Vehicle solar system and control method thereof

Abstract

A vehicle solar system includes: a solar module mounted on an outer surface of a vehicle, the solar module including a solar panel and a cooling channel in the solar panel; a heat storage tank thermally connected to the cooling channel of the solar module; and a plate heat sink thermally connected to the heat storage tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle solar energy system using solar energy and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a vehicle solar energy system and a control method thereof designed to use solar energy in vehicle thermal management (passenger compartment heating, battery preheating, etc.) and convert solar energy into electrical energy, thereby significantly improving the utilization efficiency of solar energy. Background Art

[0002] According to the Paris Agreement, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to use solar energy, which is a representative renewable energy. Solar power generation is a system that absorbs solar energy (sunlight, solar heat) and converts it into electrical energy without polluting the environment. Its power generation efficiency is very low, about 10%. That is, only some of the solar energy can be converted into electrical energy, and the rest can be discarded as heat energy. This discarded heat energy can increase the temperature of the solar cell. As the temperature of the solar cell increases, its conversion efficiency decreases. For example, when the temperature of the solar cell rises by about 10°C, its conversion efficiency can be reduced to 4%.

[0003] At the same time, based on carbon neutrality and life cycle assessment (LCA), the use of solar energy in vehicles is expected to increase, and it is necessary to improve the efficiency of solar energy utilization.

[0004] The above information described in this Background section is provided to help understanding the background of the inventive concept and may include any technical concepts known to those skilled in the art that are not considered to be prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems arising in the prior art while maintaining the advantages of the prior art unchanged.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle solar energy system and a control method thereof designed to use solar energy in vehicle thermal management (passenger cabin heating, battery preheating, etc.) and convert solar energy into electrical energy (electricity generation), thereby significantly improving the utilization efficiency of solar energy.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle solar energy system may include a solar module mounted on an exterior surface of a vehicle, the solar module including a solar panel and a cooling channel in the solar panel; a thermal storage tank thermally connected to the cooling channel of the solar module; and a plate radiator thermally connected to the thermal storage tank.

[0008] The heat storage box may include a heat storage chamber in which a heat storage material is stored; a first coolant chamber contacting a first side surface of the heat storage chamber; and a second coolant chamber contacting a second side surface of the heat storage chamber.

[0009] The first coolant chamber may be fluidly connected to the cooling channel of the solar module via a first coolant circulation loop.

[0010] The first coolant circulation loop may include: a first coolant supply line that allows the first coolant to flow from the first coolant chamber to the cooling channel of the solar module; a first coolant return line that allows the first coolant to flow back from the cooling channel of the solar module to the first coolant chamber; and a first coolant pump that circulates the first coolant.

[0011] The first coolant pump and the first coolant chamber may be integrally joined.

[0012] The second coolant chamber may be fluidly connected to the plate radiator via a second coolant circulation loop.

[0013] The vehicle solar energy system may further include an auxiliary heat exchanger fluidly connected to the second coolant chamber via a second coolant circulation loop. The second coolant chamber may be thermally connected to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system via the auxiliary heat exchanger.

[0014] The vehicle solar energy system may further include a battery cooler fluidly connected to the second coolant chamber via a second coolant circulation loop. The second coolant chamber may be thermally connected to the battery cooling system via the battery cooler.

[0015] The second coolant circulation loop may be configured to guide the second coolant exhausted from the second coolant chamber to at least one of the plate radiator, the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the battery cooler, and to return the second coolant to the second coolant chamber.

[0016] The second coolant circulation loop may include a second coolant supply line that flows the second coolant from the second coolant chamber to the plate radiator, the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the battery cooler; a second coolant return line that returns the second coolant from the plate radiator, the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the battery cooler to the second coolant chamber; a plurality of distribution lines that branch from the second coolant supply line and join at the second coolant return line, a control valve that is disposed between the second coolant supply line and the plurality of distribution lines; and a second coolant pump that circulates the second coolant. The plate radiator is connected to a first distribution line among the plurality of distribution lines, the auxiliary heat exchanger is connected to a second distribution line among the plurality of distribution lines, and the battery cooler is connected to a third distribution line among the plurality of distribution lines.

[0017] The control valve and the second coolant pump may be integrally coupled to the second coolant chamber.

[0018] The plurality of distribution lines may include a first distribution line branching from the second coolant supply line to the plate radiator, a second distribution line branching from the second coolant supply line to the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a third distribution line branching from the second coolant supply line to the battery cooler.

[0019] The control valve may include an inlet port in communication with the second coolant chamber, a first outlet port in communication with the plate radiator, a second outlet port in communication with the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a third outlet port in communication with the battery cooler.

[0020] The control valve may be configured to open at least one of the first outlet port, the second outlet port, and the third outlet port.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a vehicle solar energy system, the vehicle solar energy system comprising: a solar module, the solar module comprising a solar panel and a cooling channel located in the solar panel; a thermal storage tank, the thermal storage tank being fluidly connected to the cooling channel of the solar module through a first coolant circulation loop; a plate radiator, the plate radiator being fluidly connected to the thermal storage tank through a second coolant circulation loop, an auxiliary heat exchanger, the auxiliary heat exchanger being fluidly connected to the thermal storage tank through the second coolant circulation loop and thermally connected to an HVAC system; and a battery cooler, the battery cooler being fluidly connected to the thermal storage tank through the second coolant circulation loop and thermally connected to a battery cooling system, the method may include: circulating a first coolant between the cooling channel and the thermal storage tank based on a temperature of the thermal storage tank and a temperature of the solar panel; and circulating a second coolant between the thermal storage tank and the plate radiator based on the temperature of the solar panel.

[0022] The method may further include circulating a second coolant between the thermal storage tank and the plate radiator according to the temperature of the thermal storage tank and the temperature of the solar panel.

[0023] The method may further include circulating a second coolant between the thermal storage tank and the auxiliary heat exchanger according to the ambient temperature.

[0024] The method may further include circulating a second coolant between the thermal storage tank and the battery cooler based on the temperature of the thermal storage tank and the temperature of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2illustrates a configuration of a vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 2 Modifications to the vehicle solar system configuration shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method of controlling a vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0030] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method of controlling a vehicle solar energy system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] 1: Vehicle

[0033] 2: Roof

[0034] 3: Dashboard

[0035] 4: Front cabin

[0036] 5: Passenger compartment

[0037] 10: Solar Modules

[0038] 11: Solar Panels

[0039] 12: Cooling channel

[0040] 15: Converter

[0041] 20: Heat storage tank

[0042] 21: Heat storage room

[0043] 22: First coolant chamber

[0044] 23: Second coolant chamber

[0045] 30: HVAC System

[0046] 31: Refrigerant circulation path

[0047] 32: Compressor

[0048] 33: Internal condenser

[0049] 34: Heating side expansion valve

[0050] 35: External heat exchanger

[0051] 36: Bypass line

[0052] 40: Battery Cooling System

[0053] 41: Battery coolant circulation path

[0054] 42: Battery Pump

[0055] 43: Battery

[0056] 44: Battery Heater

[0057] 50: First coolant circulation loop

[0058] 51: First coolant supply line

[0059] 52: First coolant pump

[0060] 53: First coolant return line

[0061] 60: Second coolant circulation loop

[0062] 61: Second coolant supply line

[0063] 62: Second coolant pump

[0064] 63: Control valve

[0065] 64: Second coolant return line

[0066] 65: First distribution pipeline

[0067] 66: Second distribution pipeline

[0068] 67: Third distribution pipeline

[0069] 81: Plate radiator

[0070] 82: Auxiliary heat exchanger

[0071] 83: Battery Cooler

[0072] TS1: First temperature sensor

[0073] TS2: Second temperature sensor DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will always be used to represent the same or equivalent elements. In addition, the detailed description of the known techniques associated with the present disclosure will be excluded to avoid unnecessary obscurity of the main points of the present disclosure.

[0075] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe elements in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the inherent characteristics, order or sequence of the corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. Such terms defined in commonly used dictionaries will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and are not interpreted as having ideal or overly formal meanings, unless clearly defined as having such meanings in this application.

[0076] refer to Figure 1 , a vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a solar module 10 mounted on an outer surface of a vehicle 1, and a thermal storage tank 20 thermally connected to the solar module 10. The vehicle 1 may include a front cabin 4 and a passenger cabin 5 separated by an instrument panel 3. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 30 may be mounted on the instrument panel 3 so that it may be located between the front cabin 4 and the passenger cabin 5.

[0077] The solar module 10 may be mounted on the roof 2 of the vehicle 1. The solar module 10 may include a solar panel 11 and a cooling channel 12 disposed in the solar panel 11. The solar panel 11 may be a photovoltaic panel and a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panel in which a solar panel is combined, and is configured to generate electricity and heat. When the first coolant passes through the cooling channel 12, the solar panel 11 may be maintained at a suitable temperature to improve power generation efficiency.

[0078] The solar cell panel 11 may convert solar energy into electrical energy so that the solar cell panel 11 may generate electrical energy. The converter 15 may be electrically connected to the solar cell panel 11, and the converter 15 may be configured to supply the electrical energy generated by the solar cell panel 11 to the battery 43. The first temperature sensor TS1 may be mounted on the solar cell panel 11, and the first temperature sensor TS1 may sense the temperature of the solar cell panel 11.

[0079] The heat storage tank 20 may include a heat storage chamber 21 (such as Figure 2-3 As shown), the heat storage material is stored in the heat storage chamber, and the heat storage material may be a phase change material (PCM). The second temperature sensor TS2 may be installed on the heat storage chamber 21, and the second temperature sensor TS2 may sense the temperature of the heat storage chamber 21.

[0080] The heat storage tank 20 may include a first coolant chamber 22 (eg, Figure 2-3As shown), and the first coolant chamber 22 can be thermally and fluidly connected to the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10 through the first coolant circulation loop 50.

[0081] The first coolant circulation loop 50 (such as Figure 2-3 ) may be configured to circulate the first coolant between the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10 and the first coolant chamber 22 .

[0082] refer to Figure 2 , the first coolant circulation loop 50 may include a first coolant supply line 51 that allows the first coolant to flow from the first coolant chamber 22 of the thermal storage tank 20 to the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10; a first coolant return line 53 that allows the first coolant to return from the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10 to the first coolant chamber 22 of the thermal storage tank 20; and a first coolant pump 52 that circulates the first coolant. The first coolant pump 52 may be fluidly connected to the first coolant supply line 51, and the inlet of the first coolant pump 52 may be spaced apart from the outlet of the first coolant chamber 22. The first coolant may be circulated between the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10 and the first coolant chamber 22 of the thermal storage tank 20 by the first coolant pump 52.

[0083] according to Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first coolant pump 52 and the first coolant chamber 22 may be integrally joined. Specifically, the inlet of the first coolant pump 52 may be directly connected to the outlet of the first coolant chamber 22. Since the first coolant pump 52 is integrally joined to the first coolant chamber 22 of the thermal storage tank 20, the first coolant pump 52 and the thermal storage tank 20 may be modularized. Therefore, the length of the first coolant supply line 51 may be reduced, the layout of the first coolant pump 52 and the thermal storage tank 20 may become more compact, and the vibration characteristics of the first coolant pump 52 may be improved.

[0084] The heat storage tank 20 may include a second coolant chamber 23 contacting a second side surface of the heat storage chamber 21. The first coolant chamber 22 and the second coolant chamber 23 may be disposed to face each other on both side surfaces of the heat storage chamber 21. The first coolant chamber 22 may be fluidly separated from the second coolant chamber 23, and the first coolant chamber 22 may be thermally connected to the second coolant chamber 23 through the heat storage chamber 21.

[0085] The first coolant received in the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10 may absorb the heat of the solar panel 11 in the solar module 10, so that the solar panel 11 may be cooled to an appropriate temperature. The first coolant may be guided to the first coolant chamber 22, and the first coolant may transfer the heat absorbed from the solar panel 11 to the heat storage material of the heat storage chamber 21, so that the temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage chamber 21 may be increased to a predetermined temperature, and the heat storage material may store heat therein. The second coolant received in the second coolant chamber 23 may absorb heat from the heat storage material of the heat storage chamber 21, so that the temperature of the second coolant may be increased to a predetermined temperature.

[0086] The vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plate radiator 81 thermally connected to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20, and the plate radiator 81 may be fluidly connected to the second coolant chamber 23 through the second coolant circulation loop 60. Figure 1 The plate radiator 81 may be disposed adjacent to the front grille of the vehicle 1. The plate radiator 81 may have a coolant passage therein, and the second coolant may pass through the coolant passage. The plate radiator 81 may transfer heat between the second coolant and ambient air. The second coolant passing through the coolant passage of the plate radiator 81 may be cooled by air passing through the outer surface of the plate radiator 81.

[0087] The vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an auxiliary heat exchanger 82 thermally connected to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20, and the second coolant chamber 23 may be thermally connected to the HVAC system 30 through the auxiliary heat exchanger 82. The second coolant chamber 23 may be fluidly connected to the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 through the second coolant circulation loop 60.

[0088] The vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a battery cooler 83 thermally connected to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20, and the second coolant chamber 23 may be thermally connected to the battery cooling system 40 through the battery cooler 83. The second coolant chamber 23 may be fluidly connected to the battery cooler 83 through the second coolant circulation loop 60.

[0089] The second coolant circulation loop 60 may be configured to selectively guide the second coolant exhausted from the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20 to at least one of the plate radiator 81 , the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 , and the battery cooler 83 , and return the second coolant to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20 .

[0090] refer to Figure 2The second coolant circulation loop 60 may include a second coolant supply line 61 that flows the second coolant from the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20 to the plate radiator 81 , the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 , and the battery cooler 83 .

[0091] The second coolant circulation loop 60 may include a second coolant return line 64 that returns the second coolant from the plate radiator 81 , the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 , and the battery cooler 83 to the second coolant chamber 23 .

[0092] refer to Figure 2 The second coolant circulation loop 60 may include a second coolant pump 62 that circulates the second coolant, and the second coolant pump 62 may be provided on the second coolant supply line 61. An inlet of the second coolant pump 62 may be spaced apart from an outlet of the second coolant chamber 23.

[0093] The second coolant circulation loop 60 may include a plurality of distribution lines 65, 66, and 67 branching from the second coolant supply line 61 and joining at the second coolant return line 64. The plurality of distribution lines 65, 66, and 67 may include a first distribution line 65 branching from the second coolant supply line 61 to the plate radiator 81, a second distribution line 66 branching from the second coolant supply line 61 to the auxiliary heat exchanger 82, and a third distribution line 67 branching from the second coolant supply line 61 to the battery cooler 83.

[0094] refer to Figure 2 , the second coolant circulation loop 60 may include a control valve 63 disposed between the second coolant supply line 61 and the plurality of distribution lines 65, 66, and 67. The control valve 63 may include an inlet port 63a communicating with the second coolant chamber 23, a first outlet port 63b communicating with the plate radiator 81, a second outlet port 63c communicating with the auxiliary heat exchanger 82, and a third outlet port 63d communicating with the battery cooler 83.

[0095] The control valve 63 may open at least one of the first, second, and third outlet ports 63 b, 63 c, and 63 d to control the second coolant to flow from the second coolant chamber 23 to at least one of the plate radiator 81 , the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 , and the battery cooler 83 .

[0096] The inlet of the first distribution line 65 may be connected to the first outlet port 63b of the control valve 63, and the outlet of the first distribution line 65 may be connected to one point 64a of the second coolant return line 64. The plate radiator 81 may be provided on the first distribution line 65. When the second coolant pump 62 operates and the first outlet port 63b of the control valve 63 is opened, the second coolant may be supplied from the second coolant chamber 23 to the plate radiator 81 through the first distribution line 65, and then the second coolant may flow back from the plate radiator 81 to the second coolant chamber 23 through the second coolant return line 64.

[0097] The inlet of the second distribution line 66 may be connected to the second outlet port 63c of the control valve 63, and the outlet of the second distribution line 66 may be connected to another point 64b of the second coolant return line 64. The auxiliary heat exchanger 82 may be provided on the second distribution line 66. When the second coolant pump 62 operates and the second outlet port 63c of the control valve 63 is opened, the second coolant may be supplied from the second coolant chamber 23 to the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 through the second distribution line 66, and then the second coolant may flow back from the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 to the second coolant chamber 23 through the second coolant return line 64.

[0098] The inlet of the third distribution line 67 may be connected to the third outlet port 63d of the control valve 63, and the outlet of the third distribution line 67 may be connected to one point 64a of the second coolant return line 64. The battery cooler 83 may be provided on the third distribution line 67. When the second coolant pump 62 operates and the third outlet port 63d of the control valve 63 is opened, the second coolant may be supplied from the second coolant chamber 23 to the battery cooler 83 through the third distribution line 67, and then the second coolant may flow back from the battery cooler 83 to the second coolant chamber 23 through the second coolant return line 64.

[0099] according to Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second coolant pump 62 and the second coolant chamber 23 may be integrally joined. Specifically, the inlet of the second coolant pump 62 may be directly connected to the outlet of the second coolant chamber 23. Since the second coolant pump 62 is integrally joined to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20, the second coolant pump 62 and the thermal storage tank 20 may be modularized. Therefore, the layout of the second coolant pump 62 and the thermal storage tank 20 may become more compact, and the vibration characteristics of the second coolant pump 62 may be improved.

[0100] according to Figure 3In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second coolant pump 62 and the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20 can be joined together, so that the vibration characteristics of the second coolant pump 62 can be improved. In addition, the inlet port 63a of the control valve 63 can be directly connected to the outlet of the second coolant pump 62, and thus the second coolant supply line 61 can be removed. The control valve 63 and the second coolant pump 62 can be integrally joined to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20, so that the control valve 63, the second coolant pump 62 and the thermal storage tank 20 can be modularized. Therefore, the layout of the control valve 63, the second coolant pump 62 and the thermal storage tank 20 can become more compact, and the vibration characteristics of the control valve 63 and the second coolant pump 62 can be improved.

[0101] refer to Figure 2 , the HVAC system 30 may include a refrigerant circulation path 31 through which the refrigerant circulates. A compressor 32, an interior condenser 33, a heating side expansion valve 34, and an external heat exchanger 35 may be provided on the refrigerant circulation path 31. The compressor 32 may compress the refrigerant. The interior condenser 33 may be provided on the downstream side of the compressor 32, and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 may be heat-exchanged with the air passing through the outer surface of the interior condenser 33, so that the refrigerant may be condensed and the air may be heated. The air heated by the interior condenser 33 may be blown into the passenger compartment 5 by a blower (not shown). The heating side expansion valve 34 may be provided on the downstream side of the interior condenser 33, and the refrigerant condensed by the interior condenser 33 may be expanded by the heating side expansion valve 34. The heating side expansion valve 34 may be an electronic expansion valve (EXV), the opening of which is adjusted by an electronic actuator 34a. The external heat exchanger 35 may be provided on the downstream side of the heating side expansion valve 34, and the external heat exchanger 35 may transfer heat between the air supplied from the grille of the vehicle 1 and the refrigerant. The refrigerant expanded by the heating side expansion valve 34 may be evaporated by the external heat exchanger 35, and the refrigerant evaporated by the external heat exchanger 35 may be guided into the compressor 32. Figure 1 , the external heat exchanger 35 together with the plate radiator 81 may be arranged adjacent to the grille of the vehicle 1 .

[0102] refer to Figure 2 The refrigerant circulation path 31 may include a first pipeline 31a extending from the outlet of the compressor 32 to the internal condenser 33, a second pipeline 31b extending from the internal condenser 33 to the heating side expansion valve 34, a third pipeline 31c extending from the heating side expansion valve 34 to the external heat exchanger 35, and a fourth pipeline 31d extending from the external heat exchanger 35 to the inlet of the compressor 32.

[0103] In addition, the HVAC system 30 may include a cooling-side expansion valve (not shown) and an evaporator (not shown) disposed between the external heat exchanger 35 and the compressor 32. When the HVAC system 30 is operated in a heating mode, the refrigerant may bypass the cooling-side expansion valve and the evaporator, and the refrigerant exhausted from the external heat exchanger 35 may be directed to the compressor 32. When the HVAC system 30 is operated in a cooling mode, the heating-side expansion valve 34 may be fully opened so that the refrigerant passing through the heating-side expansion valve 34 may not expand, and the refrigerant may pass through the cooling-side expansion valve and the evaporator.

[0104] The HVAC system 30 may further include a bypass line 36 that guides the refrigerant discharged from the heating-side expansion valve 34 from an upstream point 35a of the external heat exchanger 35 to a downstream point 35b of the external heat exchanger 35. That is, when a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the heating-side expansion valve 34 passes through the bypass line 36, it may bypass the external heat exchanger 35.

[0105] The HVAC system 30 may be thermally connected to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20 through the auxiliary heat exchanger 82. The auxiliary heat exchanger 82 may be disposed on the bypass line 36, and the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 may include a first passage 82a fluidly connected to the bypass line 36 and a second passage 82b fluidly connected to the second distribution line 66 of the second coolant circulation loop 60. The refrigerant passing through the first passage 82a may absorb heat from the second coolant passing through the second passage 82b, so that the refrigerant passing through the first passage 82a may be evaporated and the second coolant may be cooled.

[0106] The battery cooling system 40 may be configured to cool the battery 43 or preheat the battery 43. Figure 2 The battery cooling system 40 may include a battery coolant circulation path 41 through which the battery coolant circulates, a battery pump 42 fluidly connected to the battery coolant circulation path 41, a battery warmer 44, and a battery 43. The battery coolant may circulate through the battery warmer 44 and the battery 43 by the battery pump 42.

[0107] The battery cooling system 40 may be thermally connected to the second coolant chamber 23 of the thermal storage tank 20 through a battery cooler 83. The battery cooler 83 may include a first channel 83a fluidly connected to the battery coolant circulation path 41, and a second channel 83b fluidly connected to the third distribution line 67 of the second coolant circulation loop 60. When the temperature of the thermal storage tank 20 is higher than the temperature of the battery 43, the battery coolant passing through the first channel 83a may absorb heat from the second coolant passing through the second channel 83b, so that the battery coolant passing through the first channel 83a may be heated.

[0108] A battery management system (not shown) may monitor the condition of the battery 43, and the battery management system may generate instructions regarding cooling of the battery 43 or preheating of the battery 43 based on the condition of the battery 43, and the instructions regarding cooling of the battery 43 or preheating of the battery 43 may be transmitted from the battery management system (not shown) to the controller 100.

[0109] The controller 100 may control the first coolant pump 52 , the second coolant pump 62 , the control valve 63 , the compressor 32 , the electric actuator 34 a of the heating-side expansion valve 34 , and the battery pump 42 , thereby controlling the overall operation of the vehicle solar energy system.

[0110] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method of controlling a vehicle solar energy system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0111] The controller 100 may determine whether the temperature T1 of the solar panel 11 of the solar module 10 sensed by the first temperature sensor TS1 is higher than the optimal operating temperature Tm of the solar panel 11 (S1). The optimal operating temperature Tm refers to a temperature at which the power generation efficiency of the solar panel 11 is optimized. For example, the optimal operating temperature Tm may be 20°C.

[0112] When it is determined in S1 that the temperature T1 of the solar cell panel 11 is higher than the optimal operating temperature Tm, the controller 100 may determine whether the temperature T2 of the thermal storage chamber 21 sensed by the second temperature sensor TS2 is lower than the temperature T1 of the solar cell panel 11 ( S2 ).

[0113] When it is determined in S2 that the temperature T2 of the heat storage chamber 21 is lower than the temperature T1 of the solar cell panel 11, the controller 100 may execute the heat storage mode (S3). The heat storage mode refers to a mode in which the heat of the solar cell panel 11 is stored in the heat storage chamber 21 of the heat storage tank 20 using the first coolant. Specifically, the first coolant pump 52 may be started by the controller 100 so that the first coolant may circulate between the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10 and the first coolant chamber 22 of the heat storage tank 20 through the first coolant supply line 51 and the first coolant return line 53. Therefore, the heat of the solar cell panel 11 may be transferred to the first coolant chamber 22 using the first coolant passing through the cooling channel 12, and the heat transferred to the first coolant chamber 22 may be transferred to the heat storage material of the heat storage chamber 21 so that the heat storage material may store heat therein at a predetermined temperature.

[0114] When it is determined in S1 that the temperature T1 of the solar panel 11 is lower than or equal to the optimal operating temperature Tm, the controller 100 may execute the panel preheating mode (S4). The panel preheating mode refers to a mode in which preheating of the solar panel 11 is performed until the temperature of the solar panel 11 reaches the optimal operating temperature Tm. Specifically, the first coolant pump 52 may be turned off by the controller 100 so that the first coolant may not circulate between the cooling channel 12 of the solar module 10 and the first coolant chamber 22 of the thermal storage tank 20 through the first coolant supply line 51 and the first coolant return line 53, and thus the temperature of the solar panel 11 may be increased by solar energy until it reaches the optimal operating temperature Tm.

[0115] When it is determined in S2 that the temperature T2 of the heat storage chamber 21 is higher than or equal to the temperature T1 of the solar panel 11, the controller 100 may execute the panel cooling mode (S5). The panel cooling mode refers to a mode in which the solar panel 11 is cooled to an appropriate temperature. Specifically, the first coolant pump 52 and the second coolant pump 62 may be started by the controller 100, and the first outlet port 63b of the control valve 63 may be opened by the controller 100. Therefore, the first coolant chamber 22 may absorb heat from the solar panel 11 through the first coolant circulated by the first coolant pump 52, and the heat absorbed by the first coolant chamber 22 may be transferred to the heat storage chamber 21. The heat of the heat storage chamber 21 may be transferred to the second coolant chamber 23, and the heat of the second coolant chamber 23 may be transferred to the plate radiator 81 through the second coolant circulated by the second coolant pump 62, so that the solar panel 11 may be cooled.

[0116] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method of controlling a vehicle solar energy system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0117] It may be determined whether a battery preheating instruction is transmitted from a battery management system (not shown) to the controller 100 (S11). When the temperature of the battery 43 is lower than a predetermined threshold temperature, the battery management system may generate a battery preheating instruction for increasing the temperature of the battery 43, and the battery preheating instruction may be transmitted from the battery management system to the controller 100.

[0118] When it is determined in S11 that the battery preheating command is transmitted to the controller 100 , the controller 100 may determine whether the temperature T2 of the heat storage chamber 21 sensed by the second temperature sensor TS2 is higher than the temperature Tb of the battery 43 ( S12 ).

[0119] When it is determined in S12 that the temperature T2 of the heat storage chamber 21 is higher than the temperature Tb of the battery 43, the controller 100 may execute the battery preheating mode (S13). The battery preheating mode refers to a mode in which the preheating of the battery 43 is performed until the temperature of the battery 43 reaches the optimal operating temperature. Specifically, the second coolant pump 62 may be started by the controller 100, and the third outlet port 63d of the control valve 63 may be opened by the controller 100 so that the second coolant may circulate between the second coolant chamber 23 and the second channel 83b of the battery cooler 83. Therefore, the heat of the second coolant passing through the second channel 83b of the battery cooler 83 may be transferred to the battery coolant passing through the first channel 83a of the battery cooler 83, so that the battery coolant may heat the battery 43.

[0120] When it is determined in S12 that the temperature T2 of the heat storage chamber 21 is lower than or equal to the temperature Tb of the battery 43 , the method may end.

[0121] When it is determined in S11 that the battery preheating instruction is not transmitted to the controller 100, the controller 100 may execute a heating mode based on the ambient temperature and the heating condition set by the user (S14). The heating mode refers to a mode for heating the passenger compartment 5. Specifically, the compressor 32 may compress the refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant may be condensed by the interior condenser 33. The condensed refrigerant may be expanded by the heating-side expansion valve 34, and the expanded refrigerant may be evaporated by the external heat exchanger 35, and then guided into the compressor 32. When the refrigerant is condensed by the interior condenser 33, the air blown into the passenger compartment 5 may be heated, and thus the heating of the passenger compartment 5 may be performed.

[0122] After S14, the controller 100 may execute a heating enhancement mode (S15) based on the ambient temperature and the heating conditions set by the user. The heating enhancement mode refers to a mode in which the heating of the passenger compartment 5 is additionally enhanced. Specifically, the second coolant pump 62 may be started by the controller 100, and the second outlet port 63c of the control valve 63 may be opened by the controller 100 so that the second coolant may circulate between the second coolant chamber 23 and the second channel 82b of the auxiliary heat exchanger 82. The heat of the second coolant passing through the second channel 82b of the auxiliary heat exchanger 82 may be transferred to the refrigerant passing through the first channel 82a of the auxiliary heat exchanger 82, so that the refrigerant may be additionally evaporated by the auxiliary heat exchanger 82, and thus the heating of the passenger compartment 5 may be additionally enhanced.

[0123] As described above, the vehicle solar energy system and control method thereof according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be designed to use solar energy in vehicle thermal management (passenger cabin heating, battery preheating, etc.) and convert solar energy into electrical energy (power generation), thereby significantly improving the utilization efficiency of solar energy. Therefore, the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle can be significantly improved.

[0124] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the amount of solar radiation is relatively high, the temperature of the solar cell panel may be prevented from being excessively increased, so that the power generation efficiency may be prevented from being reduced.

[0125] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, solar energy may be stored in a thermal storage tank so that the stored thermal energy may be provided as a heat source for an HVAC system and thus the all-electric range (AER) of an electric vehicle may be significantly increased.

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, solar energy (renewable energy) may be used to the maximum extent, which ensures carbon neutrality and life cycle assessment (LCA) competitiveness of future mobility.

[0127] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto but may be variously modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle solar energy system, comprising: a solar module mounted on an exterior surface of a vehicle, the solar module comprising a solar panel and a cooling channel in the solar panel; a thermal storage tank thermally connected to the cooling channels of the solar module; and A plate radiator is thermally connected to the thermal storage tank.

2. The vehicle solar energy system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal storage tank comprises: a heat storage chamber in which heat storage materials are stored; a first coolant chamber contacting a first side surface of the thermal storage chamber; as well as A second coolant chamber contacts a second side surface of the thermal storage chamber. 3 . The vehicle solar energy system of claim 2 , wherein the first coolant chamber is fluidly connected to a cooling channel of the solar module via a first coolant circulation loop.

4. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 3, wherein the first coolant circulation loop comprises: a first coolant supply line that flows a first coolant from the first coolant chamber to the cooling channel of the solar module; a first coolant return line, the first coolant return line returning the first coolant from the cooling channel of the solar module to the first coolant chamber; as well as A first coolant pump circulates the first coolant. 5 . The vehicle solar energy system of claim 4 , wherein the first coolant pump and the first coolant chamber are integrally joined.

6. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 2, wherein the second coolant chamber is fluidly connected to the plate radiator through a second coolant circulation loop.

7. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 6, further comprising an auxiliary heat exchanger fluidly connected to the second coolant chamber through the second coolant circulation loop, Wherein the second coolant chamber is thermally connected to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system via the auxiliary heat exchanger.

8. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 7, further comprising a battery cooler fluidly connected to the second coolant chamber through the second coolant circulation loop, The second coolant chamber is thermally connected to a battery cooling system through the battery cooler.

9. The vehicle solar energy system according to claim 8, wherein the second coolant circulation loop is configured to: guide the second coolant exhausted from the second coolant chamber to at least one of the plate radiator, the auxiliary heat exchanger and the battery cooler, and return the second coolant to the second coolant chamber.

10. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 9, wherein the second coolant circulation loop comprises: a second coolant supply line that flows the second coolant from the second coolant chamber to the plate radiator, the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the battery cooler; a second coolant return line, the second coolant return line returning the second coolant from the plate radiator, the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the battery cooler to the second coolant chamber; a plurality of distribution lines branching from the second coolant supply line and joining at the second coolant return line; a control valve disposed between the second coolant supply line and the plurality of distribution lines; as well as a second coolant pump for circulating the second coolant; The plate radiator is connected to a first distribution line among the plurality of distribution lines, the auxiliary heat exchanger is connected to a second distribution line among the plurality of distribution lines, and the battery cooler is connected to a third distribution line among the plurality of distribution lines. 11 . The vehicle solar energy system of claim 10 , wherein the control valve and the second coolant pump are integrally coupled to the second coolant chamber.

12. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 10, wherein said plurality of distribution lines comprises: a first distribution line branching from the second coolant supply line to the plate radiator; a second distribution line branching from the second coolant supply line to the auxiliary heat exchanger; as well as A third distribution line branches from the second coolant supply line to the battery cooler.

13. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 10, wherein the control valve comprises: an inlet port in communication with the second coolant chamber, a first outlet port in communication with the plate radiator, a second outlet port in communication with the auxiliary heat exchanger, and a third outlet port in communication with the battery cooler.

14. The vehicle solar energy system of claim 13, wherein the control valve is configured to open at least one of the first outlet port, the second outlet port, and the third outlet port.

15. A method of controlling a vehicle solar energy system, the vehicle solar energy system comprising: A solar module comprising a solar panel and a cooling channel in the solar panel; A thermal storage tank fluidly connected to the cooling channel of the solar module through a first coolant circulation loop; a plate radiator fluidly connected to the thermal storage tank through a second coolant circulation loop; an auxiliary heat exchanger fluidly connected to the thermal storage tank and thermally connected to the HVAC system through the second coolant circulation loop; and a battery cooler fluidly connected to the thermal storage tank and thermally connected to a battery cooling system through the second coolant circulation loop, the method comprising: circulate a first coolant between the cooling channel and the thermal storage tank based on the temperature of the thermal storage tank and the temperature of the solar panel; as well as A second coolant is circulated between the thermal storage tank and the panel radiator based on the temperature of the solar panel.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The second coolant is circulated between the thermal storage tank and the plate radiator based on the temperature of the thermal storage tank and the temperature of the solar panel.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The second coolant is circulated between the thermal storage tank and the auxiliary heat exchanger based on ambient temperature.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The second coolant is circulated between the thermal storage tank and the battery cooler based on the temperature of the thermal storage tank and the temperature of the battery.

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