Vehicle, thermal management system for a vehicle, and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a vehicle, a thermal management system for the vehicle, and a control method thereof. In the thermal management system, a control component can flexibly adjust the storage amount of refrigerant in a battery direct cooling component according to the actual pressure of a preset position detected by a sensor component, flexibly adjust the flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant circulation loop, and make the actual pressure of the preset position within a pressure threshold range. Thus, the pressure of the preset position is flexibly adjusted, the pressure of the preset position is ensured to be within a suitable pressure threshold range, and the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system are improved. In addition, since a liquid storage tank is not needed to realize the function of storing refrigerant, the cost is effectively reduced, the space is saved, and the miniaturization of the thermal management system is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicles, specifically to a vehicle, a thermal management system for a vehicle, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vehicle thermal management systems can switch between heating, cooling, or dehumidification modes in response to user input and are equipped with refrigerant reservoirs for storing or releasing refrigerant. However, existing refrigerant reservoirs suffer from high cost and large size. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure aims to at least partially address one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle, a thermal management system for the vehicle, and a control method thereof. The control component in this thermal management system can adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circulation loop based on the actual pressure at a preset location detected by a sensor component and the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component, so that the actual pressure at the preset location is within a pressure threshold range. That is, by utilizing the existing battery direct cooling component in the thermal management system to store excess refrigerant or release refrigerant from the battery direct cooling component, the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circulation loop can be flexibly adjusted, thereby achieving flexible adjustment of the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop. This ensures that the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop is within a suitable pressure threshold range, improving the reliability of the thermal management system control. Furthermore, there is no need to set up a separate refrigerant storage tank to achieve this refrigerant storage function. Therefore, while achieving flexible adjustment of the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop, it effectively reduces costs, saves space, and ensures the miniaturization of the thermal management system.

[0004] On the one hand, a thermal management system for a vehicle is provided, the thermal management system including: a heat exchange module, a compressor, a battery direct cooling component, a sensor component, and a control component; The heat exchange module is connected to the compressor and the battery direct cooling component respectively. A refrigerant circulation loop is formed between the compressor and the heat exchange module. The battery direct cooling component can be used to store refrigerant. The sensor component is set at a preset position in the refrigerant circulation loop. Control components, used for: Based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor assembly at the preset position, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly is adjusted to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0005] Optionally, the sensor assembly is located at the compressor outlet; Control components, used for: Based on the actual pressure at the compressor outlet detected by the sensor assembly, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly is adjusted to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circulation loop.

[0006] Optional, control components, used for: If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling component is released. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, refrigerant is stored in the battery direct cooling assembly.

[0007] Optionally, the battery direct cooling assembly includes: a first valve body, a battery direct cooling plate, and a second valve body connected in sequence; the battery direct cooling plate is connected to the compressor outlet through one of the first valve body and the second valve body, and the battery direct cooling plate is connected to the compressor inlet through the other of the first valve body and the second valve body. Control components, used for: If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, open one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the compressor inlet, and close one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the compressor outlet to release the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling plate. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, one of the first and second valve bodies connected to the compressor outlet is opened, and the other of the first and second valve bodies connected to the compressor inlet is closed to store refrigerant in the battery direct cooling plate.

[0008] Optionally, the battery direct cooling plate is connected to the compressor outlet through the first valve body, and the battery direct cooling plate is connected to the compressor inlet through the second valve body. Control components, used for: If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range during the cooling or heating mode of the thermal management system, the second valve body will be opened and the first valve body will be closed. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, the first valve body is opened and the second valve body is closed.

[0009] Optionally, both the first valve body and the second valve body are expansion valves.

[0010] Optionally, the control component is used for: If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, the opening degree of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the compressor inlet is controlled to be a first preset opening degree, and the duration of the opening of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the compressor inlet is controlled to be a first duration. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, the opening degree of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the compressor outlet is controlled to be a second preset opening degree, and the duration of the opening of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the compressor outlet is controlled to be a second duration.

[0011] Optionally, the first preset opening degree is a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, and / or the first duration is a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the lower limit of the pressure threshold range. The second preset opening degree is a preset fixed value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, and / or the second duration is a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the upper limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0012] Optionally, the first preset opening is 5%-60%, and / or the first duration is 3-10 seconds; The second preset opening is 5%-60%, and / or the second duration is 3-10 seconds.

[0013] Optionally, the control component is also used for: During the cooling mode of the thermal management system, the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is obtained. If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, increase the compressor speed until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0014] Optionally, the control component is also used for: If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature and the compressor speed reaches the first speed threshold, the air volume of the thermal management system is reduced until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0015] Optionally, the control component is also used for: During the heating mode of the thermal management system, the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is obtained. If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, increase the compressor speed until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0016] Optionally, the control component is also used for: If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature and the compressor speed reaches the second speed threshold, the air volume of the thermal management system will be reduced until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0017] Optionally, the heat exchange module includes: an internal condenser, a first throttling valve, a first external heat exchanger, a second throttling valve, a third valve body, and an internal evaporator; The first end of the internal condenser is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the second end of the internal condenser is connected to the first end of the first throttle valve. The first end of the first external heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the first throttle valve, and the second end of the first external heat exchanger is connected to the first end of the second throttle valve and the first end of the third valve body, respectively. The first end of the internal evaporator is connected to the second end of the second throttle valve, and the second end of the internal evaporator is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The second end of the third valve body is connected to the compressor inlet.

[0018] Optionally, the heat exchange module includes: a second external heat exchanger, an internal heat exchanger, and a third throttle valve connected to the second external heat exchanger and the internal heat exchanger; The second external heat exchanger is also connected to the compressor outlet, and the internal heat exchanger is also connected to the compressor inlet.

[0019] On the other hand, a vehicle is provided that includes the thermal management system for a vehicle described in the above aspects.

[0020] On another front, a control method for a vehicle's thermal management system is provided, applied to control components within the thermal management system. The thermal management system further includes: a heat exchange module, a compressor, a battery direct cooling component, and a sensor component. The heat exchange module is connected to both the compressor and the battery direct cooling component, forming a refrigerant circulation loop between them. The battery direct cooling component can be used to store refrigerant, and the sensor component is positioned at a preset location within the refrigerant circulation loop. The method includes: Obtain the actual pressure at the preset position detected by the sensor assembly; Based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor assembly at the preset position, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly is adjusted to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0021] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a vehicle, a thermal management system for the vehicle, and a control method thereof. The control component in this thermal management system can flexibly adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the circulation loop by adjusting the refrigerant storage amount in the battery direct cooling component based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor component at a preset location, thereby ensuring that the actual pressure at the preset location is within a pressure threshold range. This ensures that the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop is within a suitable pressure threshold range, improving the reliability of the thermal management system control. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a separate refrigerant storage tank, thus effectively reducing costs and saving space while achieving flexible adjustment of the refrigerant circulation loop pressure, ensuring the miniaturization of the thermal management system.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system for a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another thermal management system for a vehicle provided in this disclosure embodiment; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a control method for a vehicle's thermal management system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another control method for a vehicle's thermal management system provided in this embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another control method for a vehicle thermal management system provided in this disclosure embodiment; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another thermal management system for a vehicle provided in this disclosure embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow direction of a refrigerant according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another refrigerant flow direction provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow direction of another refrigerant provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow direction of another refrigerant provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another thermal management system for a vehicle provided in this disclosure embodiment; Figure 12 This is a flowchart of another control method for a vehicle thermal management system provided in this disclosure embodiment; Figure 13 This is a flowchart of another control method for a vehicle thermal management system provided in this disclosure embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system for a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management system includes a first sensor assembly 10, a compressor 20, a heat exchange module 30, a battery direct cooling assembly 40, and a control assembly 50. The control assembly 50 is connected to the first sensor assembly 10, the battery direct cooling assembly 40, the compressor 20, and the heat exchange module 30. The first sensor assembly 10 can be a pressure sensor.

[0026] The heat exchange module 30 is connected to both the battery direct cooling assembly 40 and the compressor 20, forming a refrigerant circulation loop between the compressor 20 and the heat exchange module 30. The battery direct cooling assembly 40 can be used to store refrigerant. The first sensor assembly 10 is located at a preset position in the refrigerant circulation loop. The first sensor assembly 10 is used to detect the actual pressure at the preset position and transmit the actual pressure to the control assembly 50. The preset position can be any position in the refrigerant circulation loop. Figure 1 The following is an illustration using the preset location as the outlet of compressor 20.

[0027] Optionally, the compressor 20 is used to compress the refrigerant and transfer the compressed refrigerant to the heat exchange module 30, which is used to perform heat exchange treatment on the refrigerant, and then transfer the heat-treated refrigerant back to the compressor 20, thereby forming a refrigerant circulation loop.

[0028] The control component 50 is used to adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component 40 according to the actual pressure at the preset position detected by the first sensor component 10, so as to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop and make the actual pressure at the preset position within the pressure threshold range.

[0029] After receiving the actual pressure transmitted by the first sensor component 10, the control component 50 can detect whether the actual pressure is within a pressure threshold range. If the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, there is no need to adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component 40. If the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component 40 can be adjusted to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0030] In other words, this embodiment utilizes the existing battery direct cooling component 40 in the thermal management system to store excess refrigerant. This allows for the release of refrigerant from the battery direct cooling component 40 when the refrigerant level in the refrigerant circulation loop is low, thereby increasing the refrigerant supply. Conversely, when the refrigerant level in the circulation loop is high, the excess refrigerant is stored in the battery cooling component 40, thereby reducing the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop and consequently reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system. By releasing refrigerant from the battery direct cooling component 40 or storing refrigerant in the battery cooling plate assembly 40, the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circulation loop is flexibly adjusted, and consequently, the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop is also flexibly adjusted, thus improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system. Since the battery direct cooling component 40 reuses the function of the liquid receiver, there is no need to install a separate liquid receiver in the thermal management system, effectively reducing the cost of the thermal management system, saving space, and ensuring the miniaturization of the thermal management system.

[0031] The control component 50 may pre-store the pressure threshold range. Optionally, the pressure threshold range may be 1 MPa to 1.5 MPa, or 1.7 MPa to 2.3 MPa, or 1.2 MPa to 1.8 MPa.

[0032] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a thermal management system for vehicles. The control component in this thermal management system can adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor component at a preset location, thereby regulating the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circulation loop. This ensures that the actual pressure at the preset location is within a pressure threshold range, thus achieving flexible adjustment of the refrigerant circulation loop pressure. This ensures that the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop remains within a suitable pressure threshold range, improving the reliability of the thermal management system control and enhancing the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a receiver tank to store the refrigerant, costs are effectively reduced, space is saved, and the miniaturization of the thermal management system is ensured.

[0033] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first sensor assembly 10 may be located at the outlet of the compressor 20. The control assembly 50 is used to adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly 40 to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop based on the actual pressure at the outlet of the compressor 20 detected by the first sensor assembly 10.

[0034] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after receiving the actual pressure transmitted by the first sensor component 10, the control component 50 can detect whether the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range. If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling component 40 can be released. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, refrigerant can be stored in the battery direct cooling component 40.

[0035] The control component 50 is used to determine that the pressure at the preset position is low if the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range. At this time, there is less refrigerant at the preset position, so the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling component 40 can be released to increase the refrigerant at the preset position.

[0036] It is understandable that, taking the preset position as the outlet of compressor 20 as an example, since the battery direct cooling component 40 is connected to the heat exchange module 30 and the heat exchange module 30 is connected to compressor 20, after the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling component 40 is released, the released refrigerant can be transferred to the inlet of compressor 20 through the heat exchange module 30.

[0037] The control component 50 is configured to determine that if the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, the pressure at the preset position is high, indicating a surplus of refrigerant at that position. Therefore, refrigerant can be stored in the battery direct cooling component 40. This allows excess refrigerant at the preset position to be stored in the battery direct cooling component 40, reducing the pressure at the preset position and thus lowering system energy consumption. It is understood that the excess refrigerant at the preset position can be stored in the battery direct cooling component 40 via the compressor 20 and the heat exchange module 30.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 The battery direct cooling assembly 40 may include a first valve body 41, a battery direct cooling plate 42, and a second valve body 43 connected in sequence. The battery direct cooling plate 42 can be used to store refrigerant. Optionally, both the first valve body 41 and the second valve body 43 can be expansion valves, thereby reusing the valve bodies required for battery direct cooling and heating, and improving integration.

[0039] The battery direct cooling plate 42 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 20 through one of the first valve body 41 and the second valve body 43, and the battery direct cooling plate 42 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 20 through one of the first valve body 41 and the second valve body 43.

[0040] Figure 2Taking the battery direct cooling plate 42 connected to the outlet of the compressor 20 via the first valve body 41 and the battery direct cooling plate 42 connected to the inlet of the compressor 20 via the second valve body 43 as an example, the first end of the first valve body 41 is connected to the first end of the battery direct cooling plate 42, the second end of the first valve body 41 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 20, the second end of the battery direct cooling plate 42 is connected to the first end of the second valve body 43, and the second end of the second valve body 43 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 20.

[0041] The control component 50 is configured to, if the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, open one of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the inlet of the compressor 20 and close the other of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the outlet of the compressor 20 to release refrigerant from the battery direct cooling plate. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, it can open one of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the outlet of the compressor 20 and close the other of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the inlet of the compressor 20 to store refrigerant in the battery direct cooling plate.

[0042] Optionally, the control component 50 is configured to, if the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, control the opening degree of one of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the inlet of the compressor 20 to a first preset opening degree, and control the duration of the opening of the one of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the inlet of the compressor 20 to a first duration. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, the control component 50 can, if the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, control the opening degree of one of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the outlet of the compressor 20 to a second preset opening degree, and control the duration of the opening of the one of the first valve bodies 41 and 43 connected to the outlet of the compressor 20 to a second duration.

[0043] The control component 50 may pre-store the first preset opening degree, the first duration, the second preset opening degree, and the second duration. The first preset opening degree may be a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, and / or the first duration may be a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the lower limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0044] The second preset opening degree can be a preset fixed value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, and / or the second duration can be a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the upper limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0045] Optionally, the first preset opening can be 5%-60%, and / or the first duration can be 3-10 seconds. The second preset opening can be 5%-60%, and / or the second duration can be 3-10 seconds. For example, both the first and second preset openings can be 17%-18%.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 The battery direct cooling plate 42 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 20 through the first valve body 41, and the battery direct cooling plate 42 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 20 through the second valve body 43.

[0047] The control component 50 is configured to, when the thermal management system is in cooling or heating mode, open the second valve body 43 and close the first valve body 41 if the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, and open the first valve body 41 and close the second valve body 43 if the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0048] refer to Figure 3 The control component 50 adjusting the pressure at the preset position may include the following steps: Step 301: Check whether the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0049] If control component 50 determines that the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, it may proceed to step 302. If it determines that the actual pressure is greater than the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, it proceeds to step 303.

[0050] Step 302: Control the opening degree of the second valve body to the first preset opening degree, and control the duration of the second valve body being open to the first duration.

[0051] After the control component 50 controls the opening degree of the second valve body 43 to the first preset opening degree and controls the duration of the second valve body 43 being open to the first duration, it can execute step 301 again.

[0052] Step 303: Check whether the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0053] If control component 50 determines that the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, it can proceed to step 304. If the actual pressure is greater than the lower limit of the pressure threshold range and less than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, the process ends.

[0054] Step 304: Control the opening degree of the first valve body to the second preset opening degree, and control the duration of the first valve body being open to the second duration.

[0055] After the control component 50 controls the opening degree of the first valve body 41 to the second preset opening degree and controls the duration of the opening of the first valve body 41 to the second duration, it can execute step 303 again.

[0056] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component 50 is further configured to acquire a first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system during the cooling mode, and detect whether the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to a first target temperature. If it is determined that the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, it can be determined that the current outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is high. Therefore, the speed of the compressor 20 can be increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate, thereby reducing the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0057] If the first outlet air temperature is determined to be less than or equal to the first target temperature, then the current outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is considered suitable for human comfort. Therefore, this first outlet air temperature can be maintained without increasing the compressor speed 20. Here, the first outlet air temperature refers to the current outlet air temperature of the thermal management system when it is in cooling mode. The first target temperature refers to the outlet air temperature that the thermal management system needs to achieve when it is in cooling mode.

[0058] Optionally, the control component 50 may store a first correspondence between multiple ambient temperatures and multiple air outlet temperatures, wherein the air outlet temperature corresponding to each ambient temperature in the first correspondence is a temperature that is relatively comfortable for the human body at that ambient temperature. Here, the ambient temperature refers to the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

[0059] When the thermal management system is in cooling mode, the control component 50 can acquire the actual ambient temperature outside the vehicle and determine a first target temperature corresponding to that actual ambient temperature from the first correspondence, thereby obtaining the air outlet temperature suitable for the human body at the actual ambient temperature. For example, if the actual ambient temperature outside the vehicle is 40 degrees Celsius (°C), the first target temperature determined by the control component 50 can be 20°C.

[0060] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after each increase in the speed of the compressor 20, the control component 50 can re-detect the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system. If the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is less than or equal to the first target temperature, there is no need to further increase the compressor speed. If the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is still greater than the first target temperature, the speed of the compressor 20 can be further increased, and this cycle continues until the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0061] Optionally, after determining that the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, the control component 50 can increase the speed of the compressor 20 by the first target speed, wherein the control component 50 may pre-store the first target speed. Then, the control component 50 can again acquire the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system and detect whether the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. If the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature, it can be determined that after increasing the speed of the compressor 20 by the first target speed, the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system decreases, and the first outlet air temperature is a suitable outlet air temperature for the human body under actual ambient temperature; therefore, it is not necessary to further increase the speed of the compressor 20.

[0062] If the first outlet air temperature is still greater than the first target temperature, the speed of the compressor 20 can be increased to the first target speed again. Then, the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system can be obtained again, and it can be checked again whether the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. This cycle is repeated until the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0063] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component 50 is further configured to reduce the air volume of the thermal management system if the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature and the speed of the compressor 20 reaches the first speed threshold, so as to reduce the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0064] Optionally, the control component 50 is further configured to detect whether the rotational speed of the compressor 20 has reached a first rotational speed threshold after each determination that the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature. If the rotational speed of the compressor 20 has not reached the first rotational speed threshold, the rotational speed of the compressor 20 can be increased until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. If the rotational speed of the compressor 20 has reached the first rotational speed threshold, the airflow of the thermal management system can be reduced to lower the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. The control component 50 may pre-store this first rotational speed threshold. Optionally, this first rotational speed threshold can be equal to the maximum rotational speed of the compressor 20.

[0065] Optionally, after each reduction in the airflow of the thermal management system, the control component 50 can detect the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system. If the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature, the airflow of the thermal management system will not be reduced further. If the first outlet air temperature is still greater than the first target temperature, the airflow of the thermal management system can be reduced further, and this cycle can continue until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. This achieves dynamic adjustment of the outlet air temperature of the thermal management system based on the ambient temperature, improving the flexibility of outlet air temperature adjustment and ensuring a more suitable outlet air temperature for the user, resulting in a better user experience.

[0066] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component 50 can, in response to a cooling mode start command, detect whether the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is less than or equal to a first target temperature. If the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature, there is no need to adjust the speed of the compressor 20. If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, the speed of the compressor 20 can be increased until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature and the speed of the compressor 20 reaches a first speed threshold, the air volume of the thermal management system can be reduced until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0067] The control component 50 can also respond to a cooling mode start command by detecting whether the actual pressure at a preset position is within a pressure threshold range. If the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, there is no need to adjust the refrigerant storage level in the battery direct cooling component 40. If the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, the refrigerant storage level in the battery direct cooling component 40 is adjusted until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range. This ensures that the pressure at the preset position is controlled within a suitable pressure threshold range during the cooling mode of the thermal management system, improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0068] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a control method for a vehicle thermal management system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the process may include: Step 401: Check whether the first air outlet temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0069] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component 50 may, in response to a cooling mode start command, detect whether the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. Alternatively, the control component 50 may, after adjusting the refrigerant storage amount in the battery direct cooling component 40 until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, detect whether the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature again. Alternatively, the control component 50 may, after increasing the speed of the compressor 20 to the first target speed, detect whether the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature again.

[0070] If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, then step 402 can be executed. If the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature, then step 404 can be executed.

[0071] Alternatively, control component 50 can, after reducing the airflow of the thermal management system, re-detect whether the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature. If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, step 405 can be executed again. If the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature, the process can be terminated.

[0072] Step 402: Check whether the compressor speed has reached the first speed threshold.

[0073] If the control component 50 determines that the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, it can detect whether the speed of the compressor 20 has reached the first speed threshold. If the speed of the compressor 20 has not reached the first speed threshold, step 403 can be executed. If the speed of the compressor 20 has reached the first speed threshold, step 404 can be executed.

[0074] Step 403: Increase the compressor speed to the first target speed.

[0075] After determining that the speed of the compressor 20 has not reached the first speed threshold, the control component 50 can increase the speed of the compressor 20 to the first target speed, and then execute step 401 again.

[0076] Step 404: Check whether the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range.

[0077] If the control component 50 determines that the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature, it can detect whether the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0078] Alternatively, if the control component 50 determines that the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature and the compressor 20 speed reaches the first speed threshold, it can detect whether the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0079] If the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature, and the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, the process can be terminated.

[0080] If the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature and the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component 40 can be adjusted until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range. Then, step 401 is executed again.

[0081] If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, the compressor speed 20 reaches the first speed threshold, and the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, then step 405 can be executed.

[0082] If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, the compressor 20 speed reaches the first speed threshold, and the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, then step 406 can be executed.

[0083] If the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, then step 406 can be executed.

[0084] Step 405: If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature and the compressor speed reaches the first speed threshold, then reduce the air volume of the thermal management system.

[0085] If the control component 50 determines that the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, the compressor 20 speed reaches the first speed threshold, and the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, then it can reduce the air volume of the thermal management system and then check and execute step 401 again.

[0086] Step 406: Adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling plate until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range.

[0087] After adjusting the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling plate 42 until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, the control component 50 executes step 401 again.

[0088] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component 50 is further configured to acquire the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system during the heating mode, and detect whether the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. If the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature, it can be determined that the current outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is low. Therefore, the speed of the compressor 20 can be increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate, thereby increasing the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0089] If the control component 50 determines that the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, it can determine that the current outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is suitable for the human body. Therefore, the second outlet air temperature can be maintained unchanged without increasing the speed of the compressor 20. Here, the second outlet air temperature refers to the current outlet air temperature of the thermal management system when it is in heating mode. The second target temperature refers to the outlet air temperature that the thermal management system needs to achieve when it is in heating mode.

[0090] Optionally, the control component 50 may store a second correspondence between multiple ambient temperatures and multiple air outlet temperatures, wherein the air outlet temperature corresponding to each ambient temperature in the second correspondence is a temperature that is relatively comfortable for the human body at that ambient temperature. Here, the ambient temperature refers to the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

[0091] When the thermal management system is in heating mode, the control component 50 can acquire the actual ambient temperature outside the vehicle and determine a second target temperature corresponding to that actual ambient temperature from the second correspondence, thereby obtaining a suitable air outlet temperature for the human body at the actual ambient temperature. For example, if the actual ambient temperature outside the vehicle is -20°C, the first target temperature determined by the control component 50 can be 40°C.

[0092] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after each increase in the speed of the compressor 20, the control component 50 can re-detect the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system. If the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, there is no need to further increase the compressor speed. If the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is still less than the second target temperature, the speed of the compressor 20 can continue to be increased, and this cycle continues until the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0093] Optionally, after determining that the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, the control component 50 can increase the speed of the compressor 20 to the second target speed. The control component 50 can pre-store this second target speed, which may or may not be the same as the first target speed. Afterward, the control component 50 can again acquire the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system and detect whether this second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. If the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, it can be determined that increasing the speed of the compressor 20 to the second target speed increases the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system, and this second outlet air temperature is a suitable outlet air temperature for the human body under actual ambient temperature; therefore, it is not necessary to further increase the speed of the compressor 20.

[0094] If the second outlet air temperature is still lower than the second target temperature, the speed of the compressor 20 can be increased to the second target speed again. Then, the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system can be obtained again, and it can be checked again whether the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. This cycle is repeated until the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0095] In this embodiment, the control component 50 is further configured to reduce the airflow of the thermal management system until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature if it is determined that the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature and the compressor 20 speed reaches a second speed threshold. The control component 50 may pre-store the second speed threshold, and the second speed threshold may be the same as or different from the first speed threshold. Optionally, the second speed threshold may be the maximum speed of the compressor 20.

[0096] Optionally, the control component 50 is further configured to detect whether the rotational speed of the compressor 20 has reached a second rotational speed threshold after each determination that the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature. If the rotational speed of the compressor 20 has not reached the second rotational speed threshold, the rotational speed of the compressor 20 can be increased further to increase the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. If the rotational speed of the compressor 20 has reached the second rotational speed threshold, the air volume of the thermal management system can be reduced to increase the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0097] Optionally, after each reduction in the airflow of the thermal management system, the control component 50 can detect the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system. If the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, the airflow of the thermal management system will not be reduced further. If the second outlet air temperature is still lower than the second target temperature, the airflow of the thermal management system can be further reduced, and this cycle can be repeated until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. This achieves dynamic adjustment of the outlet air temperature of the thermal management system based on the ambient temperature, improving the flexibility of outlet air temperature adjustment and ensuring a more suitable outlet air temperature for the user, resulting in a better user experience.

[0098] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component 50 can detect whether the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is greater than or equal to the second target temperature in response to a heating mode start command. If the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, there is no need to adjust the speed of the compressor 20. If the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature, the speed of the compressor 20 can be increased until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. If the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature and the speed of the compressor 20 reaches a second speed threshold, the air volume of the thermal management system can be reduced until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0099] The control component 50 can also respond to the heating mode start command by detecting whether the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range. If the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, there is no need to adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component 40. If the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component 40 is adjusted until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range. This ensures that the pressure at the preset position is controlled within a suitable pressure threshold range during the heating mode of the thermal management system, improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0100] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a control method for a vehicle thermal management system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the process may include: Step 501: Check whether the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0101] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component 50 may, in response to a heating mode start command, detect whether the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. Alternatively, the control component 50 may, after adjusting the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling plate 42 until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, detect whether the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature again. Alternatively, the control component 50 may, after increasing the speed of the compressor 20 to the second target speed, detect whether the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature again.

[0102] If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, then step 502 can be executed. If the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, then step 504 can be executed.

[0103] Alternatively, control component 50 can, after reducing the airflow of the thermal management system, re-detect whether the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature. If the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature, step 505 can be executed again. If the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, the process can be terminated.

[0104] Step 502: Check whether the compressor speed has reached the second speed threshold.

[0105] If the control component 50 determines that the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, it can detect whether the speed of the compressor 20 has reached the second speed threshold. If the speed of the compressor 20 has not reached the second speed threshold, step 203 can be executed. If the speed of the compressor 20 has reached the second speed threshold, step 504 can be executed.

[0106] Step 503: Increase the compressor speed to the second target speed.

[0107] After determining that the compressor 20's speed has not reached the second speed threshold, the control component 50 may increase the compressor 20's speed. Optionally, the control component 50 may reduce the compressor 20's speed, and then repeat step 501.

[0108] Step 504: Check whether the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range.

[0109] If the control component 50 determines that the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, or determines that the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature, and the speed of the compressor 20 reaches the second speed threshold, then it can detect whether the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0110] If the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, and the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, the process can be terminated.

[0111] If the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature, and the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, then step 506 can be executed.

[0112] If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, the compressor speed 20 reaches the second speed threshold, and the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, then step 505 can be executed.

[0113] If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, the compressor speed 20 reaches the second speed threshold, and the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, then step 506 can be performed.

[0114] If the actual pressure is outside the pressure threshold range, then step 506 can be executed.

[0115] Step 505: If it is determined that the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature and the compressor speed reaches the second speed threshold, then reduce the air volume of the thermal management system.

[0116] If the control component 50 determines that the second outlet air temperature is less than the second target temperature, the compressor 20 speed reaches the second speed threshold, and the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, then it can reduce the air volume of the thermal management system and then check and execute step 501 again.

[0117] Step 506: Adjust the amount of heat exchanger stored in the battery direct cooling plate until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range.

[0118] After adjusting the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling plate 42 until the actual pressure is within the pressure threshold range, the control component 50 executes step 501 again.

[0119] refer to Figure 6 If the thermal management system is a heat pump, then the heat exchange module may include an internal condenser 31, a first throttling valve 32a, a first external heat exchanger 33a, a second throttling valve 32b, a third valve body 32c, and an internal evaporator 34. The first throttling valve 32a and the second throttling valve 32b can both be expansion valves, and the third valve body 32c can be a solenoid valve.

[0120] The first end of the internal condenser 31 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 20, and the second end of the internal condenser 31 is connected to the first end of the first throttle valve 32a.

[0121] The first end of the first external heat exchanger 33a is connected to the second end of the first throttle valve 32a, and the second end of the first external heat exchanger 33a is connected to the first end of the second throttle valve 32b and the first end of the third valve body 32c, respectively.

[0122] The first end of the internal evaporator 34 is connected to the second end of the second throttle valve 32b, the second end of the internal evaporator 34 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 20, and the second end of the third valve body 32c is connected to the inlet of the compressor 20.

[0123] The control component 50 is also used to control the internal condenser 31 to transfer refrigerant, control the opening degree of the first throttle valve 32a to a first reference opening degree, control the first external heat exchanger 33a to condense the refrigerant, control the opening degree of the second throttle valve 32b to a second reference opening degree, and control the internal evaporator 34 to evaporate the refrigerant during the cooling mode of the thermal management system, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle loop. During the cooling mode of the thermal management system, the internal condenser 31 only transfers the refrigerant and does not process it. The first reference opening degree is greater than the second reference opening degree. Optionally, the control component 50 can control the first throttle valve 32a to be fully open and control the second throttle valve 32b to throttle.

[0124] The control component 50 is also used to control the internal condenser 31 to condense the refrigerant delivered by the compressor 20, control the opening degree of the first throttle valve 32a to the third reference opening degree, control the first external heat exchanger 33a to evaporate the refrigerant, and control the third valve body 32c to open during the heating mode of the thermal management system, thereby forming a heating cycle loop. Optionally, the control component 50 can control the first throttle valve 32a to be fully open.

[0125] by Figure 6 For example, this embodiment of the disclosure uses a thermal management system as a heat pump to illustrate the flow direction of the refrigerant during the process of the thermal management system being in cooling mode and heating mode.

[0126] refer to Figure 7 During the cooling mode of the thermal management system, the compressor 20 compresses the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is then transferred through the internal condenser 31 to the first expansion valve 32a, and then through the first expansion valve 32a to the first external heat exchanger 33a. The first external heat exchanger 33a condenses the refrigerant, and then it is transferred through the second expansion valve 32b to the internal evaporator 34. The refrigerant is then evaporated in the internal evaporator 34 and finally transferred to the inlet of the compressor 20, thus forming a refrigeration cycle. During this process, the first expansion valve 32a is fully open, the second expansion valve 32b is open, and all other valves are closed.

[0127] refer to Figure 8 During the heating mode of the thermal management system, the compressor 20 compresses the refrigerant, which is then condensed by the internal condenser 31 and transferred to the first external heat exchanger 33a via the first throttling valve 32a. The refrigerant then evaporates in the first external heat exchanger 33a, and the evaporated refrigerant is transferred back to the input of the compressor 20 via the third valve body 32c, thus forming a heating cycle. In this process, the first throttling valve 32a throttles the flow, the third valve body 32c is open, and all other valves are closed.

[0128] refer to Figure 6 The heat exchange module may also include a fourth valve body 32d, a first one-way valve 32e, a second one-way valve 32f, and a fifth valve body 32g. The fourth valve body 32d and the fifth valve body 32g are both solenoid valves, and the first one-way valve 32e and the second one-way valve 32f are both one-way valves.

[0129] The first end of the fourth valve body 32d is connected to the outlet of the compressor 20, and the second end of the fourth valve body 32d is connected to the second end of the first valve body 41 and the first end of the first check valve 32e.

[0130] The second end of the first one-way valve 32e is connected to the second end of the first external heat exchanger 33a.

[0131] The first end of the second one-way valve 32f is connected to the first end of the first external heat exchanger 33a, the second end of the second one-way valve 32f is connected to the second end of the second valve body 43 and the first end of the fifth valve body 32g, and the second end of the fifth valve body 32g is connected to the input end of the compressor 20.

[0132] The control component 50 is also used for: During the cooling process of the battery in the direct cooling plate 42, the internal condenser 31 is controlled to transfer refrigerant, the first external heat exchanger 33a is controlled to condense the refrigerant, the first one-way valve 32e is controlled to open, the opening degree of the first valve body 41 is controlled to be a first target opening degree, the direct cooling plate 42 is controlled to evaporate the refrigerant, the opening degree of the second valve body 43 is controlled to be a second target opening degree, and the fifth valve body 32g is controlled to open, thereby forming a battery cooling cycle loop. The first target opening degree is less than the second target opening degree. Optionally, the control component 50 can control the first valve body 41 to throttle and control the second valve body 43 to be fully open.

[0133] During the heating process of the battery in the direct cooling plate 42, the fourth valve 32d is opened, the opening degree of the first valve 41 is controlled to the third target opening degree, the direct cooling plate 42 is controlled to condense the refrigerant, the opening degree of the second valve 43 is controlled to the fourth target opening degree, the second one-way valve 32f is opened, the first external heat exchanger 33a is controlled to evaporate the refrigerant, and the third valve 32c is opened, thereby forming a battery heating cycle loop. The third target opening degree is greater than the fourth target opening degree. Optionally, the control component 50 can control the first valve 41 to be fully open and control the second valve 43 to be throttled.

[0134] The control component 50 can pre-store the first target opening degree, the second target opening degree, the third target opening degree, and the fourth target opening degree.

[0135] by Figure 6 For example, this embodiment of the disclosure uses a heat pump as an example of a thermal management system to explain the flow direction of the refrigerant during the cooling and heating process of the battery in the battery direct cooling plate 42.

[0136] refer to Figure 9During the cooling process of the battery in the direct cooling plate 42, the compressor 20 compresses the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is then transferred through the internal condenser 31 to the first throttle valve 32a, and then through the first external heat exchanger 33a, where it is condensed. The condensed refrigerant then passes through the first one-way valve 32e and the first valve body 41 to the direct cooling plate 42, where it evaporates the refrigerant transferred from the first valve body 41. The evaporated refrigerant then passes through the second valve body 43 and the fifth valve body 32g to the input end of the compressor 20, thus forming a direct cooling loop for the battery. During this process, the first throttle valve 32a is fully open, the first valve body 41 is throttled, the second valve body 43 is fully open, and all other valves are closed.

[0137] refer to Figure 10 During the heating process of the battery in the direct cooling plate 42, the compressor 20 compresses the refrigerant, which is then transferred to the direct cooling plate 42 via the fourth valve body 32d and the first valve body 41. The direct cooling plate 42 condenses the refrigerant transferred from the first valve body 41, and the condensed refrigerant is transferred to the first external heat exchanger 33a via the second valve body 43 and the second one-way valve 32f. Subsequently, the first external heat exchanger 33a evaporates the refrigerant transferred from the second one-way valve 32f, and the evaporated refrigerant is transferred back to the input end of the compressor 20 via the third valve body 32c, thus forming a battery heating loop. During this process, the first valve body 41 is fully open, the second valve body 43 is throttled, and all other valves are closed.

[0138] refer to Figures 6 to 10 The thermal management system may further include a second sensor assembly 60 disposed on the internal condenser 31. This second sensor assembly 60 is used to detect the temperature of the internal condenser 31 and transmit the temperature to the control assembly 50. This allows the control assembly 50 to monitor the temperature of the internal condenser 31 in real time. The second sensor assembly 60 may be a temperature sensor.

[0139] In this embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to Figure 11 The heat exchange module may include a second external heat exchanger 33b, an internal heat exchanger 35, and a third throttle valve 32h connected to the second external heat exchanger 33b and the internal heat exchanger 35.

[0140] The second external heat exchanger 33b is also connected to the outlet of the compressor 20, and the internal heat exchanger 35 is also connected to the inlet of the compressor 20.

[0141] The control component 50 is also used to control the second external heat exchanger 33b to condense the refrigerant, control the third throttling valve 32h to open, and control the internal heat exchanger 35 to evaporate the refrigerant during the cooling mode of the thermal management system, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle loop. Optionally, the control component 50 can control the first throttling valve 32a to be fully open and control the third throttling valve 32h to be throttled.

[0142] refer to Figure 11 The heat exchange module may include a sixth valve body 32k, which is connected to the second end of the second external heat exchanger 33b and the input end of the compressor 20.

[0143] The control component 50 is also used to control the second external heat exchanger 33b to condense the refrigerant, control the first one-way valve 32e to open, control the opening degree of the first valve body 41 to the first target opening degree, control the battery direct cooling plate 42 to evaporate the refrigerant, control the opening degree of the second valve body 43 to the second target opening degree, and control the fifth valve body 32g to open during the process of cooling the battery in the battery direct cooling plate 42, thereby forming a battery cooling cycle loop.

[0144] During the process of heating the battery in the battery direct cooling plate 42, the fourth valve body 32d is controlled to open, the opening degree of the first valve body 41 is controlled to the third target opening degree, the battery direct cooling plate 42 is controlled to condense the refrigerant, the opening degree of the second valve body 43 is controlled to the fourth target opening degree, the second one-way valve 32f is controlled to open, the second external heat exchanger 33b is controlled to evaporate the refrigerant, and the sixth valve body 32k is controlled to open, thereby forming a battery heating cycle loop.

[0145] refer to Figures 6 to 10 The thermal management system may further include a third sensor assembly 70 disposed between the input of the compressor 20 and the internal evaporator 34. This third sensor assembly 70 detects the temperature between the compressor inlet and the internal evaporator 34 and transmits this temperature to the control assembly 50. This allows the control assembly 50 to monitor the temperature between the compressor 20 input and the internal evaporator 34 in real time. The third sensor assembly 70 may be a temperature sensor.

[0146] Or, refer to Figure 11 The third sensor assembly 70 is disposed between the input terminal of the compressor 20 and the internal heat exchanger 35. The third sensor assembly 70 is used to detect the temperature between the compressor inlet and the internal heat exchanger 35 and transmit this temperature to the control assembly 50. This allows the control assembly 50 to monitor the temperature between the input terminal of the compressor 20 and the internal heat exchanger 35 in real time.

[0147] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a thermal management system for vehicles. The control component in this thermal management system can flexibly adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the circulation loop by adjusting the refrigerant storage amount in the battery direct cooling component based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor component at a preset location, thereby ensuring that the actual pressure at the preset location is within a pressure threshold range. This achieves flexible pressure adjustment at the preset location, ensuring that the pressure at the preset location is within a suitable pressure threshold range, thus improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a separate refrigerant tank to perform the refrigerant storage function, costs are effectively reduced, space is saved, and the miniaturization of the thermal management system is guaranteed.

[0148] This disclosure provides a vehicle that may include a thermal management system for vehicles as described in the above embodiments.

[0149] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This method can be applied to the control components within the aforementioned thermal management system. Figure 12 As shown, the method includes: Step 1201: Obtain the actual pressure at the preset position detected by the sensor assembly.

[0150] Step 1202: Based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor assembly at the preset position, adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0151] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a control method for a vehicle's thermal management system. In this method, the control component can flexibly adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the circulation loop by adjusting the refrigerant storage amount in the battery direct cooling component based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor component at a preset location, thereby ensuring that the actual pressure at the preset location is within a pressure threshold range. This achieves flexible adjustment of the pressure at the preset location, ensuring that the pressure at the preset location is within a suitable pressure threshold range, thus improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a refrigerant storage tank to perform this function, costs are effectively reduced, space is saved, and the miniaturization of the thermal management system is guaranteed.

[0152] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This method can be applied to the control component 50 in the aforementioned thermal management system. Figure 13 As shown, the method may include: Step 1301: Obtain the actual pressure at the preset position detected by the sensor assembly.

[0153] Step 1302: Check whether the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0154] If the control component determines that the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, it may execute step 1303. If the control component determines that the actual pressure is greater than the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, it may execute step 1303.

[0155] Step 1303: Release the refrigerant from the battery direct cooling assembly.

[0156] After the control unit releases the refrigerant from the battery direct cooling assembly, step 1302 can be executed again.

[0157] Step 1304: Check whether the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range.

[0158] If the control component determines that the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, it can proceed to step 1305. If the control component determines that the actual pressure is greater than the upper limit of the pressure threshold range and less than the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, it can terminate the process.

[0159] Step 1305: Store refrigerant in the battery direct cooling assembly.

[0160] If the control component stores refrigerant into the battery direct cooling component, step 1302 can be executed again.

[0161] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component can adjust the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling component according to the actual pressure detected by the sensor component at a preset position, so as to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

[0162] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the control component can also acquire the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system while the thermal management system is in cooling mode. If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, the compressor speed is increased until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0163] Optionally, if the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature and the compressor speed reaches the first speed threshold, the control component reduces the air volume of the thermal management system until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0164] The control component can also obtain the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system when the thermal management system is in heating mode; if the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, the compressor speed is increased until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0165] If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature and the compressor speed reaches the second speed threshold, the control component reduces the air volume of the thermal management system until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

[0166] It should be noted that the implementation process of the above steps can be referred to the above device embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0167] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a control method for a vehicle's thermal management system. In this method, the control component can flexibly adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the circulation loop by adjusting the refrigerant storage amount in the battery direct cooling component based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor component at a preset location, thereby ensuring that the actual pressure at the preset location is within a pressure threshold range. This achieves flexible pressure adjustment at the preset location, ensuring that the pressure at the preset location is within a suitable pressure threshold range, thus improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the thermal management system. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a refrigerant storage tank to perform this function, costs are effectively reduced, space is saved, and the miniaturization of the thermal management system is guaranteed.

[0168] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0169] It should be understood that various parts of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0170] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0171] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated in this embodiment. Therefore, features defined with terms such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this disclosure can explicitly or implicitly indicate that the embodiment includes at least one of those features. In the description of this disclosure, the word "multiple" means at least two or more, such as two, three, four, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified in the embodiments.

[0172] In this disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited in the embodiments, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., appearing in the embodiments should be interpreted broadly. For example, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can also be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, etc. Of course, it can also be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication between two components, or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific implementation.

[0173] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for vehicles, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: a heat exchange module, a compressor, a battery direct cooling assembly, a sensor assembly, and a control assembly; The heat exchange module is connected to the compressor and the battery direct cooling assembly respectively, and a refrigerant circulation loop is formed between the compressor and the heat exchange module. The battery direct cooling assembly can be used to store the refrigerant, and the sensor assembly is set at a preset position in the refrigerant circulation loop. The control component is used for: Based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor assembly at the preset position, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly is adjusted to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly is located at the outlet of the compressor; The control component is used for: Based on the actual pressure at the compressor outlet detected by the sensor assembly, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly is adjusted to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control component is used for: If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, then the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling assembly is released; If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, then the refrigerant is stored in the battery direct cooling assembly.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery direct cooling assembly includes: a first valve body, a battery direct cooling plate, and a second valve body connected in sequence; the battery direct cooling plate is connected to the outlet of the compressor through one of the first valve body and the second valve body, and the battery direct cooling plate is connected to the inlet of the compressor through the other of the first valve body and the second valve body; The control component is used for: If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, then open one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the inlet of the compressor, and close one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the outlet of the compressor, so as to release the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling plate. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, then one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the outlet of the compressor is opened, and one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the inlet of the compressor is closed, so as to store the refrigerant in the battery direct cooling plate.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The battery direct cooling plate is connected to the outlet of the compressor through the first valve body, and the battery direct cooling plate is connected to the inlet of the compressor through the second valve body; The control component is used for: During the process of the thermal management system being in cooling mode or heating mode, if the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, the second valve body is opened and the first valve body is closed; if the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, the first valve body is opened and the second valve body is closed.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first valve body and the second valve body are expansion valves.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control component is used for: If the actual pressure is less than or equal to the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, then the opening degree of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the inlet of the compressor is controlled to be a first preset opening degree, and the duration of the opening of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the inlet of the compressor is controlled to be a first duration. If the actual pressure is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, the opening degree of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the outlet of the compressor is controlled to a second preset opening degree, and the duration of the opening of one of the first valve body and the second valve body connected to the outlet of the compressor is controlled to a second duration.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first preset opening degree is a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the lower limit of the pressure threshold range, and / or the first duration is a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the lower limit of the pressure threshold range; The second preset opening degree is a preset fixed value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the upper limit of the pressure threshold range, and / or the second duration is a preset fixed value or a value that is positively correlated with the difference between the actual pressure and the upper limit of the pressure threshold range.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first preset opening is 5%-60%, and / or the first duration is 3-10 seconds; The second preset opening is 5%-60%, and / or the second duration is 3-10 seconds.

10. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The control component is also used for: During the process of the thermal management system being in cooling mode, the first outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is obtained. If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, the speed of the compressor is increased until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control component is also used for: If the first outlet air temperature is greater than the first target temperature, and the compressor speed reaches the first speed threshold, then the air volume of the thermal management system is reduced until the first outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the first target temperature.

12. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The control component is also used for: During the heating mode of the thermal management system, the second outlet air temperature of the thermal management system is obtained; If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, the speed of the compressor is increased until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The control component is also used for: If the second outlet air temperature is lower than the second target temperature, and the compressor speed reaches the second speed threshold, then the air volume of the thermal management system is reduced until the second outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second target temperature.

14. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The heat exchange module includes: an internal condenser, a first throttling valve, a first external heat exchanger, a second throttling valve, a third valve body, and an internal evaporator; Wherein, the first end of the internal condenser is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the second end of the internal condenser is connected to the first end of the first throttle valve; The first end of the first external heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the first throttling valve, and the second end of the first external heat exchanger is connected to the first end of the second throttling valve and the first end of the third valve body, respectively. The first end of the internal evaporator is connected to the second end of the second throttle valve, and the second end of the internal evaporator is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The second end of the third valve body is connected to the inlet of the compressor.

15. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The heat exchange module includes: a second external heat exchanger, an internal heat exchanger, and a third throttle valve connected to the second external heat exchanger and the internal heat exchanger; The second external heat exchanger is also connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the internal heat exchanger is also connected to the inlet of the compressor.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a thermal management system for a vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A control method for a vehicle's thermal management system, characterized in that, A control component is applied in the thermal management system, which further includes: a heat exchange module, a compressor, a battery direct cooling component, and a sensor component; the heat exchange module is connected to both the compressor and the battery direct cooling component, forming a refrigerant circulation loop between the compressor and the heat exchange module; the battery direct cooling component can be used to store the refrigerant; and the sensor component is positioned at a preset location within the refrigerant circulation loop; the method includes: Obtain the actual pressure at the preset position detected by the sensor assembly; Based on the actual pressure detected by the sensor assembly at the preset position, the amount of refrigerant stored in the battery direct cooling assembly is adjusted to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the actual pressure at the preset position is within the pressure threshold range.

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