Thermal management system for vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a thermal management system for a vehicle. The thermal management system includes: a compressor; a condenser; a refrigerant branch part; a first refrigerant line branching from the refrigerant branching portion to one side and having a first expansion valve and a first heat exchanger disposed therein, and through which a refrigerant circulates; a second refrigerant line branching from the refrigerant branching portion to the other side, having a second expansion valve and a second heat exchanger disposed therein, and through which the refrigerant circulates; an internal heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged between a refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to move toward the refrigerant branch and a refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger to move toward the compressor; and a bypass line connected to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to bypass the internal heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a thermal management system for a vehicle that manages heat of electrical components and a battery in the vehicle while cooling or heating the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Recently, in the field of vehicles, electric vehicles have attracted attention as a solution for realizing environmentally friendly technologies and solving problems such as energy consumption.

[0003] Since the electric vehicle travels by using a motor operated by receiving power from a battery or a fuel cell, the electric vehicle emits a small amount of carbon and generates low noise. In addition, since the electric vehicle uses a motor with excellent energy efficiency compared to an engine in the related art, the electric vehicle is environmentally friendly.

[0004] Thermal management is important because the battery and drive motor of an electric vehicle generate a lot of heat during operation. In addition, efficient battery life management is important because a lot of time is required to recharge the battery.

[0005] In particular, since the drive motor and the inverter generate a relatively large amount of heat compared to other electrical components such as a battery or a charger, the drive motor needs to be cooled to an appropriate temperature. For this reason, it is necessary to improve the cooling performance of the heat exchanger used to cool the drive motor.

[0006] Furthermore, since the refrigerant pressure at the inflow side of the compressor is reduced by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat pump mode of the thermal management system, the thermal management system cannot function as a heat pump, or performance and efficiency may be deteriorated.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to solve this problem. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] An object to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a thermal management system for a vehicle that can effectively manage the heat of electrical components and a battery in the vehicle while cooling or heating the vehicle.

[0010] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above technical problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned above through the following description.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] A thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a compressor; a condenser; a refrigerant branch; a first refrigerant line, which branches from the refrigerant branch toward one side, is provided with a first expansion valve and a first heat exchanger, and is configured to allow refrigerant to circulate through the first refrigerant line; a second refrigerant line, which branches from the refrigerant branch toward the other side, is provided with a second expansion valve and a second heat exchanger, and is configured to allow refrigerant to circulate through the second refrigerant line; an internal heat exchanger, which is configured to allow the refrigerant that passes through the condenser and moves toward the refrigerant branch and the refrigerant that passes through the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger and moves toward the compressor to exchange heat with each other; and a bypass line, which is connected to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser to bypass the internal heat exchanger.

[0013] In particular, the thermal management system may further include: a branch valve, which is arranged at the outlet side of the condenser, wherein, depending on the air conditioning mode, the branch valve allows the refrigerant to pass through the internal heat exchanger or allows the refrigerant to move to the bypass line and bypass the internal heat exchanger.

[0014] In particular, the thermal management system may further include: an accumulator configured to separate the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger and moving toward the compressor into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor.

[0015] In particular, the liquid reservoir may be integrated with the internal heat exchanger.

[0016] In particular, the thermal management system may further include: a coolant circulation line configured to circulate a coolant that exchanges heat with air or the refrigerant.

[0017] In particular, the coolant circulation line may include: a first coolant line, which is configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant when passing through the first heat exchanger and is provided with a cabin cooler and a first reversing valve; a second coolant line, which is provided with a second reversing valve and a heater core, and the heater core is configured to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant when passing through the condenser; and a third coolant line, which is provided with a third reversing valve and a battery, and the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant when passing through the second heat exchanger flows through the battery.

[0018] In particular, the thermal management system may further include: a fourth coolant line, which is connected to the second reversing valve and branches from the third coolant line connected to the outlet side of the second heat exchanger; and a fifth coolant line, which is configured to connect the first reversing valve and the third reversing valve.

[0019] In particular, a tank and electrical components may be arranged in the fourth coolant line, and a fourth reversing valve and a radiator may be arranged in the fifth coolant line.

[0020] In particular, the first switching valve may be connected to a first connecting line branched from the tank, the second switching valve may be connected to a second connecting line branched from the fifth coolant line, and the fourth switching valve may be connected to a third connecting line branched from the first coolant line.

[0021] In particular, pumps may be respectively disposed in the first to fourth coolant lines, and a coolant heater may be disposed in the third coolant line, and the coolant heater is selectively operated to heat the coolant according to an operation mode.

[0022] In particular, the cabin cooler and the heater core may be installed in an air conditioning device, and a PTC heater may be further installed in the air conditioning device.

[0023] In a cooling mode, the branch valve may control the refrigerant such that the refrigerant moves along the first refrigerant line and passes through the internal heat exchanger.

[0024] In a heating mode, the branch valve may control the refrigerant such that the refrigerant moves to the bypass line and bypasses the internal heat exchanger.

[0025] Beneficial Effects

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thermal management system for a vehicle can be provided, which is capable of effectively managing the heat of electric components and a battery in the vehicle while cooling or heating the vehicle.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a structure of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2a and Figure 2 b is a schematic diagram showing the Figure 1 A diagram of operating states of operating modes of a refrigerant circulation line in a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0030] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing another embodiment of a refrigerant circulation line.

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating operation in a first air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0032] Figure 5 is a graph illustrating operation in a second air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0033] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating operation in a third air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0034] Figure 7 is a graph illustrating operation in a fourth air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0035] Figure 8 is a graph illustrating operation in a fifth air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating operation in a sixth air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0037] Fig.10 is a graph illustrating operation in a seventh air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0038] Fig.11 is a graph illustrating operation in an eighth air conditioning mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention can be variously modified, and can have various embodiments, and the specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings will be described below. However, the description of the embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but it should be understood that the present invention will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Including terms such as "first", "second" and other ordinal numbers can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component can be referred to as the first component, and similarly, the first component can also be referred to as the second component. The term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of multiple related and listed items.

[0040] When a component is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, and that intermediate components may exist between the components. When a component is described as being "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component, it should be understood that there are no intermediate components between the components.

[0041] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, the expression “one component is disposed or arranged above (upper) or below (lower) another component” includes not only a case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also a case where one or more other components are (indirectly) disposed or arranged between the two components. The expression “above (upper) or below (lower)” may refer to a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0042] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless explicitly described as different meanings in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. The terms "comprise", "include", "have", "compose", "contain", "compose", "have" or other variations thereof are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and (or) combinations thereof.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this article have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0044] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0045] Figure 1 The structure of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0046] 1. Referring to the drawings, a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a refrigerant circulation line 100 through which a refrigerant circulates and a coolant circulation line 200 through which a coolant circulates.

[0047] The refrigerant circulation pipeline 100 may include a compressor 111, a condenser 112, a refrigerant branch portion 113, a first refrigerant pipeline 110 branching from the refrigerant branch portion 113 toward one side and passing through a first expansion valve 114 and a first heat exchanger 115, a second refrigerant pipeline 120 branching from the refrigerant branch portion 113 toward the other side and passing through a second expansion valve 121 and a second heat exchanger 122, a bypass line 130, a liquid reservoir 140 and an internal heat exchanger 150.

[0048] A compressor 111 , a condenser 112 , a refrigerant branch portion 113 , a first expansion valve 114 , and a first heat exchanger 115 may be disposed in the first refrigerant line 110 .

[0049] The compressor 111 is operated by receiving power from an engine (internal combustion engine) or a motor, and can suck refrigerant, compress the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and then discharge the refrigerant to the condenser 112 .

[0050] The condenser 112 is used to condense the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 into liquid refrigerant by allowing the refrigerant to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the coolant circulation line to be described below, and the condenser 112 is used to transfer the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 115 and the second heat exchanger 122. In the present embodiment, a water-cooled condenser may be used as the condenser 112.

[0051] The refrigerant branch portion 113 may be arranged rearward of the outlet side of the condenser 112 based on the flow direction of the refrigerant. Two lines may be branched from the refrigerant branch portion 113, one line may be the first refrigerant line 110 connected to the first heat exchanger 115, and the other line may be the second refrigerant line 120 connected to the second heat exchanger 122.

[0052] The first expansion valve 114 may be branched from the refrigerant branch part 113 and serves to throttle or block the flow of the refrigerant moving along the first refrigerant line 110. The first expansion valve 114 may be disposed at an inlet side of the first heat exchanger 115 based on a flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0053] The first heat exchanger 115 may be arranged rearward of the first expansion valve 114 based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant may exchange heat with the coolant while passing through the first heat exchanger 115. In the present embodiment, a water-cooled evaporator may be used as the first heat exchanger 115, and the first heat exchanger 115 may be provided outside the air conditioning device of the vehicle.

[0054] The second refrigerant line 120 may be branched from the refrigerant branching portion 113 together with the first refrigerant line 110 , and a second expansion valve 121 and a second heat exchanger 122 may be disposed in the second refrigerant line 120 .

[0055] The second expansion valve 121 may branch from the refrigerant branch part 113 and serve to throttle or block the flow of the refrigerant moving along the second refrigerant line 120. The second expansion valve 121 may be arranged at an inlet side of the second heat exchanger 122 based on a flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0056] The second heat exchanger 122 may be arranged toward the rear of the second expansion valve 121 based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant discharged from the second expansion valve 121 may be supplied to the second heat exchanger 122 and exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation line. In this embodiment, a cooler may be used as the second heat exchanger 122.

[0057] As described above, the first expansion valve 114 and the first heat exchanger 115 may constitute one group, the second expansion valve 121 and the second heat exchanger 122 may constitute another group, and the two groups may be arranged in parallel in the refrigerant circulation pipeline. In addition, based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, at the rear side of the first heat exchanger 115 and the second heat exchanger 122, the second refrigerant pipeline 120 may merge with the first refrigerant pipeline 110 to define a single refrigerant pipeline.

[0058] The accumulator 140 may be arranged at the inlet side of the compressor 111 in the first refrigerant line 110, and the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 115 and / or the second heat exchanger 122 and moving toward the compressor 111 may be introduced into the accumulator 140. The accumulator 140 may separate the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant and supply only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 111.

[0059] The internal heat exchanger 150 may be disposed in the first refrigerant line 110 .

[0060] The internal heat exchanger 150 may allow the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112 and moving toward the refrigerant branch portion 113 and the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 115 or the second heat exchanger 122 and moving back to the compressor 111 to exchange heat with each other. Therefore, before the refrigerant is introduced into the first expansion valve 114 or the second expansion valve 121, the refrigerant may be further cooled by the internal heat exchanger 150, thereby improving the cooling performance achieved by the first heat exchanger 115 and improving the efficiency of the cooling system.

[0061] The bypass line 130 may be connected to the first refrigerant line 110 in parallel so that the refrigerant having passed through the condenser 112 bypasses the internal heat exchanger 150. That is, the bypass line 130 may be arranged in parallel with a section of the first refrigerant line 110 passing through the internal heat exchanger 150.

[0062] As shown in the figure, one end of the bypass line 130 may be connected to a branch valve 116 disposed at the outlet side of the condenser 112 in the first refrigerant line 110, and the other end of the bypass line 130 may be connected between the internal heat exchanger 150 and the refrigerant branch portion 113, so that the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 112 may selectively pass through the internal heat exchanger 150 or the bypass line 130. In addition, according to the air conditioning mode, under the control of the branch valve 116, the refrigerant may move to the first refrigerant line 110 and pass through the internal heat exchanger 150, or the refrigerant may move to the bypass line 130 and bypass the internal heat exchanger 150.

[0063] That is to say, Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 a , the refrigerant having passed through the condenser 112 in the cooling mode may be controlled by the branch valve 116 to move along the first refrigerant line 110 and pass through the internal heat exchanger 150 .

[0064] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 b , the refrigerant having passed through the condenser 112 in the heating mode may be controlled by the branch valve 116 to move along the bypass line 130 and bypass the internal heat exchanger 150 .

[0065] As described above, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant may pass through the interior heat exchanger 150 , and the condensed refrigerant may be supercooled while passing through the interior heat exchanger 150 , thereby improving the cooling performance.

[0066] In addition, in the heating mode, the refrigerant may bypass the internal heat exchanger 150, which prevents the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the compressor 111 from becoming high. That is, when the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the compressor 111 becomes high, the flow rate of the refrigerant decreases, which reduces the heating performance. Therefore, in the heating mode, the refrigerant is controlled to bypass the internal heat exchanger 150, which can improve the heating performance.

[0067] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a refrigerant circulation line is schematically shown.

[0068] The refrigerant circulation pipeline 100 may include a compressor 111, a condenser 112, a refrigerant branch portion 113, a first refrigerant pipeline 110 branching from the refrigerant branch portion 113 toward one side and passing through a first expansion valve 114 and a first heat exchanger 115, a second refrigerant pipeline 120 branching from the refrigerant branch portion 113 toward the other side and passing through a second expansion valve 121 and a second heat exchanger 122, a bypass line 130 and an internal heat exchanger 160.

[0069] In this embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 160 may be configured such that Figure 2 a and Figure 2 The internal heat exchanger 150 and the liquid reservoir 140 of the embodiment in b are integrated. That is, the difference is that Figure 2 a and Figure 2 b, the internal heat exchanger 150 and the accumulator 140 are provided as separate components separated from each other, while in the present embodiment, the internal heat exchanger 150 and the accumulator 140 are integrated and provided as a single component.

[0070] Therefore, according to the air conditioning mode, under the control of the branch valve 116 , the refrigerant may move to the first refrigerant line 110 and pass through the internal heat exchanger 160 , or the refrigerant may move to the bypass line 130 and bypass the internal heat exchanger 160 .

[0071] In addition, the refrigerant may be introduced into the internal heat exchanger 160 and divided into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. In the internal heat exchanger 160, the gaseous refrigerant may exchange heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112 and moving toward the refrigerant branch portion 113. In addition, the gaseous refrigerant having performed heat exchange may be supplied back to the compressor 111 and circulated.

[0072] In the following, Figure 2 a and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2B , a configuration in which the internal heat exchanger 150 and the accumulator 140 are provided as separate components separated from each other will be described.

[0073] The coolant circulation line 200 may be configured to circulate a coolant that exchanges heat with air or a refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation line 100 .

[0074] Referring to the drawings, the coolant circulation line 200 may include: a first coolant line 210 configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant while passing through the first heat exchanger 115, and provided with a cabin cooler 310 and a first reversing valve 211; a second coolant line 220 provided with a second reversing valve 221 and a heater core 320 configured to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant while passing through the condenser 112; a third coolant line 214 configured to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant while passing through the condenser 112; and a third coolant line 225 configured to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant while passing through the condenser 112. A coolant line 230 provided with a third reversing valve 231 and a battery 400, through which the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant when passing through the second heat exchanger 122 flows; a fourth coolant line 240 branched from the third coolant line 230 connected to the outlet side of the second heat exchanger 122, the fourth coolant line 240 connected to the second reversing valve 221; and a fifth coolant line 250 configured to connect the first reversing valve 211 and the second reversing valve 221. In addition, the coolant circulation line may further include a first connecting line 260, a second connecting line 270, and a third connecting line 280.

[0075] The first coolant line 210 may be configured such that the coolant moving along the inside of the first coolant line 210 exchanges heat with the refrigerant while passing through the first heat exchanger 115. A cabin cooler 310 and a first switching valve 211 may be disposed in the first coolant line 210.

[0076] The cabin cooler 310 may be used as an air cooling type first heat exchanger, and the coolant having exchanged heat with the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 115 may pass through the cabin cooler 310. The cabin cooler 310 may be installed in the air conditioning device 300 of the vehicle. The air allowed to flow by the blower, not shown, may be cooled by the coolant while passing through the cabin cooler 310, and supplied to the vehicle interior, so that the air may be used to cool the vehicle interior.

[0077] The first reversing valve 211 may be disposed between the cabin cooler 310 and the first heat exchanger 115, and is configured to be selectively connected to or disconnected from the fifth coolant line 250 described below. In addition, the fourth coolant line 240 and the fifth coolant line 250 may be selectively connected or disconnected. In the present embodiment, the first reversing valve 211 may include a four-way valve.

[0078] The first pump 212 may be provided in the first coolant line 210 to circulate the coolant. The first pump 212 is used to pump the coolant so that the coolant circulates along the first coolant line 210. In the present embodiment, the first pump 212 may be provided between the first reversing valve 211 and the first heat exchanger 115, and arranged at the inlet side of the first heat exchanger 115.

[0079] The second coolant line 220 may be configured such that the coolant moving along the inside of the second coolant line 220 exchanges heat with the refrigerant while passing through the condenser 112. The heater core 320 and the second switching valve 221 may be disposed in the second coolant line 220.

[0080] The heater core 320 may be installed in the air conditioning device 300 of the vehicle. The air flowing through the blower may be heated while passing through the heater core 320, supplied to the vehicle interior, and used to heat the vehicle interior. The heater core 320 may be arranged at the rear side (ie, the outlet side of the condenser 112) based on the flow direction of the coolant.

[0081] The second reversing valve 221 may be disposed between the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and is configured to be selectively connected to or disconnected from the fourth coolant line 240 described below. In addition, the second coolant line 220, the fourth coolant line 240, and the fifth coolant line 250 may be selectively connected or disconnected. In the present embodiment, the second reversing valve 221 may include a four-way valve.

[0082] The second pump 222 may be provided in the second coolant line 220 to circulate the coolant. The second pump 222 is used to pump the coolant so that the coolant circulates along the second coolant line 220. In the present embodiment, the second pump 222 may be provided between the second reversing valve 221 and the condenser 112, and arranged at the inlet side of the condenser 112 based on the flow direction of the coolant.

[0083] As shown in the figure, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater 330 may also be installed in the air conditioning device 300 of the vehicle. The PTC heater 330 is arranged in the air conditioning device 300 together with the heater core 320, and is used as a means for heating air. The PTC heater 330 may be used as a means for raising the temperature in the case where a sufficient temperature required for vehicle air conditioning is not achieved by the heater core 320.

[0084] The third coolant line 230 may be configured such that the coolant moving along the inside of the third coolant line 230 exchanges heat with the refrigerant while passing through the second heat exchanger 122. The battery 400, the third switching valve 231, and the third pump 232 may be disposed in the third coolant line 230.

[0085] The battery 400 is used as a power source for the vehicle. The battery 400 can be used as a driving source for various types of electrical components 500 in the vehicle. Alternatively, the battery 400 can be connected to a fuel cell and used to store electricity. Alternatively, the battery 400 can be used to store electricity supplied from the outside.

[0086] The third reversing valve 231 may be disposed between the second heat exchanger 122 and the battery 400 and configured to be selectively connected to or disconnected from a fifth coolant line 250 described below. In the present embodiment, the third reversing valve 231 may include a three-way valve.

[0087] The third pump 232 may be used to pump the coolant so that the coolant circulates along the third coolant line 230. In this embodiment, the third pump 232 may be provided between the second heat exchanger 122 and the battery 400 and arranged at the outlet side of the second heat exchanger 122 based on the flow direction of the coolant.

[0088] In addition, the coolant heater 410 may be arranged in the third coolant line 230 and heat the coolant. According to the operation mode, the coolant heater 410 may be selectively operated to heat the coolant moving along the third coolant line 230. In the present embodiment, in the heating mode, the coolant heater 410 may be operated to heat the coolant, and the coolant heater 410 may be arranged between the battery 400 and the third reversing valve 231.

[0089] The fourth coolant line 240 may be connected to the second coolant line 220 and the third coolant line 230 , and configured such that the coolant moving along the inside of the fourth coolant line 240 circulates through the second coolant line 220 and the third coolant line 230 .

[0090] Specifically, the fourth coolant line 240 is branched from the third coolant line 230 connected to the outlet side of the second heat exchanger 122, and the fourth coolant line 240 is connected to the second reversing valve 221. One end of the fourth coolant line 240 may be connected to the second branch valve 233 disposed between the second heat exchanger 122 and the third pump 232 in the third coolant line 230, and the other end of the fourth coolant line 240 may be connected to the second reversing valve 221. That is, the fourth coolant line 240 may be connected to the third coolant line 230 through the second branch valve 233, and connected to the second coolant line 220 through the second reversing valve 221.

[0091] The tank 241 , the electric component 500 , and the fourth pump 242 may be disposed in the fourth coolant line 240 .

[0092] The storage tank 241 may be used to store the coolant and replenish the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 .

[0093] The electric components 500 may include a drive motor, an inverter, a charger (on-board charger (OBC)), etc., and are cooled by the coolant. In this embodiment, the electric components 500 may be arranged forward of the outlet side of the tank 241 based on the flow direction of the coolant.

[0094] The fourth pump 242 may be used to pump the coolant so that the coolant circulates along the fourth coolant line 240. In the present embodiment, the fourth pump 242 may be disposed between the tank 241 and the electric component 500.

[0095] The fifth coolant line 250 may be connected to the first coolant line 210 and the third coolant line 230 and configured such that the coolant moving along the inside of the fifth coolant line 250 circulates through the first coolant line 210 and the third coolant line 230. A radiator 252 and a fourth reversing valve 251 may be disposed in the fifth coolant line 250.

[0096] The radiator 252 may be a radiator that cools the coolant that has exchanged heat with the electric component 500 or the battery 400, and may be cooled by a cooling fan (not shown) in an air cooling manner. In addition, the fourth switching valve 251 may include a three-way valve.

[0097] As shown in the figure, one end of the fifth coolant line 250 may be connected to the first reversing valve 211, and the other end of the fifth coolant line 250 may be connected to the third reversing valve 231. That is, the fifth coolant line 250 may be connected to the first coolant line 210 through the first reversing valve 211, and connected to the third coolant line 230 through the third reversing valve 231.

[0098] In addition, the fifth coolant line 250 can be connected to the fourth coolant line 240 through the first connecting line 260 branched from the tank 241 and connected to the first reversing valve 211. In this case, the first coolant line 210 can also be connected to the fourth coolant line 240 through the first connecting line 260 in the first reversing valve 211.

[0099] In addition, the fifth coolant line 250 may be connected to the fourth coolant line 240 and the second coolant line 220 through the second connecting line 270 connected to the second reversing valve 221 and branched from the third branch valve 253 provided in the fifth coolant line 250. In this case, the third coolant line 230 connected to the fifth coolant line 250 through the third reversing valve 231 may also be connected to the second coolant line 220 and the fourth coolant line 240. In the present embodiment, the third branch valve 253 may be disposed between the third reversing valve 231 and the fourth reversing valve 251.

[0100] In addition, the fifth coolant line 250 may be connected to the first coolant line 210 through the third connection line 280 connected to the fourth switching valve 251 and branched from the first branch valve 213 provided in the first coolant line 210 .

[0101] As described above, the first coolant line to the fifth coolant line (including 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250) are connected to each other through the first reversing valve to the fourth reversing valve (including 211, 221, 231 and 251) and the first connecting line to the third connecting line (including 260, 270 and 280), and are configured to circulate the coolant, which can effectively manage the heat of the electric component 500 and the battery 400 in the vehicle while cooling or heating the vehicle. In addition, in the case of a vehicle to which a high-performance, high-capacity drive motor is applied, the performance of cooling the drive motor can be improved. In addition, the waste heat of the electric component 500 and the battery 400 can be utilized.

[0102] Hereinafter, operations of the above-described thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention according to an air conditioning mode will be described.

[0103] 1. First air conditioning mode

[0104] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the operation in the first air conditioning mode.

[0105] Reference Figure 4 , the first air conditioning mode refers to a mode for cooling the vehicle interior and cooling the battery 400 by using the radiator 252 .

[0106] In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 111 operates, and high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 111. In addition, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 and moving along the first refrigerant line 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the coolant in the condenser 112. Next, the refrigerant cooled and condensed in the condenser 112 is expanded while passing through the internal heat exchanger 150 and then throttled by the first expansion valve 114, and then, the expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant while passing through the first heat exchanger 115. In this case, the bypass line 130 is blocked by the branch valve 116 so that the refrigerant does not flow. In addition, in a state in which the second expansion valve 121 is closed, the flow of the refrigerant through the second refrigerant line 120 can be blocked.

[0107] The refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchanger 115 passes through the internal heat exchanger 150 via the accumulator 140, exchanges heat with the refrigerant before being introduced into the first expansion valve 114, and then is introduced back into the compressor 111. In addition, as the above process is repeated, the refrigerant circulates along the first refrigerant line 110.

[0108] Meanwhile, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 circulates by the operation of the first pump 212, the second pump 222, the third pump 232, and the fourth pump 242. In addition, the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112 and the first heat exchanger 115, the electric component 500, and the battery 400 may be cooled by the circulating coolant, and the heated coolant may be cooled while exchanging heat with the outside air in the radiator 252.

[0109] In this case, the first reversing valve 211 may be adjusted in a direction in which the first reversing valve 211 branches from the first coolant line 210 and connects the fourth coolant line 240 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 connects the second coolant line 220 to the fourth coolant line 240 and connects the second coolant line 220 to the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 connects the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250, and the fourth reversing valve 251 may be adjusted to be disconnected from the first coolant line 210.

[0110] More specifically, when the left and upper sides of the first reversing valve 211 and the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the right and lower sides of the first reversing valve 211 and the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. In addition, when the left and right sides of the third reversing valve 231 and the fourth reversing valve 251 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the upper sides of the third reversing valve 231 and the fourth reversing valve 251 can be disconnected.

[0111] Therefore, the coolant may be introduced from the radiator 252 into the tank 241 through the first reversing valve 211 and the first connecting line 260. The portion of the coolant branched toward one side from the tank 241 may move along the fourth coolant line 240, and be introduced into the third coolant line 230 from the second branching valve, and then be introduced into the fifth coolant line 250 from the third reversing valve 231 via the battery 400 and the coolant heater 410. In addition, the remaining portion of the coolant branched toward the other side from the tank 241 may be introduced into the second coolant line 220 from the second reversing valve 221 via the electric component 500, introduced from the second reversing valve 221 via the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and then introduced into the fifth coolant line 250 via the second connecting line 270 and the third branching valve 253. Furthermore, the coolant merged into the fifth coolant line 250 is introduced back into the radiator 252 via the fourth switching valve 251 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant.

[0112] Furthermore, the coolant is introduced from the cabin cooler 310 along the first coolant line 210 sequentially through the first reversing valve 211 , the first heat exchanger 115 , and the first branch valve 213 back into the cabin cooler 310 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant in a closed loop structure.

[0113] Therefore, the battery 400 and the electric component 500 may be cooled by heat exchange with the outside air. In addition, the cabin cooler 310 may cool the vehicle interior when the coolant circulating in the closed loop structure along the first coolant line 210 is cooled by the refrigerant.

[0114] 2. Second air conditioning mode

[0115] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing the operation in the second air conditioning mode.

[0116] Reference Figure 5 , the second air conditioning mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is cooled and the battery 400 is cooled by using the second heat exchanger 122 .

[0117] In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 111 operates, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 111. In addition, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 and moving along the first refrigerant line 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the coolant in the condenser 112. Next, the refrigerant cooled and condensed in the condenser 112 is branched from the refrigerant branching portion 113 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 150. Thereafter, a part of the refrigerant is expanded while being throttled by the first expansion valve 114, and then the expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant while passing through the first heat exchanger 115. In this case, the bypass line 130 is blocked by the branch valve 116 so that the refrigerant does not flow. The refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchanger 115 passes through the internal heat exchanger 150 via the accumulator 140, exchanges heat with the refrigerant before being introduced into the first expansion valve 114, and is then introduced back into the compressor.

[0118] In addition, the remaining part of the refrigerant branched from the refrigerant branching portion 113 moves along the second refrigerant line 120, and is expanded while being throttled by the second expansion valve 121. Thereafter, the expanded refrigerant may exchange heat with the coolant while passing through the second heat exchanger 122, and cool the coolant while evaporating. In addition, the refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger 122 passes through the internal heat exchanger 150 via the accumulator 140, exchanges heat with the refrigerant before being introduced into the second expansion valve 121, and is then introduced back into the compressor 111.

[0119] As described above, the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger 115 and the refrigerant having passed through the second heat exchanger 122 merge with each other in the accumulator 140, pass through the internal heat exchanger 150, and then flow into the compressor 111. As the above process is repeated, the refrigerant circulates.

[0120] Meanwhile, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 212, the second pump 222, the third pump 232, and the fourth pump 242. In addition, the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112, the first heat exchanger 115, and the second heat exchanger 122, the electric component 500, and the battery 400 may be cooled by the circulating coolant, and the heated coolant may be cooled while exchanging heat with the outside air in the radiator 252.

[0121] In this case, the first reversing valve 211 may be adjusted in a direction in which the first reversing valve 211 branches from the first coolant line 210 and connects the fourth coolant line 240 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 connects the second coolant line 220 to the fourth coolant line 240 and connects the second coolant line 220 to the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 disconnects the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250, and the fourth reversing valve 251 may be adjusted to be disconnected from the first coolant line 210.

[0122] More specifically, when the left side and the upper side of the first reversing valve 211 and the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the right side and the lower side of the first reversing valve 211 and the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. When the right side and the upper side of the third reversing valve 231 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the left side of the third reversing valve 231 can be disconnected. In addition, when the left side and the right side of the fourth reversing valve 251 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the upper side of the fourth reversing valve 251 can be disconnected.

[0123] Therefore, the coolant may be introduced from the radiator 252 into the tank 241 via the first reversing valve 211 and the first connecting line 260. The coolant in the tank 241 may move along the fourth coolant line 240, and be introduced from the second reversing valve 221 into the second coolant line 220 via the electric component 500, be introduced from the second reversing valve 221 via the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and then be introduced into the fifth coolant line 250 via the second connecting line 270 and the third branch valve 253. In addition, the coolant in the fifth coolant line 250 is introduced back into the radiator 252 via the fourth reversing valve 251, thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant.

[0124] Furthermore, the coolant is introduced from the cabin cooler 310 along the first coolant line 210 sequentially through the first reversing valve 211 , the first heat exchanger 115 , and the first branch valve 213 back into the cabin cooler 310 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant in a closed loop structure.

[0125] In addition, the coolant is introduced from the second heat exchanger 122 along the third coolant pipeline 230 in sequence through the second branch valve 233, the battery 400, the coolant heater 410 and the third reversing valve 231 back to the second heat exchanger 122, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant in the closed loop structure.

[0126] Therefore, when the coolant circulating in the closed loop structure along the third coolant line 230 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 122, the battery can be cooled. In addition, when the coolant exchanges heat with the outside air in the radiator 252, the electric component 500 can be cooled. In addition, when the coolant circulating in the closed loop structure along the first coolant line 210 is cooled by the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 115, the cabin cooler 310 can cool the vehicle interior.

[0127] 3. Third air conditioning mode

[0128] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing the operation in the third air-conditioning mode.

[0129] Reference Figure 6 , the third air conditioning mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is heated by using the second heat exchanger 122 , absorbing heat of the outside air and absorbing waste heat of the electric components 500 .

[0130] In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 111 operates, and high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 111. In addition, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 111 and moving along the first refrigerant line 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the coolant in the condenser 112. Next, the refrigerant cooled and condensed in the condenser 112 moves to the refrigerant branch portion 113 along the bypass line 130. Thereafter, a portion of the refrigerant is expanded while being throttled by the first expansion valve 114, and then the expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant while passing through the first heat exchanger 115. In this case, the branch valve 116 allows the refrigerant to bypass the internal heat exchanger 150 without passing through the internal heat exchanger 150. The refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchanger 115 is introduced back to the compressor 111 via the accumulator 140 and the internal heat exchanger 150. In this case, the refrigerant is introduced back to the compressor 111 without exchanging heat with the refrigerant before being introduced into the first expansion valve 114.

[0131] In addition, the remaining part of the refrigerant branched from the refrigerant branching portion 113 moves along the second refrigerant line 120, and is expanded while being throttled by the second expansion valve 121. Thereafter, the expanded refrigerant may exchange heat with the coolant while passing through the second heat exchanger 122, and cool the coolant while evaporating. In addition, the refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger 122 is introduced back into the compressor 111 via the accumulator 140 and the internal heat exchanger 150.

[0132] As described above, the refrigerant having passed through the first heat exchanger 115 and the refrigerant having passed through the second heat exchanger 122 merge with each other in the accumulator 140, pass through the internal heat exchanger 150, and then flow into the compressor 111. As the above process is repeated, the refrigerant circulates.

[0133] Unlike the cooling mode, the refrigerants do not exchange heat with each other in the internal heat exchanger 150, so that heat loss of the refrigerants can be suppressed, which can improve heating performance and efficiency.

[0134] Meanwhile, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 212, the second pump 222, and the fourth pump 242. In addition, the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the electric component 500 and the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112, the first heat exchanger 115, and the second heat exchanger 122, and the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the outside air in the radiator 252.

[0135] In this case, the first reversing valve 211 may be adjusted in a direction in which the first reversing valve 211 branches from the fourth coolant line 240 and connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 branches from the second coolant line 220 and connects the fourth coolant line 240 to the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 connects the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250, and the fourth reversing valve 251 may be adjusted in a direction in which the fourth reversing valve 251 connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250.

[0136] More specifically, when the left side and the lower side of the first reversing valve 211 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right side and the upper side of the first reversing valve 211 can be disconnected. When the left side and the lower side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the right side and the upper side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the upper side of the third reversing valve 231 and the fourth reversing valve 251 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right sides of the third reversing valve 231 and the fourth reversing valve 251 can be disconnected.

[0137] Therefore, the coolant in the radiator 252 may move from the first reversing valve 211 toward the first coolant line 210, move toward the third connecting line 280 via the first heat exchanger 115 and the first branch valve, and flow from the fourth reversing valve 251 into the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the coolant in the fifth coolant line 250 is introduced back into the radiator 252, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant.

[0138] In addition, the coolant is introduced from the second reversing valve 221 via the electrical component 500 from the tank 241 along the fourth coolant pipeline 240 into the second connecting pipeline 270, moves from the third branch valve 253 along the fifth coolant pipeline 250 to the third reversing valve 231, and is introduced from the third reversing valve 231 via the third coolant pipeline 230, the second branch valve 233 and the fourth coolant pipeline 240 back to the tank 241, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant.

[0139] Furthermore, the coolant is introduced from the heater core 320 along the second coolant line 220 sequentially through the second switching valve 221 and the condenser 112 to return to the heater core 320 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant in a closed loop structure.

[0140] Therefore, the coolant exchanges heat with the air of the air conditioning device 300 while passing through the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and heats the air. The heated air may be supplied to the interior of the vehicle, and heats the interior of the vehicle.

[0141] In addition, the first heat exchanger 115 is configured to absorb heat from the outside air through the radiator 252, and the second heat exchanger 122 is configured to recover and absorb waste heat of the electrical component 500. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 115 and the second heat exchanger 122 can absorb heat from different heat sources, which can improve heating performance.

[0142] 4. The fourth air conditioning mode

[0143] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing the operation in the fourth air-conditioning mode.

[0144] Reference Figure 7 , the fourth air conditioning mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is heated by using the second heat exchanger 122 , absorbing heat of the outside air and absorbing waste heat of the battery 400 .

[0145] Since the operation of the refrigerant circulation line 100 in the fourth air-conditioning mode is the same as that in the third air-conditioning mode, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] The coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 212, the second pump 222, and the third pump 232. In addition, the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the battery 400 and the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112, the first heat exchanger 115, and the second heat exchanger 122, and the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the outside air in the radiator 252.

[0147] In this case, the first reversing valve 211 may be adjusted in a direction in which the first reversing valve 211 branches from the fourth coolant line 240 and connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 branches from the fourth coolant line 240 and the fifth coolant line 250 and is disconnected from the fourth coolant line 240 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 is disconnected from the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250, and the fourth reversing valve 251 may be adjusted in a direction in which the fourth reversing valve 251 connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250.

[0148] More specifically, when the left side and the lower side of the first reversing valve 211 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right side and the upper side of the first reversing valve 211 can be disconnected. When the right side and the upper side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the left side and the lower side of the second reversing valve 221 can be disconnected. When the right side and the upper side of the third reversing valve 231 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the left side of the third reversing valve 231 can be disconnected. When the left side and the upper side of the fourth reversing valve 251 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right side of the fourth reversing valve 251 can be disconnected.

[0149] Therefore, the coolant from the radiator 252 can move from the first reversing valve 211 to the first coolant line 210, move to the third connecting line 280 via the first heat exchanger 115 and the first branch valve 213, and flow from the fourth reversing valve 251 into the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the coolant in the fifth coolant line 250 is introduced back into the radiator 252, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant.

[0150] In addition, the coolant is introduced from the second branch valve 233 along the third coolant line 230 in sequence through the battery 400, the coolant heater 410, the third reversing valve 231 and the second heat exchanger 122 back to the battery 400, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant in the closed loop structure. In this case, the coolant heater 410 can be selectively operated to heat the coolant.

[0151] Furthermore, the coolant is introduced from the heater core 320 along the second coolant line 220 sequentially through the second switching valve 221 and the condenser 112 to return to the heater core 320 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant in a closed loop structure.

[0152] Therefore, the coolant exchanges heat with the air of the air conditioning device 300 while passing through the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and heats the air. The heated air may be supplied to the interior of the vehicle, and heats the interior of the vehicle.

[0153] In addition, the first heat exchanger 115 is configured to absorb heat from the outside air through the radiator 252, and the second heat exchanger 122 is configured to recover and absorb waste heat of the battery 400. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 115 and the second heat exchanger 122 can absorb heat from different heat sources, which can improve heating performance.

[0154] 5. Fifth air conditioning mode

[0155] Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing the operation in the fifth air-conditioning mode.

[0156] Reference Figure 8 The fifth air conditioning mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is heated by using the second heat exchanger 122 , absorbing heat of the outside air and absorbing waste heat of the electric component 500 and the battery 400 .

[0157] Since the operation of the refrigerant circulation line 100 in the fifth air conditioning mode is the same as that in the third air conditioning mode, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0158] The coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 212, the second pump 222, the third pump 232, and the fourth pump 242. In addition, the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the electric component 500 and the battery 400 and the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112, the first heat exchanger 115, and the second heat exchanger 122, and the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the outside air in the radiator 252.

[0159] In this case, the first reversing valve 211 may be adjusted in a direction in which the first reversing valve 211 branches from the fourth coolant line 240 and connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 branches from the second coolant line 220 and connects the fourth coolant line 240 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 connects the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250, and the fourth reversing valve 251 may be adjusted in a direction in which the fourth reversing valve 251 connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250.

[0160] More specifically, when the left side and the lower side of the first reversing valve 211 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right side and the upper side of the first reversing valve 211 can be disconnected. When the right side and the upper side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the left side and the lower side of the first reversing valve 211 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the right side of the third reversing valve 231 are connected to the upper side of the third reversing valve 231, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the upper side of the fourth reversing valve 251 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right side of the fourth reversing valve 251 can be disconnected.

[0161] Therefore, the coolant from the radiator 252 can move from the first reversing valve 211 to the first coolant line 210, move to the third connecting line 280 via the first heat exchanger 115 and the first branch valve 213, and flow from the fourth reversing valve 251 into the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the coolant in the fifth coolant line 250 is introduced back into the radiator 252, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant.

[0162] In addition, the coolant may be introduced into the second connecting line 270 along the fourth coolant line 240 from the second reversing valve 221 via the tank 241 and the electric component 500, and introduced into the third coolant line 230 via the third branch valve 253 and the third reversing valve 231. The portion of the coolant branched toward one side from the second branch valve 233 via the second heat exchanger 122 may move along the fourth coolant line 240 and flow back into the tank 241. In addition, the remaining portion of the coolant branched toward the other side from the second branch valve 233 may move along the third coolant line 230, flow back into the third reversing valve 231 via the battery 400 and the coolant heater 410, and merge with the moved coolant in the third branch valve 253, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant in the closed loop structure. In this case, the coolant heater 410 may be selectively operated to heat the coolant.

[0163] Furthermore, the coolant is introduced from the heater core 320 along the second coolant line 220 sequentially through the second switching valve 221 and the condenser 112 to return to the heater core 320 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant in a closed loop structure.

[0164] Therefore, the coolant exchanges heat with the air of the air conditioning device 300 while passing through the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and heats the air. The heated air may be supplied to the interior of the vehicle, and heats the interior of the vehicle.

[0165] In addition, the first heat exchanger 115 is configured to absorb heat from the outside air through the radiator 252, and the second heat exchanger 122 is configured to simultaneously recover and absorb waste heat of the battery 400 and the electrical component 500. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 115 and the second heat exchanger 122 can absorb heat from different heat sources, which can improve heating performance.

[0166] 6. Sixth air conditioning mode

[0167] Fig. 9 2 is a diagram showing the operation in the sixth air-conditioning mode.

[0168] Reference Fig. 9 , the sixth air conditioning mode is a mode in which the vehicle interior is heated, absorbs heat from the outside air, and raises the temperature of the battery 400 .

[0169] The operation of the refrigerant circulation line 100 in the sixth air conditioning mode is substantially the same as that in the first air conditioning mode. That is, the refrigerant can move along the first refrigerant line 110, and in a state in which the second expansion valve 121 is closed, the flow of the refrigerant through the second refrigerant line 120 can be blocked. However, the difference is that the branch valve 116 allows the refrigerant to flow along the bypass line 130 and bypass the internal heat exchanger 150 without passing through the internal heat exchanger 150. Therefore, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0170] The coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 212, the second pump 222, and the fourth pump 242. In addition, the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the electric component 500 and the battery 400 and the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112 and the first heat exchanger 115, and the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the outside air in the radiator 252.

[0171] In this case, the first reversing valve 211 may be adjusted in a direction in which the first reversing valve 211 branches from the fourth coolant line 240 and connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 connects the second coolant line 220 to the fourth coolant line 240 and connects the second coolant line 220 to the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 connects the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250, and the fourth reversing valve 251 may be adjusted in a direction in which the fourth reversing valve 251 connects the first coolant line 210 and the fifth coolant line 250.

[0172] More specifically, when the left side and the lower side of the first reversing valve 211 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right side and the upper side of the first reversing valve 211 can be disconnected. When the left side and the upper side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the right side and the lower side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the right side of the third reversing valve 231 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the upper side of the third reversing valve 231 can be disconnected. When the left side and the upper side of the fourth reversing valve 251 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the right side of the fourth reversing valve 251 can be disconnected.

[0173] Therefore, the coolant from the radiator 252 can move from the first reversing valve 211 to the first coolant line 210, move to the third connecting line 280 via the first heat exchanger 115 and the first branch valve 213, and flow from the fourth reversing valve 251 into the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the coolant in the fifth coolant line 250 is introduced back into the radiator 252, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant.

[0174] In addition, the coolant may be introduced into the second coolant line 220 along the fourth coolant line 240 from the second reversing valve 221 via the tank 241 and the electric component 500, introduced into the second connecting line 270 from the second reversing valve 221 via the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and introduced into the third coolant line 230 via the third branch valve 253 and the third reversing valve 231. In addition, the coolant in the third coolant line 230 moves from the second branch valve 233 via the coolant heater 410 and the battery 400 along the fourth coolant line 240, and flows back into the tank 241, thereby repeating the cycle for circulating the coolant. In this case, the coolant heated by the operation of the coolant heater 410 may be supplied to the battery 400.

[0175] Therefore, the coolant exchanges heat with the air of the air conditioning device 300 while passing through the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and heats the air. The heated air can be supplied to the interior of the vehicle, and the interior of the vehicle is heated. In this case, the condenser 112 can be configured to recover and absorb the waste heat of the electrical component 500, so that the interior of the vehicle and the battery 400 can be heated by using the heated coolant. If necessary, the coolant heated by the operation of the coolant heater 410 can also heat the battery 400, which can quickly improve the initial performance of the battery 400 in winter.

[0176] In addition, the first heat exchanger 115 is configured to absorb heat from the external air through the radiator 252. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 115 and the condenser 112 may absorb heat from different heat sources, which may improve heating performance.

[0177] 7. Seventh air conditioning mode

[0178] Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing the operation in the seventh air-conditioning mode.

[0179] Reference Fig.10 , the seventh air conditioning mode refers to a mode in which dehumidification is performed through the second heat exchanger 122 , heat of the outside air is absorbed, and waste heat of the electric component 500 and the battery 400 is absorbed.

[0180] Since the operation of the refrigerant circulation line 100 in the seventh air conditioning mode is the same as that in the third air conditioning mode, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0181] The coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 212, the second pump 222, and the fourth pump 242. In addition, the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the electric component 500 and the battery 400 and the refrigerant passing through the condenser 112, the first heat exchanger 115, and the second heat exchanger 122, and the circulating coolant may exchange heat with the outside air in the radiator 252.

[0182] In this case, the first reversing valve 211 may be adjusted in a direction in which the first reversing valve 211 branches from the first coolant line 210 and connects the fourth coolant line 240 and the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 branches from the second coolant line 220 and connects the fourth coolant line 240 to the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 connects the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250, and the fourth reversing valve 251 may be adjusted to be disconnected from the first coolant line 210.

[0183] More specifically, when the left side and the upper side of the first reversing valve 211 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the right side and the lower side of the first reversing valve 211 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the lower side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the right side and the upper side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the right side of the third reversing valve 231 are connected to the upper side of the third reversing valve 231, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the right side of the fourth reversing valve 251 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the upper side of the fourth reversing valve 251 can be disconnected.

[0184] Therefore, the coolant is introduced from the radiator 252 into the tank 241 via the first reversing valve 211 and the first connecting line 260. The coolant in the tank 241 moves along the fourth coolant line 240, and flows from the second reversing valve 221 into the third branch valve 253 along the second connecting line 270 via the electric component 500. A portion of the coolant branched toward one side from the third branch valve 253 is introduced back into the radiator 252 via the fourth reversing valve 251, so that the cycle for circulating the coolant can be repeated.

[0185] In addition, the remaining portion of the coolant branched toward the other side from the third branch valve 253 is introduced into the third coolant line 230 from the third reversing valve 231, and is introduced into the second branch valve 233 via the second heat exchanger 122. The portion of the coolant branched from the second branch valve 233 is returned to the third reversing valve 231 along the third coolant line 230 via the battery 400 and the coolant heater 410, so that the cycle for circulating the coolant in the closed loop structure can be repeated. In addition, the remaining portion of the coolant branched toward the other side from the second branch valve 233 is returned to the tank 241 along the fourth coolant line 240, so that the cycle for circulating the coolant can be repeated.

[0186] Furthermore, the coolant is introduced from the cabin cooler 310 along the first coolant line 210 sequentially through the first reversing valve 211 , the first heat exchanger 115 , and the first branch valve 213 back into the cabin cooler 310 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant in a closed loop structure.

[0187] Furthermore, the coolant is introduced from the heater core 320 along the second coolant line 220 sequentially through the second switching valve 221 and the condenser 112 to return to the heater core 320 , thereby repeating a cycle for circulating the coolant in a closed loop structure.

[0188] Therefore, the coolant exchanges heat with the air of the air conditioning device 300 while passing through the first heat exchanger 115 and the cabin cooler 310, and cools the air. The cooled air can be supplied to the interior of the vehicle, so that dehumidification can be performed in the interior cooling mode. That is, when the coolant exchanges heat with the air, moisture in the air can be removed.

[0189] Furthermore, the second heat exchanger 122 is configured to absorb heat from the outside air through the radiator 252 and simultaneously recover and absorb waste heat of the battery 400 and the electric component 500 , thereby improving heating performance.

[0190] 8. The eighth air conditioning mode

[0191] Fig.11 2 is a diagram showing the operation in the eighth air-conditioning mode.

[0192] Reference Fig.11 , the eighth air conditioning mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is heated by using waste heat of the electric components 500 and the battery 400.

[0193] In the eighth air conditioning mode, the operation of the refrigerant circulation line 100 is stopped.

[0194] The coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operations of the second pump 222 and the fourth pump 242. In addition, the circulated coolant may exchange heat with the electric component 500 and the battery 400.

[0195] In this case, the second reversing valve 221 may be adjusted in a direction in which the second reversing valve 221 connects the fourth coolant line 240 to the second coolant line 220 and connects the second coolant line 220 to the fifth coolant line 250. In addition, the third reversing valve 231 may be adjusted in a direction in which the third reversing valve 231 connects the third coolant line 230 and the fifth coolant line 250.

[0196] More specifically, when the left side and the upper side of the second reversing valve 221 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and when the right side and the lower side of the third reversing valve 231 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow. When the left side and the right side of the third reversing valve 231 are connected to each other, the coolant can flow, and the upper side of the third reversing valve 231 can be disconnected.

[0197] Therefore, the coolant moves from the tank 241 along the fourth coolant line 240, flows into the second reversing valve 221 via the electrical component 500, circulates back to the second reversing valve 221 from the second reversing valve 221 along the second coolant line 220 via the condenser 112 and the heater core 320, and then flows into the third coolant line 230 via the second connecting line 270, the third branch valve 253 and the third reversing valve 231.

[0198] The coolant in the third coolant line 230 flows into the second branch valve 233 via the coolant heater 410 and the battery 400 , moves from the second branch valve 233 along the fourth coolant line 240 , and flows back into the tank 241 , so that a cycle for circulating the coolant may be repeated.

[0199] Therefore, the coolant can recover waste heat of the electric component 500 and waste heat of the battery 400 while passing through the electric component 500 and the battery 400 , thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0200] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention disclosed in the claims. In addition, it should be understood that the differences associated with modifications and changes are included within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, the thermal management system comprising: compressor; Condenser; Refrigerant branch; a first refrigerant line branched from the refrigerant branching portion toward one side, provided with a first expansion valve and a first heat exchanger, and configured to allow refrigerant to circulate through the first refrigerant line; a second refrigerant line that branches from the refrigerant branching portion toward the other side, is provided with a second expansion valve and a second heat exchanger, and is configured to allow refrigerant to circulate through the second refrigerant line; an internal heat exchanger configured to allow the refrigerant passing through the condenser and moving toward the refrigerant branch portion and the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger and moving toward the compressor to exchange heat with each other; as well as A bypass line is connected to allow the refrigerant having passed through the condenser to bypass the internal heat exchanger.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a branch valve, the branch valve being arranged at the outlet side of the condenser, Wherein, according to the air conditioning mode, the branch valve allows the refrigerant to pass through the internal heat exchanger or allows the refrigerant to move to the bypass line and bypass the internal heat exchanger.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, further comprising: An accumulator configured to separate the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger and moving toward the compressor into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The liquid reservoir is integrated with the internal heat exchanger.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1, further comprising: A coolant circulation line is configured to circulate a coolant that exchanges heat with the air or the refrigerant.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The coolant circulation pipeline comprises: a first coolant line configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant while passing through the first heat exchanger and provided with a cabin cooler and a first reversing valve; a second coolant line provided with a second switching valve and a heater core configured to heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant while passing through the condenser; and A third coolant line is provided with a third reversing valve and a battery, and the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant when passing through the second heat exchanger flows through the battery.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, further comprising: a fourth coolant line connected to the second reversing valve and branched from the third coolant line connected to the outlet side of the second heat exchanger; as well as A fifth coolant line is configured to connect the first reversing valve and the third reversing valve.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: A tank and electric components are arranged in the fourth coolant line, and a fourth reversing valve and a radiator are arranged in the fifth coolant line.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, wherein: The first switching valve is connected to a first connecting line branched from the tank, the second switching valve is connected to a second connecting line branched from the fifth coolant line, and the fourth switching valve is connected to a third connecting line branched from the first coolant line.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: Pumps are respectively arranged in the first to fourth coolant lines, and a coolant heater is arranged in the third coolant line, and the coolant heater is selectively operated to heat the coolant according to an operation mode.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The cabin cooler and the heater core are installed in an air conditioning device, and a PTC heater is also installed in the air conditioning device.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: In a cooling mode, the branch valve controls the refrigerant so that the refrigerant moves along the first refrigerant line and passes through the internal heat exchanger.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: In a heating mode, the branch valve controls the refrigerant so that the refrigerant moves to the bypass line and bypasses the internal heat exchanger.

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