Vehicle-mounted air conditioner integrated with waste heat recovery function, control method and electric vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a vehicle-mounted air conditioner integrated with waste heat recovery function, a control method and an electric vehicle. The vehicle-mounted air conditioner integrated with waste heat recovery function comprises a refrigerant circulation loop, a carrier refrigerant flow system and a waste heat recovery assembly. The refrigerant circulation loop comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger which are communicated to realize a heating cycle. The carrier refrigerant flow system comprises a heat exchange module for heat exchange with an electric drive system. The waste heat recovery assembly comprises a third heat exchanger and a first throttling element. The third heat exchanger comprises a first channel and a second channel. One end of the first throttling element is connected between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the other end of the first throttling element is connected with one end of the first channel, the other end of the first channel is connected with an inlet of the compressor, and the heat exchange module is connected with the second channel in series. The vehicle-mounted air conditioner integrated with waste heat recovery function, the control method and the electric vehicle provided by the application can reduce the overall occupied space and weight of the vehicle-mounted air conditioner and reduce energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of temperature control equipment technology, and in particular to a vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function, a control method, and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the thermal management and air conditioning systems of electric vehicles use compressors, four-way reversing valves, outdoor heat exchangers, outdoor fans, throttle valves, indoor heat exchangers, and indoor fans to circulate refrigerant for cooling and heating the vehicle body. The electric drive system, on the other hand, uses water pumps, water tanks, heat exchangers, and fans to circulate coolant for cooling. These two systems operate independently. In developing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problems with the existing technology: the two independently set and operating systems occupy a significant amount of space in the vehicle, increase the overall weight, and result in substantial energy consumption. Furthermore, in winter when outdoor temperatures are low, the air conditioning system's heating effect is poor, and the heat generated by the electric drive system cannot be used for interior heating, necessitating the use of auxiliary electric heating, which significantly increases power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, this application provides an in-vehicle air conditioner, control method, and electric vehicle with integrated waste heat recovery function to improve the problems of large space occupation, large weight, and large energy consumption in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function, including a refrigerant circulation loop, a refrigerant circulation system, and a waste heat recovery component;

[0006] The refrigerant circulation loop is used to circulate refrigerant and includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger that are connected in a circulation loop to achieve a heating cycle;

[0007] The refrigerant circulation system is used to circulate the refrigerant, and includes a heat exchange module for exchanging heat with the electric drive system.

[0008] The waste heat recovery assembly includes a third heat exchanger and a first throttling element. The third heat exchanger includes a first channel and a second channel for mutual heat exchange. One end of the first throttling element is connected between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the other end of the first throttling element is connected to one end of the first channel. The other end of the first channel is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The heat exchange module is connected in series with the second channel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circulation loop includes a first heat exchanger, a second throttling element, a dryer filter, and the second heat exchanger connected in series; it also includes a gas-liquid separator and a four-way reversing valve, the four-way reversing valve including a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port; the compressor outlet is connected to the first port, the compressor inlet is connected to the outlet of the gas-liquid separator; the gas-liquid separator inlet is connected to the fourth port; one end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the dryer filter, and the other end is connected to the second port; one end of the first heat exchanger is connected to one end of the second throttling element, and the other end is connected to the third port; the other end of the second throttling element is connected to the dryer filter.

[0010] The end of the third heat exchanger furthest from the first throttling element is connected between the gas-liquid separator and the fourth interface; the end of the first throttling element furthest from the third heat exchanger is connected between the first heat exchanger and the second throttling element.

[0011] In one embodiment, a circulating pump is connected in series between the outlet of the second channel and the inlet of the heat exchange module; the refrigerant circulation system further includes an expansion tank, the outlet of which is connected between the outlet of the second channel and the inlet of the circulating pump, and the inlet of which is connected between the inlet of the second channel and the outlet of the heat exchange module.

[0012] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circulation system further includes an electric radiator and a control valve. The control valve includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange module, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the second channel, the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the electric radiator, and the outlet of the electric radiator is connected between the inlet of the circulation pump and the outlet of the second channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is installed indoors, the second heat exchanger is installed outdoors, the second heat exchanger and the electric drive radiator are integrated and operate independently.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function further includes an outdoor fan, which can be used to dissipate heat for both the second heat exchanger and the electric drive radiator simultaneously.

[0015] In one embodiment, the vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function further includes a water temperature detection device and an indoor temperature detection device. The water temperature detection device is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the heat exchange module, and the indoor temperature detection device is used to detect the indoor ambient temperature.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for a vehicle air conditioner, used in a vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described above. A circulation pump is connected in series between the outlet of the second channel and the inlet of the heat exchange module. The refrigerant circulation system further includes an electric radiator and a control valve. The control valve includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange module, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the second channel, the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the electric radiator, and the outlet of the electric radiator is connected between the inlet of the circulation pump and the outlet of the second channel. An outdoor fan is provided on one side of the electric radiator.

[0017] The first heat exchanger is located indoors, and the second heat exchanger is located outdoors. The vehicle air conditioner has a heating mode. The control method for the vehicle air conditioner in the heating mode causes the vehicle air conditioner to enter a standby state and performs the following steps:

[0018] S11. Set the indoor preset temperature T10 and the preset outlet water temperature T13 of the heat exchange module respectively, and execute steps S12 and S14 respectively.

[0019] S12. Real-time detection of the actual indoor temperature T11, and determination of whether T10>T11 is true. If yes, start the refrigerant circulation loop; if no, shut down the refrigerant circulation loop.

[0020] Proceed to step S13;

[0021] S13. Repeat step S12 until the vehicle air conditioner exits the heating mode;

[0022] S14. Real-time detection of the actual outlet water temperature T12 of the heat exchange module, determining whether T12>T13 is true. If yes, control the inlet and second outlet of the control valve to open, control the first outlet of the control valve to close, start the outdoor fan and the circulation pump, and close the first throttling element. If no, determine whether the refrigerant circulation loop is open. If yes, control the inlet and first outlet of the control valve to open, control the second outlet of the control valve to close, start the circulation pump, and start the first throttling element. If no, maintain the current state.

[0023] Proceed to step S15;

[0024] S15. Repeat step S14 until the vehicle air conditioner exits the heating mode.

[0025] In one embodiment, the vehicle air conditioner has a cooling mode, and the control method for the vehicle air conditioner in the cooling mode causes the vehicle air conditioner to enter a standby state and performs the following steps:

[0026] S21. Set the indoor preset temperature T20 and the preset outlet water temperature T23 of the heat exchange module respectively, and execute steps S22 and S24 respectively;

[0027] S22. Turn on the indoor fan of the first heat exchanger, detect the actual indoor temperature T21 in real time, and determine whether T20 < T21 holds. If so, start the refrigerant circulation circuit; if not, close the refrigerant circulation circuit;

[0028] Jump to step S23;

[0029] S23. Repeat step S22 until the vehicle-mounted air conditioner exits the refrigeration mode;

[0030] S24. Detect the actual outlet water temperature T22 of the heat exchange module in real time, and determine whether T22 > T23 holds. If so, control the opening of the inlet and the second outlet of the control valve, control the closing of the first outlet of the control valve, turn on the outdoor fan and the circulation pump, and at the same time close the first throttling element; if not, keep the current state unchanged;

[0031] Jump to step S25;

[0032] S25. Repeat step S24 until the electric drive system is turned off.

[0033] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electric vehicle, including the vehicle-mounted air conditioner with an integrated waste heat recovery function as described above.

[0034] The present application has at least the following beneficial effects: On the basis of the original refrigerant circulation circuit, the present application adds a waste heat recovery component. Two channels (the first channel and the second channel) of the heat exchange module of the waste heat recovery component are used for circulating the refrigerant and the coolant respectively. After the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation circuit is throttled and cooled by the first throttling element, it can exchange heat with the coolant and absorb the heat of the coolant, so as to increase the temperature of the refrigerant at the compressor inlet, thereby reducing the compression amount of the compressor, improving the energy efficiency ratio of the compressor, further reducing energy consumption, and at the same time reducing the heat of the electric drive system, enabling an organic combination of the refrigerant circulation circuit and the coolant circulation system, reducing the occupied space and the overall weight of the entire system, and improving the endurance of the electric vehicle.

[0035] In summary, the present application can effectively improve the problems of large occupied space, large weight and large energy consumption existing in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function according to an embodiment of this application (a schematic diagram of the flow direction of refrigerant and coolant in heating mode T12≤T13).

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant and coolant in the cooling mode of a vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of the four-way reversing valve according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of the vehicle air conditioner control method in heating mode according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of the vehicle air conditioner control method in cooling mode according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] The meanings of the labels in the attached diagram are as follows:

[0042] 1. Refrigerant circulation loop; 11. Compressor; 12. Four-way reversing valve; 121. First port; 122. Second port; 123. Third port; 124. Fourth port; 13. Indoor fan; 14. First heat exchanger; 15. Second throttling element; 16. Dryer filter; 17. Second heat exchanger; 18. Gas-liquid separator; 19. Pressure sensor;

[0043] 2. Refrigerant circulation system; 21. Heat exchange module; 22. Control valve; 221. Inlet; 222. First outlet; 223. Second outlet; 23. Expansion tank; 24. Circulation pump; 25. Electric radiator; 26. Outdoor fan; 27. Water temperature detection device;

[0044] 3. Waste heat recovery assembly; 31. Third heat exchanger; 311. First channel; 312. Second channel; 32. First throttling element. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the ways in which this application may be implemented. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function in this application embodiment includes a refrigerant circulation loop 1, a refrigerant circulation system 2, and a waste heat recovery component 3.

[0050] The refrigerant circulation loop 1 is used to circulate refrigerant and includes a compressor 11, a first heat exchanger 14, and a second heat exchanger 17 that are connected in a circulation loop. The first heat exchanger 14 is located indoors (or inside the vehicle, i.e., the indoor side), and the second heat exchanger 17 is located outdoors (or outside the vehicle, i.e., the outdoor side). With this arrangement, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can flow into the first heat exchanger 14, where it releases heat and condenses, raising the temperature of the indoor air (or gas). The condensed refrigerant can then flow into the second heat exchanger 17, where it absorbs heat and evaporates into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then flows back to the compressor 11 for the next heating cycle.

[0051] The refrigerant circulation system 2 is used to circulate the refrigerant and includes a heat exchange module 21. The heat exchange module 21 is used to exchange heat with the electric drive system, which includes a motor and electronic control components that require thermal management.

[0052] The waste heat recovery assembly 3 includes a third heat exchanger 31 and a first throttling element 32. The third heat exchanger 31 includes a first channel 311 and a second channel 312 for mutual heat exchange. One end of the first throttling element 32 is connected between the first heat exchanger 14 and the second heat exchanger 17, and the other end of the first throttling element 32 is connected to one end of the first channel 311. The other end of the first channel 311 is connected to the inlet (or suction port) of the compressor 11. The heat exchange module 21 is connected in series with the second channel 312.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the refrigerant circulation loop 1 includes a first heat exchanger 14, a second throttling element 15, a dryer filter 16, and a second heat exchanger 17 connected in series. The refrigerant circulation loop 1 also includes a gas-liquid separator 18 and a four-way reversing valve 12, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the four-way reversing valve 12 includes a first port 121, a second port 122, a third port 123, and a fourth port 124. The outlet (or exhaust port) of the compressor 11 is connected to the first port 121, and the inlet of the compressor 11 is connected to the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 18; the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 18 is connected to the fourth port 124; one end of the second heat exchanger 17 is connected to the dryer filter 16, and the other end is connected to the second port 122; one end of the first heat exchanger 14 is connected to one end of the second throttling element 15, and the other end is connected to the third port 123; the other end of the second throttling element 15 is connected to the dryer filter 16, and one end of the first throttling element 32 is connected between the first heat exchanger 14 and the second throttling element 15. In this embodiment, both the first heat exchanger 14 and the second heat exchanger 17 are coil-type heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger 14 is installed indoors and equipped with an indoor fan 13, and the second heat exchanger 17 is installed outdoors and equipped with an outdoor fan 26. The second throttling element 15 can be, for example, an electronic expansion valve. To ensure more stable and reliable operation of the refrigerant circulation loop 1, pressure sensors 19 can be installed on both the inlet and outlet sides of the compressor 11 to monitor the pressure at the inlet and outlet of the compressor 11. The refrigerant circulation loop 1 has heating and cooling modes. Figure 1(The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant or cooling medium.) As shown, when operating in heating mode, firstly, the first port 121 and the third port 123 of the four-way reversing valve 12 are connected, and the second port 122 and the fourth port 124 are connected. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure vapor (i.e., gaseous refrigerant) by the compressor 11. After passing through the first port 121 and the third port 123 of the four-way reversing valve 12, it enters the first heat exchanger 14. Through the forced convection of the indoor fan 13, it interacts with the indoor airflow. The internal gas undergoes heat exchange. After releasing heat, the refrigerant condenses into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. After being throttled by the second throttling element 15, it passes through the dryer filter 16 and enters the second heat exchanger 17. The refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 17 exchanges heat with the outdoor air through forced convection by the outdoor fan 26. After absorbing heat and evaporating, it forms a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the second port 122 and the fourth port 124 into the gas-liquid separator 18 and then returns to the compressor 11, completing one heating cycle. Figure 2 (The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant or coolant). When the cooling mode is running, firstly, the first port 121 and the second port 122 of the four-way reversing valve 12 are connected, and the third port 123 and the fourth port 124 are connected. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure vapor by the compressor 11. After passing through the first port 121 and the second port 122 of the four-way reversing valve 12, it enters the second heat exchanger 17. Through the forced convection of the outdoor fan 26, it exchanges heat with the outdoor air. After releasing heat, the refrigerant condenses into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. After passing through the dryer filter 16, it is throttled by the second throttling element 15 and enters the first heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the indoor air through the forced convection of the indoor fan 13. After absorbing heat and evaporating, it forms a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the gas-liquid separator 18 through the third port 123 and the fourth port 124 and then returns to the compressor 11, completing one cooling cycle.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the end of the third heat exchanger 31 of the waste heat recovery assembly 3, away from the first throttling element 32, is connected between the gas-liquid separator 18 and the fourth interface 124; the end of the first throttling element 32, away from the third heat exchanger 31, is connected between the first heat exchanger 14 and the second throttling element 15. In this embodiment, the third heat exchanger 31 is a plate heat exchanger, and the first throttling element 32 can be, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The purpose of the waste heat recovery assembly 3 is to recover and utilize the heat from the electric drive system when the vehicle air conditioner is operating in heating mode, so as to increase the temperature of the refrigerant flowing back to the compressor 11, that is, to increase the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the compressor 11, thereby reducing the compression capacity of the compressor 11, increasing the energy efficiency ratio of the compressor 11, and thus reducing energy consumption. At the same time, it can also reduce the temperature of the electric drive system, so that the electric drive system is maintained at a better temperature.

[0055] Specifically, in some embodiments, the refrigerant circulation system 2 further includes a circulation pump 24 and an expansion tank 23. The circulation pump 24 is connected in series between the outlet of the second channel 312 and the inlet of the heat exchange module 21, and the circulation pump 24 is used to provide power for the circulation of the refrigerant. The outlet of the expansion tank 23 is connected between the outlet of the second channel 312 and the inlet of the circulation pump 24, and the inlet of the expansion tank 23 is connected between the inlet of the second channel 312 and the outlet of the heat exchange module 21. The expansion tank 23 is connected in parallel with the heat exchange module 21 and the circulation pump 24, and can replenish the refrigerant circulation system 2 before the circulation pump 24 discharges water, and can also play a role in venting after the heat exchange module 21 discharges water.

[0056] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circulation system 2 further includes an electric drive radiator 25 and a control valve 22. The control valve 22 includes an inlet 221, a first outlet 222, and a second outlet 223. The inlet 221 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange module 21, the first outlet 222 is connected to the inlet of the second channel 312, and the second outlet 223 is connected to the inlet of the electric drive radiator 25. The outlet of the electric drive radiator 25 is connected between the inlet of the circulation pump 24 and the outlet of the second channel 312. The control valve 22 may be, for example, an electrically controlled three-way valve. In this embodiment, by setting a three-way valve, the refrigerant circulation system 2 can form two heat dissipation circulation loops to meet the different heat dissipation requirements of the electric drive system under different conditions. When the outlet water temperature of heat exchange module 21 is low, it indicates that the heat dissipation demand of the electric drive system is not high. In this case, the inlet 221 and the first outlet 222 of control valve 22 can be opened, and the second outlet 223 can be closed. This connects the inlet 221 and the first outlet 222 of control valve 22, while cutting off the second outlet 223, allowing the refrigerant to enter the second channel 312 of the third heat exchanger 31 for heat exchange with the refrigerant. When the outlet water temperature of heat exchange module 21 is high, it indicates that the heat dissipation demand of the electric drive system is high. In this case, the inlet 221 and the second outlet 223 of control valve 22 can be opened, and the first outlet 222 can be closed, allowing the refrigerant to enter the electric drive radiator 25 and exchange heat with the outdoor air through the forced convection of the outdoor fan 26.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger 17 and the electric drive radiator 25 can be integrated to reduce their overall size and the space occupied by the vehicle air conditioner. Furthermore, only one outdoor fan 26 can be provided for both the second heat exchanger 17 and the electric drive radiator 25, reducing the number of components used, further reducing the overall size and manufacturing cost. It is understood that the second heat exchanger 17 and the electric drive radiator 25 operate independently, and the outdoor fan 26 can simultaneously dissipate heat from both.

[0058] To enhance the automation level of the vehicle air conditioning system, a water temperature detection device 27 and an indoor temperature detection device can also be installed. The water temperature detection device 27 is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the heat exchange module 21, and the indoor temperature detection device is used to detect the indoor ambient temperature. The water temperature detection device 27 can be, for example, a temperature sensor, which can be connected in series between the outlet of the heat exchange module 21 and the inlet 221 of the control valve 22. The indoor temperature detection device can also be a temperature sensor, and can be located near the first heat exchanger 14.

[0059] This application also provides a control method for a vehicle air conditioner, used in the vehicle air conditioner described above. The vehicle air conditioner includes a heating mode and a cooling mode during operation, and may also include a ventilation mode.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, in heating mode, the vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment can make full use of the waste heat of the electric drive system. When the controller controls the vehicle air conditioner to enter heating mode, the vehicle air conditioner enters standby mode and performs the following steps:

[0061] S11. Set the indoor preset temperature T10 and the preset outlet water temperature T13 of the heat exchange module 21 respectively, and execute steps S12 and S14 respectively.

[0062] The indoor preset temperature T10 can be set as needed, and the preset outlet water temperature T13 of the heat exchange module 21 can also be set as needed. For example, the preset outlet water temperature T13 of the heat exchange module 21 can be set to 30℃.

[0063] S12. The indoor temperature T11 is detected in real time by the indoor temperature detection device, and it is determined whether T10>T11 is true. If so, the refrigerant circulation loop 1 is started and the indoor fan 13 and the outdoor fan 26 are turned on; if not, the refrigerant circulation loop 1 is turned off.

[0064] Proceed to step S13.

[0065] This step involves determining whether the actual indoor temperature T11 is lower than the preset indoor temperature T10. If it is lower than the preset indoor temperature T10, the room needs to be heated. If it is not lower than the preset indoor temperature T10, the room does not need to be heated and remains in standby mode.

[0066] S13. Repeat step S12 until the vehicle air conditioner exits the heating mode.

[0067] This step involves real-time monitoring of the actual indoor temperature T11. As long as the vehicle air conditioner is in heating mode, it continuously monitors the actual indoor temperature T11. If the temperature is below T10, it will heat up; if it is not below T10, it will stop heating. After the vehicle air conditioner exits heating mode, step S12 will also stop, and the vehicle air conditioner will exit standby mode and will no longer monitor the real-time indoor temperature T11.

[0068] S14. The actual outlet water temperature T12 of the heat exchange module 21 is detected in real time by the water temperature detection device 27. It is determined whether T12>T13 is true. If yes, the inlet 221 and the second outlet 223 of the control valve 22 are opened, the first outlet 222 of the control valve 22 is closed, the outdoor fan 26 and the circulation pump 24 are turned on, and the first throttling element 32 is turned off. If no, it is determined whether the refrigerant circulation loop 1 is open. If yes, the inlet 221 and the first outlet 222 of the control valve 22 are opened, the second outlet 223 of the control valve 22 is closed, the circulation pump 24 is turned on, and the first throttling element 32 is turned on. If no, the current state remains unchanged.

[0069] Proceed to step S15.

[0070] This step means that when the actual outlet water temperature T12 of the heat exchange module 21 is lower than the preset outlet water temperature T13, heat can be exchanged for the refrigerant through the third heat exchanger 31. If the actual outlet water temperature T12 is not lower than the preset outlet water temperature T13, heat dissipation is required through the electric drive radiator 25. In this case, it can be considered that the heat exchange capacity of the third heat exchanger 31 cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of the electric drive system. Simultaneously, waste heat recovery from the electric drive system is only required through the third heat exchanger 31 when the refrigerant circulation loop 1 is open (heating). Therefore, when the refrigerant circulation loop 1 of the vehicle air conditioner is closed, there is no need to activate the first throttling element 32, and the refrigerant does not flow at this time. It is understandable that the outdoor fan 26 is located on the side of the electric drive radiator 25. It should be noted that the outdoor fan 26 can be directly installed on one side of the electric drive radiator 25 or indirectly installed on one side of the electric drive radiator 25. For example, the electric drive radiator 25, the second heat exchanger 17, and the outdoor fan 26 can be installed in sequence, as long as the outdoor fan 26 can simultaneously dissipate heat for the second heat exchanger 17 and the electric drive radiator 25.

[0071] When the secondary refrigerant exchanges heat through the third heat exchanger 31, the refrigerant is divided into two paths after passing through the first heat exchanger 14. One path passes through the first throttling element 32 and then enters the first channel 311 of the third heat exchanger 31, and the other path passes through the second throttling element 15 and then enters the dryer filter 16. The two paths of refrigerant converge before the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 18 and then return to the compressor 11 together. At this time, the secondary refrigerant is provided with circulating power by the circulating pump 24, and the low-temperature secondary refrigerant flowing out of the third heat exchanger 31 is injected into the heat exchange module 21, where it exchanges heat with the electric drive system, absorbs its heat and becomes a high-temperature secondary refrigerant before flowing out of the heat exchange module 21. After passing through the control valve 22, it flows back to the second channel 312 of the third heat exchanger 31, exchanges heat with the refrigerant, releases heat and becomes a low-temperature secondary refrigerant, completing one cycle.

[0072] S15. Repeat step S14 until the vehicle-mounted air conditioner exits the heating mode.

[0073] This step is to monitor the actual outlet water temperature T12 of the heat exchange module 21 in real time. As long as the vehicle-mounted air conditioner is still in the heating mode, the actual outlet water temperature T12 of the heat exchange module 21 is continuously detected. If it is higher than T13, the secondary refrigerant is dissipated through the electric drive radiator 25. If it is not higher than T13, there are two cases. If the system is in the heating state, the secondary refrigerant is dissipated through the third heat exchanger 31. If the system is not in the heating state, the current state is maintained without adjustment. When the vehicle-mounted air conditioner exits the heating mode, step S14 also stops accordingly.

[0074] As Figure 5 shown, when the controller controls the vehicle-mounted air conditioner to enter the cooling mode, the vehicle-mounted air conditioner enters the standby state and executes the following steps:

[0075] S21. Set the indoor preset temperature T20 and the preset outlet water temperature T23 of the heat exchange module 21 respectively, and execute steps S22 and S24 respectively.

[0076] The indoor preset temperature T20 can be set as needed, and the preset outlet water temperature T23 of the heat exchange module 21 can also be specifically set as needed. For example, the preset outlet water temperature T23 of the heat exchange module 21 can be set to 30°C.

[0077] S22. Start the indoor fan 13 of the first heat exchanger 14. The indoor fan 13 operates in the ventilation mode, and the actual indoor temperature T21 is detected in real time, and it is judged whether T20 < T21 holds. If so, start the refrigerant circulation circuit 1; if not, close the refrigerant circulation circuit 1;

[0078] Jump to step S23.

[0079] This step involves determining whether the actual indoor temperature T21 is higher than the preset indoor temperature T20. If it is higher than the preset indoor temperature T20, the room needs to be cooled down. If it is not higher than the preset indoor temperature T20, there is no need to cool the room.

[0080] S23. Repeat step S22 until the vehicle air conditioner exits the cooling mode.

[0081] This step involves real-time monitoring of the actual indoor temperature T21. As long as the vehicle's air conditioning is in cooling mode, it continuously monitors the actual indoor temperature T21. If the temperature is higher than T20, it will continue to cool; if it is lower than T20, it will stop cooling. When the vehicle's air conditioning exits cooling mode, step S22 will also stop, and the real-time monitoring of the actual indoor temperature T21 will cease.

[0082] S24. Real-time detection of the actual outlet water temperature T22 of heat exchange module 21, and determination of whether T22>T23 is true. If yes, control the inlet 221 and the second outlet 223 of control valve 22 to open, control the first outlet 222 of control valve 22 to close, turn on outdoor fan 26 and circulation pump 24, and turn off the first throttling element 32 at the same time; if no, keep the current state unchanged.

[0083] Proceed to step S25.

[0084] In this step, under cooling mode, if the actual outlet water temperature T22 of the heat exchange module 21 is higher than the preset outlet water temperature T23 of the heat exchange module 21, then the heat is dissipated through the electric drive radiator 25. At this time, the waste heat recovery component 3 does not work. When the actual outlet water temperature T22 of the heat exchange module 21 is not higher than the preset outlet water temperature T23 of the heat exchange module 21, then there is no need to dissipate heat for the electric drive system, and the current state can be maintained.

[0085] S25. Repeat step S24 until the electric drive system is shut down.

[0086] This step involves real-time monitoring of the actual outlet water temperature T22 of the heat exchange module 21. As long as the electric drive system is in operation, the actual outlet water temperature T22 of the heat exchange module 21 is continuously monitored. If it is higher than T23, the refrigerant is cooled through the electric drive radiator 25. If it is not higher than T23, the current state is maintained without adjustment. When the electric drive system is turned off, step S24 also stops.

[0087] When the vehicle air conditioner is in ventilation mode, only the indoor fan 13 is turned on, and the refrigerant circulation loop 1 is not started. For the heat dissipation of the electric drive system, steps S24 and S25 are executed.

[0088] It is understood that the vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function provided in this application embodiment also includes a controller. The controller stores control instructions. When the control instructions are executed by the controller, the above control method can be realized. That is, the vehicle air conditioner can be controlled to operate according to the above control method through the controller.

[0089] This application also provides an electric vehicle, including an onboard air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described in the above embodiments.

[0090] The vehicle air conditioner, control method, and electric vehicle with integrated waste heat recovery function provided in this application integrate the heat dissipation components of the electric drive system into the vehicle air conditioner. When the vehicle air conditioner is heating, the waste heat from the electric drive system is used to improve the compressor's energy efficiency ratio, reducing the energy consumption of the vehicle air conditioner and increasing the electric vehicle's range. The thermal management system of the electric drive system and the compressor system are organically combined, making the vehicle space more compact and reducing the space required for separate systems. Furthermore, the second heat exchanger and the electric drive radiator share an outdoor fan, reducing the number of components used, lightening the overall vehicle weight, lowering equipment investment costs, and reducing power consumption. In this application's embodiment, the electric drive system can achieve heat dissipation by controlling the flow of refrigerant through a control valve, regardless of whether it is in a high-temperature or low-temperature state, thus organically combining the thermal management systems of the compressor system and the electric drive system. In summary, this application effectively improves the problems of large space occupation, heavy weight, and high energy consumption in the prior art.

[0091] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0092] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function, characterized in that, This includes the refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant distribution system, and the waste heat recovery components; The refrigerant circulation loop is used to circulate refrigerant and includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger that are connected in a circulation loop to achieve a heating cycle; The refrigerant circulation system is used to circulate the refrigerant, and includes a heat exchange module for exchanging heat with the electric drive system. The waste heat recovery assembly includes a third heat exchanger and a first throttling element. The third heat exchanger includes a first channel and a second channel for mutual heat exchange. One end of the first throttling element is connected between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the other end of the first throttling element is connected to one end of the first channel. The other end of the first channel is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The heat exchange module is connected in series with the second channel. A circulating pump is connected in series between the outlet of the second channel and the inlet of the heat exchange module. The refrigerant circulation system further includes an electric drive radiator and a control valve. The control valve includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange module, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the second channel, the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the electric drive radiator, and the outlet of the electric drive radiator is connected between the inlet of the circulation pump and the outlet of the second channel.

2. The vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circulation loop includes a first heat exchanger, a second throttling element, a dryer filter, and the second heat exchanger connected in series; it also includes a gas-liquid separator and a four-way reversing valve, the four-way reversing valve including a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port; the compressor outlet is connected to the first port, the compressor inlet is connected to the outlet of the gas-liquid separator; the gas-liquid separator inlet is connected to the fourth port; one end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the dryer filter, and the other end is connected to the second port; one end of the first heat exchanger is connected to one end of the second throttling element, and the other end is connected to the third port; the other end of the second throttling element is connected to the dryer filter; The end of the third heat exchanger furthest from the first throttling element is connected between the gas-liquid separator and the fourth interface; the end of the first throttling element furthest from the third heat exchanger is connected between the first heat exchanger and the second throttling element.

3. The vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circulation system also includes an expansion tank, the outlet of which is connected between the outlet of the second channel and the inlet of the circulation pump, and the inlet of which is connected between the inlet of the second channel and the outlet of the heat exchange module.

4. The vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger is installed indoors, and the second heat exchanger is installed outdoors. The second heat exchanger and the electric drive radiator are integrated and operate independently.

5. The vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes an outdoor fan, which can be used to dissipate heat for both the second heat exchanger and the electric drive radiator simultaneously.

6. The vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a water temperature detection device and an indoor temperature detection device. The water temperature detection device is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the heat exchange module, and the indoor temperature detection device is used to detect the indoor ambient temperature.

7. A method for controlling a vehicle air conditioner, characterized in that, Applied to the vehicle-mounted air conditioner with an integrated waste heat recovery function as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, a circulation pump is connected in series between the outlet of the second channel and the inlet of the heat exchange module; the coolant circulation system further includes an electric drive radiator and a control valve. The control valve includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet of the control valve is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange module, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the second channel, the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the electric drive radiator, and the outlet of the electric drive radiator is connected between the inlet of the circulation pump and the outlet of the second channel. An outdoor fan is provided on one side of the electric drive radiator; The first heat exchanger is arranged indoors, the second heat exchanger is arranged outdoors, the vehicle-mounted air conditioner has a heating mode, and the control method of the vehicle-mounted air conditioner makes the vehicle-mounted air conditioner enter the standby state in the heating mode and performs the following steps: S11. Set the indoor preset temperature T10 and the preset water outlet temperature T13 of the heat exchange module respectively, and perform steps S12 and S14 respectively; S12. Detect the indoor actual temperature T11 in real time, and judge whether T10>T11 holds. If so, start the refrigerant circulation loop; if not, close the refrigerant circulation loop; Jump to step S13; S13. Repeat step S12 until the vehicle-mounted air conditioner exits the heating mode; S14. Detect the actual water outlet temperature T12 of the heat exchange module in real time, and judge whether T12>T13 holds. If so, control the inlet and the second outlet of the control valve to open, control the first outlet of the control valve to close, turn on the outdoor fan and the circulation pump, and close the first throttling element; if not, judge whether the refrigerant circulation loop is open. If so, control the inlet and the first outlet of the control valve to open, control the second outlet of the control valve to close, turn on the circulation pump, and turn on the first throttling element; if not, keep the current state unchanged; Jump to step S15; S15. Repeat step S14 until the vehicle-mounted air conditioner exits the heating mode.

8. The control method for vehicle air conditioning as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted air conditioner has a cooling mode, and the control method of the vehicle-mounted air conditioner makes the vehicle-mounted air conditioner enter the standby state in the cooling mode and performs the following steps: S21. Set the indoor preset temperature T20 and the preset water outlet temperature T23 of the heat exchange module respectively, and perform steps S22 and S24 respectively; S22. Turn on the indoor fan of the first heat exchanger, detect the indoor actual temperature T21 in real time, and judge whether T20<T21 holds. If so, start the refrigerant circulation loop; if not, close the refrigerant circulation loop; Jump to step S23; S23. Repeat step S22 until the vehicle-mounted air conditioner exits the cooling mode; S24. Real-time detection of the actual outlet water temperature T22 of the heat exchange module, and determination of whether T22>T23 is true. If yes, control the inlet and second outlet of the control valve to open, control the first outlet of the control valve to close, start the outdoor fan and the circulation pump, and simultaneously shut down the first throttling element; if no, maintain the current state. Proceed to step S25; S25. Repeat step S24 until the electric drive system is shut down.

9. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, Including the vehicle air conditioner with integrated waste heat recovery function as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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