Vehicle thermal management system

Abstract

A vehicle thermal management system includes: a refrigerant system having a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, a cooler-side expansion valve, and a cooler; and a coolant system having a cabin heater, a battery, a power electronics (PE) component, and a control valve unit. The water-cooled condenser includes a refrigerant passage through which a refrigerant passes and a coolant passage through which a coolant passes. The control valve unit is configured to allow the coolant passage of the water-cooled condenser and the cabin heater to be fluidly connected or disconnected.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0154837, filed on November 9, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle thermal management system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle thermal management system designed to effectively perform cabin heating and cooling, battery thermal management, and power electronics (PE) component thermal management. Background Art

[0004] As energy efficiency and environmental issues become more prominent, there is a desire to develop environmentally friendly vehicles that can replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Such environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles that use an engine and a battery.

[0005] An electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle may include a vehicle thermal management system that is used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in the cabin (or passenger compartment) and keeps the battery and power electronics (PE) components at an optimal temperature. The vehicle thermal management system may include a refrigerant system for the HVAC in the cabin and a coolant system for keeping the battery and PE components at an appropriate temperature.

[0006] The refrigerant system may be designed to perform cabin heating and cooling using phase changes of the refrigerant circulating through the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigerant system may be thermally connected to the coolant system through various heat exchangers and / or chillers.

[0007] A refrigerant system according to the related art may include an internal condenser disposed in a HVAC box, and the internal condenser may be configured to condense the refrigerant and heat the air flowing into the cabin. However, the efficiency of air heating by condensation of the refrigerant may not be very high, resulting in a relatively reduced cabin heating performance.

[0008] In a vehicle thermal management system according to the related art, the refrigerant system and the coolant system may have a very complicated configuration, resulting in high manufacturing costs. In addition, the heat conduction efficiency between the refrigerant and the coolant may be low, resulting in reduced performance of cabin HVAC, battery thermal management, and thermal management of PE components.

[0009] The above information described in this background section is intended to help understand the background of the inventive concept. In addition, the background section may also include any technical concepts that do not constitute prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0010] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art, the present disclosure is proposed.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle thermal management system designed to effectively perform heating and cooling of a cabin, thermal management of a battery, and thermal management of power electronic (PE) components.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle thermal management system may include a refrigerant system including a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, a cooler-side expansion valve, and a cooler. In addition, the vehicle management system may include a coolant system including a cabin heater, a battery, a PE component, and a control valve unit. The water-cooled condenser may include a refrigerant channel through which a refrigerant passes and a coolant channel through which a coolant passes. The control valve unit may be configured to allow the coolant channel of the water-cooled condenser and the cabin heater to be fluidly connected or disconnected.

[0013] The control valve unit may be configured to allow the coolant passage of the water-cooled condenser and the battery to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other.

[0014] The control valve unit may include a first cabin port and a second cabin port configured to be in fluid communication with the cabin heater.

[0015] The control valve unit may include a first condenser port and a second condenser port configured to be in fluid communication with a coolant channel of the water-cooled condenser.

[0016] The control valve unit may be configured to allow the first cabin port and the first condenser port to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other. The control valve unit may be configured to allow the second cabin port and the second condenser port to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other.

[0017] The coolant system may include a cabin pump configured to be fluidly connected to the first cabin port.

[0018] The control valve unit may include a battery port configured to be in fluid communication with the battery and a component port configured to be in fluid communication with the PE component.

[0019] The coolant system may include a battery pump configured to be fluidly connected to the battery port.

[0020] The coolant system may further include a radiator configured to be in fluid connection with the control valve unit. The control valve unit may include a radiator port configured to be in fluid communication with the radiator.

[0021] The coolant system may include a radiator pump configured to be fluidly connected to the radiator port.

[0022] The control valve unit may be configured to allow the coolant passage of the water-cooled condenser and the radiator to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other.

[0023] The control valve unit may be configured to allow fluid connection of the heat sink with the PE component and / or the battery.

[0024] The cooler may include a refrigerant passage through which a refrigerant passes and a coolant passage through which a coolant passes.

[0025] The control valve unit may include a first cooler port and a second cooler port configured to be in fluid communication with a coolant passage of the cooler.

[0026] The control valve unit may be configured to allow the battery port to be fluidly connected to at least one of the first cooler port, the radiator port, or the first condenser port.

[0027] The control valve unit may be configured to allow the component port to be fluidly connected to at least one of the radiator port or the first cooler port.

[0028] The control valve unit may be configured to allow the radiator port to be fluidly connected to at least one of the component port, the first condenser port, or the battery port.

[0029] The coolant system may further include an auxiliary pump configured to be fluidly connected to the control valve unit. The control valve unit may further include an auxiliary port configured to be fluidly connected to the auxiliary pump.

[0030] The control valve unit may be configured to allow the auxiliary port and the second cooler port to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in a first mode;

[0034] Figure 3 shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in the second mode;

[0035] Figure 4shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in a third mode;

[0036] Figure 5 shows a state in which the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in a fourth mode;

[0037] Figure 6 shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in a fifth mode;

[0038] Figure 7 A vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0039] Figure 8 A vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same or equivalent elements. In addition, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the main points of the present disclosure, the known technologies related to the present disclosure are not described in detail.

[0041] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe the elements in the embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the inherent characteristics, order or sequence of the corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, the meaning of all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, is the same as that commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Unless clearly defined in this application, as defined in a commonly used dictionary, otherwise, such terms should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning of the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning.

[0042] When a controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the controller, component, device, element, part, unit or module should be considered herein as being "configured to" satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function. Each controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. may be independently embodied or include a processor and a memory such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium as part of a device.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a refrigerant system 10 thermally connected to a cabin (or passenger compartment). The vehicle thermal management system may also include a coolant system 20 thermally connected to a cabin heater 21, a battery 22, and a power electronics (PE) component 23.

[0044] The refrigerant system 10 may include a compressor 11 , a water-cooled condenser 12 , a cooling-side expansion valve 13 , an evaporator 14 , a cooler 15 , and a cooler-side expansion valve 16 .

[0045] The compressor 11 may compress the refrigerant to circulate the refrigerant. According to an embodiment, the compressor 11 may be an electric compressor driven by electric energy.

[0046] The water-cooled condenser 12 may be thermally connected to the coolant system 20, and the water-cooled condenser 12 may be configured to transfer heat between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system 10 and the coolant circulating in the coolant system 20. The water-cooled condenser 12 may include a refrigerant passage 12a through which the refrigerant passes and a coolant passage 12b through which the coolant passes. The refrigerant passing through the refrigerant passage 12a may transfer heat to the coolant passing through the coolant passage 12b, thereby cooling and condensing the refrigerant, and heating the coolant.

[0047] The cooling side expansion valve 13 may be located between the refrigerant passage 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the evaporator 14. When the refrigerant system 10 operates in the cooling mode, the cooling side expansion valve 13 may be configured to expand the refrigerant received from the refrigerant passage 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12. In addition, the cooling side expansion valve 13 may be configured to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the evaporator 14.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the cooling side expansion valve 13 may be a thermal expansion valve (TXV) that senses the temperature and / or pressure of the refrigerant and adjusts the opening of the cooling side expansion valve 13. Specifically, the cooling side expansion valve 13 may be a TXV having a solenoid valve (not shown) that selectively blocks or releases the flow of refrigerant into the internal passage of the cooling side expansion valve 13. The solenoid valve may be opened or closed by the controller 100, thereby releasing or blocking the flow of refrigerant into the cooling side expansion valve 13. When the solenoid valve is opened, the refrigerant may be allowed to flow into the cooling side expansion valve 13, and when the solenoid valve is closed, the refrigerant may be blocked from flowing into the cooling side expansion valve 13. According to an embodiment, the solenoid valve may be installed in the valve body of the cooling side expansion valve 13 so as to configure the cooling side expansion valve to open or close the internal passage of the cooling side expansion valve 13. According to another embodiment, the solenoid valve may be provided upstream of the cooling side expansion valve 13 so as to configure the cooling side expansion valve to selectively open or close the inlet of the cooling side expansion valve 13. When the solenoid valve is closed, refrigerant may not be introduced into the cooling side expansion valve 13 and the evaporator 14. Therefore, the cooling operation of the refrigerant system 10 may not be performed. When the solenoid valve is opened, refrigerant may be introduced into the cooling side expansion valve 13 and the evaporator 14. In other words, when the solenoid valve of the cooling side expansion valve 13 is opened, the refrigerant system 10 may operate in the cooling mode.

[0049] The evaporator 14 may be configured to evaporate the refrigerant expanded by the cooling-side expansion valve 13 , thereby cooling air flowing into the cabin.

[0050] The refrigerant system 10 may include a refrigerant circulation path 50 that circulates the refrigerant. The refrigerant circulation path 50 may include a first refrigerant pipe 51 extending from the outlet of the compressor 11 to the inlet of the refrigerant channel 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12. The refrigerant circulation path 50 may also include a second refrigerant pipe 52 extending from the outlet of the refrigerant channel 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12 to the inlet of the cooling side expansion valve 13. In addition, the refrigerant circulation path 50 may also include: a third refrigerant pipe 53 extending from the outlet of the cooling side expansion valve 13 to the inlet of the evaporator 14; and a fourth refrigerant pipe 54 extending from the outlet of the evaporator 14 to the inlet of the compressor 11.

[0051] In addition, the refrigerant circulation path 50 may include a distribution line 55 extending from the second refrigerant line 52 to the fourth refrigerant line 54. The distribution line 55 may be configured to introduce the refrigerant flow from the upstream point of the cooling side expansion valve 13 to the upstream point of the compressor 11. Specifically, the inlet of the distribution line 55 may be connected to the second refrigerant line 52 on the upstream side of the cooling side expansion valve 13, and the outlet of the distribution line 55 may be connected to the fourth refrigerant line 54 on the upstream side of the compressor 11.

[0052] The refrigerant system 10 may include a cooler 15 located between the refrigerant passage 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the compressor 11. The cooler 15 may be disposed in the distribution line 55. The cooler 15 may be configured to transfer heat between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system 10 and the coolant circulating in the coolant system 20 on the upstream side of the compressor 11. The cooler 15 may include a refrigerant passage 15a through which the refrigerant passes and a coolant passage 15b through which the coolant passes. The refrigerant passage 15a of the cooler 15 may be fluidly connected to the distribution line 55 of the refrigerant circulation path 50.

[0053] The refrigerant system 10 may include a cooler-side expansion valve 16 located at the upstream side of the refrigerant passage 15a of the cooler 15 in the distribution line 55. The cooler-side expansion valve 16 may be configured to adjust the refrigerant flow rate and / or refrigerant flow rate of the refrigerant passage 15a entering the cooler 15. In addition, the cooler-side expansion valve 16 may be configured to expand the refrigerant received from the refrigerant passage 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12. According to an embodiment, the cooler-side expansion valve 16 may be an electronic expansion valve (EXV) having an actuator 16a. The actuator 16a may have a shaft that is movable to open or close an orifice defined in a valve body of the cooler-side expansion valve 16. The position of the shaft may vary according to the rotation direction, degree of rotation, etc. of the actuator 16a. Therefore, the opening degree of the orifice of the cooler-side expansion valve 16 may vary. The controller 100 may control the operation of the actuator 16a. In addition, the cooler-side expansion valve 16 may be a fully open type EXV. As the opening of the cooler side expansion valve 16 changes, the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant passage 15a entering the cooler 15 may also change. When the cooler side expansion valve 16 is fully opened (i.e., the opening of the cooler side expansion valve 16 is 100%), the refrigerant may not expand when passing through the cooler side expansion valve 16.

[0054] The vehicle thermal management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an HVAC box 70 mounted on a dashboard of the vehicle. The evaporator 14 and the cabin heater 21 may be disposed in the HVAC box 70. The cabin heater 21 may be disposed on the downstream side of the evaporator 14 along the airflow direction. The air mixing door 71 may be disposed between the evaporator 14 and the cabin heater 21. An electric heater 73 may be disposed inside the HVAC box 70, and the electric heater 73 may be configured to heat the air flowing into the cabin using electric energy. The electric heater 73 may be disposed on the downstream side of the cabin heater 21 along the airflow direction.

[0055] according to Figures 1 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling module adjacent to the front grille (not shown) of the vehicle may include only the radiator 24, and the motor of the cooling fan may be changed to a relatively inexpensive DC motor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0056] refer to Figure 7, the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an air-cooled condenser 18, which is disposed on the downstream side of the refrigerant passage 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12. The air-cooled condenser 18 may have a refrigerant passage disposed therein, and the refrigerant may pass through the refrigerant passage of the air-cooled condenser 18. The air-cooled condenser 18 may be disposed adjacent to a front grille of the vehicle, and the air-cooled condenser 18 may be in direct contact with ambient air, so that heat is transferred between the refrigerant in the air-cooled condenser 18 and the ambient air. Specifically, the air-cooled condenser 18 may exchange heat with the ambient air forcibly blown out by the cooling fan, so that the heat transfer rate between the refrigerant and the ambient air may be increased.

[0057] The coolant system 20 may include a cabin heater 21 , a battery 22 , a PE component 23 , and a control valve unit 30 .

[0058] The cabin heater 21 may have a coolant passage. The coolant passes through the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21 and may transfer heat to the air passing through the outer surface of the cabin heater 21, so that the air passing through the outer surface of the cabin heater 21 may be heated and the coolant passing through the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21 may be cooled.

[0059] The battery 22 may have a coolant channel disposed inside or outside thereof. When the coolant passes through the coolant channel of the battery 22, the coolant may be heated or cooled so that the battery 22 maintains an appropriate temperature. For example, the battery 22 may be a high-voltage battery pack of an electric vehicle.

[0060] The PE component 23 may have a coolant channel provided inside or outside thereof. When the coolant passes through the coolant channel of the PE component 23, the coolant may be heated or cooled, thereby maintaining the PE component 23 at an appropriate temperature. For example, the PE component 23 may be a motor, an inverter, an automatic driving controller, etc., which is a driving source of an electric vehicle.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to fluidly connect or disconnect the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the cabin heater 21. When the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the cabin heater 21 are fluidly connected by the control valve unit 30, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may pass through the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21, and the cabin heater 21 may effectively heat the air flowing into the cabin, so that the cabin heating performance may be improved. Therefore, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may heat the air flowing into the cabin through the cabin heater 21 provided in the HVAC box 70, so that the cabin heating is effectively performed. In the vehicle thermal management system of the related art, because the internal condenser that condenses the refrigerant is provided in the HVAC box, the air heating performance of the internal condenser may be relatively reduced. In addition, the internal condenser may be relatively expensive. On the other hand, the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may achieve a relatively high air heating performance using the cabin heater 21, and the cabin heater 21 may be relatively inexpensive.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to fluidically connect or disconnect the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the battery 22. When the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the battery 22 are fluidly connected by the control valve unit 30, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may pass through the coolant passage of the battery 22, so that the battery 22 may be appropriately preheated.

[0063] The coolant system 20 may also include a radiator 24 fluidly connected to the control valve unit 30. The radiator 24 may be disposed adjacent to a front grille of the vehicle, and the radiator 24 may have a coolant passage disposed therein. The coolant passes through the coolant passage of the radiator 24 and may be cooled by ambient air passing through an outer surface of the radiator 24. The radiator 24 may cool the coolant using ambient air forced out by a cooling fan (not shown).

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to fluidly connect or disconnect the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the radiator 24. When the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the radiator 24 are fluidly connected by the control valve unit 30, the coolant cooled by the radiator 24 may pass through the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12, so that the refrigerant may be effectively condensed by the water-cooled condenser 12.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to fluidically connect the radiator 24 to the PE component 23 and / or the battery 22. When the radiator 24 is fluidically connected to the PE component 23 and / or the battery 22 through the control valve unit 30, the coolant cooled by the radiator 24 may pass through the coolant channel of the PE component 23 and / or the coolant channel of the battery 22, so that the PE component 23 and / or the battery 22 may be properly cooled.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to fluidically connect or disconnect the battery 22 and the PE component 23. When the battery 22 and the PE component 23 are fluidically connected by the control valve unit 30, the coolant exhausted from the PE component 23 may pass through the radiator 24 and the battery 22.

[0067] The coolant system 20 may further include a reservoir tank 27 fluidly connected to the control valve unit 30. The reservoir tank 27 may be fluidly connected to the radiator 24. The reservoir tank 27 may temporarily store coolant. When the coolant pressure in the radiator 24 increases to a predetermined pressure or higher, the reservoir tank 27 may receive the coolant, or when the coolant pressure in the radiator 24 is lower than a predetermined pressure, the reservoir tank 27 may replenish the coolant. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reservoir tank 27 may be connected to an outlet of the radiator 24.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to fluidically connect the reservoir 27 to the PE component 23 and / or the battery 22. When the reservoir 27 is fluidically connected to the PE component 23 and / or the battery 22 through the control valve unit 30, the coolant discharged from the reservoir 27 may pass through the PE component 23 and / or the battery 22.

[0069] The coolant system 20 may further include a heater 25 fluidly connected to the control valve unit 30. The heater 25 may include a coolant passage disposed therein, and the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the heater 25. The heater 25 may be fluidly connected to the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12. According to an embodiment, the heater 25 may be an electric heater configured to heat the coolant using electrical energy. When it is necessary to heat the cabin or preheat the battery 22, the heater 25 may be turned on. When the heater 25 is turned on, the heater 25 may heat the coolant. When the heater 25 is turned off, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the heater 25 without being heated by the heater 25.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to fluidly connect or disconnect the heater 25 and the cabin heater 21 .

[0071] The coolant system 20 may also include an auxiliary pump 44 fluidly connected to the control valve unit 30 .

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to allow the auxiliary pump 44 and the coolant passage 15 b of the cooler 15 to be fluidly connected or disconnected.

[0073] The control valve unit 30 may include a first cabin port 31 and a second cabin port 32 in fluid communication with the cabin heater 21. Since the first cabin port 31 and the second cabin port 32 are in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21 through the first cabin port 31 and the second cabin port 32 of the control valve unit 30.

[0074] The control valve unit 30 may include a first condenser port 36 and a second condenser port 37 in fluid communication with the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12. Because the first condenser port 36 and the second condenser port 37 are in fluid communication with the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12 through the first condenser port 36 and the second condenser port 37 of the control valve unit 30.

[0075] The control valve unit 30 may include a battery port 33 in fluid communication with the battery 22. When the battery port 33 is in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the battery 22, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the battery 22 through the battery port 33 of the control valve unit 30.

[0076] The control valve unit 30 may include a component port 34 in fluid communication with the PE component 23. When the component port 34 is in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the PE component 23, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the PE component 23 through the component port 34 of the control valve unit 30.

[0077] The control valve unit 30 may include a radiator port 35 in fluid communication with the radiator 24. When the radiator port 35 is in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the radiator 24, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the radiator 24 through the radiator port 35 of the control valve unit 30.

[0078] The control valve unit 30 may include a first cooler port 38 and a second cooler port 39 in fluid communication with the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15. Since the first cooler port 38 and the second cooler port 39 are in fluid communication with the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15 through the first cooler port 38 and the second cooler port 39 of the control valve unit 30.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to allow the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36 to be fluidly connected or disconnected, and to allow the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37 to be fluidly connected or disconnected. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36, and fluidly connects the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21. When the control valve unit 30 disconnects the fluid connection between the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36, and disconnects the fluid connection between the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37, the coolant may not pass through the coolant passage 12 b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to allow the battery port 33 to be fluidly connected to at least one of the first cooler port 38, the radiator port 35, or the first condenser port 36. In other words, the battery port 33 is fluidly connected to the first cooler port 38, the radiator port 35, or the first condenser port 36, or any combination thereof. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the battery port 33 and the first cooler port 38, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the battery 22 and the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the battery port 33 and the radiator port 35, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24, the reservoir 27, and the coolant channel of the battery 22. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the battery port 33 and the first condenser port 36, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12, the coolant channel of the heater 25, and the coolant channel of the battery 22.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to allow the component port 34 to be fluidly connected to at least one of the radiator port 35 or the first cooler port 38. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the component port 34 and the radiator port 35, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24 and the coolant channel of the PE component 23. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the component port 34 and the first cooler port 38, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the PE component 23 and the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to allow the radiator port 35 to be fluidly connected to at least one of the component port 34, the first condenser port 36, or the battery port 33. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the radiator port 35 and the component port 34, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24 and the coolant channel of the PE component 23. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the radiator port 35 and the first condenser port 36, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24 and the coolant channel 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the radiator port 35 and the battery port 33, the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24 and the coolant channel of the battery 22.

[0083] The coolant system 20 may include a cabin pump 41 fluidly connected to the first cabin port 31 of the control valve unit 30, a battery pump 42 fluidly connected to the battery port 33 of the control valve unit 30, and a radiator pump 43 fluidly connected to the radiator port 35 of the control valve unit 30. When the cabin pump 41, the battery pump 42, and the radiator pump 43 are selectively operated, the coolant may flow in different directions. When the cabin pump 41 is operated, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21. When the battery pump 42 is operated, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the battery 22. When the radiator pump 43 is operated, the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the radiator 24.

[0084] The control valve unit 30 may also include an auxiliary port 40 in fluid communication with an auxiliary pump 44 .

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control valve unit 30 may be configured to allow the auxiliary port 40 and the second cooler port 39 to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other. When the control valve unit 30 fluidly connects the auxiliary port 40 and the second cooler port 39, the coolant may pass through the auxiliary pump 44 and the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15.

[0086] The coolant system 20 may include a coolant circulation path 80 that circulates the coolant. The coolant circulation path 80 may include a first coolant line 81 connected to the first cabin port 31 of the control valve unit 30 and a second coolant line 82 connected to the second cabin port 32 of the control valve unit 30. The coolant circulation path 80 may also include a third coolant line 83 connected to the battery port 33 of the control valve unit 30, a fourth coolant line 84 connected to the component port 34 of the control valve unit 30, a fifth coolant line 85 connected to the radiator port 35 of the control valve unit 30, and a sixth coolant line 86 connected to the first condenser port 36 of the control valve unit 30. In addition, the coolant circulation path 80 may also include a seventh coolant line 87 connected to the second condenser port 37 of the control valve unit 30, an eighth coolant line 88 connected to the first cooler port 38 of the control valve unit 30, a ninth coolant line 89 connected to the second cooler port 39 of the control valve unit 30, and a tenth coolant line 90 connected to the auxiliary port 40 of the control valve unit 30.

[0087] The first coolant line 81 may connect the first cabin port 31 of the control valve unit 30 and the first port of the cabin heater 21. The cabin pump 41 may be fluidly connected to the first coolant line 81.

[0088] The second coolant line 82 may connect the second cabin port 32 of the control valve unit 30 and a second port of the cabin heater 21 .

[0089] The third coolant line 83 may be connected to the ninth coolant line 89 through the first connecting line 45. The first connecting line 45 may connect the third coolant line 83 and the ninth coolant line 89. In addition, the third coolant line 83 may be connected to the second coolant line 82 through the second connecting line 46. The second connecting line 46 may connect the third coolant line 83 and the second coolant line 82. The coolant channels of the battery pump 42 and the battery 22 may be fluidly connected to the third coolant line 83.

[0090] The fourth coolant line 84 may be connected to the tenth coolant line 90. The coolant channel of the PE component 23 may be fluidly connected to the fourth coolant line 84.

[0091] The fifth coolant line 85 may be connected to the seventh coolant line 87 and the tenth coolant line 90. Coolant passages of the radiator 24, the reservoir tank 27, and the radiator pump 43 may be fluidly connected to the fifth coolant line 85.

[0092] The sixth coolant line 86 may connect the first condenser port 36 of the control valve unit 30 and the seventh coolant line 87. The heater 25 and the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 may be fluidly connected to the sixth coolant line 86.

[0093] The seventh coolant line 87 may be connected to the fifth coolant line 85 and the tenth coolant line 90 .

[0094] The eighth coolant line 88 may connect the first cooler port 38 of the control valve unit 30 and a first port of the coolant passage 15 b of the cooler 15 .

[0095] The ninth coolant line 89 may connect the second cooler port 39 of the control valve unit 30 and the second port of the coolant passage 15 b of the cooler 15 .

[0096] The tenth coolant line 90 may be connected to the fourth coolant line 84, the fifth coolant line 85, and the seventh coolant line 87. The auxiliary pump 44 may be fluidly connected to the tenth coolant line 90.

[0097] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in the first mode. Figure 2 , when the vehicle thermal management system operates in the first mode, the battery 22 may be cooled by the cooler 15 , the PE component 23 may be cooled by the radiator 24 , and cabin heating may not be performed.

[0098] refer to Figure 2 , the control valve unit 30 may disconnect the fluid connection between the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36, and disconnect the fluid connection between the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37, so that the coolant does not circulate between the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the cabin heater 21. Since the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 is not transmitted to the cabin heater 21, cabin heating may not be performed.

[0099] refer to Figure 2 , the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the battery port 33 and the first cooler port 38 so that the coolant passes through the coolant channel of the battery 22 and the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15 through the battery pump 42. When the opening of the cooler-side expansion valve 16 of the refrigerant system 10 is adjusted, the refrigerant may expand through the cooler-side expansion valve 16, and the expanded refrigerant may pass through the refrigerant channel 15a of the cooler 15. The coolant that absorbs waste heat from the battery 22 may pass through the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15. The coolant passing through the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15 may transfer heat to the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant channel 15a of the cooler 15, so that the coolant may be cooled, and the refrigerant may be heated or evaporated.

[0100] refer to Figure 2, the control valve unit 30 may connect the radiator port 35 and the component port 34 so that the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24 and the coolant channel of the PE component 23 through the radiator pump 43. In addition, the control valve unit 30 may connect the radiator port 35 and the first condenser port 36 so that the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24, the coolant channel of the heater 25, and the coolant channel 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 through the radiator pump 43. Therefore, the coolant cooled by the radiator 24 may be distributed to the coolant channel of the PE component 23 and the coolant channel 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 in a predetermined ratio, so that the PE component 23 may be cooled, and the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant channel 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12 may be condensed.

[0101] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in the second mode. Figure 3 , when the vehicle thermal management system operates in the second mode, the battery 22 may be cooled by the cooler 15 , the PE component 23 may be cooled by the radiator 24 , and heating of the heating may be performed.

[0102] refer to Figure 3 , the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36, and fluidly connect the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37, so that the coolant may circulate between the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the cabin heater 21 through the cabin pump 41. The coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may be transferred to the cabin heater 21, so that the cabin heater 21 may heat the air flowing into the cabin, thereby performing cabin heating.

[0103] refer to Figure 3, the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the battery port 33 and the first cooler port 38 so that the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the battery 22 and the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15 through the battery pump 42. When the opening of the cooler-side expansion valve 16 of the refrigerant system 10 is adjusted, the refrigerant may expand through the cooler-side expansion valve 16, and the expanded refrigerant may pass through the refrigerant passage 15a of the cooler 15. The coolant absorbing the waste heat of the battery 22 may pass through the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15. The coolant passing through the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15 may transfer heat to the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant passage 15a of the cooler 15, so that the coolant may be cooled, and the refrigerant may be heated or evaporated. Because the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system 10 may be sufficiently evaporated through the cooler 15, the refrigerant may be sufficiently condensed through the water-cooled condenser 12. Therefore, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may be introduced into the cabin heater 21, so that the cabin heater 21 may sufficiently heat the air flowing into the cabin. When the heater 25 is selectively turned on, the coolant may be additionally heated by the heater 25 .

[0104] refer to Figure 3 , the control valve unit 30 may connect the radiator port 35 and the component port 34 so that the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the radiator 24 and the coolant passage of the PE component 23 through the radiator pump 43. Therefore, the coolant cooled by the radiator 24 may be directly introduced into the coolant passage of the PE component 23, so that the PE component 23 may be properly cooled.

[0105] Figure 4 FIG. 2 shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in the third mode. Figure 4 , when the vehicle thermal management system operates in the third mode, the battery 22 and the PE component 23 may be cooled by the cooler 15 and the radiator 24, and cabin heating may not be performed.

[0106] refer to Figure 4 , the control valve unit 30 may disconnect the fluid connection between the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36, and disconnect the fluid connection between the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37, so that the coolant does not circulate between the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the cabin heater 21. Since the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 is not transmitted to the cabin heater 21, cabin heating may not be performed.

[0107] refer to Figure 4, the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the component port 34 and the first cooler port 38. In addition, the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the radiator port 35, the battery port 33, and the first condenser port 36, so that the coolant may pass through the coolant channel of the radiator 24, the coolant channel of the battery 22, the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15, the coolant channel of the PE component 23, and the coolant channel 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 through the battery pump 42 and the radiator pump 43. A portion of the coolant cooled by the radiator 24 may pass through the coolant channel of the battery 22, the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15, and the coolant channel of the PE component 23, so that the coolant may be cooled by the cooler 15 and the radiator 24, and the battery 22 and the PE component 23 may be cooled. The remaining portion of the coolant cooled by the radiator 24 may pass through the coolant channel 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12, so that the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant channel 12a of the water-cooled condenser 12 may be properly condensed.

[0108] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows a state where the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in the fourth mode. Figure 5 , when the vehicle thermal management system operates in the fourth mode, the battery 22 and the PE component 23 may be cooled by the cooler 15 and the radiator 24, and cabin heating may be performed.

[0109] refer to Figure 5 , the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36, and fluidly connect the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37, so that the coolant may circulate between the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the cabin heater 21 through the cabin pump 41. The coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may be transferred to the cabin heater 21, so that the cabin heater 21 heats the air flowing into the cabin, and thus cabin heating may be performed.

[0110] refer to Figure 5, the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the component port 34 and the first cooler port 38, and fluidly connect the radiator port 35 and the battery port 33, so that the coolant may pass through the battery pump 42 and the radiator pump 43, through the coolant channel of the radiator 24, the coolant channel of the battery 22, the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15, and the coolant channel of the PE component 23. The coolant cooled by the radiator 24 may pass through the coolant channel of the battery 22, the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15, and the coolant channel of the PE component 23, so that the coolant may be cooled by the cooler 15 and the radiator 24, and the battery 22 and the PE component 23 may be cooled. When the opening of the cooler-side expansion valve 16 of the refrigerant system 10 is adjusted, the refrigerant may expand through the cooler-side expansion valve 16. The expanded refrigerant may pass through the refrigerant channel 15a of the cooler 15. The coolant that absorbs the waste heat of the battery 22 and the waste heat of the PE component 23 may pass through the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15. The coolant passing through the coolant passage 15b of the cooler 15 may transfer heat to the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant passage 15a of the cooler 15, so that the coolant may be cooled, and the refrigerant may be heated or evaporated. Since the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system 10 may be sufficiently evaporated by the cooler 15, the refrigerant may be sufficiently condensed by the water-cooled condenser 12. Therefore, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may be introduced into the cabin heater 21, so that the cabin heater 21 may sufficiently heat the air flowing into the cabin. When the heater 25 is selectively turned on, the coolant may be additionally heated by the heater 25.

[0111] Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows a state in which the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates in the fifth mode. Figure 6 When the vehicle thermal management system operates in the fifth mode, heat of the ambient air and waste heat of the PE component 23 may be recovered in the cooler 15 , and cabin heating and / or battery 22 preheating may be performed.

[0112] refer to Figure 6 , the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the first cabin port 31 and the first condenser port 36, and fluidly connect the second cabin port 32 and the second condenser port 37, so that the coolant may circulate between the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and the cabin heater 21. The coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may be transferred to the cabin heater 21, so that the cabin heater 21 may heat the air flowing into the cabin, and thus the cabin heating may be performed.

[0113] refer to Figure 6, the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the component port 34, the first cooler port 38, and the radiator port 35. The control valve unit 30 may also fluidly connect the auxiliary port 40 and the second cooler port 39 so that the coolant discharged from the coolant channel of the PE component 23 may pass through the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15 through the auxiliary pump 44. The coolant discharged from the coolant channel of the radiator 24 may pass through the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15 through the radiator pump 43. The coolant discharged from the coolant channel of the PE component 23 and the coolant discharged from the coolant channel of the radiator 24 may merge at the internal channel of the control valve unit 30 and be introduced into the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15. When the opening of the cooler-side expansion valve 16 of the refrigerant system 10 is adjusted, the refrigerant may expand through the cooler-side expansion valve 16. The expanded refrigerant may pass through the refrigerant channel 15a of the cooler 15. The coolant absorbing waste heat of the PE component 23 may pass through the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15, and the coolant passing through the coolant channel 15b of the cooler 15 may transfer heat to the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant channel 15a of the cooler 15, so that the coolant may be cooled, and the refrigerant may be heated or evaporated.

[0114] refer to Figure 6 , the control valve unit 30 may fluidly connect the battery port 33 and the first condenser port 36, so that the coolant discharged from the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 may be distributed to the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21 and the coolant passage of the battery 22 in a predetermined ratio. A portion of the coolant is discharged from the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12 and may pass through the coolant passage of the battery 22 through the battery pump 42. In addition, the coolant discharged from the coolant passage of the battery 22 may be merged into the second coolant line 82 and introduced into the coolant passage 12b of the water-cooled condenser 12. Therefore, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may pass through the coolant passage of the battery 22, so that the battery 22 may be appropriately preheated.

[0115] As described above, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser 12 may be introduced into the coolant passage of the cabin heater 21 and / or the coolant passage of the battery 22 so that cabin heating and / or battery preheating may be performed. When the heater 25 is selectively turned on, the coolant may be additionally heated by the heater 25.

[0116] refer to Figures 1 to 7 , the control valve unit 30 may include a single valve body 30 a having a plurality of ports 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , and 40 .

[0117] According to an alternative embodiment, the control valve unit 30 may include a plurality of physically separated valve bodies. Since the plurality of valve bodies are physically separated, the layout of the thermal management system may be varied in various ways. Figure 8 The control valve unit 30 of the vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a physically separated first valve body 30b and a second valve body 30c. The first valve body 30b may have a first cabin port 31, a battery port 33, a component port 34, a radiator port 35, a first condenser port 36, and a first cooler port 38. The second valve body 30c may have a second cabin port 32, a second condenser port 37, a second cooler port 39, and an auxiliary port 40.

[0118] As described above, the vehicle thermal management system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be designed to effectively perform heating and cooling of the cabin, thermal management of the battery, and thermal management of the PE components. Therefore, the electric efficiency of the vehicle can be improved.

[0119] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by adopting a system that uses a coolant to heat air, the number of components can be significantly reduced and the weight of the vehicle thermal management system can be reduced. In addition, the price of some components can be relatively low, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coolant heated by the water-cooled condenser can heat the air flowing into the cabin through the cabin heater provided in the HVAC housing, so that the cabin heating can be effectively performed. Because the vehicle thermal management system in the related art has an internal condenser that condenses the refrigerant in the HVAC housing, there may be the following disadvantages: the air heating performance of the internal condenser may be relatively reduced, and the price of the internal condenser may be relatively high. On the other hand, the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve a relatively high air heating performance using the cabin heater, and the price of the cabin heater may be relatively cheap.

[0121] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, the present disclosure may be modified and altered in various ways by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle thermal management system, comprising: A refrigerant system, the refrigerant system comprising a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, a cooler-side expansion valve and a cooler; as well as The coolant system includes a cabin heater, a battery, power electronics PE components and a control valve unit, The water-cooled condenser includes a refrigerant channel through which the refrigerant passes and a coolant channel through which the coolant passes, and The control valve unit is configured to allow the coolant passage of the water-cooled condenser and the cabin heater to be fluidly connected or disconnected.

2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow the coolant passage of the water-cooled condenser and the battery to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other.

3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The control valve unit includes a first cabin port and a second cabin port configured to be in fluid communication with the cabin heater.

4. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The control valve unit includes a first condenser port and a second condenser port configured to be in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the water-cooled condenser.

5. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow the first cabin port and the first condenser port to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other, and The control valve unit is configured to allow the second cabin port and the second condenser port to be fluidly connected to or disconnected from each other.

6. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The coolant system includes a cabin pump configured to be fluidly connected to the first cabin port.

7. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein: The control valve unit includes a battery port configured to be in fluid communication with the battery and a component port configured to be in fluid communication with a PE component.

8. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: The coolant system includes a battery pump configured to be fluidly connected to the battery port.

9. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: The coolant system further includes a radiator configured to be fluidly connected to the control valve unit, and The control valve unit includes a radiator port, and the radiator port is configured to be in fluid communication with the radiator.

10. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: The coolant system includes a radiator pump configured to be fluidly connected to the radiator port.

11. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow a coolant passage of the water-cooled condenser and the radiator to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other.

12. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow the heat sink to be fluidly connected to at least one of the PE component or the battery.

13. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: The cooler includes a refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant passes and a coolant passage through which the coolant passes.

14. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 13, wherein: The control valve unit includes a first cooler port and a second cooler port configured to be in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the cooler.

15. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 14, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow the battery port to be fluidly connected to at least one of the first cooler port, the radiator port, or the first condenser port.

16. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 14, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow fluid connection of the component port with at least one of the radiator port or the first cooler port.

17. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 14, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow the radiator port to be fluidly connected with at least one of the component port, the first condenser port, or the battery port.

18. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 14, wherein: The coolant system further includes an auxiliary pump configured to be fluidly connected to the control valve unit, and The control valve unit further includes an auxiliary port, and the auxiliary port is configured to be in fluid communication with the auxiliary pump.

19. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 18, wherein: The control valve unit is configured to allow the auxiliary port and the second cooler port to be fluidly connected or disconnected from each other.

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