Heat pump system for vehicle

Abstract

A heat pump system for a vehicle includes: an electrical component cooling device including a radiator, a first water pump connected via a first coolant line configured to flow a first coolant to cool an electrical component or recover waste heat of the electrical component, a heat storage device connected to the radiator, and a second water pump connected via a second coolant line configured to flow a second coolant to cool the electrical component or recover waste heat of the electrical component; and a second water pump in which a second coolant line is selectively connected to the first coolant line and configured to flow the first coolant; an air conditioning unit including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger; and a vehicle interior heating device, a first heat exchanger provided on the third coolant line, and a second heat exchanger connected to the second coolant line, causing the first coolant to flow and evaporating the refrigerant by heat exchange with the first coolant, and control the flow of the first coolant based on at least one mode of storing heat in the heat storage device or heating the interior of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0180572, filed on December 13, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle, and more particularly to a heat pump system for a vehicle interconnected with an air - conditioning unit through which a refrigerant circulates. Background art

[0004] Generally, an air - conditioning system for a vehicle includes an air - conditioning unit that circulates a refrigerant to heat and cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0005] The air - conditioning unit is used to maintain the interior of the vehicle at an appropriate temperature regardless of changes in the external temperature to maintain a comfortable interior environment. In particular, the air - conditioning unit is configured to heat and cool the interior of the vehicle by performing heat exchange between a condenser and an evaporator while the refrigerant discharged by driving a compressor passes through the condenser, a liquid receiver dryer, an expansion valve, and the evaporator and then circulates back to the compressor.

[0006] In other words, in summer, the air - conditioning unit condenses the high - temperature and high - pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor through the condenser, allows the refrigerant to pass through the liquid receiver dryer and the expansion valve, and then evaporates the refrigerant in the evaporator in the cooling mode, thereby reducing the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle.

[0007] Environment - friendly technologies have become core technologies in the future automotive industry, and advanced automakers are concentrating their efforts on developing environment - friendly vehicles to meet environmental and fuel - efficiency regulations.

[0008] In recent years, as people's interest in energy efficiency and environmental pollution has been increasing continuously, it is expected to develop an environment - friendly vehicle that can basically replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Environment - friendly vehicles are classified into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as a power source for driving and hybrid vehicles that use an engine and a battery for driving.

[0009] An electric vehicle uses a battery module as a main power source, in which a plurality of rechargeable batteries (i.e., battery cells) that can be charged and discharged form a battery pack, so it does not produce exhaust gas and generates little noise.

[0010] An air - conditioning device applied to such an environment - friendly vehicle is generally referred to as a heat pump system.

[0011] However, when it is necessary to heat the vehicle interior, due to insufficient heat sources, electric vehicles equipped with a heat pump system mainly use electric heaters. Therefore, there are disadvantages such as deteriorated heating performance, increased power consumption of the compressor, and a significant increase in battery consumption due to the use of electric heaters.

[0012] In addition, there is also a disadvantage that the overall driving range of the vehicle is shortened due to the excessive use of the battery, and thus the overall marketability of the electric vehicle is deteriorated.

[0013] The above information disclosed in the background art section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention, and thus it may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle, which is connected to an air conditioning unit that absorbs at least one of the heat of ambient air, the waste heat of electrical components, and the heat supplied from a heat storage device. Thus, the heat pump system is configured to effectively heat the vehicle interior by using a high-temperature coolant.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system for a vehicle includes: an electrical component cooling device, which includes: a radiator; and a first water pump, connected via a first coolant line configured to allow a first coolant to flow to cool electrical components or recover the waste heat of electrical components. The electrical component cooling device further includes: a heat storage device; and a second water pump, connected to a second coolant line, wherein the second coolant line is selectively connected to the first coolant line and is configured to allow the first coolant to flow. The heat pump system further includes: an air conditioning unit, which includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger, connected to a refrigerant line configured to allow a refrigerant to flow; and a vehicle interior heating device, including a heater core and a third water pump connected to a third coolant line configured to allow a second refrigerant to flow. In particular, the first heat exchanger is disposed on the third coolant line and is configured to allow the second coolant to flow and condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the second coolant. The second heat exchanger is connected to the second coolant line and is configured to allow the first coolant to flow and evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the first coolant. The flow of the first coolant is controlled based on at least one of a mode for storing heat in the heat storage device or heating the vehicle interior.

[0016] The electrical component cooling device further includes: a branch pipeline, connected to the first coolant pipeline between the radiator and the first water pump through a first valve provided on the first coolant pipeline between the radiator and the first water pump; a second valve, provided between the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline to selectively connect the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline; and a first connecting pipeline, with its first end connected to the second valve and its second end connected to the position where the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline meet between the electrical component and the second water pump. The electrical component cooling device further includes: a third valve, provided on the first coolant pipeline and located at the downstream end of the electrical component; and a second connecting pipeline, with its first end connected to the third valve and its second end connected to the second coolant pipeline between the heat storage device and the second heat exchanger.

[0017] When the waste heat generated from the electrical component is sufficient, or when the temperature of the first coolant is raised by using the waste heat of the electrical component and the heat of the heat storage device, the first valve is configured to close the first coolant pipeline connected to the radiator and open the branch pipeline.

[0018] When the temperature of the first coolant is raised by using the heat stored in the heat storage device, the second valve is configured to open the first connecting pipeline and close the first coolant pipeline connecting the radiator and the second valve, so that the second coolant pipeline forms an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the first connecting pipeline through the closed loop.

[0019] When the temperature of the heat stored in the heat storage device is lower than a predetermined temperature, or when the heat storage device has completely exhausted the stored heat, the third valve is configured to open the second connecting pipeline and close a part of the first coolant pipeline and a part of the second coolant pipeline connecting the third valve and the heat storage device, so that the first coolant does not flow to the heat storage device.

[0020] The first valve, the second valve and the third valve can be three-way valves capable of distributing the flow rate while controlling the flow movement of the first coolant.

[0021] At least one mode includes: a first mode, in which the heat stored in the heat storage device is supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit is used to heat the vehicle interior; a second mode, in which the waste heat of the electrical components and the heat stored in the heat storage device are supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit is used to heat the vehicle interior; a third mode, in which the ambient air heat, the waste heat of the electrical components, and the heat stored in the heat storage device are supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit is used to heat the vehicle interior; a fourth mode, in which the waste heat of the electrical components is supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit is used to heat the vehicle interior; a fifth mode, in which the ambient air heat and the waste heat of the electrical components are supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit is used to heat the vehicle interior; and a sixth mode, in which heat is stored in the heat storage device.

[0022] In the first mode: The first coolant line is not connected to the second coolant line by the operation of the second valve; the operation of the first water pump is stopped so that the first coolant does not flow along the first coolant line; the branch line is closed by the operation of the first valve; the first connection line is opened by the operation of the second valve so that the second coolant line and the first connection line are interconnected to form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the closed loop; the second connection line is closed by the operation of the third valve; the second water pump operates so that the first coolant flows along the second coolant line and the first connection line; the air conditioning unit operates; the third water pump operates so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant line; the heat stored in the heat storage device raises the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the second coolant line and the first connection line; the second heat exchanger recovers the heat of the heat storage device while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant line; and the first heat exchanger raises the temperature of the second coolant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant line so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

[0023] When the temperature of the heat storage device is higher than the heating target temperature, the first mode operates.

[0024] In the second mode: Part of the first coolant pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve connected to the radiator, so that the first coolant does not flow to the radiator; the branch pipeline is opened by the operation of the first valve; through the operation of the second valve and the third valve, the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline are connected to each other; the first connecting pipeline is closed by the operation of the second valve; the second connecting pipeline is closed by the operation of the third valve; the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline are interconnected through the opened branch pipeline to form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the closed loop; the first water pump and the second water pump operate so that the first coolant circulates along the branch pipeline, the opened first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline; the air conditioning unit operates; the third water pump operates so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant pipeline; the waste heat of the electrical components and the heat stored in the heat storage device increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the opened first coolant pipeline, the second coolant pipeline and the branch pipeline; the second heat exchanger evaporates the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline, while recovering the waste heat of the electrical components and the heat stored in the heat storage device; and the first heat exchanger increases the temperature of the second coolant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant pipeline, so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

[0025] The second mode operates when the temperature of the heat storage device is higher than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical components and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is higher than the external temperature.

[0026] In the third mode: Through the operation of the second valve and the third valve, the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline are connected to each other; the branch pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve; the first connecting pipeline is closed by the operation of the second valve; the second connecting pipeline is closed by the operation of the third valve; the first water pump and the second water pump operate so that the first coolant circulates along the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline; the air conditioning unit operates; the third water pump operates so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant pipeline; the heat of the ambient air absorbed at the radiator, the waste heat of the electrical components and the heat stored in the heat storage device increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the opened first coolant pipeline, the second coolant pipeline and the branch pipeline; the second heat exchanger evaporates the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline, while recovering the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical components and the heat stored in the heat storage device; and the first heat exchanger increases the temperature of the second coolant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant pipeline, so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

[0027] The third mode of operation occurs when the temperature of the heat storage device is higher than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical component and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is lower than the external temperature.

[0028] In the fourth mode: A part of the first coolant pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve connected to the radiator, so that the first coolant does not flow to the radiator; the branch pipeline is opened by the operation of the first valve; a part of the second coolant pipeline connected to the second heat exchanger is opened by the operation of the second valve to be connected to the first coolant pipeline; a part of the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline connected to the second end of the second connection pipeline from the third valve are closed by the operation of the third valve; the first connection pipeline is closed by the operation of the second valve; the second connection pipeline is opened by the operation of the third valve; a part of the first coolant pipeline and a part of the second coolant pipeline are interconnected through the second connection pipeline and the branch pipeline to form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the closed loop; the first water pump operates so that the first coolant circulates along the opened first coolant pipeline, the opened second coolant pipeline, the branch pipeline, and the second connection pipeline; the air conditioning unit operates; the third water pump operates so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant pipeline; the waste heat of the electrical component raises the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the opened first coolant pipeline, the opened second coolant pipeline, the branch pipeline, and the second connection pipeline; the second heat exchanger recovers the waste heat of the electrical component while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by heat exchange with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline; and the first heat exchanger raises the temperature of the second coolant by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant pipeline, so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

[0029] The fourth mode of operation occurs when the heat stored in the heat storage device is completely exhausted, or when the temperature of the heat storage device is lower than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical component and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is higher than the external temperature.

[0030] In the fifth mode: A part of the second coolant pipeline connected to the second heat exchanger is opened by the operation of the second valve to connect to the first coolant pipeline; A part of the first coolant pipeline and the second coolant pipeline connecting the third valve to the second end of the second connecting pipeline are closed by the operation of the third valve; The branch pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve; The first connecting pipeline is closed by the operation of the second valve; The second connecting pipeline is opened by the operation of the third valve; The first coolant pipeline and a part of the second coolant pipeline are interconnected through the second connecting pipeline to form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the closed loop; The first water pump operates so that the first coolant circulates along the first coolant pipeline, the opened second coolant pipeline, and the second connecting pipeline; The air conditioning unit operates; The third water pump operates so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant pipeline; The heat of the ambient air absorbed at the radiator and the waste heat of the electrical components raise the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the first coolant pipeline, the opened second coolant pipeline, and the second connecting pipeline; While evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by heat exchange with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline, the second heat exchanger recovers the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical components; And the first heat exchanger raises the temperature of the second coolant by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant pipeline, so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

[0031] The fifth mode operates when the heat stored in the heat storage device is completely exhausted, or when the temperature of the heat storage device is lower than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical components and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is higher or lower than the external temperature.

[0032] In the sixth mode: A part of the first coolant pipeline and a part of the second coolant pipeline connecting the third valve to the second end of the second connecting pipeline are opened by the operation of the third valve; The part of the second coolant pipeline connected to the second heat exchanger, the first coolant pipeline connecting the radiator and the second valve, and the first coolant pipeline connecting the radiator and the third valve are closed; The branch pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve; The first connecting pipeline is closed by the operation of the second valve; The second connecting pipeline is opened by the operation of the third valve; The first water pump stops operating so that the first coolant does not flow along the first coolant pipeline; The second water pump operates so that the first coolant circulates along the opened second coolant pipeline and the second connecting pipeline; The air conditioning unit stops operating; And the vehicle interior heating device stops operating.

[0033] The electrical component cooling device further includes a coolant heater, and the coolant heater is arranged on the second coolant pipeline between the second water pump and the second heat exchanger.

[0034] When heat needs to be stored in the heat storage device, or when the heat stored in the storage device is insufficient in at least one mode, the coolant heater operates to heat the first coolant flowing along the second coolant line.

[0035] The heat storage device is filled with a phase change material.

[0036] As described above, the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment can raise the temperature of the coolant by using at least one of ambient air heat, waste heat of electrical components, and heat supplied from an air conditioning unit configured to absorb heat supplied from the heat storage device, and can effectively heat the vehicle interior by using the coolant with an elevated temperature.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat of electrical components, and heat stored in the heat storage device, the heating performance can be maximized while minimizing the number of required components, so that streamlining and simplification of the system can be achieved.

[0038] Moreover, according to the present invention, since the use of the electric heater can be minimized when heating the vehicle interior, battery consumption can be reduced and the overall driving distance of the vehicle can be increased.

[0039] In addition, according to the present invention, by simplifying the entire system, the manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced and the space utilization rate can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2 is an operation diagram of a first mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 3 is an operation diagram of a second mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 4 is an operation diagram of a third mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 5 is an operation diagram of a fourth mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 6 is an operation diagram of a fifth mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0046] Figure 7 is an operation diagram of a sixth mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0047] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0048] <Symbol Explanation>

[0049] 10: Electrical component cooling device

[0050] 11: First coolant pipeline

[0051] 12: Radiator

[0052] 13: Electrical component

[0053] 14: First water pump

[0054] 15: First valve

[0055] 16: Branch pipeline

[0056] 21: Second coolant pipeline

[0057] 22: Heat storage device

[0058] 24: Second water pump

[0059] 25: Coolant heater

[0060] 30: Second valve

[0061] 31: First connection pipeline

[0062] 40: Third valve

[0063] 41: Second connection pipeline

[0064] 100: Air conditioning unit

[0065] 102: Refrigerant pipeline

[0066] 110: Compressor

[0067] 120: First heat exchanger

[0068] 130: Expansion valve

[0069] 140: Second heat exchanger

[0070] 200: Vehicle interior heating device

[0071] 202: Third coolant pipeline

[0072] 210: Heater core

[0073] 220: Third water pump. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0074] Some embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the configurations depicted in the 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 there may be various equivalents and variations when applying this specification.

[0076] To clarify the present invention, parts not relevant to the specification are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification to refer to the same elements or equivalents.

[0077] The dimensions and thicknesses of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity.

[0078] Furthermore, unless there is a clear contrary statement, words such as "comprising", "including", or "containing" should be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements, but not the exclusion of any other elements. The same applies to terms such as "having" and "including".

[0079] Furthermore, terms described in the specification, such as "... unit", "... device", "... part", "... component", and "... member", refer to units of integrated elements that perform at least one function or operation.

[0080] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element should be regarded herein as "configured to" meet that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0081] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0082] The heat pump system can be connected to an air conditioning unit 100, which is configured to absorb at least one of the heat of ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the heat supplied from the heat storage device 22, and can effectively heat the interior of the vehicle by using a high-temperature coolant.

[0083] To this end, a heat pump system according to an embodiment may include: an electrical component cooling device 10, an air conditioning unit 100, and a vehicle interior heating device 200.

[0084] Refer to Figure 1 , the air conditioning unit 100 may include: a compressor 110, a first heat exchanger 120, an expansion valve 130, and a second heat exchanger 140 connected via a refrigerant pipeline 102 configured to allow the refrigerant to flow.

[0085] The compressor 110 may compress the refrigerant introduced via the refrigerant pipeline 102 and may discharge the compressed refrigerant into the refrigerant pipeline 102.

[0086] The first heat exchanger 120 can condense the refrigerant introduced from the compressor 110 via the refrigerant pipeline 102 by exchanging heat with the working fluid.

[0087] The expansion valve 130 can expand the refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger 120 through the refrigerant pipeline 102.

[0088] In addition, the second heat exchanger 140 can evaporate the refrigerant introduced from the expansion valve 130 via the refrigerant pipeline 102 by exchanging heat with the working fluid.

[0089] The refrigerant evaporated at the second heat exchanger 140 can be introduced into the compressor 110 along the refrigerant pipeline 102. In other words, the air conditioning unit 100 can circulate the refrigerant while repeatedly performing the above process, and can supply the thermal energy generated during the phase change of the refrigerant to the vehicle interior heating device 200 connected to the first heat exchanger 120.

[0090] In one embodiment, the electrical component cooling device 10 may include: a radiator 12, an electrical component 13, and a first water pump 14 connected via a first coolant pipeline 11.

[0091] The radiator 12 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle, and a cooling fan may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the radiator 12 can cool the first coolant through the operation of the cooling fan and heat exchange with the ambient air.

[0092] Herein, the electrical component 13 may include at least one of a power control device, an inverter, and an on-board charger (OBC). When the vehicle is running, the power control device or the inverter may generate heat, and when charging the battery module, the charger will generate heat.

[0093] In other words, the electrical component cooling device 10 can circulate the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 along the first coolant pipeline 11 through the operation of the first water pump 14, so as to cool the electrical component 13 to avoid or prevent overheating.

[0094] In addition, the electrical component cooling device 10 can circulate the first coolant along the first coolant pipeline 11 through the operation of the first water pump 14, so as to recover the ambient air heat by using the radiator 12, or can cool the electrical component 13 or recover the waste heat of the electrical component 13.

[0095] In another embodiment, the electrical component cooling device 10 further includes: a branch pipeline 16, a heat storage device 22, and a second water pump 24 connected via a second coolant pipeline 21, the second coolant pipeline 21 is selectively connected to the first coolant pipeline 11 and is configured to make the first coolant flow.

[0096] The branch pipeline 16 can be connected to the first coolant pipeline 11 between the radiator 12 and the first water pump 14 through a first valve 15 provided on the first coolant pipeline 11 between the radiator 12 and the first water pump 14.

[0097] More specifically, the first end of the branch pipeline 16 can be connected to the first coolant pipeline 11 through the first valve 15. The second end of the branch pipeline 16 can be connected to the first coolant pipeline 11 at the upstream end of the radiator 12.

[0098] The upstream end and the downstream end of the radiator 12 can be set based on the flow direction of the first coolant.

[0099] In other words, based on the flow direction of the first coolant along the first coolant pipeline 11, the position where the first coolant is introduced into the radiator 12 can be defined as the upstream end of the radiator 12, and the position where the first coolant is discharged from the radiator 12 can be defined as the downstream end of the radiator 12.

[0100] Here, when the waste heat generated by the electrical component 13 is sufficient, or when the temperature of the first coolant is increased by using the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the heat of the heat storage device 22, the first valve 15 can close the first coolant pipeline 11 connected to the radiator 12 and can open the branch pipeline 16.

[0101] Conversely, i) when the first valve 15 supplies the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 to the electrical component 13, or ii) when the ambient air heat is to be absorbed through the radiator 12, the first valve 15 can open the first coolant pipeline 11 connected to the radiator 12 and close the branch pipeline 16.

[0102] In this embodiment, the heat storage device 22 can be provided on the second coolant pipeline 21 and can be filled with a phase change material.

[0103] Here, the phase change material can be used to store energy or continuously maintain the temperature by utilizing the large heat absorption and heat dissipation effects of latent heat. When a thermodynamic process of changing the material between different states (i.e., gas, liquid, and solid states according to temperature and pressure) occurs, latent heat is absorbed or dissipated.

[0104] In this embodiment, a phase change material can be applied to increase the temperature of the first coolant by utilizing the absorbed thermal energy.

[0105] In addition, a second water pump 24 can be provided on the second coolant pipeline 21. The second water pump 24 can be selectively operated to make the first coolant flow through the second coolant pipeline 21.

[0106] Here, the second heat exchanger 140 can be connected to the second coolant line 21 and allow the first coolant to flow therethrough, so as to evaporate the refrigerant by heat exchange with the first coolant.

[0107] In one embodiment, the electrical component cooling device 10 further includes a coolant heater 25 disposed on the second coolant line 21 between the heat storage device 22 and the second heat exchanger 140.

[0108] When the temperature of the first coolant passing through the second heat exchanger 140 is lower than the target temperature, the coolant heater 25 can operate and heat the first coolant flowing through the second coolant line 21. Accordingly, the first coolant whose temperature has increased when flowing through the coolant heater 25 can be supplied to the second heat exchanger 140.

[0109] More specifically, when it is necessary to store heat in the heat storage device 22, or when the heat of the heat storage device 22 is insufficient in at least one mode for heating the vehicle interior, the coolant heater 25 can operate to heat the first coolant flowing along the second coolant line 21 to the second heat exchanger 140.

[0110] In other words, when it is necessary to increase the temperature of the first coolant supplied to the second heat exchanger 140, the coolant heater 25 can be selectively operated.

[0111] The electrical component cooling device 10 further includes: a second valve 30, a first connection line 31, a third valve 40, and a second connection line 41.

[0112] The second valve 30 can be disposed between the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21 to selectively connect the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21.

[0113] The first end of the first connection line 31 can be connected to the second valve 30. The second end of the first connection line 31 can be connected to the position where the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21 meet between the electrical component 13 and the second water pump 24.

[0114] Accordingly, the second valve 30 can be selectively operated to interconnect the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21, or to open or close the first connection line 31.

[0115] When the first connection line 31 is open, one of the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21 can form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the closed loop.

[0116] More specifically, when raising the temperature of the first coolant by using the heat stored in the heat storage device 22, the second valve 30 may open the first connection pipeline 31 so that the second coolant pipeline 21 may form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the first connection pipeline 31 through this closed loop. At the same time, the second valve 30 may close the first coolant pipeline 11 connecting the radiator 12 and the second valve 30.

[0117] In this embodiment, the third valve 40 may be provided on the first coolant pipeline 11 at the downstream end of the electrical component 13.

[0118] Here, the upstream end and the downstream end of the electrical component 13 may be set based on the flow direction of the first coolant.

[0119] In other words, based on the direction in which the first coolant flows along the first coolant pipeline 11, the position where the first coolant is introduced into the electrical component 13 may be defined as the upstream end of the electrical component 13, and the position where the first coolant is discharged from the electrical component 13 may be defined as the downstream end of the electrical component 13.

[0120] In addition, the first end of the second connection pipeline 41 may be connected to the third valve 40. The second end of the second connection pipeline 41 may be connected to the second coolant pipeline 21 between the heat storage device 22 and the second heat exchanger 140.

[0121] Here, when the temperature of the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 is lower than a predetermined temperature, or when the heat storage device 22 has completely exhausted the stored heat, the third valve 40 may open the second connection pipeline 41 so that the first coolant does not flow to the heat storage device 22.

[0122] At the same time, the third valve 40 may close a part of the first coolant pipeline 11 and a part of the second coolant pipeline 21 connecting the first valve 15 and the heat storage device 22.

[0123] In order to store heat in the heat storage device 22, the third valve 40 may open the second connection pipeline 41, and may open the first coolant pipeline 11 and the second coolant pipeline 21 connecting the third valve 40 and the second end of the second connection pipeline 41.

[0124] Each of the first valve 15, the second valve 30, and the third valve 40 may be a three-way valve capable of distributing the flow rate while controlling the flow of the first coolant.

[0125] In addition, the vehicle interior heating device 200 may include: a heater core 210 and a third water pump 220 connected through a third coolant pipeline 202, and the third coolant pipeline 202 is configured to allow the second coolant to flow.

[0126] The heater core 210 may be disposed on the third coolant line 202. The heater core 210 may be disposed within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module (not shown).

[0127] The third water pump 220 may be disposed on the third coolant line 202. The third water pump 220 may be selectively operated to cause the second coolant to flow along the third coolant line 202.

[0128] Here, the first heat exchanger 120 may be disposed on the third coolant line 202 between the heater core 210 and the third water pump 220 to condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with the second coolant. Accordingly, the second coolant may flow through the first heat exchanger 120 along the third coolant line 202.

[0129] Then, the first heat exchanger 120 may condense the refrigerant while performing heat exchange between the introduced second coolant and the refrigerant introduced from the compressor 110 via the refrigerant line 102.

[0130] Meanwhile, the first heat exchanger 120 may discharge the second coolant with increased temperature to the third coolant line 202 while performing heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0131] In other words, the second coolant with increased temperature while the refrigerant is condensed in the first heat exchanger 120 may be supplied to the heater core 210 along the third coolant line 202. Accordingly, the high-temperature second coolant supplied to the heater core 210 through the third coolant line 202 may increase the temperature of the ambient air passing through the heater core 210.

[0132] In other words, the ambient air introduced into the HVAC module may be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 210 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0133] In the heat pump system, the flow of the first coolant may be controlled according to at least one mode for storing heat in the heat storage device 22 and for heating the vehicle interior.

[0134] Here, the at least one mode may include a first mode to a sixth mode.

[0135] In the first mode, the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 may be supplied to the air conditioning unit 100, and the vehicle interior may be heated by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0136] In the second mode, the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 may be supplied to the air conditioning unit 100, and the vehicle interior may be heated by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0137] In the third mode, ambient air heat, waste heat from the electrical component 13, and heat stored in the heat storage device 22 can be supplied to the air conditioning unit 100, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0138] In the fourth mode, waste heat from the electrical component 13 can be supplied to the air conditioning unit 100, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0139] In the fifth mode, ambient air heat and waste heat from the electrical component 13 can be supplied to the air conditioning unit 100, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0140] In addition, in the sixth mode, heat can be stored in the heat storage device 22.

[0141] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 2 to 7 the operation and actions of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment constructed as described above will be described in detail.

[0142] According to one embodiment, in a heat pump system for a vehicle, with reference to Figure 2 the operation in the first mode will be described, in which heat stored in the heat storage device 22 is supplied to the air conditioning unit 100, and the interior of the vehicle is heated by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0143] Figure 2 is an operation diagram of the first mode of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0144] With reference to Figure 2 , in the first mode, by the operation of the second valve 30, the first coolant line 11 can be disconnected from the second coolant line 21.

[0145] Here, the first water pump can stop operating so that the first coolant does not flow along the first coolant line 11.

[0146] The branch line 16 can be closed by the operation of the first valve 15.

[0147] At the same time, the first connection line 31 can be opened by the operation of the second valve 30 so that the second coolant line 21 and the first connection line 31 can be interconnected to form an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates.

[0148] In addition, the second connection line 41 can be closed by the operation of the third valve 40.

[0149] In this state, the second water pump 24 can operate so that the first coolant can flow along the second coolant line 21 and the first connection line 31. Then, the first coolant can flow along the second coolant line 21 and the first connection line 31.

[0150] In the air conditioning unit 100, the compressor 110 can operate so that the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line 102.

[0151] Meanwhile, in the vehicle interior heating device 200, the third water pump 220 can operate so that the second coolant can flow along the third coolant line 202.

[0152] Then, the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 can increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the second coolant line 21 and the first connection line 31.

[0153] In other words, the first coolant can absorb heat from the heat storage device 22 when passing through the heat storage device 22, thereby increasing its temperature. Through such an operation, the first coolant with an increased temperature can be supplied to the second heat exchanger 140.

[0154] Here, the second heat exchanger 140 can recover the heat of the heat storage device 22 while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve 130 by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant line 21.

[0155] The refrigerant evaporated at the second heat exchanger 140 can be introduced into the compressor 110 along the refrigerant line 102. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the operation of the compressor 110.

[0156] The refrigerant compressed at the compressor 110 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 120. At this time, the first heat exchanger 120 can increase the temperature of the second coolant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant line 202, so that the high-temperature second refrigerant is supplied to the heater core 210.

[0157] The second coolant whose temperature has increased when passing through the first heat exchanger 120 can be introduced into the heater core 210 along the third coolant line 202.

[0158] Here, the high-temperature second coolant introduced into the heater core 210 can increase the temperature of the ambient air passing through the heater core 210. In other words, the introduced ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 210 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0159] In addition, the coolant that has passed through the heater core 210 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 120 along the third coolant line 202.

[0160] In other words, when the above process is repeatedly executed, the heat pump system can stably heat the interior of the vehicle by the air conditioner unit 100 indirectly receiving the heat stored in the heat storage device 22.

[0161] When the temperature of the phase change material stored in the heat storage device 22 is higher than the heating target temperature, the first mode can operate.

[0162] Meanwhile, in the first mode, when the temperature of the air discharged into the vehicle interior is lower than the heating target temperature, the coolant heater 25 can be operated to heat the first coolant circulating along the second coolant line 21 and the first connection line 31.

[0163] In other words, the coolant heater 25 can further increase the temperature of the first coolant so that the air conditioner unit 100 can recover a large amount of heat to make the temperature of the first coolant meet the heating target temperature.

[0164] In a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 3 Describe the operation in the second mode, which is used to supply the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 to the air conditioner unit 100 and heat the interior of the vehicle by using the heat supplied from the air conditioner unit 100.

[0165] Figure 3 is an operation diagram of the second mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0166] Refer to Figure 3 , in the second mode, a part of the first coolant line 11 connected to the radiator 12 can be closed by the operation of the first valve 15 so that the first coolant does not flow into the radiator 12. Therefore, the first coolant is not introduced into the radiator 12.

[0167] Meanwhile, the branch line 16 can be opened by the operation of the first valve 15. In addition, the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21 can be connected to each other by the operations of the third valve 40 and the second valve 30.

[0168] Here, the first connection line 31 can be closed by the operation of the second valve 30. In addition, the fourth connection line 115 can be closed by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0169] Then, the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21 can be interconnected through the opened branch line 16, and an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates can be formed.

[0170] In this state, the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 24 can operate so that the first coolant can circulate along the branch pipeline 16, the opened first coolant pipeline 11, and the second coolant pipeline 21.

[0171] In the air conditioning unit 100, the compressor 110 can operate so that the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant pipeline 102.

[0172] Meanwhile, in the vehicle interior heating device 200, the third water pump 220 can operate so that the second coolant can flow along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0173] Then, the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 can increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the first coolant pipeline 11, the branch pipeline 16, and the second coolant pipeline 21 that are interconnected with each other.

[0174] In other words, the first coolant can absorb the waste heat of the electrical component 13 while cooling the electrical component 13, and absorb heat from the heat storage device 22 when passing through the heat storage device 22, thereby increasing its temperature. Through such an operation, the first coolant with an increased temperature can be supplied to the second heat exchanger 140.

[0175] Here, the second heat exchanger 140 recovers the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the heat of the heat storage device 22 while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve 130 by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline 21.

[0176] The refrigerant evaporated at the second heat exchanger 140 can be introduced into the compressor 110 along the refrigerant pipeline 102. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the operation of the compressor 110.

[0177] The refrigerant compressed at the compressor 110 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 120. At this time, the first heat exchanger 120 can increase the temperature of the second coolant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant pipeline 202, so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core 210.

[0178] The second coolant whose temperature has increased when passing through the first heat exchanger 120 can be introduced into the heater core 210 along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0179] Here, the high-temperature second coolant introduced into the heater core 210 can increase the temperature of the ambient air flowing through the heater core 210. In other words, the introduced ambient air can be converted into a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 210, and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0180] In addition, the coolant that has flowed through the heater core 210 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 120 along the third coolant line 202.

[0181] When the above process is repeatedly executed, the heat pump system can stably heat the interior of the vehicle through the air conditioning unit 100 by indirectly receiving the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22.

[0182] When the temperature of the phase change material stored in the heat storage device 22 is higher than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical component 13 and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator 12 is higher than the external temperature, the second mode can be operated.

[0183] Meanwhile, in the second mode, when the temperature of the air discharged into the vehicle interior is lower than the heating target temperature, the coolant heater 25 can be operated to heat the first coolant that circulates along the first coolant line 11, the branch line 16, and the second coolant line 21.

[0184] In other words, the coolant heater 25 can further increase the temperature of the first coolant so that the air conditioning unit 100 can recover a large amount of heat to make the temperature of the first coolant meet the heating target temperature.

[0185] In the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, reference will be made to Figure 4 describe the operation in the third mode, which is used to supply the ambient air heat, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 to the air conditioning unit 100 and heat the interior of the vehicle by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0186] Figure 4 is an operation diagram of the third mode of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0187] Reference Figure 4 In, in the third mode, the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21 can be connected to each other through the operations of the third valve 40 and the second valve 30.

[0188] Meanwhile, the branch line 16 can be closed through the operation of the first valve 15. In addition, the first valve 15 can open the first coolant line 11 connecting the radiator 12 and the first water pump 14 so that the first coolant can circulate to the radiator 12.

[0189] Here, the first connection line 31 can be closed through the operation of the second valve 30. In addition, the second connection line 41 can be closed through the operation of the third valve 40.

[0190] In other words, the first coolant pipeline 11 and the second coolant pipeline 21 can be connected to each other to form an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates.

[0191] Therefore, the radiator 12, the electrical component 13, and the heat storage device 22 can be interconnected through the second coolant pipeline 21 and the first coolant pipeline 11.

[0192] In this state, the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 24 can operate so that the first coolant can circulate along the first coolant pipeline 11 and the second coolant pipeline 21.

[0193] Meanwhile, in the air conditioning unit 100, the compressor 110 can operate so that the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant pipeline 102.

[0194] Meanwhile, in the vehicle interior heating device 200, the third water pump 220 can operate so that the second coolant can flow along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0195] Then, the heat of the ambient air absorbed at the radiator 12, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 can increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the mutually interconnected first coolant pipeline 11 and second coolant pipeline 21.

[0196] In other words, the first coolant can absorb the heat of the ambient air when passing through the radiator 12. Meanwhile, the first coolant can absorb the waste heat of the electrical component 13 while cooling the electrical component 13, and absorb heat from the heat storage device 22 when passing through the heat storage device 22, thereby increasing its temperature. Through such an operation, the first coolant with an increased temperature can be supplied to the second heat exchanger 140.

[0197] Here, the second heat exchanger 140 can recover the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the heat of the heat storage device 22 when evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve 130 through heat exchange with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline 21.

[0198] The refrigerant evaporated at the second heat exchanger 140 can be introduced into the compressor 110 along the refrigerant pipeline 102. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the operation of the compressor 110.

[0199] The refrigerant compressed at the compressor 110 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 120. At this time, the first heat exchanger 120 can increase the temperature of the second coolant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced through the third coolant pipeline 202, so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core 210.

[0200] The second coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the first heat exchanger 120 may be introduced into the heater core 210 along the third coolant line 202.

[0201] Here, the high-temperature second coolant introduced into the heater core 210 may raise the temperature of the ambient air passing through the heater core 210. In other words, the introduced ambient air may be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 210 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0202] In addition, the coolant that has passed through the heater core 210 may be introduced into the first heat exchanger 120 along the third coolant line 202.

[0203] In other words, when the above process is repeatedly executed, the heat pump system may smoothly heat the vehicle interior through the air conditioning unit 100 by indirectly receiving the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22.

[0204] The third mode may be operable when the temperature of the heat storage device 22 is higher than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical component 13 and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator 12 is lower than the external temperature.

[0205] Meanwhile, in the third mode, when the temperature of the air discharged into the vehicle interior is lower than the heating target temperature, the coolant heater 25 may be operated to heat the first coolant circulating along the first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21.

[0206] In other words, the coolant heater 25 may further raise the temperature of the first coolant so that the air conditioning unit 100 can recover a large amount of heat to make the temperature of the first coolant meet the heating target temperature.

[0207] In a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 5 Describe the operation in the fourth mode, which is for supplying the waste heat of the electrical component 13 to the air conditioning unit 100 and heating the vehicle interior by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0208] Figure 5 is an operation diagram of the fourth mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0209] Refer to Figure 5 , in the fourth mode, a part of the first coolant line 11 connected to the radiator 12 may be closed by the operation of the first valve 15 so that the first coolant does not flow into the radiator 12. Therefore, the first coolant is not introduced into the radiator 12.

[0210] Meanwhile, the branch pipeline 16 can be opened by the operation of the first valve 15.

[0211] Meanwhile, a part of the second coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second heat exchanger 140 can be opened by the operation of the second valve 30 connected to the first coolant pipeline 11.

[0212] In addition, a part of the first coolant pipeline 11 and the second coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second end of the second connection pipeline 41 from the third valve 40 can be closed by the operation of the third valve 40.

[0213] In this state, the second water pump 24 can stop operating. Therefore, the first coolant does not flow to the heat storage device 22.

[0214] Here, the first connection pipeline 31 can be closed by the operation of the second valve 30. In addition, the second connection pipeline 41 can be opened by the operation of the third valve 40.

[0215] Then, a part of the first coolant pipeline 11 and a part of the second coolant pipeline 21 can be interconnected with the branch pipeline 16 through the second connection pipeline 41, and an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates can be formed.

[0216] In this state, the first water pump 14 can operate so that the first coolant can circulate along the opened first coolant pipeline 11, the opened second coolant pipeline 21, the branch pipeline 16, and the second connection pipeline 41.

[0217] In the air conditioning unit 100, the compressor 110 can operate so that the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant pipeline 102.

[0218] Meanwhile, in the vehicle interior heating device 200, the third water pump 220 can operate so that the second coolant can flow along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0219] Then, the waste heat of the electrical component 13 can raise the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the opened first coolant pipeline 11, the opened second coolant pipeline 21, the branch pipeline 16, and the second connection pipeline 41 that are interconnected with each other.

[0220] In other words, the first coolant can absorb the waste heat of the electrical component 13 when cooling the electrical component 13, thereby raising its temperature. Through such an operation, the first coolant with an increased temperature can be supplied to the second heat exchanger 140.

[0221] Here, the second heat exchanger 140 can recover the waste heat of the electrical component 13 while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve 130 by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline 21.

[0222] The refrigerant evaporated at the second heat exchanger 140 can be introduced into the compressor 110 along the refrigerant pipeline 102. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the operation of the compressor 110.

[0223] The refrigerant compressed at the compressor 110 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 120. At this time, the first heat exchanger 120 can increase the temperature of the second coolant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant pipeline 202, so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core 210.

[0224] The second coolant whose temperature has increased when passing through the first heat exchanger 120 can be introduced into the heater core 210 along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0225] Here, the high-temperature second coolant introduced into the heater core 210 can increase the temperature of the ambient air passing through the heater core 210. In other words, the introduced ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 210 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0226] In addition, the coolant that has flowed through the heater core 210 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 120 along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0227] In other words, when the above process is repeatedly executed, the heat pump system can smoothly heat the vehicle interior through the air conditioning unit 100 by indirectly receiving the waste heat of the electrical component 13.

[0228] When the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 is completely exhausted, or when the temperature of the heat storage device 22 is lower than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical component 13 and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator 12 is higher than the external temperature, the fourth mode can operate.

[0229] In a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 6 Describe the operation in the fifth mode, which is used to supply the ambient air heat and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 to the air conditioning unit 100 and heat the vehicle interior by using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit 100.

[0230] Figure 6 is an operation diagram of the fifth mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0231] Refer to Figure 6 In the fifth mode, a part of the second coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second heat exchanger 140 can be opened by the operation of the second valve 30 connected to the first coolant pipeline 11.

[0232] In addition, a part of the first coolant pipeline 11 and the second coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second end of the second connection pipeline 41 from the third valve 40 can be closed by the operation of the third valve 40.

[0233] In this state, the second water pump 24 can stop operating. Therefore, the first coolant does not flow into the heat storage device 22.

[0234] Here, the branch pipeline 16 can be closed by the operation of the first valve 15. In addition, the first valve 15 can open the first coolant pipeline 11 connecting the radiator 12 and the first water pump 14, so that the first coolant can circulate to the radiator 12.

[0235] Here, the first connection pipeline 31 can be closed by the operation of the second valve 30. In addition, the second connection pipeline 41 can be opened by the operation of the third valve 40.

[0236] Then, the first coolant pipeline 11 and a part of the second coolant pipeline 21 can be interconnected with each other through the second connection pipeline 41, and an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates can be formed.

[0237] In this state, the first water pump 14 can operate so that the first coolant can circulate along the first coolant pipeline 11, the opened second coolant pipeline 21, and the second connection pipeline 41.

[0238] In the air conditioning unit 100, the compressor 110 can operate so that the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant pipeline 102.

[0239] Meanwhile, in the vehicle interior heating device 200, the third water pump 220 can operate so that the second coolant can flow along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0240] Then, the heat of the ambient air absorbed at the radiator 12 and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 can increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the first coolant pipeline 11, the opened second coolant pipeline 21, and the second connection pipeline 41.

[0241] In other words, the first coolant can absorb the heat of the ambient air when passing through the radiator 12. At the same time, the first coolant can absorb the waste heat of the electrical component 13 while cooling the electrical component 13, thereby increasing its temperature. Through such an operation, the first coolant with an increased temperature can be supplied to the second heat exchanger 140.

[0242] Here, while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve 130 by heat exchange with the first coolant introduced via the second coolant pipeline 21, the second heat exchanger 140 recovers the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical component 13.

[0243] The refrigerant evaporated at the second heat exchanger 140 can be introduced into the compressor 110 along the refrigerant pipeline 102. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the operation of the compressor 110.

[0244] The refrigerant compressed at the compressor 110 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 120. At this time, the first heat exchanger 120 can increase the temperature of the second coolant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the second coolant introduced via the third coolant pipeline 202, so that the high-temperature second coolant can be supplied to the heater core 210.

[0245] The second coolant whose temperature has increased when passing through the first heat exchanger 120 can be introduced into the heater core 210 along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0246] Here, the high-temperature second coolant introduced into the heater core 210 can increase the temperature of the ambient air passing through the heater core 210. In other words, the introduced ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 210 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0247] In addition, the coolant that has flowed through the heater core 210 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 120 along the third coolant pipeline 202.

[0248] In other words, when the above process is repeatedly executed, the heat pump system can indirectly receive the ambient air heat and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 through the air conditioning unit 100 to smoothly heat the vehicle interior.

[0249] When the heat stored in the heat storage device 22 is completely exhausted, or when the temperature of the heat storage device 22 is lower than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electrical component 13 and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator 12 is lower than the external temperature, the fifth mode can be operated.

[0250] In addition, in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 7 Describe the operation for storing heat in the heat storage device 22 in the sixth mode.

[0251] Figure 7 is an operation diagram of the sixth mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0252] Refer to Figure 7 In the sixth mode, a part of the first coolant pipeline 11 and a part of the second coolant pipeline 21 connected to the second end of the second connection pipeline 41 from the third valve 40 can be opened by the operation of the third valve 40.

[0253] Meanwhile, the partial second coolant line 21 connected to the second heat exchanger 140, the first coolant line 11 connecting the radiator 12 and the second valve 30, and the first coolant line 11 connecting the radiator 12 and the third valve 40 can be closed.

[0254] In addition, the branch line 16 can be closed by the operation of the first valve 15.

[0255] The first connection line 31 can be closed by the operation of the second valve 30. In addition, the second connection line 41 can be opened by the operation of the third valve 40.

[0256] Here, the first water pump 14 can stop operating so that the first coolant does not flow along the first coolant line 11.

[0257] In addition, the second water pump 24 can operate so that the first coolant can circulate along the opened second coolant line 21 and the second connection line 41.

[0258] Meanwhile, in the air conditioning unit 100, the operation of the compressor 110 can stop so that the refrigerant does not flow along the refrigerant line 102.

[0259] In addition, the operation of the vehicle interior heating device 200 can stop.

[0260] Then, the first coolant can flow along the partial first coolant line 11, the partial second coolant line 21, and the second connection line 41 interconnected by the operation of the second water pump 24.

[0261] In this state, the coolant heater 25 can operate to raise the temperature of the first coolant.

[0262] Therefore, the temperature of the first coolant can rise when passing through the coolant heater 25. The first coolant with an increased temperature can be introduced into the third valve 40 along the second coolant line 21 and the second connection line 41.

[0263] The first coolant introduced into the third valve 40 can be introduced into the heat storage device 22 along the partial first coolant line 11 and the second coolant line 21.

[0264] At this time, the heat storage device 22 can recover and store heat from the first coolant whose temperature has risen.

[0265] By repeatedly performing such operations, the phase change material filled in the heat storage device 22 can effectively store heat. In the above first to third modes, the heat stored in the phase change material of the heat storage device 22 can be used to raise the temperature of the first coolant.

[0266] Therefore, as described above, when applying the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, the temperature of the second coolant can be increased by using the heat supplied from the air conditioner unit 100 that absorbs at least one of the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, or the heat supplied from the heat storage device 22, and the interior of the vehicle can be effectively heated by using the second coolant with an increased temperature.

[0267] In addition, according to the present invention, while reducing or minimizing the number of required components, by selectively utilizing the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the heat stored in the heat storage device 22, the heating performance can be improved or maximized, and thus the system can be streamlined and simplified.

[0268] In addition, according to the present invention, since the electric heater can be reduced or minimally used when heating the interior of the vehicle, the consumption of the battery can be reduced, and the overall driving distance of the vehicle can be increased.

[0269] In addition, according to the present invention, by simplifying the entire system, the manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and the space utilization rate can be improved.

[0270] Although the present invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments that are presently considered to be practical, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising: Electrical component cooling device, comprising: heat sink, a first water pump connected via a first coolant line configured to flow a first coolant to cool an electrical component or to recover waste heat of the electrical component, Heat storage devices, and a second water pump connected to a second coolant line, wherein the second coolant line is selectively connected to the first coolant line and configured to flow the first coolant; Air conditioning unit, including: compressor, The first heat exchanger, expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger connected to a refrigerant line configured to flow a refrigerant; and A vehicle interior heating device including a heater core and a third water pump connected to a third coolant line configured to flow a second refrigerant, wherein the first heat exchanger is disposed on the third coolant line and is configured to flow the second coolant and condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the second coolant, wherein the second heat exchanger is connected to the second coolant line and is configured to flow the first coolant and evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the first coolant, and Wherein, the flow of the first coolant is controlled based on at least one mode for storing heat in the heat storage device or heating a vehicle interior of the vehicle.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical component cooling device further comprises: a branch line connected to the first coolant line between the radiator and the first water pump through a first valve disposed on the first coolant line between the radiator and the first water pump; a second valve disposed between the first coolant line and the second coolant line to selectively connect the first coolant line and the second coolant line; a first connecting line having a first end connected to the second valve and a second end connected to a location where the first coolant line and the second coolant line meet between the electrical component and the second water pump; a third valve disposed on the first coolant line at a downstream end of the electrical component; and A second connecting pipeline has a first end connected to the third valve and a second end connected to the second coolant pipeline between the heat storage device and the second heat exchanger.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein: When waste heat generated from the electric component is sufficient, or when the temperature of the first coolant is increased by using waste heat of the electric component and heat of the heat storage device, the first valve is configured to close the first coolant line connected to the radiator and open the branch line.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein: When the temperature of the first coolant is increased by using the heat stored in the heat storage device, the second valve is configured to open the first connecting line and close the first coolant line connecting the radiator and the second valve, so that the second coolant line forms an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates through the first connecting line.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein: When the temperature of the heat stored in the heat storage device is lower than a predetermined temperature, or when the heat storage device has completely exhausted the stored heat, the third valve is configured to open the second connecting line and close a portion of the first coolant line and a portion of the second coolant line connecting the third valve and the heat storage device, so that the first coolant does not flow to the heat storage device.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one mode comprises: a first mode in which the heat stored in the heat storage device is supplied to the air conditioning unit and the vehicle interior is heated using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit; a second mode in which waste heat of the electric components and heat stored in the heat storage device are supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the vehicle interior is heated using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit; a third mode in which ambient air heat, waste heat of the electrical components, and heat stored in the heat storage device are supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the vehicle interior is heated using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit; a fourth mode in which waste heat of the electrical components is supplied to the air conditioning unit and the vehicle interior is heated using heat supplied from the air conditioning unit; a fifth mode in which ambient air heat and waste heat of the electrical components are supplied to the air conditioning unit, and the vehicle interior is heated using the heat supplied from the air conditioning unit; and A sixth mode, in which heat is stored in the heat storage device.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: In the first mode: the first coolant line is not connected to the second coolant line by operation of the second valve; stopping the operation of the first water pump so that the first coolant does not flow along the first coolant line; The branch line is closed by operation of the first valve; opening the first connecting line by operating the second valve so that the second coolant line and the first connecting line are interconnected to form an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates; The second connecting line is closed by operation of the third valve; The second water pump operates so that the first coolant flows along the second coolant pipeline and the first connecting pipeline; The air conditioning unit is operating; The third water pump is operated so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant line; The heat stored in the heat storage device increases the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the second coolant line and the first connecting line; the second heat exchanger recovers heat of the heat storage device while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced through the second coolant line; and The first heat exchanger increases the temperature of the second coolant introduced through the third coolant line by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: When the temperature of the heat storage device is higher than the heating target temperature, the first mode operates.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: In the second mode: a portion of the first coolant line is closed by operation of the first valve connected to the radiator so that the first coolant does not flow to the radiator; The branch line is opened by operation of the first valve; The first coolant line and the second coolant line are connected to each other through the operation of the second valve and the third valve; The first connecting line is closed by operation of the second valve; The second connecting line is closed by operation of the third valve; The first coolant line and the second coolant line are interconnected through an open branch line to form an independent closed loop through which the first coolant circulates; The first water pump and the second water pump are operated so that the first coolant circulates along the branch line, the opened first coolant line, and the second coolant line; The air conditioning unit is operating; The third water pump is operated so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant line; The waste heat of the electrical components and the heat stored in the heat storage device increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the opened first coolant line, the second coolant line and the branch line; the second heat exchanger recovers waste heat of the electric components and heat of the heat storage device while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by heat exchanging with the first coolant introduced through the second coolant line; and The first heat exchanger increases the temperature of the second coolant introduced through the third coolant line by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: The second mode operates when the temperature of the heat storage device is higher than the temperature of the first coolant exhausted from the electric component and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is higher than the outside temperature.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: In the third mode: The first coolant line and the second coolant line are connected to each other through the operation of the second valve and the third valve; The branch line is closed by operation of the first valve; The first connecting line is closed by operation of the second valve; The second connecting line is closed by operation of the third valve; The first water pump and the second water pump are operated so that the first coolant circulates along the first coolant line and the second coolant line; The air conditioning unit is operating; The third water pump is operated so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant line; The ambient air heat absorbed at the radiator, the waste heat of the electrical components, and the heat stored in the heat storage device increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the opened first coolant line, the second coolant line, and the branch line; the second heat exchanger recovers ambient air heat, waste heat of the electric components, and heat of the heat storage device while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by heat exchanging with the first coolant introduced through the second coolant line; and The first heat exchanger increases the temperature of the second coolant introduced through the third coolant line by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: The third mode operates when the temperature of the heat storage device is higher than the temperature of the first coolant exhausted from the electric component and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is lower than the external temperature.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: In the fourth mode: a portion of the first coolant line is closed by operation of the first valve connected to the radiator so that the first coolant does not flow to the radiator; The branch line is opened by operation of the first valve; a portion of the second coolant line connected to the second heat exchanger is opened by operation of the second valve to be connected to the first coolant line; The portion of the first coolant line and the second coolant line connected from the third valve to the second end of the second connecting line are closed by the operation of the third valve; The first connecting line is closed by operation of the second valve; The second connecting line is opened by operation of the third valve; The part of the first coolant pipeline and the part of the second coolant pipeline are interconnected with the branch pipeline through the second connecting pipeline to form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the closed loop; The first water pump operates so that the first coolant circulates along the opened first coolant line, the opened second coolant line, the branch line, and the second connecting line; The air conditioning unit is operating; The third water pump is operated so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant line; The waste heat of the electric component increases the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the opened first coolant line, the opened second coolant line, the branch line, and the second connecting line; the second heat exchanger recovers waste heat of the electric components while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced through the second coolant line; and The first heat exchanger increases the temperature of the second coolant introduced through the third coolant line by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: The fourth mode operates when the heat stored in the heat storage device is completely exhausted, or when the temperature of the heat storage device is lower than the temperature of the first coolant exhausted from the electric component and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is higher than the external temperature.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: In the fifth mode: a portion of the second coolant line connected to the second heat exchanger is opened by operation of the second valve to be connected to the first coolant line; a portion of the first coolant line and the second coolant line connecting the third valve to the second end of the second connecting line are closed by operation of the third valve; The branch line is closed by operation of the first valve; The first connecting line is closed by operation of the second valve; The second connecting line is opened by operation of the third valve; The first coolant pipeline and the part of the second coolant pipeline are interconnected through the second connecting pipeline to form an independent closed loop, and the first coolant circulates through the closed loop; The first water pump operates so that the first coolant circulates along the first coolant line, the opened second coolant line, and the second connecting line; The air conditioning unit is operating; The third water pump is operated so that the second coolant flows along the third coolant line; The ambient air heat absorbed at the radiator and the waste heat of the electrical components increase the temperature of the first coolant flowing along the first coolant line, the opened second coolant line, and the second connecting line; the second heat exchanger recovers ambient air heat and waste heat of the electric components while evaporating the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve by heat exchanging with the first coolant introduced through the second coolant line; and The first heat exchanger increases the temperature of the second coolant introduced through the third coolant line by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant so that the high-temperature second coolant is supplied to the heater core.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: The fifth mode operates when the heat stored in the heat storage device is completely exhausted, or when the temperature of the heat storage device is lower than the temperature of the first coolant discharged from the electric component and the temperature of the first coolant introduced into the radiator is higher than the external temperature.

17. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein: In the sixth mode: a portion of the first coolant line and a portion of the second coolant line connecting the third valve to the second end of the second connecting line are opened by the operation of the third valve; the portion of the second coolant line connected to the second heat exchanger, the first coolant line connecting the radiator and the second valve, and the first coolant line connecting the radiator and the third valve are closed; The branch line is closed by operation of the first valve; The first connecting line is closed by operation of the second valve; The second connecting line is opened by operation of the third valve; The first water pump stops running so that the first coolant does not flow along the first coolant line; The second water pump operates so that the first coolant circulates along the opened second coolant line and the second connecting line; The air conditioning unit stops operating; and The vehicle interior heating device stops operating.

18. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The electric component cooling device further includes a coolant heater provided on a second coolant line between the second water pump and the second heat exchanger.

19. The heat pump system according to claim 17, wherein: When heat needs to be stored in the heat storage device, or when heat stored in the storage device is insufficient in at least one mode, the coolant heater operates to heat the first coolant flowing along the second coolant line.

20. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The heat storage device is filled with phase change material.

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