Thermal management system for vehicle

Abstract

A thermal management system for a vehicle may adjust a temperature of a battery module by using one cooler in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat with each other and a battery heater for selectively heating the coolant, and perform heating of a vehicle interior by using the coolant heated by the battery heater, a layout of the system can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced by forming a plurality of coolant flow lines from two valves according to a selected mode of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0151701 filed on November 6, 2023 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle, which is capable of adjusting the temperature of a battery module by using a cooler in which a refrigerant and a coolant perform heat exchange with each other and a battery heater for selectively heating the coolant, and performing heating of the vehicle interior by using the coolant heated by the battery heater. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, as the environment and energy resources have become important issues, electric vehicles have become popular as future transportation devices. Electric vehicles use a battery module as a main power source, in which a plurality of rechargeable cells are formed into a battery pack, so no exhaust gas is generated and the noise is very low.

[0005] Such electric vehicles are driven by a drive motor that is operated by power supplied from a battery module. In addition, the electric vehicle includes electrical components for controlling and managing the drive motor and a plurality of electronic convenience devices and charging the battery module.

[0006] Since a large amount of heat is generated in the battery modules and drive motors and electrical components used as the main energy source of electric vehicles, effective cooling is required, and effective temperature management of the electrical components and battery modules is a very important issue.

[0007] Furthermore, since the battery modules perform best at a preset temperature, they need to be quickly heated to the preset temperature in the early stages of driving.

[0008] Traditionally, a separate cooling system has been applied to adjust the temperature of the electrical components and the battery module, but it is necessary to increase the capacity of the cooling system accordingly, which leads to space limitations. In addition, when the capacity of the cooling system increases, the power required to operate the cooling system also increases.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop technology for effectively using waste heat generated from electric components and technology for regulating the temperature of electric components and batteries to maximize energy efficiency while ensuring the durability of electric components and battery modules in electric vehicles.

[0010] Furthermore, when a heat pump system is not applied, it is necessary to develop a technology for heating the interior of a vehicle using coolant.

[0011] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention provides a thermal management system for a vehicle, which can adjust the temperature of a battery module by using a cooler for heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and a battery heater for selectively heating the coolant, and perform heating of the vehicle interior by using the coolant heated by the battery heater.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a thermal management system for a vehicle that can simplify the layout of the system and reduce manufacturing costs by forming a plurality of coolant flow lines by two valves according to a selected mode of the vehicle.

[0014] A thermal management system for a vehicle may include a first valve module configured to control the flow of a coolant introduced into the interior according to at least one mode for temperature regulation of the interior of the vehicle, temperature regulation of an electrical component, and temperature regulation of a battery module. The thermal management system may also include a second valve module selectively connected to the first valve module through at least one pipeline and configured to control the flow of the coolant introduced into the interior according to at least one mode. At least one pipeline selectively connects a radiator, an electrical component, a battery module, a cooler, a battery heater, and a cabin heater to the first valve module or the second valve module.

[0015] The at least one pipeline may include: a first pipeline having a first end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow coolant flow and a second end connected to the radiator; a second pipeline having a first end connected to the radiator and a second end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow coolant flow; a third pipeline having a first end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow coolant flow and a second end connected to the electrical component; a fourth pipeline having a first end connected to the electrical component and a second end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow coolant flow; a fifth pipeline having a first end connected to the first valve module and a second end connected to the battery heater to selectively allow coolant flow; a sixth pipeline having a first end connected to the first valve module and a second end connected to the second a valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow at a second end; a seventh pipeline having a first end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the cooler, and provided with a battery module; an eighth pipeline having a first end connected to the cooler and a second end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow; a ninth pipeline having a first end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the battery heater; a tenth pipeline having a first end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the cabin heater; and an eleventh pipeline having a first end connected to the cabin heater and a second end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow.

[0016] The first valve module may include: a first valve configured to control a flow of a coolant introduced into the inside; and a first water pump provided in the first valve.

[0017] The first valve may be configured to selectively discharge the coolant selectively introduced from the second line, the fourth line, or the sixth line through the first line, the third line, or the fifth line according to a selected mode of at least one mode.

[0018] The first valve may selectively discharge the coolant selectively introduced from the second line, the fourth line, or the sixth line through the first line, the third line, or the fifth line according to the selected mode.

[0019] A first water pump may be installed in the first valve to correspond to the third line.

[0020] The second valve module may include: a second valve configured to control a flow of a coolant introduced into the inside; and a second water pump provided in the second valve.

[0021] The second valve may be configured to selectively discharge the coolant selectively introduced from the eighth line, the ninth line, or the eleventh line through the sixth line, the seventh line, or the tenth line.

[0022] A second water pump may be installed in the second valve to correspond to the seventh line.

[0023] At least one mode may include: a first mode for cooling electrical components and cooling battery modules; a second mode for heating the vehicle interior and cooling the battery modules; a third mode for increasing the temperature of the battery modules; a fourth mode for heating the vehicle interior and increasing the temperature of the battery modules; and a fifth mode for cooling the battery modules by using a coolant cooled in a radiator.

[0024] In the first mode, the second pipeline can be connected to the third pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, and the fourth pipeline can be connected to the first pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant cooled in the radiator can be supplied to the electrical components. The first pipeline, the second pipeline, the third pipeline and the fourth pipeline can be interconnected by the operation of the first valve module to form an independent closed loop for the circulation of the coolant. The eighth pipeline can be connected to the seventh pipeline by the operation of the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for the circulation of the coolant, so that the coolant cooled in the cooler can be supplied to the battery module. The fifth pipeline and the sixth pipeline can be closed by the operation of the first valve module. The ninth pipeline, the tenth pipeline and the eleventh pipeline can be closed by the operation of the second valve module.

[0025] In the second mode, the first pipeline and the second pipeline can be closed by the operation of the first valve module. The third pipeline can be connected to the sixth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module. The fourth pipeline can be connected to the fifth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module. The eighth pipeline can be connected to the seventh pipeline by the operation of the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for coolant circulation, so that the coolant cooled in the cooler can be supplied to the battery module. The ninth pipeline can be connected to the tenth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant heated in the battery heater can be supplied to the cabin heater. The eleventh pipeline can be connected to the sixth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module. The third pipeline, the fourth pipeline, the fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, the ninth pipeline, the tenth pipeline and the eleventh pipeline can be interconnected with the first valve module through the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for coolant circulation.

[0026] In the third mode, the second pipeline can be connected to the third pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, and the fourth pipeline can be connected to the first pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant cooled in the radiator can be supplied to the electrical components. The first pipeline, the second pipeline, the third pipeline and the fourth pipeline can be interconnected by the operation of the first valve module to form an independent closed loop for the circulation of the coolant. The sixth pipeline can be connected to the fifth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module. The ninth pipeline can be connected to the seventh pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant heated in the battery heater can be supplied to the battery module. The eighth pipeline can be connected to the sixth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module. The tenth pipeline and the eleventh pipeline can be closed by the operation of the second valve module. The fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, the seventh pipeline, the eighth pipeline and the ninth pipeline can be interconnected by the operation of the first valve module and the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for the circulation of the coolant.

[0027] In the fourth mode, the first pipeline and the second pipeline can be closed by the operation of the first valve module. The third pipeline can be connected to the sixth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module. The fourth pipeline can be connected to the fifth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module. The ninth pipeline can be connected to the tenth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant heated by the battery heater can be supplied to the battery module and the cabin heater. The eleventh pipeline can be connected to the seventh pipeline by the operation of the second valve module. The eighth pipeline can be connected to the sixth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module. The coolant heated when passing through the battery heater can pass through the cabin heater along the tenth pipeline connected to the ninth pipeline through the second valve module, and then pass through the battery module along the eleventh pipeline and the seventh pipeline connected by the second valve module.

[0028] In the fifth mode, the second pipeline can be connected to the fifth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant cooled in the radiator can be supplied to the battery module. The sixth pipeline can be connected to the first pipeline by the operation of the first valve module. The third pipeline and the fourth pipeline can be closed by the operation of the first valve module. The eighth pipeline can be connected to the sixth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module. The ninth pipeline can be connected to the seventh pipeline by the operation of the second valve module. The tenth pipeline and the eleventh pipeline can be closed by the operation of the second valve module. The first pipeline, the second pipeline, the fifth pipeline, the sixth pipeline, the seventh pipeline, the eighth pipeline and the ninth pipeline can be interconnected by the operation of the first valve module and the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for the circulation of the coolant.

[0029] The chiller can be connected to the air conditioning unit via a refrigerant connection line.

[0030] The cooler may be a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between a coolant introduced into the interior and a refrigerant supplied from an air conditioning unit.

[0031] In order to cool the battery module by using the coolant after heat exchange at the cooler, the air conditioning unit may be configured to supply low-temperature refrigerant to the cooler through a refrigerant connection line.

[0032] As described above, according to the thermal management system for a vehicle of the embodiment, the temperature of the battery module is adjusted by using a battery heater and a cooler for heat exchange between refrigerant and coolant, and the heating of the vehicle interior is performed by using the coolant heated by the battery heater, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the system.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by forming a plurality of coolant flow lines by a single valve according to a selected mode of a vehicle, streamlining and simplification of the system can be achieved, and manufacturing costs can be reduced by removing a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the embodiments, by effectively regulating the temperature of the battery module, optimal performance of the battery module may be achieved, and the total driving distance of the vehicle may be increased due to efficient management of the battery module.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the embodiments, manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and space utilization can be improved by simplifying the entire system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 is an operation diagram based on a first mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 is an operation diagram based on the second mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 is an operation diagram based on the third mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 is an operation diagram based on a fourth mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 is an operation diagram based on the fifth mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the configurations depicted in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and do not cover the entire scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and variations are possible when applying this specification.

[0044] In order to clarify the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and the same elements or equivalents are referred to by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0045] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and in the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity.

[0046] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprising” and “including”, “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0047] In addition, each term such as “unit,” “means,” “portion,” “component,” and “member” described in the specification means a unit of an integrated element that performs at least one function or operation.

[0048] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0049] The thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment can effectively adjust the temperature of the battery module 40 by using a cooler 50 that performs heat exchange between refrigerant and coolant and a battery heater 60 that selectively heats the coolant, and performs heating of the vehicle interior by using the coolant heated at the battery heater 60.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the disclosed thermal management system, by forming a plurality of coolant lines by two valves according to a selected mode of a vehicle, it is possible to simplify the layout of the system and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0051] According to the thermal management system disclosed herein, in an electric vehicle, the battery module 40 through which the coolant circulates and the air conditioning unit 3 through which the refrigerant circulates may be interconnected through the cooler 50 to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0052] In other words, reference Figure 1 , the thermal management system may include at least one line through which a coolant flows, a first valve module 100 , and a second valve module 200 .

[0053] First, the first valve module 100 may control the flow of the coolant introduced into the interior according to at least one selected mode for temperature regulation of the vehicle interior, temperature regulation of the electric component 30 , and temperature regulation of the battery module 40 .

[0054] The second valve module 200 may be selectively connected to the first valve module 100 through at least one pipeline, and may control the flow of the coolant introduced into the inside according to at least one selected mode.

[0055] The configurations of the first valve module 100 and the second valve module 200 are described in more detail below.

[0056] In the present embodiment, at least one pipeline may selectively connect the radiator 10 , the electric component 30 , the battery module 40 , the cooler 50 , the battery heater 60 , and the cabin heater 70 to the first valve module 100 or the second valve module 200 .

[0057] The at least one pipeline may include a first pipeline 11 , a second pipeline 12 , a third pipeline 13 , a fourth pipeline 14 , a fifth pipeline 15 , a sixth pipeline 16 , a seventh pipeline 17 , an eighth pipeline 18 , a ninth pipeline 19 , a tenth pipeline 20 , and an eleventh pipeline 21 .

[0058] A first end of the first line 11 may be connected to the first valve module 100 , and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough. A second end of the first line 11 may be connected to the radiator 10 .

[0059] The radiator 10 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle, and a cooling fan (not shown) may be disposed at a downstream side of the radiator 10. Therefore, the radiator 10 may cool the coolant through the operation of the cooling fan and heat exchange with ambient air.

[0060] A first end portion of the second line 12 may be connected to the radiator 10. A second end portion of the second line 12 may be connected to the first valve module 100, and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough.

[0061] In the present embodiment, a first end of the third line 13 may be connected to the first valve module 100 , and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough. A second end of the third line 13 may be connected to the electric component 30 .

[0062] A first end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the electric component 30. A second end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the first valve module 100, and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough.

[0063] Therefore, the electric component 30 may be formed as a water-cooled solution cooled by a coolant.

[0064] A first end of the fifth line 15 may be connected to the first valve module 100 , and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough. A second end of the fifth line 15 may be connected to the battery heater 60 .

[0065] In the present embodiment, a first end of the sixth line 16 may be connected to the first valve module 100. A second end of the sixth line 16 may be connected to the second valve module 200, and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough.

[0066] A first end of the seventh line 17 may be connected to the second valve module 200 , and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough. A second end of the seventh line 17 may be connected to the cooler 50 .

[0067] A first end of the eighth line 18 may be connected to the cooler 50. A second end of the eighth line 18 may be connected to the second valve module 200, and a coolant may selectively flow therethrough.

[0068] The cooler 50 may be connected to the air conditioning unit 3 through the refrigerant connection line 5. The cooler 50 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the coolant introduced inside and the refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning unit 3.

[0069] In order to cool the battery module 40 by using the coolant heat-exchanged at the cooler 50 , the air conditioning unit 3 may supply low-temperature refrigerant to the cooler 50 through the refrigerant connection line 5 .

[0070] In other words, the cooler 50 may adjust the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the selectively supplied coolant and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air-conditioning unit 3 .

[0071] The cooler 50 may operate while cooling the battery module 40 .

[0072] In the present embodiment, a first end of the ninth line 19 may be connected to the second valve module 200 , and the coolant may selectively flow therethrough. A second end of the ninth line 19 may be connected to the battery heater 60 .

[0073] A first end of the tenth line 20 may be connected to the second valve module 200 , and the coolant may selectively flow therethrough. A second end of the tenth line 20 may be connected to the cabin heater 70 .

[0074] In addition, a first end portion of the eleventh line 21 may be connected to the cabin heater 70. A second end portion of the eleventh line 21 may be connected to the second valve module 200, and the coolant may selectively flow therethrough.

[0075] In order to increase the temperature of the battery module 40 , or to supply a high-temperature coolant to the cabin heater 70 , the battery heater 60 may be operated to heat the coolant.

[0076] The battery heater 60 may be an electric heater operated by supplying electricity.

[0077] In other words, when the temperature of the battery module 40 is to be increased or the vehicle interior needs to be heated, the battery heater 60 may heat the coolant supplied through the fifth line 15 and discharge the heated coolant to the ninth line 19 .

[0078] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature is increased while passing through the battery heater 60 may be supplied to the cabin heater 70 and the battery module 40 through the operation of the second valve module 200 .

[0079] Therefore, when the temperature of the battery module 40 is to be increased or the interior of the vehicle is to be heated, the battery heater 60 may be selectively operated.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle interior heater 70 may be provided inside the HVAC module (not shown). The evaporator provided in the air conditioning unit 3 may be provided together inside the HVAC module.

[0081] The first valve module 100 may include a first valve 110 configured to control the flow of a coolant introduced into the interior, and a first water pump 120 provided in or on the first valve 110 .

[0082] The first valve 110 may selectively discharge the coolant selectively flowing in from the second line 12 , the fourth line 14 , or the sixth line 16 through the first line 11 , the third line 13 , or the fifth line 15 according to a mode selected in at least one mode.

[0083] In addition, a first water pump 120 may be installed at the first valve 110 to correspond to the third pipeline 13 .

[0084] In addition, the second valve module 200 may include a second valve 210 configured to control the flow of the coolant introduced into the inside, and a second water pump 220 provided in or on the second valve 210 .

[0085] The second valve 210 may selectively discharge the coolant selectively flowing in from the eighth line 18 , the ninth line 19 , or the eleventh line 21 through the sixth line 16 , the seventh line 17 , or the tenth line 20 .

[0086] In addition, a second water pump 220 may be installed at the second valve 210 to correspond to the seventh line 17 .

[0087] The at least one mode may include first to fifth modes.

[0088] In the first mode, the electric components 30 may be cooled, and the battery module 40 may be cooled.

[0089] In the second mode, the vehicle interior may be heated and the battery module 40 may be cooled.

[0090] In the present embodiment, in the third mode, the temperature of the battery module 40 may be increased.

[0091] In the fourth mode, the vehicle interior may be heated and the temperature of the battery module 40 may be increased.

[0092] Furthermore, in the fifth mode, the battery module 40 may be cooled by using the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 .

[0093] In the following, reference Figure 2-6 Operations and actions in each mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to the embodiment configured as described above are described in detail.

[0094] First, refer to Figure 2 Operations in the first mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to the embodiment, which are for cooling the electric components 30 and cooling the battery module 40 , are described in detail.

[0095] Figure 2 is an operation diagram of a first mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0096] refer to Figure 2 In the first mode, the second line 12 may be connected to the third line 13 by operation of the first valve 110 , so that the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may be supplied to the electric component 30 .

[0097] The fourth line 14 may be connected to the first line 11 through operation of the first valve 110 .

[0098] The fifth line 15 and the sixth line 16 may be closed by operation of the first valve 110 .

[0099] Therefore, the first line 11 , the second line 12 , the third line 13 , and the fourth line 14 may be interconnected by the operation of the first valve 110 to form an independent closed loop through which the coolant circulates.

[0100] In this state, when the first water pump 120 operates, the coolant discharged from the first valve 110 to the third line 13 may pass through the electric component 30. Thereafter, the coolant may flow into the first valve 110 along the fourth line 14.

[0101] The coolant introduced into the first valve 110 through the fourth line 14 may be discharged to the first line 11 connected by the operation of the first valve 110 .

[0102] The coolant discharged to the first line 11 may be introduced into the radiator 10. The coolant introduced into the radiator 10 may be cooled by heat exchange with ambient air. In addition, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may be introduced into the first valve 110 along the second line 12 and then discharged through the third line 13.

[0103] Therefore, the coolant cooled while passing through the radiator 10 may flow through the third line 13. Thus, the electric component 30 may be effectively cooled by the coolant cooled at the radiator 10.

[0104] In other words, while the above-described process is repeatedly performed, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may cool the electric component 30 to prevent overheating.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the eighth line 18 may be connected to the seventh line 17 by operation of the second valve 210 to form an independent closed loop, so that the coolant cooled at the cooler 50 may be supplied to the battery module 40 .

[0106] The air conditioning unit 3 is operable such that refrigerant may be supplied to the cooler 50 through the refrigerant connecting line 5 .

[0107] Then, the cooler 50 may cool the introduced coolant by heat-exchanging with the refrigerant so that the low-temperature coolant may be supplied to the battery module 40 .

[0108] The ninth line 19 , the tenth line 20 , and the eleventh line 21 may be closed by operation of the second valve 210 .

[0109] In this state, when the second water pump 220 operates, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 40 along the seventh line 17 may flow into the cooler 50 and then be discharged through the eighth line 18 .

[0110] The coolant flowing along the eighth line 18 may flow into the seventh line 17 connected by the operation of the second valve 210 .

[0111] In other words, when the second water pump 220 operates, the coolant may circulate along the seventh line 17 and the eighth line 18 .

[0112] The coolant cooled by heat-exchanging with the low-temperature refrigerant while passing through the cooler 50 may be introduced into the battery module 40 through operations of the second valve 210 and the second water pump 220 , and thus the battery module 40 may be cooled more efficiently.

[0113] In other words, when the above process is repeatedly performed, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may cool the electric component 30 to prevent overheating. At the same time, the coolant cooled at the cooler 50 may cool the battery module 40 to prevent overheating.

[0114] In this embodiment, the following reference Figure 3 The operation in the second mode for heating the vehicle interior and cooling the battery module 40 is described in detail.

[0115] Figure 3 is an operation diagram based on the second mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0116] refer to Figure 3 In the second mode, the first line 11 and the second line 12 may be closed by the operation of the first valve 110. Therefore, the coolant does not flow through the radiator 10.

[0117] The third pipeline 13 may be connected to the sixth pipeline 16 by operation of the first valve 110. In addition, the fourth pipeline 14 may be connected to the fifth pipeline 15 by operation of the first valve 110.

[0118] Meanwhile, the eighth line 18 may be connected to the seventh line 17 by operation of the second valve 210 to form an independent closed loop so that the coolant cooled at the cooler 50 may be supplied to the battery module 40 .

[0119] The air conditioning unit 3 is operable such that refrigerant may be supplied to the cooler 50 through the refrigerant connecting line 5 .

[0120] Then, the cooler 50 may cool the introduced coolant by heat-exchanging with the refrigerant so that the low-temperature coolant may be supplied to the battery module 40 .

[0121] In this state, when the second water pump 220 operates, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 40 along the seventh line 17 may flow into the cooler 50 and then be discharged through the eighth line 18 .

[0122] The coolant flowing along the eighth line 18 may flow into the seventh line 17 connected by the operation of the second valve 210 .

[0123] In other words, when the second water pump 220 operates, the coolant may circulate along the seventh line 17 and the eighth line 18 .

[0124] The coolant cooled by heat-exchanging with the low-temperature refrigerant while passing through the cooler 50 may be introduced into the battery module 40 through operations of the second valve 210 and the second water pump 220 , so the battery module 40 may be cooled more efficiently.

[0125] The ninth line 19 may be connected to the tenth line 20 by operation of the second valve 210 , so that the coolant heated at the battery heater 60 may be supplied to the cabin heater 70 .

[0126] Meanwhile, the eleventh pipeline 21 may be connected to the sixth pipeline 16 by operation of the second valve 210 .

[0127] Therefore, the third pipeline 13, the fourth pipeline 14, the fifth pipeline 15, the sixth pipeline 16, the ninth pipeline 19, the tenth pipeline 20 and the eleventh pipeline 21 can be interconnected with the first valve 110 through the second valve 210, and form an independent closed loop of coolant circulation separately from the interconnected seventh pipeline 17 and the eighth pipeline 18.

[0128] In this state, when the first water pump 120 operates, the coolant may flow from the first valve 110 to the third line 13 , and may pass through the electric component 30 , and may flow back into the first valve 110 along the fourth line 14 .

[0129] Then, the coolant may pass through the battery heater 60 along the fifth line 15 connected to the fourth line 14 through the first valve 110 .

[0130] The battery heater 60 may be operated so that the temperature of the coolant can be increased by heating the introduced coolant. The coolant with increased temperature may be introduced into the second valve 210 along the ninth line 19 and then discharged to the tenth line 20 connected by the second valve 210 .

[0131] In other words, the coolant heated while passing through the battery heater 60 may be supplied to the cabin heater 70 along the ninth line 19 and the tenth line 20 connected by the operation of the second valve module 200 .

[0132] Therefore, the ambient air introduced from the outside may be converted into a high temperature state while passing through the vehicle interior heater 70 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby performing heating of the vehicle interior.

[0133] The coolant having passed through the cabin heater 70 may flow into the second valve 210 along the eleventh line 21. Thereafter, the coolant may flow along the sixth line 16 connected to the eleventh line 21 through the second valve 210.

[0134] The coolant flowing through the sixth line 16 may be discharged to the third line 13 connected through the first valve 110 , and the above process is repeatedly performed.

[0135] In other words, while the above process is repeatedly performed, the coolant cooled at the cooler 50 may cool the battery module 40 to prevent overheating.

[0136] In addition, since the coolant heated when passing through the battery heater 60 is supplied to the vehicle interior heater 70, the ambient air introduced into the HVAC module (not shown) can be converted into a high temperature state when passing through the vehicle interior heater 70 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0137] In this embodiment, the following reference Figure 4 The operation according to the third mode for increasing the temperature of the battery module 40 is described in detail.

[0138] Figure 4 is an operation diagram based on the third mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0139] refer to Figure 4 In the third mode, the second line 12 may be connected to the third line 13 by operation of the first valve 110 , so that the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may be supplied to the electric component 30 .

[0140] The fourth line 14 may be connected to the first line 11 through operation of the first valve 110 .

[0141] Therefore, the first line 11 , the second line 12 , the third line 13 , and the fourth line 14 may be interconnected by operation of the first valve 110 to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant.

[0142] In this state, when the first water pump 120 operates, the coolant discharged from the first valve 110 to the third line 13 may pass through the electric component 30. Thereafter, the coolant may flow into the first valve 110 along the fourth line 14.

[0143] The coolant introduced into the first valve 110 through the fourth line 14 may be discharged to the first line 11 connected by the operation of the first valve 110 .

[0144] The coolant discharged to the first line 11 may be introduced into the radiator 10. The coolant introduced into the radiator 10 may be cooled by heat exchange with ambient air. In addition, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may be introduced into the first valve 110 along the second line 12 and then discharged through the third line 13.

[0145] Therefore, the coolant cooled while passing through the radiator 10 may flow through the third line 13. Then, the electric component 30 may be effectively cooled by the coolant cooled at the radiator 10.

[0146] In other words, while the above-described process is repeatedly performed, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may cool the electric component 30 to prevent overheating.

[0147] The sixth line 16 may be connected to the fifth line 15 through operation of the first valve 110 .

[0148] The ninth line 19 may be connected to the seventh line 17 by operation of the second valve 210 , so that the coolant heated by the battery heater 60 may be supplied to the battery module 40 .

[0149] Meanwhile, the eighth pipeline 18 may be connected to the sixth pipeline 16 by operation of the second valve 210. The tenth pipeline 20 and the eleventh pipeline 21 may be closed by operation of the second valve 210.

[0150] Therefore, the fifth line 15 , the sixth line 16 , the seventh line 17 , the eighth line 18 , and the ninth line 19 may be interconnected by the operation of the first valve 110 and the second valve 210 to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant.

[0151] The air conditioning unit 3 may not be operated. Therefore, the refrigerant connection line 5 may be closed.

[0152] In this state, when the second water pump 220 operates, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 40 along the seventh line 17 from the second valve 210 may flow into the cooler 50 and then be discharged through the eighth line 18 .

[0153] The coolant flowing along the eighth line 18 may flow into the sixth line 16 connected by the operation of the second valve 210 .

[0154] The coolant flowing along the sixth line 16 may be introduced into the first valve 110 . Thereafter, the coolant introduced into the first valve 110 may flow along the fifth line 15 , and may pass through the battery heater 60 .

[0155] The battery heater 60 may be operated so that the temperature of the coolant can be increased by heating the introduced coolant. The coolant with increased temperature may flow into the second valve 210 along the ninth line 19. Thereafter, the coolant may be discharged to the seventh line 17 connected through the second valve 210, and may be supplied to the battery module 40.

[0156] In this way, when the above-described process is repeatedly performed, the coolant whose temperature is increased at the battery heater 60 can more quickly increase the temperature of the battery module 40 .

[0157] References below Figure 5 The operation in the fourth mode of the thermal management system for heating the vehicle interior and increasing the temperature of the battery module 40 is described in detail.

[0158] Figure 5 is an operation diagram based on a fourth mode of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0159] refer to Figure 5 In the fourth mode, the first line 11 and the second line 12 may be closed by the operation of the first valve 110. Therefore, the coolant does not flow through the radiator 10.

[0160] The third pipeline 13 may be connected to the sixth pipeline 16 by operation of the first valve 110. In addition, the fourth pipeline 14 may be connected to the fifth pipeline 15 by operation of the first valve 110.

[0161] Meanwhile, the ninth line 19 may be connected to the tenth line 20 by operation of the second valve 210 , so that the coolant heated at the battery heater 60 may be supplied to the battery module 40 and the cabin heater 70 .

[0162] In addition, the eleventh pipeline 21 may be connected to the seventh pipeline 17 by operation of the second valve 210. The eighth pipeline 18 may be connected to the sixth pipeline 16 by operation of the second valve 210.

[0163] Therefore, the third pipeline 13, the fourth pipeline 14, the fifth pipeline 15, the sixth pipeline 16, the seventh pipeline 17, the eighth pipeline 18, the ninth pipeline 19, the tenth pipeline 20 and the eleventh pipeline 21 can form a closed loop for coolant circulation through the operation of the first valve module 100 and the second valve module 200.

[0164] In this state, when the first water pump 120 and the second water pump 220 are each operated, the coolant flowing from the first valve 110 through the third line 13 may pass through the electric component 30 and may flow back into the first valve 110 along the fourth line 14 .

[0165] Then, the coolant may pass through the battery heater 60 along the fifth line 15 connected to the fourth line 14 through the first valve 110 .

[0166] The battery heater 60 may be operated so that the temperature of the coolant can be increased by heating the introduced coolant. The coolant with increased temperature may be introduced into the second valve 210 along the ninth line 19 and then discharged to the tenth line 20 connected by the second valve 210 .

[0167] In other words, the coolant heated while passing through the battery heater 60 may be first supplied to the cabin heater 70 along the ninth line 19 and the tenth line 20 connected by the operation of the second valve module 200 .

[0168] Therefore, the ambient air introduced from the outside may be converted into a high temperature state while passing through the vehicle interior heater 70 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby performing heating of the vehicle interior.

[0169] The coolant having passed through the cabin heater 70 may flow into the second valve 210 along the eleventh line 21. Thereafter, the coolant may flow along the seventh line 17 connected to the eleventh line 21 through the second valve 210.

[0170] The coolant discharged from the second valve 210 to the seventh line 17 may sequentially pass through the battery module 40 and the cooler 50 along the seventh line 17. Thereafter, the coolant may flow back into the second valve 210 along the eighth line 18.

[0171] The air conditioning unit 3 may not be operated. Therefore, the refrigerant connection line 5 may be closed.

[0172] The coolant introduced into the second valve 210 along the eighth line 18 may flow along the sixth line 16 connected to the eighth line 18 through the second valve 210 .

[0173] The coolant flowing through the sixth line 16 may be discharged to the third line 13 connected through the first valve 110 , and the above process is repeatedly performed.

[0174] Thus, when the above-described process is repeatedly performed, the coolant heated while passing through the battery heater 60 may first pass through the cabin heater 70 along the tenth line 20 connected to the ninth line 19 through the second valve module 200 .

[0175] In other words, the high-temperature coolant heated at the battery heater 60 may first pass through the cabin heater 70 , and thus the vehicle interior may be heated more efficiently.

[0176] Then, the coolant having passed through the vehicle interior heater 70 may heat the vehicle interior while passing through the battery module 40 along the eleventh line 21 and the seventh line 17 , and at the same time may increase the temperature of the battery module 40 .

[0177] In this embodiment, the following reference Figure 6 An operation based on the fifth mode of cooling the battery module 40 by using the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 is described in detail.

[0178] Figure 6 is an operation diagram based on the fifth mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0179] refer to Figure 6 , the second line 12 may be connected to the fifth line 15 by operation of the first valve 110 , so that the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may be supplied to the battery module 40 .

[0180] Meanwhile, the sixth pipeline 16 may be connected to the first pipeline 11 through the operation of the first valve 110 .

[0181] The third line 13 and the fourth line 14 may be closed by the operation of the first valve module 110 .

[0182] The eighth pipeline 18 may be connected to the sixth pipeline 16 by operation of the second valve 210. Meanwhile, the ninth pipeline 19 may be connected to the seventh pipeline 17 by operation of the second valve 210.

[0183] The tenth pipeline 20 and the eleventh pipeline 21 may be closed by operation of the second valve 210 .

[0184] Therefore, the first line 11, the second line 12, the fifth line 15, the sixth line 16, the seventh line 17, the eighth line 18 and the ninth line 19 may be interconnected by operation of the first valve module 100 and the second valve module 200 to form an independent closed loop for coolant circulation.

[0185] In this state, when the second water pump 220 operates, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 40 along the seventh line 17 may flow into the cooler 50 and then be discharged through the eighth line 18 .

[0186] The air conditioning unit 3 may not be operated. Therefore, the refrigerant connection line 5 may be closed.

[0187] The coolant flowing along the eighth line 18 may flow into the sixth line 16 connected by the operation of the second valve 210 .

[0188] The coolant flowing along the sixth line 16 may be introduced into the first valve 110. Thereafter, the coolant introduced into the first valve 110 may be discharged to the first line 11.

[0189] The coolant discharged to the first line 11 may be introduced into the radiator 10. The coolant introduced into the radiator 10 may be cooled by heat exchange with ambient air. In addition, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may be introduced into the first valve 110 along the second line 12 and then discharged through the fifth line 15.

[0190] The coolant flowing along the fifth line 15 may pass through the battery heater 60 and then may flow along the ninth line 19. The battery heater 60 may not operate.

[0191] The coolant introduced into the second valve 210 through the ninth line 19 may be discharged to the seventh line 17 , and may pass through the battery module 40 .

[0192] According to such operation, the coolant cooled while passing through the radiator 10 may flow through the seventh line 17. Thus, the battery module 40 may be effectively cooled by the coolant cooled at the radiator 10.

[0193] In more detail, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may be directly introduced into the battery module 40 without passing through the electric component 30 , and thus the battery module 40 may be cooled more effectively.

[0194] In other words, while the above process is repeatedly performed, the coolant cooled at the radiator 10 may cool the battery module 40 to prevent overheating.

[0195] Therefore, as described above, when a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an embodiment is applied, the temperature of the battery module 40 can be adjusted by using a cooler 50 for heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant and a battery heater 60, and the heating of the vehicle interior can be performed by using the coolant heated at the battery heater 60, so that the overall efficiency of the system can be improved.

[0196] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a plurality of coolant flow lines may be formed at the first valve 110 and the second valve 210 according to a selected vehicle mode, so that system streamlining and simplification may be achieved and manufacturing costs may be reduced by removing a PTC heater.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, by effectively adjusting the temperature of the battery module 40 , optimal performance of the battery module 40 may be achieved, and the total driving distance of the vehicle may be increased due to the effective management of the battery module 40 .

[0198] Furthermore, according to the embodiments, manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and space utilization can be improved by simplifying the entire system.

[0199] While the invention has been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements that fall within the scope of the gist.

[0200] Description of Reference Numerals

[0201] 3: Air conditioning unit

[0202] 5: Refrigerant connecting pipeline

[0203] 10: Radiator

[0204] 11, 12, 13: First, second and third pipelines

[0205] 14, 15, 16: The fourth, fifth and sixth pipelines

[0206] 17, 18, 19: The seventh, eighth and ninth pipelines

[0207] 20, 21: The tenth and eleventh pipelines

[0208] 30: Electrical components

[0209] 40: Battery module

[0210] 50: Cooler

[0211] 60: Battery heater

[0212] 70: Cabin heater

[0213] 100: First valve module

[0214] 110: First valve

[0215] 120: First water pump

[0216] 200: Second valve module

[0217] 210: Second valve

[0218] 220: Second water pump.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, the thermal management system comprising: a first valve module configured to control a flow of a coolant introduced into the interior according to at least one mode for temperature regulation of the vehicle interior, temperature regulation of the electric component, and temperature regulation of the battery module; as well as a second valve module, which is selectively connected to the first valve module through at least one pipeline and is configured to control the flow of the coolant introduced into the interior according to the at least one mode, wherein The at least one line selectively connects a radiator, the electric component, the battery module, a cooler, a battery heater, and a cabin heater to the first valve module or the second valve module.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one pipeline comprises: a first line having a first end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the radiator; a second line having a first end connected to the radiator and a second end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow; a third line having a first end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the electrical component; a fourth line having a first end connected to the electrical component and a second end connected to the first valve module to selectively allow flow of the coolant; a fifth line having a first end connected to the first valve module and a second end connected to the battery heater to selectively allow the coolant to flow; a sixth line having a first end connected to the first valve module and a second end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow; a seventh line having a first end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the cooler, and provided with the battery module; an eighth line having a first end connected to the cooler and a second end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow; a ninth line having a first end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the battery heater; a tenth line having a first end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow and a second end connected to the cabin heater; and An eleventh line has a first end connected to the cabin heater and a second end connected to the second valve module to selectively allow the coolant to flow.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: The first valve module comprises: a first valve configured to control the flow of the coolant introduced into the interior; and A first water pump is disposed in the first valve.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The first valve is configured to selectively discharge the coolant selectively introduced from the second line, the fourth line, or the sixth line through the first line, the third line, or the fifth line according to a selected mode among the at least one mode.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The first water pump is installed in the first valve to correspond to the third line.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: The second valve module comprises: a second valve configured to control the flow of the coolant introduced into the interior; and A second water pump is disposed in the second valve.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The second valve is configured to selectively discharge the coolant selectively introduced from the eighth line, the ninth line, or the eleventh line through the sixth line, the seventh line, or the tenth line.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The second water pump is installed in the second valve to correspond to the seventh line.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one mode comprises: a first mode for cooling the electrical components and cooling the battery module; a second mode for heating the vehicle interior and cooling the battery module; a third mode for increasing the temperature of the battery module; a fourth mode for heating the vehicle interior and increasing the temperature of the battery module; and A fifth mode is for cooling the battery module by using the coolant cooled at the radiator.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: In the first mode: The second line is connected to the third line by operation of the first valve module, and the fourth line is connected to the first line by operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant cooled at the radiator is supplied to the electric component; The first pipeline, the second pipeline, the third pipeline, and the fourth pipeline are interconnected by operation of the first valve module to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant; The eighth pipeline is connected to the seventh pipeline by operation of the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant, so that the coolant cooled in the cooler is supplied to the battery module; The fifth pipeline and the sixth pipeline are closed by operation of the first valve module; and The ninth line, the tenth line, and the eleventh line are closed by operation of the second valve module.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: In the second mode: The first pipeline and the second pipeline are closed by operation of the first valve module; The third pipeline is connected to the sixth pipeline through the operation of the first valve module; The fourth pipeline is connected to the fifth pipeline through the operation of the first valve module; The eighth pipeline is connected to the seventh pipeline by operation of the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant, so that the coolant cooled in the cooler is supplied to the battery module; the ninth line is connected to the tenth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant heated at the battery heater is supplied to the cabin heater; The eleventh pipeline is connected to the sixth pipeline through operation of the second valve module; and The third line, the fourth line, the fifth line, the sixth line, the ninth line, the tenth line, and the eleventh line are interconnected with the first valve module through the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for circulating the coolant.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: In the third mode: The second line is connected to the third line by operation of the first valve module, and the fourth line is connected to the first line by operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant cooled at the radiator is supplied to the electric component; The first pipeline, the second pipeline, the third pipeline, and the fourth pipeline are interconnected by operation of the first valve module to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant; The sixth pipeline is connected to the fifth pipeline through the operation of the first valve module; the ninth line is connected to the seventh line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant heated at the battery heater is supplied to the battery module; The eighth pipeline is connected to the sixth pipeline through the operation of the second valve module; The tenth pipeline and the eleventh pipeline are closed by operation of the second valve module; and The fifth line, the sixth line, the seventh line, the eighth line, and the ninth line are interconnected by operations of the first valve module and the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: In the fourth mode: The first pipeline and the second pipeline are closed by operation of the first valve module; The third pipeline is connected to the sixth pipeline through the operation of the first valve module; The fourth pipeline is connected to the fifth pipeline through the operation of the first valve module; the ninth line is connected to the tenth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant heated at the battery heater is supplied to the battery module and the cabin heater; The eleventh pipeline is connected to the seventh pipeline through the operation of the second valve module; The eighth pipeline is connected to the sixth pipeline through the operation of the second valve module; and The coolant heated while passing through the battery heater passes through the cabin heater along the tenth line connected to the ninth line through the second valve module, and then passes through the battery module along the eleventh line and the seventh line connected by the second valve module.

14. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: In the fifth mode: the second line is connected to the fifth line by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant cooled at the radiator is supplied to the battery module; The sixth pipeline is connected to the first pipeline through the operation of the first valve module; The third pipeline and the fourth pipeline are closed by operation of the first valve module; The eighth pipeline is connected to the sixth pipeline through the operation of the second valve module; The ninth pipeline is connected to the seventh pipeline through the operation of the second valve module; The tenth pipeline and the eleventh pipeline are closed by operation of the second valve module; and The first line, the second line, the fifth line, the sixth line, the seventh line, the eighth line, and the ninth line are interconnected by operations of the first valve module and the second valve module to form an independent closed loop for circulation of the coolant.

15. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein: The cooler is connected to the air conditioning unit via a refrigerant connection line.

16. The thermal management system of claim 15, wherein: The cooler is a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the interior and the refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning unit.

17. The thermal management system of claim 15, wherein: In order to cool the battery module by using the coolant after heat exchange at the cooler, the air conditioning unit is configured to supply low-temperature refrigerant to the cooler through the refrigerant connection line.

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