Method for cleaning condenser of thermal management system of vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle. The method for cleaning the condenser of the thermal management system of the vehicle comprises the steps that a control unit controls a first pump of an electrical component cooling loop and a second pump of a battery cooling loop to stop running, so that a refrigerant does not exchange heat with cooling liquid when passing through a heat exchanger, controlling a first expansion valve on a refrigerant connection line upstream of the battery cooler to be fully open, a second expansion valve on the refrigerant line upstream of the heat exchanger to operate and a third expansion valve upstream of the evaporator to be closed so that the external condenser functions as the evaporator, and controlling a compressor and a cooling fan to operate, in this way, the freezing mode for freezing the external condenser is executed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle, which can clean the condenser by performing icing and defrosting operations on the condenser. Background Art

[0002] After the vehicle has traveled at high speed and / or over long distances, the external condenser of the vehicle's air conditioning unit can easily become dirty, and the surface of the external condenser can be covered with dead insects or flying catkins, which can affect the condensation effect of the external condenser and thus the cooling performance of the air conditioning unit.

[0003] In addition, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, since the external condenser is arranged in front of the radiator, the external air first passes through the external condenser and then cools the radiator used to cool the motor (or engine). Therefore, when the surface of the external condenser is covered with insect corpses or flying catkins, the air volume passing through the radiator will be reduced, thereby affecting the cooling of the motor (or engine) which is the power source of the vehicle.

[0004] At present, the method of cleaning the external condenser requires removing the front bumper cover of the vehicle and then cleaning the external condenser with a high-pressure water gun. This cleaning method cannot be operated by the user, and the cleaning cost is high.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to study a method for cleaning the external condenser which can be operated by the user and has low cleaning cost.

[0006] The information contained in this Background section of the present invention is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to solving the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and through the following detailed description of the specification, those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned herein.

[0008] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a thermal management system for a vehicle, the system may include: an electrical component cooling circuit, a battery cooling circuit, a battery cooler, a first expansion valve, an air conditioning device, a cooling fan, and a control unit, the electrical component cooling circuit may include a first radiator, a first pump, and at least one electrical component connected by a coolant line, so that the coolant circulates in the coolant line to cool the at least one electrical component arranged on the coolant line; the battery cooling circuit may include a second pump and a battery connected by a battery coolant line, so that the coolant circulates in the battery coolant line to cool the battery arranged on the battery coolant line; the battery cooler may be arranged on the battery coolant line between the battery and the second pump, and connected to the refrigerant line of the air conditioning device by a refrigerant connecting line to adjust the temperature of the coolant by heat exchange between the coolant in the battery coolant line and the refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning device via the refrigerant connecting line; the first An expansion valve may be arranged on a refrigerant connecting pipeline upstream of a battery cooler to selectively allow the refrigerant to flow into the battery cooler in an expanded state; the air-conditioning device may include a compressor, an internal condenser, a second expansion valve, a heat exchanger, an external condenser, a third expansion valve and an evaporator connected by a refrigerant pipeline, in which: the heat exchanger is also arranged on a coolant pipeline so that the coolant circulating through the coolant pipeline can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger; the external condenser is arranged at the front of the vehicle and exposed to the outside; the cooling fan may be arranged behind the external condenser and the first radiator; the control unit may be configured to: in an ice forming mode, control the first pump and the second pump to stop running so that the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the coolant when passing through the heat exchanger, control the first expansion valve to be fully opened, the second expansion valve to operate and the third expansion valve to be closed so that the external condenser is used as an evaporator, and control the compressor and the cooling fan to operate so that the external condenser is frozen.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to: execute a defrosting mode after executing a freezing mode, in which the first pump and the second pump are kept stopped, the first expansion valve is controlled to be closed, the second expansion valve is fully opened, and the third expansion valve is opened so that the external condenser is used as a condenser, and the compressor and the cooling fan are controlled to operate so that the external condenser defrosts.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system of the vehicle may further include: an ambient temperature sensor, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a vehicle speed sensor, wherein the ambient temperature sensor can be used to sense the ambient temperature outside the vehicle; the first temperature sensor can be arranged on at least one electrical component to sense the temperature of at least one electrical component; the second temperature sensor can be arranged on the battery to sense the temperature of the battery; the third temperature sensor can be arranged on the refrigerant connecting line downstream of the battery cooler to sense the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler; the pressure sensor can be arranged on the refrigerant connecting line downstream of the battery cooler to sense the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler; the vehicle speed sensor can be used to sense the vehicle speed.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first predetermined temperature, and the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, the control unit may determine whether the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked. When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit may determine whether an icing mode entry condition is satisfied.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than a first predetermined temperature, or the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is not greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, the control unit may determine whether the time for which the external condenser cleaning is not performed exceeds a predetermined period. When it is determined that the time for which the external condenser cleaning is not performed exceeds a predetermined period, the control unit may determine whether the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked. When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit may determine whether an icing mode entry condition is satisfied.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than or equal to the second predetermined temperature, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is less than or equal to the third predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is less than or equal to the fourth predetermined temperature, the control unit can determine that the conditions for entering the freezing mode are met and execute the freezing mode.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the freezing mode, the control unit may control so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within the first predetermined temperature range. When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within the first predetermined temperature range, the control unit may determine that condensed water is generated on the surface of the external condenser, and maintain the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor remains within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time, the control unit may control so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor decreases to a second predetermined temperature range lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor drops to within a second predetermined temperature range, the control unit may calculate the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser based on the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor and the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, and compare the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser with the superheat threshold.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser is greater than or equal to the superheat threshold, the control unit may execute the ice forming mode for a third predetermined time. When the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser is less than the superheat threshold, the control unit may execute the ice defrosting mode for a fourth predetermined time.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system of the vehicle may further include: a coolant circulation loop, a first coolant connecting line, and a second coolant connecting line, wherein the coolant circulation loop may include a second radiator and a third pump connected by the coolant circulation line; the first end of the first coolant connecting line may be connected to the battery coolant line downstream of the battery through a first valve, and the second end of the first coolant connecting line may be connected to the coolant circulation line upstream of the second radiator; the first end of the second coolant connecting line is connected to the battery coolant line upstream of the second pump, and the second end of the second coolant connecting line is connected to the coolant circulation line downstream of the third pump. A heat exchanger is also provided on the coolant circulation line, and is configured so that the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation line can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, while the coolant in the coolant line cannot exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation line. The control unit may be configured to control the third pump to stop operating in the freezing mode and the deicing mode.

[0019] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle, the method may include: controlling, by a control unit, a first pump of an electrical component cooling circuit and a second pump of a battery cooling circuit to stop operating so that the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the coolant when passing through a heat exchanger, controlling a first expansion valve on a refrigerant connecting line upstream of the battery cooler to be fully opened, a second expansion valve on the refrigerant line upstream of the heat exchanger to operate, and a third expansion valve upstream of the evaporator to be closed so that an external condenser is used as an evaporator, and controlling the operation of a compressor and a cooling fan to execute a freezing mode for freezing the external condenser.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after executing the freezing mode, the control unit keeps the first pump and the second pump from running, controls the first expansion valve to be closed, the second expansion valve to be fully opened, and the third expansion valve to be opened, so that the external condenser is used as a condenser, and controls the compressor and the cooling fan to run to execute the defrosting mode for defrosting the external condenser.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method for cleaning the condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle may further include: sensing the ambient temperature outside the vehicle by an ambient temperature sensor; sensing the temperature of at least one electrical component by a first temperature sensor arranged on at least one electrical component; sensing the temperature of the battery by a second temperature sensor arranged on the battery; sensing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler by a third temperature sensor arranged on the refrigerant connecting line downstream of the battery cooler; sensing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler by a pressure sensor arranged on the refrigerant connecting line downstream of the battery cooler; and sensing the vehicle speed by a vehicle speed sensor.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first predetermined temperature, and the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, the control unit determines whether the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked. When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit determines whether the icing mode entry condition is met.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than a first predetermined temperature, or the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is not greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, the control unit determines whether the time for which the external condenser cleaning is not performed exceeds a predetermined period. When it is determined that the time for which the external condenser cleaning is not performed exceeds a predetermined period, the control unit determines whether the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked. When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit determines whether the icing mode entry condition is met.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than or equal to the second predetermined temperature, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is less than or equal to the third predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is less than or equal to the fourth predetermined temperature, the control unit determines that the conditions for entering the freezing mode are met and executes the freezing mode.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the freezing mode, the control unit controls so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within the first predetermined temperature range. When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within the first predetermined temperature range, the control unit determines that condensed water is generated on the surface of the external condenser, and keeps the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor remains within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time, the control unit controls so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor decreases to a second predetermined temperature range lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor decreases to within a second predetermined temperature range, the control unit calculates the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser according to the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor and the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, and compares the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser with a superheat threshold value. When the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser is greater than or equal to the superheat threshold value, the control unit executes the freezing mode for a third predetermined time. When the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser is less than the superheat threshold value, the control unit executes the defrosting mode for a fourth predetermined time.

[0028] The systems and methods of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from, or will be described in detail in, the accompanying drawings and subsequent detailed descriptions incorporated herein, which together serve to explain the specific principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A control block diagram showing a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 To illustrate a cooling mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4To illustrate a heating mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 To illustrate an icing mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 To illustrate a defrosting mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 A flowchart showing a method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 A flowchart showing an ice forming mode and an ice defrosting mode of a method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing changes of a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention before and after cleaning.

[0039] It should be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale, but show various features that illustrate the basic principles of the invention in a slightly simplified manner. In the drawings of the present invention, the same reference numerals represent the same or equivalent parts of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicle-based," or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats, ships, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum energy sources).

[0041] Although the exemplary embodiments are described as utilizing multiple units to perform the exemplary processes, it will be appreciated that the exemplary processes may also be performed by one module or multiple modules. In addition, it will be appreciated that the term control unit / control unit represents a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to complete one or more processes described further below.

[0042] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further understandably, when the words "include" and / or "comprise" are used in this specification, the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements and / or components exist, but the presence or additional presence of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components and / or and combinations thereof are not excluded. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and / or all combinations of one or more related enumeration items.

[0043] Hereinafter, a method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] It is known that the freezing force of 1g of water is as high as 960kg / cm 2 , the freezing power of water can be used to remove surface dirt. Therefore, the inventor of the present application imagines that the condenser can be frozen by controlling the operation of the vehicle's thermal management system, and then the dirt on the condenser surface can be removed through the ice melting process.

[0045] Figure 1 2 is a schematic diagram showing a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A control block diagram illustrating a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an electric component cooling circuit 10 , a battery cooling circuit 20 , a battery chiller 30 , a coolant circulation circuit 40 , an air conditioning device 50 , and a control unit 60 .

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical component cooling circuit 10 may include: a first radiator 12, a first pump 13, and an electrical component 14 connected by a coolant line 11. In addition, the electrical component cooling circuit 10 may include a first reservoir 15 disposed upstream of the first pump 13 for replenishing the coolant in the coolant line 11. The coolant in the coolant line 11 may circulate through the electrical component 14 and the first radiator 12 by the operation of the first pump 13 to cool the electrical component 14 disposed on the coolant line 11.

[0048] The first radiator 12 can be set at the front of the vehicle, and the front and rear directions are defined based on the driving direction of the vehicle. The cooling fan 16 can be installed behind the first radiator 12, so that the coolant passing through the electrical component 14 can be cooled in the first radiator 12 by heat exchange with the external air, thereby using the cooled coolant to cool the electrical component 14.

[0049] The electrical components 14 are disposed in the coolant line 11 and are cooled by the coolant circulating through the electrical component cooling circuit 10. The electrical components 14 may include: a control unit, a motor, an inverter, an on-board charger, and the like.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery cooling circuit 20 may include: a second pump 22 and a battery 23 connected by a battery coolant line 21. In addition, the battery cooling circuit 20 may include a battery heater 24 disposed downstream of the battery 23. When the battery 23 needs to be heated, the battery heater 24 may be selectively operated according to the temperature of the battery. The coolant in the battery coolant line 21 may be circulated through the battery 23 by the operation of the second pump 22.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery cooler 30 can be arranged on the battery coolant pipeline 21 between the second pump 22 and the battery 23, and connected to the refrigerant pipeline 51 of the air-conditioning device 50 through the refrigerant connecting pipeline 31 to adjust the temperature of the coolant by heat exchange between the coolant in the battery coolant pipeline 21 and the refrigerant supplied from the air-conditioning device 50 via the refrigerant connecting pipeline 31.

[0052] A first expansion valve EXV1 is provided on the refrigerant connection line 31 upstream of the battery cooler 30, and the first expansion valve EXV1 can selectively allow the refrigerant to flow into the battery cooler 30 in an expanded state. The refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning device 50 through the refrigerant connection line 31 is expanded by the first expansion valve EXV1, and the coolant circulating through the battery coolant line 21 can be cooled by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant in the battery cooler 30, thereby using the cooled coolant to cool the battery 23. The battery cooler 30 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coolant circulation loop 40 may include: a second radiator 42 and a third pump 43 connected by a coolant circulation line 41. The second radiator 42 may be disposed in front of the cooling fan 16, so that the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation line 41 may be cooled by heat exchange with the outside air in the second radiator 42. The first pump 13, the second pump 22, and the third pump 43 may be electric water pumps.

[0054] The thermal management system of the vehicle may further include a first coolant connecting line 44 and a second coolant connecting line 45, and the coolant circulation loop 40 may be connected to the battery cooling loop 20 through the first coolant connecting line 44 and the second coolant connecting line 45. The first end of the first coolant connecting line 44 may be connected to the battery coolant line 21 downstream of the battery heater 24 through the first valve V1, and the second end of the first coolant connecting line 44 may be connected to the coolant circulation line 41 upstream of the second radiator 42. The first end of the second coolant connecting line 45 may be connected to the battery coolant line 21 upstream of the second pump 22, and the second end of the second coolant connecting line 45 may be connected to the coolant circulation line 41 downstream of the third pump 43. In addition, a second liquid storage tank 46 may be provided on the coolant circulation line 41 for replenishing the coolant in the coolant circulation line 41.

[0055] The first valve V1 can be a three-way valve, the first port of the first valve V1 can be connected to the battery coolant pipeline 21 downstream of the battery 23, the second port of the first valve V1 can be connected to the battery coolant pipeline 21 upstream of the second pump 22, and the third port of the first valve V1 can be connected to the first coolant connecting pipeline 44.

[0056] Thus, the battery coolant loop 20 can be connected to the coolant circulation loop 40 by operating the first valve V1 to form an integral closed loop. At this time, the coolant can circulate through the battery coolant line 21, the first coolant connecting line 44, the coolant circulation line 41, and the second coolant connecting line 45 by operating the second pump 22 and the third pump 43. When cooling the battery 23, the battery coolant loop 20 can be connected to the coolant circulation loop 40 by operating the first valve V1, so that the coolant passing through the battery 23 can be cooled in the second radiator 42 by heat exchange with the outside air, thereby using the cooled coolant to cool the battery 23.

[0057] Alternatively, the battery coolant line 21 can be disconnected from the coolant circulation line 41 by operating the first valve V1, so that the battery coolant circuit 20 and the coolant circulation circuit 40 form independent closed circuits. In the cooling mode, the coolant circulation circuit 40 can be formed into an independent closed circuit by operating the first valve V1, so that the coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant when passing through the heat exchanger 54 can be cooled in the second radiator 42 by heat exchange with the outside air, so that the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 can be condensed by using the cooled coolant. On the other hand, in the heating mode, the coolant circulation circuit 40 can be formed into an independent closed circuit by operating the first valve V1, and the coolant in the coolant circulation line 41 can absorb the heat of the outside air when passing through the second radiator 42, and the coolant that absorbs the heat of the outside air exchanges heat with the refrigerant when passing through the heat exchanger 54, so that the heat of the outside air can be absorbed by the heat exchanger 54.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning device 50 may include a compressor 52, an internal condenser 53, a second expansion valve EXV2, a heat exchanger 54, an external condenser 55, a third expansion valve TXV3, and an evaporator 56 connected by a refrigerant line 51. In addition, the air conditioning device 50 may include a blower 57a, a damper 57b, and an air heater 57c.

[0059] The internal condenser 53 is used to condense the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 52 , and the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 flows into the heat exchanger 54 through the second expansion valve EXV2 .

[0060] The heat exchanger 54 may also be provided on the coolant line 11 and the coolant circulation line 41. Specifically, the heat exchanger 54 may be provided on the coolant line 11 between the electrical component 14 and the first radiator 12, and on the coolant circulation line 41 between the third pump 43 and the second radiator 42. The heat exchanger 54 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0061] The coolant may circulate along the coolant line 11 to the heat exchanger 54 under the pumping of the first pump 13, and perform heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 in the heat exchanger 54. In addition, the coolant may circulate along the coolant circulation line 41 to the heat exchanger 54 under the pumping of the third pump 43, and perform heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 in the heat exchanger 54. At the same time, the interior of the heat exchanger 54 is configured so that there is no heat exchange between the coolant in the coolant line 11 and the coolant in the coolant circulation line 41.

[0062] A second expansion valve EXV2 may be provided upstream of the heat exchanger 54 , and the second expansion valve EXV2 may selectively allow the refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger 54 in an expanded state.

[0063] The first expansion valve EXV1 and the second expansion valve EXV2 are electronic expansion valves, and have three states: fully open, operated, and closed. The fully open expansion valve may indicate that the expansion valve allows the refrigerant to pass without expansion, the operated expansion valve may indicate that the expansion valve allows the refrigerant to pass in an expanded state, and the closed expansion valve may indicate that the expansion valve does not allow the refrigerant to pass. The third expansion valve TXV3 is a mechanical expansion valve, and has two states: open and closed. The open expansion valve may indicate that the expansion valve allows the refrigerant to pass in an expanded state.

[0064] In the cooling mode, the control unit 60 can fully open the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2 without expansion. Thus, the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 54 can be condensed by the coolant circulating through the coolant line 11 and the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation line 41.

[0065] In the heating mode, the control unit 60 can operate the second expansion valve EXV2 to allow the refrigerant to pass through the second expansion valve EXV2 in an expanded state. The expanded refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 54, and performs heat exchange with the coolant in the coolant line 11 and the coolant circulation line 41 in the heat exchanger 54, so that the waste heat of the electrical component 14 and the battery 23 can be recovered through the heat exchanger 54.

[0066] The external condenser 55 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle and located in front of the second radiator 42 and the first radiator 12, so that the external condenser 55 is exposed to the outside. After the vehicle travels at high speed and / or long distance, the surface of the external condenser 55 may become dirty, and therefore, the external condenser 55 needs to be cleaned.

[0067] A third expansion valve TXV3 may be provided upstream of the evaporator 56 , and the third expansion valve TXV3 may allow the refrigerant to flow into the evaporator 56 in an expanded state.

[0068] The damper 57 b may be configured to operate according to a cooling mode or a heating mode of the vehicle so that the air introduced by the blower 57 a passes through the interior condenser 53 after passing through the evaporator 56 or bypasses the interior condenser 53 .

[0069] In the heating mode of the vehicle, when the temperature of the air having passed through the interior condenser 53 is less than the target temperature, the air heater 57 c may be activated and operated to additionally heat the air flowing into the interior of the vehicle.

[0070] In addition, the air conditioning device 50 may further include an accumulator 58. The accumulator 58 may be provided on the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 52, and is used to separate the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant flowing to the compressor 52 from each other, and to supply only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 52, thereby preventing the compressor 52 from being subjected to liquid shock.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the thermal management system of the vehicle may further include various sensors for sensing the operating state of the thermal management system of the vehicle and the driving state of the vehicle. The sensors may include: an ambient temperature sensor 81, a plurality of temperature sensors 82, a pressure sensor 83, and a vehicle speed sensor 84.

[0072] The ambient temperature sensor 81 may be used to sense the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

[0073] The multiple temperature sensors 82 may include: a first temperature sensor 82a, a second temperature sensor 82b and a third temperature sensor 82c. The first temperature sensor 82a may be arranged on the electrical component 14 to sense the temperature of the electrical component 14; the second temperature sensor 82b may be arranged on the battery 23 to sense the temperature of the battery 23; the third temperature sensor 82c may be arranged on the refrigerant connecting line 31 downstream of the battery cooler 30 to sense the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler 30.

[0074] The pressure sensor 83 may be provided on the refrigerant connection line 31 downstream of the battery cooler 30 to sense the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler 30. The third temperature sensor 82c and the pressure sensor 83 are provided in the thermal management system of the vehicle, so that when cooling the battery 23, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c and the pressure sensor 83 are used to control the operation of the compressor 52 and the operation of the first expansion valve EXV1. In the icing mode described below, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator can be reflected by the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c and the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 83, so that the rotation speed of the compressor 52 and the opening degree of the second expansion valve EXV2 are controlled according to the sensing results, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator reaches the desired temperature. Preferably, the third temperature sensor 82c and the pressure sensor 83 can be integrated into a single temperature and pressure sensor.

[0075] A vehicle speed sensor 84 may be used to sense vehicle speed.

[0076] The control unit 60 may be connected to the sensor to receive the operating state of the thermal management system of the vehicle and the driving state of the vehicle from the sensor. The control unit 60 may control the operation of the thermal management system of the vehicle according to the received operating state of the thermal management system of the vehicle and the driving state of the vehicle to perform external condenser cleaning. The external condenser cleaning may utilize the freezing power of water to remove surface dirt of the external condenser. Accordingly, the external condenser cleaning may include an icing mode for freezing the external condenser and an ice-melting mode for thawing the external condenser.

[0077] In the present invention, the connection may include: a wired connection and a wireless connection. The wired connection may include a connection through a pipeline, a valve, an expansion valve, or an electrical connection achieved through a cable; the wireless connection may include a connection through a wireless network.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning device 50 may further include a second valve V2 and a receiver-drier 59 .

[0079] The second valve V2 may be provided on the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the external condenser 55. The second valve V2 may be a three-way valve, a first port of the second valve V2 may be connected to the refrigerant pipeline 51 downstream of the heat exchanger 54, a second port of the second valve V2 may be connected to the refrigerant pipeline 51 upstream of the external condenser 55, and a third port of the second valve V2 may be connected to the refrigerant bypass line 71. A first end of the refrigerant bypass line 71 may be connected to the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the external condenser 55 through the second valve V2, and a second end of the refrigerant bypass line 71 may be connected to the refrigerant pipeline 51 between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 52. Thus, the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 54 may pass through the external condenser 55 or bypass the external condenser 55 through the operation of the second valve V2.

[0080] The receiver drier 59 may be provided on the refrigerant line 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the external condenser 55. The receiver drier 59 may dry and filter the refrigerant.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical component cooling circuit 10 may further include a third valve V3. The third valve V3 may be disposed on the coolant line 11 between the heat exchanger 54 and the first radiator 12. The third valve V3 may be a three-way valve, a first port of the third valve V3 may be connected to the coolant line 11 downstream of the heat exchanger 54, a second port of the third valve V3 may be connected to the coolant line 11 upstream of the first radiator 12, and a third port of the third valve V3 may be connected to a coolant bypass line 81. A first end of the coolant bypass line 81 may be connected to the coolant line 11 between the heat exchanger 54 and the first radiator 12 through the third valve V3, and a second end of the coolant bypass line 81 may be connected to the first reservoir 15. Thus, the coolant that has passed through the heat exchanger 54 may pass through the first radiator 12 or bypass the first radiator 12 through the operation of the third valve V3.

[0082] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cooling mode and the heating mode of the thermal management system of the vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cooling mode and the heating mode of the thermal management system of the vehicle are described below. The thermal management system of the vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention also has many other modes, which will not be described in detail here.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, in the cooling mode, the electric components 14 and the battery 23 are cooled, and cooling air is supplied to the vehicle cabin.

[0084] Specifically, in the electric component cooling circuit 10, the control unit 60 may operate the third valve V3 to close the coolant bypass line 81 and connect a portion of the coolant line connected to the first radiator 12. The control unit 60 may operate the first pump 13 to circulate the coolant along the coolant line 11. Thus, the coolant whose temperature rises when passing through the electric component 14 is cooled when passing through the first radiator 12, and then the cooled coolant is supplied to the electric component 14, thereby cooling the electric component 14.

[0085] In the battery cooling circuit 20, the control unit 60 can operate the first valve V1 to disconnect the battery coolant line 21 from the coolant circulation line 41, so that the battery coolant line 21 and the coolant circulation line 41 form independent closed loops. The control unit 60 can operate the second pump 22 to circulate the coolant along the battery coolant line 21.

[0086] At the same time, the control unit 60 may operate the first expansion valve EXV1 to allow the refrigerant to flow into the battery cooler 30 in an expanded state. The coolant whose temperature rises while passing through the battery 23 may be cooled in the battery cooler 30 by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant, thereby cooling the battery 23 with the cooled coolant.

[0087] In the air conditioning device 50, the control unit 60 can control the compressor 52 to operate, and the refrigerant compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure state in the compressor 52 flows into the internal condenser 53. In the cooling mode, the control unit 60 can control the damper 57b so that the air passing through the evaporator 56 bypasses the internal condenser 53 without heat exchange with the refrigerant in the internal condenser 53. Therefore, the refrigerant only passes through the internal condenser 53 without being condensed. Then, the refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2. The control unit 60 can fully open the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2 without expansion.

[0088] At this time, the heat exchanger 54 can be used as a condenser. The coolant in the coolant line 11 can perform heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 in the heat exchanger 54, so that the refrigerant is condensed once. At the same time, in the coolant circulation loop 40, the third pump 43 can be selectively operated to circulate the coolant through the heat exchanger 54 along the coolant circulation line 41. The coolant in the coolant circulation line 41 can perform heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 in the heat exchanger 54, so that the condensation effect of the heat exchanger 54 can be further improved.

[0089] The control unit 60 can operate the second valve V2 to shut off the refrigerant bypass line 71 and connect a portion of the refrigerant line 51 connected to the external condenser 55, so that the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 passes through the external condenser 55. The external condenser 55 can use external air to perform secondary condensation on the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger 54 and undergoing the primary condensation, so as to further improve the condensation effect.

[0090] The control unit 60 may open the third expansion valve TXV3 to allow the refrigerant to pass through the third expansion valve TXV3 in an expanded state. The expanded refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator 56 and then flows back to the compressor 52 through the accumulator 58 together with the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler 30 .

[0091] At the same time, the control unit 60 can control the blower 57a to operate to introduce air, and the introduced air exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 56 when passing through the evaporator, so that the introduced air is cooled, and the cooled air is supplied to the vehicle compartment.

[0092] like Figure 4As shown, in the heating mode, heated air is supplied to the vehicle cabin.

[0093] Specifically, in the electric component cooling circuit 10, the control unit 60 may operate the third valve V3 to connect the coolant bypass line 81 and shut off a portion of the coolant line connected to the first radiator 12. The control unit 60 may operate the first pump 13 to circulate the coolant along the coolant line 11.

[0094] In the battery cooling circuit 20, the control unit 60 can operate the first valve V1 to connect the battery coolant line 21 with the coolant circulation line 41 to form an integral closed circuit. The control unit 60 can operate the second pump 22 and the third pump 43 to circulate the coolant along the battery coolant line 21 and the coolant circulation line 41.

[0095] At the same time, the control unit 60 may close the first expansion valve EXV1 to shut off the refrigerant connection line 31 .

[0096] In the air conditioning device 50, the control unit 60 may control the compressor 52 to operate, and the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 52 to a high temperature and high pressure state flows into the interior condenser 53. In the heating mode, the control unit 60 may control the damper 57b so that the air that has passed through the evaporator 56 to which the refrigerant is not supplied passes through the interior condenser 53 and performs heat exchange with the refrigerant in the interior condenser 53. Therefore, the refrigerant is condensed in the interior condenser 53. The condensed refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2. The control unit 60 may operate the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2 in an expanded state.

[0097] At this time, the heat exchanger 54 can be used as an evaporator. The coolant in the coolant line 11 whose temperature rises when passing through the electrical component 14 can exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 in the heat exchanger 54 to recover the waste heat of the electrical component 14. At the same time, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 41 whose temperature rises when passing through the battery 23 can exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 in the heat exchanger 54 to recover the waste heat of the battery 23.

[0098] The control unit 60 can operate the second valve V2 to connect the refrigerant bypass line 71 and shut off a portion of the refrigerant line 51 connected to the external condenser 55, so that the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 bypasses the external condenser 55. The refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger 54 can flow into the accumulator 58 through the refrigerant bypass line 71 connected via the second valve V2, and then flow back to the compressor 52.

[0099] At the same time, the control unit 60 can control the blower 57a to operate to introduce air, the introduced air passes through the evaporator 56 to which no refrigerant is supplied, and then exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the internal condenser when passing through the internal condenser 53, so that the introduced air is heated and the heated air is supplied to the vehicle compartment.

[0100] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The icing mode and the deicing mode of the thermal management system of the vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 To describe the icing mode and defrosting mode of the vehicle's thermal management system.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, in the freezing mode, the control unit 60 can control the first pump 13, the second pump 22 and the third pump 43 to stop running. In other words, the coolant in the coolant line 11, the battery coolant line 21 and the coolant circulation line 41 does not flow. At this time, the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 reaches a thermal equilibrium with the external environment, so that the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the coolant when passing through the heat exchanger 54.

[0102] In the air conditioning device 50, the control unit 60 can control the compressor 52 to operate, and the refrigerant compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure state in the compressor 52 flows into the internal condenser 53 to be condensed in the internal condenser 53. The condensed refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2. The control unit 60 can operate the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2 in an expanded state.

[0103] At this time, since heat equilibrium is reached between the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 and the external environment, the refrigerant only passes through the heat exchanger 54 without exchanging heat with the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 .

[0104] The control unit 60 may operate the second valve V2 to shut off the refrigerant bypass line 71 and connect a portion of the refrigerant line 51 connected to the external condenser 55 so that the expanded refrigerant passes through the external condenser 55 after passing through the heat exchanger 54 .

[0105] At this time, the external condenser 55 can be used as an evaporator. The control unit 60 can control the cooling fan 16 to operate so as to evaporate the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 using the external air. While the refrigerant evaporates, the temperature of the external air decreases, thereby generating condensed water on the surface of the external condenser 55. The control unit 60 can control the speed of the cooling fan 16 to be relatively low, which is conducive to the external air generating condensed water on the surface of the external condenser 55. After the condensed water is generated on the surface of the external condenser 55, the control unit 60 can further control the speed of the compressor and the opening of the second expansion valve EXV2, so that the condensed water generated on the surface of the external condenser 55 further releases heat, thereby freezing on the surface of the external condenser 55.

[0106] In the air conditioning device, by controlling the rotation speed of the compressor and the opening of the expansion valve, the temperature of the evaporator can be made to reach the set temperature of the air conditioning device. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the freezing mode, in order to generate condensed water on the surface of the external condenser 55 and freeze the generated condensed water, it is necessary to control the temperature of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator within a specific range. The control unit 60 can control the rotation speed of the compressor 52 and the opening of the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator is within a specific range. In the process of executing the freezing mode, according to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c, the control unit 60 can determine whether the temperature of the external condenser 55 is within a specific range, thereby determining whether condensed water is generated on the surface of the external condenser 55 and whether the condensed water is frozen.

[0107] The control unit 60 may fully open the first expansion valve EXV1 and close the third expansion valve TXV3 so that the evaporated refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 flows into the accumulator 58 (not into the evaporator 56) through the battery cooler 30, and then flows back to the compressor 52 via the accumulator 58. The control unit 60 may control the damper 57b so that the air passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the internal condenser 53 and performs heat exchange with the refrigerant in the internal condenser 53.

[0108] In executing Figure 5 The defrost mode is then executed after the freezing mode shown. Figure 6 As shown, in the defrosting mode, the control unit 60 can keep the first pump 13, the second pump 22, and the third pump 43 stopped. In other words, the coolant in the coolant line 11, the battery coolant line 21, and the coolant circulation line 41 does not flow in the defrosting mode. Similarly, the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the coolant when passing through the heat exchanger 54.

[0109] In the air conditioning device 50, the control unit 60 can control the compressor 52 to operate, and the refrigerant compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure state in the compressor 52 flows into the internal condenser 53. The control unit 60 can control the damper 57b so that the air passing through the evaporator 56 bypasses the internal condenser 53 without heat exchange with the refrigerant in the internal condenser 53. Therefore, the refrigerant only passes through the internal condenser 53 without being condensed. Then, the refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2. The control unit 60 can fully open the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the refrigerant passes through the second expansion valve EXV2 without expansion.

[0110] At this time, since heat equilibrium is reached between the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 and the external environment, the refrigerant only passes through the heat exchanger 54 without exchanging heat with the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 .

[0111] The control unit 60 may operate the second valve V2 to close the refrigerant bypass line 71 and open a portion of the refrigerant line 51 connected to the external condenser 55 so that the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 passes through the external condenser 55 .

[0112] At this time, the external condenser 55 can be used as a condenser, and the temperature of the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 is sufficient to melt the ice on the surface of the external condenser 55. The process of melting the ice on the surface of the external condenser 55 into water can remove dirt on the surface of the external condenser 55.

[0113] The control unit 60 may close the first expansion valve EXV1 and open the third expansion valve TXV3 to allow the secondary condensed refrigerant flowing out of the exterior condenser 55 to flow into the evaporator 56 in an expanded state without flowing into the battery cooler 30 .

[0114] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 60 can also control the window glass and the damper, internal and external circulation damper and blower of the air conditioner. When executing the icing mode and the defrosting mode, the control unit 60 can lower the window glass to a predetermined height, set the position of the damper and the internal and external circulation damper, and set the gear of the blower to avoid the temperature in the vehicle compartment being too high or too low.

[0115] The control unit 60 may be a separate controller or may be composed of multiple controllers provided in the vehicle. Preferably, the control unit 60 may include: a controller of the air conditioning device 50, a vehicle control unit (VCU), a controller of a battery thermal management system (BMS), and the like.

[0116] Figure 7The flowchart of the method for cleaning the condenser of the thermal management system of the vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method for cleaning the condenser of the thermal management system of the vehicle can be Figure 1 The thermal management system of the vehicle shown is implemented.

[0117] First, the control unit 60 may determine whether it is necessary to perform external condenser cleaning. The external condenser cleaning may be performed when the external condenser becomes dirty, or the external condenser cleaning may be performed at a predetermined cycle.

[0118] The ambient temperature outside the vehicle may be sensed by the ambient temperature sensor 81, and the sensed temperature may be sent to the control unit 60. The vehicle speed may be sensed by the vehicle speed sensor 84, and the sensed vehicle speed may be sent to the control unit 60.

[0119] When the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature, it indicates that the weather is warm and there may be flying insects or catkins. When the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, it indicates that the vehicle has experienced high-speed and long-distance driving. When the above two conditions are met at the same time, it indicates that the surface of the vehicle's external condenser may be dirty and the external condenser needs to be cleaned.

[0120] On the contrary, when the ambient temperature is less than the first predetermined temperature, or the vehicle speed is not greater than or equal to the predetermined speed for the first predetermined time, it is not necessary to perform external condenser cleaning. Preferably, the first predetermined temperature may be 10° C., the predetermined speed may be 100 kph, and the first predetermined time may be 30 min. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the above parameters may be set as needed.

[0121] Therefore, in step S101 , the control unit 60 may determine whether the following conditions are satisfied: the received ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a first predetermined temperature, and the received vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time.

[0122] When it is determined that the received ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature and the received vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed for the first predetermined time (step S101 is yes), the control unit 60 may determine that the external condenser cleaning needs to be performed.

[0123] When it is determined that the received ambient temperature is not greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature, and the received vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed for the first predetermined time (step S101 is no), the control unit 60 can execute step S102 to further determine the time when the external condenser cleaning was last performed, so that the external condenser cleaning can be performed at a predetermined cycle.

[0124] In step S102, the control unit 60 may determine whether the time during which the external condenser cleaning is not performed exceeds a predetermined period. Preferably, in a cold season when the daily maximum ambient temperature is less than 10°C, the predetermined period may be 60 days, and in a warm season when the daily maximum ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 10°C, the predetermined period may be shortened to 30 days. This is because in warm seasons, the surface of the external condenser is more likely to be covered by flying insects or flying catkins, and accordingly, the predetermined period for performing the external condenser cleaning may be shortened.

[0125] When the time for which the external condenser cleaning is not performed exceeds a predetermined period (Yes in step S102 ), it means that the external condenser has not been cleaned for a long time, and the control unit 60 may determine that the external condenser cleaning needs to be performed.

[0126] When it is determined that the external condenser cleaning needs to be performed (step S101 is yes, or step S102 is yes), the control unit 60 may perform step S103. In step S103, the control unit 60 may remind the user to perform the external condenser cleaning. Preferably, a reminder message for performing the external condenser cleaning may be displayed on the central control screen 90 provided in the vehicle. Accordingly, upon receiving the reminder message, the user may choose whether to perform the external condenser cleaning.

[0127] Next, at step S104 , the control unit 60 may determine whether the user selects to perform external condenser cleaning.

[0128] When it is determined that the user selects to perform external condenser cleaning (step S104 is yes), in step S105, the control unit 60 can determine whether the vehicle is turned off and whether the door is locked. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not necessary to perform external condenser cleaning (step S102 is no), or when it is determined that the user selects not to perform external condenser cleaning (step S104 is no), the external condenser cleaning is ended without being performed.

[0129] As described above, when the thermal management system of the vehicle executes the freezing mode and the defrosting mode, the control unit 60 controls the first pump 13, the second pump 22, and the third pump 43 to stop running. At this time, the cooling of the electrical component 14 cannot be performed, and the heating or cooling of the battery 23 cannot be performed, and the temperature in the vehicle cabin is too high or too low, and the user will feel uncomfortable in the vehicle cabin. Therefore, the external condenser cleaning is performed only when the vehicle is turned off and the user leaves the vehicle.

[0130] When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked (step S105 is yes), the control unit 60 may execute step S106. When it is determined that the vehicle is not turned off or the doors are not locked (step S105 is no), it may wait until the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked.

[0131] In step S106 , the control unit 60 may receive sensed temperatures from the respective temperature sensors at a predetermined period (eg, every hour).

[0132] Next, at step S107 , the control unit 60 may determine whether an icing mode entry condition is satisfied according to the sensed temperature received at step S106 .

[0133] When the ambient temperature is high, it is difficult to freeze the external condenser 55, and therefore, external condenser cleaning cannot be performed. When the temperature of the electrical component cooling circuit 10 is high, the coolant in the electrical component cooling circuit 10 will exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 54. As described above, external condenser cleaning can only be performed when the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 and the external environment reach thermal equilibrium. Similarly, when the temperature of the battery cooling circuit 20 is high, the coolant in the battery cooling circuit 20 will also exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 54, and therefore, external condenser cleaning cannot be performed. Therefore, when any of the above situations occurs, the control unit 60 can determine that the conditions for entering the icing mode are not met.

[0134] On the contrary, when the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor 81 is less than or equal to the second predetermined temperature, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor 82a provided in the electrical component cooling circuit 10 is less than or equal to the third predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor 82b provided in the battery cooling circuit 20 is less than or equal to the fourth predetermined temperature, the control unit 60 may determine that the icing mode entry condition is met. Preferably, the second predetermined temperature may be 20°C, the third predetermined temperature may be 65°C, and the fourth predetermined temperature may be 32°C. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the above parameters may be set as required.

[0135] When it is determined that the freezing mode entry condition is met (step S107 is yes), the control unit 60 may execute step S108, and in step S108, the process A to B may be entered. When it is determined that the freezing mode entry condition is not met (step S107 is no), the process may return to step S106 and continue to receive the sensed temperature from each temperature sensor until the received sensed temperature meets the freezing mode entry condition.

[0136] In the process from A to B, the control unit 60 may first execute the following steps: Figure 5 The icing mode shown as the first stage of cleaning the external condenser is used to freeze the external condenser. After executing the icing mode, the control unit 60 may perform the following operations: Figure 6 The defrost mode is shown as the second stage of external condenser cleaning to defrost the external condenser.

[0137] The freezing mode and the ice-melting mode may be repeatedly performed twice to improve the cleaning effect of the external condenser. After performing the freezing mode and the ice-melting mode twice, the process may return to step S109, where the control unit 60 may reset the time for performing the external condenser cleaning and restart the timing to remind the user when the predetermined cycle for performing the external condenser cleaning is reached.

[0138] In another exemplary embodiment, the thermal management system of the vehicle can be set to automatically perform external condenser cleaning, so that steps S103 and S104 can be omitted, and when it is determined that the external condenser cleaning needs to be performed, steps S105 to S109 are directly performed. Thus, the thermal management system of the vehicle can automatically perform external condenser cleaning when the icing mode entry conditions are met without any user operation.

[0139] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an icing mode and a deicing mode of a method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 Shown in detail Figure 7 The flowchart of the freezing mode and the defrosting mode in step S108 is shown.

[0140] like Figure 8 As shown, the freezing mode as the first stage of cleaning the external condenser is first executed, including steps S201 to S207; and then the defrosting mode as the second stage of cleaning the external condenser is executed, including step S208.

[0141] Tables 1 to 3 below show operating states of various components of the thermal management system of a vehicle during the process of performing external condenser cleaning.

[0142] Table 1

[0143]

[0144] As shown in Table 1 above, in the freezing mode and the defrosting mode, the first pump 13, the second pump 22 and the third pump 43 all stop running so that the coolant in the heat exchanger 54 reaches a thermal equilibrium with the external environment, and the refrigerant only passes through the heat exchanger 54 without exchanging heat with the coolant in the heat exchanger 54.

[0145] Since the first pump 13, the second pump 22 and the third pump 43 stop running, the coolant in the electric component cooling circuit 10, the battery cooling circuit 20 and the coolant circulation circuit 40 does not flow, and there is no need to operate the first valve V1 and the third valve V3. The first port and the second port of the second valve V2 are connected, and the third port is closed, so that the refrigerant bypass line 71 is shut off, and a part of the refrigerant line 51 connected to the external condenser 55 is connected, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger 54 flows into the external condenser 55, and does not flow into the refrigerant bypass line 71.

[0146] In the freezing mode, the first expansion valve EXV1 is fully opened and the third expansion valve TXV3 is closed so that the evaporated refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 flows into the accumulator 58 through the battery cooler 30 without flowing into the evaporator 56. The second expansion valve EXV2 operates so that the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 flows into the external condenser 55 in an expanded state.

[0147] In the defrosting mode, the first expansion valve EXV1 is closed and the third expansion valve TXV3 is opened so that the condensed refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 flows into the evaporator 56 in an expanded state without flowing into the battery cooler 30. The second expansion valve EXV2 is fully opened so that the condensed refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 flows into the external heat exchanger 55 without expanding.

[0148] Table 2

[0149]

[0150] As shown in Table 2 above, in the freezing mode, the damper is set to the maximum heating position, while in the defrosting mode, the damper is set to the maximum cooling position.

[0151] The internal and external circulation damper is used to control the internal circulation or external circulation of the air conditioner. In the freezing mode and defrosting mode, the internal and external circulation damper is set to the external circulation position.

[0152] In the freezing mode and the defrosting mode, the blower 57a is set to the maximum gear.

[0153] In the freezing mode, in order to condense the external air on the surface of the external condenser 55 to produce condensed water, the cooling fan 16 is set to a low gear. In the defrosting mode, in order to accelerate the melting of ice on the surface of the external condenser 55 into water, the cooling fan 16 is set to automatic.

[0154] In the freezing mode, the temperature of the air conditioning unit is set to high, and in the defrosting mode, the temperature of the air conditioning unit is set to low.

[0155] Table 3

[0156]

[0157] As shown in Table 3 above, in the icing mode and the deicing mode, the vehicle window glass is lowered to a predetermined height. Preferably, the predetermined height may be 3 cm to prevent the temperature in the vehicle from being too high or too low while ensuring the privacy and safety of the vehicle.

[0158] In the icing mode, the active air intake grille is set to closed to reduce the heat exchange between the thermal management system and the external environment, which helps the external condenser to freeze. In the defrosting mode, the active air intake grille is set to open to increase the heat exchange between the thermal management system and the external environment, which helps the external condenser to defrost.

[0159] In step S201, referring to the operating states of the various components of the thermal management system in the icing mode shown in Tables 1 to 3 above, the control unit 60 can control the thermal management system to enable the external condenser 55 to operate as an evaporator, and the external air exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the external condenser 55, and the external air releases heat to produce condensed water on the surface of the external condenser 55.

[0160] As described above, during the execution of the freezing mode, based on the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c, the control unit 60 can determine whether the temperature of the external condenser 55 is within a specific range, thereby determining whether condensed water is generated on the surface of the external condenser 55 and whether the condensed water is frozen.

[0161] Therefore, in step S202, the control unit 60 may determine whether the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is within a first predetermined temperature range. Preferably, the first predetermined temperature range may be 2°C to 5°C.

[0162] When it is determined that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82 c is within the first predetermined temperature range (Yes at step S202 ), the control unit 60 determines that condensed water is generated on the surface of the exterior condenser 55 .

[0163] When it is determined that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is not within the first predetermined temperature range (No in step S202), it is possible to wait until the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is within the first predetermined temperature range.

[0164] Since the third temperature sensor 82c is disposed on the refrigerant connecting line 31 downstream of the battery cooler and at a certain distance from the external condenser 55, the temperature of the refrigerant sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is slightly different from the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55. When the temperature of the refrigerant downstream of the battery cooler 30 sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is within the range of 2°C to 5°C, the temperature of the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 is lower, and at this time, condensed water has been generated on the surface of the external condenser 55.

[0165] In step S203, the control unit 60 may continue to control the rotation speed of the compressor 52 and the opening degree of the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c remains within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time. Preferably, the second predetermined time may be 3 minutes.

[0166] After the second predetermined time has passed, in step S204, the control unit 60 may further control the rotation speed of the compressor 52 and the opening degree of the second expansion valve EXV2, so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is reduced again to a second predetermined temperature range lower than the first predetermined temperature range, so that the condensed water generated on the surface of the external condenser 55 is frozen. Preferably, the second predetermined temperature range may be -5°C to -2°C.

[0167] In step S205 , the control unit 60 may determine whether the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82 c is within a second predetermined temperature range.

[0168] When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is within the second predetermined temperature range (step S205 is yes), the control unit 60 may execute step S206. When it is determined that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is not within the second predetermined temperature range (step S205 is no), it may wait until the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is within the second predetermined temperature range.

[0169] In step S206 , the control unit 60 may calculate the superheat degree of the refrigerant in the exterior condenser 55 , and determine whether the calculated superheat degree is less than a superheat degree threshold value.

[0170] The superheat refers to the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator and the saturation temperature of the refrigerant. The saturation temperature of the refrigerant refers to the temperature when the refrigerant in the evaporator and / or condenser is in a gas-liquid coexistence state under a given refrigerant pressure. At this time, the temperature and pressure sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c and the pressure sensor 83 can be used to represent the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator.

[0171] The control unit 60 can determine the current temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55 serving as an evaporator according to the sensed temperature received from the third temperature sensor 82c. At the same time, the control unit 60 can determine the current saturation temperature Tsat of the refrigerant according to the corresponding relationship between the saturation temperature of the refrigerant and the pressure of the refrigerant according to the sensed pressure received from the pressure sensor 83. Thus, the control unit 60 can calculate the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 by subtracting the current saturation temperature Tsat of the refrigerant from the determined current temperature T1 of the refrigerant.

[0172] For an air conditioner, when the refrigerant in the evaporator is evaporated by heat exchange, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator increases. At this time, the superheat of the refrigerant in the evaporator is large. On the contrary, when the refrigerant in the evaporator is not evaporated by heat exchange, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator is almost unchanged. At this time, the superheat of the refrigerant in the evaporator is small.

[0173] Generally, when the superheat of the refrigerant in the evaporator is greater than or equal to the superheat threshold, it can be indicated that the refrigerant in the evaporator can be evaporated by heat exchange, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator increases. Therefore, the surface of the evaporator is not frozen or not completely frozen. On the contrary, when the superheat of the refrigerant in the evaporator is less than the superheat threshold, it can be indicated that the refrigerant in the evaporator cannot be evaporated by heat exchange, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator is almost unchanged. Therefore, the surface of the evaporator is completely frozen. In the present invention, when the surface of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator is not completely frozen, the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 can be evaporated by heat exchange with the external air when passing through the external condenser 55. Thus, the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 is greater than or equal to the superheat threshold. On the contrary, when the surface of the external condenser 55 used as an evaporator is completely frozen, the refrigerant flowing out of the internal condenser 53 cannot be evaporated by heat exchange with the external air when passing through the external condenser 55. Thus, the superheat of the refrigerant in the exterior condenser 55 is less than the superheat threshold value. Therefore, it can be determined whether the surface of the exterior condenser 55 is completely frozen based on the superheat of the refrigerant in the exterior condenser 55 serving as an evaporator.

[0174] Specifically, when it is determined that the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 is greater than or equal to the superheat threshold (step S206 is no), in step S207, the control unit 60 can continue to execute the freezing mode. The control unit 60 can continue to control the speed of the compressor 52 and the opening of the second expansion valve EXV2 so that the thermal management system of the vehicle maintains the current operating state for a third predetermined time, so that the condensed water generated on the surface of the external condenser 55 is further frozen. Preferably, the superheat threshold is 2°C, and the third predetermined time can be 2 minutes. After executing step S207, the control unit 60 can execute step S208.

[0175] When it is determined that the superheat degree of the refrigerant in the exterior condenser 55 is less than the superheat degree threshold value (Yes at step S206 ), the control unit 60 may perform step S208 .

[0176] As mentioned above, since the third temperature sensor 82c is arranged on the refrigerant connecting line 31 downstream of the battery cooler and is a certain distance away from the external condenser 55, the temperature of the refrigerant sensed by the third temperature sensor 82c is slightly different from the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the external condenser 55. When the calculated superheat is less than 2°C, the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 is lower. At this time, the surface of the external condenser 55 is completely frozen.

[0177] In step S208, referring to the operating states of the various components of the thermal management system in the de-icing mode shown in Tables 1 to 3 above, the control unit 60 may control the thermal management system to operate the external condenser 55 as a condenser, heat the ice on the surface of the external condenser 55, and melt the ice. The control unit 60 may execute the de-icing mode for a fourth predetermined time. Preferably, the fourth predetermined time may be 3 minutes.

[0178] In the ice-melting mode, the external condenser 55 can be used as a secondary condenser, and the refrigerant in the external condenser 55 can melt the ice on the surface of the external condenser 55. The process of melting the ice on the surface of the external condenser 55 into water can remove dirt on the surface of the external condenser 55.

[0179] Next, in step S209, the control unit 60 may determine whether steps S201 to S208 have been executed twice. When it is determined that the freezing mode and the defrosting mode have been executed twice (step S209 is yes), the control unit 60 may execute the following steps: Figure 7 When it is determined that the two-pass freezing mode and the ice-melting mode are not executed (step S209 is No), the control unit 60 may return to step S201. Executing the two-pass freezing mode and the ice-melting mode helps to improve the cleaning effect of the external condenser.

[0180] Fig. 9It is a schematic diagram showing changes of a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention before and after cleaning.

[0181] like Fig. 9 As shown on the left side of the figure, before the external condenser is cleaned, the surface of the external condenser is covered with dirt such as flying insects and flying catkins, which will affect the condensation effect of the external condenser. Fig. 9 As shown in the middle of FIG, after executing the icing mode as the first stage of cleaning the external condenser, the surface of the external condenser is covered with ice. Fig. 9 As shown on the right side of FIG. 5 , after the de-icing mode as the second stage of cleaning the external condenser is executed, dirt on the surface of the external condenser 55 is removed during the process of ice melting into water, and the surface of the external condenser becomes clean.

[0182] The method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may remind a user to perform external condenser cleaning, or automatically perform external condenser cleaning when the external condenser needs to be cleaned.

[0183] The method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can remove surface dirt of an external condenser by using the freezing power of water without additionally adding components to the thermal management system of the vehicle.

[0184] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and it is apparent that various modifications and variations may be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments are selected and described in order to explain the specific principles of the present invention and their practical applications, so that other persons skilled in the art can realize and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their different selected forms and modified forms. The scope of the present invention is intended to be limited by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: an electrical component cooling circuit comprising a first radiator, a first pump, and at least one electrical component connected by a coolant line so that the coolant circulates in the coolant line to cool the at least one electrical component disposed on the coolant line; a battery cooling circuit including a second pump and a battery connected by a battery coolant line so that a coolant circulates in the battery coolant line to cool the battery disposed on the battery coolant line; a battery cooler provided on a battery coolant line between the battery and the second pump and connected to a refrigerant line of an air conditioning device through a refrigerant connecting line to adjust a temperature of the coolant by heat exchange between the coolant in the battery coolant line and a refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning device through the refrigerant connecting line; a first expansion valve disposed on the refrigerant connecting line upstream of the battery cooler to selectively allow the refrigerant to flow into the battery cooler in an expanded state; An air conditioning device comprising a compressor, an internal condenser, a second expansion valve, a heat exchanger, an external condenser, a third expansion valve and an evaporator connected by a refrigerant pipeline, wherein: the heat exchanger is also provided on the coolant pipeline so that the coolant circulating through the coolant pipeline can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger; The external condenser is disposed at the front of the vehicle and is exposed to the outside; a cooling fan disposed behind the external condenser and the first radiator; as well as A control unit is configured to: in a freezing mode, control the first pump and the second pump to stop running so that the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the coolant when passing through the heat exchanger, control the first expansion valve to be fully opened, the second expansion valve to operate and the third expansion valve to be closed so that the external condenser is used as an evaporator, and control the compressor and the cooling fan to operate so that the external condenser is frozen.

2. The thermal management system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to execute a defrosting mode after executing a freezing mode, and in the defrosting mode, keep the first pump and the second pump stopped, control the first expansion valve to close, the second expansion valve to fully open, and the third expansion valve to open so that the external condenser is used as a condenser, and control the compressor and the cooling fan to operate so that the external condenser defrosts.

3. The thermal management system of a vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising: An ambient temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature outside the vehicle; A first temperature sensor, disposed on at least one electrical component, for sensing a temperature of the at least one electrical component; A second temperature sensor is disposed on the battery and is used to sense the temperature of the battery; a third temperature sensor, which is disposed on the refrigerant connecting pipeline downstream of the battery cooler and is used to sense the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler; a pressure sensor disposed on a refrigerant connecting line downstream of the battery cooler and configured to sense the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler; as well as A vehicle speed sensor is used to sense the vehicle speed.

4. The thermal management system for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: When the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first predetermined temperature, and the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, the control unit determines whether the vehicle is turned off and whether the doors are locked; When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit determines whether an icing mode entry condition is satisfied.

5. The thermal management system for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit determines whether the time for which the cleaning of the exterior condenser is not performed exceeds a predetermined period when the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than a first predetermined temperature or the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is not greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time; When it is determined that the time for which the cleaning of the exterior condenser has not been performed exceeds a predetermined period, the control unit determines whether the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked; When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit determines whether an icing mode entry condition is satisfied.

6. The thermal management system for a vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: When the temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than or equal to the second predetermined temperature, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is less than or equal to the third predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is less than or equal to the fourth predetermined temperature, the control unit determines that the freezing mode entry condition is met and executes the freezing mode.

7. The thermal management system for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: In the freezing mode, the control unit controls so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within a first predetermined temperature range; When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within a first predetermined temperature range, the control unit determines that condensed water is generated on the surface of the external condenser, and maintains the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time.

8. The thermal management system for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor remains within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time, the control unit controls so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor decreases to a second predetermined temperature range lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

9. The thermal management system for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor drops to within a second predetermined temperature range, the control unit calculates the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser based on the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor and the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, and compares the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser with a superheat threshold value.

10. The thermal management system for a vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: When the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser is greater than or equal to a superheat threshold, the control unit executes the freezing mode for a third predetermined time; The control unit performs the defrosting mode for a fourth predetermined time when the calculated superheat degree of the refrigerant in the exterior condenser is less than a superheat degree threshold value.

11. The thermal management system of a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a coolant circulation loop including a second radiator and a third pump connected by a coolant circulation line; a first coolant connecting line, a first end of which is connected to a battery coolant line downstream of the battery through a first valve, and a second end of which is connected to a coolant circulation line upstream of the second radiator; as well as a second coolant connecting line, a first end of which is connected to the battery coolant line upstream of the second pump, and a second end of which is connected to the coolant circulation line downstream of the third pump; Wherein, the heat exchanger is also arranged on the coolant circulation pipeline and is configured so that the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation pipeline can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, while the coolant in the coolant pipeline cannot exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation pipeline; The control unit is configured to control the third pump to stop running in the freezing mode and the defrosting mode.

12. A method for cleaning a condenser of a thermal management system of a vehicle, the thermal management system of the vehicle comprising the thermal management system of the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: The control unit controls the first pump of the electrical component cooling circuit and the second pump of the battery cooling circuit to stop running so that the refrigerant does not exchange heat with the coolant when passing through the heat exchanger, controls the first expansion valve on the refrigerant connecting pipeline upstream of the battery cooler to be fully opened, controls the second expansion valve on the refrigerant pipeline upstream of the heat exchanger to operate, and controls the third expansion valve upstream of the evaporator to be closed so that the external condenser is used as an evaporator, and controls the operation of the compressor and the cooling fan to execute a freezing mode for freezing the external condenser.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: After executing the freezing mode, the control unit keeps the first pump and the second pump from running, controls the first expansion valve to be closed, the second expansion valve to be fully opened, and the third expansion valve to be opened, so that the external condenser is used as a condenser, and controls the compressor and the cooling fan to run to execute the defrosting mode for defrosting the external condenser.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The ambient temperature sensor senses the ambient temperature outside the vehicle; sensing a temperature of at least one electrical component by a first temperature sensor disposed on at least one electrical component; The second temperature sensor disposed on the battery senses the temperature of the battery; sensing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler by a third temperature sensor disposed on the refrigerant connecting line downstream of the battery cooler; The pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the battery cooler is sensed by a pressure sensor disposed on a refrigerant connecting pipeline downstream of the battery cooler; The vehicle speed is sensed by the vehicle speed sensor.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: When the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first predetermined temperature, and the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, the control unit determines whether the vehicle is turned off and whether the vehicle doors are locked; When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit determines whether the freezing mode entry condition is met.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein: When the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than a first predetermined temperature, or the vehicle speed sensed by the vehicle speed sensor is not greater than or equal to a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time, the control unit determines whether the time for which the external condenser cleaning is not performed exceeds a predetermined period; When it is determined that the time for which the cleaning of the exterior condenser has not been performed exceeds a predetermined period, the control unit determines whether the vehicle is turned off and whether the doors are locked; When it is determined that the vehicle is turned off and the doors are locked, the control unit determines whether the freezing mode entry condition is met.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: When the temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor is less than or equal to the second predetermined temperature, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is less than or equal to the third predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is less than or equal to the fourth predetermined temperature, the control unit determines that the conditions for entering the freezing mode are met and executes the freezing mode.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: In the freezing mode, the control unit is controlled so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within a first predetermined temperature range; When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor is within the first predetermined temperature range, the control unit determines that condensed water is generated on the surface of the external condenser, and maintains the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor remains within the first predetermined temperature range for a second predetermined time, the control unit controls so that the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor decreases to a second predetermined temperature range lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: When the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor decreases to within a second predetermined temperature range, the control unit calculates the superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser according to the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor and the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, and compares the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser with a superheat threshold value; When the calculated superheat of the refrigerant in the external condenser is greater than or equal to the superheat threshold, the control unit executes the freezing mode for a third predetermined time; When the calculated superheat degree of the refrigerant in the exterior condenser is less than the superheat degree threshold value, the defrosting mode is executed by the control unit for a fourth predetermined time.

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