Heat pump system for vehicle

Abstract

A heat pump system for a vehicle includes: a first valve module having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a second valve module having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a first line having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module to flow the coolant, and provided with a radiator and an electrical component; a second line having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module to flow the coolant, and provided with a battery module; a third line having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module to flow the coolant, and provided with a condenser; a fourth pipeline; a fifth pipeline; a sixth pipeline; a seventh pipeline; and an eighth line, in which the first and second valve modules are configured to selectively connect the first to eighth lines based on at least one mode of temperature regulation for the interior of the vehicle and temperature regulation of the battery module, and control a flow motion of the coolant.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0180569, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office 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. More specifically, the present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle that can cool or heat the interior of the vehicle. Background art

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

[0005] The air - conditioning unit is configured to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle, and is used to maintain the interior of the vehicle at an appropriate temperature regardless of external temperature changes. This is achieved by using a condenser and an evaporator for heat exchange during the process in which the refrigerant discharged from the driving compressor circulates back to the compressor through the condenser, the liquid receiver dryer, the expansion valve, and the evaporator.

[0006] In other words, the air - conditioning unit condenses the high - temperature and high - pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor through the condenser, allows the refrigerant to flow 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] In recent years, as people's interest in energy efficiency and environmental pollution has been increasing, it is desired to develop an environmentally friendly vehicle that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles driven by using fuel cells or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles driven by using an engine and a battery.

[0008] Among these environmentally friendly vehicles, different from the air - conditioning devices of ordinary vehicles, a separate heater is not used. In addition, the air - conditioning device used in environmentally friendly vehicles is generally called a heat pump system.

[0009] An electric vehicle driven by a power source of a fuel cell generates a driving force by converting the chemical reaction energy between oxygen and hydrogen into electric energy. In this process, heat energy is generated through the chemical reaction in the fuel cell. Therefore, it is advantageous to ensure the performance of the fuel cell to effectively remove the generated heat.

[0010] In addition, a hybrid vehicle generates driving force by driving an electric motor together with an engine operated by general fuel using electric power supplied from the above fuel cell or battery. Therefore, heat generated by the fuel cell or battery and the electric motor should be effectively removed to ensure the performance of the electric motor.

[0011] Therefore, in a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle according to the prior art, a cooling device, a heat pump system, and a battery cooling system should be respectively configured as separate closed loops to prevent heat generation of the electric motor, electrical components, and a battery including a fuel cell.

[0012] As a result, the size and weight of the cooling module provided at the front of the vehicle increase. In addition, the layout of connection pipes for supplying refrigerant and coolant to each of the heat pump system, the cooling device, and the battery cooling system in the engine compartment becomes complicated.

[0013] In addition, since a battery cooling system for heating or cooling a battery is separately provided according to the state of the vehicle to obtain the best performance of the battery, a plurality of valves for selectively interconnecting connection pipes are employed. Thus, noise and vibration generated due to frequent opening and closing operations of the valves may be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby reducing riding comfort.

[0014] In addition, since a separate heat exchanger should be employed to recover waste heat from various heat sources in the heating mode of the vehicle, there is also a disadvantage of increasing manufacturing costs.

[0015] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present invention. Therefore, the background art section may contain information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle, which is configured to selectively exchange heat between thermal energy generated by a coolant and a refrigerant when the refrigerant condenses and evaporates, and to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle by using the heat-exchanged low-temperature or high-temperature coolant.

[0017] The present invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle, which is configured to improve the heating efficiency of the vehicle by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat of electrical components, and waste heat of a battery module when heating the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the system increases the overall driving distance of the vehicle by effectively adjusting the temperature of the battery module to enable the battery module to achieve the best performance.

[0018] A heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising: a first valve module having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a second valve module having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The system further comprises: a first pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module for coolant flow, and provided with a radiator and electrical components; a second pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module for coolant flow, and provided with a battery module. The system further comprises: a third pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module for coolant flow, and provided with a condenser; a fourth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module for coolant flow, and provided with a cooler. The system further comprises: a fifth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module for coolant flow, and connected to the condenser; a sixth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module for coolant flow, and provided with an evaporator; a seventh pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module for coolant flow, and provided with a first heat exchanger; and an eighth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module for coolant flow, and provided with a second heat exchanger. The first valve module and the second valve module are configured to selectively connect the first pipeline to the eighth pipeline and control the flow movement of the coolant based on at least one mode for temperature regulation inside the vehicle and temperature regulation of the battery module.

[0019] The heat pump system further comprises: a branch valve provided on the first pipeline between the first valve module and the radiator; and a branch pipeline having a first end connected to the branch valve and a second end connected to the first pipeline between the radiator and the electrical components.

[0020] At least one mode includes: a first mode for cooling the interior of the vehicle and cooling the electrical components and the battery module; a second mode for heating the interior of the vehicle and recovering the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical components; a third mode for heating the interior of the vehicle and recovering the waste heat of the electrical components and the battery module; a fourth mode for heating the interior of the vehicle and heating the battery module while recovering the waste heat of the electrical components; a fifth mode for heating the interior of the vehicle and recovering the waste heat of the battery module; and a sixth mode for heating the interior of the vehicle by using an electric heater and recovering the waste heat of the coolant while heating the battery module.

[0021] In the first mode: The first pipeline is connected to the third pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant cooled at the radiator is supplied to the electrical component and the condenser; the second pipeline is connected to the fourth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant that has flowed through the cooler is supplied to the battery module; and the sixth pipeline is connected to at least one of the seventh pipeline and the eighth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the low-temperature coolant cooled when flowing through the evaporator is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0022] In the second mode: The first pipeline is connected to the fourth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant that has flowed through the radiator and the electrical component is supplied to the cooler; the third pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve module; and the fifth pipeline is connected to at least one of the seventh pipeline and the eighth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0023] In the third mode: The first pipeline, the second pipeline and the fourth pipeline are interconnected by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component and the battery module is supplied to the cooler; the part of the first pipeline connecting the second end of the branch pipeline to the radiator is closed by the operation of the branch valve, so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component is not supplied to the radiator; the branch pipeline is opened by the operation of the branch valve; the third pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve module; and the fifth pipeline is connected to at least one of the seventh pipeline and the eighth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0024] In the fourth mode: The first pipeline is connected to the fourth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component is supplied to the cooler; the part of the first pipeline connecting the second end of the branch pipeline to the radiator is closed by the operation of the branch valve, so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component is not supplied to the radiator; the branch pipeline is opened by the operation of the branch valve; the second pipeline is connected to the third pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant that has flowed through the condenser is supplied to the battery module; and the fifth pipeline is connected to at least one of the seventh pipeline and the eighth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0025] In the fifth mode: the first pipeline and the third pipeline are closed by the operation of the first valve module; the second pipeline is connected to the fourth pipeline by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant that has flowed through the battery module is supplied to the cooler; and the fifth pipeline is connected to at least one of the seventh pipeline and the eighth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0026] In the sixth mode: the first pipeline is closed by the operation of the first valve module; the second pipeline, the third pipeline and the fourth pipeline are interconnected by the operation of the first valve module, so that the coolant that has flowed through the condenser and the electric heater flows through the battery module and the cooler in sequence; the electric heater is operated; the fifth pipeline is connected to the seventh pipeline and the eighth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the electric heater is supplied to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; the battery module raises its temperature by the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the electric heater; and the cooler recovers the remaining waste heat in the coolant that has flowed through the battery module.

[0027] When it is necessary to dehumidify the vehicle interior in the first mode: the fifth pipeline is connected to the seventh pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser is supplied to the first heat exchanger.

[0028] When it is necessary to dehumidify the vehicle interior in the second mode, the third mode, the fourth mode and the fifth mode: the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator; and the sixth pipeline is connected to the eighth pipeline by the operation of the second valve module, so that the coolant cooled when flowing through the evaporator is supplied to the second heat exchanger.

[0029] The first valve module includes: a first inlet connected to the first end of the first pipeline; a first outlet connected to the second end of the first pipeline; a second inlet connected to the first end of the second pipeline; a second outlet connected to the second end of the second pipeline; a third inlet connected to the first end of the third pipeline; a third outlet connected to the second end of the third pipeline; a fourth inlet connected to the first end of the fourth pipeline; and a fourth outlet connected to the first end of the fourth pipeline.

[0030] The second valve module includes: a first inlet connected to the first end of the fifth pipeline; a first outlet connected to the second end of the fifth pipeline; a second inlet connected to the first end of the sixth pipeline; a second outlet connected to the second end of the sixth pipeline; a third inlet connected to the first end of the seventh pipeline; a third outlet connected to the second end of the seventh pipeline; a fourth inlet connected to the first end of the eighth pipeline; and a fourth outlet connected to the second end of the eighth pipeline.

[0031] The heat pump system further includes: a first water pump disposed on the first pipeline; a second water pump disposed on the second pipeline; a third water pump disposed on the fifth pipeline; and a fourth water pump disposed on the sixth pipeline.

[0032] An electric heater is further disposed at the downstream end of the condenser. The third pipeline is connected to the condenser and the electric heater such that the coolant flows through the condenser and the electric heater sequentially. The fifth pipeline is connected to the condenser and the electric heater such that the coolant flows through the condenser and the electric heater sequentially.

[0033] The electric heater is integrally formed with the condenser.

[0034] An autonomous driving controller is disposed on the second pipeline.

[0035] As described above, according to the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, the system selectively exchanges heat between the heat energy generated by the coolant and the refrigerant when the refrigerant condenses and evaporates. By using the heat-exchanged low-temperature or high-temperature coolant to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle, the system can be simplified, and the layout of the connecting pipes through which the refrigerant circulates can be simplified.

[0036] In addition, according to the present invention, by selectively using the ambient air heat, the waste heat of the electrical components, and the waste heat of the battery module when heating the interior of the vehicle, the heating efficiency can be improved. In addition, the overall driving distance of the vehicle can be increased by effectively adjusting the temperature of the battery module so that the battery module reaches the optimal performance.

[0037] In addition, according to the present invention, when maximum cooling or heating is required, by forming an independent closed loop, the coolant circulates through the condenser or the evaporator through this closed loop, and the same coolant (which can be low-temperature or high-temperature coolant) is supplied to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the cooling and heating performance inside the vehicle can be improved.

[0038] In addition, according to the present invention, the temperature of the electrical components and the battery module can be effectively adjusted through valve control. Therefore, the overall market competitiveness of the vehicle can be improved.

[0039] In addition, according to the present invention, since the entire system is simplified, the overall manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and the space utilization rate can be improved by minimizing or reducing the number of components. Description of the Drawings

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

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

[0042] Figure 3 is an operating diagram according to a second mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle;

[0043] Figure 4 is an operating diagram according to a third mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle;

[0044] Figure 5 is an operating diagram according to a fourth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle;

[0045] Figure 6 is an operating diagram according to a fifth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle;

[0046] Figure 7 is an operating diagram according to a sixth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle.

[0047] <Symbol Marking Explanation>

[0048] 2, 4: First valve module, second valve module

[0049] 11: First pipeline

[0050] 12: Radiator

[0051] 13: Electrical component

[0052] 14: First water pump

[0053] 15: Branch valve

[0054] 16: Branch pipeline

[0055] 21: Second pipeline

[0056] 22: Battery module

[0057] 23: Autonomous driving controller

[0058] 24: Second water pump

[0059] 31: Third pipeline

[0060] 41: Fourth pipeline

[0061] 51: Fifth pipeline

[0062] 54: Third water pump

[0063] 61: Sixth pipeline

[0064] 64: Fourth water pump

[0065] 71: Seventh pipeline

[0066] 72: First heat exchanger

[0067] 81: Eighth pipeline

[0068] 82: Second heat exchanger

[0069] 102: Condenser

[0070] 103: Electric heater

[0071] 104: Evaporator

[0072] 106: Cooler. Detailed implementation manners

[0073] Some embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the configurations depicted in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and do not cover the entire scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalent configurations and variations when applying this specification.

[0075] To clarify the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted. In addition, throughout the specification, the same elements or equivalents are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0076] In addition, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. In addition, in the drawings, for clarity, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. are exaggerated.

[0077] In addition, unless there is a clear contrary statement, the term "comprising" and variants such as "including" or "containing" should be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements, but not the exclusion of any other elements. The same understanding should also apply to similar terms such as "having", "including", etc.

[0078] In addition, terms described in the specification, such as "... unit", "... device", "... part", "... section", and "... component", refer to units of integrated elements that perform at least one function or operation.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0081] A heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment can selectively exchange heat between a coolant and thermal energy generated by a refrigerant during refrigerant condensation and evaporation. The heat pump system can perform cooling or heating inside the vehicle by using a low-temperature or high-temperature coolant.

[0082] In addition, to heat the interior of the vehicle, the heat pump system can improve the heating efficiency of the vehicle by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat of the electrical component 13, and waste heat of the battery module 22. The heat pump system can effectively regulate the temperature of the battery module 22 to enable the battery module 22 to achieve optimal performance, thereby increasing the overall driving distance of the vehicle.

[0083] Such a heat pump system can be applied to a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.

[0084] Reference Figure 1 , the heat pump system can include a first valve module 2, a second valve module 4, a first pipeline 11, a second pipeline 21, a third pipeline 31, a fourth pipeline 41, a fifth pipeline 51, a sixth pipeline 61, a seventh pipeline 71, and an eighth pipeline 81.

[0085] First, the first valve module 2 can form a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets, and can control the flow movement (e.g., flow) of the introduced coolant.

[0086] The second valve module 4 can form a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets, and can control the flow movement (e.g., flow) of the introduced coolant.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first pipeline 11 can have a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module 2, and the coolant can flow through it. A radiator 12, an electrical component 13, and a first water pump 14 can be provided on the first pipeline 11.

[0088] The radiator 12 can be provided at the front of the vehicle, and a cooling fan can be provided on the downstream side of the radiator 12. Therefore, the radiator 12 can cool the coolant through the operation of the cooling fan and heat exchange with ambient air.

[0089] The coolant cooled at the radiator 12 can circulate along the first pipeline 11 to flow to the first valve module 2.

[0090] The electrical component 13 can include a power control device, that is, an electric power control unit (EPCU) including a motor, an on-board charger (OBC), etc.

[0091] The power control device can generate heat when the vehicle is running, and the charger can generate heat when charging the battery module 22.

[0092] In other words, when heating the interior of the vehicle and recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 13, the heat generated from the power control device can be recovered, and the heat generated from the charger can be recovered when charging the battery module 22.

[0093] The heat pump system may further include a branch valve 15 and a branch pipeline 16.

[0094] The branch valve 15 may be provided on the first pipeline 11 between the first valve module 2 and the radiator 12.

[0095] In addition, the first end of the branch pipeline 16 may be connected to the branch valve 15. The second end of the branch pipeline 16 may be connected to the first pipeline 11 between the radiator 12 and the electrical component 13.

[0096] The branch valve 15 configured as such may selectively open the branch pipeline 16 so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 13 is not introduced into the radiator 12.

[0097] In this embodiment, the second pipeline 21 may have a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module 2, and the coolant may flow through it. The battery module 22 may be provided on the second pipeline 21.

[0098] In addition, an autonomous driving controller 23 and a second water pump 24 may also be provided on the second pipeline 21.

[0099] The third pipeline 31 may have a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module 2, and the coolant may flow through it. The condenser 102 may be provided on the third pipeline 31.

[0100] In this embodiment, the fourth pipeline 41 may have a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module 2, and the coolant may flow through it. The cooler 106 may be provided on the fourth pipeline 41.

[0101] The selectively expanded refrigerant may be introduced into the cooler 106. In order to cool the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23, or to heat the interior of the vehicle, the cooler 106 may operate to recover heat from the coolant whose temperature has been raised due to the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, or the waste heat of the battery module 22.

[0102] The first end and the second end of the fifth pipeline 51 may be connected to the second valve module, and the coolant may flow through it. The fifth pipeline 51 may be connected to the condenser 102. In addition, a third water pump 54 may be provided on the fifth pipeline 51.

[0103] In other words, the condenser 102 may be respectively connected to the third pipeline 31 and the fifth pipeline 51.

[0104] The condenser 102 can be connected to a compressor (not shown) via a refrigerant pipeline. The condenser 102 can condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the coolant circulating through the third pipeline 31 or the fifth pipeline 51.

[0105] In other words, the condenser 102 can condense the introduced refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant, and can raise the temperature of the coolant by supplying the heat energy generated when condensing the refrigerant to the coolant. The condenser 102 configured as such can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant is introduced.

[0106] An electric heater 103 can also be provided at the downstream end of the condenser 102. The electric heater 103 can be integrally formed with the condenser 102. The electric heater 103 can selectively heat the coolant introduced via the third pipeline 31 or the fifth pipeline 51, thereby raising the temperature of the coolant.

[0107] Therefore, the third pipeline 31 can be connected to the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 such that the coolant can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 in sequence.

[0108] In addition, the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 such that the coolant can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 in sequence.

[0109] In this embodiment, the sixth pipeline 61 can have a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module 4, and the coolant can flow through it. An evaporator 104 can be provided on the sixth pipeline 61. A fourth water pump 64 can also be provided on the sixth pipeline 61.

[0110] The evaporator 104 can be connected to an expansion valve (not shown) via a refrigerant pipeline. The evaporator 104 can evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the coolant circulating through the sixth pipeline 61.

[0111] In other words, the evaporator 104 can evaporate the introduced refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant, and can lower the temperature of the coolant by supplying the low-temperature heat energy generated by evaporating the refrigerant to the coolant. The evaporator 104 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant is introduced.

[0112] The seventh pipeline 71 can have a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module 4, and the coolant can flow through it. A first heat exchanger 72 can be provided on the seventh pipeline 71.

[0113] In addition, the eighth pipeline 81 can have a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module 4, and the coolant can flow through it. A second heat exchanger 82 can be provided on the eighth pipeline 81.

[0114] The first, second, third, and fourth water pumps 14, 24, 54, and 64 can be electric water pumps.

[0115] The refrigerant can be selectively introduced into the condenser 102, the evaporator 104, and the cooler 106. Thus, the condenser 102, the evaporator 104, and the cooler 106 can selectively exchange heat between the heat energy generated by the condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant and the coolant flowing through the third pipeline 31, the fourth pipeline 41, the fifth pipeline 51, and the sixth pipeline 61.

[0116] In addition, based on the selected mode of the vehicle, through the selective operation of the first and second valve modules 2 and 4 and the first to fourth water pumps 14, 24, 54, and 64, the high-temperature coolant that has exchanged heat at the condenser 102 and the low-temperature coolant that has exchanged heat at the evaporator 104 can be supplied to at least one of the seventh pipeline 71 and the eighth pipeline 81.

[0117] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82 can be disposed within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module (not shown).

[0118] In other words, through the operation of a blower - fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be converted to a high-temperature state or a low-temperature state while exchanging heat with the low-temperature or high-temperature coolant introduced into at least one of the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82.

[0119] The high-temperature or low-temperature ambient air can be introduced into the vehicle interior to cool or heat the vehicle interior.

[0120] In this embodiment, each of the first valve module 2 and the second valve module 4 can be an 8-way valve having four inlets and four outlets. The first valve module 2 and the second valve module 4 are described in more detail below.

[0121] The first valve module 2 can include first, second, third, and fourth inlets 2a, 2c, 2e, and 2g and first, second, third, and fourth outlets 2b, 2d, 2f, and 2h.

[0122] First, the first end of the first pipeline 11 can be connected to the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2. The second end of the first pipeline 11 can be connected to the first outlet 2b of the first valve module 2.

[0123] The first end of the second pipeline 21 can be connected to the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2. The second end of the second pipeline 21 can be connected to the second outlet 2d of the first valve module 2.

[0124] The first end of the third pipeline 31 can be connected to the third inlet 2e of the first valve module 2. The second end of the third pipeline 31 can be connected to the third outlet 2f of the first valve module 2.

[0125] In addition, the first end of the fourth pipeline 41 can be connected to the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2. The second end of the fourth pipeline 41 can be connected to the fourth outlet 2h of the first valve module 2.

[0126] In this embodiment, the second valve module 4 can include first, second, third, and fourth inlets 4a, 4c, 4e, and 4g and first, second, third, and fourth outlets 4b, 4d, 4f, and 4h.

[0127] First, the first end of the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4. The second end of the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4.

[0128] The first end of the sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the second inlet 4c of the second valve module 4. The second end of the sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the second outlet 4d of the second valve module 4.

[0129] The first end of the seventh pipeline 71 can be connected to the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4. The second end of the seventh pipeline 71 can be connected to the third outlet 4f of the second valve module 4.

[0130] In addition, the first end of the eighth pipeline 81 can be connected to the fourth inlet 4g of the second valve module 4. The second end of the eighth pipeline 81 can be connected to the fourth outlet 4h of the second valve module 4.

[0131] This embodiment is described as an example where the first valve module 2 or the second valve module 4 is an 8-way valve with four inlets and four outlets, but is not limited thereto. The first valve module 2 or the second valve module 4 can also include more inlets and outlets, so that separate components through which the coolant circulates can be connected.

[0132] The first valve module 2 and the second valve module 4 configured as such can operate to selectively interconnect the first to eighth pipelines 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, and 81 according to at least one mode for temperature regulation inside the vehicle and temperature regulation of the battery module 22, thereby controlling the flow movement of the coolant.

[0133] The at least one mode can include a first mode to a sixth mode.

[0134] First, in the first mode, the interior of the vehicle and the battery module 22 can be cooled.

[0135] In the second mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated, and the ambient air heat and the waste heat of the electrical components 13 can be recovered.

[0136] In the third mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated, and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22 can be recovered.

[0137] In the fourth mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated, and the battery module 22 can be heated while recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 13.

[0138] In the fifth mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated, and the waste heat of the battery module 22 can be recovered.

[0139] In the sixth mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the electric heater 103, and the waste heat of the coolant can be recovered while heating the battery module 22.

[0140] When dehumidification of the vehicle interior is required in the first mode, the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the seventh pipeline 71 by the operation of the second valve module 4, so that the coolant whose temperature is raised when flowing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0141] In addition, when dehumidification of the vehicle interior is required in the second, third, fourth, and fifth modes, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 104, and the sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the second valve module 4. Therefore, the coolant cooled when flowing through the evaporator 104 can be introduced into the second heat exchanger 82.

[0142] Hereinafter, reference is made to Figures 2 - 7 Describe in detail the operation and actions of each mode of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment configured as described above.

[0143] First, in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 Describe the operation according to the first mode for cooling the vehicle interior and the battery module 22.

[0144] Figure 2 It is an operation diagram according to the first mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0145] Reference is made to Figure 2 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102, the evaporator 104, and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to each of the evaporator 104 and the cooler 106.

[0146] In addition, the first pipeline 11 can be connected to the third pipeline 31 by the operation of the first valve module 2, so that the coolant cooled at the radiator 12 can be introduced into the electrical component 13 and the condenser 102.

[0147] The branch pipeline 16 can be closed by operating the branch valve 15.

[0148] Therefore, by operating the first water pump 14, the coolant cooled at the radiator 12 can be introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11.

[0149] The coolant introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the first valve module 2 to the third pipeline 31 connected to the third outlet 2f of the first valve module 2.

[0150] The coolant discharged to the third pipeline 31 can sequentially flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103. The condenser 102 can condense the refrigerant by using the coolant flowing along the third pipeline 31.

[0151] Then, the coolant that has flowed through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 can be introduced into the third inlet 2e of the first valve module 2 along the third pipeline 31.

[0152] The coolant introduced into the third inlet 2e of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the first outlet 2b of the first valve module 2 and supplied to the electrical component 13 along the first pipeline 11.

[0153] Therefore, the electrical component 13 can be effectively cooled by the coolant cooled at the radiator 12.

[0154] In other words, in the first mode, the first pipeline 11 and the third pipeline 31 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by operating the first valve module 2.

[0155] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the first pipeline 11 and the third pipeline 31 interconnected by operating the first water pump 14.

[0156] The second pipeline 21 can be connected to the fourth pipeline 41 by operating the first valve module 2, so that the coolant cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant when flowing through the cooler 106 can be supplied to the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23.

[0157] In other words, by operating the first valve module 2, the coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 from the cooler 106 along the fourth pipeline 41 can be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the second outlet 2d of the first valve module 2.

[0158] The coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 can flow through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23, and then can be introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0159] Then, the coolant introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet 2h of the first valve module 2 through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0160] The coolant discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 can flow through the cooler 106 and then can be led back to the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2.

[0161] In other words, in the first mode, the second pipeline 21 and the fourth pipeline 41 can form another closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0162] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the second pipeline 21 and the fourth pipeline 41 interconnected by the operation of the second water pump 24.

[0163] At this time, the cooler 106 can cool the coolant by exchanging heat between the coolant introduced via the fourth pipeline 41 and the refrigerant.

[0164] Therefore, the coolant cooled at the cooler 106 can effectively cool the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 while circulating through the interconnected second pipeline 21 and fourth pipeline 41.

[0165] In addition, the sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the eighth pipeline 81 through the operation of the second valve module 4, so that the low-temperature coolant cooled when flowing through the evaporator 104 can be introduced into the second heat exchanger 82.

[0166] In other words, the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 can form an independent closed loop through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0167] The evaporator 104 can cool the coolant circulating along the sixth pipeline 61 through heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant and can evaporate the refrigerant.

[0168] Therefore, through the operation of the fourth water pump 64, the low-temperature coolant cooled when flowing through the evaporator 104 can be introduced into the second inlet 4c of the second valve module 4 along the sixth pipeline 61.

[0169] The coolant introduced into the second inlet 4c of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the eighth pipeline 81 connected to the fourth outlet 4h of the second valve module 4 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0170] The coolant flowing along the eighth pipeline 81 can flow through the second heat exchanger 82 and then can be introduced into the fourth inlet 4g of the second valve module 4.

[0171] The coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 4g of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the sixth pipeline 61 connected to the second outlet 4d of the second valve module 4 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0172] In other words, through the operation of the second valve module 4 and the fourth water pump 64, the coolant can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81.

[0173] Therefore, the low-temperature coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 through the operation of the fourth water pump 64 and the second valve module 4, and thus be supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0174] In this state, through the operation of a blower-fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be cooled while exchanging heat with the low-temperature coolant supplied to the second heat exchanger 82. Thereafter, the cooled ambient air can be directly introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby effectively cooling the vehicle interior.

[0175] This embodiment has been described such that for cooling the vehicle interior, the coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can flow into the second heat exchanger 82 along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81, but is not limited thereto.

[0176] In other words, when maximum cooling of the vehicle interior is required, the sixth pipeline 61, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81 can be connected to each other through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0177] In this state, when the fourth water pump 64 operates, the coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82 while circulating along the sixth pipeline 61, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81.

[0178] In addition, when dehumidification is required while cooling the vehicle interior, the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the seventh pipeline 71 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0179] Therefore, the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 interconnected through the operation of the third water pump 54.

[0180] In other words, the coolant discharged to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103.

[0181] At this time, the condenser 102 can condense the introduced refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant. While condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102, the temperature of the coolant can rise.

[0182] The coolant with the increased temperature can be introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 along the fifth pipeline 51. Thereafter, by the operation of the second valve module 4, the coolant introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 connected to the third outlet 4f of the second valve module 4.

[0183] The coolant discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 can flow through the first heat exchanger 72, and then can be led back to the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 along the seventh pipeline 71.

[0184] In addition, the coolant introduced into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 again by the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0185] In other words, the coolant with the increased temperature at the condenser 102 through this operation can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0186] Therefore, by the operation of a blower - fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be cooled while performing heat exchange with the low - temperature coolant supplied to the second heat exchanger 82. Thereafter, the cooled ambient air can be dehumidified while flowing through the first heat exchanger 72 and introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby cooling and dehumidifying the vehicle interior smoothly.

[0187] In a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, reference Figure 3 describes the operation according to the second mode, which is used to heat the vehicle interior and recover the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical component 13.

[0188] Figure 3 is an operation diagram according to the second mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0189] Reference Figure 3 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0190] In addition, the first pipeline 11 can be connected to the fourth pipeline 41 by the operation of the first valve module 2, so that the coolant that has flowed through the radiator 12 and the electrical component 13 can be introduced into the cooler 106.

[0191] The branch pipeline 16 can be closed by the operation of the branch valve 15.

[0192] In addition, the second pipeline 21 and the third pipeline 31 can be closed by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0193] Therefore, the coolant can recover the ambient air heat through heat exchange with the ambient air when flowing through the radiator 12, and can absorb the waste heat from the electrical component 13 to increase its temperature.

[0194] Through the operation of the first water pump 14, the coolant with increased temperature can be introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11.

[0195] The coolant introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet 2h of the first valve module 2 through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0196] The coolant discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. Therefore, the ambient air heat recovered at the radiator 12 and the waste heat generated at the electrical component 13 can increase the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 106.

[0197] In other words, the cooler 106 can be used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant by recovering the ambient air heat and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 through heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant.

[0198] Then, the coolant that has flowed through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0199] The coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the first pipeline 11 connected to the first outlet 2b of the first valve module 2 through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0200] The coolant discharged to the first pipeline 11 can flow through the electrical component 13 and the radiator 12 in sequence, and then flow back into the first valve module 2, thereby repeating the above process.

[0201] In other words, in the second mode, the first pipeline 11 and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0202] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the first pipeline 11 and the fourth pipeline 41 interconnected by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0203] Meanwhile, the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the seventh pipeline 71 through the operation of the second valve module 4, so that the coolant with increased temperature when flowing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0204] Accordingly, the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 interconnected by the operation of the third water pump 54.

[0205] In other words, the coolant discharged to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103.

[0206] At this time, the condenser 102 can condense the introduced refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant. While condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102, the temperature of the coolant can rise.

[0207] The coolant with the increased temperature can be introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 along the fifth pipeline 51. Thereafter, by the operation of the second valve module 4, the coolant introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 connected to the third outlet 4f of the second valve module 4.

[0208] The coolant discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 can flow through the first heat exchanger 72, and then can be led back to the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 along the seventh pipeline 71.

[0209] In addition, the coolant introduced into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 again by the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0210] In other words, the coolant with the increased temperature at the condenser 102 through this operation can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0211] In this state, by the operation of a blower - fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be converted to a high - temperature state while performing heat exchange with the high - temperature coolant supplied to the first heat exchanger 72. Thereafter, the ambient air in the high - temperature state can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0212] In other words, for the heat pump system according to this embodiment, in order to heat the vehicle interior, by absorbing the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 through the cooler 106 and using it to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor can be reduced and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0213] This embodiment has been described such that the coolant with the increased temperature at the condenser 102 can flow into the first heat exchanger 72 along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71, but it is not limited thereto.

[0214] In other words, when maximum heating of the vehicle interior is required, the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81 can be interconnected by the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0215] In this state, when the third water pump 54 operates, the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82 while circulating along the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81.

[0216] In addition, when dehumidification is required while heating the vehicle interior, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 104. The sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0217] Therefore, the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 interconnected by the operation of the fourth water pump 64.

[0218] Therefore, the low-temperature coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the fourth water pump 64 and the second valve module 4, and thus be supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0219] Therefore, by the operation of a blower-fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be dehumidified while exchanging heat with the low-temperature coolant supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0220] Then, the dehumidified ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when flowing through the first heat exchanger 72, and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior smoothly.

[0221] In a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 4 Describe the operation for heating the vehicle interior and recovering the waste heat of the electrical components 13 and the battery module 22 according to the third mode.

[0222] Figure 4 is the operation diagram according to the third mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0223] Refer to Figure 4 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0224] In addition, the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 21, and the fourth pipeline 41 can be interconnected by the operation of the first valve module 2, such that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22 can be introduced into the cooler 106.

[0225] By the operation of the branch valve 15, the part of the first pipeline 11 that is connected to the radiator 12 from the second end of the branch pipeline 16 can be closed, so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 13 is not introduced into the radiator 12.

[0226] Meanwhile, the branch pipeline 16 can be opened by the operation of the branch valve 15.

[0227] In addition, the third pipeline 31 can be closed by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0228] Therefore, by the operation of the first water pump 14, the coolant can absorb the waste heat from the electrical component 13 when flowing along the open first pipeline 11, thereby increasing its temperature.

[0229] The coolant with the increased temperature can be introduced into the branch valve 15 via the open branch pipeline 16, and then can be introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11 connected to the branch valve 15.

[0230] The coolant introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the second outlet 2d of the first valve module 2 by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0231] The coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 can flow through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 by the operation of the second water pump 24, and then can be introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0232] The coolant can absorb the waste heat from the battery module 22 when flowing through the battery module 22, thereby further increasing its temperature.

[0233] Then, the coolant introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet 2h of the first valve module 2 by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0234] The coolant discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. Therefore, the waste heat generated at the electrical component 13 and the waste heat generated at the battery module 22 can increase the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 106.

[0235] In other words, the cooler 106 can be used to recover the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22 through the heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant to increase the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0236] Then, the coolant that has flowed through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0237] The coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 can be discharged into the first pipeline 11 connected to the first outlet 2b of the first valve module 2 through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0238] The coolant discharged into the first pipeline 11 can flow through the electrical component 13, and then flow back into the first valve module 2 along the branch pipeline 16 and the first pipeline 11, thereby repeating the above process.

[0239] In other words, in the third mode, the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 21, and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0240] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 21, and the fourth pipeline 41 interconnected by the operation of the first water pump 14 and the second water pump 24.

[0241] Meanwhile, the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the seventh pipeline 71 through the operation of the second valve module 4, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0242] Therefore, the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 interconnected by the operation of the third water pump 54.

[0243] In other words, the coolant discharged to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103.

[0244] At this time, the condenser 102 can condense the introduced refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant. While condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102, the temperature of the coolant can rise.

[0245] The coolant whose temperature has risen can be introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 along the fifth pipeline 51. Thereafter, through the operation of the second valve module 4, the coolant introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 can be discharged into the seventh pipeline 71 connected to the third outlet 4f of the second valve module 4.

[0246] The coolant discharged into the seventh pipeline 71 can flow through the first heat exchanger 72 and then can be led back into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 along the seventh pipeline 71.

[0247] In addition, the coolant introduced into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 can be discharged again to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0248] In other words, the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 through this operation can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0249] In this state, through the operation of a blower - fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be converted to a high - temperature state while exchanging heat with the high - temperature coolant supplied to the first heat exchanger 72. Thereafter, the ambient air in the high - temperature state can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0250] In other words, for the heat pump system according to this embodiment, in order to heat the vehicle interior, by absorbing the waste heat of the electrical component 13 and the waste heat of the battery module 22 through the cooler 106 and using it to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor can be reduced and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0251] This embodiment has described that for heating the vehicle interior, the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 can flow into the first heat exchanger 72 along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71, but it is not limited thereto.

[0252] In other words, when maximum heating of the vehicle interior is required, the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81 can be connected to each other through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0253] In this state, when the third water pump 54 operates, the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82 while circulating along the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81.

[0254] In addition, when dehumidification is required while heating the vehicle interior, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 104. The sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the eighth pipeline 81 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0255] Therefore, the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 interconnected through the operation of the fourth water pump 64.

[0256] Accordingly, the cryogenic coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can be circulated along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the fourth water pump 64 and the second valve module 4, and thus be supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0257] Accordingly, by the operation of a blower-fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be dehumidified while exchanging heat with the cryogenic coolant supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0258] Then, the dehumidified ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when flowing through the first heat exchanger 72, and then be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior smoothly.

[0259] In a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 5 Describe the operation according to the fourth mode, which is used to heat the vehicle interior and the battery module 22 while recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 13.

[0260] Figure 5 is an operation diagram according to the fourth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0261] Refer to Figure 5 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0262] In addition, the first pipeline 11 can be connected to the fourth pipeline 41 by the operation of the first valve module 2, so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 13 can be introduced into the cooler 106.

[0263] By the operation of the branch valve 15, the part of the first pipeline 11 connected to the radiator 12 from the second end of the branch pipeline 16 can be closed. Therefore, the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 13 may not be introduced into the radiator 12.

[0264] Meanwhile, the branch pipeline 16 can be opened by the operation of the branch valve 15.

[0265] Accordingly, by the operation of the first water pump 14, the coolant can absorb the waste heat from the electrical component 13 when flowing through the electrical component 13 along the opened first pipeline 11, and thus its temperature can be raised.

[0266] The coolant with the increased temperature can be introduced into the branch valve 15 via the opened branch pipeline 16, and then can be introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11 connected to the branch valve 15.

[0267] The coolant introduced into the first inlet 2a of the first valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the first valve module 2 to the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet 2h of the first valve module 2.

[0268] The coolant discharged into the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. Therefore, the waste heat generated at the electrical component 13 can raise the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 106.

[0269] In other words, the cooler 106 can be used to raise the temperature of the refrigerant by recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 13 through heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant.

[0270] Then, the coolant that has flowed through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0271] The coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the first valve module 2 to the first pipeline 11 connected to the first outlet 2b of the first valve module 2.

[0272] The coolant discharged into the first pipeline 11 can flow through the electrical component 13 and then flow back into the first valve module 2, thus repeating the above process.

[0273] In other words, in the fourth mode, the first pipeline 11 and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0274] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the first pipeline 11 and the fourth pipeline 41 interconnected by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0275] Meanwhile, the second pipeline 21 can be connected to the third pipeline 31 through the operation of the first valve module 2, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the battery module 22.

[0276] Therefore, the coolant that has flowed through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 through the operation of the second water pump 24 can be introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0277] Then, the coolant introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the first valve module 2 to the third pipeline 31 connected to the third outlet 2f of the first valve module 2.

[0278] The coolant discharged into the third pipeline 31 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 in sequence. The condenser 102 can condense the refrigerant by using the coolant flowing along the third pipeline 31.

[0279] At this time, while condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102, the temperature of the coolant can rise. The coolant whose temperature has risen while flowing through the condenser 102 can flow along the third pipeline 31 and can be introduced into the third inlet 2e of the first valve module 2.

[0280] The coolant introduced into the third inlet 2e of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the second outlet 2d of the first valve module 2 by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0281] The coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 can raise the temperature of the battery module 22 while flowing through the battery module 22.

[0282] In other words, by this operation, when supplying the coolant with a raised temperature, the battery module 22 can effectively raise its temperature.

[0283] Therefore, in the fourth mode, the second pipeline 21 and the third pipeline 31 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0284] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the second pipeline 21 and the third pipeline 31 interconnected by the operation of the second water pump 24.

[0285] The fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the seventh pipeline 71 by the operation of the second valve module 4, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen while flowing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0286] Therefore, the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 interconnected by the operation of the third water pump 54.

[0287] In other words, the coolant discharged to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103.

[0288] At this time, the condenser 102 can condense the introduced refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant. While condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102, the temperature of the coolant can rise.

[0289] The coolant with the raised temperature can be introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 along the fifth pipeline 51. Thereafter, by the operation of the second valve module 4, the coolant introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 connected to the third outlet 4f of the second valve module 4.

[0290] The coolant discharged into the seventh pipeline 71 can flow through the first heat exchanger 72 and then can be led back into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 along the seventh pipeline 71.

[0291] In addition, the coolant introduced into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 can be discharged again to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0292] In other words, through this operation, the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0293] In this state, through the operation of a blower - fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be converted to a high - temperature state while exchanging heat with the high - temperature coolant supplied to the first heat exchanger 72. Thereafter, the ambient air in the high - temperature state can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0294] In other words, according to the heat pump system of the present embodiment, in order to heat the vehicle interior, by absorbing the waste heat of the electrical component 13 through the cooler 106 and using it to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor can be reduced and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0295] In addition, when it is necessary to heat the battery module 22, the heat pump system can supply the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser 102 to the battery module 22, thereby effectively raising the temperature of the battery module 22.

[0296] This embodiment has been described as the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 can flow into the first heat exchanger 72 along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 for heating the vehicle interior, but it is not limited thereto.

[0297] In other words, when maximum heating of the vehicle interior is required, the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71 and the eighth pipeline 81 can be connected to each other through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0298] In this state, when the third water pump 54 operates, the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82 while circulating along the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71 and the eighth pipeline 81.

[0299] In addition, when it is necessary to dehumidify while heating the vehicle interior, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 104. The sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the eighth pipeline 81 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0300] Therefore, the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 interconnected by the operation of the fourth water pump 64.

[0301] Therefore, the cryogenic coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the fourth water pump 64 and the second valve module 4, and thus be supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0302] Therefore, by the operation of a blower-fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be dehumidified while exchanging heat with the cryogenic coolant supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0303] Then, the dehumidified ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when flowing through the first heat exchanger 72, and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby smoothly heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0304] In a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 6 Describe the operation for heating the vehicle interior and recovering the waste heat of the battery module 22 according to the fifth mode.

[0305] Figure 6 is an operation diagram based on the fifth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0306] Refer to Figure 6 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0307] The first pipeline 11 and the third pipeline 31 can be closed by the operation of the first valve module 2. At the same time, the branch pipeline 16 can be closed by the operation of the branch valve 15.

[0308] In addition, the second pipeline 21 can be connected to the fourth pipeline 41 by the operation of the first valve module 2, so that the coolant that has flowed through the battery module 22 can be introduced into the cooler 106.

[0309] In addition, the third pipeline 31 can be closed by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0310] Therefore, by the operation of the second water pump 24, the coolant can absorb waste heat from the battery module 22 while flowing through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 along the second pipeline 21, thereby increasing its temperature.

[0311] The coolant with increased temperature can be introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0312] The coolant introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the first valve module 2 into the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet 2h of the first valve module 2.

[0313] The coolant discharged into the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. Therefore, the waste heat generated at the battery module 22 can raise the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 106.

[0314] In other words, the cooler 106 can be used to raise the temperature of the refrigerant by recovering the waste heat of the battery module 22 through heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant.

[0315] Then, the coolant that has flowed through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0316] The coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the first valve module 2 into the second pipeline 21 connected to the second outlet 2d of the first valve module 2.

[0317] The coolant discharged into the second pipeline 21 can flow through the battery module 22 and then flow back into the first valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21, thereby repeating the above process.

[0318] In other words, in the fifth mode, the second pipeline 21 and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0319] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the second pipeline 21 and the fourth pipeline 41 interconnected by the operation of the second water pump 24.

[0320] Meanwhile, the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the seventh pipeline 71 through the operation of the second valve module 4, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0321] Therefore, the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop through the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71 interconnected by the operation of the third water pump 54.

[0322] In other words, the coolant discharged from the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103.

[0323] At this time, the condenser 102 can condense the introduced refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant. While condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102, the temperature of the coolant can rise.

[0324] The coolant with the increased temperature can be introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 along the fifth pipeline 51. After that, through the operation of the second valve module 4, the coolant introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 connected to the third outlet 4f of the second valve module 4.

[0325] The coolant discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 can flow through the first heat exchanger 72 and then can be led back to the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 along the seventh pipeline 71.

[0326] In addition, the coolant introduced into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 again through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0327] In other words, through this operation, the coolant with the increased temperature at the condenser 102 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72.

[0328] In this state, through the operation of a blower-fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be converted to a high-temperature state while performing heat exchange with the high-temperature coolant supplied to the first heat exchanger 72. After that, the ambient air in the high-temperature state can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0329] In other words, for the heat pump system according to this embodiment, in order to heat the vehicle interior, by absorbing the waste heat of the battery module 22 through the cooler 106 and using it to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor can be reduced and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0330] This embodiment has been described that for heating the vehicle interior, the coolant with the increased temperature at the condenser 102 can flow into the first heat exchanger 72 along the fifth pipeline 51 and the seventh pipeline 71, but it is not limited thereto.

[0331] In other words, when maximum heating of the vehicle interior is required, the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81 can be interconnected through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0332] In this state, when the third water pump 54 operates, the coolant with the increased temperature at the condenser 102 can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82 while circulating along the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81.

[0333] In addition, when it is necessary to dehumidify while heating the vehicle interior, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 104. The sixth pipeline 61 can be connected to the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0334] Therefore, the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 interconnected by the operation of the fourth water pump 64.

[0335] Therefore, the low-temperature coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can circulate along the sixth pipeline 61 and the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the fourth water pump 64 and the second valve module 4, and thus be supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0336] Therefore, by the operation of a blower-fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be dehumidified while exchanging heat with the low-temperature coolant supplied to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0337] Then, the dehumidified ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when flowing through the first heat exchanger 72, and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior smoothly.

[0338] In addition, in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, reference Figure 7 describes the operation according to the sixth mode, which heats the vehicle interior by using the electric heater 103 and recovers the waste heat of the coolant while heating the battery module 22.

[0339] Figure 7 is an operation diagram according to the sixth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0340] Reference Figure 7 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the refrigerant may not be supplied to the evaporator 104, and the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0341] The first pipeline 11 can be closed by the operation of the first valve module 2. At the same time, the sixth pipeline 61 can be closed by the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0342] In this state, the second pipeline 21, the third pipeline 31, and the fourth pipeline 41 can be interconnected by the operation of the first valve module 2, so that the coolant that has flowed through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 can sequentially flow through the battery module 22 and the cooler 106.

[0343] The second water pump 24 and the electric heater 103 can operate.

[0344] Therefore, the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the electric heater 103 can be introduced into the third inlet 2e of the first valve module 2 along the third pipeline 31.

[0345] The coolant introduced into the third inlet 2e of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the second outlet 2d of the first valve module 2 through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0346] The coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 can raise the temperature of the battery module 22 when flowing through the battery module 22.

[0347] Then, the coolant that has flowed through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 can be introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0348] The coolant introduced into the second inlet 2c of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet 2h of the first valve module 2 through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0349] The coolant discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. At this time, the cooler 106 can raise the temperature of the refrigerant by using the remaining waste heat in the coolant that has flowed through the battery module 22.

[0350] In other words, the cooler 106 can be used to recover the waste heat of the coolant by heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, thereby raising the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0351] The refrigerant evaporated at the cooler 106 can be introduced into the compressor, and the refrigerant compressed at the compressor can be supplied to the condenser 102. Therefore, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 102 can raise the temperature of the coolant while performing heat exchange with the coolant introduced via the third pipeline 31.

[0352] The coolant that has flowed through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0353] The coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 2g of the first valve module 2 can be discharged to the third pipeline 31 connected to the third outlet 2f of the first valve module 2 through the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0354] The coolant discharged to the third pipeline 31 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103, and then flow back into the first valve module 2 along the third pipeline 31, thereby repeating the above process.

[0355] In other words, in the sixth mode, the second pipeline 21, the third pipeline 31, and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the first valve module 2.

[0356] In this state, the coolant can circulate along the second pipeline 21, the third pipeline 31, and the fourth pipeline 41 interconnected by the operation of the second water pump 24.

[0357] Meanwhile, the fifth pipeline 51 can be connected to the seventh pipeline 71 and the eighth pipeline 81 by the operation of the second valve module 4, so that the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the electric heater 103 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82.

[0358] Therefore, the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81 can form a closed loop, and the coolant circulates through this closed loop by the operation of the second valve module 4. Then, the coolant can circulate along the fifth pipeline 51, the seventh pipeline 71, and the eighth pipeline 81 interconnected by the operation of the third water pump 54.

[0359] In other words, the coolant discharged to the fifth pipeline 51 through the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 can flow through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103.

[0360] At this time, the electric heater 103 can heat the introduced coolant. Meanwhile, the condenser 102 can heat the introduced coolant together with the electric heater 103.

[0361] In other words, in order to raise the temperature of the coolant, the electric heater 103 can play a main role, and the condenser 102 can play an auxiliary role. Through this operation, the temperature of the coolant can be raised.

[0362] The coolant whose temperature has risen can be introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 along the fifth pipeline 51. Thereafter, through the operation of the second valve module 4, the coolant introduced into the first inlet 4a of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 connected to the third outlet 4f of the second valve module 4.

[0363] The coolant discharged to the seventh pipeline 71 can flow through the first heat exchanger 72, and then can be introduced into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 along the seventh pipeline 71.

[0364] In addition, the coolant introduced into the third inlet 4e of the second valve module 4 can be discharged to the eighth pipeline 81 connected to the fourth outlet 4h of the second valve module 4 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0365] The coolant discharged into the eighth pipeline 81 can flow through the second heat exchanger 82 and can then be introduced into the fourth inlet 4g of the second valve module 4 along the eighth pipeline 81.

[0366] Then, the coolant introduced into the fourth inlet 4g of the second valve module 4 can be discharged again to the first outlet 4b of the second valve module 4 through the operation of the second valve module 4.

[0367] In other words, the coolant whose temperature has risen at the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 through this operation can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82.

[0368] In this state, through the operation of a blower - fan (not shown), the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be converted to a high - temperature state while exchanging heat with the high - temperature coolant supplied to the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82. Thereafter, the ambient air in the high - temperature state can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0369] In addition, the heat pump system can supply the coolant whose temperature has risen when flowing through the electric heater 103 to the battery module 22 to heat the battery module 22, thereby effectively raising the temperature of the battery module 22.

[0370] In addition, the heat pump system can recover the waste heat of the coolant that has heated the battery module 22 by the cooler 106, and can minimize the use of the electric heater 103 by using the condenser 102 as an auxiliary device for heating the coolant.

[0371] As described above, when applying the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment, by selectively exchanging heat between the thermal energy generated from the refrigerant during condensation and evaporation and the coolant, and by adjusting the temperature of the vehicle interior using the low - temperature or high - temperature coolant after heat exchange, the entire system can be simplified, and the layout of the connecting pipes through which the refrigerant circulates can be simplified.

[0372] In addition, according to the present invention, in order to heat the vehicle interior, the heating efficiency of the vehicle can be improved by selectively using the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the waste heat of the battery module 22. The battery module 22 can exhibit optimal performance through effective temperature regulation of the battery module 22, thereby increasing the total driving distance of the vehicle.

[0373] In addition, according to the present invention, when maximum cooling or heating is required, by forming an independent closed loop through which the coolant circulates through the condenser or the evaporator, and by supplying the same coolant (which can be low - temperature or high - temperature coolant) to the first heat exchanger 72 and the second heat exchanger 82, the cooling and heating performance of the vehicle interior can be improved.

[0374] In addition, according to the present invention, by controlling the first valve module 2, the temperatures of the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22 can be effectively adjusted. Therefore, the overall market competitiveness of the vehicle can be improved.

[0375] In addition, according to the present invention, since the entire system is simplified, the overall manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and the space utilization rate can be improved by minimizing the number of components.

[0376] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the embodiments that are currently 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: a first valve module having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a second valve module having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a first pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module to flow a coolant, and provided with a radiator and an electrical component; a second pipeline having a first end connected to the first valve module to flow a coolant and a second end, and provided with a battery module; a third pipeline having a first end connected to the first valve module to flow a coolant and a second end, and provided with a condenser; a fourth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the first valve module to flow a coolant, and provided with a cooler; a fifth line having a first end connected to the second valve module to flow a coolant and a second end, and connected to the condenser; a sixth pipeline having a first end connected to the second valve module to flow the coolant and a second end and provided with an evaporator; a seventh pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module to flow a coolant, and provided with a first heat exchanger; and an eighth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the second valve module to flow the coolant and provided with a second heat exchanger, The first valve module and the second valve module are configured to selectively connect the first pipeline to the eighth pipeline and control the flow movement of the coolant based on at least one mode of temperature regulation for the interior of the vehicle and temperature regulation of the battery module.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, further comprising: A branch valve, arranged on the first pipeline between the first valve module and the radiator; as well as A branch line has a first end connected to the branch valve and a second end connected to the first line between the radiator and the electrical component.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one mode comprises: a first mode for cooling the vehicle interior and cooling the electrical components and the battery module; a second mode for heating the vehicle interior and recovering ambient air heat and waste heat from the electrical components; a third mode for heating the vehicle interior and recovering waste heat from the electrical components and the battery module; a fourth mode for heating the vehicle interior and heating the battery module while recovering waste heat from the electrical components; a fifth mode for heating the vehicle interior and recovering waste heat from the battery module; and The sixth mode is for heating the vehicle interior by using the electric heater and recovering waste heat of the coolant while heating the battery module.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the first mode: the first line is connected to the third line by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant cooled at the radiator is supplied to the electric component and the condenser; the second line is connected to the fourth line by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant having passed through the cooler is supplied to the battery module; and The sixth line is connected to at least one of the seventh line and the eighth line by operation of the second valve module so that the low-temperature coolant cooled while flowing through the evaporator is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the second mode: The first line is connected to the fourth line by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant having passed through the radiator and the electric component is supplied to the cooler; The third pipeline is closed by operation of the first valve module; and The fifth line is connected to at least one of the seventh line and the eighth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant whose temperature has been increased while flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the third mode: The first line, the second line, and the fourth line are interconnected by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant having flowed through the electric component and the battery module is supplied to the cooler; closing a portion of the first line connecting the second end of the branch line to the radiator by operation of the branch valve so that the coolant having passed through the electric component is not supplied to the radiator; The branch line is opened by operation of the branch valve; The third pipeline is closed by operation of the first valve module; and The fifth line is connected to at least one of the seventh line and the eighth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant whose temperature has been increased while flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the fourth mode: The first pipeline is connected to the fourth pipeline by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant having flowed through the electric component is supplied to the cooler; closing a portion of the first line connecting the second end of the branch line to the radiator by operation of the branch valve so that the coolant having passed through the electric component is not supplied to the radiator; The branch line is opened by operation of the branch valve; the second line is connected to the third line by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant having passed through the condenser is supplied to the battery module; and The fifth line is connected to at least one of the seventh line and the eighth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant whose temperature has been increased while flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the fifth mode: The first pipeline and the third pipeline are closed by operation of the first valve module; the second line is connected to the fourth line by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant having passed through the battery module is supplied to the cooler; and The fifth line is connected to at least one of the seventh line and the eighth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant whose temperature has been increased while flowing through the condenser is supplied to one or both of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the sixth mode: The first pipeline is closed by operation of the first valve module; The second line, the third line, and the fourth line are interconnected by operation of the first valve module so that the coolant having flowed through the condenser and the electric heater sequentially flows through the battery module and the cooler; The electric heater is operated; the fifth line is connected to the seventh line and the eighth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant whose temperature has been increased while flowing through the electric heater is supplied to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; The battery module increases its temperature by allowing the coolant whose temperature has been increased when flowing through the electric heater; and The cooler recovers waste heat remaining in the coolant that has passed through the battery module.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: When the interior of the vehicle needs to be dehumidified in the first mode: The fifth line is connected to the seventh line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant whose temperature has been increased while passing through the condenser is supplied to the first heat exchanger.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: When the interior of the vehicle needs to be dehumidified in the second mode, the third mode, the fourth mode, and the fifth mode: The expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator; and The sixth line is connected to the eighth line by operation of the second valve module so that the coolant cooled while flowing through the evaporator is supplied to the second heat exchanger.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The first valve module comprises: a first inlet connected to a first end of the first pipeline; a first outlet connected to a second end of the first pipeline; a second inlet connected to the first end of the second pipeline; a second outlet connected to a second end of the second pipeline; a third inlet connected to the first end of the third pipeline; a third outlet connected to the second end of the third pipeline; a fourth inlet connected to the first end of the fourth pipeline; and A fourth outlet is connected to the first end of the fourth pipeline.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The second valve module comprises: a first inlet connected to a first end of the fifth pipeline; a first outlet connected to a second end of the fifth pipeline; a second inlet connected to the first end of the sixth pipeline; a second outlet connected to a second end of the sixth pipeline; a third inlet connected to the first end of the seventh pipeline; a third outlet connected to the second end of the seventh pipeline; a fourth inlet connected to the first end of the eighth line; and A fourth outlet is connected to the second end of the eighth line.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first water pump disposed on the first pipeline; a second water pump disposed on the second pipeline; a third water pump disposed on the fifth pipeline; as well as A fourth water pump is arranged on the sixth pipeline.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: An electric heater is also provided at the downstream end of the condenser; The third line is connected to the condenser and the electric heater so that the coolant flows through the condenser and the electric heater sequentially; and The fifth line is connected to the condenser and the electric heater so that the coolant flows through the condenser and the electric heater sequentially.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 15, wherein: The electric heater is formed integrally with the condenser.

17. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: An autonomous driving controller is arranged on the second pipeline.

Images