A heat exchange module, thermal management system, and vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses a heat exchange module, a thermal management system, and a vehicle, relating to the field of heat exchange technology. The heat exchange module includes a compressor unit, a first heat exchanger group, a valve group, and a second heat exchanger group. The compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are connected end-to-end to form a heat exchange loop. The outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are located in the same plane. By placing the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group in the same plane, this invention results in shorter pipes connecting these two components, a smaller space occupied by the heat exchange module, and no interference with the installation of other equipment. It also reduces the risk of the first heat transfer medium leaking into the outside environment and causing combustion or explosion, and improves the safety of the first heat transfer medium during the operation of the heat exchange module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle heat treatment technology, and in particular to a heat exchange module, a thermal management system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In existing thermal management systems, the primary heat transfer medium used in some types of heat exchange modules, such as refrigeration and heating modules, poses a risk of flammability and explosion if leaked into the environment. Furthermore, the overall size of these heat exchange modules is relatively large, occupying a significant amount of space. This makes the installation of these heat exchange modules affect the assembly of other components.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the safety of the primary heat transfer medium during the operation of the heat exchange module, while reducing the size of the heat exchange module and avoiding hindering the assembly of other components, has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat exchange module, a thermal management system, and a vehicle to improve the safety of the first heat transfer medium during the operation of the heat exchange module, while reducing the size of the heat exchange module and avoiding obstruction of the assembly of other components.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0006] This invention provides a heat exchange module, which includes a compressor unit, a first heat exchanger unit, a valve unit, and a second heat exchanger unit.

[0007] The compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are connected end to end in sequence to form a heat exchange circuit;

[0008] The outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are located in the same plane.

[0009] Preferably, adjacent components in the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are connected by plate-shaped pipes.

[0010] Preferably, the compressor unit includes a compressor and a storage tank for storing a first heat transfer medium, the storage tank being connected end-to-end to the compressor;

[0011] The storage tank is located inside the compressor, or the storage tank is fitted to the compressor.

[0012] Preferably, the heat exchange module further includes a cavity, which is a sealed cavity;

[0013] The compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are located within the cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the cavity is provided with an energy storage zone for filling a second heat transfer medium, and at least one of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group and the second heat exchanger group is immersed in the energy storage zone.

[0015] Preferably, the cavity is connected end-to-end to the load device that needs heat exchange, forming a first circuit.

[0016] Preferably, the cavity is fitted to at least one of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group.

[0017] Preferably, the cavity is provided with a positioning plate assembly for assembling at least one of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger assembly, the valve assembly, and the second heat exchanger assembly;

[0018] And / or, the control components of the compressor unit are located outside the cavity;

[0019] And / or, the cavity is provided with vibration damping components for vibration isolation;

[0020] And / or, the cavity is provided with a sound-absorbing component.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a thermal management system, which includes the aforementioned heat exchange module.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned thermal management system.

[0023] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0024] This invention arranges the outlet of the preceding component and the inlet of the following component in at least two connected components of the compressor unit, first heat exchanger group, valve group, and second heat exchanger group on the same plane. Since the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and the outlet of the preceding component and the inlet of the following component are on the same plane, they must be on the same straight line. This makes the distance between at least two connected components closer, and the pipes used to connect these two components shorter. Compared with heat exchange modules that do not arrange the outlet of the preceding component and the inlet of the following component in at least two connected components of the compressor unit, first heat exchanger group, valve group, and second heat exchanger group on the same plane, it is obvious that the sum of the pipe lengths used to connect adjacent components in the compressor unit, first heat exchanger group, valve group, and second heat exchanger group in this invention is necessarily smaller, thereby saving some pipe space, making the components in the heat exchange module more compact, and the heat exchange module as a whole has a smaller footprint, so that the heat exchange module will not interfere with the installation of other equipment.

[0025] Meanwhile, because the heat exchange module in this invention omits some piping, compared to heat exchange modules that do not have the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component among at least two connected components of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group set in the same plane, this invention only needs to add a smaller amount of the first heat transfer medium to the heat exchange circuit to maintain the normal operation of the heat exchange module. This means that, even if only the setting method of the heat exchange module is different from that in this invention, and other factors such as the size of the leak and the leakage rate are the same, compared with the heat exchange module in the prior art, when the heat exchange module in this invention leaks, the amount of the first heat transfer medium leaking to the outside is smaller, and combustion and explosion will only occur when the leakage of the first heat transfer medium reaches a certain level. Obviously, setting the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component among at least two connected components of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group in the same plane significantly reduces the risk of combustion and explosion of the first heat transfer medium leaking to the outside, and improves the safety of the first heat transfer medium during the operation of the heat exchange module. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A top view showing the heat exchange module without its cover.

[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange module without external interfaces.

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a heat exchange module with an external interface;

[0031] The components are as follows: 1. Compressor unit; 2. First heat exchanger unit; 3. Second heat exchanger unit; 4. Shell; 5. Cover plate; 6. Valve group; 7. Pressure and temperature sensor; 8. Water temperature sensor; 9. First heat exchanger unit interface; 10. Second heat exchanger unit interface; 11. Dryer; 12. Compressor control components; 13. Flow channel; 14. Positioning plate group; 15. Compressor unit inlet; 16. Second heat exchanger unit outlet; 17. External interface. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention discloses a heat exchange module, which includes a compressor unit 1, a first heat exchanger group 2, a valve group 6, and a second heat exchanger group 3; the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 are connected end to end to form a heat exchange circuit; the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component of at least two connected components of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 are located in the same plane.

[0035] This invention arranges the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 on the same plane. Since the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component are on the same plane, they must be on the same straight line. This makes the distance between at least two connected components closer, and the pipes used to connect these two components shorter. Compared with heat exchange modules that do not arrange the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 on the same plane, the sum of the pipe lengths used to connect adjacent components in compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 in this invention is obviously smaller, thus saving some pipe space and making the components in the heat exchange module more compact. The heat exchange module as a whole has a smaller footprint, and the heat exchange module will not interfere with the installation of other equipment.

[0036] Meanwhile, because the heat exchange module in this invention omits some piping, compared to heat exchange modules that do not place the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 on the same plane, this invention only requires adding a smaller amount of the first heat transfer medium to the heat exchange circuit to maintain the normal operation of the heat exchange module. This means that even if only the arrangement of the heat exchange module differs from that in this invention (specifically, in this invention, the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 are not on the same plane), this invention only requires adding a smaller amount of the first heat transfer medium to the heat exchange circuit to maintain the normal operation of the heat exchange module. When the inlet of the next component is located in the same plane, and other factors such as the size of the leak and the leakage rate are the same, compared with the heat exchange module in the prior art, when the heat exchange module in this invention leaks, the amount of the first heat transfer medium leaking to the outside is smaller, and combustion and explosion will only occur when the leakage of the first heat transfer medium reaches a certain level. Obviously, the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the next component in at least two connected components of compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 are located in the same plane, which significantly reduces the risk of combustion and explosion of the first heat transfer medium leaking to the outside and improves the safety of the first heat transfer medium during the operation of the heat exchange module.

[0037] The compressor unit 1 may include multiple compressors, which can be connected in parallel or in series. When multiple compressors are connected in parallel, a corresponding number of compressors can be activated according to the operating conditions. Unused compressors can serve as backup units to start in case of a failure of a working compressor. The specific configuration can be flexibly selected according to the operating conditions. Furthermore, the compressor unit 1 may include other structures that cooperate with the compressors, in addition to the compressors. Similarly, the first heat exchanger group 2 may include multiple first heat exchangers, which can be connected in parallel or in series. When multiple first heat exchangers are connected in parallel, a corresponding number of first heat exchangers can be activated according to the operating conditions. Unused first heat exchangers can serve as backup units to start in case of a failure of a working first heat exchanger. The specific configuration can be flexibly selected according to the operating conditions. Furthermore, the first heat exchanger group 2 may also include other structures that cooperate with the first heat exchangers. The second heat exchanger group 3 refers to a group that may include multiple second heat exchangers. These multiple second heat exchangers may be connected in parallel or in series. When multiple second heat exchangers are connected in parallel, a corresponding number of second heat exchangers may be turned on according to the operating conditions. The second heat exchangers that are not in operation may be used as backup units to be started when a second heat exchanger in operation fails. The specific configuration method may be flexibly selected according to the operating conditions, and / or the second heat exchanger group 3 may also include other structures that cooperate with the second heat exchangers.

[0038] Valve assembly 6 refers to a valve group that may include multiple valves, which can be connected in parallel or in series. When multiple valves are connected in parallel, a corresponding number of valves can be opened according to the operating conditions. Unoperated valves can serve as backups to be activated in case of a failure of an operating valve. The specific configuration can be flexibly selected according to the operating conditions, and / or, valve assembly 6 may also include other structures that cooperate with the valves. The valves mentioned in this invention may specifically be expansion valves (specifically electronic expansion valves or thermostatic expansion valves), pressure regulating valves, flow control valves, or throttling valves. The valves may also be other valves that simultaneously perform throttling and pressure reduction and flow regulation functions.

[0039] It should be noted that in this invention, the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 are connected end to end to form a heat exchange circuit. Specifically, the outlet of the compressor unit 1 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2, the outlet of the first heat exchanger group 2 is connected to the inlet of the valve group 6, the outlet of the valve group 6 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger group 3, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 is connected to the inlet of the compressor unit 1. The first heat transfer medium can continuously circulate in the heat exchange circuit under the drive of the compressor unit 1, thereby achieving cooling, heating, or maintaining the original state (maintaining the original state means maintaining the original temperature) of the object to be heated.

[0040] When the heat exchange module is a refrigeration module, the first heat exchanger group 2 is a refrigeration end heat exchanger used to reduce the heat of the first heat transfer medium, and the second heat exchanger group is a heating end heat exchanger used to increase the heat of the first heat transfer medium; when the heat exchange module is a heating module, the first heat exchanger group 2 is a heating end heat exchanger used to increase the heat of the first heat transfer medium, and the second heat exchanger group is a refrigeration end heat exchanger used to reduce the heat of the first heat transfer medium. Furthermore, a four-way valve can be installed in the heat exchange circuit to switch between cooling and heating modes of the heat exchange module by changing the flow direction of the first heat transfer medium: When the heat exchange module is in cooling mode, the first heat transfer medium, after exiting compressor unit 1, first enters the cooling end heat exchanger group for heat dissipation, then, after being throttled by valve group 6, enters the heating end heat exchanger group for heat absorption, and then returns to compressor unit 1. When the heat exchange module is in heating mode, the first heat transfer medium, after exiting compressor unit 1, first enters the heating end heat exchanger group for heat absorption, then, after being throttled by valve group 6, enters the cooling end heat exchanger group for heat dissipation, and then returns to compressor unit 1. The specific connection method of the four-way valve can refer to the four-way valve setting method in existing air conditioning systems, and will not be elaborated here. Alternatively, the positions of the first heat exchanger group 2 and the second heat exchanger group 3 can be directly interchanged to achieve the switching between heating and cooling modes. The first heat transfer medium can be R1234yf (tetrafluoropropylene), (1,1-difluoroethane), R1234ze (tetrafluoroethylene), or R290 (propane), and the first heat transfer medium is not limited to the above-mentioned media, but can also be other media that can play a heat exchange role.

[0041] In the phrase "at least two connected components of compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3, the outlet of the preceding component and the inlet of the following component are located in the same plane," the components refer to compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, or second heat exchanger group 3; connected components refer to two components that are connected; preceding and following components refer to the order of flow along the first heat transfer medium, with the component that flows through first being the preceding component and the component that flows through last being the following component; it should be noted that the preceding and following components mentioned in this invention are two components that are connected, and the components refer to compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, or second heat exchanger group 3. The same plane includes not only the same horizontal plane but also the same vertical plane or a uniformly inclined plane.

[0042] The phrase "the outlet of the preceding component and the inlet of the following component in at least two connected components are located in the same plane" also includes: ① the outlet of compressor unit 1, the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2, the outlet of the first heat exchanger group 2 and the inlet of valve group 6 are in the same plane; ② the outlet of the first heat exchanger group 2, the inlet of valve group 6, the outlet of valve group 6 and the inlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 are in the same plane; ③ the outlet of valve group 6, the inlet of the second heat exchanger group 3, the outlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 and the inlet of compressor unit 1 are in the same plane. ④ The outlet of the second heat exchanger group 3, the inlet of the compressor group 1, the outlet of the compressor group 1, and the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2 are located in the same plane; ⑤ The outlet of the compressor group 1 and the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2 are in the first plane, and the outlet of the valve group 6 and the inlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 are located in the second plane. The first plane and the second plane can be arranged parallel, perpendicular, or at other angles; ⑥ The outlet of the first heat exchanger group 2 and the inlet of the valve group 6 are in the first plane, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 and the inlet of the compressor group 1 are in the same plane. The outlet is located within the second plane. The first plane and the second plane can be arranged parallel, perpendicular, or at other included angles; ⑦ The outlet of compressor group 1, the inlet of first heat exchanger group 2, the outlet of first heat exchanger group 2, the inlet of valve group 6, the outlet of valve group 6, and the inlet of second heat exchanger group 3 are located on the same plane; ⑧ The outlet of first heat exchanger group 2, the inlet of valve group 6, the outlet of valve group 6, the inlet of second heat exchanger group 3, and the outlet of second heat exchanger group 3 are located on the same plane as the inlet of compressor group 1; ⑨ The outlet of valve group 6 The following situations exist: 1) The inlet and outlet of the second heat exchanger group 3, the inlet and outlet of the compressor group 1, and the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2 are located in the same plane; 2) The outlet and inlet of the compressor group 1, the outlet and inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2, the outlet and inlet of the valve group 6, and the outlet and inlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 are all located in the same plane; and other situations not listed, but in which "the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components are located in the same plane".

[0043] Among them, components whose positions are not limited can be set in a way that is inclined or parallel to components with defined positions. For example, when the outlet of compressor group 1, the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2, the outlet of the first heat exchanger group 2 and the inlet of valve group 6 are in the same plane, the outlet of compressor group 1 can be located in the same plane as the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2, or it can be not located in the same plane, but is set in an inclined or parallel manner relative to the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2. The setting method of the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 is the same as the setting direction of the outlet of compressor group 1: the inlet and / or the outlet of the second heat exchanger group 3 can be located in the same plane as the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2, or it can be not located in the same plane, but is set in an inclined or parallel manner relative to the inlet of the first heat exchanger group 2. The above content is only an explanation of "components whose positions are not limited can be set up in a tilted or parallel manner relative to components with defined positions". The specific setting method of each component needs to be comprehensively considered based on the working conditions and the condition that "the outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components are located in the same plane".

[0044] The heat exchange module of this invention can be applied to the thermal management system in vehicles, or other indoor or outdoor scenarios where the heat exchange module of this invention can be applied.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the outlets and inlets of compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6 and second heat exchanger group 3 are all located in the same plane. At this time, the heat exchange module is more compact, occupies less space, and the first heat transfer medium is less likely to leak to the outside and cause combustion and explosion.

[0046] In this invention, adjacent components in the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 are connected by plate-shaped pipes. Compared to pipes with circular, triangular, or square cross-sections, plate-shaped pipes are flatter and thinner, resulting in a smaller footprint. This further reduces the space occupied by the heat exchange module. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the plate-shaped pipe can specifically be a flow channel 13. Compared with other plate-shaped pipes, the flow channel 13 eliminates the need for a top cover plate, further reducing the thickness and space occupation of the plate-shaped pipe. Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, pressure and temperature sensors 7 are installed between compressor unit 1 and first heat exchanger unit 2, and between first heat exchanger unit 2 and valve group 6, with the pressure and temperature sensors located on the flow channel groove 13. A dryer 11 is installed between valve group 6 and second heat exchanger unit 3.

[0047] In this invention, compressor unit 1 may include a compressor and a storage tank for storing a first heat transfer medium, with the storage tank connected end-to-end to the compressor; wherein, the storage tank is located inside the compressor, or the storage tank is installed adjacent to the compressor. The storage tank being connected end-to-end to the compressor means that the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the inlet of the compressor, and the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the storage tank. By placing the storage tank inside the compressor or installing it adjacent to the compressor, the storage tank and compressor are integrated, reducing the overall space occupied by compressor unit 1 and the storage tank, and further reducing the space occupied by the heat exchange module.

[0048] In this invention, the heat exchange module also includes a cavity, which is a sealed cavity. At least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 is located within the cavity. By placing at least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 within the sealed cavity, the noise generated during the operation of the heat exchange module is reduced. Simultaneously, because at least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 is located within the sealed cavity, even if leaks occur in the structures and pipes within the sealed cavity, they will not leak to the outside, thereby further reducing the risk of combustion and explosion of some of the first heat transfer medium. It should be noted that the cavity's arrangement must not affect the fact that "the outlet of the preceding component and the inlet of the following component in at least two connected components of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 are located in the same plane."

[0049] like Figures 1-4 As shown, compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 are all located in a sealed cavity. At this time, the noise of the heat exchange module operation can be blocked by the cavity, reducing or even eliminating the noise transmitted to the outside. Compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3, as well as the pipes required to form the heat exchange circuit, are all located in a sealed cavity. This ensures that even if leakage occurs when the first heat transfer medium circulates in the heat exchange circuit, it will not leak to the outside, thereby further reducing the risk of combustion and explosion of the first heat transfer medium and improving the safety of the heat exchange module operation.

[0050] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the sealed cavity in this invention consists of a shell 4 and a cover plate 5, and the shell 4 can specifically be a water jacket.

[0051] Furthermore, regardless of whether compressor unit 1, first heat exchanger group 2, valve group 6, and second heat exchanger group 3 are located within the cavity, first heat exchanger group 2 and second heat exchanger group 3 are connected to the corresponding objects requiring heat exchange. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the cover plate 5 has two first heat exchanger group interfaces 9 on the side near the first heat exchanger group 2, one first heat exchanger group interface 9 is an inlet and the other first heat exchanger group interface 9 is an outlet; the cover plate 5 has two second heat exchanger group interfaces 10 on the side near the second heat exchanger group 3, one second heat exchanger group interface 10 is an inlet and the other second heat exchanger group interface 10 is an outlet.

[0052] In this invention, the cavity is provided with an energy storage zone for filling a second heat transfer medium. At least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 is immersed in the second heat transfer medium. The energy storage zone refers to the area within the cavity where the second heat transfer medium is located, and energy storage means that the second heat transfer medium has the function of storing thermal or cold energy. The second heat transfer medium can be a coolant, oil, or other medium capable of storing thermal or cold energy. The fact that at least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 is immersed in the second heat transfer medium allows the second heat transfer medium to absorb the heat or cold energy dissipated by at least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3, avoiding the problem of heat or cold energy leakage and energy waste.

[0053] In this invention, the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger unit 2, the valve unit 6, and the second heat exchanger unit 3 can all be immersed in the second heat transfer medium. At this time, the heat or cold energy emitted by the heat exchange module is absorbed by the second heat transfer medium, thereby better avoiding the problem of heat or cold energy leakage and energy waste.

[0054] To prevent the heat or cold energy emitted by the heat exchange module from being conducted to the outside after the second heat transfer medium has become saturated with the heat or cold energy emitted by the heat exchange module, thus avoiding energy waste, this invention connects the cavity end-to-end with the load device requiring heat exchange, forming a first loop. The load device can be a battery pack, passenger compartment, seat, or other structure in a vehicle. This allows the second heat transfer medium to transfer the absorbed heat or cold energy to the corresponding load device through circulation within the first loop before it becomes saturated with the heat or cold energy emitted by the heat exchange module. This achieves efficient utilization of the thermal or cold energy stored in the second heat transfer medium, reducing the operating costs of vehicles or thermal management systems using the heat exchange module of this invention. Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a water temperature sensor 8 is provided on the cover plate 5 and extends into the housing 4. The water temperature sensor 8 is used to detect the temperature of the second heat transfer medium in order to determine whether the second heat transfer medium needs to start circulating in the first loop.

[0055] The forms of the first and second heat transfer media are not limited; both the first and second heat transfer media can be in a gaseous or liquid state.

[0056] like Figure 4As shown, in this invention, an external interface 17 communicating with the cavity is provided on the side of the shell 4 near the first heat exchanger group 2 and the side of the shell 4 near the second heat exchanger group 3, respectively. Of the two external interfaces 17, one external interface 17 serves as the inlet of the second heat transfer medium and the other external interface 17 serves as the outlet of the second heat transfer medium.

[0057] In this invention, the cavity is fitted to at least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3. This means that the cavity, specifically the shell 4 in this invention, can at least enclose one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger group 2, the valve group 6, and the second heat exchanger group 3 without making the shell 4 too large. This ensures that the second heat transfer medium inside the shell 4 can flow evenly, avoiding the existence of "dead zones" and the problem that the second heat transfer medium inside the shell 4 cannot circulate smoothly in the first loop. It also avoids the problem that the shell 4 occupies a large space, which weakens the effect of the heat exchange module occupying a small space.

[0058] The present invention may include a positioning plate assembly 14 within the cavity for assembling at least one of the compressor unit 1, the first heat exchanger assembly 2, the valve assembly 6, and the second heat exchanger assembly 3, such as... Figure 2 As shown, a set of positioning plates 14 is provided for accurate installation of the compressor unit 1 into the housing 4. The shape of the positioning plate set 14 matches that of the compressor unit 1. Alternatively, the control components of the compressor unit 1 are located outside the cavity, avoiding the problem of contact and short-circuit damage between the control components and the second heat transfer medium if the control components of the compressor unit 1 are located inside the cavity. Alternatively, the cavity is provided with vibration damping components for vibration isolation. These components can specifically be vibration damping pads installed inside the cavity, or other structures that can achieve vibration damping. Alternatively, the housing 4 and the cover plate 5 can also be made of vibration damping materials. Alternatively, the cavity is provided with sound-absorbing components. These sound-absorbing components can specifically be structures formed from polyester fiber sound-absorbing cotton, rock wool, glass wool, polyurethane foam, vinyl foam, or high-density fiberboard. Alternatively, the sound-absorbing components can also be made of other materials that can absorb sound and reduce noise.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a thermal management system, which includes a heat exchange module.

[0060] In addition, the present invention also provides a vehicle including a thermal management system.

[0061] It should be noted that while the claims and specification of this invention contain multiple technical solutions, there is no situation where the opposite technical teaching is given.

[0062] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchange module, characterized in that, The heat exchange module includes a compressor unit, a first heat exchanger unit, a valve unit, and a second heat exchanger unit. The compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are connected end to end in sequence to form a heat exchange circuit; The outlet of the first component and the inlet of the second component in at least two connected components of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group and the second heat exchanger group are located in the same plane; The heat exchange module also includes a cavity, which is a sealed cavity; The compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group, and the second heat exchanger group are all located within the cavity; The cavity is provided with an energy storage area for filling a second heat transfer medium, and at least one of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger group, the valve group and the second heat exchanger group is immersed in the second heat transfer medium; The second heat transfer medium is a liquid heat transfer medium; The cavity is connected end to end to the load device that needs heat exchange, forming a first loop. Before the second heat transfer medium becomes saturated with the heat or cold energy emitted by the heat exchange module, it can transfer the absorbed heat or cold energy to the corresponding load device through the circulation of the second heat transfer medium in the first loop. Adjacent components in the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger unit, the valve unit, and the second heat exchanger unit are connected by plate-shaped pipes located within the cavity and are flow channels with openings at the top. The cavity is provided with a positioning plate assembly for assembling at least one of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger assembly, the valve assembly, and the second heat exchanger assembly.

2. The heat exchange module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor unit includes a compressor and a storage tank for storing a first heat transfer medium, the storage tank being connected end-to-end to the compressor; The storage tank is located inside the compressor, or the storage tank is fitted to the compressor.

3. The heat exchange module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is fitted to at least one of the compressor unit, the first heat exchanger unit, the valve unit, and the second heat exchanger unit.

4. The heat exchange module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control components of the compressor unit are located outside the cavity; And / or, the cavity is provided with vibration damping components for vibration isolation; And / or, the cavity is provided with a sound-absorbing component.

5. A thermal management system, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes the heat exchange module according to any one of claims 1-4.

6. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the thermal management system as described in claim 5.

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