Thermal management loop

Abstract

This thermal management circuit is provided with: a battery; a first flow path through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the battery flows; a water pump (first flow rate adjusting part); and a water pump (second flow rate adjusting part). In the heat management circuit, the flow rate of the heat medium is respectively adjusted by using the water pump and the water pump so as to switch the flow state and the stop state. In the stopped state, the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path is stopped by offsetting the flow of the heat medium toward one side in the first flow path and the flow of the heat medium toward the other side in the first flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management loops. Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2022 / 208947 discloses a technology for switching the flow path of a heat medium in a circuit having a secondary battery using a control valve. A flow path for a heat medium to exchange heat with the secondary battery is formed in the circuit. By switching the control valve, the flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the flow path are switched.

[0003] In International Publication No. 2022 / 208947, in order to switch the flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the flow path through which the heat medium for heat exchange with the secondary battery flows, it is necessary to control the switching control valve. Therefore, the control may become complicated. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a heat management circuit capable of easily switching the flow and non-flow of a heat medium in a flow path through which the heat medium for heat exchange with a battery flows.

[0005] A thermal management circuit in one aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management circuit for circulating a heat medium, comprising:

[0006] Batteries;

[0007] A first flow path for the heat medium to flow for heat exchange with the battery;

[0008] a first flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium in the first flow path toward a first direction; and

[0009] The second flow rate adjustment unit adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium in the first flow path in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0010] By adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium using at least one of the first flow rate adjustment unit and the second flow rate adjustment unit, the heat medium is switched between (i) a flow state and (ii) a stop state.

[0011] The (i) flow state is a state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path.

[0012] The (ii) stopped state is a state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path in the first direction is stopped by canceling out the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path in the second direction.

[0013] In the heat management circuit of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the flow state and the stop state (non-flow state) of the first flow path are switched by adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium in at least one of the first flow adjustment unit and the second flow adjustment unit as described above. Thus, the flow state of the heat medium in the first flow path can be controlled by controlling only at least one of the first flow adjustment unit and the second flow adjustment unit. As a result, the flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the first flow path can be easily switched.

[0014] Preferably, the thermal management circuit of the above aspect comprises:

[0015] First heat source;

[0016] Second heat source;

[0017] a second flow path connected to one end of the first flow path, and wherein the heat supply medium exchanges heat with the first heat source; and

[0018] The third flow path is connected to the other end of the first flow path, and the heat supply medium exchanges heat with the second heat source.

[0019] The first heat source supplies heat to the heat medium to raise the temperature of the heat medium.

[0020] The second heat source cools the heat medium by receiving heat from the heat medium.

[0021] When the heat medium from the second flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the third flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path, a temperature increase circuit is formed to increase the temperature of the battery.

[0022] When the heat medium from the third flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the second flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path, a cooling circuit for cooling the battery is formed.

[0023] By making the flow of the heat medium from the second flow path and the flow of the heat medium from the third flow path cancel each other in the first flow path, a flow stop circuit is formed to stop the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path. With this configuration, in addition to switching the flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the first flow path, it is also possible to switch between heating and cooling the battery by the heat medium flowing in the first flow path.

[0024] In this case, it is preferred that the second heat source is a cooler device.

[0025] In addition, the above-mentioned heat management circuit also includes: a refrigeration cycle connected to the cooler device and including a compressor; a first heat exchanger provided on the downstream side of the portion of the second flow path where the heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium is performed; a high-temperature circuit connected to the first heat exchanger and equipped with an electric heater; and a second heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the heat medium of the refrigeration cycle and the heat medium of the high-temperature circuit. If configured in this way, in addition to the heat based on the electric heater, the heat generated by operating the refrigeration cycle (compressor) can also be used for heating, etc.

[0026] Preferably, the heat management circuit including the cooler device and the high temperature circuit includes a first radiator connected in parallel to each of the second flow path and the third flow path.

[0027] The high temperature circuit contains the heater core and the secondary radiator.

[0028] When the temperature increasing circuit is formed, waste heat from the first heat source and the battery is used for heating via the heater core or is radiated to the outside air via the second radiator.

[0029] When a cooling circuit is formed, the heat medium cooled by the first radiator is further cooled by the cooler device. If so configured, when a temperature increase circuit is formed, waste heat from the first heat source and the battery can be easily processed. In addition, when a cooling circuit is formed, the heat medium can be efficiently cooled by the first radiator and the cooler device.

[0030] Preferably, the heat management circuit provided with the first heat source and the second heat source has a first flow path switching valve, which is provided downstream of a first portion of the second flow path where heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium is performed and can switch the flow path of the heat medium.

[0031] The heat management circuit includes a second flow path switching valve that is provided upstream of a second portion of the third flow path where heat exchange between the second heat source and the heat medium is performed and that can switch a flow path of the heat medium.

[0032] The heat management circuit includes a flow valve that is provided on the downstream side of the second portion in the third flow path and is capable of controlling the flow of the heat medium.

[0033] The heat management circuit includes a first connecting flow path that connects the first connection portion to the second flow path switching valve when a portion between a third portion of the first flow path where heat exchange between the battery and the heat medium is performed and the first flow path switching valve is set as the first connection portion.

[0034] The heat management circuit includes a second connecting flow path that connects the second connection portion to the first flow path switching valve when a portion between the second portion of the third flow path and the second flow path switching valve is set as the second connection portion.

[0035] When the portion between the second portion of the third flow path and the circulation valve is set as the third connection portion, the first flow path connects the first flow path switching valve to the third connection portion. If so configured, the flow direction of the heat medium in the first flow path can be easily switched by the first flow path switching valve, the second flow path switching valve, and the circulation valve.

[0036] In the thermal management circuit of the above aspect, preferably, when the outputs of the first flow control unit and the second flow control unit increase and decrease at a predetermined cycle, the boundary surfaces of the heat mediums that cancel each other out move back and forth in the region corresponding to the battery in the first flow path. If so configured, the temperature of a plurality of cells of the battery can be easily equalized using the heat medium.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily switch between the flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the flow path through which the heat medium that exchanges heat with the battery flows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a thermal management system according to one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a first diagram showing a state where the flow of heat medium in a first flow path is stopped in a heat management circuit according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3 A second diagram showing a state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path is stopped in the heat management circuit of one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery and a unit circuit are cooled in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the temperature of a battery is equalized in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 5 A diagram of the flow rate of the pump under the state;

[0045] Figure 7This is a diagram showing a state in which cooling of a unit circuit and heat pump heating using heat from cooling of a battery are performed in a heat management circuit according to an embodiment;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a first diagram showing a state in which the temperature of the battery is increased and the unit circuit is cooled in a thermal management circuit according to an embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a state in which the temperature of the high temperature circuit is increased before the temperature of the battery is increased in the thermal management circuit of one embodiment;

[0048] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a state in which the temperature of the high temperature circuit is increased while the temperature of the battery is increased in the thermal management circuit of one embodiment;

[0049] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a state in which a heat management circuit according to an embodiment cools a battery and heat is provided by a heat pump using heat from cooling of a unit circuit.

[0050] Fig.12 This is a second diagram showing a state in which the temperature of the battery is increased and the unit circuit is cooled in the thermal management circuit according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The thermal management circuit of the present disclosure is described below. The thermal management circuit is, for example, mounted on an electric vehicle (not shown). The electric vehicle equipped with the thermal management circuit is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery for driving, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). However, the use of the thermal management circuit of the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles.

[0052] Overall structure

[0053] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a heat management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heat management system 1 includes a heat management circuit 100 and an electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) 200 .

[0054] The thermal management circuit 100 includes a first flow path 10, a battery 11, a second flow path 20, a water pump (W / P) 21, a unit circuit 22, a heat exchanger 23, a four-way valve 24, a third flow path 30, a water pump 31, a three-way valve 32, a cooler device 33, a flow shutoff valve (FSV: Flow Shut Valve) 34, a first connecting flow path 40, a second connecting flow path 50, a reservoir (R / T) 60, a low temperature radiator (LT: Low Temperature) radiator 70, a refrigeration cycle 80, and a high temperature circuit 90. It should be noted that the unit circuit 22 and the cooler device 33 are examples of the "first heat source" and the "second heat source" of the present disclosure, respectively. In addition, the water pump 21 and the water pump 31 are examples of the "first flow regulating unit" and the "second flow regulating unit" of the present disclosure, respectively. The four-way valve 24 and the three-way valve 32 are examples of the "first flow path switching valve" and the "second flow path switching valve" of the present disclosure, respectively. The heat exchanger 23 and the FSV 34 are examples of the “first heat exchanger” and the “flow valve” of the present disclosure, respectively. The low-temperature radiator 70 is an example of the “first radiator” of the present disclosure.

[0055] A Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed by the first flow path 10 , the second flow path 20 , and the third flow path 30 in the heat management circuit 100 .

[0056] The heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10 exchanges heat with the storage battery 11. In other words, a portion 10a for heat exchange with the storage battery 11 is provided in the first flow path 10. The first flow path 10 connects the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the case where the heat medium flows in the portion 10a is sometimes described as the case where the heat medium flows in the storage battery 11. In addition, the portion 10a is an example of the "third portion" and the "region corresponding to the storage battery" in the present disclosure.

[0057] Specifically, one end 10b of the first flow path 10 is connected to the second flow path 20 (four-way valve 24). The other end 10c of the first flow path 10 is connected to the third flow path 30 (portion 36). Portion 36 is provided between the cooler device 33 and the FSV 34. In addition, portion 36 is an example of the "third connection portion" of the present disclosure.

[0058] The heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20 exchanges heat with the unit circuit 22. In other words, a portion 20a that exchanges heat with the unit circuit 22 is provided in the second flow path 20. The heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20 is heated by being supplied with heat from the unit circuit 22. The unit circuit 22 is provided with a power control unit (PCU: Power Control Unit), an oil cooler (O / C), a step-up / step-down converter, etc., which are not shown in the figure. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the situation in which the heat medium flows in the portion 20a is sometimes described as the situation in which the heat medium flows in the unit circuit 22. It should be noted that the portion 20a is an example of the "first portion" of the present disclosure.

[0059] The water pump 21 is provided in the second flow path 20 . The water pump 21 adjusts the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20 . Thus, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing (to flow) from the second flow path 20 in the first flow path 10 is adjusted by the water pump 21 .

[0060] The heat exchanger 23 is provided in the second flow path 20 . The heat exchanger 23 is provided on the downstream side of the portion 20 a (unit circuit 22 ). The heat exchanger 23 is a water-water heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 23 is connected to the high temperature circuit 90 .

[0061] The high temperature circuit 90 is provided with an electric heater 91, a four-way valve 92, a high temperature (HT) radiator 93, a heater core 94, and a liquid storage tank 95. In addition, the high temperature circuit 90 is connected to the water-cooled condenser 85. The heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 flows in any one of the first paths through the liquid storage tank 95-water-cooled condenser 85-electric heater 91-four-way valve 92-heater core 94-liquid storage tank 95, the second path through the liquid storage tank 95-water-cooled condenser 85-electric heater 91-four-way valve 92-heat exchanger 23-liquid storage tank 95, and the third path through the liquid storage tank 95-water-cooled condenser 85-electric heater 91-four-way valve 92-high temperature radiator 93. For example, the heat medium sometimes flows in both the first path and the second path. It should be noted that the water-cooled condenser 85 and the high temperature radiator 93 are examples of the "second heat exchanger" and the "second radiator" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0062] The four-way valve 92 has a port P31 connected to a flow path between the four-way valve 92 and the heater core 94 , and a port P32 connected to a flow path between the four-way valve 92 and the heat exchanger 23 .

[0063] The four-way valve 24 is provided in the second flow path 20. The four-way valve 24 is provided on the downstream side of the portion 20a (unit circuit 22) and the heat exchanger 23. In other words, the four-way valve 24 is provided on the side opposite to the water pump 21 with respect to the portion 20a (unit circuit 22) and the heat exchanger 23. The four-way valve 24 is configured to be able to switch the flow path of the heat medium. The four-way valve 24 is connected to the first flow path 10, the second flow path 20 (upstream side and downstream side), and the second connecting flow path 50, respectively.

[0064] The four-way valve 24 has a port P1 connected to the flow path between the four-way valve 24 and the heat exchanger 23, a port P2 connected to the second connecting flow path 50, a port P3 connected to the first flow path 10, and a port P4 connected to the flow path in the second flow path 20 downstream of the four-way valve 24.

[0065] The heat medium flowing through the third flow path 30 exchanges heat with the cooler device 33. In other words, the cooler device 33 is provided in the portion 30a of the third flow path 30. The heat medium flowing through the third flow path 30 is cooled by supplying heat to the cooler device 33. It should be noted that the portion 30a is an example of the "second portion" of the present disclosure.

[0066] The water pump 31 is provided in the third flow path 30. The water pump 31 is configured to adjust the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium flowing in the third flow path 30. Thus, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing (to flow) from the third flow path 30 in the first flow path 10 is adjusted by the water pump 31.

[0067] The three-way valve 32 is provided on the upstream side of the portion 30 a (cooler device 33 ) in the third flow path 30 . The three-way valve 32 is provided between the portion 30 a (cooler device 33 ) in the third flow path 30 and the water pump 31 .

[0068] The three-way valve 32 has a port P11 connected to the flow path between the three-way valve 32 and the water pump 31 in the third flow path 30 , a port P12 connected to the first connecting flow path 40 , and a port P13 connected to the flow path between the three-way valve 32 and the cooler device 33 (portion 30 a ) in the third flow path 30 .

[0069] The FSV 34 is provided on the side opposite to the three-way valve 32 (that is, on the downstream side of the portion 30a) with respect to the portion 30a in the third flow path 30. The FSV 34 is configured to be able to switch between the flow and non-flow of the heat medium.

[0070] In the third flow path 30, a connection portion 35 is provided between the cooler device 33 (portion 30a) and the three-way valve 32. The second connecting flow path 50 connects the connection portion 35 and the four-way valve 24. The connection portion 35 is an example of the "second connection portion" of the present disclosure.

[0071] In the first flow path 10, a connection portion 12 is provided between the battery 11 (portion 10a) and the four-way valve 24. The first connecting flow path 40 connects the connection portion 12 and the three-way valve 32. The connection portion 12 is an example of the "first connection portion" of the present disclosure.

[0072] The liquid storage tank 60 is connected to the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30 at the upstream side of the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30. The liquid storage tank 60 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the heat management circuit 100 (the first flow path 10, the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30) by storing a part of the heat medium in the heat management circuit 100.

[0073] The low temperature radiator 70 is arranged so that the heat medium from at least one of the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30 flows. The heat medium exchanges heat with the outside air in the low temperature radiator 70. The heat medium that exchanges heat with the outside air through the low temperature radiator 70 flows into the liquid storage tank 60.

[0074] The refrigeration cycle 80 is connected to the cooler device 33. The refrigeration cycle 80 is provided with a compressor 81, an evaporator 82, an expansion valve 83, and an expansion valve 84. The refrigeration cycle 80 is connected to a water-cooled condenser 85. The heat medium of the refrigeration cycle 80 and the heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 perform heat exchange in the water-cooled condenser 85.

[0075] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 80 flows through one or both of the first path of compressor 81-water-cooled condenser 85-expansion valve 84-evaporator 82-compressor 81 and the second path of compressor 81-water-cooled condenser 85-expansion valve 83-cooler device 33-compressor 81.

[0076] The ECU 200 controls the thermal management circuit 100 . The ECU 200 includes a processor 201 , a memory 202 , a storage device 203 , and an interface 204 .

[0077] The processor 201 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). The memory 202 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The processor 201 reads the system program and the control program stored in the storage device 203 and expands and executes them in the memory 202, thereby realizing various processes. The interface 204 controls the communication between the ECU 200 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0078] The ECU 200 generates control commands based on sensor values ​​obtained from various sensors (not shown) included in the thermal management circuit 100, and outputs the generated control commands to the thermal management circuit 100. Based on the control command from the ECU 200, the states of the three-way valve 32, the four-way valve 24, the four-way valve 92, and the FSV 34 are controlled. In addition, based on the control command from the ECU 200, the outputs of the electric heater 91, the water pump 21, and the water pump 31 are controlled.

[0079] Here, in the conventional heat management circuit, the flow path of the heat medium is switched by a switching valve to switch the flow and non-flow of the heat medium in the flow path corresponding to the first flow path 10. In contrast, it is desired to switch the flow and non-flow of the heat medium more easily.

[0080] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when controlling the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10, the flow rates of the heat medium of each of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31 are adjusted. Thus, the flow state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10 and the stop state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped are switched. In the stop state, the flow of the heat medium toward one side (for example, from the portion 36 toward the four-way valve 24) in the first flow path 10 is offset by the flow of the heat medium toward the other side (for example, from the four-way valve 24 toward the portion 36) in the first flow path 10. As a result, the flow (water flow) of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped.

[0081] Figure 2 This is an example of a stopped state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped. In this example, the outputs of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31 are adjusted so that the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium at the four-way valve 24 of the second flow path 20 is equal to the flow rate (flow velocity) at the portion 36 of the heat medium in the third flow path 30. As a result, the flow of the heat medium from the four-way valve 24 side toward the storage battery 11 and the flow of the heat medium from the portion 36 side toward the storage battery 11 are offset in the first flow path 10. As a result, the heat medium does not flow from the second flow path 20 and the third flow path 30 into the first flow path 10. It should be noted that the FSV 34 is in an open state.

[0082] exist Figure 2In the example shown, in the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 connected to the second connecting flow path 50 is in a closed state. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P2 connected to the first connecting flow path 40 is in a closed state. As a result, the heat medium from the water pump 21 (see the single-dotted line) flows in the path of the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 (see the dotted line) flows in the path of the three-way valve 32-cooler device 33-FSV34-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. In addition, the unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20.

[0083] Figure 3 This is an example of a stopped state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped. In this example, the outputs of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31 are adjusted so that the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium (heat medium in the connection portion 12) passing through the second connection flow path 50 from the three-way valve 32 is equal to the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium at the portion 36 of the third flow path 30. As a result, the flow of the heat medium from the connection portion 12 side toward the storage battery 11 and the flow of the heat medium from the portion 36 side toward the storage battery 11 are offset. Specifically, the flow of the heat medium is stopped by the heat media from both sides being pressed against each other at the portion 10a.

[0084] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, in the three-way valve 32, only the port P13 is in a closed state. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P3 and the port P4 are in a closed state. The FSV34 is in an open state. As a result, the heat medium from the water pump 21 flows in the path of the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-first connecting flow path 40-cooler device 33-FSV34-low temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60 and the path of the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-first connecting flow path 40-cooler device 33-battery 11. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows in the path of the three-way valve 32-second connecting flow path 50-battery 11. In addition, the unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20.

[0085] In addition, Figure 3 In the example shown, the high temperature circuit 90 (refer to Figure 1) is supplied to the heat medium of the second flow path 20 via the heat exchanger 23. In addition, the heat of the heat medium supplied to the second flow path 20 from the high temperature circuit 90 is supplied to the refrigeration cycle 80 via the cooler device 33. As a result, the amount of heat medium vaporized in the refrigeration cycle 80 increases, and the pressure delivery work of the compressor 81 increases. As a result, the heat generated in the compressor 81 increases. The heat generated in the compressor 81 is supplied to the high temperature circuit 90 via the water-cooled condenser 85. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 rises. Hereinafter, the case where the temperature of the heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 is increased by circulating the heat as described above is referred to as a "heat cycle". When performing this heat cycle, the port P32 of the four-way valve 92 of the high temperature circuit 90 is in an open state. It should be noted that when the heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 is sufficiently heated by the heat cycle, the heat cycle can also be stopped by closing the expansion valve 83 connected to the cooler device 33.

[0086] It should be noted that in Figure 3 In the example shown, the port P13 may be opened instead of the port P12 of the three-way valve 32. In this case, the heat medium is pressed against each other between the three-way valve 32 and the connection portion 35, so that the flow of the heat medium is stopped.

[0087] Figure 4 This is an example of the flow state of the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 is in the closed state. FSV34 is in the closed state. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P2 is in the closed state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows in the path of the unit loop 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows in the path of the three-way valve 32-cooler device 33-battery 11-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. That is, the heat medium cooled in the low-temperature radiator 70 is further cooled in the cooler device 33. In addition, the unit loop 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20.

[0088] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the flow rate (flow velocity) of the heat medium in the second flow path 20 at the four-way valve 24 is smaller than the flow rate (flow velocity) at the portion 36 of the heat medium in the third flow path 30. As a result, the heat mediums do not cancel each other out in the first flow path 10, and the heat medium flows from the portion 36 toward the four-way valve 24. The battery 11 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10.

[0089] Figure 5 The example shown is similar to Figure 3 The circuit state of the example shown is the same, on the other hand, the output of the water pump 21 (31) is the same as Figure 3The examples shown are different. Figure 5 In the example shown, the waveforms representing the output (flow rate) of the water pump 21 (31) are sinusoidal in synchronization with each other (see Figure 6 ) changes. Specifically, the peak value of the waveform of water pump 21 and the peak value of the waveform of water pump 31 are offset from each other. As a result, the magnitude relationship of the flow rates (flow velocities) of the heat media that squeeze each other in part 10a changes (replaces) over time. As a result, the boundary surfaces of the heat media move back and forth in part 10a (in the direction extending along the first flow path 10). In part 11a, the heat medium sequentially switches the flow direction from part 11a to part 36, the stop state, and the flow direction from part 11a to part 12, and the heat medium swings at part 10a.

[0090] The battery 11 includes a plurality of cells, and the cells are arranged in a direction (arrangement direction) along the extension of the first flow path 10 in the portion 11a. Here, when the flow direction of the heat medium is fixed, the temperature of the heat medium increases as it moves from the upstream side of the flow direction toward the downstream side. The cells located on the downstream side of the flow direction exchange heat with the heat medium having a relatively high temperature. As a result, the temperature of the cells located on the downstream side of the flow direction of the heat medium is likely to be higher than the temperature of the cells located on the upstream side of the flow direction.

[0091] Therefore, as described above, in the portion 10a, the heat medium is mixed by oscillating the flow direction of the heat medium, and the temperature of the heat medium in the portion 10a is made uniform. By cooling each cell with the heat medium having such a uniform temperature, the occurrence of temperature deviation in the cell can be suppressed.

[0092] Figure 7 This is an example of the flow state of the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P13 is in the closed state. In the four-way valve 24, only the port P3 is in the closed state. FSV34 is in the closed state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows in the path of the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows in the path of the three-way valve 32-second connecting flow path 50-battery 11-cooler device 33-first connecting flow path 40-four-way valve 24-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. The unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20.

[0093] The battery 11 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10. The heat medium that has taken heat from the battery 11 supplies heat to the refrigeration cycle 80 via the cooler device 33. In addition, heat is supplied from the refrigeration cycle 80 to the high temperature circuit 90 via the water-cooled condenser 85. As a result, the heat supplied to the high temperature circuit 90 is used to deliver warm air from the heater core 94 to the cabin (not shown). That is, heat pump heating using waste heat from the battery 11 is performed. At this time, the port P31 (refer to Figure 1 ) is in an open state, and port P32 is in a closed state. It should be noted that when heat pump heating is not required, the waste heat is transferred to the high temperature radiator 93 (refer to Figure 1 ) is released to the outside air. This is also the same in other circuits that can perform the following heat pump heating.

[0094] Figure 8 This is an example of the flow state of the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 is in the closed state. In the four-way valve 24, all the ports P1 to P4 are in the open state. FSV34 is in the closed state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows in the path of the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-battery 11-cooler device 33-first connecting flow path 40 (divided to the three-way valve 32 side)-four-way valve 24-low temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 intends to flow to the cooler device 33 side through the three-way valve 32. In this case, the heat mediums are squeezed against each other between the three-way valve 32 and the connecting portion 35. The unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20. The heat of the unit circuit 22 is supplied to the battery 11 by the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10. As a result, the battery 11 is heated up.

[0095] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the heat pump heating is performed using the waste heat of the unit circuit 22. Figure 7 Unlike the example, in addition to the unit circuit 22, the waste heat of the battery 11 (and the heat of the outside air) can also be used for heat pump heating. In this case, the high temperature circuit 90 (refer to Figure 1 ) The port P32 of the four-way valve 92 is in a closed state.

[0096] Fig. 9 This is a method for making the high temperature circuit 90 (see Figure 1 ) is a circuit for heating the heat medium. Fig. 9In the example shown, in the three-way valve 32, only the port P12 is in the closed state. In the four-way valve 24, the ports P3 and P4 are in the closed state. FSV34 is in the open state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the unit loop 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-first connecting flow path 40-cooler device 33 (diverted to the three-way valve 32 side)-FSV34-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 intends to flow to the cooler device 33 side through the three-way valve 32. In this case, the heat mediums are squeezed against each other between the three-way valve 32 and the connecting portion 35. The unit loop 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20.

[0097] In addition, Fig. 9 In the example shown, the high temperature circuit 90 (see Figure 1 ) is opened. Thus, the above-mentioned heat cycle is performed. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 rises. When the heat management circuit 100 is switched to allow the heat medium to flow through the battery 11 after the heat medium of the high temperature circuit 90 has risen in advance, the battery 11 is heated by the heat generated by the heat cycle. It should be noted that the port P31 of the four-way valve 92 may also be opened.

[0098] Fig.10 The example shown is similar to Fig. 9 The difference of the example shown is that the heat cycle is performed while the temperature of the battery 11 is increased by the heat medium. Fig.10 In the example shown, waste heat from the battery 11 can also be used for the heat cycle. It should be noted that the port P31 of the four-way valve 92 may also be in an open state.

[0099] Fig.11 This is an example of the flow state of the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10. In the three-way valve 32, only the port P13 is in the closed state. In the four-way valve 24, only the ports P3 and P4 are in the closed state. FSV34 is in the open state. The heat medium from the water pump 21 flows through the unit circuit 22-heat exchanger 23-four-way valve 24-first connecting flow path 40-cooler device 33-FSV34-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. In addition, the heat medium from the water pump 31 flows through the three-way valve 32-second connecting flow path 50-battery 11-FSV34-low-temperature radiator 70-liquid storage tank 60. The unit circuit 22 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 20. The battery 11 is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the first flow path 10. In addition, the waste heat of the unit circuit 22 (and the heat of the outside air) can be used for heat pump heating. At this time, the high temperature circuit 90 (refer to Figure 1 ) The port P32 of the four-way valve 92 is in a closed state.

[0100] Fig.12 The example shown is similar to Figure 8 The example shown differs in that the high temperature circuit 90 (see Figure 1 )'s electric heater 91 is disconnected. Fig.12 The circuit may be formed, for example, when the heating is not operated before the vehicle travels and only the temperature of the battery 11 is increased. Fig.12 The circuit may be formed when the heat generated by the unit circuit 22 becomes relatively large during the running of the vehicle and heating (and raising the temperature of the battery 11 ) can be performed using only the heat generated by the unit circuit 22 .

[0101] It should be noted that in Figure 3 , Figure 8~Figure 10 as well as Fig.12 In the embodiment, the ports P11 to P13 of the three-way valve 32 may be closed to put the water pump 31 into the disconnected state.

[0102] In addition, exhaustion that allows the heat medium to flow through all the flow paths of the heat management circuit 100 is performed by sequentially switching the open and closed states of the ports in the switching valves ( 32 , 24 ).

[0103] As described above, in the present embodiment, by adjusting the flow rates of the heat medium by the water pump 21 and the water pump 31, respectively, the flow of the heat medium toward one side in the first flow path 10 is offset by the flow of the heat medium toward the other side in the first flow path 10. Thus, the stopped state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is stopped and the flow state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path 10 are switched. That is, by adjusting the relationship between the flow rate of the water pump 21 and the flow rate of the water pump 31, the flow state of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 can be easily switched.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the flow state of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 is switched by adjusting the flow rate of each of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The flow state of the heat medium in the first flow path 10 may also be switched by adjusting only the flow rate of one of the water pump 21 and the water pump 31.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the heat source for heating the heat medium is the unit circuit 22, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat source for heating the heat medium may also be a component other than the unit circuit 22 (for example, an electric heater). In addition, the heat source for cooling the heat medium may also be a component other than the cooler device 33 (for example, a radiator).

[0106] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management circuit is a thermal management circuit in which a heat supply medium circulates, wherein: have: Batteries; a first flow path for circulating a heat medium for heat exchange with the battery; a first flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium in the first flow path toward a first direction; as well as a second flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium in the first flow path in a second direction opposite to the first direction; By adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium using at least one of the first flow rate adjustment unit and the second flow rate adjustment unit, a flow state and a stop state are switched. The flow state is a state in which the heat medium flows in the first flow path. The stopped state is a state in which the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path is stopped by canceling out the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path toward the first direction and the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path toward the second direction.

2. The thermal management circuit according to claim 1, The thermal management circuit has: First heat source; Second heat source; a second flow path connected to one end of the first flow path, and a heat supply medium performs heat exchange with the first heat source; and The third flow path is connected to the other end of the first flow path, and the heat supply medium exchanges heat with the second heat source. The first heat source supplies heat to the heat medium to increase the temperature of the heat medium. The second heat source cools the heat medium by receiving heat from the heat medium. When the heat medium from the second flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the third flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path, a temperature increase circuit is formed to increase the temperature of the battery. When the heat medium from the third flow path flows through the first flow path and the heat medium from the second flow path is restricted from flowing through the first flow path, a cooling circuit for cooling the battery is formed. The flow of the heat medium from the second flow path and the flow of the heat medium from the third flow path are offset in the first flow path, thereby forming a flow stop circuit that stops the flow of the heat medium in the first flow path.

3. The thermal management circuit according to claim 2, The second heat source is a cooler device, The thermal management circuit also has: a refrigeration cycle connected to the chiller device and comprising a compressor; a first heat exchanger disposed on a downstream side of a portion of the second flow path where heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium is performed; a high temperature circuit connected to the first heat exchanger and supplying a power heater arrangement; as well as The second heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the heat medium of the refrigeration cycle and the heat medium of the high temperature circuit.

4. The thermal management circuit according to claim 3, The thermal management circuit further includes a first heat sink connected in parallel with the second flow path and the third flow path, respectively. The high temperature circuit includes a heater core and a second radiator, When the temperature increasing circuit is formed, waste heat from the first heat source and the battery is used for heating via the heater core or is dissipated to the outside air via the second radiator. When the cooling circuit is formed, the heat medium cooled by the first radiator is further cooled by the cooler device.

5. The thermal management circuit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The thermal management circuit also has: a first flow path switching valve provided on a downstream side of a first portion of the second flow path where heat exchange between the first heat source and the heat medium is performed and capable of switching a flow path of the heat medium; a second flow path switching valve provided on an upstream side of a second portion of the third flow path where heat exchange between the second heat source and the heat medium is performed, and capable of switching a flow path of the heat medium; a circulation valve provided on the side opposite to the second flow path switching valve with respect to the second portion of the third flow path and capable of controlling the circulation of the heat medium; a first connecting flow path, which connects the first connecting portion with the second flow path switching valve when a portion between a third portion of the first flow path where heat exchange between the battery and the heat medium is performed and the first flow path switching valve is set as a first connecting portion; as well as a second connecting flow path, when a portion between the second portion of the third flow path and the second flow path switching valve is set as a second connecting portion, the second connecting flow path connects the second connecting portion with the first flow path switching valve, When a portion of the third flow path between the second portion and the circulation valve is defined as a third connection portion, the first flow path connects the first flow path switching valve and the third connection portion.

6. The thermal management circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the outputs of the first flow rate regulator and the second flow rate regulator increase and decrease in a predetermined cycle, the boundary surfaces of the heat media that cancel each other out reciprocate in the region of the first flow path corresponding to the battery.

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