Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

A thermal conditioning system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a refrigerant circuit (10) comprising:-a main circuit (A) for circulating a refrigerant, the main circuit (A) comprising, in order:-a compressor (7),-a first heat exchanger (1) thermally coupled to the air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle,-a first expansion valve (31),-a second heat exchanger (2) thermally coupled to the air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle,-a second expansion valve (32) thermally coupled to the second heat exchanger (2), the invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) for a vehicle passenger compartment, comprising:--a refrigerant accumulation means (8) configured to exchange heat with an outside air flow (Fe) outside the vehicle passenger compartment,--a first bypass branch (B) comprising a second expansion means (32) and a third heat exchanger (3),--a second bypass branch (C) arranged in parallel with the first bypass branch (B) and comprising a third expansion means (33) and a fourth heat exchanger (4), -a third bypass branch (D),-a fourth bypass branch (E).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal regulation systems. Such systems can be equipped, for example, on motor vehicles. In the case of electric vehicles, this type of system makes it possible to ensure the thermal regulation of the various parts of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment or the battery for storing electrical energy. The heat exchange is mainly managed by compressing and expanding a refrigerant flowing through a circuit in which a plurality of heat exchangers are arranged. The compressor discharges the refrigerant in a high-pressure state and allows the refrigerant to flow through the circuit. Background Art

[0002] So-called chemical refrigerants generally have a high global warming potential (GWP), which is a drawback. Carbon dioxide can be used as a refrigerant, which by definition has a global warming potential of 1. The thermodynamic properties of this gas mean that the discharge pressure of the compressor must generally be in the range of 80 to 130 bar so that the system can provide sufficient thermal power. The discharge temperature of the refrigerant in this pressure range can be problematic in certain use cases for the compressor or for certain components through which the refrigerant flows at high pressure and high temperature.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a thermal regulation system capable of controlling the refrigerant discharge temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides a thermal regulation system for a motor vehicle, the thermal regulation system comprising a refrigerant circuit configured to allow a refrigerant to flow, the refrigerant circuit comprising:

[0005] - A main circuit, which successively comprises, in the flow direction of the refrigerant:

[0006] -- A compressor,

[0007] -- A first heat exchanger thermally coupled to an air flow inside the vehicle passenger compartment,

[0008] -- A first expansion device,

[0009] -- A second heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an air flow outside the vehicle passenger compartment,

[0010] -- A device for accumulating refrigerant,

[0011] The main circuit comprises an internal exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first expansion device and the refrigerant downstream of the accumulation device and upstream of the inlet of the compressor,

[0012] - A first bypass branch that connects a first junction point to a second junction point. The first junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first expansion device, and the second junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the accumulation device. The first bypass branch includes a second expansion device and a third heat exchanger.

[0013] - A second bypass branch that connects a third junction point to a fourth junction point. The third junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first junction point, and the fourth junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the second exchanger and upstream of the second junction point. The second bypass branch includes a third expansion device and a fourth heat exchanger.

[0014] - A third bypass branch that connects a fifth junction point to a sixth junction point. The fifth junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the compressor and upstream of the first exchanger, and the sixth junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the fourth junction point.

[0015] - A fourth bypass branch that connects a seventh junction point to an eighth junction point. The seventh junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the third junction point, and the eighth junction point is arranged in the main circuit downstream of the second exchanger and upstream of the fourth junction point.

[0016] This architecture enables the control of the compressor's discharge temperature, particularly through the first expansion device and the internal exchanger. Additionally, the third and fourth bypass branches allow for the implementation of multiple operating modes, enabling the optimization of energy collection from various available heat sources.

[0017] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with the air flow inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0019] According to a variant of the embodiment, the first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer liquid flowing through a closed heat transfer liquid circuit that includes a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the air flow inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the third heat exchanger is thermally coupled to an element of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0021] In this embodiment, the fourth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with the air flow inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0022] The element of the vehicle's electric powertrain may include a battery for storing electrical energy.

[0023] The components of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may also include an electric motor for providing traction to the vehicle.

[0024] The components of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may also include an electronic control unit for the electric motor for providing traction to the vehicle.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the thermal regulation system, a fourth heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the components of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0026] In this case, the third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with the air flow inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0027] A second expansion device is arranged upstream of the third heat exchanger.

[0028] A third expansion device is arranged upstream of the fourth heat exchanger.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the thermal regulation system, a sixth junction point is arranged between the second exchanger and the fourth junction point.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the thermal regulation system, a sixth junction point is arranged downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the seventh junction point.

[0031] According to an aspect of the thermal regulation system, the main circuit includes a fourth expansion device arranged downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the seventh junction point.

[0032] The main circuit includes a first shut-off valve arranged between the eighth junction point and the fourth junction point.

[0033] The main circuit includes a first check valve arranged between the fourth junction point and the second junction point. The first check valve is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the fourth junction point to the second junction point and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second junction point to the fourth junction point.

[0034] The first check valve is, for example, a first non-return valve.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the main circuit includes a second check valve arranged between the seventh junction point and the third junction point. The second check valve is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the seventh junction point to the third junction point and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the third junction point to the seventh junction point.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the main circuit includes a second check valve arranged between the first exchanger and the sixth junction point. The second check valve is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first exchanger to the sixth junction point and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the sixth junction point to the first exchanger.

[0037] The second check valve is, for example, a second non-return valve.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the thermal regulation system includes a fifth bypass branch that connects a ninth junction in the main circuit downstream of the fifth junction and upstream of the first exchanger to a tenth junction in the main circuit downstream of the fourth junction and upstream of the accumulation device. The fifth bypass branch includes a fifth expansion device.

[0039] The tenth junction can also be the second junction.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the thermal regulation system includes a fifth bypass branch that connects a ninth junction in the main circuit downstream of the fifth junction and upstream of the first exchanger to a tenth junction in the first bypass branch between the second expansion device and the third exchanger. The fifth bypass branch includes a fifth expansion device.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the main circuit includes a fifth exchanger arranged downstream of the seventh junction and upstream of the third junction.

[0042] According to another example of an embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the main circuit includes a fifth exchanger arranged downstream of the sixth junction and upstream of the seventh junction.

[0043] The fifth heat exchanger is thermally coupled to an element of the electric driveline of the vehicle.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the thermal regulation system includes a first three-way valve commonly arranged in the main circuit and in the third bypass branch. The first three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0045] - allow the refrigerant leaving the compressor to flow to the first exchanger and prevent the refrigerant leaving the compressor from flowing to the sixth junction, or

[0046] - allow the refrigerant leaving the compressor to flow to the sixth junction and prevent the refrigerant leaving the compressor from flowing to the first exchanger.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the main circuit includes a second shut-off valve arranged between the fifth junction and the first exchanger.

[0048] The second shut-off valve is arranged between the fifth junction and the ninth junction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the third bypass branch includes a third shut-off valve.

[0050] According to an example of an embodiment, the thermal regulation system includes a second three-way valve commonly arranged in the main circuit and in the fourth bypass branch. The second three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0051] - Allow the refrigerant exiting the first exchanger to flow towards the third junction point and prevent the refrigerant exiting the first exchanger from flowing towards the eighth junction point, or

[0052] - Allow the refrigerant exiting the first exchanger to flow towards the eighth junction point and prevent the refrigerant exiting the first exchanger from flowing towards the third junction point.

[0053] According to an example embodiment, the second three-way valve and the fourth expansion device are arranged in the same body, for example in the same casting.

[0054] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the compartment cooling mode, wherein:

[0055] - The refrigerant flow passes through the compressor, where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure, and then sequentially passes through the third bypass branch, through the second heat exchanger, where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the external air flow, through the first expansion device, where the refrigerant flow drops to a medium pressure, through the internal exchanger, through the third expansion device, where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the fourth exchanger, where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow, through the accumulation device, through the internal exchanger and returns to the compressor,

[0056] And wherein the fifth expansion device is in at least a partially open position such that the refrigerant contained in the first exchanger is at a low pressure.

[0057] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the series dehumidification mode, wherein:

[0058] - The refrigerant flow passes through the compressor, where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure, and then sequentially passes through the main circuit, through the first exchanger, where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow, through the fourth bypass branch, through the second heat exchanger, where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the external air flow, through the first expansion device, through the internal exchanger, through the third expansion device, where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the fourth exchanger, where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow, through the accumulation device, through the internal exchanger, and returns to the compressor.

[0059] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the energy harvesting mode, wherein:

[0060] - The total refrigerant flow passes through the compressor, where the refrigerant is raised to a high pressure and passes through the main circuit, and is split between:

[0061] -- The second flow flowing through the fifth bypass branch,

[0062] -- The third flow, which flows through the main circuit, through the first exchanger where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow, through the second expansion device where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the third exchanger, and rejoins the second flow,

[0063] The total flow then flows through the accumulation device and returns to the compressor.

[0064] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the compartment heating and battery heating mode, wherein:

[0065] - The refrigerant flow flows through the compressor where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure and then sequentially through the main circuit, through the first exchanger where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow, through the fifth exchanger, through the first expansion device where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the second heat exchanger where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the external air flow, through the accumulation device, and returns to the compressor.

[0066] There is also disclosed herein a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the compartment cooling mode, wherein:

[0067] - The refrigerant flow flows through the compressor where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure and then sequentially through the third bypass branch, through the fifth exchanger, through the fourth bypass branch, through the second heat exchanger where the refrigerant transfers heat to the external air flow, through the first expansion device, through the third expansion device where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the fourth exchanger where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow, through the accumulation device and returns to the compressor.

[0068] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a mode called the compartment heating and battery heating mode, wherein:

[0069] - The refrigerant flow flows through the compressor where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure and then sequentially through the main circuit, through the first exchanger where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow, through the fifth exchanger, through the first expansion device where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the second exchanger where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the external air flow, through the accumulation device, and returns to the compressor. Description of the Drawings

[0070] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent by reading the following detailed description and analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a first variant of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a second variant of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 5 is Figure 4 another schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of

[0076] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of , which operates in a first operating mode called the compartment cooling mode.

[0077] Figure 7 is Figure 2 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of , which operates in a second operating mode called the series dehumidification mode.

[0078] Figure 8 is Figure 2 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of , which operates in a third operating mode called the energy harvesting mode.

[0079] Figure 9 is Figure 3 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of , which operates in a fourth operating mode called the compartment heating and battery heating mode.

[0080] Figure 10 is Figure 4 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of , which operates in an operating mode called the compartment cooling mode.

[0081] Figure 11 is Figure 4 a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of , which operates in an operating mode called the compartment heating and battery heating mode. Detailed Description

[0082] For the sake of easier reading of the figures, the various elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In the figures, identical elements are denoted by the same reference signs. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, i.e. designated as, for example, a first element or a second element, or indeed 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 that one element or parameter is prior to another, and the names may be interchanged.

[0083] In the following description, the expression "a first element upstream of a second element" means that, with respect to the direction of flow or travel of a fluid, the first element is located before the second element. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that, with respect to the direction of flow or travel of the fluid under discussion, the first element is located after the second element. In the case of a refrigerant circuit, the term "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the refrigerant flows through the first element in sequence and then through the second element without passing through a compression device. In other words, the refrigerant 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, optionally after having passed through other elements.

[0084] The expression "a second element is located between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0085] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in the subsystem.

[0086] The thermal regulation system 100 to be described below includes an electronic control unit 44 which receives information from various sensors which particularly measure the refrigerant characteristics at various points in the circuit. The electronic control unit 44 also receives setpoints from the vehicle passengers, such as the desired temperature in the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit 44 may also receive setpoints from other electronic subsystems, such as a system for managing a battery for storing electrical energy. The electronic control unit 44 implements control laws which allow various actuators to be driven in order to control the thermal regulation system 100 such that the received setpoints are reached.

[0087] A compression device or compressor 7 allows refrigerant to flow through a refrigerant flow circuit 10. The compression device 7 may be an electric compressor, i.e. a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor. The compression device 7 includes a suction side for sucking in low-pressure refrigerant, also referred to as the inlet 7a of the compression device, and a discharge side for delivering high-pressure refrigerant, also referred to as the outlet 7b of the compression device 7. The internal moving parts of the compressor 7 raise the refrigerant from the low pressure on the inlet 7a side to the high pressure on the outlet 7b side. After having expanded in one or more expansion members and having flowed through at least a part of the circuit, the refrigerant returns to the inlet 7a of the compressor 7 and starts a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0088] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed circuit through which the refrigerant can flow. When the refrigerant circuit 10 is in its nominal operating state, i.e., without defects or leaks, the refrigerant circuit 10 is sealed. Each junction of the circuit 10 allows the refrigerant to pass through one or the other refrigerant line segments meeting at the junction. By adjusting the opening or closing of the shut-off valves, check valves or expansion devices included in each segment, the refrigerant is distributed between the refrigerant line segments converging at the junction. In other words, each junction is a device for changing the direction of the refrigerant delivered to the junction. Thus, the various shut-off valves and check valves make it possible to selectively direct the refrigerant into the various branches of the refrigerant circuit in order to achieve the various operating modes, as described below.

[0089] The refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit 10 is here a natural fluid, such as R744. Chemical refrigerants, such as R1234yf or 134a, can also be used.

[0090] Each device for expanding the refrigerant or expansion device can be an electronic expansion device. In an electronic expansion device, the flow cross-section of the refrigerant can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. For this purpose, the electronic control module of the expansion device controls an electric motor that moves a movable plug that controls the flow cross-section available for the refrigerant.

[0091] The internal air flow Fi is understood to be the air flow intended for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. This internal air flow Fi can flow through the HVAC equipment (HVAC is the acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning). This equipment is not shown in the various figures. A first electric fan unit (not shown) is arranged in the HVAC equipment in order to increase the flow rate of the internal air flow Fi if necessary.

[0092] The external air flow Fe is understood to be the air flow not intended for the vehicle passenger compartment. In other words, this air flow Fe remains outside the vehicle passenger compartment. A second electric fan unit (also not shown) can be activated in order to increase the flow rate of the external air flow Fe if necessary. The air flow rates provided by the first and second electric 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.

[0093] The term "first exchanger" is equivalent to the term "first heat exchanger". Similarly, the term "internal exchanger" is equivalent to the term "internal heat exchanger". The term "accumulation device" is equivalent to the term "device for accumulating refrigerant".

[0094] One or more heat transfer liquid circuits also form one or more closed and sealed circuits through which the heat transfer liquid can flow.

[0095] Figure 1 Shows a thermal regulation system 100 for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment. The thermal regulation system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to allow a refrigerant to flow, and the refrigerant circuit 10 includes:

[0096] - A main circuit A, which sequentially includes, in the flow direction of the refrigerant:

[0097] -- A compressor 7,

[0098] -- A first heat exchanger 1, which is thermally coupled to an air flow Fi inside the vehicle passenger compartment,

[0099] -- A first expansion device 31,

[0100] -- A second heat exchanger 2, which is configured to exchange heat with an air flow Fe outside the vehicle passenger compartment,

[0101] -- A device 8 for accumulating the refrigerant,

[0102] The main circuit A includes an internal exchanger 6, which is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first expansion device 31 and the refrigerant downstream of the accumulation device 8 and upstream of the inlet 7a of the compressor 7,

[0103] - A first bypass branch B, which connects a first junction 11 in the main circuit A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first expansion device 31 to a second junction 12 in the main circuit A downstream of the second heat exchanger 2 and upstream of the accumulation device 8. The first bypass branch B includes a second expansion device 32 and a third heat exchanger 3,

[0104] - A second bypass branch C, which connects a third junction 13 in the main circuit A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first junction 11 to a fourth junction 14 in the main circuit A downstream of the second exchanger 2 and upstream of the second junction 12. The second bypass branch B includes a third expansion device 33 and a fourth heat exchanger 4,

[0105] - A third bypass branch D, which connects a fifth junction 15 in the main circuit A downstream of the compressor 7 and upstream of the first exchanger 1 to a sixth junction 16 in the main circuit A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the fourth junction 14,

[0106] - A fourth bypass branch E, which connects a seventh junction 17 in the main circuit A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the third junction 13 to an eighth junction 18 in the main circuit A downstream of the second exchanger 2 and upstream of the fourth junction 14.

[0107] This architecture makes it possible to control the discharge temperature of the compressor, in particular via the first expansion device 31 and the internal exchanger 8. Furthermore, the third bypass branch D and the fourth bypass branch E allow for the implementation of multiple operating modes, making it possible to optimize the collection of energy from the various available heat sources.

[0108] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with the air flow Fi inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0109] The first exchanger 1 is placed in the HVAC equipment of the vehicle. The passenger compartment is heated directly, and the air flow Fi for the passenger compartment is heated when passing through the first exchanger 1.

[0110] According to a variant of the embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid flowing through a closed heat transfer fluid circuit 30, which includes a heat exchanger 1B configured to exchange heat with the air flow Fi inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0111] In this variant, the passenger compartment is heated indirectly because the refrigerant heats the heat transfer fluid, which in turn heats the air flow Fi supplied to the passenger compartment. The exchanger 1B is placed in the HVAC equipment of the vehicle.

[0112] In the example shown here, the third heat exchanger 3 is thermally coupled to an element 25 of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0113] The element 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may include a battery for storing electrical energy.

[0114] The element 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may also include an electric motor for providing traction to the vehicle.

[0115] The element 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may also include an electronic control unit for the electric motor for providing traction to the vehicle.

[0116] In this embodiment, the fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with the air flow Fi inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0117] The fourth heat exchanger 4 is placed in the HVAC equipment of the vehicle. In the flow direction of the internal air flow Fi, the fourth exchanger 4 is placed upstream of the first exchanger 1, or upstream of the exchanger 1B where appropriate.

[0118] According to another embodiment of the thermal regulation system 100 (not shown), the fourth heat exchanger 4 is thermally coupled to an element 25 of the electric powertrain of a motor vehicle. In this case, the third heat exchanger 3 is configured to exchange heat with the air flow Fi inside the vehicle passenger compartment. In other words, the roles of the third exchanger 3 and the fourth exchanger 4 can be interchanged.

[0119] The second expansion device 32 is arranged upstream of the third heat exchanger 3. The third expansion device 33 is arranged upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 4. Thus, the second expansion device 32 allows the supply of low-pressure refrigerant to the third exchanger 3. Similarly, the third expansion device 33 allows the supply of low-pressure refrigerant to the fourth exchanger 4.

[0120] The internal heat exchanger 6 includes a first heat exchange portion 6a in the main circuit A arranged downstream of the first expansion device 31 and upstream of the second expansion device 32, and a second heat exchange portion 6b in the main circuit A arranged downstream of the accumulator 8 and upstream of the compressor 7 inlet 7a. The internal heat exchanger 6 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange portion 6a and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange portion 6b. The refrigerant flowing through the main circuit A at a high pressure can thus transfer heat to the refrigerant flowing through the main circuit A at a lower pressure.

[0121] In the example shown, the third heat exchanger 3 is thermally coupled to the element 25 of the electric powertrain by a heat transfer liquid flowing through the secondary heat transfer liquid circuit 40. The heat transfer liquid flowing through the secondary circuit 40 can be a dielectric fluid. As a variant, the heat transfer liquid flowing through the secondary heat transfer liquid circuit 40 can be a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0122] According to Figures 1 to 3 the first embodiment of the thermal regulation system 100 shown and its variants, the sixth junction 16 is arranged between the second exchanger 2 and the fourth junction 14.

[0123] According to Figure 4 the second embodiment of the thermal regulation system 100 shown, the sixth junction 16' is arranged downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the seventh junction 17.

[0124] In other words, in this case, the sixth junction 16' is arranged between the first exchanger 1 and the seventh junction 17.

[0125] The main circuit A includes a fourth expansion device 34 arranged downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the seventh junction 17. The fourth expansion device 34 is arranged between the first exchanger 1 and the seventh junction 17.

[0126] The main circuit A includes a first shut-off valve 41 arranged between the eighth junction 18 and the fourth junction 14.

[0127] The main circuit A includes a first one-way valve 47 arranged between the fourth joint 14 and the second joint 12. The first one-way valve 47 is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the fourth joint 14 to the second joint 12 and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second joint 12 to the fourth joint 14.

[0128] The first one-way valve 47 is, for example, a first check valve. A check valve is a passive device that does not require electrical control.

[0129] According to the first embodiment and its variants, the main circuit A includes a second one-way valve 48 arranged between the seventh joint 17 and the third joint 13. The second one-way valve is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the seventh joint 17 to the third joint 13 and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the third joint 13 to the seventh joint 17.

[0130] According to the second embodiment of the thermal regulation system 100, the main circuit A includes a second one-way valve 48' arranged between the first exchanger 1 and the sixth joint 16'. The second one-way valve 48' is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first exchanger 1 to the sixth joint 16' and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the sixth joint 16' to the first exchanger 1.

[0131] The second one-way valve 48' is, for example, a second check valve.

[0132] According to the first embodiment and its variants, the thermal regulation system 100 includes a fifth bypass branch F that connects the ninth joint 19 in the main circuit A downstream of the fifth joint 15 and upstream of the first exchanger 1 to the tenth joint 20 in the main circuit A downstream of the fourth joint 14 and upstream of the accumulation device 8. The fifth bypass branch F includes a fifth expansion device 35.

[0133] The tenth joint 20 can also be the second joint 12, as Figures 1 to 3 in the case of. Similarly, the fourth joint 14 can also be the second joint 12. Similarly, the first joint 11 and the third joint 13 can be the same joint. The sixth joint 16 and the eighth joint 18 can also be the same joint.

[0134] According to the second embodiment, the thermal regulation system 100 includes a fifth bypass branch F that connects the ninth joint 19 in the main circuit A downstream of the fifth joint 15 and upstream of the first exchanger 1 to the tenth joint 20' in the first bypass branch B between the second expansion device 32 and the third exchanger 3. The fifth bypass branch F includes a fifth expansion device 35.

[0135] The fifth bypass branch F allows the high-pressure refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 to reach the inlet 7a of the compressor without passing through either the first exchanger 1 or the second exchanger 2. In the first embodiment, the fifth bypass branch F directs the high-pressure refrigerant to the inlet of the collector 8. Thus, the refrigerant does not flow through the third exchanger 3. In the second embodiment, the fifth bypass branch F directs the high-pressure refrigerant to a point in the circuit that is downstream of the second expansion device 32 and upstream of the third exchanger 3. Thus, the high-pressure refrigerant conveyed by the fifth bypass branch F flows through the third exchanger 3 before returning to the accumulator 8.

[0136] In Figure 3 In a variant of the third embodiment shown, the main circuit A includes a fifth exchanger 5 arranged downstream of the seventh junction 17 and upstream of the third junction 13. The fifth exchanger 5 is arranged between the second check valve 48 and the seventh junction 17.

[0137] In Figure 4 In the second embodiment shown, the main circuit A includes a fifth exchanger 5' arranged downstream of the sixth junction 16' and upstream of the seventh junction 17.

[0138] In each embodiment, the fifth heat exchangers 5, 5' are thermally coupled to an element 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

[0139] The fifth heat exchangers 5, 5' are thermally coupled to the element 25 of the electric powertrain by a heat transfer fluid flowing through a third heat transfer fluid circuit 40B. The third circuit 40B is schematically shown in Figure 5 In this figure, the refrigerant circuit 10 has been drawn in dashed lines and certain segments of the circuit have been omitted in order to minimize the number of intersection points between the lines of the various circuits and to simplify the figure. The heat transfer fluid circuits 40 and 40B have been drawn in solid lines. For the sake of simplicity of the drawings, the third circuit 40B is not shown in Figure 3 , 4 , 9, 10 and 11.

[0140] In the first embodiment and its variants, especially as shown in Figures 1 to 3 when tracing the main circuit A starting from the compressor 7, the following are encountered in sequence: the outlet 7b of the compressor 7, the fifth junction 15, the ninth junction 19, the first exchanger 1, the seventh junction 17, the third junction 13, the first junction 11, the second exchanger 2, the eighth junction 18, the sixth junction 16, the fourth junction 14, the second junction 12 and the inlet 7a of the compressor.

[0141] In the second embodiment, especially as shown in Figure 4In the second embodiment shown, when tracing the main circuit A starting from the compressor 7, the following are encountered in sequence: the outlet 7b of the compressor 7, the fifth junction 15, the ninth junction 19, the first exchanger 1, the sixth junction 16', the fifth exchanger 5', the seventh junction 17, the third junction 13, the first junction 11, the second exchanger 2, the eighth junction 18, the fourth junction 14, the second junction 12, and the inlet 7a of the compressor.

[0142] The thermal regulation system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a first three-way valve 45 that is commonly arranged in the main circuit A and in the third bypass branch D. The first three-way valve 45 is configured to selectively:

[0143] - allow the refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 to flow towards the first exchanger 1 and prevent the refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 from flowing towards the sixth junction 16, or

[0144] - allow the refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 to flow towards the sixth junction 16 and prevent the refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 from flowing towards the first exchanger 1.

[0145] The first three-way valve 45 is an electrically controlled valve. According to the opening law defined above, the electric motor enables the movable plug to be moved, thereby allowing the refrigerant flow through the three ports of the three-way valve to be regulated.

[0146] In the thermal regulation system 100 according to the second embodiment, the main circuit A includes a second shut-off valve 42 arranged between the fifth junction 15 and the first exchanger 1. The second shut-off valve 42 is arranged between the fifth junction 15 and the ninth junction 19. In this embodiment, the third bypass branch D includes a third shut-off valve 43.

[0147] The second shut-off valve 42 and the third shut-off valve 43 enable the refrigerant flow leaving the compressor 7 to be split between the flow through the main circuit A and the flow through the third bypass branch D.

[0148] In the example shown, the thermal regulation system 100 includes a second three-way valve 46 that is commonly arranged in the main circuit A and in the fourth bypass branch E.

[0149] The second three-way valve 46 is configured to selectively:

[0150] - allow the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger 1 to flow towards the third junction 13 and prevent the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger 1 from flowing towards the eighth junction 18, or

[0151] - allow the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger 1 to flow towards the eighth junction 18 and prevent the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger 1 from flowing towards the third junction 13.

[0152] The second three-way valve 46 is an electrically controlled valve.

[0153] According to the second embodiment, the second three-way valve 46 and the fourth expansion device 34 are arranged in the same body, for example, in the same casting.

[0154] The body accommodating the second three-way valve 46 and the fourth expansion device 34 can be integral. In other words, a single component performs the functions of the three-way valve and the expansion device. Therefore, it is convenient to mechanically integrate the component into the thermal regulation system 100.

[0155] Figure 6 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a mode called the compartment cooling mode is shown.

[0156] In this mode called the compartment cooling mode:

[0157] - The refrigerant flow Q flows through the compressor 7, in which the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure, and successively flows through the third bypass branch D, through the second heat exchanger 2, in which the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, through the first expansion device 31, in which the refrigerant flow drops to a medium pressure, through the internal exchanger 6, through the third expansion device 33, in which the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the fourth exchanger 4, in which the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow Fi, through the accumulation device 8, through the internal exchanger 6 and returns to the compressor 7,

[0158] and the fifth expansion device 35 is in at least a partially open position such that the refrigerant contained in the first exchanger 1 is at a low pressure.

[0159] In this operating mode, the high-pressure refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 is introduced into the third bypass branch D at the fifth junction 15. The first three-way valve 45 prevents the refrigerant from flowing to the first exchanger 1. When leaving the third bypass branch D, at the sixth junction 16, the high-pressure refrigerant is directed to the second heat exchanger 2. The first shut-off valve 41 is in the closed position, so the flow of refrigerant through the main circuit A between the sixth junction 16 and the fourth junction 14 is blocked. The second three-way valve 47 prevents the refrigerant from flowing through the fourth bypass branch E between the eighth junction 18 and the seventh junction 17. The refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 2 is cooled by transferring heat to the external air flow Fe. In the first expansion device 31, the refrigerant undergoes partial expansion. This partial expansion makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant entering the first heat exchange part 6a of the internal exchanger 6, which makes it possible to control the outlet temperature of the second heat exchange part 6b and thus the discharge temperature of the compressor 7. The level of expansion or the head loss generated by the first expansion device 31 is controlled so as to keep the discharge temperature of the compressor 7 below an acceptable maximum limit.

[0160] The medium-pressure refrigerant flows to the third connection point 13 and then to the third expansion device 33, where it undergoes expansion and drops to low pressure. The pressure called low pressure is lower than the pressure called medium pressure. Similarly, the pressure called medium pressure is lower than the pressure called high pressure. The low-pressure refrigerant flows through the fourth exchanger 4 and absorbs heat from the internal air flow Fi, which allows the passenger compartment to be cooled. Then, the low-pressure refrigerant flows through the accumulator 8 and the second heat exchange section 6b of the internal heat exchanger 6 before reaching the inlet 7a of the compressor 7, thus completing the thermodynamic cycle. The second expansion device 32 is in the closed position and the refrigerant does not flow through the first bypass branch B. The internal exchanger 6 is active because the refrigerant flow passes through the first heat exchange section 6a and the second heat exchange section 6b.

[0161] The fifth expansion device 35 is in at least a partially open position, so that the part of the main circuit A between the fifth connection point 15 and the seventh connection point 17 (and thus including the first exchanger 1) is at the same pressure as the pressure at the tenth connection point 10, i.e., low pressure. The amount of refrigerant contained in the first exchanger 1 and the volume of the circuit part between the fifth connection point 15 and the seventh connection point 17 can thus be limited, which makes it possible to limit the volume of the refrigerant accumulator 8.

[0162] Figure 7 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a mode called the series dehumidification mode is shown.

[0163] In this operating mode:

[0164] - The refrigerant flow Q flows through the compressor 7, where the refrigerant flow is raised to high pressure, and in sequence through the main circuit A, through the first exchanger 1, where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, through the fourth bypass branch E, through the second exchanger 2, where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, through the first expansion device 31, through the internal exchanger 6, through the third expansion device 33, where the refrigerant flow drops to low pressure, through the fourth exchanger 4, where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow Fi, through the accumulator device 8, through the internal exchanger 6 and back to the compressor 7.

[0165] In this operating mode, the high-pressure refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 is guided through the main circuit A at the fifth junction 15 to reach the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the refrigerant transfers heat to the internal air flow and heats it. The refrigerant then reaches the seventh junction 17 and is guided through the fourth bypass branch E to the eighth junction 18. The second three-way valve 46 prevents the refrigerant from flowing towards the third junction 13. At the eighth junction 18, the refrigerant is guided to the second exchanger 2, where the refrigerant transfers heat to the external air flow Fe. The first shut-off valve 41 is in the closed position. The refrigerant then reaches the third junction 13 after having passed through the first expansion device 31 and the first heat exchange section 6a of the internal exchanger 6. The refrigerant expands in the third expansion device 33, flows through the fourth exchanger 4, and absorbs heat from the internal air flow Fi. Thus, the internal air flow Fi is cooled in the fourth exchanger 4 and heated in the first exchanger 1, which makes it possible to dehumidify the air flow intended for the passenger compartment. The low-pressure refrigerant leaving the fourth exchanger 4 then passes through the accumulator 8 and the second heat exchange section 6b of the internal exchanger 6 before reaching the inlet 7a of the compressor 7. The internal exchanger 6 is active because the refrigerant flow passes through the first heat exchange section 6a and the second heat exchange section 6b. The refrigerant flow does not pass through the third exchanger 3 and does not participate in the heat exchange.

[0166] Figure 8 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a mode called the energy harvesting mode is shown.

[0167] In this operating mode:

[0168] - The total refrigerant flow Q1 passes through the compressor 7, where the refrigerant is raised to a high pressure, and through the main circuit A, and is split between:

[0169] -- A second flow Q2 passing through the fifth bypass branch F,

[0170] -- A third flow Q3, which passes through the main circuit A, through the first exchanger 1, where the third flow transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, through the second expansion device 32, where the third flow drops to a low pressure, through the third exchanger 3, and rejoins the second flow Q2,

[0171] The total flow Q1 then passes through the accumulation device 8 and returns to the compressor 7.

[0172] In this operating mode, the high-pressure refrigerant leaving the outlet 7b of the compressor 7 is guided through the main circuit A to the ninth junction 19 at the fifth junction 15. At the ninth junction 19, a part Q2 of the total refrigerant flow Q1 takes the fifth bypass branch F because the fifth expansion device 35 is open. The supplementary part Q3 of the total flow Q1 continues in the main circuit A and flows through the first exchanger 1, transferring heat to the internal air flow Fi. At the seventh junction 17, the second three-way valve 46 guides the refrigerant to the third junction 13 and prevents the refrigerant from flowing through the fourth bypass branch E. The refrigerant reaches the first junction 11, is redirected to the first bypass branch B, is reduced to low pressure in the second expansion device 32, and flows through the third exchanger 3. The refrigerant thus absorbs heat from the element 25 of the electric powertrain. The refrigerant flow Q3 leaving the third exchanger 3 merges with the flow Q2 conveyed by the fifth bypass branch F. Then, the total refrigerant flow Q1 passes through the accumulator 8, the second heat exchange part 6b of the internal exchanger 6, and reaches the inlet 7a of the compressor 7. The internal exchanger 6 is inactive because the refrigerant flow does not flow through the first heat exchange part 6a. Similarly, the refrigerant does not pass through the second exchanger 2 or the fourth exchanger 4, and they do not participate in the heat exchange.

[0173] In this operating mode, the passenger compartment is heated by the heat collected from the element 25 of the electric powertrain in the third exchanger 3 and by the heat added to the refrigerant by the compressor 7. The flow Q2 flowing through the fifth bypass branch F allows the total refrigerant flow conveyed by the compressor 7 to increase, and thus the heating power delivered to the passenger compartment increases.

[0174] Figure 9 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a mode called the compartment heating and battery heating mode is shown.

[0175] In this operating mode:

[0176] - The refrigerant flow Q flows through the compressor 7, where the refrigerant flow is raised to high pressure, and then successively through the main circuit A, through the first exchanger 1, where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, through the fifth exchanger 5, through the first expansion device 31, where the refrigerant flow is reduced to low pressure, through the second heat exchanger 2, where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the external air flow Fe, through the accumulation device 8, and returns to the compressor 7.

[0177] Here, the thermal regulation system 100 is a second variant according to the first embodiment. The high-pressure refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 is directed in the main flow circuit A to the first exchanger 1 at the fifth junction 15. In the first exchanger 1, the refrigerant transfers heat to the internal air flow and heats it, which allows the passenger compartment of the vehicle to be heated. The refrigerant then reaches the seventh junction 17 and is directed to the fifth exchanger 5. The refrigerant transfers heat while passing through the fifth exchanger 5, which allows the components 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle to be heated. For example, the battery for storing electrical energy can be heated. The second three-way valve 46 prevents the refrigerant from flowing to the fourth bypass branch E. Then, the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange section 6a of the internal exchanger 6, then through the first expansion device 31, in which the refrigerant expands to a low-pressure state, then through the second exchanger 2 and absorbs heat from the external air flow Fe. The first shut-off valve 41 is opened to allow the low-pressure refrigerant delivered by the second exchanger 2 to reach the fourth junction 14. Then, before reaching the inlet 7a of the compressor 7, the refrigerant passes through the accumulator 8 and the second heat exchange section 6b of the internal exchanger 6. The internal exchanger 6 is active because the refrigerant flow passes through the first heat exchange section 6a and the second heat exchange section 6b. The refrigerant does not pass through the third exchanger 3 or the fourth exchanger 4, and they do not participate in the heat exchange.

[0178] In this operating mode, the refrigerant only flows through the main circuit A. The direction of flow through the first expansion device 31 and through the second exchanger 2 is opposite to that described above and corresponds to Figure 7 and 8 the operating mode of.

[0179] Figure 10 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 according to the second embodiment in a mode called the compartment cooling mode is shown.

[0180] In this operating mode:

[0181] - The refrigerant flow Q flows through the compressor 7, in which the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure, and in sequence through the third bypass branch D, through the fifth exchanger 5', through the fourth bypass branch E, through the second heat exchanger 2, in which the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, through the first expansion device 31, through the third expansion device 33, in which the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the fourth exchanger 4, in which the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow Fi, through the accumulation device 8 and returns to the compressor 7.

[0182] The high-pressure refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 is directed to the third bypass branch D at the fifth junction 15. Specifically, the third shut-off valve 43 is open, while the second shut-off valve 42 is in the closed position and blocks the flow through the main circuit A to the first exchanger 1. The high-pressure refrigerant conveyed by the third bypass branch D passes through the fifth exchanger 5', transferring heat in doing so, which allows the elements 25 of the vehicle's electric powertrain to be heated. The refrigerant then reaches the seventh junction 17 and is directed to flow through the fourth bypass branch E to the eighth junction 18. The second three-way valve 46 prevents the refrigerant from flowing towards the third junction 13. At the eighth junction 18, the refrigerant is directed to the second exchanger 2, where the refrigerant transfers heat to the external air flow Fe. The first shut-off valve 41 is in the closed position. The refrigerant then reaches the third junction 13 after having passed through the first heat exchange section 6a of the first expansion device 31 and the internal exchanger 6. The refrigerant expands in the third expansion device 33 and flows through the fourth exchanger 4, absorbing heat from the internal air flow Fi. The internal air flow Fi is thus cooled, which allows the passenger compartment to be cooled. The low-pressure refrigerant leaving the fourth exchanger 4 then passes through the accumulator 8 and the second heat exchange section 6b of the internal exchanger 6 before reaching the inlet 7a of the compressor 7. The internal exchanger 6 is active as the refrigerant flow passes through the first heat exchange section 6a and the second heat exchange section 6b. The refrigerant does not pass through the first exchanger 1 or the third exchanger 3, and they do not participate in the heat exchange.

[0183] Figure 11 A method for operating the operational thermal regulation system 100 according to the second embodiment in a mode called the compartment heating and battery heating mode is shown.

[0184] In this operating mode:

[0185] - The refrigerant flow Q flows through the compressor 7, where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure and then flows in sequence through the main circuit A, through the first exchanger 1, where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, through the fifth exchanger 5, through the first expansion device 31, where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the second exchanger 2, where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the external air flow Fe, through the accumulator device 8, and returns to the compressor 7.

[0186] The high-pressure refrigerant leaving the compressor 7 is directed to the first exchanger 1 at the fifth junction 15. Specifically, the second shut-off valve 42 is open, while the third shut-off valve 43 is in the closed position and blocks the flow through the third bypass branch D. The refrigerant flow Q passes through the first exchanger 1, transferring heat to the internal air flow Fi in doing so, and then through the fifth exchanger 5’, transferring heat again in doing so. Both the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the components 25 of the vehicle's electric powertrain are heated. The refrigerant then reaches the seventh junction 17 and is directed to the third junction 13. The second three-way valve 46 prevents the refrigerant from flowing towards the fourth bypass branch E. The refrigerant then flows through the first heat exchange section 6a of the internal exchanger 6, then through the first expansion device 31, in which the refrigerant expands to a low-pressure state, and then through the second exchanger 2 and absorbs heat from the external air flow Fe. The first shut-off valve 41 is open, allowing the low-pressure refrigerant delivered by the second exchanger 2 to reach the fourth junction 14. Then, before reaching the inlet 7a of the compressor 7, the refrigerant passes through the accumulator 8 and the second heat exchange section 6b of the internal exchanger 6. The internal exchanger 6 is active because the refrigerant flow passes through the first heat exchange section 6a and the second heat exchange section 6b. The refrigerant does not pass through the third exchanger 3 or the fourth exchanger 4, and they do not participate in the heat exchange.

[0187] Many other operating modes are also possible, but are not shown.

Claims

1. A thermal regulation system (100) for a motor vehicle, the thermal regulation system comprising a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to allow a refrigerant to flow, the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising: - A main circuit (A), the main circuit (A) sequentially comprising, in the refrigerant flow direction: -- A compressor (7), -- A first heat exchanger (1), the first heat exchanger (1) being thermally coupled to an air flow (Fi) inside the vehicle passenger compartment, -- A first expansion device (31), -- A second heat exchanger (2), the second heat exchanger (2) being configured to exchange heat with an air flow (Fe) outside the vehicle passenger compartment, -- A device (8) for accumulating refrigerant, The main circuit (A) comprises an internal exchanger (6), the internal exchanger (6) being configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the first expansion device (31) and the refrigerant downstream of the accumulation device (8) and upstream of the inlet (7a) of the compressor (7), - A first bypass branch (B) connecting a first junction point (11) to a second junction point (12), the first junction point (11) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the first expansion device (31), the second junction point (12) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the second heat exchanger (2) and upstream of the accumulation device (8), the first bypass branch (B) comprising a second expansion device (32) and a third heat exchanger (3), - A second bypass branch (C) connecting a third junction point (13) to a fourth junction point (14), the third junction point (13) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the first junction point (11), the fourth junction point (14) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the second heat exchanger (2) and upstream of the second junction point (12), the second bypass branch (B) comprising a third expansion device (33) and a fourth heat exchanger (4), - A third bypass branch (D) connecting a fifth junction point (15) to a sixth junction point (16), the fifth junction point (15) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the compressor (7) and upstream of the first exchanger (1), the sixth junction point (16) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the fourth junction point (14), - A fourth bypass branch (E) connecting a seventh junction point (17) to an eighth junction point (18), the seventh junction point (17) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the third junction point (13), the eighth junction point (18) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the second heat exchanger (2) and upstream of the fourth junction point (14).

2. The thermal regulation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first heat exchanger (1) is configured to exchange heat with the air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, or wherein, The first heat exchanger (1) is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer liquid flowing through a closed heat transfer liquid circuit (30), the heat transfer liquid circuit (30) including a heat exchanger (1B) configured to exchange heat with the air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

3. The thermal regulation system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - The third heat exchanger (3) is thermally coupled to an element (25) of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle, and wherein, - The fourth heat exchanger (4) is configured to exchange heat with the air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, The element (25) of the electric powertrain of the vehicle includes a battery for storing electrical energy, or an electric motor for providing traction to the vehicle, or an electronic control unit of an electric motor for providing traction to the vehicle.

4. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sixth junction point (16) is arranged between the second exchanger (2) and the fourth junction point (14).

5. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sixth junction point (16’) is arranged downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the seventh junction point (17).

6. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main circuit (A) includes a fourth expansion device (34) arranged downstream of the first exchanger (1) and upstream of the seventh junction point (17).

7. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including a fifth bypass branch (F) that connects a ninth junction point (19) to a tenth junction point (20), the ninth junction point (19) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the fifth junction point (15) and upstream of the first exchanger (1), the tenth junction point (20) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the fourth junction point (14) and upstream of the accumulation device (8), the fifth bypass branch (F) including a fifth expansion device (35).

8. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including a fifth bypass branch (F) that connects a ninth junction point (19) to a tenth junction point (20’), the ninth junction point (19) being arranged in the main circuit (A) downstream of the fifth junction point (15) and upstream of the first exchanger (1), the tenth junction point (20’) being arranged in the first bypass branch (B) between the second expansion device (32) and the third exchanger (3), the fifth bypass branch (F) including a fifth expansion device (35).

9. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The main circuit (A) includes a fifth heat exchanger (5) arranged downstream of the seventh junction point (17) and upstream of the third junction point (13).

10. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The main circuit (A) includes a fifth heat exchanger (5’) arranged downstream of the sixth junction point (16’) and upstream of the seventh junction point (17).

11. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first three-way valve (45) arranged jointly in the main circuit (A) and in the third bypass branch (D), the first three-way valve (45) being configured to selectively: - allow the refrigerant leaving the compressor (7) to flow towards the first exchanger (1) and prevent the refrigerant leaving the compressor (7) from flowing towards the sixth junction point (16), or - allow the refrigerant leaving the compressor (7) to flow towards the sixth junction point (16) and prevent the refrigerant leaving the compressor (7) from flowing towards the first exchanger (1).

12. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second three-way valve (46) arranged jointly in the main circuit (A) and in the fourth bypass branch (E), the second three-way valve (46) being configured to selectively: - allow the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger (1) to flow towards the third junction point (13) and prevent the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger (1) from flowing towards the eighth junction point (18), or - allow the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger (1) to flow towards the eighth junction point (18) and prevent the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger (1) from flowing towards the third junction point (13), And wherein, the second three-way valve (46) and the fourth expansion device (34) being arranged in the same body, for example in the same casting.

13. A method for operating the thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in a mode called the compartment cooling mode, wherein: - a refrigerant flow (Q) flows through the compressor (7), in which the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure, and successively through the third bypass branch (D), through the second heat exchanger (2), in which the refrigerant flow transfers heat to an external air flow (Fe), through the first expansion device (31), in which the refrigerant flow drops to a medium pressure, through the internal exchanger (6), through the third expansion device (33), in which the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the fourth exchanger (4), in which the refrigerant flow receives heat from an internal air flow (Fi), through the accumulation device (8), through the internal exchanger (6) and back to the compressor (7), and wherein the fifth expansion device (35) is in at least a partially open position such that the refrigerant contained in the first exchanger (1) is at a low pressure.

14. A method for operating the thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 12 in a mode called the series dehumidification mode, wherein: - The refrigerant flow (Q) flows through the compressor (7), where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure in the compressor (7), and then successively flows through the main circuit (A), through the first exchanger (1), where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow (Fi), through the fourth bypass branch (E), through the second heat exchanger (2), where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the external air flow (Fe), through the first expansion device (31), through the internal exchanger (6), through the third expansion device (33), where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure in the third expansion device (33), through the fourth exchanger (4), where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow (Fi), through the accumulation device (8), through the internal exchanger (6) and returns to the compressor (7).

15. A method for operating a thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 in a mode called the energy harvesting mode, wherein: - The total refrigerant flow (Q1) flows through the compressor (7), where the total refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure in the compressor (7), and flows through the main circuit (A), and splits between: -- A second flow (Q2) flowing through the fifth bypass branch (F), -- A third flow (Q3), which flows through the main circuit (A), through the first exchanger (1), where the third flow transfers heat to the internal air flow (Fi) in the first exchanger (1), through the second expansion device (32), where the third flow drops to a low pressure in the second expansion device (32), through the third exchanger (3), and rejoins the second flow (Q2), The total flow (Q1) then flows through the accumulation device (8) and returns to the compressor (7).

16. A method for operating a thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 in combination with claim 9 in a mode called the compartment heating and battery heating mode, wherein: - The refrigerant flow (Q) flows through the compressor (7), where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure in the compressor (7), and then successively flows through the main circuit (A), through the fifth exchanger (5), through the first exchanger (1), where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow (Fi) in the first exchanger (1), through the first expansion device (31), where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure in the first expansion device (31), through the second heat exchanger (2), where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the external air flow (Fe) in the second heat exchanger (2), through the accumulation device (8), and returns to the compressor (7).

17. A method for operating a thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 in a mode called the compartment cooling mode, wherein: - The refrigerant flow (Q) flows through the compressor (7), where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure, and then successively flows through the third bypass branch (D), through the fifth exchanger (5’), through the fourth bypass branch (E), through the second heat exchanger (2), where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the external air flow (Fe), through the first expansion device (31), through the third expansion device (33), where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the fourth exchanger (4), where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the internal air flow (Fi), through the accumulator device (8) and returns to the compressor (7).

18. A method for operating a thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 12 in combination with claim 10 in a mode referred to as the compartment heating and battery heating mode, wherein: - The refrigerant flow (Q) flows through the compressor (7), where the refrigerant flow is raised to a high pressure, and then successively flows through the main circuit (A), through the first exchanger (1), where the refrigerant flow transfers heat to the internal air flow (Fi), through the fifth exchanger (5), through the first expansion device (31), where the refrigerant flow drops to a low pressure, through the second exchanger (2), where the refrigerant flow receives heat from the external air flow (Fe), through the accumulator device (8), and returns to the compressor (7).

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