Heat medium management system, heat medium supply device, and electric vehicle

Abstract

The electric power required for temperature adjustment of vehicle-mounted equipment or air conditioning in a compartment after driving is started is reduced, and the endurance distance of an electric vehicle is prolonged. A heat medium management system includes: an electric vehicle that travels using power supplied from a battery and has a heat medium circuit that performs at least temperature adjustment of the battery; and a heat medium supply device that is provided outside the electric vehicle, that adjusts the temperature of a heat medium, and that supplies the heat medium to the heat medium circuit, the heat medium supply device acquiring information indicating the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit and a target temperature range; when the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit is not within the target temperature range, the heat medium stored in the heat medium supply device is supplied to the heat medium circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat medium management system, a heat medium supply device and an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles such as hybrid vehicles (HVs, PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly common, using electricity supplied by onboard batteries to drive their electric motors. In these electric vehicles, the batteries are charged at charging facilities located at the user's home or destination, storing the electricity needed for driving the vehicle, air conditioning the cabin, and temperature control of onboard devices such as the battery.

[0003] Battery temperature rises during charging and discharging, and this temperature directly affects the battery's lifespan and charge capacity. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses forming an external cooling water circuit between a charging station and an electric vehicle, circulating cooling water supplied from the charging station. This cooling water is then used to cool the battery during charging. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: German Patent Application Publication No. 102020208550 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0005] By using batteries within a specified temperature range, proper performance and the expected lifecycle can be ensured. However, continued charging and discharging outside this temperature range can lead to reduced battery performance, degradation, or damage. Therefore, in electric vehicles, the refrigerant circuit, which serves as a heat source, uses a heat medium such as refrigerant and water to air-condition the interior of the vehicle and regulate the temperature of onboard equipment including the battery.

[0006] Therefore, the heat medium used for temperature control of the battery and the like is adjusted to the target temperature while the electric vehicle is traveling, so the target temperature is maintained even immediately after the electric vehicle arrives at the charging facility or the destination. On the other hand, in electric vehicles, after driving, the heat accumulated in the heat medium dissipates naturally over time, and the temperature of the heat medium may be lower or higher than the target temperature at the start of the next driving cycle. In particular, while the battery is being charged by a charger, the current supplied by the charger not only causes the battery temperature to rise, but the heat medium temperature may also fluctuate due to the influence of the outside air. Therefore, the heat medium temperature may be lower or higher than the target temperature during charging or at the start of driving after charging.

[0007] In contrast, the technology in Patent Document 1 cools the battery during charging but does not regulate the temperature of the electric vehicle's heat medium. Therefore, if the electric vehicle begins driving before the heat medium temperature reaches the target, the power stored in the battery for regulating the heat medium temperature will be consumed during driving, resulting in a reduction in the electric vehicle's cruising range.

[0008] The present invention aims to address such problems, namely, to reduce the power required to control the temperature of onboard equipment or to air-condition the vehicle cabin after driving begins, thereby extending the cruising range of electric vehicles. Technical solutions to technical problems

[0009] In order to solve such technical problems, a heat medium management system according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. A heat medium management system according to the present invention includes: an electric vehicle that travels using electric power supplied from a battery and includes a heat medium circuit for regulating at least the temperature of the battery; and a heat medium supply device that is disposed outside the electric vehicle and regulates the temperature of the heat medium and supplies the heat medium to the heat medium circuit. The heat medium supply device acquires information indicating the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit and a target temperature range, and supplies the heat medium stored in the heat medium supply device to the heat medium circuit when the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit is not within the target temperature range.

[0010] Furthermore, one embodiment of the heat medium management device in the above-mentioned heat management system has the following configuration. A heat medium supply device of the present invention is a heat medium supply device for supplying heat medium to a heat medium circuit mounted on an electric vehicle, comprising: a tank storing heat medium; a temperature regulating unit regulating the temperature of the heat medium stored in the tank; and a control unit controlling the temperature regulating unit and controlling the flow of heat medium from the tank into and out of the tank. The control unit acquires information indicating the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit and a target temperature range, and supplies the heat medium stored in the tank to the heat medium circuit when the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit is not within the target temperature range. Effects of the Invention

[0011] In a heat medium management system having such features, the power required for temperature control of onboard equipment or air conditioning of the vehicle cabin after starting driving can be reduced, thereby extending the cruising range of the electric vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a reference diagram showing a schematic configuration of a heat medium management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a reference diagram showing the flow of heat medium between a heat medium supply device and an electric vehicle in a heat medium management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a reference diagram showing a schematic configuration of a heat medium supply device in a heat medium management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the heat medium supply device in the heat medium management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote parts having the same functions, and repeated descriptions in the drawings will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a reference diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a thermal medium management system 100 according to this embodiment. Thermal medium management system 100 according to this embodiment includes an electric vehicle 1, which travels on power supplied by a battery B, and a charging station 2, which serves as a charging facility to supply power to battery B mounted on various vehicles, including electric vehicle 1. Charging station 2 is equipped with a power supply device 40 for supplying power to the battery, and a thermal medium supply device 50 for supplying thermal medium to a thermal medium circuit (described later) in electric vehicle 1.

[0015] Electric vehicle 1 Figure 2 As shown, a thermal management system 3 is mounted to control the temperature of onboard equipment or to provide air conditioning for the vehicle interior. Thermal management system 3 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 as a heat source, a first heat medium circuit 20 for controlling the temperature of battery B, and a second heat medium circuit 30 for providing air conditioning for the vehicle interior.

[0016] like Figure 2 As shown in the example, the refrigerant circuit 10 is a circuit through which the refrigerant circulates. It is a closed circuit in which a compressor 11, a first heat exchanger 12, an expansion valve 13, a second heat exchanger 14, a four-way valve 15, and an accumulator (not shown) are connected by refrigerant piping. Alternatively, the refrigerant circuit 10 may include a receiver downstream of the first heat exchanger 12.

[0017] Furthermore, when heating the interior of the vehicle, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows sequentially through the four-way valve 15, the first heat exchanger 12, the expansion valve 13, and the second heat exchanger 14. The first heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 14 functions as an evaporator. Furthermore, when cooling the interior of the vehicle, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows sequentially through the four-way valve 15, the second heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 13, and the first heat exchanger 12. The second heat exchanger 14 functions as a condenser, and the first heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator.

[0018] The first heat medium circuit 20 includes a third heat exchanger 21 that is integrated with the second heat exchanger 14 in the refrigerant circuit 10 to exchange heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant. In the first heat medium circuit 20, the heat medium pumped by the first pump P1 circulates through the third heat exchanger 21, having its temperature regulated by the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 14 while passing through the third heat exchanger 21, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery B.

[0019] The first heat medium circuit 20 is provided with three-way valves V1 to V4 and a four-way valve V5 as flow path switching valves, and can appropriately switch the flow path through which the heat medium circulates. The first heat medium circuit 20 is provided with a connection portion 5 that connects a heat medium supply device 50, described later, and the first heat medium circuit 20. The connection portion 5 includes an inlet 510 for allowing heat medium to flow from the heat medium supply device 50 into the first heat medium circuit 20, and an outlet 520 for allowing heat medium to flow out of the first heat medium circuit 20 into the heat medium supply device 50.

[0020] The second heat medium circuit 30 includes a fourth heat exchanger 31 that is integrated with the first heat exchanger 12 in the refrigerant circuit 10 to exchange heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant. In the second heat medium circuit 30, the heat medium pumped by the second pump P1 is circulated through the fourth heat exchanger 31, where its temperature is adjusted by the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 12, thereby air-conditioning the vehicle interior.

[0021] In the second heat medium circuit 30, the heat medium, whose temperature has been adjusted in the fourth heat exchanger 31 by the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 12, flows to the indoor heat exchanger 32. The heat of the heat medium is used to adjust the temperature of the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 32. The indoor heat exchanger 32 is provided in the air conditioning unit 7 installed in the electric vehicle 1. The indoor heat exchanger 32 selectively takes in outside air or inside air by opening and closing the damper 35. The air blown by the blower 34 is temperature-controlled and supplied to the vehicle cabin, thereby air-conditioning the vehicle cabin.

[0022] Next, refer to Figure 3Next, the heat medium supply device 50 provided in conjunction with the power supply device 40 in the charging station 2 will be described. The heat medium supply device 50 is provided outside the vehicle and supplies heat medium adjusted to a predetermined temperature to the first heat medium circuit 20 of the electric vehicle 1 as needed. like Figure 3 As shown, the heat medium supply device 50 includes: a heat medium storage unit 54, which includes a tank 51 for storing heat medium; a temperature adjustment unit 52, which adjusts the temperature of the heat medium stored in the tank 51; and a control unit 53, which controls the temperature adjustment unit 52 and controls the inflow and outflow of the heat medium in the tank 51.

[0023] The heat medium storage unit 54 includes a third heat medium circuit 70, which includes a tank 51 disposed along the heat medium circulation path. The third heat medium circuit 70 includes a seventh heat exchanger 71, which is integrated with a sixth heat exchanger 64 (described later) in the refrigerant circuit 60 of the temperature control unit 52 to exchange heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant; three-way valves V6 and V7, which serve as flow switching valves; and a third pump P3. The heat medium stored in the tank 51 is pumped by the third pump P3 through the third heat medium circuit 70 and passes through the seventh heat exchanger 71. During this time, the heat medium is regulated to a predetermined temperature by exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the sixth heat exchanger 64 in the refrigerant circuit 60 of the temperature control unit 52.

[0024] Furthermore, the third heat medium circuit 70 is provided with an outlet 72 for allowing the heat medium to flow out of the third heat medium circuit 70 into the first heat medium circuit 20 of the electric vehicle 1, and an inlet 73 for allowing the heat medium to flow into the third heat medium circuit 70 from the first heat medium circuit 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flow of heat medium into and out of the outlet 72 and inlet 73 is controlled by three-way valves V6 and V7 provided on the path of the third heat medium circuit 70. Furthermore, the control is not limited to that by the three-way valves V6 and V7; on-off valves may be provided at the outlet 72 and inlet 73 to control the flow of heat medium into and out of the outlet 72 and inlet 73, respectively.

[0025] The outflow port 72 and the inflow port 73 are connected to the inflow port 510 and the outflow port 520 of the electric vehicle 1 via flexible heat medium pipes T1 and T2, respectively. This forms a single heat medium circuit with the first heat medium circuit 20 and the third heat medium circuit 70. In other words, by connecting the outflow port 72 and the inflow port 73 to the inflow port 510 and the outflow port 520, the first heat medium circuit 20 is connected to the tank 51, forming a single heat medium circulation loop. The heat medium from the tank 51 is supplied to the first heat medium circuit 20.

[0026] The temperature adjustment unit 52 includes, for example, a refrigerant circuit 60 as a heat source. The refrigerant circuit 60 is a closed circuit in which a compressor 61, a fifth heat exchanger 62, an expansion valve 63, a sixth heat exchanger 64, a four-way valve 65, and an accumulator (not shown) are connected by refrigerant piping.

[0027] In the refrigerant circuit 60, when the heat medium stored in the tank 51 is cooled, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 61 flows sequentially through the four-way valve 65, the fifth heat exchanger 62, the expansion valve 63, and the sixth heat exchanger 64. The fifth heat exchanger 62 functions as a condenser, and the sixth heat exchanger 64 functions as an evaporator. Conversely, when the heat medium stored in the tank 51 is heated, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 61 flows sequentially through the four-way valve 65, the sixth heat exchanger 64, the expansion valve 63, and the fifth heat exchanger 62. The sixth heat exchanger 64 functions as a condenser, and the fifth heat exchanger 62 functions as an evaporator.

[0028] The controller 53 controls the temperature regulator 52 so that the temperature of the heat medium stored in the tank 51 reaches a predetermined temperature. In this embodiment, since the temperature regulator 52 uses the refrigerant circuit 60 as a heat source, the controller 53 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 61 or the opening of the expansion valve 63 to adjust the temperature of the heat medium stored in the tank 51 to the predetermined temperature.

[0029] The heat medium supplied from heat medium supply device 50 to electric vehicle 1 is preferably pre-adjusted to a temperature required for temperature control of onboard equipment including battery B in electric vehicle 1 or for air conditioning of the vehicle interior when electric vehicle 1 begins traveling. This reduces the amount of power consumed by temperature control of the heat medium while electric vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0030] Therefore, as the aforementioned predetermined temperature, a temperature required for temperature control of onboard equipment including battery B or air conditioning of the vehicle cabin when electric vehicle 1 starts traveling is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) maintained by control unit 53. Furthermore, the predetermined temperature may be appropriately set to a temperature acquired from electric vehicle 1 or a temperature acquired through communication between control unit 53 and an external server.

[0031] The controller 53 also controls the flow of heat medium into and out of the tank 51 . Specifically, the controller 53 controls the flow of heat medium from the tank 51 into the first heat medium circuit 20 of the electric vehicle 1 by controlling the three-way valves V6 and V7 of the third heat medium circuit 70 . When the outlet 72 and inlet 73 of the third heat medium circuit 70 are connected to the inlet 510 and outlet 520 of the electric vehicle 1 , the controller 53 controls the three-way valves V6 and V7 to supply the heat medium stored in the tank 51 to the first heat medium circuit 20 .

[0032] Here, the supply of heat medium from the heat medium supply device 50 to the first heat medium circuit 20 of the electric vehicle 1 starts when the control unit 53 detects that the outflow port 72 and inflow port 73 of the third heat medium circuit 70 are connected to the inflow port 510 and outflow port 520 of the electric vehicle 1 and that predetermined conditions are satisfied.

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 53 obtains information indicating the temperature and target temperature range of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 from the electric vehicle 1. If the temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 is not within the target temperature range, the control unit 53 supplies the heat medium in the tank 51 to the first heat medium circuit 20. The target temperature range of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 is, for example, the optimal temperature required for the heat medium to regulate the temperature of the battery B. This information is transmitted from the electric vehicle 1 to the heat medium supply device 50.

[0034] As described above, it is also conceivable that after the electric vehicle 1 has finished running, the heat stored in the heat medium will naturally dissipate over time. Even if the temperature of the heat medium fluctuates due to factors such as the time elapsed since the electric vehicle 1 last ran, the outside air temperature, etc., the fluctuated temperature will still be within the target temperature range. In this case, it is preferable that the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 be directly used the next time the electric vehicle 1 runs, eliminating the need to supply heat medium from the heat medium supply device 50.

[0035] On the other hand, if the temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 drops or rises outside the target temperature range, after the electric vehicle 1 starts traveling, the power stored in the battery B is consumed to adjust the temperature of the heat medium. In such a case, it is preferable to supply the heat medium, whose temperature has been adjusted to the optimal temperature in the heat medium supply device 50, to the electric vehicle 1.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 53 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 is within the target temperature range of the heat medium set for the first heat medium circuit 20. If it is determined that the temperature is not within the target temperature range of the heat medium set for the first heat medium circuit 20, the heat medium is supplied from the tank 51 to the first heat medium circuit 20.

[0037] use Figure 4 The flowchart of FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of the heat medium supply device 50 in the heat medium management system 100 configured as described above. In the heat medium supply device 50, the control unit 53 controls the temperature adjustment unit 52 so that the heat medium stored in the tank 51 reaches a predetermined temperature (step S11), and monitors whether the outflow port 72 and the inflow port 73 of the third heat medium circuit 70 are connected to the inflow port 510 and the outflow port 520 of the electric vehicle 1 (step S12).

[0038] When the outflow port 72 and the inflow port 73 of the third heat medium circuit 70 are connected to the inflow port 510 and the outflow port 520 of the electric vehicle 1 via the heat medium pipes T1 and T2 , the control unit 53 detects this (YES in step S12 ). When the connection between the outflow ports 72 and 73 and the inflow ports 510 and 520 is detected, the control unit 53 obtains information indicating the temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 and the target temperature range from the electric vehicle 1, and determines whether the current temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 is within the target temperature range (step S13).

[0039] If the temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 is within the target temperature range, the control unit 53 controls the three-way valves V6 and V7 to prevent the heat medium in the tank 51 from being supplied to the first heat medium circuit 20 (YES in step S13 ).

[0040] On the other hand, if the result of determination indicates that the temperature of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 is outside the target temperature range, the control unit 53 switches the three-way valves V6 and V7 of the third heat medium circuit 70 to control the flow of the heat medium to the outlet 72 and inlet 73 ("No" in step S13). This forms a single circulation loop with the first heat medium circuit 20 and the tank 51, and heat medium is supplied from the tank 51 to the first heat medium circuit 20 (step S14).

[0041] The control unit 53 then monitors whether the heat medium supply to the first heat medium circuit 20 is complete (step S15). If the heat medium supply is complete ("Yes" in step S15), the control unit 53 switches the three-way valves V6 and V7 of the third heat medium circuit 70 to prevent the heat medium from flowing to the outlet 72 and inlet 73 (step S16). This completes the heat medium supply to the first heat medium circuit 20.

[0042] The control unit 53 determines that the heat medium supply is completed when receiving, for example, a temperature change of the heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 20 , the duration of heat medium supply from the tank 51 , or a supply stop instruction from a user.

[0043] Thus, according to this embodiment, the heat medium, which has been temperature-controlled in a heat medium supply device installed outside the electric vehicle 1, can be supplied to the electric vehicle 1. In this case, if the heat medium temperature in the first heat medium circuit 20 of the electric vehicle 1 is within the heat medium target temperature range set for the first heat medium circuit 20, the heat medium is used as is during the next travel of the electric vehicle 1. In this case, if the heat medium temperature in the first heat medium circuit 20 of the electric vehicle 1 is outside the heat medium target temperature range set for the first heat medium circuit 20, the heat medium temperature-controlled in the tank 51 is used during the next travel of the electric vehicle 1. That is, in the electric vehicle 1, the heat medium, which has been temperature-controlled in the tank 51, is supplied to the first heat medium circuit 20 only when the heat medium temperature in the first heat medium circuit 20 is outside the target temperature range.

[0044] As described above, since the heat medium in tank 51 is regulated to a predetermined temperature, i.e., the optimal temperature required for, for example, regulating the temperature of battery B, heat medium at a temperature closer to the target temperature can be filled into first heat medium circuit 20 before electric vehicle 1 begins traveling. According to this embodiment, by commencing travel of electric vehicle 1 in this state, power consumption from battery B due to temperature regulation of the heat medium after the start of travel of electric vehicle 1 can be suppressed, thereby extending the cruising range of electric vehicle 1.

[0045] In particular, by juxtaposing power supply device 40 and heat medium supply device 50 in charging station 2, electric vehicle 1 can receive heat medium from heat medium supply device 50 while battery B is being charged. Specifically, during charging, heat medium at a temperature closer to the target temperature required for the next trip of electric vehicle 1 can be supplied before electric vehicle 1 begins driving. This reduces the power required to control the temperature of onboard equipment and air condition the vehicle cabin after driving begins, thereby extending the cruising range of electric vehicle 1.

[0046] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes within the scope of the present invention are also encompassed by the present invention. Label Description

[0047] 1 Electric vehicles 2 Charging Stations 3 Thermal Management System 5. Connection 7 air conditioning units 10, 60 Refrigerant circuit 30 Second heat medium circuit 11, 61 compressor 12. First heat exchanger 13, 63 expansion valve 14 Second heat exchanger 15, 65, V5 four-way valve 20 First heat medium circuit 21 Third heat exchanger 31 Fourth heat exchanger 32 Indoor heat exchanger 34 Blower 35 damper 40 Power supply device 50 Heat medium supply device 51 cans 52 Temperature Control Unit 53 Control Department 54 Heat medium storage unit 62 Fifth heat exchanger 64 Sixth heat exchanger 70 Third heat medium circuit 71 Seventh heat exchanger 73 / 510 inlet 72, 520 outflow B battery T1, T2 heat medium piping V1~V4, V6, V7 three-way valve 100 thermal medium management system.

Claims

1. A thermal medium management system, characterized in that: include: An electric vehicle that runs on electric power supplied from a battery and includes a heat medium circuit for regulating at least the temperature of the battery; as well as a heat medium supply device, which is provided outside the electric vehicle and regulates the temperature of the heat medium and supplies the heat medium to the heat medium circuit; The heat medium supply device acquires information indicating the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit and a target temperature range, and supplies the heat medium stored in the heat medium supply device to the heat medium circuit when the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit is not within the target temperature range.

2. A heat medium supply device for supplying heat medium to a heat medium circuit mounted on an electric vehicle, characterized in that: include: a tank storing a heat medium; a temperature regulating portion that regulates the temperature of the heat medium stored in the tank; and a control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit and controls the inflow and outflow of the heat medium in the tank, The control unit acquires information indicating the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit and a target temperature range, and supplies the heat medium stored in the tank to the heat medium circuit when the temperature of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit is not within the target temperature range.

3. The heat medium supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The heat medium circuit and the tank are connected to form a circulation circuit, The control unit circulates the heat medium stored in the tank through the circulation circuit, and supplies the heat medium from the tank to the heat medium circuit.

4. The heat medium supply device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The heat medium supply device is provided in conjunction with a charging device for charging a battery mounted on the electric vehicle. During the battery charging process, heat medium is supplied from the tank to the heat medium circuit.

5. An electric vehicle that runs on electric power supplied from a battery and includes a heat medium circuit for regulating at least the temperature of the battery, characterized in that: The heat medium circuit includes: an inlet into which the heat medium supplied from the heat medium supply device according to claim 2 flows; and An outflow port allows the heat medium to flow out toward the heat medium supply device.

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