Thermal management system

Abstract

Disclosed is a thermal management system of a vehicle, the thermal management system comprising a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit, the coolant circuit comprising: a first valve assembly (17) having at least first to fourth ports; the two ends of the first loop are connected with a first port (D1) and a fourth port (D4) of the first valve assembly (17) respectively, and the first loop is provided with a first heat exchange part (21) of a first heat exchanger (2); the refrigerant circuit is provided with a second heat exchange part (22) of the first heat exchanger (2); a refrigerant in a second heat exchange part (22) of the first heat exchanger (2) exchanges heat with a cooling liquid in a first heat exchange part (21) of the first heat exchanger (2); and the second loop is connected with a second port (D2) and a third port (D3) of the first valve assembly (17) so as to receive the cooling liquid from the first loop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, electric vehicles have been more and more widely used. Electric vehicles achieve endurance and driving by storing electric energy, so that users can directly charge at home and perform other operations.

[0003] To ensure the safety and comfortable riding experience of the vehicle, it is necessary to thermally manage the power battery, motor, and cockpit of the vehicle when the temperature is high or low to help them maintain an appropriate temperature. The existing thermal management systems for electric vehicles can achieve fewer modes, use more components and more complex pipeline routing, so they have high costs, large volumes, and poor flexibility in thermal management.

[0004] The heat pump mode is a common mode of the existing thermal management system, which can effectively utilize environmental heat. However, the existing thermal management system cannot separate the high-temperature and low-temperature areas of the water circuit in the heat pump mode, and heat leakage is likely to occur, affecting the efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal management system for a vehicle, which can achieve more modes, separate the high-temperature and low-temperature areas in the heat pump mode, and realize heat pump heating of the battery.

[0006] The above object is achieved by the thermal management system described below. The features of the thermal management system described below can be combined arbitrarily.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a thermal management system for a vehicle, which includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit. The coolant circuit includes: a first valve assembly having at least first to fourth ports; a first circuit, both ends of which are respectively connected to the first port and the fourth port of the first valve assembly, and a first heat exchange part of a first heat exchanger is arranged in the first circuit; a second heat exchange part of the first heat exchanger is arranged in the refrigerant circuit; wherein, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange part of the first heat exchanger exchanges heat with the coolant in the first heat exchange part of the first heat exchanger; and a second circuit, which connects the second port and the third port of the first valve assembly to be able to receive the coolant from the first circuit.

[0008] In an embodiment, the second circuit is provided with one or more of a first heat exchange part of a second heat exchanger, a battery module heat exchange device, a motor module, and a low-temperature radiator.

[0009] In one embodiment, the coolant circuit further includes a second valve assembly having at least first to eighth valve ports. Wherein, the second circuit includes: a first flow path with two ends respectively connected to the third port of the first valve assembly and a first junction point. The first flow path is provided with a low-temperature radiator, and the first junction point is located on the first circuit and between the first heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger and the first port of the first valve assembly; a second flow path with two ends respectively connected to the first valve port and the second valve port of the second valve assembly. The second flow path is provided with a battery assembly heat exchange device; a third flow path with two ends respectively connected to the fourth valve port and the sixth valve port of the second valve assembly; and a fourth flow path with two ends respectively connected to the seventh valve port and the eighth valve port of the second valve assembly. The fourth flow path is provided with a motor assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second circuit further includes: a fifth flow path with two ends respectively connected to a second junction point and a third junction point. The second junction point is located on the first flow path and between the low-temperature radiator and the third port of the first valve assembly, and the third junction point is located on the fourth flow path and between the motor assembly and the seventh valve port of the second valve assembly; a sixth flow path with two ends respectively connected to a fourth junction point and the fifth valve port of the second valve assembly. The fourth junction point is located on the first flow path and between the low-temperature radiator and the first junction point; a seventh flow path with two ends respectively connected to a fifth junction point and the third valve port of the second valve assembly. The fifth junction point is located on the first flow path and between the second junction point and the third port of the first valve assembly; an eighth flow path with two ends respectively connected to a sixth junction point and the second port of the first valve assembly. The sixth junction point is located on the second flow path and between the battery assembly heat exchange device and the first valve port of the second valve assembly; and a ninth flow path with two ends respectively connected to the first junction point and a seventh junction point. The seventh junction point is located on the second flow path and between the battery assembly heat exchange device and the second valve port of the second valve assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the third flow path only includes a first sub-flow path, and the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger is provided on the first sub-flow path.

[0012] In one embodiment, the third flow path includes: a first sub-flow path provided with the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger, an eighth junction point, and a three-way structure; and a second sub-flow path with two ends respectively connected to the eighth junction point and the three-way structure. The second sub-flow path is provided with an air cooler.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first valve assembly has a first configuration. In the first configuration of the first valve assembly, the fourth port and the third port of the first valve assembly are in communication, and the first port and the second port of the first valve assembly are closed.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first valve assembly has a second configuration. In the second configuration of the first valve assembly, the fourth port of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port and the second port respectively in a proportionally adjustable manner, and the third port of the first valve assembly is closed.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first valve assembly has a third configuration. In the third configuration of the first valve assembly, the fourth port of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port and the third port respectively in a proportionally adjustable manner, and the second port of the first valve assembly is closed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first valve assembly is a single four-way valve.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first valve assembly includes at least two three-way valves.

[0018] In one embodiment, a first check valve is provided in the first flow path, and the first check valve only allows the coolant to flow from the fourth joint to the first joint.

[0019] In one embodiment, a second check valve is provided in the ninth flow path, and the second check valve only allows the coolant to flow from the seventh joint to the first joint.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second valve assembly has a first configuration. In the first configuration of the second valve assembly, the first valve port and the sixth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the second valve port and the fourth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fifth valve port and the eighth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the third valve port and the seventh valve port of the second valve assembly are closed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second valve assembly has a second configuration. In the second configuration of the second valve assembly, the first valve port and the second valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fifth valve port and the eighth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the third valve port, the fourth valve port, the sixth valve port and the seventh valve port of the second valve assembly are closed.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second valve assembly has a third configuration. In the third configuration of the second valve assembly, the first valve port and the second valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fourth valve port and the seventh valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the sixth valve port and the eighth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the third valve port and the fifth valve port of the second valve assembly are closed.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second valve assembly has a fourth configuration. In the fourth configuration of the second valve assembly, the first valve port and the second valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the third valve port and the fourth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fifth valve port and the sixth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the seventh valve port and the eighth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second valve assembly has a fifth configuration. In the fifth configuration of the second valve assembly, the first valve port and the seventh valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the second valve port and the eighth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the third valve port and the fourth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the fifth valve port and the sixth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second valve assembly has a sixth configuration. In the sixth configuration of the second valve assembly, the first valve port and the third valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the second valve port and the fifth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, the seventh valve port and the eighth valve port of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the fourth valve port and the sixth valve port of the second valve assembly are closed.

[0026] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit includes: a first refrigerant circuit provided with a compressor, a second heat exchange portion of a first heat exchanger, an internal heat exchanger, and a second heat exchange portion of a second heat exchanger; a second refrigerant circuit whose two ends are respectively connected to the ninth joint and the tenth joint, and the second refrigerant circuit is provided with a first expansion valve, wherein the ninth joint is located on the first refrigerant circuit and between the compressor and the second heat exchange portion of the first heat exchanger, and the tenth joint is located on the first refrigerant circuit and between the first heat exchange portion of the internal heat exchanger and the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger; and a third refrigerant circuit whose two ends are respectively connected to the tenth joint and the eleventh joint, and the third refrigerant circuit is provided with an evaporator and a second expansion valve, wherein the eleventh joint is located on the first refrigerant circuit and between the second heat exchange portion of the internal heat exchanger and the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger.

[0027] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit includes: a first refrigerant circuit provided with a compressor, a second heat exchange part of a first heat exchanger, an internal heat exchanger, and a second heat exchange part of a second heat exchanger; and a second refrigerant circuit, both ends of which are respectively connected to a ninth joint and a tenth joint, the second refrigerant circuit being provided with a first expansion valve, wherein the ninth joint is located on the first refrigerant circuit and between the compressor and the second heat exchange part of the first heat exchanger, and the tenth joint is located on the first refrigerant circuit and between the first heat exchange part of the internal heat exchanger and the second heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger.

[0028] The thermal management system of the present disclosure avoids heat leakage between the high-temperature area and the low-temperature area in the heat pump mode through the first valve assembly, improving the efficiency; realizes the heat pump heating of the battery through the first valve assembly with higher efficiency; and realizes a plurality of operating modes through the cooperation of the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly. The switching between various modes is convenient and free, the system connection relationship is simple, the structure is compact, and the cost is low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Among them, the drawings are only used to show some embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than limiting all embodiments of the present disclosure thereto. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a connection schematic diagram of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a connection schematic diagram of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 shows a connection schematic diagram of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an air-conditioning non-cooling-battery fast charging-motor heat dissipation mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an air-conditioning cooling-battery fast charging-motor heat dissipation mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an air-conditioning cooling-battery temperature equalization / non-cooling-motor heat dissipation mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 Shows a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - battery self-circulation - motor waste heat recovery mode of the vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 Shows a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - battery self-circulation - motor self-circulation mode of the vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 Shows a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - motor heating the battery mode of the vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10 Shows a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - battery rapid heating - motor self-circulation mode of the vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 11 Shows a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - battery and motor self-circulation - excess heat of the heating device dissipated through the low-temperature radiator mode of the vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12 Shows a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning no-demand - motor heating the battery mode of the vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0042] Figure 13 Shows a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning no-demand - battery dissipating heat through the low-temperature radiator - motor self-circulation mode of the vehicle's thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the technical solutions of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meanings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first", "second" and similar terms used in the specification and claims of this patent application of the disclosure do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "an" do not necessarily denote a quantity limitation. Terms such as "comprising", "including" or "having" mean that the elements or items appearing before the term cover the elements or items listed after the term and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or items. Terms such as "connected" or "communicated" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or communications shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or communications thereto, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" are only used to represent relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0045] Reference is made below Figures 1 to 13 to describe in detail various embodiments of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle such as an electric vehicle includes a thermal management system as shown in any one of Figures 1 to 3 for cooling, heating, etc. of the passenger compartment, battery and drive device (e.g., motor, etc.) of the vehicle. Figures 1 to 3 The connection relationships between the various components in the thermal management system are schematically shown in all of them.

[0047] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit. A refrigerant such as propane or freon circulates in the refrigerant circuit, and a coolant such as a mixed liquid of water and ethanol circulates in the coolant circuit. For example, Figure 1 and 3 propane circulates in the refrigerant circuit of Figure 2 and freon circulates in the refrigerant circuit of

[0048] As Figure 1As shown, the coolant circuit may include a first valve assembly 17, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The first valve assembly 17 has at least first to fourth ports, that is, a first port D1, a second port D2, a third port D3, and a fourth port D4. For example, the first valve assembly 17 is a single four-way valve. Both ends of the first circuit are respectively connected to the first port D1 and the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17. The first circuit is provided with a first heat exchange part 21 of the first heat exchanger 2. The refrigerant circuit is provided with a second heat exchange part 22 of the first heat exchanger 2. The refrigerant in the second heat exchange part 22 of the first heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat with the coolant in the first heat exchange part 21 of the first heat exchanger 2. The second circuit is connected to the second port D2 and the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17 to be able to receive the coolant from the first circuit. The first valve assembly 17 can physically separate the first circuit from the second circuit to avoid heat leakage.

[0049] For example, at least part of the coolant flowing in the first circuit is at a first temperature, at least part of the coolant flowing in the second circuit is at a second temperature, and the first temperature is greater than the second temperature. For example, the coolant flowing in the first circuit is about seventy to eighty degrees, and the coolant flowing in the second circuit is below about fifty degrees.

[0050] For example, the first circuit is further provided with a warm air device 4 and a high-pressure water heater 5. For example, the second circuit is provided with one or more of a first heat exchange part 61 of the second heat exchanger 6, a battery module heat exchange device 7, a motor module 8, and a low-temperature radiator 9. For example, the battery module heat exchange device 7 can be a battery cold plate.

[0051] For example, the first heat exchanger 2 is a water-cooled condenser, and the second heat exchanger 6 is a chiller, or a battery cooler.

[0052] The present disclosure uses a valve assembly with at least four ports to achieve separation between the high-temperature circuit and the low-temperature circuit, avoiding heat leakage.

[0053] As Figure 1 shown, the coolant circuit may further include a second valve assembly 23, and the second valve assembly has at least first to eighth valve ports, that is, a first valve port V1, a second valve port V2, a third valve port V3, a fourth valve port V4, a fifth valve port V5, a sixth valve port V6, a seventh valve port V7, and an eighth valve port V8. Figure 1 Only the layout of eight valve ports is schematically shown in [reference], which does not represent the actual situation. For example, the second valve assembly 23 can be an eight-way valve or composed of multiple multi-way valves, as long as at least eight valve ports are formed. A second valve assembly with more valve ports is also possible.

[0054] The second circuit may include a first flow path C1, a second flow path C2, a third flow path C3, and a fourth flow path C4. The two ends of the first flow path C1 are respectively connected to the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17 and the first joint J1. The first flow path C1 is provided with a low-temperature radiator 9. The first joint J1 is located on the first circuit and between the first heat exchange part 21 of the first heat exchanger 2 and the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17. Strictly speaking, the first joint J1 is between the inlet of the first heat exchange part 21 of the first heat exchanger 2 and the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17. The two ends of the second flow path C2 are respectively connected to the first valve orifice V1 and the second valve orifice V2 of the second valve assembly 23. The second flow path C2 is provided with a battery assembly heat exchange device 7. The two ends of the third flow path C3 are respectively connected to the fourth valve orifice V4 and the sixth valve orifice V6 of the second valve assembly 23. For example, the coolant flowing through the third flow path C3 is below about twenty degrees. The two ends of the fourth flow path C4 are respectively connected to the seventh valve orifice V7 and the eighth valve orifice V8 of the second valve assembly 23. The fourth flow path C4 is provided with a motor assembly 8. For example, the coolant flowing through the fourth flow path C4 is about forty to fifty degrees.

[0055] In addition, in order to achieve more modes, the second circuit may further include a fifth flow path C5, a sixth flow path C6, a seventh flow path C7, an eighth flow path C8, and a ninth flow path C9. The two ends of the fifth flow path C5 are respectively connected to the second joint J2 and the third joint J3. The second joint J2 is located on the first flow path C1 and between the low-temperature radiator 9 and the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17. The third joint J3 is located on the fourth flow path C4 and between the motor assembly 8 (strictly speaking, the outlet of the motor assembly 8) and the seventh valve orifice V7 of the second valve assembly 23. The two ends of the sixth flow path C6 are respectively connected to the fourth joint J4 and the fifth valve orifice V5 of the second valve assembly 23. The fourth joint J4 is located on the first flow path C1 and between the low-temperature radiator 9 and the first joint J1. The two ends of the seventh flow path C7 are respectively connected to the fifth joint J5 and the third valve orifice V3 of the second valve assembly. The fifth joint J5 is located on the first flow path C1 and between the second joint J2 and the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17. The two ends of the eighth flow path C8 are respectively connected to the sixth joint J6 and the second port D2 of the first valve assembly 17. The sixth joint J6 is located on the second flow path C2 and between the battery assembly heat exchange device 7 and the first valve orifice V1 of the second valve assembly 23. The two ends of the ninth flow path C9 are respectively connected to the first joint J1 and the seventh joint J7. The seventh joint J7 is located on the second flow path C2 and between the battery assembly heat exchange device 7 and the second valve orifice V2 of the second valve assembly.

[0056] As Figure 1As shown, the third flow path C3 includes a first sub-flow path C31 and a second sub-flow path C32. The first sub-flow path C31 is provided with a first heat exchange portion 61 of the second heat exchanger 6, an eighth joint J8, and a three-way structure 18. Both ends of the second sub-flow path C32 are respectively connected to the eighth joint J8 and the three-way structure 18, and the second sub-flow path C32 is provided with an air cooler 10. In Figure 1 the thermal management system, the air cooler 10 provided in the coolant circuit is used to cool the passenger compartment, and the heating device 4 provided in the coolant circuit is used to heat the passenger compartment. The air cooler 10 and the heating device 4 can both be provided in the vehicle air conditioning device. For example, along the air flow direction, the air cooler 10 is located upstream of the heating device 4.

[0057] In addition, a first one-way valve 11 is provided in the first flow path C1. The first one-way valve 11 is located between the fourth joint J4 and the first joint J1 and only allows the coolant to flow from the fourth joint J4 to the first joint J1. A second one-way valve 12 is provided in the ninth flow path C9. The second one-way valve 12 is located between the seventh joint J7 and the first joint J1 and only allows the coolant to flow from the seventh joint J7 to the first joint J1. In some examples, when the length of the pipeline between the first joint J1 and the fourth joint J4 is relatively long, for example, greater than 150 mm, the first one-way valve 11 can be omitted. In some examples, when the length of the pipeline between the first joint J1 and the seventh joint J7 is relatively long, for example, greater than 150 mm, the second one-way valve 12 can be omitted.

[0058] Furthermore, a first pump 13 is provided in the first circuit. The first pump 13 is provided upstream of the first heat exchange portion 21 of the first heat exchanger 2 and is used to pump the coolant to the first heat exchange portion 21 of the first heat exchanger 2. For example, the first pump 13 is located between the first joint J1 and the first heat exchange portion 21 of the first heat exchanger 2. A second pump 14 is provided in the second flow path C2. The second pump 14 is provided upstream of the battery module heat exchange device 7 and is used to pump the coolant to the battery module heat exchange device 7. For example, the second pump 14 is located between the sixth joint J6 and the battery module heat exchange device 7. A third pump 16 is provided in the third flow path C3. The third pump 16 is provided upstream of the first heat exchange portion 61 of the second heat exchanger 6 and is used to pump the coolant to the first heat exchange portion 61 of the second heat exchanger 6. For example, the third pump 16 is located between the eighth joint J8 and the first heat exchange portion 61 of the second heat exchanger 6. A fourth pump 15 is provided in the fourth flow path C4. The fourth pump 15 is provided upstream of the motor assembly 8 and is used to pump the coolant to the motor assembly 8. For example, the fourth pump 15 is located between the eighth valve block V8 and the motor assembly 8. The pumps described above can use conventional pumps in the art.

[0059] Refer to again Figure 1, the refrigerant circuit includes a first refrigerant circuit L1 and a second refrigerant circuit L2. The first refrigerant circuit L1 is provided with a compressor 1, a second heat exchange part 22 of a first heat exchanger 2, an internal heat exchanger 3, and a second heat exchange part 62 of a second heat exchanger 6. Both ends of the second refrigerant circuit L2 are respectively connected to a ninth joint J9 and a tenth joint J10, and the second refrigerant circuit L2 is provided with a first expansion valve 19. The ninth joint J9 is located on the first refrigerant circuit L1 and between the compressor 1 (strictly speaking, the outlet of the compressor 1) and the second heat exchange part 22 of the first heat exchanger 2, and the tenth joint J10 is located on the first refrigerant circuit L1 and between the first heat exchange part 31 of the internal heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchange part 62 of the second heat exchanger 6. In addition, the first refrigerant circuit L1 is further provided with a liquid receiver dryer 26, which is located between the second heat exchange part 22 of the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchange part 32 of the internal heat exchanger 3. Further, various sensors PT1 and PT2 are also provided on the refrigerant circuit for measuring the temperature and / or pressure of the refrigerant. In addition, the first refrigerant circuit L1 is further provided with another expansion valve 20, which is located between the second heat exchange part 32 of the internal heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchange part 62 of the second heat exchanger 6.

[0060] In Figure 2 a variant of the present disclosure shown, the third flow path C3 only includes a first sub-flow path C31, and the first sub-flow path C31 is provided with a first heat exchange part 61 of a second heat exchanger 6.

[0061] In Figure 2 the thermal management system, an air cooler 10 is not provided, but an evaporator 24 is provided in the refrigerant circuit to achieve cooling of the passenger compartment.

[0062] For example, Figure 2The refrigerant circuit shown in the figure includes a first refrigerant circuit L1, a second refrigerant circuit L2, and a third refrigerant circuit L3. The first refrigerant circuit L1 is provided with a compressor 1, a second heat exchange part 22 of a first heat exchanger 2, an internal heat exchanger 3, and a second heat exchange part 62 of a second heat exchanger 6. Both ends of the second refrigerant circuit L2 are respectively connected to a ninth joint J9 and a tenth joint J10. The second refrigerant circuit is provided with a first expansion valve 19, wherein the ninth joint J9 is located on the first refrigerant circuit L1 and between the compressor 1 (strictly speaking, the outlet of the compressor 1) and the second heat exchange part 22 of the first heat exchanger, and the tenth joint J10 is located on the first refrigerant circuit L1 and between the first heat exchange part 31 of the internal heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchange part 62 of the second heat exchanger 6. Both ends of the third refrigerant circuit L3 are respectively connected to the tenth joint J10 and an eleventh joint J11. The third refrigerant circuit L3 is provided with an evaporator 24 and a second expansion valve 25, wherein the eleventh joint J11 is located on the first refrigerant circuit L1 and between the second heat exchange part 32 of the internal heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchange part 62 of the second heat exchanger 6. For example, the eleventh joint J11 is located between the second heat exchange part 32 of the internal heat exchanger 3 and another expansion valve 20.

[0063] In addition, Figure 2 other components of the thermal management system and their connection relationships are the same as or similar to those in Figure 1 and will not be described in detail herein.

[0064] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first valve assembly 17 may include at least two three-way valves. For example, in Figure 3 a variant of the present disclosure shown in the figure, the first valve assembly 17 represented by the dashed box includes two three-way valves 41, 42, which are connected as Figure 3 shown to form four ports D1, D2, D3, D4 connected to the coolant circuit. The first three-way valve 41 includes three ports 411, 412, 413, and the second three-way valve 42 includes three ports 421, 422, 423. Among them, the port 411 of the first three-way valve 41 serves as the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17, the port 412 of the first three-way valve 41 serves as the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17, the port 413 of the first three-way valve 41 communicates with the port 423 of the second three-way valve 42, the port 421 of the second three-way valve 42 serves as the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17, and the port 422 of the second three-way valve 42 serves as the second port D2 of the first valve assembly 17. Of course, more three-way valves are also possible. In addition, Figure 3 other components of the thermal management system and their connection relationships are the same as or similar to those in Figure 1 and will not be described in detail herein.

[0065] For example, at each of the joints described above, a three-way structure or a structure with more ports can be provided.

[0066] Both the first valve assembly 17 and the second valve assembly 23 described in FIGS. 1 to 3 can have multiple configurations or operating conditions to assist in realizing multiple modes of the thermal management system. For example, the first valve assembly 17 can have a first to a third configuration. For example, the second valve assembly 23 can have a first to a sixth configuration. Of course, the first valve assembly 17 can also have one or two of its first to third configurations, and the second valve assembly 23 can also have at least one of its first to sixth configurations.

[0067] For example, in the first configuration of the first valve assembly 17, the fourth port D4 and the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17 are in communication, and the first port D1 and the second port D2 of the first valve assembly 17 are closed.

[0068] For example, in the second configuration of the first valve assembly 17, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 and the second port D2 respectively in a proportionally regulated manner, and the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17 is closed. The proportion can be from 0% to 100%. The second configuration of the first valve assembly 17 can include at least three cases. The first case is that the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 at a proportion of 100% and is not in communication with the second port D2 (i.e., 0% proportion); the second case is that the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly is not in communication with the first port D1 (i.e., 0% proportion) and is in communication with the second port D2 at a proportion of 100%; the third case is that the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port D1 and the second port D2 at a proportion greater than 0%. The different cases described above can be achieved by different rotation angles of the valve core of the valve assembly.

[0069] For example, in the third configuration of the first valve assembly 17, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 and the third port D3 respectively in a proportionally regulated manner, and the second port D2 of the first valve assembly 17 is closed. The proportion can be from 0% to 100%. The third configuration of the first valve assembly 17 can include at least three cases. The first case is that the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 at a proportion of 100% and is not in communication with the third port D3 (i.e., 0% proportion); the second case is that the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly is not in communication with the first port D1 (i.e., 0% proportion) and is in communication with the third port D3 at a proportion of 100%; the third case is that the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port D1 and the third port D3 at a proportion greater than 0%. The different cases described above can be achieved by different rotation angles of the valve shaft of the valve assembly.

[0070] For example, the above-mentioned first valve assembly 17 may be formed by a proportional regulating valve. For example, the proportional regulating conduction of the above-mentioned first valve assembly 17 may be replaced by a conventional valve that is fully conductive or non-conductive.

[0071] For example, in the first configuration of the second valve assembly 23, the first valve port V1 and the sixth valve port V6 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the second valve port V2 and the fourth valve port V4 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the fifth valve port V5 and the eighth valve port V8 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, and the third valve port V3 and the seventh valve port V7 of the second valve assembly 23 are closed.

[0072] For example, in the second configuration of the second valve assembly 23, the first valve port V1 and the second valve port V2 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the fifth valve port V5 and the eighth valve port V8 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, and the third valve port V3, the fourth valve port V4, the sixth valve port V6, and the seventh valve port V7 of the second valve assembly 23 are closed.

[0073] For example, in the third configuration of the second valve assembly 23, the first valve port V1 and the second valve port V2 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the fourth valve port V4 and the seventh valve port V7 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the sixth valve port V6 and the eighth valve port V8 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, and the third valve port V3 and the fifth valve port V5 of the second valve assembly 23 are closed.

[0074] For example, in the fourth configuration of the second valve assembly 23, the first valve port V1 and the second valve port V2 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the third valve port V3 and the fourth valve port V4 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the fifth valve port V5 and the sixth valve port V6 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, and the seventh valve port V7 and the eighth valve port V8 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication.

[0075] For example, in the fifth configuration of the second valve assembly 23, the first valve port V1 and the seventh valve port V7 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the second valve port V2 and the eighth valve port V8 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the third valve port V3 and the fourth valve port V4 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, and the fifth valve port V5 and the sixth valve port V6 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication.

[0076] For example, in the sixth configuration of the second valve assembly 23, the first valve port V1 and the third valve port V3 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the second valve port V2 and the fifth valve port V5 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, the seventh valve port V7 and the eighth valve port V8 of the second valve assembly 23 are in communication, and the fourth valve port V4 and the sixth valve port V6 of the second valve assembly 23 are closed.

[0077] The following refers toFigures 4 to 13 Describe in detail the various operating modes of the thermal management system. The thermal management system of the present disclosure may also have more modes than those shown in Figures 4 to 13 . Figures 4 to 13 Taking the connection schematic diagram of Figure 1 as an example for illustration, but these modes are equally applicable to the thermal management system of Figures 2 to 3 . The dashed lines in the figure indicate that there is no coolant flowing through the line, and the arrows on the line schematically show the flow direction of the fluid.

[0078] As Figure 4 shown, the thermal management system is in the air conditioner non-cooling - battery fast charging - motor heat dissipation mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its first configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its first configuration, and the first check valve 11 is open and the second check valve 12 is closed. Among them, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor 1 transfers heat to the coolant circuit at the first heat exchanger 2, specifically, to the coolant in the first circuit. The coolant is pumped by the first pump 13 and flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17 via the high-pressure water heater 5 and the warm air device 4, then flows to the first flow path C1, and returns to the first circuit after flowing through the low-temperature radiator 9, the first check valve 11 and the first joint J1. The first port D1 and the second port D2 of the first valve assembly 17 are closed, and the coolant will flow back to the first pump 13. In addition, the second flow path C2 is communicated with the first sub-flow path C31 of the third flow path C3 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the second heat exchanger 6 can cool the coolant flowing through the battery assembly heat exchange device 7. Further, a part of the fourth flow path C4 is communicated with the fifth flow path C5, the sixth flow path C6, and a part of the first flow path C1 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the heat generated by the motor assembly 8 can be exchanged with the air through the low-temperature radiator 9.

[0079] In some examples, as Figure 4 shown, a twelfth joint J12 and a thirteenth joint J13 may be provided on the third flow path C3, and a check valve may be additionally provided between the two, which only allows the coolant to flow from the twelfth joint J12 towards the thirteenth joint J13. This setting can achieve an additional thermal management mode. It should be noted that the twelfth joint J12 and the thirteenth joint J13 shown here are only schematically representing a possible situation.

[0080] As Figure 5As shown, the thermal management system is in the air-conditioning refrigeration-battery fast charging-motor heat dissipation mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its first configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its first configuration, and the first check valve 11 is open while the second check valve 12 is closed. Among them, all three ports of the three-way structure 18 are open, enabling the coolant to flow through the air cooler 10. Figure 5 different from Figure 4 is that the air cooler 10 is open to cool the passenger compartment. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor 1 transfers heat to the coolant circuit at the first heat exchanger 2, specifically, to the coolant in the first circuit. The coolant is pumped by the first pump 13 and flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17 via the high-pressure water heater 5 and the heating device 4, then flows to the first flow path C1, and returns to the first circuit after flowing through the low-temperature radiator 9, the first check valve 11, and the first joint J1. The first port D1 and the second port D2 of the first valve assembly 17 are closed, and the coolant will flow back to the first pump 13. In addition, the second flow path C2 is connected to the third flow path C3 through the second valve assembly 23. The coolant flows to the first sub-flow path C31 and the second sub-flow path C32 at the eighth joint J8, and the second heat exchanger 6 can cool the battery module heat exchanger 7. Further, a part of the fourth flow path C4 is connected to the fifth flow path C5, the sixth flow path C6, and a part of the first flow path C1 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the heat generated by the motor assembly 8 can be exchanged with the air through the low-temperature radiator 9.

[0081] As Figure 6As shown, the thermal management system is in the air-conditioning refrigeration - battery temperature equalization / non-refrigeration - motor heat dissipation mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its first configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its second configuration, the first check valve 11 is open, and the second check valve 12 is closed. Among them, all three ports of the tee structure 18 are open, enabling the coolant to flow through the air cooler 10. In this mode, the valve ports V4 and V6 of the second valve assembly are closed, and the first sub-flow path C31 and the second sub-flow path C32 form a small cycle, that is, the third pump 16 and the first heat exchange part 61 of the second heat exchanger 6 are connected in series, and the two ports of the tee structure 18 are respectively connected to the first heat exchange part 61 of the second heat exchanger 6 and the air cooler 10. The air flowing into the compartment transfers heat to the coolant flowing through the air cooler 10 at the air cooler, and the heat of the coolant flowing through the air cooler 10 is transferred to the refrigerant circuit through the second heat exchanger 6, thereby realizing the refrigeration of the compartment. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor 1 transfers heat to the coolant circuit at the first heat exchanger 2, specifically, to the coolant in the first circuit. The coolant is pumped by the first pump 13 and flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the third port D3 of the first valve assembly 17 via the high-pressure water heater 5 and the heating device 4, and then flows to the first flow path C1. The second flow path C2 forms a self-circulation loop through the second valve assembly 23, so that the battery temperature can be equalized. A part of the fourth flow path C4 is communicated with the fifth flow path C5, the sixth flow path C6, and a part of the first flow path C1 through the second valve assembly 23. After flowing through the low-temperature radiator 9, a part of the coolant returns to the first circuit via the first check valve 11 and the first joint J1 at the fourth joint J4, and a part flows to the motor assembly 8 via the sixth flow path C6, the fifth valve port V5, and the eighth valve port V8 of the second valve assembly 23. In this way, the heat generated by the motor assembly 8 can be exchanged with the air through the low-temperature radiator 9.

[0082] As Figure 7As shown, the thermal management system is in the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification-battery self-circulation-motor waste heat recovery mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its second configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its third configuration, and the first check valve 11 is closed and the second check valve 12 is closed. In addition, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. Specifically, the first valve assembly 17 is in the first case of its second configuration, that is, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 at a ratio of 100% and is not in communication with the second port D2 (i.e., not in communication) at a ratio of 0%. Under the pumping of the first pump 13, the coolant flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17 via the first heat exchanger 2, the high-pressure water heater 5, and the warm air device 4, and then returns to the first circuit and flows through the first heat exchanger 2 again. The working process of the mode of the thermal management system is as follows: The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is condensed at the first heat exchanger 2 and transfers heat to the coolant in the first circuit. When the coolant in the first circuit flows through the warm air device 4, it transfers heat to the air flowing into the compartment to achieve heating of the compartment. At the same time, in the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 2 is throttled and depressurized by the expansion valve 20 and evaporates in the second heat exchange part 62 of the second heat exchanger 6 to absorb the heat of the coolant in the fourth flow path C4 and the first sub-flow path C31 of the third flow path C3, thereby realizing the recovery of the waste heat of the motor; wherein, the fourth flow path C4 and the first sub-flow path C31 of the third flow path C3 are the circuits including the motor assembly 8 and the second heat exchanger 6. Specifically, the second flow path C2 forms a self-circulation circuit through the second valve assembly 23. The fourth flow path C4 is communicated with the first sub-flow path C31 of the third flow path C3 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the heat generated by the motor assembly 8 can be exchanged into the refrigerant circuit through the second heat exchanger 6, thereby realizing the recovery of the waste heat of the motor.

[0083] As Figure 8As shown, the thermal management system is in the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - battery self-circulation - motor self-circulation mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its second configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its fourth configuration, and the first check valve 11 is closed and the second check valve 12 is closed. In addition, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. Specifically, the first valve assembly 17 is in the first case of its second configuration, that is, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 at a ratio of 100% and not in communication with the second port D2 at a ratio of 0% (i.e., not in communication). Under the pumping of the first pump 13, the coolant flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17 via the first heat exchanger 2, the high-pressure water heater 5, and the warm air device 4, and then returns to the first circuit and flows through the first heat exchanger 2 again. The working process of the mode of the thermal management system is as follows: The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is condensed at the first heat exchanger 2 and transfers heat to the coolant in the first circuit. When the coolant in the first circuit flows through the warm air device 4, it transfers heat to the air flowing into the compartment to achieve heating of the compartment. At the same time, in the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 2 is throttled and depressurized by the expansion valve 20 and then evaporates in the second heat exchange part 62 of the second heat exchanger 6 to absorb the heat of the coolant flowing through the first flow path C1 and the first sub-flow path C31 of the third flow path C3; wherein, the first flow path C1 and the first sub-flow path C31 of the third flow path C3 are circuits including the low-temperature radiator 9 and the second heat exchanger 6. Specifically, the second flow path C2 forms a self-circulation circuit through the second valve assembly 23. The fourth flow path C4 forms a self-circulation circuit through the second valve assembly 23 to achieve self-circulation heat preservation of the motor assembly 8. The third flow path C3 is connected to a part of the first flow path C1, the sixth flow path C6, and the seventh flow path C7 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the first heat exchange part 61 of the second heat exchanger 6 and the low-temperature radiator 9 are connected in series in the coolant circuit, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant circuit at the second heat exchanger 6, for example, transfer heat to the refrigerant circuit, and the coolant can exchange heat with the air at the low-temperature radiator 9, for example, absorb heat from the air.

[0084] As Figure 9As shown, the thermal management system is in the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - motor heating the battery mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its second configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its fifth configuration, and the first one-way valve 11 is closed, and the second one-way valve 12 is closed. In addition, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. Specifically, the first valve assembly 17 is in the first case of its second configuration, that is, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 at a ratio of 100% and not in communication with the second port D2 at a ratio of 0% (i.e., not in communication). Under the pumping of the first pump 13, the coolant flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17 via the first heat exchanger 2, the high-pressure water heater 5, and the warm air device 4, and then returns to the first circuit and flows through the first heat exchanger 2 again. The working process of the mode of the thermal management system is as follows: The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is condensed at the first heat exchanger 2 and transfers heat to the coolant in the first circuit. When the coolant in the first circuit flows through the warm air device 4, it transfers heat to the air flowing into the compartment to achieve heating of the compartment. At the same time, in the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 2 is throttled and depressurized by the expansion valve 20 and then evaporates in the second heat exchange part 62 of the second heat exchanger 6 to absorb the heat of the coolant in the first sub-flow path C31 of the first flow path C1 and the third flow path C3; wherein, the first flow path C1 and the first sub-flow path C31 of the third flow path C3 are the circuits including the low-temperature radiator 9 and the second heat exchanger 6. Specifically, the second flow path C2 is communicated with the fourth flow path C4 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the battery module heat exchange device 7 and the motor module 8 are connected in series in the coolant circuit, and the heat generated by the motor module 8 can be used to heat the battery. In addition, the third flow path C3 is communicated with a part of the first flow path C1, the sixth flow path C6, and the seventh flow path C7 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the first heat exchange part 61 of the second heat exchanger 6 and the low-temperature radiator 9 are connected in series in the coolant circuit, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant circuit at the second heat exchanger 6, for example, transfer heat to the refrigerant circuit, and the coolant can exchange heat with the air at the low-temperature radiator 9, for example, absorb heat from the air. Figure 9 The Figure 8 connections of the various components shown are similar, but the configuration of the second valve assembly 23 is different.

[0085] As Figure 10As shown, the thermal management system is in the air-conditioning low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification-battery rapid heating-motor self-circulation mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its second configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its fourth configuration, and the first check valve 11 is closed while the second check valve 12 is open. In addition, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. Specifically, the first valve assembly 17 is in the third case of its second configuration, that is, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port D1 and the second port D2 at a ratio greater than 0%. Under the pumping of the first pump 13, after the coolant passes through the first heat exchanger 2, the high-pressure water heater 5, and the warm air device 4, a part flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17 and then returns to the first circuit and flows through the first heat exchanger 2 again; another part flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the second port D2 of the first valve assembly 17, flows through the eighth flow path C8 to the sixth junction J6, is pumped by the second pump 14 to the battery assembly heat exchange device 7, and then flows to the first junction J1 through the second check valve 12 and then returns to the first circuit, so that rapid heating of the battery can be achieved. In addition, the second flow path C2 forms a self-circulation loop through the second valve assembly 23. The fourth flow path C4 forms a self-circulation loop through the second valve assembly 23, thereby realizing motor self-circulation heat preservation. The third flow path C3 is connected to a part of the first flow path C1, the sixth flow path C6, and the seventh flow path C7 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the first heat exchange part 61 of the second heat exchanger 6 is connected in series with the low-temperature radiator 9 in the coolant circuit, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant circuit at the second heat exchanger 6, for example, transfer heat to the refrigerant circuit, and the coolant can exchange heat with the air at the low-temperature radiator 9, for example, absorb heat from the air.

[0086] As Figure 11As shown, the thermal management system is in the mode where the excess heat of the air conditioner's low-temperature heat pump / dehumidification - battery-motor self-circulation - warm air device is dissipated through the low-temperature radiator. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its third configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its fourth configuration, the first one-way valve 11 is open, and the second one-way valve 12 is closed. In addition, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. Specifically, the first valve assembly 17 is in the third case of its third configuration, that is, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port D1 and the third port D3 at a ratio greater than 0%. Under the pumping of the first pump 13, after the coolant passes through the first heat exchanger 2, the high-pressure water heater 5, and the warm air device 4, a part flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the first port D1 of the first valve assembly 17, and then returns to the first circuit and flows through the first heat exchanger 2 again; another part flows from the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 to the third port D3, and after passing through the fifth junction J5, it is divided into two parts. One part flows to the seventh flow path C7, then flows through the second valve assembly 23 to the third flow path C3, flows through the second heat exchanger 6, and then flows through the second valve assembly 23 to the sixth flow path C6, and then flows to the first junction J1 via the fourth junction J4 and the first one-way valve 11. The other part flows to the low-temperature radiator 9 on the first flow path C1 and exchanges heat with the air there, and then flows to the first junction J1 via the fourth junction J4 and the first one-way valve 11. In this way, the excess heat generated by the warm air device 4 can be exchanged to the air through the low-temperature radiator 9. In addition, the second flow path C2 forms a self-circulation loop through the second valve assembly 23 to achieve self-circulation heat preservation of the battery. The fourth flow path C4 forms a self-circulation loop through the second valve assembly 23 to achieve self-circulation heat preservation of the motor assembly 8.

[0087] As Figure 12 shown, the thermal management system is in the air conditioner no-demand - motor heating battery mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its second configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its fifth configuration, the first one-way valve 11 is closed, and the second one-way valve 12 is closed. In addition, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. Specifically, the first valve assembly 17 can be in the first case of its second configuration, that is, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 at a ratio of 100% and is not in communication with the second port D2 (i.e., not in communication) at a ratio of 0%. In this mode, there is no coolant flow in the warm air device 4 and the high-pressure water heater 5, and there is no coolant flow in the second heat exchanger 6. The second flow path C2 is in communication with the fourth flow path C4 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the battery assembly heat exchange device 7 and the motor assembly 8 are connected in series in the coolant circuit, and the heat generated by the motor assembly 8 can be used to heat the battery.

[0088] As Figure 13 shown, the thermal management system is in the air-conditioning demand-free - battery heat dissipation through the low-temperature radiator - motor self-circulation mode. In this mode, the first valve assembly 17 is in its second configuration, the second valve assembly 23 is in its sixth configuration, and the first one-way valve 11 is closed, and the second one-way valve 12 is closed. In addition, the port of the three-way structure 18 connected to the air cooler 10 is in a closed state, so that the coolant in the third flow path C3 does not flow through the air cooler 10. Specifically, the first valve assembly 17 is in the first case of its second configuration, that is, the fourth port D4 of the first valve assembly 17 is in communication with the first port D1 at a ratio of 100% and is not in communication with the second port D2 at a ratio of 0% (i.e., not in communication). In this mode, there is no coolant flowing through the warm air device 4 and the high-pressure water heater 5, and there is no coolant flowing through the second heat exchanger 6. The second flow path C2 is communicated with a part of the first flow path C1, the sixth flow path C6, and the seventh flow path C7 through the second valve assembly 23, so that the battery module heat exchange device 7 and the low-temperature radiator 9 are connected in series in the coolant loop, and the heat generated by the battery can be exchanged to the air through the low-temperature radiator 9. The fourth flow path C4 forms a self-circulation loop through the second valve assembly 23 to realize the self-circulation heat preservation of the motor assembly 8.

[0089] As described above, the thermal management system of the present disclosure separates the high-temperature first loop from the medium-low temperature second loop through the first valve assembly in the heat pump mode, avoiding heat leakage between the high-temperature area and the low-temperature area and improving the efficiency. In addition, the thermal management system of the present disclosure realizes the heat pump heating of the battery through the first valve assembly, with higher efficiency. Further, the thermal management system of the present disclosure realizes a plurality of operation modes through the cooperation of the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly. The switching between each mode is convenient and free, the system connection relationship is simple, the structure is compact, and the cost is low.

[0090] The technical features disclosed above are not limited to the combinations with other features already disclosed. Those skilled in the art can also make other combinations between the technical features according to the purpose of the invention, subject to the purpose of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, characterized in that, The heat management system includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit. The coolant circuit includes: A first valve assembly (17) having at least first to fourth ports; A first circuit, with both ends of the first circuit respectively connected to the first port (D1) and the fourth port (D4) of the first valve assembly (17). The first circuit is provided with a first heat exchange portion (21) of a first heat exchanger (2); the refrigerant circuit is provided with a second heat exchange portion (22) of the first heat exchanger (2); wherein, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange portion (22) of the first heat exchanger (2) exchanges heat with the coolant in the first heat exchange portion (21) of the first heat exchanger (2); and A second circuit, the second circuit connecting the second port (D2) and the third port (D3) of the first valve assembly (17) to be able to receive the coolant from the first circuit.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein The second circuit is provided with one or more of a first heat exchange portion (61) of a second heat exchanger (6), a battery pack heat exchange device (7), a motor assembly (8), and a low-temperature radiator (9).

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein The coolant circuit further includes a second valve assembly (23), the second valve assembly having at least first to eighth valve ports, wherein, the second circuit includes: A first flow path (C1), with both ends of the first flow path respectively connected to the third port (D3) of the first valve assembly and a first junction point (J1). The first flow path is provided with a low-temperature radiator (9), wherein the first junction point (J1) is located on the first circuit and between the first heat exchange portion (21) of the first heat exchanger (2) and the first port (D1) of the first valve assembly; A second flow path (C2), with both ends of the second flow path respectively connected to the first valve port (V1) and the second valve port (V2) of the second valve assembly. The second flow path is provided with a battery pack heat exchange device (7); A third flow path (C3), with both ends of the third flow path respectively connected to the fourth valve port (V4) and the sixth valve port (V6) of the second valve assembly; and A fourth flow path (C4), with both ends of the fourth flow path respectively connected to the seventh valve port (V7) and the eighth valve port (V8) of the second valve assembly. The fourth flow path is provided with a motor assembly (8).

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein The second circuit further includes: A fifth flow path (C5), with both ends of the fifth flow path respectively connected to a second junction point (J2) and a third junction point (J3), wherein the second junction point (J2) is located on the first flow path (C1) and between the low-temperature radiator (9) and the third port (D3) of the first valve assembly, and the third junction point (J3) is located on the fourth flow path (C4) and between the motor assembly (8) and the seventh valve port (V7) of the second valve assembly; A sixth flow path (C6), with both ends of the sixth flow path respectively connected to a fourth junction point (J4) and the fifth valve port (V5) of the second valve assembly, wherein the fourth junction point (J4) is located on the first flow path (C1) and between the low-temperature radiator (9) and the first junction point (J1); The seventh flow path (C7), with both ends of the seventh flow path connected to the fifth junction point (J5) and the third valve port (V3) of the second valve assembly respectively, where the fifth junction point (J5) is located on the first flow path (C1) and between the second junction point (J2) and the third port (D3) of the first valve assembly; The eighth flow path (C8), with both ends of the eighth flow path connected to the sixth junction point (J6) and the second port (D2) of the first valve assembly respectively, where the sixth junction point (J6) is located on the second flow path (C2) and between the battery pack heat exchange device (7) and the first valve port (V1) of the second valve assembly; and The ninth flow path (C9), with both ends of the ninth flow path connected to the first junction point (J1) and the seventh junction point (J7) respectively, where the seventh junction point (J7) is located on the second flow path (C2) and between the battery pack heat exchange device (7) and the second valve port (V2) of the second valve assembly.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third flow path (C3) only includes a first sub-flow path (C31), and the first sub-flow path (C31) is provided with the first heat exchange part (61) of the second heat exchanger (6).

6. The thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein The third flow path (C3) includes: A first sub-flow path (C31), which is provided with the first heat exchange part (61) of the second heat exchanger (6), an eighth junction point (J8) and a three-way structure (18); and A second sub-flow path (C32), with both ends of the second sub-flow path (C32) connected to the eighth junction point (J8) and the three-way structure (18) respectively, and the second sub-flow path (C32) is provided with an air cooler (10).

7. The thermal management system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first valve assembly (17) has a first configuration, In the first configuration of the first valve assembly (17), the fourth port (D4) and the third port (D3) of the first valve assembly are in communication, and the first port (D1) and the second port (D2) of the first valve assembly are closed.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein, The first valve assembly (17) has a second configuration, In the second configuration of the first valve assembly (17), the fourth port (D4) of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port (D1) and the second port (D2) respectively in a proportionally regulated manner, and the third port (D3) of the first valve assembly is closed.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, wherein The first valve assembly (17) has a third configuration, In the third configuration of the first valve assembly (17), the fourth port (D4) of the first valve assembly is in communication with the first port (D1) and the third port (D3) respectively in a proportionally regulated manner, and the second port (D2) of the first valve assembly is closed.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein, The first valve assembly is a single four-way valve.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein The first valve assembly includes at least two three-way valves (41, 42).

12. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein, The first flow path (C1) is provided with a first one-way valve (11), and the first one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the fourth junction point (J4) to the first junction point (J1).

13. The thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ninth flow path (C9) is provided with a second one-way valve (12), and the second one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the seventh joint point (J7) to the first joint point (J1).

14. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein, The second valve assembly (23) has a first configuration, In the first configuration of the second valve assembly (23), the first valve port (V1) and the sixth valve port (V6) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the second valve port (V2) and the fourth valve port (V4) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fifth valve port (V5) and the eighth valve port (V8) of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the third valve port (V3) and the seventh valve port (V7) of the second valve assembly are closed.

15. The thermal management system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second valve assembly (23) has a second configuration, In the second configuration of the second valve assembly (23), the first valve port (V1) and the second valve port (V2) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fifth valve port (V5) and the eighth valve port (V8) of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the third valve port (V3), the fourth valve port (V4), the sixth valve port (V6) and the seventh valve port (V7) of the second valve assembly are closed.

16. The thermal management system according to claim 15, wherein The second valve assembly (23) has a third configuration, In the third configuration of the second valve assembly (23), the first valve port (V1) and the second valve port (V2) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fourth valve port (V4) and the seventh valve port (V7) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the sixth valve port (V6) and the eighth valve port (V8) of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the third valve port (V3) and the fifth valve port (V5) of the second valve assembly are closed.

17. The thermal management system according to claim 16, wherein, The second valve assembly (23) has a fourth configuration, In the fourth configuration of the second valve assembly (23), the first valve port (V1) and the second valve port (V2) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the third valve port (V3) and the fourth valve port (V4) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the fifth valve port (V5) and the sixth valve port (V6) of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the seventh valve port (V7) and the eighth valve port (V8) of the second valve assembly are in communication.

18. The thermal management system according to claim 17, wherein The second valve assembly (23) has a fifth configuration, In the fifth configuration of the second valve assembly (23), the first valve port (V1) and the seventh valve port (V7) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the second valve port (V2) and the eighth valve port (V8) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the third valve port (V3) and the fourth valve port (V4) of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the fifth valve port (V5) and the sixth valve port (V6) of the second valve assembly are in communication.

19. The thermal management system according to claim 18, wherein The second valve assembly (23) has a sixth configuration, In the sixth configuration of the second valve assembly (23), the first valve port (V1) and the third valve port (V3) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the second valve port (V2) and the fifth valve port (V5) of the second valve assembly are in communication, the seventh valve port (V7) and the eighth valve port (V8) of the second valve assembly are in communication, and the fourth valve port (V4) and the sixth valve port (V6) of the second valve assembly are closed.

20. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes: A first refrigerant circuit (L1) provided with a compressor (1), a second heat exchange portion (22) of a first heat exchanger (2), an internal heat exchanger (3), and a second heat exchange portion (62) of a second heat exchanger (6); A second refrigerant circuit (L2) whose two ends are respectively connected to the ninth joint (J9) and the tenth joint (J10), and the second refrigerant circuit is provided with a first expansion valve (19), wherein the ninth joint (J9) is located on the first refrigerant circuit (L1) between the compressor (1) and the second heat exchange portion (22) of the first heat exchanger, and the tenth joint (J10) is located on the first refrigerant circuit (L1) between the first heat exchange portion (31) of the internal heat exchanger (3) and the second heat exchange portion (62) of the second heat exchanger (6); and A third refrigerant circuit (L3) whose two ends are respectively connected to the tenth joint (J10) and the eleventh joint (J11), and the third refrigerant circuit (L3) is provided with an evaporator (24) and a second expansion valve (25), wherein the eleventh joint (J11) is located on the first refrigerant circuit (L1) between the second heat exchange portion (32) of the internal heat exchanger (3) and the second heat exchange portion (62) of the second heat exchanger (6).

21. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes: A first refrigerant circuit (L1) provided with a compressor (1), a second heat exchange portion (22) of a first heat exchanger (2), an internal heat exchanger (3), and a second heat exchange portion (62) of a second heat exchanger (6); A second refrigerant circuit (L2) whose two ends are respectively connected to the ninth joint (J9) and the tenth joint (J10), and the second refrigerant circuit is provided with a first expansion valve (19), wherein the ninth joint (J9) is located on the first refrigerant circuit (L1) between the compressor (1) and the second heat exchange portion (22) of the first heat exchanger, and the tenth joint (J10) is located on the first refrigerant circuit (L1) between the first heat exchange portion (31) of the internal heat exchanger (3) and the second heat exchange portion (62) of the second heat exchanger (6).

Images