De-icing methods applied to evaporative condensers in heat pump systems, automotive systems, and vehicles.

Abstract

This application discloses a de-icing method, vehicle infotainment system, and vehicle for use in an evaporative condenser within a heat pump system, belonging to the field of vehicle technology. The method includes: acquiring the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system when the heat pump system is in heating mode; determining the estimated degree of icing on the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and evaporation temperature; and controlling the heat pump system to enter a de-icing mode when the estimated degree of icing meets the de-icing conditions, wherein the de-icing mode refers to the mode for de-icing the evaporative condenser. The solution provided by this application can effectively identify the degree of icing on the evaporative condenser, enabling de-icing when icing is confirmed, which is beneficial for improving the working efficiency of the heat pump system and enhancing the vehicle's low-temperature driving range through heat pump system heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, a vehicle engine, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In a heat pump system, the evaporative condenser is located outside the vehicle's cabin, such as at the front. It absorbs heat from the external environment by evaporating the internal liquid refrigerant and then supplies the heat to the vehicle interior to achieve functions such as heating and dehumidifying, for example, heating the battery or providing heating for the air conditioning system.

[0003] If the surface temperature of the evaporative condenser is too low, water vapor in the air can easily condense into ice on its surface, interfering with the normal operation of the heat pump system. For example, it may cause insufficient heating inside the vehicle due to the inability to absorb external heat. Since the heat pump system can be used to heat the battery and motor system to ensure the vehicle's low-temperature driving range, the low-temperature driving range is reduced when the evaporative condenser surface is covered with ice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a de-icing method for evaporative condensers in heat pump systems, an in-vehicle infotainment system, and a vehicle. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide a de-icing method for an evaporative condenser applied in a heat pump system, the method comprising:

[0006] When the heat pump system is in heating mode, the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system are obtained.

[0007] Based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature, the estimated degree of icing of the evaporative condenser is determined;

[0008] When the estimated degree of icing meets the de-icing conditions, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the de-icing mode, which refers to the mode for de-icing the evaporative condenser.

[0009] On the other hand, embodiments of this application provide a de-icing device for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, the device comprising:

[0010] The acquisition module is used to acquire the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system when the heat pump system is in heating mode.

[0011] A determination module is used to determine the estimated degree of icing of the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature;

[0012] The control module is used to control the heat pump system to enter the de-icing mode when the estimated degree of icing meets the de-icing conditions. The de-icing mode refers to the mode of de-icing the evaporative condenser.

[0013] On the other hand, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle infotainment system, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores at least one computer instruction, which is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system as described above.

[0014] On the other hand, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-mounted system as described above and a heat pump system including an evaporative condenser.

[0015] In this embodiment, since the surface of the evaporative condenser is prone to icing when the heat pump system is in heating mode in a low-temperature environment, which affects the heating effect of the heat pump system, the vehicle system makes an estimate of the degree of icing on the surface of the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser, so as to remove the ice when it is determined that the surface of the evaporative condenser is icing, thereby improving the heating capacity of the heat pump system, enabling the heat pump system to continuously heat the motor and motor system, saving energy, and extending the low-temperature driving time of the whole vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the degree of icing provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a de-icing process for estimating icing duration provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the implementation environment of a de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the entire process of de-icing in an evaporative condenser of a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a de-icing device for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 7This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle infotainment system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] The following section explains the relevant terms used in this application.

[0025] Heat pump system: Unlike motor systems, heat pump systems do not generate heat themselves, but rather absorb and utilize heat. In this application, the heat pump system absorbs heat through an evaporative condenser, which, together with an expansion valve, compressor, and other condenser components, forms a loop. It continuously compresses and expands the internal refrigerant (a substance used for heat transfer), allowing heat to be absorbed from the evaporative condenser and then transferred and released in the loop.

[0026] Dew point temperature: The temperature at which air is cooled to saturation under isobaric conditions. Saturation refers to the equilibrium state between water vapor and water. At the dew point temperature, water vapor condenses into liquid water due to saturation.

[0027] Frost point temperature: The temperature at which air is cooled to below 0°C under isobaric conditions, causing water vapor to reach saturation (also known as dew point temperature), which is the temperature at which water vapor and ice reach equilibrium. It can also be understood as the temperature at which water vapor sublimates into frost.

[0028] Evaporation temperature: The saturation temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas.

[0029] New energy vehicles are prone to reduced range in low-temperature environments, especially when the air conditioning system is on, further reducing the range. Using a heat pump system to heat the battery and motor systems can save energy needed for heating these components, thus improving the vehicle's range in low temperatures.

[0030] In a heat pump system, there is an evaporative condenser that absorbs heat from the external environment by evaporating the internal liquid refrigerant in a low-temperature and low-pressure environment, so that heat can be dissipated through other devices to achieve functions such as heating and dehumidifying, such as heating batteries and providing heating for air conditioning.

[0031] During the heat absorption process of an evaporative condenser, the surface temperature of the evaporative condenser is prone to decrease. When the surface temperature is lower than the frost point temperature of water vapor in the air, frost covers the surface of the evaporative condenser, affecting the heat absorption of the evaporative condenser and resulting in insufficient heating capacity of the heat pump system.

[0032] In related technologies, vehicles lack the ability to determine the icing status of the evaporative condenser surface, making it difficult to de-ice in a timely manner, affecting the operation of the heat pump system, and thus reducing the vehicle's range.

[0033] This application provides a de-icing method for evaporative condensers in a heat pump system. This method can estimate the degree of icing on the surface of the evaporative condenser and, if it is determined that the surface of the evaporative condenser is icy, the heat pump system can enter a de-icing mode to melt the frost on the surface of the evaporative condenser.

[0034] This application uses the method applied to a vehicle infotainment system, i.e., a vehicle central computer (VCC), as an example for illustration.

[0035] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0036] Step 101: When the heat pump system is in heating mode, obtain the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system.

[0037] Optionally, the heat pump system has a heating mode and a defrosting mode. In heating mode, the heat pump system is used to heat the battery and motor system. In defrosting mode, the heat pump system is used to defrost the surface of the evaporative condenser. Specifically, in heating mode, the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system absorbs heat from the external environment by evaporating the internal liquid refrigerant under low temperature and low pressure conditions, so that the heat can be dissipated through other components in the heat pump system to achieve the purpose of heating the battery and motor system.

[0038] In some embodiments, due to heat interaction between the evaporative condenser and the external environment, the surface of the evaporative condenser needs to be in contact with flowing air to fully absorb ambient heat. Optionally, the evaporative condenser is positioned at the front of the vehicle to allow it to come into contact with flowing air while the vehicle is in motion. Therefore, when the vehicle speed is not zero and the heat pump system is in heating mode, icing can easily occur on the surface of the evaporative condenser.

[0039] In some embodiments, the evaporation temperature refers to the saturation temperature at which the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gaseous state within the evaporative condenser. The evaporation temperature of the refrigerant varies under different pressures. Under low-temperature conditions, the greater the difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature, the better the heat absorption effect of the evaporative condenser, and the greater the likelihood of water vapor sublimating into frost on the surface of the evaporative condenser. The vehicle's infotainment system can determine whether frost is likely to form on the surface of the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature.

[0040] Step 102: Determine the estimated degree of icing in the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and evaporation temperature.

[0041] In some embodiments, the estimated degree of icing refers to the degree of icing on the surface of the evaporative condenser as estimated by the vehicle's infotainment system. Optionally, the vehicle's infotainment system can determine the estimated degree of icing based on the ambient temperature and the icing risk characterized by the evaporation temperature.

[0042] In some embodiments, the evaporative condenser operates under a low-pressure environment, with different low-pressure levels corresponding to different evaporation temperatures. In one possible implementation, the vehicle's infotainment system receives the low-pressure readings from a low-pressure sensor in the heat pump system's low-pressure piping. Then, based on the correlation between the refrigerant's low-pressure readings and evaporation temperatures, it determines the current evaporation temperature of the refrigerant at the current low-pressure level. Optionally, this correlation can be recorded in a table for easy lookup and temperature determination, or it can be represented by a formula for calculation.

[0043] Step 103: If the estimated degree of icing meets the de-icing conditions, control the heat pump system to enter the de-icing mode. The de-icing mode refers to the mode for de-icing the evaporative condenser.

[0044] In some embodiments, meeting the de-icing condition means that the estimated degree of icing determined by the vehicle's infotainment system reaches the degree of icing determined by the vehicle's infotainment system on the surface of the evaporative condenser. When the de-icing condition is met, the vehicle's infotainment system determines that the surface of the evaporative condenser is icy, and the vehicle's infotainment system controls the heat pump system to enter de-icing mode to melt the frost on the surface of the evaporative condenser.

[0045] Optionally, the heat pump system supplies heat through the refrigerant circuit in heating mode and defrosts through the coolant circuit in defrost mode. Specifically, in defrost mode, the heat pump system heats the coolant through a heater, and then uses a low-temperature radiator on the coolant circuit to raise the surface temperature of the evaporative condenser, thus defrosting. In this heat pump system, the low-temperature radiator is located adjacent to the evaporative condenser.

[0046] In this embodiment, since the surface of the evaporative condenser is prone to icing when the heat pump system is in heating mode in a low-temperature environment, which affects the heating effect of the heat pump system, the vehicle system makes an estimate of the degree of icing on the surface of the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser, so as to remove the ice when it is determined that the surface of the evaporative condenser is icing, thereby improving the heating capacity of the heat pump system, enabling the heat pump system to continuously heat the motor and motor system, saving energy, and extending the low-temperature driving time of the whole vehicle.

[0047] Optionally, the vehicle's infotainment system can combine the duration of the evaporative condenser under different conditions to determine the estimated degree of icing. See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for estimating the degree of icing provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0048] Step 201: Based on the ambient temperature and evaporation temperature, determine the icing risk estimation state at the current moment. The icing risk estimation state is used to characterize whether there is an icing risk.

[0049] Optionally, the icing risk estimation states can include states with icing risk, states without icing risk, and states where icing occurs through environmental melting. The different states can be determined based on the different conditions represented by ambient temperature and evaporation temperature. Specifically, the icing degree is estimated to be reduced in the state where icing occurs through environmental melting.

[0050] Optionally, determining the icing risk estimation status can include the following three cases:

[0051] Case 1: When the ambient temperature is below the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is greater than the temperature difference threshold, the estimated state of icing risk at the current moment is determined as the first state, which means that there is a risk of icing.

[0052] Case 2: When the ambient temperature is below the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is less than the temperature difference threshold, the estimated state of icing risk at the current moment is determined as the second state, which means that there is no risk of icing.

[0053] Case 3: When the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature threshold, the estimated state of icing risk at the current moment is the third state, which refers to the state of icing through environmental de-icing.

[0054] In some embodiments, the greater the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature in a low-temperature environment, the better the heat absorption effect of the evaporative condenser, and the greater the possibility that the water vapor on the surface of the evaporative condenser will release heat and sublimate into frost, that is, the easier it is for the surface of the evaporative condenser to freeze. Here, the evaporation temperature refers to the saturation temperature at which the refrigerant inside the evaporative condenser changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

[0055] In scenarios 1 and 2, the vehicle's infotainment system determines that the environment is currently in a low-temperature condition when the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold. Further, the system determines whether there is a risk of icing based on the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature. If the temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold, an icing risk is identified; if the temperature difference is less than the threshold, no icing risk is identified. In scenario 3, when the ambient temperature is above the temperature threshold, since this temperature is sufficient for de-icing, the system determines that the icing risk has decreased.

[0056] Optionally, the temperature threshold and temperature difference threshold can be preset in the vehicle's infotainment system. The temperature threshold can be set to 3℃, and the temperature difference threshold can be set to 8℃.

[0057] Step 202: Determine the estimated degree of icing in the evaporative condenser based on the duration of different icing risk estimation states.

[0058] The longer the duration of the first state, the longer the duration of the risk of icing, the higher the probability of icing on the surface of the evaporative condenser, and the higher the estimated degree of icing. The longer the duration of the second and third states, the shorter the duration of the risk of icing, the lower the probability of icing on the surface of the evaporative condenser, and the lower the estimated degree of icing.

[0059] In some embodiments, the ambient temperature is continuously changing, and the difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is also continuously changing. Since the icing risk estimation state determined by the vehicle's infotainment system may change between a first state, a second state, and a third state, the system determines the estimated degree of icing on the evaporative condenser based on the total duration of each of the different icing risk estimation states. For example, if the icing risk estimation state switches from the first state to the third state, the system can rely on the ambient temperature to defrost the condenser. If the icing risk estimation state switches back from the third state to the first state, the system determines the estimated degree of icing based on the total duration of the first state and the total duration of the third state.

[0060] In this embodiment, the estimated degree of icing is determined based on the duration of different icing risk estimation states, wherein the icing risk estimation state is determined based on the real-time ambient temperature and evaporation temperature. By employing the method provided in this embodiment, the vehicle's infotainment system can effectively determine the estimated degree of icing, thereby enabling subsequent determination of whether de-icing is necessary and solving the problem of the vehicle's infotainment system struggling to determine whether icing has formed on the surface of the evaporative condenser.

[0061] Optionally, the degree of icing can be characterized by duration. The vehicle-mounted system can determine the duration representing the estimated degree of icing based on the duration of different icing risk estimation states, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0062] Step 301: Determine the icing estimation duration based on the duration of different icing risk estimation states and the state weights corresponding to different icing risk estimation states.

[0063] Optionally, the icing estimation duration is positively correlated with the icing probability. When the icing estimation duration reaches the duration threshold, the vehicle system can determine that the surface of the evaporative condenser is icy.

[0064] In some embodiments, the icing risk varies under different icing risk estimation states, and the degree of influence of different icing risk estimation states on the icing estimation duration also varies. Optionally, the state weight corresponding to the first state is equal to the state weight corresponding to the second state. Optionally, since there is no icing risk in the third state, and the vehicle system can also use the ambient temperature to melt the ice, the influence of the third state on the icing estimation duration is greater than that of the second state, and the vehicle system sets the state weight corresponding to the third state to be greater than that of the second state.

[0065] Optionally, when the icing risk estimation states include a first state, a second state, and a third state, and the first state refers to a state with icing risk, the second state refers to a state without icing risk, and the third state refers to a state where icing is achieved through environmental de-icing, the following sub-steps are included.

[0066] Sub-step 1: Determine the first weighted duration based on the first duration of the first state and the first state weight corresponding to the first state.

[0067] Sub-step 2: Determine the second weighted duration based on the second duration of the second state and the weight of the second state corresponding to the second state.

[0068] Sub-step 3: Determine the third weighted duration based on the third duration of the third state and the weight of the third state corresponding to the third state.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the vehicle's information system can use a timer to record the duration of each icing risk estimation state, and then determine the weighted duration of each icing risk estimation state. Each icing risk estimation state includes a first state, a second state, and a third state.

[0070] For example, the vehicle system can use a first timer to record a first duration, a second timer to record a second duration, and a third timer to record a third duration, and then calculate a weighted duration. Optionally, the vehicle system can first start the first timer when the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is greater than a temperature difference threshold; subsequently, when the ambient temperature is below the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is less than the temperature difference threshold; and when the ambient temperature is above the temperature threshold, the third timer is started. Then, the first duration, the second duration, and the third duration are determined based on the first timer, the second timer, and the third timer, respectively.

[0071] Sub-step 4: Based on the first weighted duration, the second weighted duration, and the third weighted duration, determine the estimated duration of freezing. The estimated duration of freezing is positively correlated with the first weighted duration, and negatively correlated with the second weighted duration and the third weighted duration.

[0072] Optionally, the vehicle's infotainment system can calculate the icing duration by subtracting the second weighted duration from the first weighted duration, and then subtracting the third weighted duration. If the result is negative, the system determines the estimated icing duration to be zero. Alternatively, the system can use other calculation methods that demonstrate a negative correlation.

[0073] Step 302: Determine the estimated freezing time as the estimated freezing degree of the evaporative condenser.

[0074] Step 303: When the estimated duration of icing reaches the duration threshold, control the heat pump system to enter the defrosting mode.

[0075] If the estimated icing duration reaches the duration threshold, the vehicle's infotainment system determines that ice has formed on the surface of the evaporative condenser and controls the heat pump system to enter de-icing mode.

[0076] In an exemplary example, the first duration of the first state is 60 minutes, with a weight of 1; the second duration of the second state is 5 minutes, with a weight of 1; and the second duration of the third state is 5 minutes, with a weight of 2. The vehicle's infotainment system determines the first weighted duration to be 60 minutes, the second weighted duration to be 5 minutes, and the third weighted duration to be 10 minutes. When the vehicle's infotainment system calculates the icing estimated duration by subtracting the second and third weighted durations from the first weighted duration, it determines the icing estimated duration to be 45 minutes, which is greater than the 40-minute threshold. Subsequently, the vehicle's infotainment system determines that ice has formed on the surface of the evaporative condenser and controls the heat pump system to enter de-icing mode.

[0077] In this embodiment, based on different conditions met by ambient temperature and evaporation temperature, the icing risk estimation state can be divided into a state with icing risk, a state without icing risk, and a state of de-icing through environmental conditions, so that the vehicle's infotainment system can determine whether icing risk exists. By assigning different weights to different states, the influence of the duration of different icing risk estimation states on the estimated degree of icing is reflected. The vehicle's infotainment system determines the weighted icing estimation duration as the estimated degree of icing, and de-icing is performed when the icing estimation duration reaches a duration threshold, which helps the vehicle's infotainment system determine the timing of de-icing. Since the ambient temperature has different effects on the evaporative condenser under different icing risk estimation states, the vehicle's infotainment system determines different correlations for different icing risk estimation states, so that the icing estimation duration can accurately characterize the estimated degree of icing.

[0078] The technical solution provided in the above embodiments is applied within the same power-on cycle of the vehicle. After the vehicle is powered off (either the entire vehicle is powered off or the high-voltage power is turned off), the icing estimation duration used in the above embodiments to estimate the degree of icing is reset to zero. Optionally, after the vehicle is powered on again, the vehicle's infotainment system can begin determining the icing estimation duration when the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is greater than the temperature difference threshold at the beginning of the current power-on cycle.

[0079] Optionally, when the vehicle is powered off and the estimated icing level from the previous power-on cycle meets the de-icing conditions, the vehicle's infotainment system controls the heat pump system to enter de-icing mode. Here, "power off" refers to switching off the high-voltage power supply.

[0080] In some embodiments, the vehicle system can use different de-icing parameters in de-icing mode, including the following steps:

[0081] Step 1: When the device is powered off and the estimated degree of icing from the previous power-on cycle meets the de-icing conditions, determine the de-icing parameters based on the estimated degree of icing.

[0082] Optionally, de-icing parameters may include de-icing time and de-icing temperature. The de-icing temperature and the estimated degree of icing are positively correlated, as is the de-icing time.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the vehicle's information system can query the correspondence between the estimated icing degree and the reference de-icing parameters, find the estimated icing degree that matches the estimated icing degree, and then determine the corresponding reference de-icing parameters as the de-icing parameters to be used for this de-icing operation.

[0084] In some embodiments, an icing sensor can be used to determine the ice thickness on the surface of an evaporative condenser. Optionally, the vehicle's infotainment system can determine de-icing parameters based on the ice thickness determined by the icing sensor and an estimated degree of icing, which helps improve the accuracy of the vehicle's infotainment system in determining de-icing parameters.

[0085] Step 2: Based on the de-icing parameters, control the heat pump system to enter the de-icing mode.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the de-icing parameters include de-icing duration and de-icing temperature. The vehicle's infotainment system is equipped with a heat pump system that continuously de-ices at the de-icing temperature, and exits the de-icing mode when the de-icing duration ends.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the vehicle is powered off, the vehicle-mounted unit determines whether the de-icing conditions were met in the previous power-on cycle, thereby determining whether de-icing is necessary. This allows the vehicle-mounted unit to actively de-ic the vehicle after power-off. The unit can also determine de-icing parameters based on the estimated degree of icing and apply them to the de-icing mode, which is beneficial for accurate de-icing under different icing conditions.

[0088] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the implementation environment of a de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0089] The external temperature sensor 401 and the low-pressure sensor 402 are hardwired to the thermal management control module 403, and the thermal management control module 403 establishes a CANFD (CAN with Flexible Data rate) communication connection with the vehicle's infotainment system 404. The external temperature sensor 401 is used to collect ambient temperature data, and the low-pressure sensor 402 is used to collect low-pressure data.

[0090] The vehicle infotainment system 404 receives ambient temperature and low-pressure data from the thermal management control module 403, and also receives vehicle speed data from the vehicle speed sensor 405 via CANFD. Then, it executes the de-icing method for the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system provided in the above embodiment.

[0091] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the entire de-icing process of an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. The process includes the following steps.

[0092] Step 501: Connect the entire vehicle to high voltage or power the entire vehicle.

[0093] Step 502: The vehicle system determines whether the vehicle speed is greater than 0 km / h and whether the heat pump system is in heating mode.

[0094] Yes, proceed to step 503.

[0095] No, end.

[0096] Step 503: Enter the freezing judgment timing.

[0097] The vehicle's infotainment system begins determining the estimated duration of icing.

[0098] Step 504: The vehicle system determines whether the ambient temperature is less than or equal to 3℃.

[0099] Yes, proceed to step 505.

[0100] No, proceed to step 506.

[0101] Step 505: The vehicle system determines whether the difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is greater than 8°C.

[0102] No, proceed to step 507.

[0103] Yes, proceed to step 508.

[0104] Step 506: Determine the third duration T3 (0.2s per cycle).

[0105] Step 507: Determine the second duration T2 (0.1s per cycle).

[0106] Step 508: Determine the first duration T1 (0.1s per cycle).

[0107] Each cycle refers to a program execution cycle of 0.1s. The weight of the first state is 1, the weight of the second state is 1, and the weight of the third state is 2.

[0108] Step 509: Determine the estimated freezing time.

[0109] The vehicle's system determines the estimated duration of icing based on the formula T = T1 - T2 - T3.

[0110] Step 510: The vehicle system determines whether the estimated icing duration is greater than 40 minutes.

[0111] No, proceed to step 511.

[0112] Yes, proceed to step 512.

[0113] Step 511: The vehicle's infotainment system confirms that the vehicle is not icy and there is no need to enter de-icing mode.

[0114] Step 512: The vehicle's infotainment system confirms icing and controls the heat pump system to enter de-icing mode.

[0115] Step 513: Power off the entire vehicle or disconnect the high-voltage power from the entire vehicle.

[0116] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a de-icing device for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0117] The acquisition module 601 is used to acquire the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system when the heat pump system is in heating mode.

[0118] The determining module 602 is used to determine the estimated degree of icing of the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature;

[0119] The control module 603 is used to control the heat pump system to enter the de-icing mode when the estimated degree of icing meets the de-icing conditions. The de-icing mode refers to the mode of de-icing the evaporative condenser.

[0120] Optionally, the determining module 602 is further configured to:

[0121] Based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature, the icing risk estimation state at the current moment is determined, and the icing risk estimation state is used to characterize whether there is an icing risk.

[0122] The estimated degree of icing in the evaporative condenser is determined based on the duration of different icing risk estimation states.

[0123] Optionally, the determining module 602 is further configured to:

[0124] When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is greater than the temperature difference threshold, the estimated state of the icing risk at the current moment is determined to be the first state, where the first state refers to a state where there is an icing risk.

[0125] When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is less than the temperature difference threshold, the icing risk estimation state at the current moment is determined to be the second state, which means that there is no icing risk.

[0126] When the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature threshold, the estimated state of the icing risk at the current moment is determined to be the third state, which refers to the state of icing through environmental de-icing.

[0127] Optionally, the determining module 602 is further configured to:

[0128] The icing estimation duration is determined based on the duration of different icing risk estimation states and the state weights corresponding to different icing risk estimation states.

[0129] The estimated freezing duration is determined as the estimated freezing degree of the evaporative condenser;

[0130] Optionally, the control module 603 is further configured to:

[0131] If the estimated icing duration reaches a duration threshold, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the de-icing mode.

[0132] Optionally, in the case where the icing risk estimation state includes a first state, a second state, and a third state, and the first state refers to a state with icing risk, the second state refers to a state without icing risk, and the third state refers to a state where icing is achieved through environmental de-icing, the determining module 602 is further configured to:

[0133] The first weighted duration is determined based on the first duration of the first state and the first state weight corresponding to the first state.

[0134] The second weighted duration is determined based on the second duration of the second state and the weight of the second state corresponding to the second state.

[0135] The third weighted duration is determined based on the third duration of the third state and the third state weight corresponding to the third state.

[0136] The icing estimation duration is determined based on the first weighted duration, the second weighted duration, and the third weighted duration. The icing estimation duration is positively correlated with the first weighted duration, and negatively correlated with the second weighted duration and the third weighted duration.

[0137] Optionally, the control module 603 is further configured to:

[0138] When the system is powered off and the estimated degree of icing in the previous power-on cycle meets the de-icing conditions, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the de-icing mode.

[0139] Optionally, the control module 603 is further configured to:

[0140] When the device is in a power-off state and the estimated degree of icing in the previous power-on cycle meets the de-icing conditions, the de-icing parameters are determined based on the estimated degree of icing.

[0141] Based on the de-icing parameters, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the de-icing mode.

[0142] In summary, in this embodiment of the application, since the surface of the evaporative condenser is prone to icing when the heat pump system is in heating mode in a low-temperature environment, which affects the heating effect of the heat pump system, the vehicle system makes an estimate of the degree of icing on the surface of the evaporative condenser based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser, so as to remove the ice when it is determined that the surface of the evaporative condenser is icing, thereby improving the heating capacity of the heat pump system, enabling the heat pump system to continuously heat the motor and motor system, saving energy, and extending the low-temperature driving range of the entire vehicle.

[0143] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle infotainment system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The vehicle infotainment system includes a processor 701 and a memory 702. The memory 702 stores at least one computer instruction, which is loaded and executed by the processor 701 to implement the de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system as described in the above embodiment.

[0144] Optionally, the processor 701 connects to various parts of the vehicle's infotainment system via various interfaces and lines. It executes various functions and processes data by running or executing instructions, programs, code sets, or instruction sets stored in the memory 702, and by calling data stored in the memory 702. Optionally, the processor 701 can be implemented using at least one of the following hardware forms: Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and Programmable Logic Array (PLA). The processor 701 can integrate one or more of the following: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Neural-network Processing Unit (NPU), and baseband chip. Specifically, the CPU primarily handles the operating system, user interface, and applications; the GPU is responsible for rendering and drawing the content displayed on the touchscreen; the NPU implements Artificial Intelligence (AI) functions; and the baseband chip handles wireless communication. It is understandable that the aforementioned baseband chip may not be integrated into the processor 701, but may be implemented using a separate chip.

[0145] The memory 702 may include random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). Optionally, the memory 702 may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 702 may be used to store instructions, programs, code, code sets, or instruction sets. The memory 702 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store instructions for implementing an operating system, instructions for at least one function (such as touch function, sound playback function, image playback function, etc.), instructions for implementing the various method embodiments described below, etc.; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the vehicle system (such as audio data, phone book, etc.).

[0146] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the vehicle system shown in the above figures does not constitute a limitation on the vehicle system. The vehicle system may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0147] This application also provides a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-mounted system as described in the above embodiments and a heat pump system including an evaporative condenser.

[0148] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware, or by a program guiding the relevant hardware to be implemented. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0149] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, characterized in that, The method includes: When the heat pump system is in heating mode, the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system are obtained. Based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature, the icing risk estimation state at the current moment is determined, and the icing risk estimation state is used to characterize whether there is an icing risk. The icing risk estimation states include a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state refers to a state with icing risk, the second state refers to a state without icing risk, and the third state refers to a state where the ice melts through environmental means. Based on the first duration of the first state and the first state weight corresponding to the first state, a first weighted duration is determined. The second weighted duration is determined based on the second duration of the second state and the weight of the second state corresponding to the second state. The third weighted duration is determined based on the third duration of the third state and the third state weight corresponding to the third state. Based on the first weighted duration, the second weighted duration, and the third weighted duration, an estimated icing duration is determined. The estimated icing duration is positively correlated with the first weighted duration, and negatively correlated with the second weighted duration and the third weighted duration. The estimated freezing duration is determined as the estimated degree of freezing of the evaporative condenser. When the estimated freezing time reaches a time threshold, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the defrosting mode, which refers to the mode for defrosting the evaporative condenser.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of determining the icing risk estimate status at the current moment based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature includes: When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is greater than the temperature difference threshold, the icing risk estimation state at the current moment is determined to be the first state, where the first state refers to a state where there is an icing risk. When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature threshold and the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature is less than the temperature difference threshold, the icing risk estimation state at the current moment is determined to be the second state, which means that there is no icing risk. When the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature threshold, the icing risk estimation state at the current moment is determined to be the third state, which refers to the state of icing through environmental de-icing.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the system is powered off and the estimated degree of icing in the previous power-on cycle meets the de-icing conditions, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the de-icing mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the system is in a power-off state and the estimated degree of icing in the previous power-on cycle meets the de-icing conditions, controlling the heat pump system to enter the de-icing mode includes: When the device is in a power-off state and the estimated degree of icing in the previous power-on cycle meets the de-icing conditions, the de-icing parameters are determined based on the estimated degree of icing. Based on the de-icing parameters, the heat pump system is controlled to enter the de-icing mode.

5. A de-icing device for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system, characterized in that, The device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature of the evaporative condenser in the heat pump system when the heat pump system is in heating mode. The determination module is used to determine the icing risk estimation state at the current moment based on the ambient temperature and the evaporation temperature. The icing risk estimation state is used to characterize whether there is an icing risk. The icing risk estimation states include a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state refers to a state with icing risk, the second state refers to a state without icing risk, and the third state refers to a state where the ice melts through environmental means. Based on the first duration of the first state and the first state weight corresponding to the first state, a first weighted duration is determined. The second weighted duration is determined based on the second duration of the second state and the weight of the second state corresponding to the second state. The third weighted duration is determined based on the third duration of the third state and the third state weight corresponding to the third state. Based on the first weighted duration, the second weighted duration, and the third weighted duration, an estimated icing duration is determined. The estimated icing duration is positively correlated with the first weighted duration, and negatively correlated with the second weighted duration and the third weighted duration. The estimated freezing duration is determined as the estimated degree of freezing of the evaporative condenser. The control module is used to control the heat pump system to enter the de-icing mode when the estimated icing duration reaches a duration threshold. The de-icing mode refers to the mode of de-icing the evaporative condenser.

6. A vehicle infotainment system, characterized in that, The vehicle infotainment system includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing at least one computer instruction, which is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the de-icing method for an evaporative condenser in a heat pump system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with the vehicle infotainment system as described in claim 6 and a heat pump system including an evaporative condenser.

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