Vehicle thermal management system

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle thermal management system that implements an active individual cooling system according to a heat value of a battery, thereby enabling reduction of power of an electric compressor, and enabling a high capacity cooling system responsive to rapid charging of the battery. The vehicle thermal management system includes: a refrigerant line circulating through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a refrigerator; a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger provided in the air conditioning case to cool air and heat air, respectively; the first coolant pipeline passes through the heating heat exchanger and realizes heat exchange with the condenser of the refrigerant pipeline; a second coolant line that passes through the cooling heat exchanger and exchanges heat with the refrigerator of the refrigerant line; a radiator capable of exchanging heat between the coolant and outdoor air; the third coolant pipeline passes through the radiator and realizes heat exchange with a battery of the vehicle; and a coolant valve member for controlling the flow of the coolant of the second coolant line such that the coolant flows through the refrigerator, the cooling heat exchanger, and the battery in sequence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle thermal management system, and more particularly, to a vehicle thermal management system installed in an electric vehicle or the like to perform air conditioning in the interior of the vehicle and to perform thermal management of a battery and electronic components. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vehicle air conditioner includes a cooling system for cooling the interior of the vehicle and a heating system for heating the interior of the vehicle. The cooling system is configured to cool the interior of the vehicle by exchanging heat between a refrigerant flowing through an evaporator and air passing through the evaporator. In addition, the heating system is configured to heat the interior of the vehicle by exchanging heat between a coolant flowing through a heater core and air passing through the heater core.

[0003] Recently, vehicles using batteries, such as electric vehicles, use a vehicle heat pump system that uses a refrigerator that performs heat exchange between a coolant and a refrigerant to cool the battery and waste heat from electronic components. Therefore, during operation of the heat pump, the heat pump system improves the performance of the heat pump by recovering the air heat source passing through the outdoor unit, the waste heat of the electronic components passing through the water-refrigerant heat exchanger (refrigerator), and the waste heat of the battery.

[0004] A conventional thermal management system for electric vehicles is a direct heating type heat pump system that directly uses the heat of the refrigerant for heating. Therefore, the conventional thermal management system has several disadvantages: the configuration of the system for achieving heating and cooling is complicated, the weight and cost are increased due to the increase in the number of components, and the amount of refrigerant used is increased. In addition, the conventional thermal management system for electric vehicles is a system that can only operate when the refrigerant components are dispersed, so the assemblability of the vehicle is reduced due to the difficulty in modularizing the components. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle thermal management system that can reduce the power of an electric compressor by executing an active individual cooling system according to the heat generation of a battery and realize a high-capacity cooling system that responds to rapid battery charging.

[0006] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle thermal management system that can realize various air-conditioning modes, enhance the heating performance of the heat pump, and can realize internal heating using only the waste heat of electronic components and batteries, and increase the battery temperature through the heat pump.

[0007] Technical Solution To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system is provided, which includes: a refrigerant pipeline circulating through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a refrigerator; a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger, which are arranged in an air-conditioning shell to cool air and heat air respectively; a first coolant pipeline passing through the heating heat exchanger and exchanging heat with the condenser of the refrigerant pipeline; a second coolant pipeline passing through the cooling heat exchanger and exchanging heat with the refrigerator of the refrigerant pipeline; a radiator capable of exchanging heat between the coolant and outdoor air; a third coolant pipeline passing through the radiator and exchanging heat with a battery of the vehicle; and a coolant valve component for controlling the flow of the coolant so that the coolant of the second coolant pipeline flows through the refrigerator, the cooling heat exchanger and the battery in sequence.

[0008] The coolant passing through the radiator selectively passes through electronic components of the vehicle.

[0009] The coolant valve component includes: a first valve, which is located between the electronic component, the refrigerator and a second valve, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the electronic component to the refrigerator or the second valve; and the second valve, which is located between the first valve, the condenser, the heating heat exchanger and the third coolant line, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the first valve to the condenser or the third coolant line, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger to the condenser or the third coolant line.

[0010] The third coolant line includes a first connection unit connecting the second valve and the third coolant line.

[0011] The coolant valve component includes a third valve, which is located between the radiator, the refrigerator, the cooling heat exchanger and the first connecting unit, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the refrigerator to the cooling heat exchanger or the radiator, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the first connecting unit to the radiator or the cooling heat exchanger.

[0012] The coolant valve component includes: a fourth valve, which is located between the refrigerator, the fifth valve, the battery and the cooling heat exchanger, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger to the refrigerator or the battery, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the fifth valve to the refrigerator or the battery; and the fifth valve, which is located between the battery, the first connection unit and the fourth valve, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the battery to the first connection unit or the fourth valve, or guides the coolant passing through the first connection unit to the battery.

[0013] The second coolant line includes a second connection unit connecting the first valve to the second coolant line, and the second connection unit is located between the fourth valve and the refrigerator.

[0014] The third coolant line includes a third connection unit connecting the radiator to the third coolant line, and the third connection unit is located between the fourth valve and the battery.

[0015] In a simultaneous cooling mode for the electronic component and the battery, the flow of coolant in both the first coolant line and the second coolant line is stopped. The coolant sequentially passes through the battery, the fifth valve, the first connection unit, the third valve, and the radiator, and a portion of the coolant that passes through the radiator circulates through the battery and another portion of the coolant that passes through the radiator sequentially passes through the electronic component, the first valve, the second valve, the first connection unit, and the third valve, and then circulates through the radiator.

[0016] In the battery rapid cooling mode, the refrigerant in the refrigerant line circulates sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the refrigerator. The coolant passing through the battery circulates sequentially through the fifth valve, the fourth valve, the refrigerator, the third valve, the cooling heat exchanger, the fourth valve, and the battery.

[0017] In the cooling mode, the refrigerant in the refrigerant line circulates sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the refrigerator. The coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger sequentially passes through the fourth valve, the refrigerator, and the third valve, and then circulates through the cooling heat exchanger.

[0018] In a heating mode of absorbing heat from the outdoor air and the electronic components, the refrigerant in the refrigerant line sequentially circulates through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the refrigerator. The coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger passes through the second valve and the condenser, and circulates through the heating heat exchanger. The coolant passing through the radiator sequentially passes through the electronic components, the first valve, the refrigerator, and the third valve, and circulates through the radiator.

[0019] In the heat absorption and heating mode, the coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger passes through the second valve and the first connecting unit, and a portion of the coolant passing through the first connecting unit sequentially passes through the third valve, the radiator, the electronic component, the first valve, the second valve and the condenser, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger, and another portion of the coolant passing through the first connecting unit sequentially passes through the fifth valve, the battery, the electronic component, the first valve, the second valve and the condenser, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger.

[0020] Beneficial Effects The vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can provide an integrated thermal management system for electric vehicles, which can perform cooling, heating and dehumidification of the vehicle interior, cooling and heat absorption of electronic components, general cooling of batteries and rapid cooling of batteries during rapid charging, and temperature increase of batteries at low temperatures. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system can simultaneously perform the functions of interior cooling and battery cooling with a single refrigerator component, and when the ambient temperature is lower than the set temperature for cooling the battery, heat dissipation from the radiator can be performed without operating the refrigerator.

[0021] In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can realize fourteen different operating modes with a very simple structure. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can reduce the power of the electric compressor by an active separate cooling system depending on the heat generation of the battery, minimize overcooling, and contribute to the improvement of vehicle fuel efficiency. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention enables a high-capacity fast cooling system to respond to fast battery charging. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can ensure cost competitiveness by simplifying the refrigerant piping and reducing the number of heat exchangers and refrigerant valves. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can perform internal heating using only waste heat from electronic components and batteries, and increase the temperature of the battery through a heat pump, and minimize power consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 The first to fifth valves according to the embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A first operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 A second operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 5 A third operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 6 A fourth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 A fifth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 A sixth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Fig. 9 A seventh operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Fig.10 An eighth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Fig.11 A ninth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Fig.12 A tenth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Fig.13 An eleventh operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Fig.14 A twelfth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Fig.15 A thirteenth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Fig.16 A fourteenth operating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, a technical configuration of a vehicle thermal management system will be described as follows.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a vehicle thermal management system installed in an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling heat exchanger 65, a heating heat exchanger 26, a refrigerant module 10, a first coolant line 20, a second coolant line 30, a radiator 27, a third coolant line 40 and a coolant valve component.

[0040] The cooling heat exchanger 65 and the heating heat exchanger 26 are sequentially disposed in the air conditioning case 64 along the air flow direction. The heating heat exchanger 26 performs heat exchange with the air in the air conditioning case 64 to heat the air, and the cooling heat exchanger 65 performs heat exchange with the air in the air conditioning case 64 to cool the air. An electric heater 66 (such as a PTC) that becomes hot according to applied power is disposed downstream of the heating heat exchanger 26.

[0041] The refrigerant module 10 includes a refrigerant line 14 in which a refrigerant circulates sequentially through a compressor 15, a condenser 16, an expansion valve 18, and a refrigerator 19. The compressor 15 sucks and compresses the refrigerant, and then discharges the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure gas state. The condenser 16 is used as a water-cooled condenser for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant. The expansion valve 18 expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser 16 into a low-temperature and low-pressure state. The refrigerator 19 is used as a water-cooled evaporator for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant. The internal heat exchanger 17 is provided between the condenser 16 and the expansion valve 18 and between the refrigerator 19 and the compressor 15.

[0042] The first coolant line 20 passes through the heating heat exchanger 26 and exchanges heat with the condenser 16 of the refrigerant line 14. The heating heat exchanger 26, the condenser 16 and the first water pump 57 are disposed in the first coolant line 20. The first water pump 57 circulates the coolant of the first coolant line 20.

[0043] The second coolant line 30 passes through the cooling heat exchanger 65 and exchanges heat with the refrigerator 19 of the refrigerant line 14. The cooling heat exchanger 65, the second water pump 56 and the refrigerator 19 are disposed in the second coolant line 30. The second water pump 56 circulates the coolant of the second coolant line 30.

[0044] The radiator 27 performs heat exchange between the coolant and the outdoor air and serves as an integrated air cooling condenser. The third coolant line 40 passes through the radiator 27 and performs heat exchange with the battery 92 of the vehicle. The battery 92, the coolant heater 93, the radiator 27, the storage tank 94 and the third water pump 58 are arranged in the third coolant line 40. The coolant heater 93 is an electric heater and heats the coolant of the third coolant line 40. The third water pump 58 circulates the coolant of the third coolant line 40.

[0045] The coolant valve member controls the coolant flow so that the coolant of the second coolant line 30 sequentially flows through the refrigerator 19, the cooling heat exchanger 65, and the battery 92. In addition, the coolant valve member enables the coolant passing through the radiator 27 to selectively pass through the electronic components 91 of the vehicle. The coolant valve member includes a first valve 1, a second valve 2, a third valve 3, a fourth valve 4, and a fifth valve 5.

[0046] In addition, the third coolant line 40 includes a first connection unit 98. The first connection unit 98 connects the second valve 2 to the third coolant line 40. In addition, the second coolant line 30 includes a second connection unit 97. The second connection unit 97 connects the first valve 1 to the second coolant line 30. The second connection unit 97 is arranged between the fourth valve 4 and the refrigerator 19. In addition, the third coolant line 40 includes a third connection unit 96. The third connection unit 96 connects the radiator 27 to the third coolant line 40. The third connection unit 96 is arranged between the fourth valve 4 and the battery 92.

[0047] The first valve 1 is located between the electronic component 91, the refrigerator 19, and the second valve 2. The first valve 1 selectively guides the coolant passing through the electronic component 91 to the refrigerator 19 or the second valve 2. The fourth water pump 55 is provided in the coolant line located at the front end of the electronic component 91. The fourth water pump 55 circulates the coolant passing through the radiator 27 toward the electronic component 91 and the first valve 1. The first valve 1 is a three-way valve.

[0048] That is, the first valve 1 includes a first connector 11, a second connector 12, and a third connector 13. The first connector 11 is connected to the electronic component 91, and the second connector 12 is connected to the second connection unit 97 of the first coolant line 20. The coolant passing through the electronic component 91 is introduced into the first connector 11 and discharged through the second connector 12 or the third connector 13.

[0049] The second valve 2 is disposed between the first valve 1, the condenser 16, the heating heat exchanger 26, and the third coolant line 40. The second valve 2 selectively guides the coolant passing through the first valve 1 to the condenser 16 or the third coolant line 40, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger 26 to the condenser 16 or the third coolant line 40. The second valve 2 is a four-way valve.

[0050] That is, the second valve 2 includes a first connector 21, a second connector 22, a third connector 23, and a fourth connector 24. The first connector 21 is connected to the first valve 1, and the second connector 22 is connected to the condenser 16. The third connector 23 is connected to the heating heat exchanger 26 and the fourth connector 24 is connected to the first connection unit 98. The coolant passing through the first valve 1 is introduced into the first connector 21 and is discharged through the second connector 22 or the fourth connector 24. In addition, the coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger 26 is introduced into the third connector 23 and is discharged through the second connector 22 or the fourth connector 24.

[0051] The third valve 3 is disposed between the radiator 27, the refrigerator 19, the cooling heat exchanger 65, and the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 selectively guides the coolant passing through the refrigerator 19 to the cooling heat exchanger 65 or the radiator 27, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27 or the cooling heat exchanger 65. The third valve 3 is a four-way valve.

[0052] That is, the third valve 3 includes a first connector 31, a second connector 32, a third connector 33, and a fourth connector 34. The first connector 31 is connected to the radiator 27, and the second connector 32 is connected to the refrigerator 19. The third connector 33 is connected to the cooling heat exchanger 65, and the fourth connector 34 is connected to the first connection unit 98. The coolant passing through the refrigerator 19 is introduced into the second connector 32 and discharged through the first connector 31 or the third connector 33. In addition, the coolant passing through the first connection unit 98 is introduced into the fourth connector 34 and discharged through the first connector 31 or the third connector 33.

[0053] The fourth valve 4 is disposed between the refrigerator 19, the fifth valve 5, the battery 92, and the cooling heat exchanger 65. The fourth valve 4 selectively guides the coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger 65 to the refrigerator 19 or the battery 92, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the fifth valve 5 to the refrigerator 19 or the battery 92. The fourth valve 4 is a four-way valve.

[0054] That is, the fourth valve 4 includes a first connector 41, a second connector 42, a third connector 43, and a fourth connector 44. The first connector 41 is connected to the refrigerator 19, and the second connector 42 is connected to the fifth valve 5. More specifically, the first connector 41 is connected to the second connection unit 97. That is, as described above, the second connection unit 97 is located between the fourth valve 4 and the refrigerator 19.

[0055] In addition, the third connector 43 is connected to the battery 92, and the fourth connector 44 is connected to the cooling heat exchanger 65. More specifically, the third connector 43 is connected to the third connection unit 96. That is, the third connection unit 96 is located between the fourth valve 4 and the battery 92. The coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger 65 is introduced into the fourth connector 44 and discharged through the first connector 41 or the third connector 43. In addition, the coolant passing through the fifth valve 5 is introduced into the second connector 42 and discharged through the first connector 41 or the third connector 43.

[0056] The fifth valve 5 is disposed between the battery 92, the first connection unit 98, and the fourth valve 4. The fifth valve 5 selectively guides the coolant passing through the battery 92 to the first connection unit 98 or the fourth valve 4, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the first connection unit 98 to the battery 92. The fifth valve 5 is a three-way valve.

[0057] That is, the fifth valve 5 includes a first connector 51, a second connector 52, and a third connector 53. The first connector 51 is connected to the battery 92, and the second connector 52 is connected to the first connection unit 98 and the third connector 53 is connected to the fourth valve 4. The coolant passing through the battery 92 is introduced into the first connector 51 and is discharged through the second connector 52 or the third connector 53. In addition, the coolant passing through the first connection unit 98 is introduced into the second connector 52 and is discharged through the first connector 51.

[0058] In the following, reference is made to Figures 3 to 16 , an operation example of each air conditioning mode will be described in more detail.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 , the first operation mode is an electronic component cooling mode using outdoor air. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27.

[0060] The flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant module 10 is stopped. In addition, internal cooling and heating by the cooling heat exchanger 65 and the heating heat exchanger 26 are not operated. The coolant passing through the electronic component 91 sequentially passes through the first valve 1, the second valve 2, the first connection unit 98, the third valve 3, the radiator 27, the storage tank 94, and the fourth water pump 55, and then circulates through the electronic component 91. The heat of the electronic component 91 is cooled by the outdoor air. In this mode, cooling of the battery 92 does not occur.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 , the second operation mode is a simultaneous cooling mode for the electronic components and the battery using outdoor air. The first valve 1 connects the electronic components 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 to the first connection unit 98.

[0062] The flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant module 10 is stopped. In addition, internal cooling and heating by the cooling heat exchanger 65 and the heating heat exchanger 26 are not operated. In addition, the flow of coolant in the first coolant line 20 and the second coolant line 30 is stopped. In addition, the coolant sequentially passes through the battery 92, the fifth valve 5, the first connecting unit 98, the third valve 3, and the radiator 27.

[0063] In this case, a portion of the coolant passing through the radiator 27 circulates through the battery 92, and another portion of the coolant sequentially passes through the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second valve 2, the first connection unit 98, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27. The heat of the electronic component 91 and the heat of the battery 92 are cooled by the outdoor air.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 , the third operation mode is a battery cooling mode using outdoor air. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 to the first connection unit 98. The flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant module 10 is stopped. In addition, the internal cooling and heating by the cooling heat exchanger 65 and the heating heat exchanger 26 are not operated.

[0065] In addition, the flow of coolant in both the first coolant line 20 and the second coolant line 30 is stopped. The coolant passing through the battery 92 sequentially passes through the coolant heater 93, the fifth valve 5, the first connection unit 98, the third valve 3, the radiator 27, the storage tank 94, the third connection unit 96, and the third water pump 58, and then circulates through the battery 92. The heat of the battery 92 is cooled by the outdoor air. In this mode, cooling of the electronic components 91 does not occur.

[0066] Reference Figure 6, the fourth operation mode is a battery rapid cooling mode. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the condenser 16, and connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27, and connects the refrigerator 19 to the cooling heat exchanger 65. The fourth valve 4 connects the fifth valve 5 to the refrigerator 19, and connects the cooling heat exchanger 65 to the battery 92. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 to the fourth valve 4.

[0067] The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. The coolant passing through the battery 92 circulates sequentially through the fifth valve 5, the fourth valve 4, the refrigerator 19, the third valve 3, the cooling heat exchanger 65, the fourth valve 4, and the battery 92. In this case, although the internal cooling and heating by the cooling heat exchanger 65 and the heating heat exchanger 26 are not operated, a separate operation via the on / off control of the blower is possible. The heat of the battery 92 is cooled by the refrigerant.

[0068] Reference Figure 7 , the fifth operation mode is a cooling mode and a battery cooling mode using a refrigerant. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the condenser 16 and connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27 and connects the refrigerator 19 to the cooling heat exchanger 65. The fourth valve 4 connects the fifth valve 5 to the refrigerator 19 and connects the cooling heat exchanger 65 to the battery 92. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 to the fourth valve 4.

[0069] The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. The coolant passing through the battery 92 circulates sequentially through the coolant heater 93, the fifth valve 5, the fourth valve 4, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, the third valve 3, the cooling heat exchanger 65, the fourth valve 4, the third connection unit 96, the third water pump 58, and the battery 92. The cooling heat exchanger 65 exchanges heat with the air inside the air-conditioning case 64 to cool the inside. The heat of the electronic component 91 is cooled by the outdoor air, and the heat of the battery 92 is cooled by the refrigerant.

[0070] Reference Figure 8, the sixth operation mode is the cooling mode. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the condenser 16 and connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27 and connects the refrigerator 19 to the cooling heat exchanger 65. The fourth valve 4 connects the cooling heat exchanger 65 to the refrigerator 19.

[0071] The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. The coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger 65 sequentially passes through the fourth valve 4, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the cooling heat exchanger 65. The cooling heat exchanger 65 exchanges heat with the air inside the air-conditioning case 64 to cool the inside. The heat of the electronic component 91 is cooled by the outdoor air, but the heat of the battery 92 is not cooled.

[0072] Reference Fig. 9 , the seventh operation mode is a cooling mode and a battery cooling mode by outdoor air. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the condenser 16 and connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27 and connects the refrigerator 19 to the cooling heat exchanger 65. The fourth valve 4 connects the cooling heat exchanger 65 to the refrigerator 19. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 to the first connection unit 98.

[0073] In addition, the refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 sequentially circulates through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. The coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger 65 sequentially passes through the fourth valve 4, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the cooling heat exchanger 65. In addition, a portion of the coolant passing through the radiator 27 sequentially passes through the storage tank 94, the third connection unit 96, the third water pump 58, the battery 92, the coolant heater 93, the fifth valve 5, the first connection unit 98, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27.

[0074] Another part of the coolant passing through the radiator 27 sequentially passes through the storage tank 94, the fourth water pump 55, the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second valve 2, the condenser 16, the first water pump 57, the heating heat exchanger 26, the second valve 2, the first connecting unit 98 and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27. The cooling heat exchanger 65 exchanges heat with the air inside the air-conditioning case 64 to cool the inside. The heat of the electronic component 91 is cooled by the outdoor air. The heat of the battery 92 is also cooled by the outdoor air.

[0075] Reference Fig.10, the eighth operation mode is a heating mode that absorbs heat from outdoor air and electronic components. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second connection unit 97. The second valve 2 connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the condenser 16. The third valve 3 connects the refrigerator 19 to the radiator 27. The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. The heating heat exchanger 26 exchanges heat with the air inside the air-conditioning case 64 to heat the interior.

[0076] The coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger 26 sequentially passes through the second valve 2 and the condenser 16, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger 26. In addition, the coolant passing through the radiator 27 sequentially passes through the storage tank 94, the fourth water pump 55, the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27. The coolant absorbs heat in the radiator 27 and the electronic component 91.

[0077] Reference Fig.11 , the ninth operation mode is a heating mode that absorbs heat from outdoor air, electronic components and batteries. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second connection unit 97. The second valve 2 connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the condenser 16. The third valve 3 connects the refrigerator 19 to the radiator 27. The fourth valve 4 connects the fifth valve 5 to the refrigerator 19. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 to the fourth valve 4.

[0078] The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. The heating heat exchanger 26 exchanges heat with the air inside the air conditioning case 64 to heat the inside. The coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger 26 circulates sequentially through the second valve 2 and the condenser 16, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger 26.

[0079] In addition, a portion of the coolant passing through the radiator 27 sequentially passes through the storage tank 94, the fourth water pump 55, the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27. Another portion of the coolant passing through the radiator 27 sequentially passes through the storage tank 94, the third connection unit 96, the third water pump 58, the battery 92, the coolant heater 93, the fifth valve 5, the fourth valve 4, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27. The coolant absorbs heat from the radiator 27, the electronic component 91, and the battery 92.

[0080] Reference Fig.12, the tenth operation mode is a heating mode and a dehumidification mode. The second valve 2 connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the condenser 16. The third valve 3 connects the refrigerator 19 to the cooling heat exchanger 65. The fourth valve 4 connects the cooling heat exchanger 65 to the refrigerator 19. The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19.

[0081] Inside the air conditioning case 64, the heating heat exchanger 26 performs heat exchange with the air to heat the inside, and the cooling heat exchanger 65 performs heat exchange with the air to dehumidify the inside. The coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger 26 circulates sequentially through the second valve 2, the condenser 16, and the first water pump 57, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger 26. In addition, the coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger 65 circulates sequentially through the fourth valve 4, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, returning to the cooling heat exchanger 65. There is no heat exchange involving the electronic components 91 or the battery 92.

[0082] Reference Fig.13 , the eleventh operation mode is a heating and dehumidification mode that absorbs heat from outdoor air, electronic components and batteries. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second connection unit 97. The second valve 2 connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the condenser 16. The third valve 3 connects the refrigerator 19 to the radiator 27. The fourth valve 4 connects the fifth valve 5 to the refrigerator 19. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 to the fourth valve 4.

[0083] The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. Inside the air-conditioning case 64, the heating heat exchanger 26 exchanges heat with the air to heat the inside, and the cooling heat exchanger 65 exchanges heat with the air to dehumidify the inside. The coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger 26 circulates sequentially through the second valve 2, the condenser 16, and the first water pump 57, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger 26.

[0084] In addition, a portion of the coolant passing through the radiator 27 sequentially passes through the storage tank 94, the fourth water pump 55, the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27. Another portion of the coolant passing through the radiator 27 sequentially passes through the storage tank 94, the third connection unit 96, the third water pump 58, the battery 92, the coolant heater 93, the fifth valve 5, the fourth valve 4, the second connection unit 97, the second water pump 56, the refrigerator 19, and the third valve 3, and then circulates through the radiator 27. The coolant absorbs heat in the radiator 27, the electronic component 91, and the battery 92.

[0085] Reference Fig.14, the twelfth operation mode is a battery temperature raising mode by the coolant heater. The fourth valve 4 connects the fifth valve 5 and the battery 92. The fifth valve 5 connects the battery 92 and the fourth valve 4. The flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant module 10 is stopped. In addition, the internal cooling and heating by the cooling heat exchanger 65 and the heating heat exchanger 26 are not operated. In addition, the flow of the coolant in the first coolant line 20 and the second coolant line 30 is stopped.

[0086] The coolant passing through the battery 92 sequentially passes through the coolant heater 93, the fifth valve 5, the fourth valve 4, the third connection unit 96, and the third water pump 58, and then circulates through the battery 92. The coolant is heated in the coolant heater 93, and the battery 92 is heated by the heated coolant passing through the battery 92.

[0087] Reference Fig.15 , the thirteenth operation mode is a battery temperature raising mode by a heat pump. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the condenser 16 and connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the refrigerator 19 to the cooling heat exchanger 65. The fourth valve 4 connects the cooling heat exchanger 65 to the refrigerator 19. The fifth valve 5 connects the first connection unit 98 to the battery 92.

[0088] The refrigerant in the refrigerant line 14 circulates sequentially through the compressor 15, the condenser 16, the expansion valve 18, and the refrigerator 19. In addition, the internal cooling and heating by the cooling heat exchanger 65 and the heating heat exchanger 26 are not operated. The coolant passing through the battery 92 circulates sequentially through the third water pump 58, the third connection unit 96, the storage tank 94, the fourth water pump 55, the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second valve 2, the condenser 16, the first water pump 57, the heating heat exchanger 26, the second valve 2, the first connection unit 98, the fifth valve 5, and the coolant heater 93, and then circulates through the battery 92.

[0089] In this case, there is no heat exchange in the electronic component 91, and the coolant heater 93 is not operated. Finally, the battery 92 is heated by the heat of the refrigerant (heat from the condenser). The temperature increase of the battery 92 by the heat pump mode is possible, thereby enabling the battery 92 temperature to be increased without operating the coolant heater 93.

[0090] Reference Fig.16 , the fourteenth operation mode is the heat absorption and heating mode. The first valve 1 connects the electronic component 91 to the second valve 2. The second valve 2 connects the first valve 1 to the condenser 16 and connects the heating heat exchanger 26 to the first connection unit 98. The third valve 3 connects the first connection unit 98 to the radiator 27. The fifth valve 5 connects the first connection unit 98 to the battery 92.

[0091] The coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger 26 sequentially passes through the second valve 2 and the first connecting unit 98. A portion of the coolant passing through the first connecting unit 98 sequentially passes through the third valve 3, the radiator 27, the storage tank 94, the fourth water pump 55, the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second valve 2, and the condenser 16, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger 26.

[0092] Another part of the coolant passing through the first connection unit 98 sequentially passes through the fifth valve 5, the coolant heater 93, the battery 92, the third water pump 58, the third connection unit 96, the storage tank 94, the fourth water pump 55, the electronic component 91, the first valve 1, the second valve 2 and the condenser 16, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger 26. Inside the air-conditioning case 64, the heating heat exchanger 26 exchanges heat with the air to heat the interior. The electronic component 91 and the battery 92 release heat and serve as a heat source for interior heating.

[0093] In the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention, the refrigerant line 14 simply includes a compressor 15, a condenser 16, an expansion valve 18 and a refrigerator 19, and the coolant line includes a radiator 27, an electronic component 91, a battery 92, a condenser 16, a refrigerator 19, a coolant valve component having five valves and four water pumps.

[0094] By this configuration, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can provide an integrated thermal management system for an electric vehicle, which can perform cooling, heating and dehumidification of the vehicle interior, cooling and heat absorption of electronic components, general cooling of the battery and rapid cooling of the battery during rapid charging, and temperature increase of the battery at low temperatures. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system can simultaneously perform the functions of interior cooling and battery cooling with a single refrigerator 19 component, and when the ambient temperature is lower than the set temperature for cooling the battery, heat dissipation from the radiator 27 can be performed without operating the refrigerator 19.

[0095] In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can realize fourteen different operating modes with a very simple structure. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can reduce the power of the electric compressor by an active separate cooling system depending on the heat generation of the battery, minimize overcooling, and contribute to the improvement of vehicle fuel efficiency. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention enables a high-capacity fast cooling system to respond to fast battery charging. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can ensure cost competitiveness by simplifying the refrigerant piping and reducing the number of heat exchangers and refrigerant valves. In addition, the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention can perform internal heating using only waste heat from electronic components and batteries, and increase the temperature of the battery through a heat pump, and minimize power consumption.

[0096] Although the vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the description is only exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various variations and equivalents of the embodiments are feasible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope should be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle thermal management system, comprising: Refrigerant pipeline, circulating through the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and refrigerator; A cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger are disposed in the air conditioning housing to cool the air and heat the air respectively; a first coolant line passing through the heating heat exchanger and exchanging heat with the condenser of the refrigerant line; a second coolant line, passing through the cooling heat exchanger and exchanging heat with the refrigerator of the refrigerant line; a radiator, capable of exchanging heat between the coolant and the outside air; a third coolant line passing through the radiator and exchanging heat with a battery of the vehicle; as well as A coolant valve component is used to control the flow of the coolant so that the coolant in the second coolant pipeline flows through the refrigerator, the cooling heat exchanger and the battery in sequence.

2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The coolant passing through the radiator selectively passes through electronic components of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: The coolant valve component comprises: a first valve located between the electronic component, the refrigerator, and a second valve, and selectively directing the coolant passing through the electronic component to the refrigerator or the second valve; and The second valve is located between the first valve, the condenser, the heating heat exchanger and the third coolant line, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the first valve to the condenser or the third coolant line, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger to the condenser or the third coolant line.

4. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The third coolant line includes a first connection unit connecting the second valve and the third coolant line.

5. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein: The coolant valve component includes a third valve, which is located between the radiator, the refrigerator, the cooling heat exchanger and the first connecting unit, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the refrigerator to the cooling heat exchanger or the radiator, or selectively guides the coolant passing through the first connecting unit to the radiator or the cooling heat exchanger.

6. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The coolant valve component comprises: a fourth valve located between the refrigerator, the fifth valve, the battery, and the cooling heat exchanger, and selectively directing the coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger to the refrigerator or the battery, or selectively directing the coolant passing through the fifth valve to the refrigerator or the battery; and The fifth valve is located between the battery, the first connection unit, and the fourth valve, and selectively guides the coolant passing through the battery to the first connection unit or the fourth valve, or guides the coolant passing through the first connection unit to the battery.

7. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The second coolant line includes a second connection unit connecting the first valve to the second coolant line, and Wherein, the second connecting unit is located between the fourth valve and the refrigerator.

8. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The third coolant line includes a third connection unit connecting the radiator to the third coolant line, and Wherein, the third connecting unit is located between the fourth valve and the battery.

9. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: In a simultaneous cooling mode for the electronic components and the battery, stopping the flow of coolant in both the first coolant line and the second coolant line, and wherein the coolant sequentially passes through the battery, the fifth valve, the first connecting unit, the third valve, and the radiator, and a portion of the coolant that passes through the radiator circulates through the battery and another portion of the coolant that passes through the radiator sequentially passes through the electronic component, the first valve, the second valve, the first connecting unit, and the third valve, and then circulates through the radiator.

10. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: In the battery rapid cooling mode, the refrigerant in the refrigerant line circulates sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the refrigerator, and The coolant passing through the battery sequentially circulates through the fifth valve, the fourth valve, the refrigerator, the third valve, the cooling heat exchanger, the fourth valve, and the battery.

11. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: In cooling mode, the refrigerant in the refrigerant line circulates sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the refrigerator, and The coolant passing through the cooling heat exchanger sequentially passes through the fourth valve, the refrigerator, and the third valve, and then circulates through the cooling heat exchanger.

12. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: In a heating mode of absorbing heat from the outdoor air and the electronic components, the refrigerant in the refrigerant line circulates sequentially through the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the refrigerator, wherein the coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger passes through the second valve and the condenser and circulates through the heating heat exchanger, and The coolant passing through the radiator sequentially passes through the electronic component, the first valve, the refrigerator, and the third valve, and circulates through the radiator.

13. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: In the heat absorption and heating mode, the coolant passing through the heating heat exchanger passes through the second valve and the first connecting unit, and a portion of the coolant passing through the first connecting unit sequentially passes through the third valve, the radiator, the electronic component, the first valve, the second valve and the condenser, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger, and another portion of the coolant passing through the first connecting unit sequentially passes through the fifth valve, the battery, the electronic component, the first valve, the second valve and the condenser, and then circulates through the heating heat exchanger.

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