Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

A thermal conditioning system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a refrigerant circuit (10) comprising:-a main loop (A) comprising, in succession:-a compressor (6),-a first heat exchanger (1) configured to exchange heat with a first heat transfer fluid (F1),-a first expansion valve (31),-a first refrigerant accumulation device (8),-a second expansion valve (32),-a second heat exchanger (12) configured to exchange heat with a second heat transfer fluid (F1),-a second expansion valve (32), the invention relates to a heat exchanger system comprising a main loop (A), a second heat exchanger (2), a first bypass branch (B) comprising a third expansion valve (33) and a third heat exchanger (3), a second bypass branch (C) connecting said main loop (A) and said first bypass branch (B), a third bypass branch (D) connecting said main loop (A) and said first bypass branch (B), a fourth bypass branch (E) comprising a third expansion valve (33) and a third heat exchanger (3), the refrigerant leaving the compressor (6) is allowed to be added to the main loop (A) without passing through the first exchanger (1) and the second expansion valve (32), and the fourth bypass branch (E) comprises a fourth expansion valve (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal regulation systems. Such systems can be fitted, for example, to a motor vehicle. When the vehicle is electrically powered, these systems allow the thermal regulation of various components such as the passenger compartment or the electrical energy storage battery. The heat exchange is mainly managed by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant fluid circulating in a circuit in which a plurality of heat exchangers are provided. The compressor makes it possible to bring the refrigerant fluid to high pressure and to circulate it in the circuit. Background Art

[0002] The refrigerant fluid circuit generally includes a main loop and a plurality of bypass branches, which makes it possible to achieve multiple circulation combinations of the refrigerant fluid. Thus, many operating modes can be obtained, such as the cooling of the air in the passenger compartment, the heating of the air in the passenger compartment, the dehumidification of the air in the passenger compartment, the control of the temperature of the vehicle battery, or the recovery of the energy dissipated by these batteries in order to heat the passenger compartment.

[0003] In order to optimize the thermodynamic performance of the thermal regulation system, it is known to add additional heating devices in order to have sufficient heating power when the ambient temperature is particularly cold (for example negative). It is also common to install an exchanger that makes it possible to supercool the refrigerant fluid in order to significantly increase the available cooling power. However, the addition of these components also has the effect of increasing the complexity of the system, as well as its cost and its weight.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a thermal regulation system that exhibits improved performance without resorting to specific devices such as additional heating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To this end, the present invention proposes a thermal regulation system for a motor vehicle, including a refrigerant fluid circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid, the refrigerant fluid circuit including:

[0006] - A main loop that successively includes, in the flow direction of the refrigerant fluid:

[0007] -- A compressor,

[0008] -- A first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a first heat transfer fluid,

[0009] -- A first expansion device,

[0010] -- A first refrigerant fluid accumulation device,

[0011] -- A second expansion device,

[0012] -- A second heat exchanger,

[0013] - A first bypass branch connects a first connection point provided on the main circuit between the first refrigerant flow accumulation device and the second expansion device to a second connection point provided on the main circuit between the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the compressor. The first bypass branch includes a third expansion device and a third heat exchanger.

[0014] - A second bypass branch connects a third connection point provided on the main circuit between the first expansion device and the first refrigerant flow accumulation device to a fourth connection point provided on the first bypass branch between the first connection point and the third expansion device.

[0015] - A third bypass branch connects a fifth connection point provided on the main circuit between the first expansion device and the third connection point to a sixth connection point provided on the first bypass branch between the third heat exchanger and the second connection point.

[0016] - A fourth bypass branch connects a seventh connection point provided on the main circuit between the outlet of the compressor and the first heat exchanger to an eighth connection point provided on the main circuit between the second expansion device and the second connection point. The fourth bypass branch includes a fourth expansion device.

[0017] This architecture of the refrigerant fluid circuit enables many operating modes to be obtained, which in particular enable the heat recovered at the second exchanger or the third exchanger to be used to heat the first heat transfer fluid at the first exchanger. The fourth bypass branch additionally enables the flow rate of the refrigerant fluid circulating in the circuit to be increased and thus the thermal power supplied to the refrigerant fluid to be increased. Compared with the traditional architecture, this architecture enables additional heating devices and subcooling exchangers to be dispensed with.

[0018] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination.

[0019] According to one aspect of the thermal regulation system, the first heat exchanger is configured to operate as a condenser.

[0020] According to another aspect of the thermal regulation system, the second heat exchanger is configured to operate as an evaporator.

[0021] Again according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an air flow outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0022] The third heat exchanger is configured to selectively operate as an evaporator or a condenser.

[0023] The first refrigerant flow accumulation device is a liquid receiver dryer.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the main loop includes a second refrigerant fluid accumulation device disposed between the second heat exchanger and the second connection point.

[0025] When the ambient temperature is negative, the second refrigerant fluid accumulation device makes it possible to protect the compressor from the presence of the refrigerant fluid in liquid form.

[0026] The second refrigerant fluid accumulation device is an accumulator.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the thermal regulation system, an eighth connection point is provided on the main loop between the second expansion device and the second heat exchanger.

[0028] According to a variant of the embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the eighth connection point is provided on the main loop between the second heat exchanger and the second accumulation device.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the thermal regulation system includes a refrigerant fluid distribution module, which includes:

[0030] - A first refrigerant fluid inlet,

[0031] - A second refrigerant fluid inlet,

[0032] - A refrigerant fluid outlet,

[0033] - A first pipe connecting the first inlet to the outlet,

[0034] - A second pipe connecting the second inlet to a connection point provided on the first pipe between the first inlet and the outlet,

[0035] - A second accumulation device,

[0036] - A fourth expansion device.

[0037] The second accumulation device is provided on the first pipe between the connection point and the outlet,

[0038] The fourth expansion device is provided on the second pipe between the second inlet and the connection point.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the first heat transfer fluid is an air flow inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the thermal regulation system includes a fifth bypass branch that connects a ninth connection point provided on the main loop between the first connection point and the second expansion device to a tenth connection point provided on the main loop between the second accumulation device and the second connection point. The fifth bypass branch includes a fifth expansion device and a fourth heat exchanger.

[0041] The fourth heat exchanger is configured to operate as an evaporator.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the fourth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an air flow inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0043] In a variant, the fourth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an element of the electric powertrain of a motor vehicle.

[0044] According to a variant of the thermal regulation system, the first heat transfer fluid is a heat transfer liquid.

[0045] In this variant, the thermal regulation system includes a heat transfer fluid circuit configured to circulate the heat transfer liquid.

[0046] In this variant, the first heat exchanger is a dual-fluid heat exchanger jointly arranged on the refrigerant fluid circuit and the heat transfer fluid circuit to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer liquid.

[0047] Still in this variant, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fifth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an air flow inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0048] According to an aspect of the thermal regulation system, the second heat exchanger is thermally coupled to an element of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0049] The element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may include an electrical energy storage battery.

[0050] The battery may supply the energy required to drive the vehicle.

[0051] The element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may include an electric drive motor of the vehicle.

[0052] The element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may include an electronic control unit for the electric drive motor of the vehicle.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the element by a heat transfer liquid flowing in a secondary heat transfer liquid loop.

[0054] The heat transfer liquid flowing in the secondary heat transfer liquid loop may be a dielectric fluid.

[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second heat exchanger is in contact with an element of the powertrain of the vehicle.

[0056] According to an aspect of the thermal regulation system, the first bypass branch includes a first one-way valve configured to block the flow of refrigerant fluid from the fourth connection point to the first connection point.

[0057] According to another aspect of the thermal regulation system, the second bypass branch includes a second check valve configured to block the flow of refrigerant fluid from the third connection point to the fourth connection point.

[0058] The first check valve can be a non-return valve. Similarly, the second check valve can be a non-return valve.

[0059] The main loop includes a shut-off valve disposed between the sixth connection point and the second connection point.

[0060] The fifth bypass branch includes a third check valve configured to block the flow of refrigerant fluid from the tenth connection point to the fourth heat exchanger.

[0061] Each check valve can be replaced by a shut-off valve.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the thermal regulation system includes a sixth bypass branch that connects an eleventh connection point disposed on the fourth bypass branch between the fourth expansion device and the eighth connection point to a twelfth connection point disposed on the first bypass branch between the sixth connection point and the second connection point.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the main loop includes an internal heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid downstream of the first connection point and upstream of the second expansion device and the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second accumulation device and upstream of the second connection point.

[0064] The internal heat exchanger makes it possible to increase the heat exchange capacity of the system and also makes it possible to superheat the refrigerant fluid at the inlet of the compressor, i.e., to avoid the presence of liquid refrigerant droplets at the compressor inlet.

[0065] According to a variant of the thermal regulation system, the main loop includes a sixth expansion device disposed on the main loop between the seventh connection point and the first heat exchanger.

[0066] This expansion device makes it possible to expand the high-pressure refrigerant fluid leaving the compressor. Thus, the compressor can be operated at the maximum allowable outlet pressure of the compressor, and the refrigerant fluid is expanded before it flows through the first heat exchanger. The compression work is thus increased, making it possible to increase the energy transferred to the refrigerant fluid.

[0067] Each expansion device can be an electronic expansion device.

[0068] The thermal regulation system can include a first three-way valve jointly disposed on the main loop and the third bypass branch, the first three-way valve being configured to selectively:

[0069] - Allow the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger to flow to the third connection point and prevent the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger from flowing to the sixth connection point, or

[0070] - Allow the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger to flow to the sixth connection point and prevent the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger from flowing to the third connection point.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first three-way valve and the first expansion device are disposed in the same body.

[0072] In other words, a single component combines the functions of a three-way valve and an expansion device. This promotes the combination.

[0073] The thermal regulation system may further include a second three-way valve jointly disposed on the fourth bypass branch and the sixth bypass branch, and the second three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0074] - Allow the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device to flow to the eighth connection point and prevent the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device from flowing to the twelfth connection point, or

[0075] - Allow the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device to flow to the twelfth connection point and prevent the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device from flowing to the eighth connection point.

[0076] The second three-way valve and the fourth expansion device may be disposed in the same body.

[0077] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a first passenger compartment cooling mode, wherein:

[0078] - The refrigerant fluid flow at low pressure flows through the compressor, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches high pressure; then successively: flows through the first heat exchanger without heat exchange with the first heat transfer fluid; flows through the third bypass branch; flows through the third heat exchanger; flows through the second bypass branch; flows through the first refrigerant fluid accumulation device; flows through the fifth expansion device, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches low pressure; flows through the fourth heat exchanger, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat from the internal air flow, and returns to the compressor.

[0079] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the heat pump mode, wherein:

[0080] - A refrigerant fluid flow at low pressure circulates in a compressor, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches high pressure; then successively: circulates in a first heat exchanger, releasing heat to a first heat transfer fluid; circulates in a first expansion device, where the refrigerant fluid undergoes expansion to an intermediate pressure; circulates in a first refrigerant fluid accumulation device; circulates in a third expansion device, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches low pressure; circulates in a third heat exchanger, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat from an external air flow, and returns to the compressor.

[0081] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the energy recovery mode, wherein:

[0082] - A refrigerant fluid flow at low pressure circulates in a compressor, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches high pressure; then successively: circulates in a first heat exchanger, releasing heat to a first heat transfer fluid; circulates in a first expansion device, where the refrigerant fluid undergoes expansion to an intermediate pressure; circulates in a first refrigerant fluid accumulation device; circulates in a second expansion device, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches low pressure; circulates in a second heat exchanger, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat, and returns to the compressor.

[0083] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a second passenger compartment cooling mode, wherein:

[0084] - A refrigerant fluid flow at low pressure circulates in a compressor, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches high pressure; then successively: circulates in a fourth bypass branch; circulates in a fourth expansion device; circulates in a sixth bypass branch; circulates in a third heat exchanger; circulates in a third expansion device; circulates in a second bypass branch; circulates in a first refrigerant fluid accumulation device; circulates in a fifth expansion device, where the refrigerant fluid flow reaches low pressure; circulates in a fourth heat exchanger, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat from an internal air flow, and returns to the compressor. Description of the Drawings

[0085] Further features, details, and advantages will become apparent by reading the following detailed description and by studying the drawings, in which:

[0086] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0087] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a variant of the first embodiment of the present invention,

[0088] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, ​​​

[0089] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a variant of the second embodiment of the present invention,

[0090] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to the third embodiment of the present invention,

[0091] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a variant of the third embodiment of the present invention,

[0092] Figure 7 is Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in

[0093] Figure 8 is Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the second operating mode called the heat pump mode,

[0094] Figure 9 is Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the third operating mode called the energy recovery mode,

[0095] Figure 10 is Figure 5 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system operating in the fourth operating mode called the second cooling mode. Detailed Description

[0096] For ease of reading the drawings, the various elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these figures, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Certain elements or parameters may be indexed, i.e., designated by, for example, a first element or a second element, or a first parameter and a second parameter, etc. The purpose of this indexing is to distinguish similar but not identical elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a precedence of one element or parameter over another, and the names may be interchanged.

[0097] In the following description, the expression "the first element is upstream of the second element" means that the first element is located before the second element with respect to the flow or travel direction of the fluid. Similarly, the expression "the first element is downstream of the second element" means that the first element is located after the second element with respect to the flow or travel direction of the fluid under discussion. In the case of a refrigerant fluid circuit, the expression "the first element is upstream of the second element" means that the refrigerant fluid successively travels through the first element and then through the second element without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant fluid leaves the compression device, may pass through one or more elements, then through the first element, then through the second element, and then returns to the compression device, having passed through additional elements in some cases.​​​​​​​

[0098] "The second element is located between the first element and the third element" means that the shortest path traveling from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0099] When a specified subsystem has a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in the subsystem.

[0100] The electronic control unit 44 receives information from various sensors that measure, in particular, the characteristics of the refrigerant fluid at different points in the circuit. The electronic control unit 44 also receives instructions issued by the vehicle's occupants, such as, for example, the desired temperature in the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit 44 can also receive instructions from other electronic subsystems, such as a management system for an electrical energy storage battery. The electronic control unit 44 implements control laws that make it possible to control various actuators in order to control the thermal regulation system 100 in order to execute the received instructions.

[0101] The refrigerant fluid circuit 10 forms a closed circuit in which the refrigerant fluid can circulate. When the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 is in a nominal operating state (i.e., without defects or leaks), the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 is fluid-tight. Each connection point of the circuit 10 allows the refrigerant fluid to enter one or the other of the circuit portions meeting at that connection point. By adjusting the opening or closing of the shut-off valves, check valves or expansion devices included in each of the branches, the refrigerant fluid is distributed between the circuit portions meeting at the connection point. In other words, each connection point is a structure for redirecting the refrigerant fluid arriving at that connection point. Thus, the respective shut-off valves and check valves make it possible to selectively direct the refrigerant fluid into the various branches of the refrigerant circuit in order to provide various operating modes, as will be described below.

[0102] In this case, the refrigerant fluid used by the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 is a chemical fluid, such as R1234yf. Other refrigerant fluids, such as R134a or R290, can also be used alternatively.

[0103] The internal air flow Fi is understood to mean the air flow for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. This internal air flow Fi can circulate in a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) device. This device is not shown in the various figures. A first motor-fan unit (not shown) is provided in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning device in order to increase the flow rate of the internal air flow Fi when necessary.

[0104] The external air flow Fe is understood to mean an air flow that is not used for the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In other words, this air flow Fe remains outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A second motor-fan unit (not shown either) can be activated in order to increase the flow rate of the external air flow Fe if necessary. The flow rate of the air provided by the first and second motor-fan units can be adjusted in real time according to the heat exchange requirements, for example by the electronic control unit 44 of the thermal regulation system 100.

[0105] The term "first exchanger" is equivalent to the term "first heat exchanger". The term "accumulation device" is equivalent to the term "refrigerant flow accumulation device".

[0106] The (one or more) heat transfer liquid circuits also form one or more closed and fluid-tight circuits in which the heat transfer liquid can circulate.

[0107] Figure 1 A thermal regulation system 100 for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0108] This thermal regulation system 100 includes a refrigerant fluid circuit 10 which is configured to circulate a refrigerant fluid, the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 comprising:

[0109] - A main loop A which, in the flow direction of the refrigerant fluid, successively includes:

[0110] -- A compressor 6,

[0111] -- A first heat exchanger 1 which is configured to exchange heat with a first heat transfer fluid F1,

[0112] -- A first expansion device 31,

[0113] -- A first refrigerant flow accumulation device 8,

[0114] -- A second expansion device 32,

[0115] -- A second heat exchanger 2,

[0116] - A first bypass branch B which connects a first connection point 11 provided on the main loop A between the first refrigerant flow accumulation device 8 and the second expansion device 32 to a second connection point 12 provided on the main loop A between the second heat exchanger 2 and the inlet 6a of the compressor 6, the first bypass branch B including a third expansion device 33 and a third heat exchanger 3,

[0117] - A second bypass branch C that connects a third connection point 13, which is provided on the main loop A between the first expansion device 31 and the first refrigerant fluid accumulation device 8, to a fourth connection point 14, which is provided on the first bypass branch B between the first connection point 11 and the third expansion device 33.

[0118] - A third bypass branch D that connects a fifth connection point 15, which is provided on the main loop A between the first expansion device 31 and the third connection point 13, to a sixth connection point 16, which is provided on the first bypass branch B between the third heat exchanger 3 and the second connection point 12.

[0119] - A fourth bypass branch E that connects a seventh connection point 17, which is provided on the main loop A at the outlet 6b of the compressor 6 and the first heat exchanger 1, to an eighth connection point 18, which is provided on the main loop A between the second expansion device 32 and the second connection point 12. The fourth bypass branch E includes a fourth expansion device 34.

[0120] This architecture of the refrigerant fluid circuit makes it possible to obtain many operating modes, which in particular make it possible to use the heat recovered at the second exchanger 2 or at the third exchanger 3 to heat the first heat transfer fluid F1 at the first exchanger 1. The fourth bypass branch E also makes it possible to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant fluid compressed by the compressor 6 and flowing in the circuit 10, so that it is possible to increase the thermal power supplied to the refrigerant fluid. The heating capacity of the thermal regulation system is improved, that is to say increased. Compared with the traditional architecture, this architecture makes it possible to dispense with additional heating devices. It also makes it possible to dispense with the subcooling exchanger. Therefore, the system is simplified without loss of performance.

[0121] The first heat exchanger 1 is configured to operate as a condenser.

[0122] The first heat transfer fluid F1 is an air flow Fi inside the vehicle passenger compartment. Therefore, the first exchanger 1 makes it possible to directly heat the internal air flow Fi and thus heat the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0123] The second heat exchanger 2 is configured to operate as an evaporator.

[0124] The second heat exchanger 2 is thermally coupled to an element 30 of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle. Therefore, the second heat exchanger 2 makes it possible to cool the element 30 of the powertrain in order to keep its temperature within an acceptable range.

[0125] The element 30 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may include an electrical energy storage battery. The battery may supply the energy required to drive the vehicle.

[0126] In a variant or additionally, the element 30 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may include an electric drive motor of the vehicle.

[0127] In another variant, or additionally, an element 30 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may include an electronic control unit for the electric drive motor of the vehicle.

[0128] According to the example shown, the second heat exchanger 2 is thermally coupled to the element 30 by means of a heat transfer fluid circulating in a secondary heat transfer fluid loop 41.

[0129] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 41 may be a dielectric fluid. In one variant, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 41 may be a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0130] According to a variant not shown, the second heat exchanger 2 is in contact with an element 30 of the powertrain of the vehicle.

[0131] The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to exchange heat with an air flow Fe outside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to operate selectively as an evaporator or a condenser. The third heat exchanger 3 is designated by the term evaporator-condenser. The third exchanger 3 is arranged, for example, in the front end of the vehicle, behind the radiator grille. Thus, the third exchanger 3 receives the air flow generated by the forward movement of the vehicle. Depending on the operating mode of the thermal regulation system, the third heat exchanger 3 may recover heat from the external air flow Fe and transfer it to the refrigerant fluid, or dissipate heat from the refrigerant fluid to the external air flow.

[0132] The first refrigerant flow accumulation device 8 is a liquid receiver dryer. The receiver dryer 8 receives a two-phase mixture of refrigerant fluid at its inlet 8a. The refrigerant fluid leaving the outlet 8b of the receiver dryer is in a saturated liquid state. The first accumulation device makes it possible to compensate for variations in the amount of refrigerant fluid circulating in the circuit 10 depending on the operating conditions.

[0133] According to the example illustrated, the main loop A includes a second refrigerant flow accumulation device 9 provided between the second heat exchanger 2 and the second connection point 12.

[0134] The second refrigerant flow accumulation device 9 makes it possible to protect the compressor 6 from the presence of refrigerant fluid in liquid form, especially when the ambient temperature is negative. The second refrigerant flow accumulation device 9 is an accumulator.

[0135] According to Figure 1 the embodiment in, an eighth connection point 18 is provided on the main loop A between the second expansion device 32 and the second heat exchanger 2. This arrangement is common to Figure 2 the variant of the first embodiment shown, Figure 3 the second embodiment shown, and Figure 6 the variant of the third embodiment shown.

[0136] According to a variant of this first embodiment, which is shown in Figure 2 the first heat transfer fluid F1 is a heat transfer liquid.

[0137] In this variant, the thermal regulation system includes a heat transfer fluid circuit 40 configured to circulate the heat transfer liquid. The first heat exchanger 1 is a two-fluid heat exchanger jointly arranged on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 and the heat transfer fluid circuit 40 to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer liquid.

[0138] Still in this variant, the heat transfer fluid circuit 40 includes a fifth heat exchanger 5 configured to exchange heat with the air flow Fi inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fifth exchanger 5 is provided in the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning device and enables heating of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0139] In Figures 3 to 6 the second and third embodiments and their variants shown, the first heat transfer fluid F1 is the air flow Fi inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. According to a variant not shown, the first heat transfer fluid F1 is a heat transfer liquid, as described above for the variant of the first embodiment and as Figure 2 shown.

[0140] Figure 3 The second embodiment is shown.

[0141] According to this second embodiment, the thermal regulation system 100 includes a fifth bypass branch F that connects the ninth connection point 19 located between the first connection point 11 and the second expansion device 32 on the main loop A to the tenth connection point 20 located between the second accumulation device 9 and the second connection point 12 on the main loop A. The fifth bypass branch F includes a fifth expansion device 35 and a fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0142] In this case, the fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with the air flow Fi inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fifth expansion device 35 is provided upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 4. Thus, the fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to operate as an evaporator. The fourth heat exchanger 4 enables cooling of the passenger compartment of the vehicle to ensure the thermal comfort of the occupants. The fourth heat exchanger is provided in the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning device of the vehicle.

[0143] According to a variant not shown, the fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with an element of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle. In other words, the fourth heat exchanger 4 can be thermally coupled to an element of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle. In this case, the second exchanger 2 and the fourth exchanger 4 have a similar function, enabling cooling of one or more elements of the powertrain or recovering energy from one or more elements of the powertrain.

[0144] According to a variant of the second embodiment, in Figure 4As schematically shown in, the eighth connection point 18 is provided on the main loop A between the second heat exchanger 2 and the second accumulation device 9.

[0145] In other words, Figure 4 the variant in Figure 3 differs from the embodiment in

[0146] particular in the position of the connection point of the downstream part of the fourth bypass branch E to the main branch A.

[0147] In this variant of the second embodiment, the thermal regulation system 100 includes a refrigerant fluid distribution module 45, which includes:

[0148] - a first refrigerant fluid inlet E1,

[0149] - a second refrigerant fluid inlet E2,

[0150] - a refrigerant fluid outlet S,

[0151] - a first pipe C1 connecting the first inlet E1 to the outlet S,

[0152] - a second pipe C2 connecting the second inlet E2 to a connection point P, which is provided on the first pipe C1 between the first inlet E1 and the outlet S,

[0153] - a second accumulation device 9,

[0154] - a fourth expansion device 34.

[0155] The second accumulation device 9 is provided on the first pipe C1 between the connection point P and the outlet S.

[0156] And the fourth expansion device 34 is provided on the second pipe C2 between the second inlet E2 and the connection point P.

[0157] The connection point P corresponds to the eighth connection point 18.

[0158] Module 45 thus combines the fourth expansion device 34, the second refrigerant fluid accumulation device 9, and two inlets and one outlet for the refrigerant fluid. Thus, it facilitates the integration of the thermal regulation system into the vehicle, since the module makes it possible to reduce the volume and the number of fluid connections to be made. Specifically, the connectors required for connecting the inlets / outlets of the accumulation device 9 and the expansion device 34 are inside the module 45. Module 45 may include a machined casting in which various components are incorporated.

[0159] Figure 5 A third embodiment is shown.

[0160] According to this third embodiment, the thermal regulation system 100 includes a sixth bypass branch G that connects an eleventh connection point 21 provided on the fourth bypass branch E between the fourth expansion device 34 and the eighth connection point 18 to a twelfth connection point 22 provided on the first bypass branch B between the sixth connection point 16 and the second connection point 12.

[0161] Thus, the high-pressure refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compressor 6 can reach the third exchanger 3, which then operates as a condenser without passing through the first exchanger 1. Thus, the pressure loss is minimized, enabling the performance of the system to be improved.

[0162] The twelfth connection point 22 can be combined with the sixth connection point 16.

[0163] According to a variant of the third embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the main loop A includes a sixth expansion device 36 provided on the main loop A between the seventh connection point 17 and the first heat exchanger 1.

[0164] This expansion device 36 enables the high-pressure refrigerant fluid leaving the compressor 6 to expand. Thus, the compressor can be operated at the maximum allowable outlet pressure of the compressor, and the refrigerant fluid is expanded before it flows through the first heat exchanger 1. The compression work thus increases, enabling the energy transferred to the refrigerant fluid to be increased.

[0165] The sixth expansion device 36 can be implemented in each embodiment. Also shown is the sixth expansion device 36 for a variant of the second embodiment as Figure 4 shown.

[0166] The first expansion device 31 is an electronic expansion device. The second expansion device 32 is an electronic expansion device.

[0167] Each of the expansion devices 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 can be an electronic expansion device.

[0168] In an electronic expansion device, the cross-sectional area of the channel allowing the refrigerant fluid to pass through can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. To this end, the control unit of the thermal regulation system controls an electric motor that moves a movable cut-off device that controls the cross-sectional area of the channel available for the refrigerant fluid.

[0169] In the example shown, the first bypass branch B includes a first check valve 25 configured to block the flow of refrigerant fluid from the fourth connection point 14 to the first connection point 11.

[0170] The first check valve 25 is configured to allow the refrigerant fluid to flow from the first connection point 11 to the fourth connection point 14.

[0171] The second bypass branch C includes a second check valve 26 which is configured to block the refrigerant fluid from flowing from the third connection point 13 to the fourth connection point 14.

[0172] The second check valve 26 is configured to allow the refrigerant fluid to flow from the fourth connection point 14 to the third connection point 13.

[0173] In this case, the first check valve 25 is a non - return valve. Similarly, the second check valve 26 is a non - return valve in this case. A non - return valve is a passive component that does not require electrical control.

[0174] The third bypass branch D does not include a shut - off valve or a heat exchanger.

[0175] The main loop A includes a shut - off valve 29 disposed between the sixth connection point 16 and the second connection point 12.

[0176] The shut - off valve 29 enables the selective interruption of the flow of the refrigerant fluid between the sixth connection point 16 and the second connection point 12 in the first bypass branch B. The shut - off valve 29 is electrically controlled by a control unit 44, for example.

[0177] The fifth bypass branch F includes a third check valve 27 which is arranged to block the refrigerant fluid from flowing from the tenth connection point 20 to the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0178] The third check valve 27 is arranged to allow the refrigerant fluid to flow from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the tenth connection point 20. The third check valve 27 is a non - return valve in this case.

[0179] According to a variant (not shown), each of the check valves 25, 26, 27 can be replaced by an electrically controlled shut - off valve.

[0180] The main loop A of the thermal regulation system 100 may include an internal heat exchanger 7 which is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the second expansion device 32 and the refrigerant fluid downstream of the second accumulation device 9 and upstream of the second connection point 12.

[0181] This feature present in the second and third embodiments ( Figures 3 to 6 ) can also be applied to the first embodiment and its variants.

[0182] The internal heat exchanger 7 enables an increase in the heat exchange capacity of the thermal regulation system 100 and also contributes to the superheating of the refrigerant fluid at the inlet of the compressor 1, that is, helps to avoid the presence of liquid refrigerant droplets at the inlet of the compressor 1.

[0183] The internal heat exchanger 7 includes a first heat exchange section 7a provided on the main loop A downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the second expansion device 32, and a second heat exchange section 7b provided on the main loop A downstream of the second accumulation device 9 and upstream of the second connection point 12. The first internal heat exchanger 7 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchange section 7a and the refrigerant fluid in the second heat exchange section 7b. Thus, the refrigerant fluid flowing in the main loop A at a high pressure can release heat to the refrigerant fluid flowing in the main loop A at a lower pressure after expanding in the second expansion device 32. When the heat regulation system 100 includes a fifth bypass branch F, the first heat exchange section 7a is provided downstream of the first connection point 11 and upstream of the ninth connection point 19. The second heat exchange section 7b is provided between the tenth connection point 20 and the second connection point 12.

[0184] In the illustrated example, the heat regulation system 100 includes a first three-way valve 47, and the first three-way valve 47 is jointly provided on the main loop A and the third bypass branch D.

[0185] The first three-way valve 47 is configured to selectively:

[0186] - allow the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger 1 to flow to the third connection point 13 and block the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger 1 from flowing to the sixth connection point 16, or

[0187] - allow the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger 1 to flow to the sixth connection point 16 and block the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first exchanger 1 from flowing to the third connection point 13.

[0188] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first three-way valve 47 and the first expansion device 31 are provided in the same body. The body can be, for example, a cast body. The body receiving the first three-way valve 47 and the first expansion device 31 can be a single piece.

[0189] In other words, a single component combines the functions of a three-way valve and an expansion device. This helps to incorporate the component into the heat regulation system.

[0190] According to Figure 5 and Figure 6 the third embodiment and its variations shown, the heat regulation system 100 further includes a second three-way valve 48, and the second three-way valve 48 is jointly provided on the fourth bypass branch E and the sixth bypass branch G.

[0191] The second three-way valve 48 is configured to selectively:

[0192] - Permit the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device 34 to flow to the eighth connection point 18, and prevent the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device 34 from flowing to the twelfth connection point 22, or

[0193] - Permit the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device 34 to flow to the twelfth connection point 22, and prevent the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the fourth expansion device 34 from flowing to the eighth connection point 18.

[0194] The second three-way valve 48 and the fourth expansion device 34 may be provided in the same body. The body may be, for example, a cast body. The body receiving the second three-way valve 48 and the fourth expansion device 34 may be integral. This body is separate from the body receiving the first three-way valve 47 and the first expansion device 31.

[0195] Each three-way valve 47, 48 may also be replaced by two two-way valves.

[0196] Figure 7 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a first passenger compartment cooling mode is shown.

[0197] In this mode, called the passenger compartment cooling mode:

[0198] - The refrigerant fluid flow Q at low pressure flows through the compressor 6, where the refrigerant fluid flow Q is brought to high pressure, and then successively: flows through the first heat exchanger 1 without exchanging heat with the first heat transfer fluid F1; flows through the third bypass branch D; flows through the third heat exchanger 3; flows through the second bypass branch C; flows through the first refrigerant fluid accumulation device 8; flows through the fifth expansion device 35, where the refrigerant fluid flow Q is brought to low pressure; flows through the fourth heat exchanger 4, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat from the internal air flow Fi, and returns to the compressor 1.

[0199] In this operating mode, the first expansion device 31 is fully open so as not to expand the high-pressure refrigerant fluid. A baffle (not shown) isolates the first exchanger 1 from the internal air flow Fi, which in this case is the first heat transfer fluid F1. Thus, heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the internal air flow Fi is avoided.

[0200] The first three-way valve 47 directs the high-pressure refrigerant fluid to the third bypass branch D. The shut-off valve 29 is closed so that the refrigerant fluid flows from the sixth connection point 16 to the fourth connection point 14 and condenses in the third exchanger 3. Partial expansion in the third expansion device 33 is feasible.

[0201] The refrigerant fluid then flows through the second bypass branch C. Specifically, the first check valve 25 blocks the flow from the fourth connection point 14 to the first connection point 11. The second check valve 26 allows the refrigerant fluid to flow from the fourth connection point 14 to the third connection point 13. The refrigerant fluid then passes through the first accumulator 8 and then reaches the ninth connection point 19. The second expansion device 32 is in the closed position such that no refrigerant fluid flows through the second exchanger 2. The refrigerant fluid expands by passing through the fifth expansion device 35 and becomes low pressure. The low-pressure refrigerant fluid evaporates and cools the internal air flow Fi in the fourth exchanger 4. The refrigerant fluid reaches the compressor 6 by successively passing through the tenth connection point 10 and the second connection point 12.

[0202] Figure 8 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a mode called the heat pump mode is shown.

[0203] In this mode, called the heat pump mode:

[0204] - A refrigerant fluid flow Q at low pressure flows through the compressor 6, where the refrigerant fluid flow is brought to high pressure and then successively: flows through the first heat exchanger 1, releasing heat to the first heat transfer fluid F1; flows through the first expansion device 31, where the refrigerant fluid undergoes expansion to an intermediate pressure; flows through the first refrigerant fluid accumulator device 8; flows through the third expansion device 33, where the refrigerant fluid flow Q is brought to low pressure; flows through the third heat exchanger 3, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat from the external air flow Fe, and returns to the compressor 6.

[0205] In this operating mode, the high-pressure refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compressor 6 condenses in the first exchanger 1, making it possible to heat the internal air flow Fi, which in this case is the first heat transfer fluid F1. The refrigerant fluid then undergoes partial expansion in the first expansion device 31 and is brought to an intermediate pressure. The intermediate pressure is a pressure that is lower than the high pressure and higher than the low pressure. The partial expansion reduces the enthalpy of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the first accumulation device 8 and thus increases the recoverable energy at the third exchanger 3. The first three-way valve 47 blocks the flow of the refrigerant fluid in the third bypass branch C and directs the refrigerant fluid from the fifth connection point 15 to the third connection point 13. The refrigerant fluid then passes through the first accumulation device 8. The second expansion device 32 and the fifth expansion device 35 are in the closed position so that no refrigerant fluid flows from the first connection point 11 to the ninth connection point 19. The first check valve 25 allows the refrigerant fluid to flow in the first bypass branch B from the first connection point 11 to the second connection point 12. The third expansion device 33 expands the refrigerant fluid until it reaches the low-pressure state. The low-pressure refrigerant fluid evaporates in the third exchanger 3, absorbing heat from the external air flow Fe. The shut-off valve 29 is open, and the evaporated refrigerant fluid returns to the inlet 6a of the compressor 6. It should be noted that, compared with the previous operating mode, the direction of travel of the refrigerant fluid in the third exchanger 3 is reversed.

[0206] Figure 9 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a mode called the energy recovery mode is shown.

[0207] According to this mode, called the energy recovery mode:

[0208] - A refrigerant fluid flow Q at low pressure circulates in the compressor 6, where the refrigerant fluid flow Q is brought to high pressure and then successively: circulates in the first heat exchanger 1, releasing heat to the first heat transfer fluid F1; circulates in the first expansion device 31, where the refrigerant fluid undergoes expansion to an intermediate pressure; circulates in the first refrigerant fluid accumulation device 8; circulates in the second expansion device 32, where the refrigerant fluid flow is brought to low pressure; circulates in the second heat exchanger 2, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat, and returns to the compressor 6.

[0209] The circulation of the refrigerant fluid between the outlet 6b of the compressor 6 and the first connection point 11 is the same as in the previous operating mode. In Figure 9In the operating mode, the third expansion device 33 is in the closed position, and the second expansion device 32 is in the partially open position. Accordingly, there is no circulation of the refrigerant fluid in the third exchanger 3, while the refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger 2. The refrigerant fluid expanded by the second expansion device 32 evaporates in the second exchanger 2, thereby absorbing heat from the element 30 of the powertrain. This operating mode makes it possible to recover energy from the vehicle's powertrain at the second exchanger 2 and transfer it to the internal air flow Fi at the first exchanger 1. The evaporated refrigerant fluid passes through the second accumulation device 9 and reaches the compressor 6. When the ambient temperature is negative, the second accumulation device 9 prevents liquid droplets of the liquid refrigerant from reaching the inlet 6a of the compressor 6.

[0210] These three operating modes of the thermal regulation system according to the second embodiment have been shown. They are also applicable to other embodiments of the thermal regulation system and their variants.

[0211] Figure 10 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in the second passenger compartment cooling mode is shown.

[0212] According to this operating mode:

[0213] - A refrigerant fluid flow Q at low pressure circulates in the compressor 1, where the refrigerant fluid flow Q is brought to high pressure; then successively: it circulates in the fourth bypass branch E; it circulates in the fourth expansion device 34; it circulates in the sixth bypass branch G; it circulates in the third heat exchanger 3; it circulates in the third expansion device 33; it circulates in the second bypass branch C; it circulates in the first refrigerant fluid accumulation device 8; it circulates in the fifth expansion device 35, where the refrigerant fluid flow is brought to low pressure; it circulates in the fourth heat exchanger 4, where the refrigerant fluid flow evaporates, absorbs heat from the internal air flow Fi, and returns to the compressor 1.

[0214] This operating mode relates to the thermal regulation system according to the third embodiment and its variants, which are shown respectively in Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown.

[0215] In this operating mode, the first expansion device 31 is in the closed position, preventing the refrigerant fluid from circulating in the first exchanger 1. The fourth expansion device 34 is in the open position. The second three-way valve 48 blocks the circulation in the fourth bypass branch E between the eleventh connection point 21 and the eighth connection point 18 and guides the high-pressure refrigerant fluid into the sixth bypass branch G. The shut-off valve 29 is in the closed position, allowing the refrigerant fluid to circulate in the third exchanger 3. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid between the sixth connection point 16 and the inlet 6a of the compressor 6 is the same as that described in the Figure 7 shown first passenger compartment cooling mode.

[0216] Many other operating modes are also possible and are not shown.

Claims

1. A thermal regulation system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a refrigerant fluid circuit (10) configured to allow a refrigerant fluid to flow, the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) comprising: - A main loop (A), which successively comprises, in the flow direction of the refrigerant fluid: -- A compressor (6), -- A first heat exchanger (1), configured to exchange heat with a first heat transfer fluid (F1), -- A first expansion device (31), -- A first refrigerant fluid accumulation device (8), -- A second expansion device (32), -- A second heat exchanger (2), - A first bypass branch (B) that connects a first connection point (11) provided on the main loop (A) between the first refrigerant fluid accumulation device (8) and the second expansion device (32) to a second connection point (12) provided on the main loop (A) between the second heat exchanger (2) and the inlet (6a) of the compressor (6), the first bypass branch (B) comprising a third expansion device (33) and a third heat exchanger (3), - A second bypass branch (C) that connects a third connection point (13) provided on the main loop (A) between the first expansion device (31) and the first refrigerant fluid accumulation device (8) to a fourth connection point (14) provided on the first bypass branch (B) between the first connection point (11) and the third expansion device (33), - A third bypass branch (D) that connects a fifth connection point (15) provided on the main loop (A) between the first expansion device (31) and the third connection point (13) to a sixth connection point (16) provided on the first bypass branch (B) between the third heat exchanger (3) and the second connection point (12), - A fourth bypass branch (E) that connects a seventh connection point (17) provided on the main loop (A) between the outlet (6b) of the compressor (6) and the first heat exchanger (1) to an eighth connection point (18) provided on the main loop (A) between the second expansion device (32) and the second connection point (12), the fourth bypass branch (E) comprising a fourth expansion device (34).

2. The thermal regulation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The main loop (A) comprises a second refrigerant fluid accumulation device (9) provided between the second heat exchanger (2) and the second connection point (12).

3. The thermal regulation system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The eighth connection point (18) is provided on the main loop (A) between the second expansion device (32) and the second heat exchanger (2).

4. The thermal regulation system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The eighth connection point (18) is provided on the main loop (A) between the second heat exchanger (2) and the second accumulation device (9).

5. The thermal regulation system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, comprising a refrigerant fluid distribution module (45), the refrigerant fluid distribution module (45) comprising: - A first refrigerant fluid inlet (E1), - A second refrigerant fluid inlet (E2), - Refrigerant fluid outlet (S), - First pipe (C1) connecting the first inlet (E1) to the outlet (S), - Second pipe (C2) connecting the second inlet (E2) to a connection point (P) provided on the first pipe (C1) between the first inlet (E1) and the outlet (S), - The second accumulation device (9), - The fourth expansion device (34), wherein the second accumulation device (9) is provided on the first pipe (C1) between the connection point (P) and the outlet (S), and wherein the fourth expansion device (34) is provided on the second pipe (C2) between the second inlet (E2) and the connection point (P).

6. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first heat transfer fluid (F1) is an air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

7. The thermal regulation system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, comprising a fifth bypass branch (F) connecting a ninth connection point (19) to a tenth connection point (20), the ninth connection point (19) being provided on the main loop (A) between the first connection point (11) and the second expansion device (32), the tenth connection point (20) being provided on the main loop (A) between the second accumulation device (9) and the second connection point (12), the fifth bypass branch (F) comprising a fifth expansion device (35) and a fourth heat exchanger (4), Among them, The fourth heat exchanger (4) is configured to exchange heat with the air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle or with an element of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

8. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or according to claim 7, wherein, The first heat transfer fluid (F1) is a heat transfer liquid, wherein the thermal regulation system (100) comprises a heat transfer fluid circuit (40) configured to circulate the heat transfer liquid, wherein the first heat exchanger (1) is a two-fluid heat exchanger jointly arranged on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) and the heat transfer fluid circuit (40) to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer liquid, and wherein the heat transfer fluid circuit (40) comprises a fifth heat exchanger (5) configured to exchange heat with the air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

9. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second heat exchanger (2) is thermally coupled to an element (30) of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle, the element (30) of the electric powertrain of the vehicle comprises an electrical energy storage battery, or the electric drive motor of the vehicle, or an electronic control unit for the electric drive motor of the vehicle.

10. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first bypass branch (B) comprises a first check valve (25) configured to block the flow of refrigerant fluid from the fourth connection point (14) to the first connection point (11), And wherein, said second bypass branch (C) includes a second check valve (26), said second check valve (26) configured to block the flow of refrigerant fluid from said third connection point (13) to said fourth connection point (14).

11. The thermal regulation system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a sixth bypass branch (G), said sixth bypass branch (G) connecting an eleventh connection point (21) provided on said fourth bypass branch (E) between said fourth expansion device (34) and said eighth connection point (18) to a twelfth connection point (22) provided on said first bypass branch (B) between said sixth connection point (16) and said second connection point (12).

12. The thermal regulation system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein, Said main loop (A) includes an internal heat exchanger (7), said internal heat exchanger (7) configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant fluid downstream of said first connection point (11) and upstream of said second expansion device (32) and refrigerant fluid downstream of said second accumulation device (9) and upstream of said second connection point (12).

13. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Said main loop (A) includes a sixth expansion device (36), said sixth expansion device (36) being provided on said main loop (A) between said seventh connection point (17) and said first heat exchanger (1).

14. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first three-way valve (47), said first three-way valve (47) being jointly provided on said main loop (A) and said third bypass branch (D), said first three-way valve (47) configured to selectively: - allow refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said first exchanger (1) to flow to said third connection point (13), and block the flow of refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said first exchanger (1) to said sixth connection point (16), or - allow refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said first exchanger (1) to flow to said sixth connection point (16), and block the flow of refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said first exchanger (1) to said third connection point (13), And wherein said first three-way valve (47) and said first expansion device (31) are provided in the same body.

15. The thermal regulation system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 11, comprising a second three-way valve (48), said second three-way valve (48) being jointly provided on said fourth bypass branch (E) and said sixth bypass branch (G), said second three-way valve (48) configured to selectively: - allow refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said fourth expansion device (34) to flow to said eighth connection point (18), and block the flow of refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said fourth expansion device (34) to said twelfth connection point (22), or - allow refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said fourth expansion device (34) to flow to said twelfth connection point (22), and block the flow of refrigerant fluid at the outlet of said fourth expansion device (34) to said eighth connection point (18), and wherein said second three-way valve (48) and said fourth expansion device (34) are provided in the same body.

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