Thermal management system

Through the thermal management system of refrigerant system and coolant system combined with an eight-way valve or above valve, the problem of high complexity of the existing thermal management system is solved, and the flexibility and efficiency of system simplification and temperature management are achieved.

CN120439738APending Publication Date: 2025-08-08ZHEJIANG SANHUA AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410171046.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-06
Publication Date
2025-08-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing thermal management system is complex, the parts functions are complex, and the design requirements are high, making it difficult to simplify.

Method used

The thermal management system including a refrigerant system and a coolant system is adopted, and a variety of communication methods are controlled through eight-way valves or above valves, simplifying the structure and operation of the thermal management system.

Benefits of technology

It realizes multiple working modes of the thermal management system, improves energy utilization efficiency, reduces system complexity, and enhances the flexibility and accuracy of temperature management.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A thermal management system comprises a first water valve which is at least provided with a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, a fourth connector, a fifth connector, a sixth connector, a seventh connector and an eighth connector. The cooling liquid system comprises a first branch, a second branch, a third branch and a fourth branch; the first branch comprises a cooling liquid flow channel of the condenser, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger can exchange heat with the motor, and the first branch communicates with the first connector and the second connector; the second branch is communicated with the third interface and the fourth interface; the third branch is communicated with the sixth interface and the seventh interface; and the fourth branch is communicated with the eighth interface and the fifth interface. Multiple communication modes of the first branch, the second branch, the third branch and the fourth branch can be achieved by controlling the first water valve, and the heat management system is simplified.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fluid control, and in particular to a thermal management system. Background Art

[0002] With the development of vehicles, the thermal management system needs to manage the temperature of more and more objects, which makes the thermal management system more and more complex. The functions of the components in the system are also becoming more and more complex, and the design requirements of the components are also becoming higher and higher. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One purpose of the present application is to propose a thermal management system to facilitate simplification of the thermal management system.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an embodiment of the present application provides a thermal management system, including a refrigerant system and a coolant system, the coolant system including a first water valve, the first water valve having at least a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, a sixth interface, a seventh interface, and an eighth interface; the coolant system includes a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, and a fourth branch; the first branch includes a coolant flow channel of a condenser, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger can exchange heat with a motor, one port of the first branch is connected to the first interface, and another port of the first branch is connected to the second interface; one port of the second branch is connected to the third interface, and another port of the third branch is connected to the fourth interface; one port of the third branch is connected to the sixth interface, and another port of the third branch is connected to the seventh interface; one port of the fourth branch is connected to the eighth interface, and another port of the fourth branch is connected to the fifth interface.

[0005] The thermal management system provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. The coolant system includes a first water valve. The first water valve has at least a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, a sixth interface, a seventh interface, and an eighth interface. By controlling the first water valve, multiple connection modes of the first branch, the second branch, the third branch, and the fourth branch can be achieved, thereby simplifying the thermal management system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 A connection diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system of the present application is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The thermal management system is shown as a connection diagram in the first working mode;

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1The thermal management system is shown as a connection diagram in the second working mode;

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The thermal management system shown is a connection diagram in the third working mode;

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The thermal management system is shown as a schematic diagram of connections in the fourth operating mode;

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal management system in the fifth operating mode;

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection of the first sub-branch of the thermal management system shown;

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection of the second sub-branch of the thermal management system shown;

[0014] Figure 9 A connection diagram of a second embodiment of the thermal management system of the present application;

[0015] Figure 10 This is a connection diagram of another embodiment of the first branch of the thermal management system of the present application;

[0016] Figure 11 This is a connection diagram of another embodiment of the second branch of the thermal management system of the present application;

[0017] Figure 12 A communication diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerant system of a thermal management system of the present application is shown.

[0018] Reference numerals

[0019] 100, first water valve; 101, first interface; 102, second interface; 103, third interface; 104, fourth interface; 105, fifth interface; 106, sixth interface; 107, seventh interface; 108, eighth interface; 109, ninth interface; 200, second water valve; 21, tenth interface; 22, eleventh interface; 23, twelfth interface; 300, third water valve; 31, thirteenth interface; 32, fourteenth interface; 33, fifteenth interface; 400, first branch; 410, first pump; 420, first heat exchanger; 430, second heat exchanger; 440, Condenser; 450, first one-way valve; 401, first sub-branch; 403, second bypass branch; 402, second sub-branch; 460, second pump; 470, second heat exchanger; 500 second branch; 502, third sub-branch; 550, third pump; 510, fourth pump; 520, fifth heat exchanger; 530, evaporator; 540, second one-way valve; 503, third bypass branch; 600, third branch; 610, third heat exchanger; 700, fourth branch; 720, fourth heat exchanger; 800, first bypass branch; 910, compressor; 920, throttling element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application is described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In this article, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one component with the same name from another, and do not necessarily require or imply that there is any such actual relationship or order between these components. It should be noted that the thermal management system of the technical solution of the present invention can have multiple implementation methods, at least one of which can be applied to vehicle thermal management systems, and at least one implementation method can be applied to other thermal management systems such as household thermal management systems or commercial thermal management systems. The following is an example of a thermal management device applied to a vehicle thermal management system and is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The fluid includes a coolant and a refrigerant.

[0022] The thermal management system includes the refrigerant system and the coolant system, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 12 As shown, the thermal management system includes a condenser 440 and an evaporator 530. The condenser 440 and the evaporator 530 have a refrigerant flow channel and a coolant flow channel respectively. The refrigerant flow channel is part of the refrigerant system, and the coolant flow channel is part of the coolant system. The refrigerant flow channel is not attached. Figure 1As shown in FIG, in one embodiment, the condenser 440 and the evaporator 530 may be plate heat exchangers. When the thermal management system is in operation, the refrigerant of the refrigerant system and the coolant of the coolant system can exchange heat within the condenser 440, and the refrigerant of the refrigerant system and the coolant of the coolant system can also exchange heat within the evaporator 530.

[0023] The refrigerant system also includes a compressor 910 and a throttling element 920. Specifically, the outlet of the compressor 910 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the evaporator 530. The outlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the evaporator 530 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the condenser 440 through the throttling element 920. The outlet of the refrigerant flow channel of the condenser 440 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 910. Of course, the refrigerant system may also include other functional components, such as a liquid receiver or a gas-liquid separator, which will not be described in detail here. When the refrigerant system is operating, the outlet of the compressor 910 can be connected to the refrigerant flow channel of the condenser 440 through the refrigerant flow channel of the evaporator 530 and the throttling element 920. The refrigerant flow channel of the condenser 440 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 910. The coolant in the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530 is heated, and the coolant in the condenser 440 is cooled.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the coolant system includes a first water valve 100, a first heat exchanger 420, a second heat exchanger 470, a third heat exchanger 610, and a fourth heat exchanger 720. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 420 can exchange heat with air or airflow, and the coolant in the first heat exchanger 420 can absorb or release heat from the airflow. For example, the first heat exchanger 420 can be a microchannel heat exchanger, and the first heat exchanger 420 can exchange heat with the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0025] The second heat exchanger 470 is used to exchange heat with the motor. The coolant in the second heat exchanger 470 can absorb heat from the motor. The motor can be a driving motor group of the vehicle. The second heat exchanger 470 can be integrated into the housing of the motor.

[0026] The third heat exchanger 610 can exchange heat with air or airflow, and the coolant in the first heat exchanger 420 can release heat into the airflow. For example, the third heat exchanger 610 can be a microchannel heat exchanger. The third heat exchanger 610 can exchange heat with the air in the vehicle cabin or outside the cabin, that is, the third heat exchanger 610 acts as a radiator. Specifically, the thermal management system can include a fan that can increase the air volume passing through the third heat exchanger 610, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity between the third heat exchanger 610 and the outside of the cabin.

[0027] The fourth heat exchanger 720 can be used to exchange heat with the battery pack and / or other electronic components. For example, the coolant in the fourth heat exchanger 720 can absorb or release heat from the battery pack, allowing the battery pack to maintain a suitable temperature range, improving its efficiency and reducing failure rate. For example, the fourth heat exchanger 720 can be a water-cooled plate. Specifically, the battery pack can be a power battery pack.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the coolant system further includes a first pump 410, a second pump 460, and a third pump 550, wherein the first pump 410 is connected in series with the first heat exchanger 420. Thus, when the coolant system is in operation, the first pump 410 can drive the flow of coolant in the first heat exchanger 420, the second pump 460 is connected in series with the second heat exchanger 470, the second pump 460 can drive the flow of coolant in the fifth heat exchanger, and the third pump 550 can be connected in series with the evaporator 530. It should be noted that the term "serial connection" in this application does not limit the order and upstream and downstream relationships of the various objects. For example, the upstream and downstream relationship between the first pump 410 and the first heat exchanger 420 is not limited, and other fluid control components can be added in series between the first pump 410 and the first heat exchanger 420. The same applies to the "serial connection" hereinafter and will not be repeated.

[0029] The first water valve 100 may be an eight-way valve or a valve with eight or more ways, such as eight-way, nine-way, ten-way, etc. Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a thermal management system in which the first water valve 100 is a nine-way valve. Figure 9This embodiment shows a thermal management system in which the first water valve 100 is an eight-way valve. The first water valve 100 has at least a first port 101, a second port 102, a third port 103, a fourth port 104, a fifth port 105, a sixth port 106, a seventh port 107, and an eighth port 108. In this embodiment, the coolant system includes a first branch 400, a second branch 500, a third branch 600, and a fourth branch 700. The first branch 400 includes at least the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440, the first heat exchanger 420, and the second heat exchanger 470. The first branch 400 has two ports. One port of the first branch 400 is connected to the first interface 101 of the first water valve 100, and the other port of the first branch 400 is connected to the second interface 102. Along the flow direction of the coolant, the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440, the first heat exchanger 420, and the second heat exchanger 470 are located between the two ports of the first branch 400. The two ports of the first branch 400 are the inlet and outlet of the first branch 400, respectively. The "ports" of each branch hereinafter are similar and will not be repeated here. The second branch 500 includes at least the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530. One port of the second branch 500 is connected to the third interface 103 of the first water valve 100, and the other port of the third branch 600 is connected to the fourth interface 104 of the first water valve 100. The third branch 600 includes a third heat exchanger 610. One port of the third branch 600 communicates with the sixth port 106 of the first water valve 100, and another port of the third branch 600 communicates with the seventh port 107 of the first water valve 100. The fourth branch 700 includes a fourth heat exchanger 720. One port of the fourth branch 700 communicates with the eighth port 108 of the first water valve 100, and another port of the fourth branch 700 communicates with the fifth port 105 of the first water valve 100. By controlling the first water valve 100, the first branch 400, the second branch 500, the third branch 600, and the fourth branch 700 can be connected in multiple ways, simplifying the thermal management system.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 420 is a heater core. The coolant in the first heat exchanger 420 can exchange heat with the air in the passenger cabin, thereby increasing the temperature of the air flowing through the first heat exchanger 420. The first heat exchanger 420 can be a microchannel heat exchanger. Furthermore, because the first heat exchanger 420, the coolant flow channels of the condenser 440, and the second heat exchanger 470 are all located in the first branch 400, the heat generated by the motor can be supplied to the first heat exchanger 420, thereby saving energy.

[0031] The thermal management system has at least one of the following four operating modes:

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, in the first operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow paths of the first heat exchanger 420 and condenser 440 are connected to form a loop. At this time, the heat obtained in the coolant flow path of the condenser 440 can be transferred to the first heat exchanger 420 through the coolant, heating the cabin air. The second heat exchanger 470, the third heat exchanger 610, the evaporator 530, and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are connected in sequence to form a loop. The coolant cooled by the coolant flow path of the evaporator 530 can be used to cool the power battery pack and the drive motor pack, increasing the coolant temperature. The coolant then passes through the third heat exchanger 610, transferring the heat in the coolant to the air outside the cabin, cooling the coolant. The coolant then flows to the inlet of the coolant flow path of the evaporator 530, completing the cycle. The first water valve 100 is in a first working state: the first interface 101 is connected to the sixth interface 106 , the second interface 102 is connected to the fifth interface 105 , the third interface 103 is connected to the eighth interface 108 , and the fourth interface 104 is connected to the seventh interface 107 .

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, in the second operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant channels of the first heat exchanger 420 and condenser 440 are connected to form a loop. At this time, a portion of the heat in the coolant channels of the condenser 440 can be transferred to the first heat exchanger 420 via the coolant and used to heat the air in the passenger cabin. The second heat exchanger 470, the coolant channels of the condenser 440, and the third heat exchanger 610 are connected in sequence to form a loop. The coolant is used to cool the coolant channels of the condenser 440 and the drive motor assembly, increasing the coolant temperature. The coolant then passes through the third heat exchanger 610, transferring the heat in the coolant to the air outside the passenger cabin, cooling the coolant. The overall effect is to transfer a portion of the heat in the coolant channels of the condenser 440 and the drive motor assembly to the third heat exchanger 610 via the coolant. The coolant channels of the evaporator 530 and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are connected to form a loop. At this time, the cooling energy captured by the coolant channels of the evaporator 530 can be transferred to the power battery pack via the coolant, cooling the power battery pack. At this point, the vehicle can be in a fast-charging state for the power battery pack. The refrigerant system has a high power output, providing a large amount of cooling capacity to the coolant flow path of the evaporator 530, facilitating cooling of the power battery pack. The coolant flow paths of the fifth heat exchanger 520 and the evaporator 530 do not form a loop, and at this point, the flow rate within the fifth heat exchanger 520 is zero or minimal. The first water valve 100 is in a second operating state: the first port 101 is connected to the sixth port 106, the second port 102 is connected to the seventh port 107, the third port 103 is connected to the eighth port 108, and the fourth port 104 is connected to the fifth port 105.

[0034] like Figure 4As shown, in the third working mode of the thermal management system, the second heat exchanger 470, the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440 and the third heat exchanger 610 are connected in sequence and form a loop. The overall effect is to transfer the heat of the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440 and the drive motor group to the third heat exchanger 610 through the coolant. The first heat exchanger 420 and the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440 do not form a loop. The fourth heat exchanger 720 is self-circulating. At this time, the coolant inside the fourth heat exchanger 720 flows, making the temperature of the battery pack more uniform. In the third working mode of the thermal management system, the first water valve 100 is in the second working state: the first interface 101 is connected to the sixth interface 106, the second interface 102 is connected to the seventh interface 107, the third interface 103 is connected to the eighth interface 108, and the fourth interface 104 is connected to the fifth interface 105.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, in the fourth operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow channels of the first heat exchanger 420 and the condenser 440 are connected and form a loop. At this time, the heat obtained by the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440 can be transferred to the first heat exchanger 420 through the coolant. The second heat exchanger 470, the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440, and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are connected in sequence to form a loop, which can supply part of the heat generated by the motor group and the power battery pack to the first heat exchanger 420, which can correspondingly reduce the power of the compressor in the refrigerant system and save energy. The first water valve 100 is in the third operating state: the first interface 101 is connected to the eighth interface 108, the second interface 102 is connected to the fifth interface 105, the third interface 103 is connected to the sixth interface 106, and the fourth interface 104 is connected to the seventh interface 107.

[0036] In at least one of the four operating modes of the thermal management system, if it is desired to cool the cabin air at the same time, there are two implementation methods. One of them is to use a coolant system to cool the cabin air, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 9 another is to add an evaporator 530, such as a microchannel heat exchanger, to the refrigerant system, and the evaporator 530 can directly exchange heat with the air in the cabin.

[0037] like Figure 1 、 Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment of the thermal management system, the second branch 500 also includes a fifth heat exchanger 520, which is a cold air core. The coolant in the fifth heat exchanger 520 can exchange heat with the air in the passenger cabin, thereby reducing the temperature of the air flowing through the fifth heat exchanger 520. The fifth heat exchanger 520 can be a microchannel heat exchanger.

[0038] In order to realize the four working modes of the thermal management system, the thermal management system further includes a second water valve 200. The second water valve 200 is a three-way proportional regulating valve. The second water valve 200 includes a tenth interface 21, an eleventh interface 22, and a twelfth interface 23. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the tenth interface 21 and the eleventh interface 22 are the inlets of the second water valve 200, and the twelfth interface 23 is the outlet of the second water valve 200. The second water valve 200 can control the ratio of fluid flowing from the tenth interface 21 and the eleventh interface 22 into the twelfth interface 23, as well as the connection and disconnection of the twelfth interface 23 and the tenth interface 21, and the connection and disconnection of the twelfth interface 23 and the eleventh interface 22.

[0039] like Figure 1 、 Figure 9 As shown, the thermal management system further includes a third water valve 300. The second water valve 200 is a three-way valve, such as a three-way switching valve or a three-way proportional control valve. The third water valve 300 includes a thirteenth port 31, a fourteenth port 32, and a fifteenth port 33. In this embodiment, the thirteenth port 31 and the fourteenth port 32 serve as inlets for the second water valve 200, and the fifteenth port 33 serves as an outlet for the third water valve 300. The third water valve 300 is capable of controlling the ratio of fluid flowing from the thirteenth port 31 and the fourteenth port 32 into the fifteenth port 33, as well as the connection and disconnection between the fifteenth port 33 and the thirteenth port 31, and between the fifteenth port 33 and the fourteenth port 32.

[0040] like Figure 1 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the first branch 400 includes a first sub-branch 401, a second sub-branch 402, a second bypass branch 403, and a coolant flow channel of the condenser 440. The first sub-branch 401 includes a first pump 410 and a first heat exchanger 420, and the second sub-branch 402 includes a second pump 460 and a second heat exchanger 470. The first branch 400 includes a second water valve 200. One port of the second sub-branch 402 communicates with one port of the second bypass branch 403, and another port of the second bypass branch 403 communicates with the tenth port 21 of the second water valve 200. The inlet of the second sub-branch 402 communicates with the second port 102 of the first water valve 100, and the twelfth port 23 of the second water valve 200 communicates with the first port 101 of the first water valve 100. One port of the first sub-branch 401 communicates with the outlet of the second sub-branch 402, and another port of the first sub-branch 401 communicates with the eleventh port 22 of the second water valve 200.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the second branch 500 includes a third sub-branch 502, a third bypass branch 503, and a third water valve 300. The third sub-branch 502 includes a fourth pump 510, a second one-way valve 540, and a fifth heat exchanger 520. The fourth pump 510, the second one-way valve 540, and the fifth heat exchanger 520 are connected in series. One port of the third sub-branch 502 is connected to the inlet of the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530, and the other port of the third sub-branch 502 is connected to the outlet of the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530. The coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530 can be connected to the fourth pump 510 and the fifth heat exchanger 520 to form a loop. One port of the third sub-branch 502 is connected to the fourteenth interface 32 of the third water valve 300, another port of the third sub-branch 502 is connected to the outlet of the third pump 550, the outlet of the third pump 550 is connected to one port of the third bypass branch 503, another port of the third bypass branch 503 is connected to the thirteenth interface 31 of the third water valve 300, the fifteenth interface 33 of the third water valve 300 is connected to the third interface 103 of the first water valve 100, and the inlet of the third pump 550 is connected to the fourth interface 104 of the first water valve 100.

[0042] The following describes the details of the four operating modes of the thermal management system in this embodiment.

[0043] In the first operating mode of the thermal management system, see Figure 2 The eleventh port 22 of the second water valve 200 is connected to the twelfth port 23, and the tenth port 21 of the second water valve 200 is connected to the twelfth port 23. The coolant in the first sub-branch 401 flows in the first sub-branch 401 driven by the first pump 410. The coolant flow paths of the first pump 410, the first one-way valve 450, the first heat exchanger 420, and the condenser 440 are connected in sequence to form a loop. The coolant in the second sub-branch 402 flows in the second sub-branch 402 driven by the second pump 460. The fourteenth port 32 of the third water valve 300 is connected to the fifteenth port 33, while the thirteenth port 31 of the third water valve 300 is not connected to the fifteenth port 33. The coolant flow paths of the fourth pump 510, the fifth heat exchanger 520, the first one-way valve 450, and the evaporator 530 are connected in sequence to form a loop. First port 101 of first water valve 100 is connected to sixth port 106, second port 102 of first water valve 100 is connected to fifth port 105, third port 103 of first water valve 100 is connected to eighth port 108, fourth port 104 of first water valve 100 is connected to seventh port 107, and ninth port 109 of first water valve 100 is not connected to other ports of first water valve 100. The drive motor assembly, second pump 460, coolant flow path of condenser 440, third heat exchanger 610, third pump 550, coolant flow path of evaporator 530, and fourth heat exchanger 720 are connected in sequence to form a loop.

[0044] In the second operating mode of the thermal management system, see Figure 3 The eleventh port 22 of the second water valve 200 is connected to the twelfth port 23, while the tenth port 21 of the second water valve 200 is disconnected from the twelfth port 23. The coolant in the first sub-branch 401 flows in the first sub-branch 401 driven by the first pump 410. The coolant flow paths of the first pump 410, the first check valve 450, the first heat exchanger 420, and the condenser 440 are sequentially connected to form a loop. In other embodiments, the first pump 410 may be disabled, so that the fluid in the first sub-branch 401 remains essentially stationary. The fourteenth port 32 of the third water valve 300 is connected to the fifteenth port 33, while the thirteenth port 31 of the third water valve 300 is disconnected from the fifteenth port 33. The third pump 550, the coolant flow path of the evaporator 530, and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are sequentially connected to form a loop. The second heat exchanger 470, the second pump 460, the coolant flow path of the condenser 440, and the third heat exchanger 610 are sequentially connected to form a loop.

[0045] In the third operating mode of the thermal management system, see Figure 4 , the eleventh interface 22 of the second water valve 200 is connected to the twelfth interface 23, and the tenth interface 21 of the second water valve 200 is not connected to the twelfth interface 23. The first pump 410 is not working, and the fluid in the first sub-branch 401 basically does not flow. The fourteenth interface 32 of the third water valve 300 is not connected to the fifteenth interface 33, and the thirteenth interface 31 of the third water valve 300 is connected to the fifteenth interface 33. The third pump 550 and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are connected in sequence to form a loop, that is, the fourth heat exchanger 720 is self-circulating. The second heat exchanger 470, the second pump 460, the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440, and the third heat exchanger 610 are connected in sequence to form a loop. The coolant flow path of the evaporator 530, the fourth pump 510, and the fifth heat exchanger 520 are connected in sequence to form a loop. The overall effect is to transfer the cold energy of the coolant flow path of the evaporator 530 to the fifth heat exchanger 520 via the coolant, and then cool the air in the passenger cabin through the fifth heat exchanger 520, that is, to cool the passenger cabin.

[0046] In the fourth operating mode of the thermal management system, please refer to Figure 5The eleventh port 22 of the second water valve 200 is connected to the twelfth port 23, and the tenth port 21 of the second water valve 200 is connected to the twelfth port 23. Driven by the first pump 410, the coolant in the first sub-branch 401 flows within the first sub-branch 401. The coolant flow paths of the first pump 410, the first check valve 450, the first heat exchanger 420, and the condenser 440 are sequentially connected to form a loop. The fourteenth port 32 of the third water valve 300 is connected to the fifteenth port 33, while the thirteenth port 31 of the third water valve 300 is not connected to the fifteenth port 33. The coolant flow paths of the fourth pump 510, the fifth heat exchanger 520, the first check valve 450, and the evaporator 530 are sequentially connected to form a loop. At this time, a portion of the cooling energy obtained by the coolant flow paths of the evaporator 530 can be transferred to the fifth heat exchanger 520 through the coolant to cool the air in the passenger cabin. The second heat exchanger 470, the second pump 460, the coolant flow path of the condenser 440, and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are sequentially connected to form a circuit. In the fourth operating mode, the thermal management system can achieve a dehumidification function. Specifically, the air in the passenger cabin passes through the fifth heat exchanger 520, where moisture is condensed and then heated by the first heat exchanger 420. During this period, when the outside temperature is relatively low, the cooling energy generated by the third heat exchanger 610 can be supplied to the fifth heat exchanger 520, i.e., the cooling air core. This can reduce the power of the compressor in the refrigerant system and save energy.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the first water valve 100 is a nine-way valve, and the first water valve 100 also includes a ninth port 109. The coolant system includes a first bypass branch 800. One port of the first bypass branch 800 is connected to the ninth port 109 of the first water valve 100, and the other port of the first bypass branch 800 is connected to the third branch 600. When the first water valve 100 is in the first working state, the second working state, and the third working state, the ninth port 109 is not connected to the other ports of the first water valve 100. Figure 6 As shown, the first water valve 100 includes a fourth working state: the first interface 101 is connected to the ninth interface 109, the second interface 102 is connected to the seventh interface 107, the third interface 103 is connected to the eighth interface 108, the fourth interface 104 is connected to the fifth interface 105, and the sixth interface 106 is not connected to other interfaces of the first water valve 100.

[0048] The thermal management system has a sixth operating mode, see Figure 6, the difference between the sixth working mode and the first working mode of the thermal management system is that the working state of the first water valve 100 is different. In the sixth working mode of the thermal management system, the first water valve 100 is in the fourth working state. At this time, the drive motor group, the second pump 460, the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440, the third pump 550, the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530, and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are connected in sequence to form a loop, the first bypass branch 800 is conductive, and the third heat exchanger 610 is not conductive. A temperature sensor can be set in the flow path between the twelfth interface 23 of the second water valve 200 and the first interface 101 of the first water valve 100. When the temperature in the flow path is low, there is no need to transfer the excess heat in the refrigerant system to the outside through the third heat exchanger 610. The thermal management system can switch from the first working mode to the sixth working mode, so that the coolant circuit does not dissipate heat through the third heat exchanger 610.

[0049] In this embodiment, since the second water valve 200 is a three-way proportional regulating valve, the second water valve 200 can adjust the ratio of the fluid flowing from the tenth interface 21 and the eleventh interface 22 into the twelfth interface 23. Figure 2 、 Figure 5 As shown, in the first or fourth operating modes of the thermal management system, the second water valve 200 can adjust the ratio of the fluid in the second sub-branch 402 entering the first sub-branch 401, thereby achieving more precise temperature regulation. From the perspective of heat transfer, the second water valve 200 can adjust the ratio of heat generated by the drive motor group to be transferred to the first heat exchanger 420, i.e., the heater core, thereby achieving more precise temperature regulation. For example, when the first heat exchanger 420 needs to supply more heat to the passenger cabin, the second water valve 200 can be adjusted to increase the flow rate of the eleventh interface 22 and reduce the flow rate of the tenth interface 21, thereby increasing the flow rate of the fluid in the second sub-branch 402 entering the first sub-branch 401, thereby transferring more heat generated by the drive motor group to the first heat exchanger 420, thereby achieving more precise temperature regulation.

[0050] In other embodiments, the position of the second water valve 200 in the first branch 400 can be changed, such as Figure 10As shown, the outlet of the second sub-branch 402 is connected to the twelfth port 23 of the second water valve 200, the inlet of the first sub-branch 401 is connected to the eleventh port 22 of the second water valve 200, the outlet of the first sub-branch 401 is in one-way communication with the first port 101 of the first water valve 100, the tenth port 21 of the second water valve 200 is in communication with one port of the second bypass branch 403, and the other port of the second bypass branch 403 is in communication with the first port 101 of the first water valve 100. This also enables the first, second, third, and fourth operating modes of the thermal management system. The second water valve 200 can adjust the ratio of fluid flowing from the twelfth port 23 to the tenth and eleventh ports 21, 22.

[0051] In some embodiments, the third water valve 300 may be a three-way proportional control valve, capable of adjusting the ratio of fluid flowing from the thirteenth and fourteenth interfaces 31 and 32 into the fifteenth interface 33. During operation of this thermal management system, the third water valve 300 can adjust the ratio of fluid flowing from the outlet of the third heat exchanger 610 into the third sub-branch 502, thereby achieving more precise temperature regulation. From a heat transfer perspective, the third water valve 300 can adjust the ratio of cooling energy transferred from the third heat exchanger 610 to the fifth heat exchanger 520, thereby achieving more precise temperature regulation. For example, when the fifth heat exchanger 520 needs to supply more cooling energy to the passenger cabin, the third water valve 300 can be adjusted to increase the flow rate at the fourteenth interface 32 and decrease the flow rate at the thirteenth interface 31, thereby transferring more cooling energy generated by the third heat exchanger 610 to the fifth heat exchanger 520, i.e., the cold air core, thereby achieving more precise temperature regulation.

[0052] In other embodiments, the position of the third water valve 300 in the second branch 500 can be changed, such as Figure 11 As shown, one port of the third sub-branch 502 is connected to the fourteenth port 32 of the third water valve 300, another port of the third sub-branch 502 is connected to the third port 103 of the first water valve 100, the outlet of the third pump 550 is connected to the fifteenth port 33 of the third water valve 300, one port of the third bypass branch 503 is connected to the thirteenth port 31 of the third water valve 300, another port of the third bypass branch 503 is connected to the third port 103 of the first water valve 100, and the inlet of the third pump 550 is connected to the fourth port 104 of the first water valve 100. The first, second, third, and fourth operating modes of the thermal management system can also be implemented.

[0053] The thermal management system includes a sixth operating mode. In this sixth operating mode, the eleventh port 22 of the second water valve 200 is connected to the twelfth port 23, while the tenth port 21 of the second water valve 200 is disconnected from the twelfth port 23. Driven by the first pump 410, the coolant in the first sub-branch 401 flows within the first sub-branch 401. The coolant flow paths of the first pump 410, the first one-way valve 450, the first heat exchanger 420, and the condenser 440 are sequentially connected to form a loop. Heat gained by the coolant flow paths of the condenser 440 can be transferred to the first heat exchanger 420 via the coolant. Driven by the second pump 460, the coolant in the second sub-branch 402 flows within the second sub-branch 402. Driven by the second pump 460, the fourteenth port 32 of the third water valve 300 is connected to the fifteenth port 33, while the thirteenth port 31 of the third water valve 300 is disconnected from the fifteenth port 33. The coolant flow paths of the fourth pump 510, the fifth heat exchanger 520, the first one-way valve 450, and the evaporator 530 are sequentially connected to form a loop. At this time, the cooling energy obtained by the coolant flow paths of the evaporator 530 can be transferred to the fifth heat exchanger 520 via the coolant. The first port 101 of the first water valve 100 is connected to the sixth port 106, the second port 102 of the first water valve 100 is connected to the fifth port 105, the third port 103 of the first water valve 100 is connected to the eighth port 108, the fourth port 104 of the first water valve 100 is connected to the seventh port 107, and the ninth port 109 of the first water valve 100 is not connected to the other ports of the first water valve 100. The drive motor group, the second pump 460, the coolant flow channel of the condenser 440, the third heat exchanger 610, the third pump 550, the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530, and the fourth heat exchanger 720 are connected in sequence to form a loop. The coolant cooled through the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530 can be used to cool the power battery pack and the drive motor group, and the coolant is heated; then the coolant passes through the third heat exchanger 610, thereby transferring the heat in the coolant to the air outside the cabin, and the coolant is cooled; then the coolant flows to the inlet of the coolant flow channel of the evaporator 530, completing the cycle.

[0054] It should be noted that the "coldness" in this application can be understood as a kind of "negative heat", and coldness can cool down an object.

[0055] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. Although this specification has described the present invention in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can still be modified or replaced by equivalents, and all technical solutions and improvements thereof that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, comprising a refrigerant system and a coolant system, wherein the coolant system comprises a first water valve (100), wherein the first water valve (100) has at least a first interface (101), a second interface (102), a third interface (103), a fourth interface (104), a fifth interface (105), a sixth interface (106), a seventh interface (107), and an eighth interface (108); The coolant system includes a first branch (400), a second branch (500), a third branch (600), and a fourth branch (700); The first branch (400) includes a coolant flow channel of a condenser (440), a first heat exchanger (420), and a second heat exchanger (470); the second heat exchanger (470) is capable of exchanging heat with the motor; one port of the first branch (400) is in communication with the first interface (101), and the other port of the first branch (400) is in communication with the second interface (102); One port of the second branch (500) is in communication with the third interface (103), and another port of the third branch (600) is in communication with the fourth interface (104); One port of the third branch (600) is in communication with the sixth interface (106), and another port of the third branch (600) is in communication with the seventh interface (107); One port of the fourth branch (700) is in communication with the eighth interface (108), and the other port of the fourth branch (700) is in communication with the fifth interface (105).

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that The third branch (600) includes a third heat exchanger (610), the fourth branch (700) includes a fourth heat exchanger (720), and the second branch (500) includes a coolant flow channel of an evaporator (530); The thermal management system has at least one of the following four operating modes: In the first operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow channels of the first heat exchanger (420) and the condenser (440) are connected to form a loop, and the second heat exchanger (470), the third heat exchanger (610), the evaporator (530), and the fourth heat exchanger (720) are connected in sequence to form a loop; In the second operating mode of the thermal management system, the first heat exchanger (420) and the coolant flow channel of the condenser (440) are connected to form a loop, the second heat exchanger (470), the coolant flow channel of the condenser (440), and the third heat exchanger (610) are connected in sequence to form a loop, and the coolant flow channel of the evaporator (530) and the fourth heat exchanger (720) are connected to form a loop; In the third operating mode of the thermal management system, the second heat exchanger (470), the coolant flow channel of the condenser (440), and the third heat exchanger (610) are sequentially connected to form a loop, and the fourth heat exchanger (720) is self-circulating; In the fourth operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow channels of the first heat exchanger (420) and the condenser (440) are connected to form a loop, and the second heat exchanger (470), the coolant flow channel of the condenser (440), and the fourth heat exchanger (720) are connected in sequence to form a loop.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the first working mode of the thermal management system, the first water valve (100) is in a first working state: the first interface (101) is in communication with the sixth interface (106), the second interface (102) is in communication with the fifth interface (105), the third interface (103) is in communication with the eighth interface (108), and the fourth interface (104) is in communication with the seventh interface (107); In the second working mode of the thermal management system, the first water valve (100) is in a second working state: the first interface (101) is in communication with the sixth interface (106), the second interface (102) is in communication with the seventh interface (107), the third interface (103) is in communication with the eighth interface (108), and the fourth interface (104) is in communication with the fifth interface (105); In the third working mode of the thermal management system, the first water valve (100) is in the second working state; In the fourth working mode of the thermal management system, the first water valve (100) is in a third working state: the first interface (101) is connected to the eighth interface (108), the second interface (102) is connected to the fifth interface (105), the third interface (103) is connected to the sixth interface (106), and the fourth interface (104) is connected to the seventh interface (107).

4. The thermal management system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The second branch (500) includes a fifth heat exchanger (520); In the first operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow channels of the fifth heat exchanger (520) and the evaporator (530) are connected to form a loop; In the second operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow path of the fifth heat exchanger (520) and the evaporator (530) does not form a loop; In the third operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow channels of the fifth heat exchanger (520) and the evaporator (530) are connected to form a loop; In the fourth operating mode of the thermal management system, the coolant flow channels of the fifth heat exchanger (520) and the evaporator (530) are connected to form a loop.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first water valve (100) includes a ninth interface (109), the coolant system includes a first bypass branch (800), one port of the first bypass branch (800) is in communication with the ninth interface (109), and the other port of the first bypass branch (800) is in communication with the third branch (600); The first water valve (100) includes a fourth working state: the first interface (101) is in communication with the ninth interface (109), the second interface (102) is in communication with the seventh interface (107), the third interface (103) is in communication with the eighth interface (108), the fourth interface (104) is in communication with the fifth interface (105), and the sixth interface (106) is not in communication with other interfaces of the first water valve (100); When the first water valve (100) is in the first working state, the second working state and the third working state, the ninth interface (109) is not connected with other interfaces of the first water valve (100).

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The first branch (400) includes a first sub-branch (401), a second sub-branch (402), a second bypass branch (403), and a coolant flow channel of the condenser (440); the first sub-branch (401) includes a first pump (410) and the first heat exchanger (420), and the first pump (410) and the first heat exchanger (420) are connected in series; the second sub-branch (402) includes a second pump (460) and the second heat exchanger (470), and the second pump (460) and the second heat exchanger (470) are connected in series; The first branch (400) includes a second water valve (200), the second water valve (200) includes a tenth interface (21), an eleventh interface (22), and a twelfth interface (23), and the second water valve (200) is capable of controlling the connection and disconnection between the twelfth interface (23) and the tenth interface (21), and the connection and disconnection between the twelfth interface (23) and the eleventh interface (22); The second water valve (200) is capable of adjusting the ratio of fluid flowing from the tenth interface (21) and the eleventh interface (22) into the twelfth interface (23); one port of the second sub-branch (402) is in communication with one port of the second bypass branch (403); the other port of the second bypass branch (403) is in communication with the tenth interface (21); the inlet of the second sub-branch (402) is in communication with the second interface (102); the twelfth interface (23) of the second water valve (200) is in communication with the first interface (101) of the first water valve (100); one port of the first sub-branch (401) is in communication with the outlet of the second sub-branch (402); and the other port of the first sub-branch (401) is in communication with the eleventh interface (22) of the second water valve (200); Alternatively, the second water valve (200) is capable of adjusting the ratio of fluid flowing from the twelfth interface (23) into the tenth interface (21) and the eleventh interface (22); the outlet of the second sub-branch (402) is connected to the twelfth interface (23) of the second water valve (200); the inlet of the first sub-branch (401) is connected to the eleventh interface (22) of the second water valve (200); the outlet of the first sub-branch (401) is unidirectionally connected to the first interface (101) of the first water valve (100); the tenth interface (21) is connected to one port of the second bypass branch (403); and the other port of the second bypass branch (403) is connected to the first interface (101).

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the first working mode of the thermal management system, the eleventh interface (22) of the second water valve (200) is in communication with the twelfth interface (23), and the tenth interface (21) is in communication with the twelfth interface (23); In the second working mode of the thermal management system, the eleventh interface (22) of the second water valve (200) is in communication with the twelfth interface (23), and the tenth interface (21) is not in communication with the twelfth interface (23); In the third working mode of the thermal management system, the eleventh interface (22) of the second water valve (200) is in communication with the twelfth interface (23), and the tenth interface (21) is not in communication with the twelfth interface (23); In the fourth working mode of the thermal management system, the eleventh interface (22) of the second water valve (200) is in communication with the twelfth interface (23), and the tenth interface (21) is in communication with the twelfth interface (23).

8. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second branch (500) includes a third pump (550), a third sub-branch (502), a third bypass branch (503) and a third water valve (300); the third sub-branch (502) includes a fourth pump (510) and the fifth heat exchanger (520); the fourth pump (510) and the fifth heat exchanger (520) are connected in series; One port of the third sub-branch (502) is in communication with the inlet of the coolant flow channel of the evaporator (530), and the other port of the third sub-branch (502) is in communication with the outlet of the coolant flow channel of the evaporator (530). The coolant flow channel of the evaporator (530) can be in communication with the fourth pump (510) and the fifth heat exchanger (520) to form a loop. The third water valve (300) is a three-way valve, and the third water valve (300) includes a thirteenth interface (31), a fourteenth interface (32), and a fifteenth interface (33); One port of the third sub-branch (502) is in communication with the fourteenth port (32), another port of the third sub-branch (502) is in communication with the outlet of the third pump (550), the outlet of the third pump (550) is in communication with one port of the third bypass branch (503), another port of the third bypass branch (503) is in communication with the thirteenth port (31), the fifteenth port (33) of the third water valve (300) is in communication with the third port (103), and the inlet of the third pump (550) is in communication with the fourth port (104); Alternatively, one port of the third sub-branch (502) is connected to the fourteenth interface (32), another port of the third sub-branch (502) is connected to the third interface (103), the outlet of the third pump (550) is connected to the fifteenth interface (33), one port of the third bypass branch (503) is connected to the thirteenth interface (31), another port of the third bypass branch (503) is connected to the third interface (103), and the inlet of the third pump (550) is connected to the fourth interface (104).

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the first working mode of the thermal management system, the fourteenth interface (32) of the third water valve (300) is connected to the fifteenth interface (33), and the thirteenth interface (31) is not connected to the fifteenth interface (33); In the second working mode of the thermal management system, the fourteenth interface (32) of the third water valve (300) is connected to the fifteenth interface (33), and the thirteenth interface (31) is not connected to the fifteenth interface (33); In the third working mode of the thermal management system, the fourteenth interface (32) of the third water valve (300) is not connected to the fifteenth interface (33), and the thirteenth interface (31) is connected to the fifteenth interface (33); In the fourth working mode of the thermal management system, the fourteenth interface (32) of the third water valve (300) is connected to the fifteenth interface (33), and the thirteenth interface (31) is not connected to the fifteenth interface (33).

10. The thermal management system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The second branch (500) further includes a fifth heat exchanger (520), the first heat exchanger (420) is a warm air core, the fifth heat exchanger (520) is a cold air core, the third heat exchanger (610) is a radiator, and the fourth heat exchanger (720) is capable of exchanging heat with the power battery pack.