Thermal management system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

This application discloses a thermal management system. In a first operating mode, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface to the fifth interface, the third interface to the fourth interface, the first connection port to the fourth connection port, and the second connection port to the third connection port. The first branch, the second branch, and the third branch are also connected. When the thermal management system operates in the first operating mode, the refrigerant can simultaneously utilize the heat from the second and third branches, resulting in energy savings. This application also provides a control method for the thermal management system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a thermal management system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] The thermal management system of a vehicle (such as an electric vehicle) can regulate the ambient temperature inside the passenger compartment and manage the thermal performance of the battery.

[0003] In related technologies, a coolant system includes a multi-way valve device, a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch. Both the second and third branches can provide heat. The multi-way device allows two of the first, second, and third branches to be connected, or the three branches to be disconnected. In a certain operating mode, the refrigerant in the refrigerant system absorbs heat from the coolant in the first branch. Because the multi-way device allows the first branch to be connected to only one of the second or third branches, the heat from the other branch is wasted. The inventors believe there is a need for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in related technologies, this application provides a more energy-efficient thermal management system and its control method.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a thermal management system, comprising: a first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger including a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section; the thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system, the refrigerant system including the first heat exchange section, the coolant system including a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, a first multi-port device, and a second multi-port device, the first branch including the second heat exchange section; the first multi-port device including a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, and a sixth interface, the second multi-port device including a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port, and a fourth connection port, one port of the first branch being able to communicate with the first interface, the other port of the coolant branch being able to communicate with the second interface, and one port of the second branch being able to communicate with the first interface. The first interface is connected to the third interface, the other port of the second branch is connected to the third connection port, one port of the third branch is connected to the second connection port, the other port of the third branch is connected to the sixth interface, the first connection port is connected to the fifth interface, and the fourth connection port is connected to the fourth interface; the thermal management system has a first working mode, in which the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section, the first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, the second connection port is connected to the third connection port, and the first branch, the second branch, and the third branch are connected.

[0006] When the thermal management system of this application operates in the first working mode, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, and the second connection port is connected to the third connection port. The first branch, the second branch, and the third branch are connected, that is, the first multi-way device and the second multi-way device connect the first branch, the second branch, and the third branch. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The refrigerant can utilize the heat from the second branch and the third branch at the same time, which is more energy-efficient.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application also adopts the following technical solution: The thermal management system includes a first heat exchanger, which includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section; the thermal management system includes a refrigerant system, a coolant system, and a control system; the refrigerant system includes the first heat exchange section; the coolant system includes a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, a first multi-port device, and a second multi-port device; the first branch includes the second heat exchange section; the first multi-port device includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, and a sixth interface; the second multi-port device includes a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port, and a fourth connection port; one port of the first branch can communicate with the first interface; another port of the coolant branch can communicate with the second interface; and one port of the second branch can communicate with the third interface. The other port of the second branch can be connected to the third connection port, one port of the third branch can be connected to the second connection port, the other port of the third branch can be connected to the sixth interface, the first connection port can be connected to the fifth interface, the fourth connection port can be connected to the fourth interface, the control system includes a controller, the controller is used to execute the control method of the thermal management system; the control method of the thermal management system includes: the controller controls the thermal management system to enter a first working mode, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section, the first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, and the second connection port is connected to the third connection port.

[0008] In this application, the controller controls the thermal management system to operate in a first working mode. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, and the second connection port is connected to the third connection port. The first branch, the second branch, and the third branch are connected, that is, the first multi-way device and the second multi-way device connect the first branch, the second branch, and the third branch. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The refrigerant can utilize the heat from the second branch and the third branch at the same time, which is more energy-efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a battery heating mode according to an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first heating and dehumidification mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second heating and dehumidification mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a first defrosting mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application; Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the implementation methods can complement or combine with each other.

[0022] According to a specific embodiment of the thermal management system of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, the thermal management system includes a second heat exchanger 3 and a first heat exchanger 4. Both heat exchangers are liquid-cooled heat exchangers. The structure and working principle of liquid-cooled heat exchangers are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The second heat exchanger 3 includes a third heat exchange section 31 and a fourth heat exchange section 32, and the first heat exchanger 4 includes a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42. The second heat exchanger 3 and the first heat exchanger 4 are used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant, respectively. The second heat exchanger 3 and the first heat exchanger 4 may be the same or different.

[0023] The various components of the thermal management system are connected by piping to form two main systems: a refrigerant system and a coolant system. These two systems are isolated and not interconnected. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant system, while coolant flows through the coolant system. The refrigerant can be R134A, carbon dioxide, or other heat exchange media, and the coolant can be a mixture of ethanol and water or other cooling media. Specifically, the flow channels of the third heat exchange section 31 and the first heat exchange section 41 are connected to the refrigerant system, while the flow channels of the fourth heat exchange section 32 and the second heat exchange section 42 are connected to the coolant system.

[0024] It should be explained that "the flow channel of the third heat exchange section 31 is connected to the refrigerant system" means that the refrigerant system includes the third heat exchange section 31, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant system can flow into and out of the flow channel of the third heat exchange section 31. The inlet and outlet of the third heat exchange section 31 can be connected to other components in the refrigerant system through pipelines, forming a loop after being connected through the pipelines when the thermal management system is working. The flow channel of the first heat exchange section 41 is connected to the refrigerant system, and the flow channels of the fourth heat exchange section 32 and the second heat exchange section 42 are connected to the coolant system, as explained above.

[0025] In this embodiment, the refrigerant system includes a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 41, a third heat exchanger 31, a fifth heat exchanger 103, a sixth heat exchanger 102, a first valve device 22, a second valve device 21, a third valve device 23, a fourth valve device 24, a first shut-off valve 25, and a second shut-off valve 26. The components can be indirectly connected to each other through pipelines or valve devices, or they can be integrated into a single structure.

[0026] The first valve device 22 has four states: shut-off, throttling, full-flow, and flow regulation. When the opening of the first valve device 22 is 0, it is in the shut-off state, and the pipes on both sides of the first valve device 22 are essentially disconnected. When the opening of the first valve device 22 is greater than 0 but less than or equal to a first set value, it is in the throttling state, and the refrigerant flowing through it experiences cooling and pressure reduction. In the throttling state, the opening of the first valve device 22 is adjusted between 0 and the first set value according to heat exchange requirements, thereby regulating the throttling effect. When the opening of the first valve device 22 is greater than the first set value but less than a second set value, it is in the flow regulation state, and the pipes on both sides of the first valve device 22 are open but do not have a throttling function. In the flow regulation state, the opening of the first valve device 22 is adjusted between the first and second set values ​​according to heat exchange requirements, thereby regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first valve device 22. When the opening degree of the first valve device 22 is greater than or equal to the second set value, the first valve device 22 is in a fully open state, and the pipelines on both sides of the first valve device 22 are fully connected. Optionally, the first valve device 22 is a fully open bidirectional throttling valve. It should be understood that the first set value and the second set value are two fixed values ​​set according to product requirements. The first set value and the second set value are between 0 and 100, and the second set value is greater than the first set value. In this embodiment, the fourth valve device 24, the third valve device 23, and the second valve device 21 all have a shut-off state, a throttling state, a fully open state, and a flow regulation state. Their working principle is the same as that of the first valve device 22, and can be referred to the above description. In this application, the first valve device 22 and the second valve device 21 may not have a shut-off state.

[0027] The first shut-off valve 25 has a fully open state and a shut-off state. When the first shut-off valve 25 is in the fully open state, the pipes on both sides of the first shut-off valve 25 are connected; when the first shut-off valve 25 is in the shut-off state, the pipes on both sides of the first shut-off valve 25 are not connected. The second shut-off valve 26 has a fully open state and a shut-off state. The working principle of the second shut-off valve 26 is the same as that of the first shut-off valve 25, as described above.

[0028] In some other embodiments, the first valve device 22, the second valve device 21, the third valve device 23, the fourth valve device 24, the first shut-off valve 25, and the second shut-off valve 26 can be other types of valve devices, or combinations of at least two valve devices, as long as they have the above-described working state, and this application does not limit them.

[0029] The outlet of compressor 1 is connected to one port of the second valve device 21. The other port of the second valve device 21 is connected to one port of the third heat exchange section 31. The other port of the third heat exchange section 31 is connected to one port of the first valve device 22. The other port of the first valve device 22, one port of the first shut-off valve 25, and one port of the fifth heat exchanger 103 are connected. The other port of the fifth heat exchanger 103, one port of the second shut-off valve 26, one port of the fourth valve device 24, and one port of the third valve device 23 are connected. The other port of the fourth valve device 24 is connected to one port of the first heat exchange section 41. The other port of the third valve device 23 is connected to one port of the sixth heat exchanger 102. The other ports of the first heat exchange section 41, the sixth heat exchanger 102, the first shut-off valve 25, and the second shut-off valve 26 are connected to the inlet of compressor 1.

[0030] In some other embodiments, the refrigerant system also includes a gas-liquid separator 6, which is located before the inlet of the compressor 1 to separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid before it enters the compressor 1, reducing the possibility of liquid slugging in the compressor 1. The outlet of the gas-liquid separator 6 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1, and the other ports of the first heat exchange section 41, the sixth heat exchanger 102, the first shut-off valve 25, and the second shut-off valve 26 are connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 6.

[0031] In some other embodiments, the refrigerant system includes a seventh heat exchanger 5, which comprises a fifth heat exchange section 51 and a sixth heat exchange section 52. The seventh heat exchanger 5 is used for heat exchange between refrigerants. The seventh heat exchanger 5 is an intermediate heat exchanger, and its structure and working principle are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. One port of the sixth heat exchange section 52 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1, and the other ports of the first heat exchange section 41, the sixth heat exchanger 102, the first shut-off valve 25, the second shut-off valve 26, and the sixth heat exchange section 52 are connected. One port of the fifth heat exchange section 51 is connected to the other port of the fifth heat exchanger 103, and the other port of the fifth heat exchange section 51, the second shut-off valve 26, the fourth valve device 24, and the third valve device 23 are connected. The refrigerant in the fifth heat exchange section 51 heats the refrigerant in the sixth heat exchange section 52, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the compressor 1. This can be used to increase the outlet temperature of the compressor 1, further reducing the possibility of liquid slugging in the compressor 1. It can also be used to reduce the refrigerant temperature before throttling in the cooling mode, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0032] In some other embodiments, the thermal management system includes the aforementioned gas-liquid separator 6 and intermediate heat exchanger. One port of the sixth heat exchange section 52 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1, and the other port of the sixth heat exchange section 52 is connected to the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 6. The inlet of the gas-liquid separator 6, the other port of the first heat exchange section 41, the other port of the sixth heat exchanger 102, the other port of the first shut-off valve 25, and the other port of the second shut-off valve 26 are connected. The gas-liquid separator 6 and the seventh heat exchanger 5 are respectively connected and linked by pipelines. The gas-liquid separator 6 and the seventh heat exchanger 5 can also be integrated into a single component, which simultaneously performs gas-liquid separation and intermediate heat exchange functions. For ease of understanding and simplification, the following description assumes that the gas-liquid separator 6 and the seventh heat exchanger 5 are not included.

[0033] In this embodiment, the coolant system includes a first pump 10, a second pump 11, a second heat exchange section 42, a fourth heat exchange section 32, a third heat exchanger 104, a fourth heat exchanger 101, a battery heat exchange device 105, a motor heat exchange device 106, a heating device 107, a first multi-way device 7, a second multi-way device 9, a third multi-way device 8, and a first bypass pipe 12. The components can be indirectly connected to each other through pipes or valve devices, or they can be integrated into a single structure.

[0034] The first pump 10 and the second pump 11 are used to power the flow of coolant in the coolant system. Optionally, the first pump 10 and the second pump 11 are electric water pumps. The two pumps can be the same or different in type and specification, depending on the requirements of the thermal management system.

[0035] The battery heat exchanger 105 is used for thermal management of the battery. Optionally, the battery heat exchanger 105 can be an integrated component with the battery, or it can be a separate component assembled with the battery. The motor heat exchanger 106 is used for thermal management of the motor. Optionally, the motor heat exchanger 106 can be an integrated component with the motor, or it can be a separate component assembled with the motor. The heating device 107 is used to heat the coolant; optionally, the heating device 107 is a PTC heater. The first bypass pipes 12 are all hollow pipes and can be used to bypass certain components.

[0036] The coolant system includes a fourth branch A, a third branch B, a fifth branch C, a first branch D, a second branch E, a first multi-port device 7, a second multi-port device 9, and a third multi-port device 8. The third branch B includes a first branch B1, a second branch B2, and a third branch B3. The first branch D includes a first pump 10 and a second heat exchanger 42. The second branch E includes a heating device 107 and a battery heat exchanger 105. The first branch B1 includes a motor heat exchanger 106. The second branch B2 includes a first bypass pipe 12. The third branch B3 includes a third heat exchanger 104. The fourth branch A includes a second pump 11 and a fourth heat exchanger 32. The fifth branch C includes a fourth heat exchanger 101.

[0037] The first multi-port device 7 includes a first interface 71, a second interface 72, a third interface 73, a fourth interface 74, a fifth interface 75, a sixth interface 76, a seventh interface 77, an eighth interface 78, and a ninth interface 79. Optionally, the first multi-port device 7 is a nine-way valve, with the nine interfaces located in the valve housing and isolated from each other. The connection state between the interfaces is switched by controlling the valve core assembly inside the housing. In this application, the eighth interface 78 and the ninth interface 79 are connected. This connection can be achieved by providing a channel inside the first multi-port device 7 or by using an external pipeline.

[0038] In this application, the first multi-channel device 7 has four operating states: In the first operating state, the first interface 71 is connected to the fourth interface 74, the second interface 72 is connected to the third interface 73, the fifth interface 75 is connected to the ninth interface 79, and the sixth interface 76 or the seventh interface 77 is connected to the eighth interface 78; In the second operating state, the first interface 71 is connected to the sixth interface 76 or the seventh interface 77, the second interface 72 is connected to the fifth interface 75, and the third interface 73 is connected to the fourth interface 74; In the third operating state, the first interface 71 is connected to the ninth interface 79, the second interface 72 is connected to the eighth interface 78, the third interface 73 is connected to the sixth interface 76 or the seventh interface 77, and the fourth interface 74 is connected to the fifth interface 75; In the fourth operating state, the first interface 71 is connected to the second interface 72, the third interface 73 is connected to the ninth interface 79, the fourth interface 74 is connected to the eighth interface 78, and the fifth interface 75 is connected to the sixth interface 76 or the seventh interface 77.

[0039] The second multi-way device 9 includes a first connection port 91, a second connection port 92, a third connection port 93, and a fourth connection port 94. The second multi-way device 9 has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the first connection port 91 is connected to the second connection port 92, and the third connection port 93 is connected to the fourth connection port 94. In the second operating mode, the first connection port 91 is connected to the fourth connection port 94, and the second connection port 92 is connected to the third connection port 93. Optionally, the second multi-way device 9 is a four-way valve, with the four connection ports located in the valve housing and isolated from each other. The connection state between the various connection ports is switched by controlling the valve core assembly within the housing. In some other embodiments, the second multi-way device 9 is a combination of multiple valve components capable of switching the connection state of the four connection ports; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0040] The third multi-way device 8 includes a first port 81, a second port 82, and a third port 83. When the third multi-way device 8 is in operation, at least two of the three ports are connected. Optionally, the third multi-way device 8 is a three-way valve or a three-way proportional valve.

[0041] In the fourth branch A, the inlet of the second pump 11 is connected to the third port 83, and the outlet of the second pump 11 is connected to one port of the fourth heat exchange section 32. The other port of the fourth heat exchange section 32, one port of the fourth heat exchanger 101, and one port of the third heat exchanger 104 are also connected. In the third branch B, the other port of the third heat exchanger 104 is connected to the seventh interface 77, one port of the first bypass pipe 12 is connected to the sixth interface 76, one port of the motor heat exchange device 106 is connected to the second connection port 92, and the other port of the first bypass pipe 12, the other port of the motor heat exchange device 106, and the first port 81 are also connected. In the fifth branch C, the other port of the fourth heat exchanger 101 is connected to the second port 82. In the first branch D, one port of the second heat exchange section 42 is connected to the first interface 71, the other port of the second heat exchange section 42 is connected to the inlet of the first pump 10, and the outlet of the first pump 10 is connected to the second interface 72. In the second branch E, one port of the heating device 107 is connected to the third connection port 93, and the other port of the heating device 107 is connected to one port of the battery heat exchange device 105. The other port of the battery heat exchange device 105 is connected to the third interface 73. The first connection port 91 is connected to the fifth interface 75, and the fourth connection port 94 is connected to the fourth interface 74.

[0042] The first multi-channel device 7 allows for the connection of any two of the third branch B, the first branch D, and the second branch E, or for all three branches to remain disconnected. The second multi-channel device 9 allows for the connection of the third branch B and the second branch E, or for them to remain disconnected. The third multi-channel device 8 allows for the selection of a fourth branch A to be connected to at least one of the third branch B and the fifth branch C. It is understood that when the first multi-channel device 7 is in its fourth operating state and the second multi-channel device 9 is in its first operating mode, the third branch B, the first branch D, and the second branch E are disconnected, and the first and second multi-channel devices 7 and 9 can operate independently.

[0043] The thermal management system provided in this application embodiment can be applied to electric vehicles. The electric vehicle has an air conditioning unit 100 for heat exchange with the air in the passenger compartment. A fourth heat exchanger 101 and a sixth heat exchanger 102 are disposed within the air conditioning unit 100. The fourth heat exchanger 101 and the sixth heat exchanger 102 are used for heat exchange with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to regulate the temperature of the passenger compartment. The fourth heat exchanger 101 is located downstream of the sixth heat exchanger 102 in the airflow. A fan is provided within the air conditioning unit 100 to guide the airflow within the air conditioning unit 100. The air conditioning unit 100 is provided with a damper; by adjusting the damper, the flow of air through the fourth heat exchanger 101 can be controlled, as can the airflow volume through the fourth heat exchanger 101. A fifth heat exchanger 103 and a third heat exchanger 104 are arranged side-by-side near the front air intake grille of the vehicle and are equipped with a fan device for guiding airflow. The fifth heat exchanger 103 and the third heat exchanger 104 are used for heat exchange with the atmospheric environment, releasing heat into or absorbing heat from the atmospheric environment. The compressor 1 and the gas-liquid separator 6 are located in the front engine compartment of the cab. The fourth heat exchanger 101, the fifth heat exchanger 103, the third heat exchanger 104 and the sixth heat exchanger 102 are all air-cooled heat exchangers and are used to exchange heat with air. The structure of air-cooled heat exchangers is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0044] The thermal management system of this embodiment is not only applicable to vehicles, but also to other heat exchange systems that require thermal management. For ease of description, the specification of this application uses vehicles as an example.

[0045] When the ambient temperature is high, the passenger compartment or battery requires cooling, and the thermal management system operates in cooling mode. (Refer to...) Figure 2When both the passenger compartment and the battery require cooling, compressor 1 is activated. First valve device 22 and second valve device 21 are fully open, fourth valve device 24 and third valve device 23 are throttling, and first shut-off valve 25 and second shut-off valve 26 are shut off. Second pump 11 and first pump 10 are activated, heating device 107 is shut off and used as a pipeline, first multi-port device 7 is in its first operating state, eighth port 78 is connected to seventh port 77, second multi-port device 9 is in its first operating mode, and first port 81 is connected to third port 83. The outlet of compressor 1, second valve device 21, third heat exchange section 31, first valve device 22, fifth heat exchanger 103, fourth valve device 24, first heat exchange section 41, and inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The outlet of compressor 1, second valve device 21, third heat exchange section 31, first valve device 22, fifth heat exchanger 103, third valve device 23, sixth heat exchanger 102, and inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The outlet of the first pump 10, the battery heat exchange device 105, the heating device 107, the second heat exchange section 42, and the inlet of the first pump 10 are connected in sequence. The outlet of the second pump 11, the fourth heat exchange section 32, the third heat exchanger 104, the motor heat exchange device 106, and the inlet of the second pump 11 are connected in sequence.

[0046] Specifically, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 1 flows into the third heat exchange section 31. In the second heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section 31 releases heat to the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section 32. The second pump 11 drives the coolant to circulate, releasing heat to the atmosphere at the third heat exchanger 104. The circulating coolant also carries the heat from the motor to the third heat exchanger 104, thus cooling the motor. Then, the refrigerant flows into the fifth heat exchanger 103, where it exchanges heat with the atmosphere. The refrigerant flowing from the fifth heat exchanger 103 is divided into two paths: one path flows through the third valve device 23, which is in a throttling state, and the cooled and depressurized refrigerant flows into the sixth heat exchanger 102, where it exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to cool the passenger compartment; the other path flows through the fourth valve device 24, which is in a throttling state, and the cooled and depressurized refrigerant flows into the first heat exchange section 41. In the first heat exchanger 41, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section 42, and the first pump 10 drives the coolant to circulate, thereby cooling the battery. The refrigerant flowing from the sixth heat exchanger 102 and the first heat exchange section 41 flows into the compressor 1 and is compressed again, thus completing the cycle.

[0047] When only the battery requires cooling, refer to Figure 2 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to the connection status of the passenger cabin and battery, which both require cooling. The difference is that the third valve device 23 is in the off state.

[0048] When only the passenger cabin requires cooling, refer to Figure 2 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to the connection status of the passenger cabin and battery, which both require cooling. The difference is that the fourth valve device 24 is in the off state and the first pump 10 is closed.

[0049] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, when the ambient temperature is low, the passenger cabin has a heating requirement, and the thermal management system is in heating mode. Depending on the status of the battery, motor, and atmospheric environment, heat can be obtained from at least one of the compressor 1, the atmospheric environment, the heating device 107, the motor, and the battery.

[0050] When the battery has residual heat or requires auxiliary heating, the thermal management system can operate in the first heating mode. (Refer to...) Figure 3 When compressor 1 is turned on, the first valve device 22 is in a throttling state, the second valve device 21 and the fourth valve device 24 are in a fully open state, and the third valve device 23, the first shut-off valve 25, and the second shut-off valve 26 are in a shut-off state. The first pump 10 and the second pump 11 are turned on, the first multi-port device 7 is in a second working state, the first interface 71 is connected to the sixth interface 76, the second multi-port device 9 is in a second working mode, and the second port 82 is connected to the third port 83. The outlet of compressor 1, the second valve device 21, the third heat exchange section 31, the first valve device 22, the fifth heat exchanger 103, the fourth valve device 24, the first heat exchange section 41, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of the first pump 10, the battery heat exchange device 105, the heating device 107, the motor heat exchange device 106, the second heat exchange section 42, and the inlet of the first pump 10 are connected in sequence. The outlet of the second pump 11, the fourth heat exchange section 32, the fourth heat exchanger 101, and the inlet of the second pump 11 are connected. In the second heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section 31 heats the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section 32. The second pump 11 drives the coolant to circulate. The fourth heat exchanger 101 exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to achieve passenger cabin heating. Heat is obtained from at least one of the motor and battery through the first heat exchanger 4 to fully recover waste heat, and heat is obtained from the atmospheric environment through the fifth heat exchanger 103 as much as possible to improve the heating effect. When auxiliary heating is required, the heating device 107 can be turned on to heat the coolant.

[0051] When the motor has residual heat, the thermal management system can operate in a second heating mode. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the first heating mode, except that the second multi-port device 9 is in the first operating mode. The outlet of the first pump 10, the motor heat exchanger 106, the second heat exchanger 42, and the inlet of the first pump 10 are connected in sequence. Heat is obtained from the motor heat exchanger 106 through the first heat exchanger 4.

[0052] When there is sufficient heat in the atmospheric environment, the thermal management system can operate in a third heating mode without drawing heat from the coolant system. (See reference) Figure 5 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the second heating mode, except that the fourth valve device 24 is in the closed state, and the second shut-off valve 26 is in the fully open state. The outlet of compressor 1, the second valve device 21, the third heat exchange section 31, the first valve device 22, the fifth heat exchanger 103, the second shut-off valve 26, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially, and heat is obtained from the atmospheric environment through the fifth heat exchanger 103. Since the motor heat exchange device 106 requires coolant flow to prevent the motor temperature from becoming too high, the first pump 10 drives the coolant to circulate.

[0053] When heating demand is low, the thermal management system can operate in the fourth heating mode. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the third heating mode, with the following differences: the first multi-port device 7 is in the first working state, the seventh interface 77 is connected to the eighth interface 78, the first port 81 and the second port 82 are connected to the third port 83, and the first pump 10 is closed. The outlet of the second pump 11, the fourth heat exchange section 32, the fourth heat exchanger 101, and the inlet of the second pump 11 are connected. The outlet of the second pump 11, the fourth heat exchange section 32, the third heat exchanger 104, the motor heat exchange device 106, and the inlet of the second pump 11 are connected.

[0054] In the second heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section 31 heats the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section 32. The coolant flowing out of the fourth heat exchange section 32 is divided into two paths: one path flows to the fourth heat exchanger 101, where it exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to achieve passenger cabin heating; the other path flows sequentially through the third heat exchanger 104 and the motor heat exchanger 106, where it releases heat through the third heat exchanger 104 to lower the coolant temperature, and then flows through the motor heat exchanger 106 to dissipate heat from the motor. The two coolant paths converge at the inlet of the second pump 11 for recirculation. A portion of the coolant flowing out of the fourth heat exchange section 32 flows through the third heat exchanger 104 to release heat, which can meet the lower heating requirements of the passenger cabin. In this application, the circuit containing the fourth heat exchanger 101 and the circuit containing the motor heat exchanger 106 share the second pump 11, reducing the number of pumps and lowering energy consumption. On the other hand, both meeting the low heating requirements and dissipating heat from the motor are achieved through the third heat exchanger 104, simplifying the system and facilitating miniaturization.

[0055] In some situations, when the ambient temperature is low and heat cannot be obtained from the atmosphere, and the coolant system also cannot provide heat, compressor 1 heats the refrigerant to provide heat, and the thermal management system can operate in the fifth heating mode. (Refer to...) Figure 7The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the third heating mode, except that at least one of the second valve device 21 and the first valve device 22 is in a throttling state, the first shut-off valve 25 is in a fully open state, and the second shut-off valve 26 is in a shut-off state. The outlet of compressor 1, the second valve device 21, the third heat exchange section 31, the first valve device 22, the first shut-off valve 25, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially. When compressor 1 does work, the temperature of the refrigerant rises, and the refrigerant flows into the third heat exchange section 31. In the second heat exchanger 31, the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section 31 heats the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section 32. The coolant circulates through the fourth heat exchanger 101 and exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to achieve passenger cabin heating. After being throttled by the first valve device 22 or the second valve device 21, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant decrease. By adjusting the opening of the valve device in the throttling state, the intake temperature of compressor 1 is adjusted. The intake temperature of compressor 1 is controllable, which makes the exhaust temperature of compressor 1 controllable and relatively stable, resulting in a relatively stable heating effect.

[0056] When there is no thermal management requirement in the passenger cabin but a heating requirement in the battery, the thermal management system operates in battery heating mode, referring to... Figure 8 When compressor 1 is off, first pump 10 and second pump 11 are on. First multi-port device 7 is in its first working state, and second multi-port device 9 is in its first working mode. Heating device 107 is on to heat the coolant. The outlet of first pump 10, battery heat exchange device 105, heating device 107, and inlet of first pump 10 are sequentially connected to achieve battery heating. The outlet of second pump 11, fourth heat exchange section 32, third heat exchanger 104, motor heat exchange device 106, and inlet of second pump 11 are sequentially connected to achieve motor cooling.

[0057] When the ambient temperature is low and the humidity is high, the windshield is prone to fogging, which poses a safety hazard. The passenger cabin has the need for heating and dehumidification, and the thermal management system can operate in heating and dehumidification mode.

[0058] When heating demand is high, the first heating and dehumidification mode can be run, refer to... Figure 9 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the mode in which the passenger cabin and battery are cooled simultaneously. The difference is that the third port 83 is connected to the second port 82, the first multi-port device 7 is in the second working state, the first interface 71 is connected to the sixth interface 76, and heat is obtained from the motor through the first heat exchanger 4.

[0059] In some other embodiments, in the first heating and dehumidification mode, the second multi-channel device 9 can also be switched to a second operating mode to obtain heat from at least one of the battery, motor and heating device 107 through the first heat exchanger 4.

[0060] In some other embodiments, in the first heating and dehumidification mode, the fourth valve device 24 can also be switched to the off state, so as not to obtain heat from the coolant system.

[0061] When heating demand is low, the second heating and dehumidification mode can be run, refer to... Figure 10 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the passenger cabin-only cooling mode, except that the third port 83 is connected to the first port 81 and the second port 82. Part of the coolant flowing out of the fourth heat exchange section 32 flows to the fourth heat exchanger 101, and the other part flows to the third heat exchanger 104 to meet the lower heating requirements of the passenger cabin.

[0062] In both the first and second heating and dehumidification modes, the fourth heat exchanger 101 and the sixth heat exchanger 102 exchange heat with the air in the passenger cabin. Since the fourth heat exchanger 101 is located on the leeward side of the sixth heat exchanger 102, the humid air first flows through the sixth heat exchanger 102, where it encounters cool air and the water in the air is precipitated out, thus drying the air. The dried air then flows through the fourth heat exchanger 101, where it is heated, and the heated, dry air enters the passenger cabin to achieve the effect of heating and dehumidification.

[0063] After the vehicle has been operating in heating mode for a period of time, the fifth heat exchanger 103 may frost due to the low ambient temperature and high humidity. At this time, it is necessary to run the defrost mode to avoid or delay the frost formation on the fifth heat exchanger 103, or to defrost the fifth heat exchanger 103. However, since the ambient temperature is low, it is necessary to ensure the heating effect of the passenger compartment.

[0064] When the coolant system is unable to provide heat, refer to Figure 11 The thermal management system operates in the first defrosting mode. The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that in the second heating mode, except that: the first valve device 22 is in a throttling or fully open state, the fourth valve device 24 is in a throttling state, the third port 83 is connected to the first port 81 and the second port 82, and the first interface 71 is connected to the seventh interface 77. The compressor 1 heats the refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant transfers heat to the coolant. Part of the heat is used for heating at the fourth heat exchanger 101, and the other part is transferred to the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 4 to ensure the normal operation of the system.

[0065] When the motor has residual heat, the battery has residual heat, or auxiliary heating is required, refer to... Figure 3The thermal management system operates in the second defrosting mode. The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the first heating mode, except that the first valve device 22 is in a throttling or full-open state, and the fourth valve device 24 is in a throttling state. The operating status of the first multi-way device 7 and the second multi-way device 9 is adjusted to obtain heat from at least one of the battery, motor, and heating device 107 through the first heat exchanger 4.

[0066] In both the first and second defrosting modes, the fifth heat exchanger 103 is in a heat-releasing state to prevent or delay frost formation on the fifth heat exchanger 103, or to defrost it. Adjusting the opening of the first valve device 22 and the fourth valve device 24 balances the heating effect at the fourth heat exchanger 101 and the defrosting effect at the fifth heat exchanger 103, ensuring heating performance while completing the defrosting process and improving comfort.

[0067] When the passenger cabin has no thermal management requirements, but the motor and battery both require heat dissipation, the thermal management system operates in cooling mode. (Refer to...) Figure 12 When compressor 1 is off and the refrigerant system is not running, second pump 11 is on, first multi-port device 7 is in its third operating state, third interface 73 is connected to seventh interface 77, second multi-port device is in its first operating mode, first port 81 is connected to third port 83, and heating device 107 is off and used as a pipeline. The outlet of second pump 11, fourth heat exchange section 32, third heat exchanger 104, battery heat exchanger 105, heating device 107, motor heat exchanger 106, and inlet of second pump 11 are connected sequentially. Through heat exchange with the atmospheric environment via third heat exchanger 104, the coolant temperature decreases, and the coolant circulates to dissipate heat from the battery and motor.

[0068] In this application, a second pump 11 is installed in the fourth branch A, a first pump 10 is installed in the first branch D, and no pumps are installed in the fifth branch C, the third branch B, and the second branch E. Based on the heat exchange requirements of the fourth heat exchanger 101, the motor, and the battery, the operating states of the first multi-way device 7, the second multi-way device 9, and the third multi-way device 8 are switched, ensuring that the coolant system forms at least one loop. At least one of the second pump 11 and the first pump 10 is used to power the flow of the coolant. Compared to related technologies with at least three pumps, this reduces the number of pumps and is more energy-efficient.

[0069] When the ambient temperature is low and there are passengers in the vehicle, the heating mode needs to be activated to meet their heating needs. After passengers exit the vehicle, ventilation is required, and the heat inside the vehicle will be wasted. Therefore, the heat storage mode can be activated before ventilation to recover heat from the passenger compartment and store it in the battery. When the vehicle is driven again, the heating mode absorbs heat from the battery, reducing the use of the heating device 107, saving electricity, and improving energy efficiency. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 12The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the passenger cabin cooling mode only. The difference is that the first multi-port device 7 is in the third working state, the third interface 73 is connected to the seventh interface 77, the second multi-port device 9 is in the first working mode, the first port 81 is connected to the third port 83, the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 3 heats the coolant, and the coolant circulates and uses the battery to store heat.

[0070] In this application, when the refrigerant flows through the fifth heat exchanger 103 and the coolant flows through the third heat exchanger 104, but heat exchange is not desired to occur between the fifth heat exchanger 103 and the third heat exchanger 104, the fan device can be turned off, or a pipeline can be used to bypass it.

[0071] In some other embodiments, the second branch E further includes an autonomous driving module heat exchanger 108 and a proportional valve 27. A third interface 73, another port of the battery heat exchanger 105, and another port of the proportional valve 27 are connected. One port of the proportional valve 27 is connected to another port of the autonomous driving module heat exchanger 108. The other port of the heating device 107, one port of the battery heat exchanger 105, and one port of the autonomous driving module heat exchanger 108 are also connected. The proportional valve 27 has a cut-off state and a proportional adjustment state. When the proportional valve 27 is in the proportional adjustment state, it can adjust the ratio of coolant flowing through the battery heat exchanger 105 and the autonomous driving module heat exchanger 108.

[0072] In cooling and heat dissipation modes, when the autonomous driving module needs cooling; or in the first heating mode and second defrosting mode, when the autonomous driving module has residual heat; or in battery heating mode, when the autonomous driving module needs heating, the proportional valve 27 can be in a proportional regulation state, allowing at least a portion of the coolant to flow through the autonomous driving module heat exchanger 108. In some other embodiments, the proportional valve 27 can also be a shut-off valve, only controlling whether coolant flows through the autonomous driving module heat exchanger 108.

[0073] In related technologies, the first multi-way device 7 connects any two of the third branch B, the first branch D, and the second branch E, or the three branches are not connected to each other. In the first heating mode and the second defrosting mode, heat needs to be obtained from the heating device 107 or the battery through the first heat exchanger 4, and the motor needs coolant flow to keep it cool. Therefore, part of the coolant flowing out of the fourth heat exchange section 32 flows through the third heat exchanger 104 and the motor heat exchange device 106. The coolant temperature in the coolant circuit where the second pump 11 is located is high, the third heat exchanger 104 will release heat, and the motor will absorb heat, which will reduce the heating effect or require more energy to meet the heating effect. However, in this application, in the first heating mode and the second defrosting mode, the first multi-way device 7 is in the second working state, and the second multi-way device 9 is in the second working mode. In the first heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant absorbs the temperature of the coolant, so the coolant temperature in the coolant circuit where the first pump 10 is located is low. At this time, the motor temperature is high, the motor absorbs less heat from the heating device 107, and can even provide heat, making the thermal management system more energy-efficient.

[0074] In this application, the "connection" between two components can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline between them, or they may have a valve or other component in addition to a pipeline. Similarly, the "connection" between two components in this application can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline connection, or they may have a valve or other component in addition to a pipeline connection.

[0075] It should be understood that the various modes of the thermal management system of this application are independent of each other and can all be started directly. There is no order in which the modes operate. The descriptions involving progressive relationships in the above description are only for ease of understanding and should not be interpreted as indicating that the two modes operate in a certain order.

[0076] In this application, the first operating mode of the thermal management system can be a first heating mode or a second defrosting mode; the second operating mode of the thermal management system can be one of a second heating mode, a third heating mode, a fifth heating mode, and a first heating and dehumidification mode; the third operating mode of the thermal management system can be one of a cooling mode, a fourth heating mode, a battery heating mode, and a second heating and dehumidification mode; the fourth operating mode of the thermal management system is the first defrosting mode; and the fifth operating mode of the thermal management system is a heat dissipation mode.

[0077] This application also provides a control method for a thermal management system. The control method in this application is applied to the thermal management system of the above-described embodiments. The thermal management system also includes a control system 200, which can be used to control the working state of the refrigerant system and the working state of the coolant system.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 The control system 200 includes a controller and several sensors. These sensors can acquire operational information from the second heat exchanger 3, the fifth heat exchanger 103, the fourth heat exchanger 101, the third heat exchanger 104, the first heat exchanger 4, the sixth heat exchanger 102, the seventh heat exchanger 5, the motor, and the battery. Optionally, the operational information includes temperature and pressure. The controller is electrically connected to components such as the compressor 1, the fan inside the air conditioning unit 100, the fan assembly at the air intake grille, several shut-off valves, several proportional valves, several valve assemblies, several pump assemblies, several multi-way assemblies, and several sensors. The controller can acquire the operational information obtained from the sensors. The controller can adjust the operational states of the components of the thermal management system, including at least one of opening components, closing components, speed adjustment, opening degree adjustment, and power adjustment. The controller can execute the control methods of the thermal management system.

[0079] The control methods of the thermal management system include:

[0080] Acquire passenger needs and operational information obtained from sensors;

[0081] Based on passenger demand and operational information obtained from sensors, the controller adjusts the operating status of various components in the thermal management system, enabling the thermal management system to execute appropriate air conditioning operation modes, thereby achieving thermal management of the passenger cabin, motors, and batteries.

[0082] The thermal management system also includes an interactive device. The controller is electrically connected to the interactive device, and the controller can obtain passenger needs through the interactive device, such as the passenger's desired target temperature or operating mode. Optionally, the interactive device can be the electric vehicle's control panel. The air conditioning operating modes described above refer to the connection status of the thermal management system under these operating modes, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has disclosed the preferred embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, The system includes a first heat exchanger, which includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section; the thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system, the refrigerant system includes the first heat exchange section, and the coolant system includes a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, a first multi-way device, and a second multi-way device, wherein the first branch includes the second heat exchange section. The first multi-channel device includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, and a sixth interface. The second multi-channel device includes a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port, and a fourth connection port. One port of the first branch can communicate with the first interface, another port of the first branch can communicate with the second interface, one port of the second branch can communicate with the third interface, another port of the second branch can communicate with the third connection port, one port of the third branch can communicate with the second connection port, another port of the third branch can communicate with the sixth interface, the first connection port can communicate with the fifth interface, and the fourth connection port can communicate with the fourth interface. The thermal management system has a first working mode. In the first working mode, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, the second connection port is connected to the third connection port, and the first branch, the second branch, and the third branch are connected. The first multi-channel device includes a seventh interface, an eighth interface, and a ninth interface. The eighth interface is connected to the ninth interface. The third branch includes a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch. The second connection port can be connected to one port of the first branch. The sixth interface can be connected to one port of the second branch. The seventh interface can be connected to one port of the third branch. The other port of the first branch can be connected to the other port of the second branch or the other port of the third branch. In the first working mode, the first branch is connected to the second branch.

2. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system has a second working mode. In the second working mode, the first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the second connection port, and the third connection port is connected to the fourth connection port.

3. A thermal management system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management system has a third operating mode, in which the first interface is connected to the fourth interface, the second interface is connected to the third interface, the first connection port is connected to the second connection port, and the third connection port is connected to the fourth connection port.

4. A thermal management system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the second working mode, the first branch is connected to the second branch; in the third working mode, the seventh interface is connected to the eighth interface, the fifth interface is connected to the ninth interface, and the first branch is connected to the third branch.

5. A thermal management system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a compressor, a second heat exchanger, and a first valve device; In the first operating mode, the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the first valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected and refrigerant flows through them. The inlet of the first valve device is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet of the first valve device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange section. The first valve device is in a throttling state.

6. A thermal management system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second heat exchanger includes a third heat exchange section and a fourth heat exchange section, the refrigerant system includes the third heat exchange section, and the coolant system includes a third multi-port device, a fourth branch and a fifth branch, the fourth branch including the fourth heat exchange section; The third multi-channel device includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. One port of the fourth branch can be connected to the third port, one port of the fifth branch can be connected to the second port, and another port of the first branch can be connected to the first port; the third port can be connected to the first port, and the other port of the fourth branch can be connected to the other port of the third branch; and / or, the third port can be connected to the second port, and the other port of the fourth branch can be connected to the other port of the fifth branch.

7. A thermal management system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, In the first working mode and the second working mode, the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section, the third port is connected to the second port, and the fourth branch is connected to the fifth branch; In the third operating mode, the third port is connected to the first port, and the fourth branch is connected to the third branch.

8. A thermal management system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal management system has a fourth operating mode. In this mode, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section, and the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section. The first interface is connected to the seventh interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the second connection port, the third connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, and the fourth branch is connected to the fifth branch and the third branch.

9. A thermal management system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal management system has a fifth operating mode. In the fifth operating mode, the first interface is connected to the ninth interface, the second interface is connected to the eighth interface, the third interface is connected to the seventh interface, the first connection port is connected to the second connection port, the third connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, the third port is connected to the first port, and the fourth branch is connected to the third branch.

10. A thermal management system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first branch includes a first pump, the second branch includes a battery heat exchange device and a heating device, the first branch includes a motor heat exchange device, the third branch includes a third heat exchanger, the fourth branch includes a second pump, the fifth branch includes a fourth heat exchanger, the heating device is capable of heating the coolant, the battery heat exchange device is used for thermal management of the battery, the motor heat exchange device is used for thermal management of the motor, and the first pump and the second pump are used to provide power for the flow of coolant; The thermal management system includes an air conditioning unit, the fourth heat exchanger is used for heat exchange with the air inside the air conditioning unit, and the third heat exchanger is used for heat exchange with the air in the atmospheric environment.

11. A thermal management system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a fifth heat exchanger, a sixth heat exchanger, a second valve device, a third valve device, and a fourth valve device. In the second operating mode, the compressor, the third heat exchange section, the first valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected, the first valve device is in a throttling state, and the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section; or, the compressor, the third heat exchange section, the first valve device, and the fifth heat exchanger are connected, and the first valve device is in a throttling state. Alternatively, the compressor, the second valve device, the third heat exchange section, and the first valve device are connected in series along the refrigerant flow direction. The second valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the third heat exchange section, and the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the third heat exchange section and the inlet of the compressor. No heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the second valve device, and the first valve device and / or the second valve device are in a throttling state. Alternatively, the compressor, the third heat exchange section, the third valve device, and the sixth heat exchanger are connected, and the third valve device is in a throttling state.

12. A thermal management system as described in claim 11, characterized in that, In the third operating mode, the compressor, the fifth heat exchanger, the fourth valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected, the fourth valve device is in a throttling state, and the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section; or, the compressor, the third heat exchange section, the third valve device, and the sixth heat exchanger are connected, and the third valve device is in a throttling state. Alternatively, the compressor, the third heat exchange section, the first valve device, and the fifth heat exchanger are connected, and the first valve device is in a throttling state; Alternatively, the compressor, the third heat exchange section, the third valve device, and the sixth heat exchanger are connected, and the third valve device is in a throttling state; Alternatively, the compressor may be in a switched-off state.

13. A control method for a thermal management system, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: a first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger including a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section; the thermal management system includes a refrigerant system, a coolant system and a control system, the refrigerant system including the first heat exchange section, the coolant system including a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, a first multi-port device and a second multi-port device, the first branch including the second heat exchange section, the first multi-port device including a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface and a sixth interface, the second multi-port device including a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port and a fourth connection port, one port of the first branch being able to communicate with the first interface, the other port of the first branch being able to communicate with the second interface, one port of the second branch being able to communicate with the third interface, and the other port of the second branch being able to communicate with the third connection port. The interfaces are connected, one port of the third branch can be connected to the second connection port, the other port of the third branch can be connected to the sixth interface, the first connection port can be connected to the fifth interface, and the fourth connection port can be connected to the fourth interface. The control system includes a controller, which is used to execute the control method of the thermal management system. The first multi-port device includes a seventh interface, an eighth interface, and a ninth interface, the eighth interface is connected to the ninth interface, the third branch includes a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the second connection port can be connected to one port of the first branch, the sixth interface can be connected to one port of the second branch, the seventh interface can be connected to one port of the third branch, and the other port of the first branch can be connected to the other port of the second branch or the other port of the third branch. The control method of the thermal management system includes: the controller controls the thermal management system to enter a first working mode, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section, the first interface is connected to the sixth interface, the second interface is connected to the fifth interface, the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, the first connection port is connected to the fourth connection port, the second connection port is connected to the third connection port, and the first branch is connected to the second branch.

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