explanation of the operation of each temperature regulation mode. In the following explanation, the symbols used for the battery operation mode and the symbols used for the high-voltage system equipment operation mode will be combined to represent each temperature regulation operation mode. For example, the operation mode that executes (B1) battery heating mode and (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode will be recorded as B1C1 mode.

[0240] First, the operating mode for temperature adjustment during air conditioning in situations such as when the vehicle is in motion will be explained.

[0241] In the temperature adjustment operation mode of the air conditioner, it is based on the premise that any one of the above-mentioned (A1) cooling mode, (A2) series dehumidification and heating mode, (A3) parallel dehumidification and heating mode, and (A4) heating mode is being executed. In other words, in the temperature adjustment operation mode of the air conditioner, it is based on the premise that the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle device 10, the indoor air supply fan 32 of the indoor air conditioning unit 30, and the high-temperature side pump 411 of the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the heat medium circuit 40 are operating.

[0242] (B1C1 mode in air conditioning)

[0243] B1C1 mode is an operating mode that executes (B1) battery heating mode and (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode.

[0244] In B1C1 mode, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a fully closed state. Therefore, in B1C1 mode, refrigerant does not flow into the chiller 20 in the refrigeration cycle unit 10.

[0245] Additionally, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44 to allow the hot medium flowing into the interior to flow out towards both the heater core 413 side and the inlet connection passage 431 side. Furthermore, the control device 60 operates the first cryogenic side pump 421a and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in a manner that achieves a predetermined pressure delivery capacity.

[0246] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422 to switch to the following circuit: while connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium bypass passage 424, the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is connected to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0247] Therefore, in the heat medium circuit 40 of the B1C1 mode, the heat medium is as follows: Figure 7 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Specifically, in the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the B1C1 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulates in the following order: heat medium passage 12b of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, electric heater 412, three-way valve 44, heater core 413, and suction port of the high-temperature side pump 411.

[0248] In addition, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B1C1 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, heat medium bypass passage 424, and suction port of the first cryogenic side pump 421a. The heat medium pressurized from the second cryogenic side pump 421b circulates in the following order: cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50, five-way valve 422, heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, and suction port of the second cryogenic side pump 421b.

[0249] Additionally, in the B1C1 mode connection passage 43, a portion of the hot medium flowing into the three-way valve 44 flows to the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 421a via the inlet-side connection passage 431. Furthermore, a portion of the hot medium flowing out from the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 flows to the suction port side of the high-temperature side pump 411 via the outlet-side connection passage 432.

[0250] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled devices. For example, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44 so that the first low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL1 detected by the first low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 67a is close to a predetermined preheating target temperature TWLW1. In other words, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44 so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is close to the preheating target temperature TWLW1. The preheating target temperature TWLW1 is set to properly preheat the battery 51.

[0251] Therefore, in the heat medium circuit 40 of the B1C1 mode, the heat medium heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 or the electric heater 412 for the purpose of regulating the air inside the vehicle flows into the three-way valve 44. The heat medium flowing into the three-way valve 44 is diverted by the three-way valve 44 and flows into the heater core 413 and the inlet side connection passage 431.

[0252] The hot medium flowing from the three-way valve 44 into the inlet-side connecting passage 431 flows into the sixth hot medium connector 45f. In the sixth hot medium connector 45f, the flow of the hot medium flowing out of the inlet-side connecting passage 431 merges with the flow of the hot medium flowing out of the hot medium bypass passage 424. At this time, the three-way valve 44 adjusts the flow rate of the hot medium flowing in the inlet-side connecting passage 431 so that the temperature of the hot medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is close to the preheating target temperature TWLW1.

[0253] The hot medium flowing out from the sixth hot medium connector 45f is drawn into the first cryogenic side pump 421a and pressurized into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. The hot medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 dissipates heat to each cell of the battery 51. Thus, the battery 51 is preheated.

[0254] The flow of the heat medium exiting from the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is branched at the second heat medium connector 45b. The heat medium branched off from the second heat medium connector 45b flows into the first heat medium connector 45a via the outlet side connection passage 432.

[0255] In the first heat medium junction 45a, the flow of heat medium flowing out from the outlet side connection passage 432 merges with the flow of heat medium flowing out from the heater core 413. The merged heat medium is then drawn into the high-temperature side pump 411.

[0256] The hot medium branching off from the second hot medium connector 45b flows into the hot medium bypass passage 424 via the five-way valve 422. The hot medium flowing out of the hot medium bypass passage 424 flows into the sixth hot medium connector 45f via the fourth hot medium connector 45d.

[0257] Additionally, in the cryogenic side loop 42 of the B1C1 mode, the hot medium pumped by the second cryogenic side pump 421b flows into the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50. At this time, if the temperature of the hot medium flowing in the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is lower than the temperature of the high-voltage system equipment 50, the hot medium absorbs the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50.

[0258] The hot medium flowing from the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 flows into the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 via the five-way valve 422. In the B1C1 mode, the cooling expansion valve 14c is fully closed. Therefore, in the chiller 20, the hot medium and refrigerant do not exchange heat.

[0259] The hot medium flowing out from the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 is drawn into the second cryogenic side pump 421b via the third hot medium connector 45c and the fifth hot medium connector 45e. That is to say, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B1C1 mode, the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is not dissipated to the refrigerant or the outside air, and the preheating of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and the heating of the hot medium are carried out.

[0260] (B1C2 mode in air conditioning)

[0261] The B1C2 mode is an operating mode that executes both the (B1) battery heating mode and the (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode. Here, the (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode is not an operating mode intended to cool the high-voltage system equipment 50. Therefore, in the B1C2 mode, if there is no requirement to recover waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 for air conditioning or preheating of the battery 51, the same operation as in the B1C1 mode can be performed.

[0262] In the B1C2 mode of the air conditioner, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to a throttling state. Moreover, when the air conditioner is in the (A4) heating mode, the control device 60 opens the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0263] Therefore, in the B1C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10, the low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the cooling expansion valve 14c, flows into the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20. The refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20 flows into the liquid receiver 21 via the sixth refrigerant connector 13f and the fourth refrigerant connector 13d.

[0264] Furthermore, when the air conditioner is operating in heating mode (A4), the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following sequence: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, first refrigerant connector 13a, heating expansion valve 14a, outdoor heat exchanger 16, heating passage 22b, receiver 21, and compressor 11 suction inlet. Simultaneously, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed, in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following sequence: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, first refrigerant connector 13a, dehumidification passage 22a, cooling expansion valve 14c, chiller 20, receiver 21, and compressor 11 suction inlet. In other words, a cycle is formed in which the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and chiller 20 are connected in parallel with respect to the refrigerant flow.

[0265] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44, the five-way valve 422, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same way as in the B1C1 mode.

[0266] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium loop 40 of the B1C2 mode, as Figure 7 As indicated by the arrow, the heat medium flows in the same manner as in the B1C1 mode.

[0267] Furthermore, the control device 60 can appropriately control the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 can also control the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14c so that the temperature of the second low-temperature side heat medium TWL2 is close to the predetermined target temperature TWLO2 for the high-voltage system equipment. In other words, the control device 60 controls the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14c so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is close to the target temperature TWLO2 for the high-voltage system equipment. The target temperature TWLO2 for the high-voltage system equipment is set to enable the high-voltage system equipment 50 to operate appropriately.

[0268] Therefore, in the B1C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured, in which the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser and at least the chiller 20 functions as an evaporator. Thus, the waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 can be used as a heat source, and the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be heated using the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0269] In addition, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B1C2 mode, the battery 51 is preheated in the same way as in the B1C1 mode.

[0270] Additionally, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B1C2 mode, the hot medium pressurized by the second cryogenic side pump 421b flows into the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50. The hot medium flowing in the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 absorbs the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50. As a result, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled.

[0271] The hot medium flowing from the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 flows into the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 via the five-way valve 422. In the B1C2 mode, the cooling expansion valve 14c is in a throttling state. Therefore, the hot medium flowing into the chiller 20 exchanges heat with the low-pressure refrigerant after it has been depressurized by the cooling expansion valve 14c and is thus cooled. As a result, the temperature of the hot medium flowing into the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is close to the target temperature TWLO2 for the high-voltage system equipment.

[0272] The hot medium flowing out of the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 is drawn into the second cryogenic side pump 421b via the third hot medium joint 45c and the fifth hot medium joint 45e.

[0273] On the other hand, the low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20 absorbs heat from the heat transfer medium and evaporates. In other words, the low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20 recovers waste heat from the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50.

[0274] In addition, in the B1C2 mode of the air conditioner, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 is operating. Therefore, in the B1C2 mode of the air conditioner, the compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant that has recovered the waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 in the chiller 20 and discharges it to the refrigerant passage 12a side of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0275] In the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, at least a portion of the waste heat from the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50 recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 is dissipated to the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41. Thus, the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 is heated. In other words, in the B1C2 mode, the waste heat from the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50 is used as a heat source to heat the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41. Furthermore, the heated heat medium is used as a heat source to heat the supply air and preheat the battery 51.

[0276] In addition, as a means of preheating the battery 51, it is considered to allow the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to flow directly into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51.

[0277] However, the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 may have a relatively high temperature (specifically above 60°C). Therefore, if the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is allowed to flow directly into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, there is a possibility that the temperature of the battery 51 will rise sharply, thus accelerating the deterioration of the battery 51.

[0278] In contrast, in the B1C2 mode, the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle device 10 recovers the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and uses it as a heating source for the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41. Therefore, it is possible to set the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 to a desired temperature that is lower than the temperature of the heat medium immediately after flowing out of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50.

[0279] As a result, in B1C2 mode, there is no sharp rise in the temperature of battery 51, and proper preheating of battery 51 is possible.

[0280] (B1C3 mode in air conditioning)

[0281] B1C3 mode is an operating mode that executes (B1) battery heating mode and (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode.

[0282] In B1C3 mode, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a fully closed state. Therefore, in B1C3 mode, refrigerant does not flow into the chiller 20 in the refrigeration cycle unit 10.

[0283] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same way as in the B1C1 mode. Furthermore, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422 to switch to the following circuit: simultaneously connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat transfer bypass passage 424, and simultaneously connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the heat transfer inlet side of the cryogenic side radiator 423.

[0284] Therefore, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B1C3 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 8 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Specifically, in the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the B1C3 mode, the hot medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulates in the same manner as in the B1C1 mode. Furthermore, in the connection passage 43 of the B1C3 mode, the hot medium flows in the same manner as in the B1C1 mode.

[0285] In addition, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B1C3 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, heat medium bypass passage 424, and suction port of the first cryogenic side pump 421a. The heat medium pressurized from the second cryogenic side pump 421b circulates in the following order: cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50, five-way valve 422, cryogenic side radiator 423, and suction port of the second cryogenic side pump 421b.

[0286] Therefore, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B1C3 mode, the battery 51 is properly preheated in the same way as in the B1C1 mode.

[0287] Additionally, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B1C3 mode, the hot medium pressurized by the second cryogenic side pump 421b flows into the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50. The hot medium flowing in the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 absorbs the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50. As a result, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled.

[0288] The hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 flows into the low-temperature side radiator 423 via the five-way valve 422. The hot medium flowing into the low-temperature side radiator 423 dissipates heat to the outside air and is thus cooled. As a result, the hot medium flowing into the cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled to approximately the outside air temperature.

[0289] The heat medium flowing out from the low-temperature side radiator 423 is drawn into the second low-temperature side pump 421b via the fifth heat medium connector 45e. That is, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the B1C3 mode, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled by dissipating the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 423.

[0290] (B2C1 mode in air conditioning)

[0291] B2C1 mode is an operating mode that executes (B2) battery temperature equalization mode and (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode.

[0292] In B2C1 mode, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a fully closed state. Therefore, in B2C1 mode, refrigerant does not flow into the chiller 20 in the refrigeration cycle unit 10.

[0293] Additionally, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44 to direct all the flow of the internal heat medium to the heater core 413 side. Furthermore, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same manner as in the B1C1 mode.

[0294] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium circuit 40 of the B2C1 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 9 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Specifically, in the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the B2C1 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulates in the following order: heat medium passage 12b of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, electric heater 412, three-way valve 44, heater core 413, and suction port of the high-temperature side pump 411. Furthermore, in the connection passage 43 of the B2C1 mode, the heat medium does not flow.

[0295] In addition, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B2C1 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, heat medium bypass passage 424, and suction port of the first cryogenic side pump 421a. The heat medium pressurized from the second cryogenic side pump 421b circulates in the following order: cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50, five-way valve 422, heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, and suction port of the second cryogenic side pump 421b.

[0296] Therefore, in the cryogenic side loop 42 of the B2C1 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a is pressurized to the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. Furthermore, the temperature of each cell forming the battery 51 is homogenized by the flow of the heat medium through the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. Additionally, in the cryogenic side loop 42 of the B2C1 mode, similar to the B1C1 mode, the preheating of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and the heating of the heat medium are performed.

[0297] Here, in the B2C1 mode, when the temperature difference ΔTB between each battery cell is below a predetermined reference temperature difference ΔKTB, a temperature equalization disconnection mode that stops the first low-temperature side pump 421a can also be executed. The temperature difference ΔTB can be calculated based on the detection value of the battery temperature sensor 68. In addition, the reference temperature difference ΔKTB only needs to be set so as not to cause degradation of the battery 51.

[0298] (B2C2 mode in air conditioning)

[0299] The B2C2 mode is an operating mode that performs both the (B2) battery equalization mode and the (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode. In the B2C2 mode, if there is no requirement to recover waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 for air conditioning or preheating of the battery 51, the operation is the same as in the B2C1 mode.

[0300] In the B2C2 mode of air conditioning, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to a throttling state, just like in the B1C2 mode. Moreover, when the air conditioning is operated in the (A4) heating mode, the control device 60 opens the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0301] Therefore, in the B2C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10, the low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the cooling expansion valve 14c, flows into the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20. The refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20 flows into the liquid receiver 21 via the sixth refrigerant connector 13f and the fourth refrigerant connector 13d.

[0302] Furthermore, when the air conditioner is used in heating mode (A4), similar to mode B1C2, the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel with respect to the refrigerant flow in a loop.

[0303] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44, the five-way valve 422, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same way as in the B2C1 mode.

[0304] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium loop 40 of the B2C2 mode, as Figure 9As indicated by the arrow, the heat medium flows in the same manner as in the B2C1 mode.

[0305] Furthermore, the control device 60, in the same manner as the B1C2 mode, appropriately controls the operation of other controlled devices.

[0306] Therefore, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the B2C2 mode, the temperature homogenization of each cell forming the battery 51 is carried out in the same way as in the B2C1 mode.

[0307] In addition, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the B2C2 mode, similarly to the B1C2 mode, the heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows through the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the power system equipment 50, thereby cooling the power system equipment 50.

[0308] Furthermore, in the B2C2 mode of the air conditioner, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 is operating. Therefore, in the B2C2 mode of the air conditioner, similarly to the B1C2 mode, the waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant of the chiller 20 is used as a heat source to heat the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41. Moreover, the heated heat medium is used as a heat source to heat the supply air.

[0309] Furthermore, in B2C2 mode, the temperature equalization disconnection mode can be executed in the same way as in B2C1 mode.

[0310] (B2C3 mode in air conditioning)

[0311] B2C3 mode is an operating mode that executes (B2) battery temperature equalization mode and (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode.

[0312] In B2C3 mode, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a fully closed state. Therefore, in B2C3 mode, refrigerant does not flow into the chiller 20 in the refrigeration cycle unit 10.

[0313] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same way as in the B2C1 mode. Furthermore, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422 to switch to the following circuit: simultaneously connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat transfer bypass passage 424, and simultaneously connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the heat transfer inlet side of the cryogenic side radiator 423.

[0314] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium circuit 40 of the B2C3 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 10The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Specifically, in the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the B2C3 mode, the hot medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulates in the same manner as in the B2C1 mode. Furthermore, in the connection passage 43 of the B2C3 mode, as in the B2C1 mode, the hot medium does not flow.

[0315] In addition, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B2C3 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, heat medium bypass passage 424, and suction port of the first cryogenic side pump 421a. The heat medium pressurized from the second cryogenic side pump 421b circulates in the following order: cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50, five-way valve 422, cryogenic side radiator 423, and suction port of the second cryogenic side pump 421b.

[0316] Therefore, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the B2C3 mode, the temperature of each battery cell forming the battery 51 is homogenized, similar to the B2C1 mode. Furthermore, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the B2C3 mode, similar to the B1C3 mode, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled by dissipating waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the outside air through the low-temperature side heat sink 423.

[0317] Furthermore, in B2C3 mode, the temperature equalization disconnection mode can be executed in the same way as in B2C1 mode.

[0318] (B3C3 mode in air conditioning)

[0319] B3C3 mode is an operating mode that executes (B3) battery cooling mode and (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode.

[0320] In the B3C3 mode of air conditioning, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to a throttling state, just like in the B1C2 mode. Moreover, when the air conditioning is operated in the (A4) heating mode, the control device 60 opens the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0321] Therefore, in the B3C3 mode refrigeration cycle device 10, the low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the cooling expansion valve 14c, flows into the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20. The refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage 20a of the chiller 20 flows into the liquid receiver 21 via the sixth refrigerant connector 13f and the fourth refrigerant connector 13d.

[0322] Furthermore, when the air conditioner is used in heating mode (A4), similar to mode B1C2, the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel with respect to the refrigerant flow in a loop.

[0323] Additionally, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way valve 44 to direct all the flow of the internal heat medium toward the heater core 413 side. Furthermore, the control device 60 operates the first cryogenic side pump 421a and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in a manner that achieves a predetermined pressure delivery capacity.

[0324] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422 to switch to the following circuit: while connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the heat medium inlet side of the low-temperature radiator 423.

[0325] Therefore, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B3C3 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 11 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Specifically, in the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the B3C3 mode, the hot medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulates in the same manner as in the B2C1 mode. Furthermore, in the connection passage 43 of the B3C3 mode, as in the B2C1 mode, the hot medium does not flow.

[0326] In addition, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B3C3 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, and the suction port of the first cryogenic side pump 421a. The heat medium pressurized from the second cryogenic side pump 421b circulates in the following order: cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50, five-way valve 422, cryogenic side radiator 423, and the suction port of the second cryogenic side pump 421b.

[0327] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled devices. For example, the control device 60 controls the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14c so that the temperature of the first low-temperature side heat medium TWL1 is close to the battery target temperature TWLO1. In other words, the control device 60 controls the throttling opening of the cooling expansion valve 14c so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is close to the battery target temperature TWLO1. The battery target temperature TWLO1 is set to enable the battery 51 to operate appropriately.

[0328] Therefore, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B3C3 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a flows into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. The heat medium flowing in the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 absorbs the waste heat of the battery 51. Thus, the battery 51 is cooled.

[0329] The heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 flows into the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 via the five-way valve 422. The heat medium flowing into the chiller 20 exchanges heat with the low-pressure refrigerant after it has been depressurized by the cooling expansion valve 14c and is thus cooled. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is close to the target temperature TWLO1 for the battery.

[0330] The hot medium flowing out from the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 is drawn into the first cryogenic side pump 421a via the third hot medium joint 45c and the fourth hot medium joint 45d.

[0331] On the other hand, the low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20 absorbs heat from the heat transfer medium and evaporates. In other words, the low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20 recovers waste heat from the battery 51.

[0332] Additionally, in the B3C3 mode of the air conditioner, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 is operating. Therefore, in the B3C3 mode of the air conditioner, the compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant that has recovered the waste heat from the battery 51 in the chiller 20 and discharges it to the refrigerant passage 12a side of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0333] In the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, at least a portion of the waste heat from the battery 51 recovered by the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 is dissipated to the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41. Thus, the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 is heated. Furthermore, the heated heat medium is used as a heat source to heat the supply air.

[0334] In addition, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the B3C3 mode, similarly to the B1C3 mode, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled by dissipating the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the outside air through the low-temperature side heat sink 423.

[0335] Next, the operating mode for temperature adjustment in non-air conditioning situations, such as when the battery 51 is charging, will be explained.

[0336] When the vehicle interior air conditioning is not in operation, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle device 10, the indoor air supply fan 32 of the indoor air conditioning unit 30, and the high-temperature side pump 411 of the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the heat medium circuit 40 can be stopped. Therefore, in the temperature adjustment operation mode in non-air conditioning mode, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is operated as needed to suppress unnecessary energy consumption.

[0337] (B1C1 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0338] In B1C1 mode, in order to preheat battery 51, the heat medium flowing in high-temperature side circuit 41 needs to be heated.

[0339] Therefore, in the B1C1 mode (not for air conditioning), the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to a throttling state, the cooling expansion valve 14b to a fully closed state, and the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a fully closed state. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and opens the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0340] Therefore, in the B1C1 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates in the same order as in the (A4) heating mode.

[0341] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 to achieve a predetermined discharge capacity. Additionally, the control device 60 controls the high-temperature side pump 411 to achieve a predetermined pressure delivery capacity. Other operations are the same as in the B1C1 mode of air conditioning.

[0342] Therefore, in the B1C1 mode of the refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, similar to the (A4) heating mode, the heat absorbed from the outside air by the outdoor heat exchanger 16 can be used as a heat source, and the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0343] Furthermore, in the B1C1 mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30 (without air conditioning), since the indoor fan 32 is stopped, there is no heat exchange between the heat medium in the heater core 413 and the supply air. Therefore, the heated supply air will not be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0344] Additionally, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B1C1 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 7 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Therefore, in the B1C1 mode in non-air conditioning, the preheating of battery 51, the preheating of high-voltage system equipment 50, and the heating of the heat transfer medium are performed in the same way as in the B1C1 mode in air conditioning.

[0345] (B1C2 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0346] In B1C2 mode, the heat transfer medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 needs to be heated to preheat battery 51. Furthermore, in B1C2 mode, the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 needs to absorb waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50. Of course, similar to air conditioning, if there is no requirement to recover waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 for preheating battery 51, the same operation as in B1C1 mode can be performed.

[0347] Therefore, in the B1C2 mode (non-air conditioning), the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to a throttling state, the cooling expansion valve 14b to a fully closed state, and the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a throttling state. Additionally, the control device 60 opens the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0348] Therefore, in the B1C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, similar to the B1C2 mode in air conditioning when the operating mode for air conditioning is (A4) heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel with respect to the refrigerant flow in a cycle.

[0349] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 to achieve a predetermined discharge capacity. Additionally, the control device 60 controls the high-temperature side pump 411 to achieve a predetermined pressure delivery capacity. Other operations are the same as in the B1C2 mode of air conditioning.

[0350] Therefore, in the B1C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured, in which the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and chiller 20 function as evaporators. Thus, the waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 recovered by the low-pressure refrigerant in chiller 20 and the heat absorbed from the outside air by the refrigerant in outdoor heat exchanger 16 can be used as heat sources, and the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be heated using the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0351] Furthermore, in the B1C1 mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30 (without air conditioning), since the indoor fan 32 is stopped, there is no heat exchange between the heat medium in the heater core 413 and the supply air. Therefore, the heated supply air will not be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0352] Additionally, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B1C2 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 7The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Therefore, in the non-air conditioning heat transfer circuit 40, the preheating of the battery 51 and the recovery of waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 are performed in the same manner as in the B1C2 mode of air conditioning.

[0353] Here, in the B1C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 for non-air conditioning use, the waste heat recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant of the chiller 20 and the heat absorbed by the refrigerant from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 can be used as heat sources to heat the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41. In contrast, if the battery 51 can be sufficiently preheated by using only the waste heat of the high-pressure refrigerant 50 as a heat source, the heating expansion valve 14a can be set to a fully closed state.

[0354] (B1C3 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0355] In B1C3 mode, in order to preheat battery 51, the heat medium flowing in high-temperature side circuit 41 needs to be heated.

[0356] Therefore, in the B1C3 mode of non-air conditioning, the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to a throttling state, the cooling expansion valve 14b to a fully closed state, and the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to a fully closed state, just as in the B1C1 mode of non-air conditioning. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and opens the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0357] Therefore, in the B1C3 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates in the same order as in the (A4) heating mode.

[0358] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 to achieve a predetermined discharge capacity. Additionally, the control device 60 controls the high-temperature side pump 411 to achieve a predetermined pressure delivery capacity. Other operations are the same as in the B1C3 mode of air conditioning.

[0359] Therefore, in the B1C3 mode of the refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, similar to the (A4) heating mode, the heat absorbed from the outside air by the outdoor heat exchanger 16 can be used as a heat source, and the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0360] Furthermore, in the B1C3 mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30 (without air conditioning), since the indoor fan 32 is stopped, there is no heat exchange between the heat medium in the heater core 413 and the supply air. Therefore, the heated supply air will not be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0361] Additionally, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B1C3 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 8 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Therefore, in the non-air-conditioned B1C3 mode, the battery 51 is preheated and the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled in the same way as in the air-conditioned B1C3 mode.

[0362] (B2C1 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0363] In the B2C1 mode of non-air conditioning, it is not necessary to heat the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41, nor is it necessary for the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 to absorb waste heat from the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50. Therefore, in the B2C1 mode of non-air conditioning, the control device 60 stops the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10, the indoor air conditioning unit 30's indoor fan 32, etc. Other operations are the same as in the B2C1 mode of air conditioning.

[0364] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium circuit 40 of the B2C1 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 9 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Therefore, in the B2C1 mode in non-air conditioning, the temperature equalization of each cell forming battery 51, the preheating of the high-voltage system equipment 50, and the heating of the heat transfer medium are performed in the same way as in the B2C1 mode in air conditioning.

[0365] Here, in Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an example of the hot medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulating in the high-temperature side circuit 41, but the high-temperature side pump 411 can also be stopped in the B2C1 mode without air conditioning. Furthermore, in the B2C1 mode without air conditioning, a temperature equalization disconnection mode can also be executed.

[0366] (B2C2 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0367] In B2C2 mode, the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 needs to absorb the waste heat from the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50. Of course, similar to air conditioning, if there is no requirement to recover the waste heat from the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50 for preheating the battery 51, the same operation as in B2C1 mode can be performed.

[0368] Therefore, in the B2C2 mode (non-air conditioning), the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to the fully open state, the cooling expansion valve 14b to the fully closed state, and the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to the throttling state. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0369] Therefore, in the B2C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the following order: water refrigerant heat exchanger 12, fully open heating expansion valve 14a, outdoor heat exchanger 16, check valve 17, cooling expansion valve 14c, chiller 20, liquid receiver 21, and the suction port of compressor 11.

[0370] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 to achieve a predetermined discharge capacity. Additionally, the control device 60 controls the high-temperature side pump 411 in the same way as in the B1C1 mode of non-air conditioning. Other operations are the same as in the B2C2 mode of air conditioning.

[0371] Therefore, in the B2C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is constructed in which the outdoor heat exchanger 16 functions as a condenser and the chiller 20 functions as an evaporator. As a result, the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50 recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 can be dissipated to the outside air.

[0372] Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 is lower than the temperature of the high-pressure refrigerant, the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 can function as a condenser. In this case, the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 can be used to dissipate waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 to the heat medium.

[0373] Furthermore, in the B2C2 mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30 (without air conditioning), since the indoor fan 32 is stopped, there is no heat exchange between the heat medium in the heater core 413 and the supply air. Therefore, the heated supply air will not be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0374] Additionally, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B2C2 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 9 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Therefore, in the B2C2 mode in non-air conditioning, the temperature of each cell forming battery 51 is homogenized, and the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is recovered, just like in the B2C2 mode in air conditioning.

[0375] Here, in Figure 9The diagram illustrates an example of the heat medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulating in the high-temperature side circuit 41. However, in the non-air conditioning B2C2 mode, the high-temperature side pump 411 can also be stopped. Furthermore, the temperature equalization disconnection mode can also be executed in the non-air conditioning B2C2 mode.

[0376] (B2C3 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0377] In the B2C3 mode of non-air conditioning, it is not necessary to heat the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41, nor is it necessary for the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 to absorb waste heat from the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50. Therefore, in the B2C3 mode of non-air conditioning, the control device 60 stops the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10, the indoor air conditioning unit 30's indoor fan 32, etc. Other operations are the same as in the B2C3 mode of air conditioning.

[0378] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium circuit 40 of the B2C3 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 10 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Therefore, in the B2C3 mode without air conditioning, the temperature of each cell forming the battery 51 and the cooling of the high-voltage system equipment 50 are performed in the same way as in the B2C3 mode with air conditioning.

[0379] Here, in Figure 10 The diagram illustrates an example of the hot medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulating in the high-temperature side circuit 41. However, in the B2C3 mode without air conditioning, the high-temperature side pump 411 can also be stopped. Furthermore, the temperature equalization disconnection mode can also be executed in the B2C3 mode without air conditioning.

[0380] (B3C3 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0381] In B3C3 mode, the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 needs to absorb the waste heat from the battery 51.

[0382] Therefore, in the B3C3 mode of non-air conditioning, the control device 60, similar to the B2C2 mode of non-air conditioning, sets the heating expansion valve 14a to the fully open state, the cooling expansion valve 14b to the fully closed state, and the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to the throttling state. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0383] Therefore, in the B3C3 mode of non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates in the same order as in the B2C2 mode of non-air conditioning.

[0384] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 to achieve a predetermined discharge capacity. Additionally, the control device 60 controls the high-temperature side pump 411 to achieve a predetermined pressure delivery capacity. Other operations are the same as in the B3C3 mode of air conditioning.

[0385] Therefore, in the B3C3 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured, in which the outdoor heat exchanger 16 functions as a condenser and the chiller 20 functions as an evaporator. As a result, the waste heat recovered from the battery 51 by the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 can be dissipated to the outside air.

[0386] Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 is lower than the temperature of the high-pressure refrigerant, the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 can function as a condenser. In this case, the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 can be used to dissipate the waste heat of the battery 51 to the heat medium.

[0387] Furthermore, in the B3C3 mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30 (without air conditioning), since the indoor fan 32 is stopped, there is no heat exchange between the heat medium in the heater core 413 and the supply air. Therefore, the heated supply air will not be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0388] Additionally, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B3C3 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 11 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. Therefore, in the non-air-conditioned B3C3 mode, the battery 51 and the high-voltage system equipment 50 are cooled in the same way as in the air-conditioned B3C3 mode.

[0389] Here, in Figure 11 The diagram illustrates an example of the hot medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulating in the high-temperature side loop 41, but in the B3C3 mode without air conditioning, the high-temperature side pump 411 can also be stopped.

[0390] In the aforementioned non-air conditioning B3C3 mode, the battery 51 is cooled at a relatively high temperature, where the battery temperature TB is above the fourth reference battery temperature KTB4. Therefore, the non-air conditioning B3C3 mode can also be executed during charging when the battery 51 generates more heat.

[0391] However, during fast charging, where the battery 51 is charged in a shorter time than during normal charging, the battery 51 generates more heat compared to normal charging. Therefore, during fast charging, there is a possibility that even if the thermal management system 1 switches to B3C3 mode, the battery 51 may not be adequately cooled.

[0392] Therefore, in this embodiment, the thermal management system 1 can execute a (D) fast charging cooling mode that cools the battery 51 with a higher cooling capacity than the B3C3 mode. The (D) fast charging cooling mode is executed when fast charging of the battery 51 begins. The detailed operation of the (D) fast charging cooling mode will be described below.

[0393] (D) Fast charging cooling mode

[0394] In the fast-charging cooling mode, the control device 60, similar to the B3C3 mode in non-air conditioning, sets the heating expansion valve 14a to the fully open state, the cooling expansion valve 14b to the fully closed state, and the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to the throttling state. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0395] Therefore, in the fast-charging cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed, in which the refrigerant circulates in the same order as in the B3C3 mode in non-air conditioning.

[0396] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 to achieve a predetermined discharge capacity.

[0397] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422 to switch to the following circuit: while connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is connected to the heat medium inlet side of the low-temperature side radiator 423.

[0398] Therefore, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the heat transfer medium circuit 40 in the fast charging cooling mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 12 It flows as indicated by the arrow.

[0399] Specifically, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the fast-charging cooling mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first low-temperature side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, and the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 421a. Simultaneously, the heat medium pressurized from the first low-temperature side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, low-temperature side radiator 423, and the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 421a. Other operations are the same as in the B3C3 mode of air conditioning.

[0400] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 of the fast-charging cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured, in which the outdoor heat exchanger 16 functions as a condenser and the chiller 20 functions as an evaporator. Thus, the waste heat from the battery 51 recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 can be dissipated to the outside air.

[0401] Furthermore, in the fast-charging cooling mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 30, since the indoor fan 32 stops, there is no heat exchange between the heat medium in the heater core 413 and the supply air. Therefore, the heated supply air will not be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0402] Additionally, in the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the fast-charging cooling mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first low-temperature side pump 421a flows into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. The heat medium flowing in the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 absorbs the waste heat of the battery 51. As a result, the battery 51 is cooled.

[0403] The flow of the hot medium from the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is branched at the five-way valve 422. The hot medium branched off from the five-way valve 422 flows into the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20. The hot medium flowing into the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 is cooled by heat exchange with the low-pressure refrigerant. The hot medium flowing out of the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 flows into an inlet outlet of the third hot medium connector 45c.

[0404] On the other hand, the low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20 absorbs heat from the heat medium and evaporates. In other words, the low-pressure refrigerant recovers waste heat from the battery 51.

[0405] The hot medium branching off from the five-way valve 422 flows into the low-temperature side radiator 423. The hot medium flowing into the low-temperature side radiator 423 dissipates heat to the outside air and is cooled. The hot medium flowing out of the low-temperature side radiator 423 flows into another inlet outlet of the third hot medium connector 45c.

[0406] In the third heat medium junction 45c, the flow of heat medium flowing out of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 merges with the flow of heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature side radiator 423. The heat medium after merging in the third heat medium junction 45c is drawn into the first low-temperature side pump 421a via the fourth heat medium junction 45d and the sixth heat medium junction 45f.

[0407] Therefore, in the fast-charging cooling mode, not only can the waste heat of battery 51 be absorbed by the low-pressure refrigerant in the cooler 20, but the waste heat of battery 51 can also be dissipated to the outside air by the low-temperature side radiator 423. Thus, compared with the B3C3 mode, the cooling capacity of battery 51 can be improved in the fast-charging cooling mode.

[0408] As a result, in fast charging cooling mode, even during fast charging when the heat generated by battery 51 increases compared to normal charging, the temperature of battery 51 can be cooled to an appropriate temperature range.

[0409] As described above, the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment is capable of providing comfortable air conditioning inside the vehicle and appropriate temperature adjustment for multiple vehicle-mounted devices.

[0410] In this embodiment of the thermal management system 1, the appropriate temperature range of the battery 51, which is the first object of temperature adjustment, is different from the appropriate temperature range of the high-voltage system equipment 50, which is the second object of temperature adjustment. Therefore, in this embodiment of the thermal management system 1, there is also an operating condition in which the battery 51 must be preheated while the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled.

[0411] In contrast, the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment has a connection passage 43 that serves as a heat transfer section. Therefore, as explained in the B1C2 model and the like, the heat from the heat transfer medium heated by the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 can be transferred to the heat transfer medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. Thus, the battery 51 can be preheated by heating.

[0412] Furthermore, when the heat medium is circulated in the connection passage 43 to move heat, the five-way valve 422 switches to the following circuit structure: while the heat medium circulates between the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 and the heat medium bypass passage 424, the heat medium circulates between the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0413] Therefore, the heat medium can circulate between the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 without being affected by the temperature of the heat medium circulating between the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 and the heat medium bypass passage 424.

[0414] Therefore, by exchanging heat between the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and the low-pressure refrigerant after pressure reduction by the cooling expansion valve 14c, the low-pressure refrigerant can absorb the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50. Furthermore, the hot medium flowing into the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 can be cooled.

[0415] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10, the waste heat recovered from the low-pressure refrigerant of the chiller 20 can be used as a heat source, and the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be heated using the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12. As a result, as described in the B1C2 mode, the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be used as a heat source to preheat the battery 51.

[0416] In other words, the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment can preheat the battery 51 while simultaneously recovering the waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 and using it as a heating source for the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41. That is, according to the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, even if the appropriate temperature range of the first temperature-adjusting object is different from the appropriate temperature range of the second temperature-adjusting object, the heat generated by the temperature-adjusting object can be fully and effectively utilized.

[0417] Furthermore, the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the thermal management system 1 in this embodiment has a heater core 413, which is a heat exchange unit for heating that allows the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 to exchange heat with the supply air, which is the fluid to be heated. Therefore, as explained in the B1C2 mode of air conditioning, the waste heat of the high-voltage system equipment 50 can be recovered and used as a heating source for the supply air in a fully and effectively manner.

[0418] Furthermore, in the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, a connection passage 43 is used as a heat transfer unit. The inlet-side connection passage 431 of the connection passage 43 is connected in such a way that the heat medium flowing from the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is guided to the inlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. Therefore, the heat possessed by the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be used to preheat the battery 51.

[0419] Furthermore, the inlet-side connection passage 431 guides the hot medium flowing from the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 to the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 421a, which pressurizes the hot medium into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. Thus, the hot medium flowing from the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12 can be reliably supplied to the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. That is, the heat possessed by the hot medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be reliably used to preheat the battery 51.

[0420] Furthermore, the outlet-side connection passage 432 of the connection passage 43 is connected in such a way that the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 is guided to the suction port side of the high-temperature side pump 411. Moreover, the heater core 413 is disposed between the three-way valve 44 and the first hot medium connector 45a. That is, the hot medium flowing from the three-way valve 44 into the connection passage 43 bypasses the heater core 413 and is guided to the suction port side of the high-temperature side pump 411.

[0421] Therefore, even if the heat transfer medium flows through the connection passage 43, it is difficult to affect the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the heater core 413. Therefore, even if the battery 51 is preheated, it is difficult to affect the air conditioning in the vehicle interior.

[0422] In addition, in the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, when the five-way valve 422 is switched to a loop structure that circulates the heat medium between the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 and the heat medium bypass passage 424, the heat movement control unit 60c controls the operation of the three-way valve 44 so that the temperature of the first low-temperature side heat medium TWL1 is close to the preheating target temperature TWLW1.

[0423] Therefore, the hot medium flowing through the inlet-side connection passage 431 can be mixed with the hot medium flowing through the hot medium bypass passage 424 and allowed to flow into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. Thus, the rapid temperature change of the hot medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 can be suppressed, thereby further effectively suppressing the aggravation of the degradation of the battery 51.

[0424] Furthermore, the high-temperature side circuit 41 of the thermal management system 1 in this embodiment has an electric heater 412 as a heating unit. Therefore, even if the heating capacity of the heat medium of the refrigeration cycle device 10 is insufficient, the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be raised to preheat the battery 51 and heat the supply air.

[0425] Furthermore, the five-way valve 422 of the thermal management system 1 in this embodiment can allow the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to flow into at least one of the hot medium bypass passage 424 and the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20. Therefore, it is possible to switch between a circuit structure that cools the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 and a circuit structure that does not cool the hot medium.

[0426] Furthermore, the five-way valve 422 of the thermal management system 1 in this embodiment allows the hot medium flowing from the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 to flow into at least one of the low-temperature side radiator 423 and the hot medium passage 20b of the chiller 20. Therefore, it is possible to switch between a circuit structure that cools the hot medium by exchanging heat with the low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the cooling water passage 50a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and a circuit structure that cools the hot medium by exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0427] Therefore, when the waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 is not required for heating the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41, the waste heat from the high-voltage system equipment 50 can be dissipated to the outside air. In other words, the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment can effectively utilize the heat generated by the object to which the temperature is adjusted as needed.

[0428] In addition, the five-way valve 422 of the thermal management system 1 in this embodiment can switch the heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 to either the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 or the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 50a of the power system equipment 50.

[0429] Therefore, the shared chiller 20 can be used to cool the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 and the heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 50a of the power system equipment 50.

[0430] Furthermore, the five-way valve 422 of the thermal management system 1 in this embodiment allows the heat medium flowing from the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to flow into both the low-temperature side radiator 423 and the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20. This allows switching to a loop structure similar to a fast-charging cooling mode, where the waste heat of the battery 51 is absorbed by the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20, and the waste heat of the battery 51 is dissipated to the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 423. Therefore, the battery 51 can be effectively cooled.

[0431] (Second Implementation)

[0432] In this embodiment, the following example will be described: For the thermal management system 1 described in the first embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown in the overall structural diagram, a battery-side heat sink 423a and a three-way switching valve 425 are added to the low-temperature side circuit 42 of the heat medium circuit 40.

[0433] The battery-side radiator 423a is a battery-side outside air heat exchange unit that allows heat exchange between outside air and the hot medium flowing out from the bypass passage side outlet 422d of the five-way valve 422. The basic structure of the battery-side radiator 423a is the same as that of the low-temperature side radiator 423. The outlet of the battery-side radiator 423a is connected to the outlet side of the hot medium bypass passage 424 via the seventh hot medium connector 45g.

[0434] The three-way switching valve 425 is a switching valve that allows the hot medium flowing out from the bypass passage side outlet 422d of the five-way valve 422 to flow to either the hot medium bypass passage side 424 side or the battery-side radiator 423a side. The three-way switching valve 425 is a low-temperature circuit switching unit that switches the circuit structure of the low-temperature circuit 42. The operation of the three-way switching valve 425 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60. The structure of the other parts of the thermal management system 1 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0435] Next, the operation of the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment with the above-described structure will be explained. As the battery operation mode of the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, in addition to (B1) battery heating mode, (B2) battery temperature equalization mode, (B3) battery cooling mode, it can also execute (B4) battery external air cooling mode.

[0436] (B4) Battery external air cooling mode is an operating mode that uses the heat medium cooled by the battery-side heat sink 423a to cool the battery 51.

[0437] Furthermore, in the temperature adjustment control program of this embodiment, refer to Figure 14 The control characteristic diagram shows the control mapping used to switch the operating mode for temperature adjustment.

[0438] Specifically, when the operating mode of the high-voltage system equipment is (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode or (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode, during the process of the battery temperature TB rising, when the battery temperature TB is above the fourth reference battery temperature KTB4, the mode switches from (B2) battery temperature equalization mode to (B4) battery external air cooling mode.

[0439] On the other hand, when the operating mode of the high-voltage system equipment is (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode or (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode, during the process of the battery temperature TB decreasing, when the battery temperature TB is below the third reference battery temperature KTB3, the mode switches from (B4) battery external air cooling mode to (B2) battery temperature equalization mode.

[0440] Furthermore, when the operating mode for the high-voltage system equipment is (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode, during the rise of the battery temperature TB, when the battery temperature TB reaches or exceeds the fourth reference battery temperature KTB4, the system switches from (B2) battery temperature equalization mode to (B3) battery cooling mode. Further, when the battery temperature TB reaches or exceeds the sixth reference battery temperature KTB6, the system switches from (B3) battery cooling mode to (B4) battery external air cooling mode.

[0441] On the other hand, when the operating mode for the high-voltage system equipment is (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode, during the process of battery temperature TB decreasing, when the battery temperature TB falls below the fifth reference battery temperature KTB5, the system switches from (B4) battery external air cooling mode to (B3) battery cooling mode. Furthermore, when the battery temperature TB falls below the third reference battery temperature KTB3, the system switches from (B3) battery cooling mode to (B2) battery temperature equalization mode.

[0442] Therefore, the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment can execute B4C1 mode, B4C2 mode, and B4C3 mode. The detailed operation of each operating mode for temperature adjustment will be described below.

[0443] (B4C1 mode)

[0444] The B4C1 mode is an operating mode that executes the (B4) battery external air cooling mode and the (C1) high-voltage system equipment heat storage mode.

[0445] In B4C1 mode, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a fully closed state. Therefore, in the B4C1 mode of the refrigeration cycle unit 10, refrigerant will not flow into the chiller 20. Therefore, in non-air conditioning situations, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10, the indoor air conditioning unit 30's indoor fan 32, and the high-temperature side pump 411 of the high-temperature side circuit 41 can also be stopped.

[0446] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422 to switch to the following circuit: while connecting the outlet side of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 to the inlet side of the heat medium bypass passage 424, the outlet side of the cooling water passages 52a to 54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50 is connected to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20.

[0447] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the three-way switching valve 425 to switch the circuit so that the hot medium flowing out from the bypass passage side outlet 422d of the five-way valve 422 flows out to the battery side radiator 423a.

[0448] Therefore, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B4C1 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 15 It flows as indicated by the arrow.

[0449] Specifically, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B4C1 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, battery-side radiator 423a, and the suction port of the first cryogenic side pump 421a. The heat medium pressurized from the second cryogenic side pump 421b circulates in the following order: cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50, five-way valve 422, heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20, and the suction port of the second cryogenic side pump 421b.

[0450] Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of other controlled equipment. For example, the control device 60 causes the first cryogenic side pump 421a and the second cryogenic side pump 421b to operate in a manner that achieves a predetermined pressure delivery capacity.

[0451] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium circuit 40 of the B4C1 mode, the heat transfer medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a absorbs the waste heat of the battery 51 as it flows through the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. As a result, the battery 51 is cooled. The heat transfer medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 dissipates heat to the outside air and is cooled as it flows through the battery-side radiator 423a.

[0452] In other words, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B4C1 mode, the battery 51 is cooled by dissipating the waste heat of the battery 51 to the outside air through the battery-side heat sink 423a.

[0453] Furthermore, in the heat medium circuit 40 of the B4C1 mode, the preheating of the high-voltage system equipment 50 and the heating of the heat medium are performed in the same manner as in the B1C1 mode described in the first embodiment.

[0454] Here, in Figure 15 The diagram illustrates an example of the hot medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 411 circulating in the high-temperature side loop 41, but in the B4C1 mode without air conditioning, the high-temperature side pump 411 can also be stopped.

[0455] (B4C2 mode in air conditioning)

[0456] The B4C2 mode is an operating mode that executes the (B4) battery external air cooling mode and the (C2) high-voltage system equipment waste heat recovery mode.

[0457] In the B4C1 mode of the air conditioner, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to a throttling state in the same way as in the B2C2 mode of the air conditioner.

[0458] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422, the three-way switching valve 425, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same way as in the B4C1 mode.

[0459] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium loop 40 of the B4C2 mode, as Figure 15 As indicated by the arrow, the heat medium flows in the same manner as in the B4C1 mode.

[0460] Moreover, the control device 60 controls the operation of other controlled devices in the same way as the B2C2 mode in the air conditioning system.

[0461] Therefore, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B4C2 mode in the air conditioner, the battery 51 is cooled in the same way as in the B4C1 mode. Furthermore, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled in the same way as in the B2C2 mode of the air conditioner.

[0462] (B4C2 mode in non-air conditioning)

[0463] In the B4C2 mode of non-air conditioning, the low-pressure refrigerant in the chiller 20 needs to absorb the waste heat of the high-voltage electrical system equipment 50.

[0464] Therefore, in the B4C2 mode of non-air conditioning, similarly to the B2C2 mode of non-air conditioning, the control device 60 sets the heating expansion valve 14a to the fully open state, the cooling expansion valve 14b to the fully closed state, and the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle device 10 to the throttling state. Additionally, the control device 60 closes the dehumidification on / off valve 15a and the heating on / off valve 15b.

[0465] Therefore, in the B4C2 mode refrigeration cycle device 10 in non-air conditioning, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant circulates in the same way as in the B2C2 mode in non-air conditioning.

[0466] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422, the three-way switching valve 425, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same way as in the B4C1 mode.

[0467] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium loop 40 of the B4C2 mode, as Figure 15 As indicated by the arrow, the heat medium flows in the same manner as in the B4C1 mode.

[0468] Moreover, the control device 60 controls the operation of other controlled devices in the same way as the B2C2 mode in non-air conditioning.

[0469] Therefore, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B4C2 mode in non-air conditioning, the battery 51 is cooled in the same way as in the B4C1 mode. Furthermore, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled in the same way as in the B2C2 mode in air conditioning.

[0470] (B4C3 mode)

[0471] The B4C3 mode is an operating mode that executes the (B4) battery external air cooling mode and the (C3) high-voltage system equipment cooling mode.

[0472] In B4C3 mode, the control device 60 sets the cooling expansion valve 14c of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 to a fully closed state. Therefore, in the B4C3 mode of the refrigeration cycle unit 10, refrigerant will not flow into the chiller 20. Therefore, in non-air conditioning situations, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10, the indoor air conditioning unit 30's indoor fan 32, and the high-temperature side pump 411 of the high-temperature side circuit 41 can also be stopped.

[0473] In addition, the control device 60 controls the operation of the five-way valve 422, the three-way switching valve 425, the first cryogenic side pump 421a, and the second cryogenic side pump 421b in the same way as in the B4C1 mode.

[0474] Therefore, in the heat transfer circuit 40 of the B4C3 mode, the heat transfer medium is as follows: Figure 16 It flows as indicated by the arrow.

[0475] Specifically, in the cryogenic side circuit 42 of the B4C3 mode, the heat medium pressurized from the first cryogenic side pump 421a circulates in the following order: cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51, five-way valve 422, battery-side radiator 423a, and the suction port of the first cryogenic side pump 421a. The heat medium pressurized from the second cryogenic side pump 421b circulates in the following order: cooling water passages 52a-54a of the high-voltage system equipment 50, five-way valve 422, cryogenic side radiator 423, and the suction port of the second cryogenic side pump 421b.

[0476] Moreover, the control device 60 controls the operation of other controlled devices in the same way as the B4C1 mode.

[0477] Therefore, in B4C3 mode, the battery 51 is cooled, just as in B4C1 mode. Furthermore, the high-voltage system equipment 50 is cooled, just as in B3C3 mode.

[0478] Other operations are the same as in the first embodiment. As described above, the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment can perform comfortable air conditioning inside the vehicle and appropriate temperature adjustment for multiple vehicle-mounted devices. Moreover, in the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, even if the appropriate temperature range of the first temperature-adjustable object is different from the appropriate temperature range of the second temperature-adjustable object, the heat generated by the temperature-adjustable object can be fully and effectively utilized.

[0479] Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment can execute B4C1 mode, B4C2 mode, and B4C3 mode. Therefore, it is possible to perform temperature adjustment of the battery 51, which is the first object of temperature adjustment, and temperature adjustment of the high-voltage system equipment 50, which is the second object of temperature adjustment, in a more appropriate manner compared to the first embodiment.

[0480] (Third Implementation)

[0481] In this embodiment, compared to the thermal management system 1 described in the first embodiment, such as Figure 17 As shown in the overall structural diagram, a high-temperature side storage tank 46a is used instead of the first heat medium connector 45a on the high-temperature side circuit 41 side. Furthermore, a low-temperature side storage tank 46b is used instead of the fifth heat medium connector 45e on the low-temperature side circuit 42 side.

[0482] The high-temperature side storage tank 46a and the low-temperature side storage tank 46b are heat medium storage sections that store the remaining heat medium in the heat medium circuit 40.

[0483] More specifically, the inlet of the high-temperature storage tank 46a is connected to the outlet side of the heater core 413 and the outlet side of the connecting passage 43 is connected to the outlet side of the connecting passage 432. In addition, the outlet of the high-temperature storage tank 46a is connected to the suction port side of the high-temperature pump 411.

[0484] Additionally, the outlet side of the heat medium passage 20b of the chiller 20 and the heat medium outlet side of the low-temperature radiator 423 are connected to the inlet of the low-temperature storage tank 46b. The suction port side of the second low-temperature pump 421b is connected to the outlet of the low-temperature storage tank 46b. The other structures and operations of the thermal management system 1 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0485] Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved in the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment. That is, comfortable air conditioning in the vehicle interior and appropriate temperature adjustment of multiple vehicle-mounted devices can be performed. Moreover, even if the appropriate temperature range of the first temperature-adjusted object is different from the appropriate temperature range of the second temperature-adjusted object, the heat generated by the temperature-adjusted object can be fully and effectively utilized.

[0486] Furthermore, in the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, by storing the heat medium in the high-temperature side storage tank 46a and the low-temperature side storage tank 46b, the decrease in the liquid volume of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 40 can be suppressed. In addition, the outlet of the high-temperature side storage tank 46a and the outlet of the low-temperature side storage tank 46b are respectively connected to the suction port of the high-temperature side pump 411 and the suction port of the second low-temperature side pump 421b.

[0487] Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the liquid level of the heat medium when the circuit structure of the heat medium circuit 40 is switched, and it is possible to suppress the possibility of air encroaching on the high-temperature side pump 411 and the second low-temperature side pump 421b. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the pressure delivery capacity of the high-temperature side pump 411 and the second low-temperature side pump 421b, and it is possible to utilize the heat generated by the object to be temperature-adjusted more effectively via the heat medium.

[0488] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention as follows.

[0489] In the above embodiments, an example of applying the thermal management system 1 according to the present invention to a vehicle has been described, but the application of the thermal management system 1 is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be applied to a stationary air conditioning unit with temperature adjustment function that simultaneously regulates the indoor air and adjusts the temperature of multiple temperature-adjusting objects (e.g., computer systems, electrical equipment) with different temperature ranges.

[0490] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of using an inverter 52, an electric generator 53, and an ADAS control device 54 as the high-voltage system equipment 50 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, it could also be a charger or a power control unit (so-called PCU).

[0491] The structures of the refrigeration cycle device 10 are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments.

[0492] Multiple circulation configuration devices can also be integrated within a range that achieves the aforementioned effects. For example, a four-way connector structure that integrates the fourth refrigerant connector 13d and the sixth refrigerant connector 13f can be used. The same applies to the heat medium circuit 40. For example, a four-way connector structure that integrates the fourth heat medium connector 45d and the sixth heat medium connector 45f can also be used.

[0493] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate the use of R1234yf as a refrigerant, the refrigerant is not limited to this. For example, R134a, R600a, R410A, R404A, R32, R407C, etc., can also be used. Alternatively, a mixed refrigerant, formed by mixing multiple of these refrigerants, can also be used. Moreover, carbon dioxide can be used as a refrigerant to construct a supercritical refrigeration cycle where the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure is above the refrigerant's critical pressure.

[0494] The structures of the heat medium circuit 40 are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments.

[0495] In the above embodiments, an example of a five-way valve 422 formed by combining multiple three-way flow regulating valves has been described, but it is not limited to this.

[0496] For example, it could also be a five-way valve having a first body and a second body that form multiple spaces inside, a sliding valve between the first body and the second body, and an electric actuator that displaces the sliding valve.

[0497] More specifically, multiple spaces formed in the first and second bodies are connected to either the inflow or outflow outlet. The sliding valve has an orifice that connects the spaces on the first body side to the spaces on the second body side, and a groove that connects the spaces on the first body side to each other or the spaces on the second body side to each other. Furthermore, the circuit structure of the cryogenic side circuit 42 can be switched in the same way as the five-way valve 422 simply by displacing the sliding valve using an electric actuator.

[0498] Furthermore, the switching of the circuit structure based on the five-way valve 422 does not have to be a complete switch. For example, in the above-mentioned (D) fast charging cooling mode, a portion of the heat medium can also flow in the cooling water passage 50a or the heat medium bypass passage 424 of the high-voltage system equipment 50.

[0499] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of using the connection passage 43 as a heat-moving part was described, but it is not limited to this.

[0500] For example, instead of the inlet-side connection passage 431, an inlet-side heat transfer section can be used to exchange heat between the hot medium flowing out of the three-way valve 44 and the hot medium flowing into the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51. Furthermore, instead of the outlet-side connection passage 432, an outlet-side heat transfer section can be used to exchange heat between the hot medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 51a of the battery 51 and the hot medium flowing into the hot medium passage 12b of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 12.

[0501] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example using a PTC heater as the heating element, i.e., electric heater 412, has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, nickel-chromium alloy wire, carbon fiber heaters, etc., may also be used. In addition, a warm water pipe that circulates warm water heated by other heat sources may also be used as the heating element.

[0502] Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, examples of a high-temperature storage tank 46a being provided instead of the first heat medium connector 45a and a low-temperature storage tank 46b being provided instead of the third heat medium connector 45c were described, but the embodiment is not limited to these examples. For instance, the low-temperature storage tank 46b may be provided instead of the fifth heat medium connector 45e and the sixth heat medium connector 45f. Alternatively, either the high-temperature storage tank 46a or the low-temperature storage tank 46b may be used.

[0503] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of using an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol as the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 40 was described, but it is not limited to this. As the heat medium, solutions containing dimethyl polysiloxane or nanofluids, aqueous liquid refrigerants containing antifreeze or alcohols, or liquid media containing oils may also be used.

[0504] The operation of each operating mode of the thermal management system 1 is not limited to the operation disclosed in the above-described embodiments.

[0505] For example, in the B1C1 mode of non-air conditioning and the B1C3 mode of non-air conditioning, the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle unit 10 can be stopped, and the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit 41 can be heated by the electric heater 412.

[0506] In addition, even when the battery 51 is charging, the temperature adjustment mode of the air conditioning can be operated while the occupants are sitting in the vehicle.

[0507] The technical means disclosed in the above embodiments can also be appropriately combined within the scope of implementation. For example, the high-temperature side storage tank 46a and the low-temperature side storage tank 46b described in the third embodiment can also be applied to the thermal management system 1 of the second embodiment.

[0508] This invention has been described based on embodiments, but it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and structures. The invention also includes various modifications and equivalent variations. Furthermore, various combinations and arrangements, even those containing only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also included within the scope and spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, comprising: A refrigeration cycle device, comprising a high-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section and a low-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section, wherein the high-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section facilitates heat exchange between high-pressure refrigerant and a heat medium, and the low-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section facilitates heat exchange between low-pressure refrigerant and the heat medium; and A heat transfer medium circuit that circulates the heat transfer medium, characterized in that the thermal management system has the following features: The heat transfer circuit includes: a high-temperature side circuit, wherein a heat transfer passage is connected to the high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchanger; a low-temperature side circuit, wherein a heat transfer passage is connected to the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchanger; and a heat transfer unit that moves heat between the heat transfer medium flowing in the high-temperature side circuit and the heat transfer medium flowing in the low-temperature side circuit. The low-temperature side circuit includes: a first heat exchange section for exchanging heat between a first temperature-adjustable object and the heat medium; a second heat exchange section for exchanging heat between a second temperature-adjustable object and the heat medium; a heat medium bypass passage for allowing the heat medium flowing from one of the first and second heat exchange sections to bypass the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section and return to the heat medium inlet side of one of the first and second heat exchange sections; and a low-temperature side circuit switching section for switching the circuit structure of the low-temperature side circuit. When heating the first temperature-adjustable object, the heat movement unit moves the heat of the heat medium heated by the high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange unit toward the heat medium flowing into the first heat exchange unit. Moreover, the low-temperature side circuit switching unit switches the circuit structure of the low-temperature side circuit to a circuit structure that allows the heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchange unit to return to the inlet side of the first heat exchange unit via the heat medium bypass passage.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When heating the first temperature-adjustable object, the heat movement unit moves the heat of the heat medium heated by the high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange unit toward the heat medium flowing into the first heat exchange unit. Moreover, the low-temperature side circuit switching unit switches the circuit structure of the low-temperature side circuit to the following circuit structure: the heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchange unit returns to the inlet side of the first heat exchange unit via the heat medium bypass passage, and the heat medium flowing out of the second heat exchange unit flows into the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange unit.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat transfer unit is a connection path that connects the high-temperature side circuit and the low-temperature side circuit. The connection passage has an inlet-side connection passage that guides the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature water refrigerant heat exchange section to the heat medium inlet side of the first heat exchange section.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cryogenic side circuit has a first cryogenic side pump, which draws in the heat medium and pressurizes it towards the first heat exchange section. The inlet-side connection passage is connected in such a way that the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section is guided to the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The high-temperature side circuit has a high-temperature side pump, which draws in the heat medium and pressurizes it towards the high-temperature side water-refrigerant heat exchange section. The connection passage has an outlet-side connection passage that guides the heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchange section to the suction port side of the high-temperature side pump.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat transfer medium circuit has a heat transfer amount adjustment unit, which adjusts the amount of heat transfer in the heat transfer unit. The thermal management system includes a heat movement control unit, which controls the operation of the heat movement adjustment unit. When the low-temperature side circuit switching unit switches to a circuit structure in which the heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchange unit returns to the first heat exchange unit via the heat medium bypass passage, the heat movement amount control unit controls the operation of the heat movement amount adjustment unit so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the first heat exchange unit is close to a predetermined target temperature.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The high-temperature side circuit has a heating heat exchange section that allows the fluid to be heated to exchange heat with the heat medium.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The high-temperature side circuit has a heating section that heats the heat medium.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The low-temperature side circuit switching unit causes the heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchange unit to flow into at least one of the heat medium bypass passage and the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange unit.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The low-temperature side circuit has a low-temperature side outside air heat exchange section, which allows outside air to exchange heat with the heat medium. The low-temperature side circuit switching section causes the heat medium flowing out from the second heat exchange section to flow out to at least one of the low-temperature side outside gas heat exchange section and the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The low-temperature side circuit switching unit switches the heat medium flowing into the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange unit to either the heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchange unit or the heat medium flowing out of the second heat exchange unit.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The low-temperature side circuit has a low-temperature side outside air heat exchange section, which allows outside air to exchange heat with the heat medium. The low-temperature side circuit switching section causes the heat medium flowing out from the first heat exchange section to flow out to at least one of the low-temperature side outside gas heat exchange section and the low-temperature side water refrigerant heat exchange section.

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