Thermal management system and vehicle

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of vehicle thermal management, and discloses a thermal management system and a vehicle. The thermal management system comprises a heating unit, a battery unit, an engine unit and an air conditioning unit. The heating unit comprises a fuel heater, a first oil tank and a first driving pump. The fuel heater is connected to the first oil tank. The heating unit has an outlet and an inlet of heating medium. The first driving pump is arranged on a pipeline between the fuel heater and the outlet. The battery unit comprises a battery and a heat exchanger. The engine unit comprises an engine. The air conditioning unit comprises a heating core. The two ends of the heat exchanger, the two ends of the engine and the two ends of the heating core are respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet of the heating unit. The thermal management system can heat the battery, the engine and the heating core through the heating unit, thereby ensuring the heating demand of the vehicle during driving, parking and heating, and improving the driving performance of the vehicle and the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle thermal management technology, and more particularly to thermal management systems and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Hybrid electric vehicles generally refer to vehicles that use a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor as power sources. Hybrid models typically have smaller battery pack capacities. In winter, cold starts usually use PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient, ceramic heater) or the battery pack's built-in electric heating film to heat the battery. However, if the battery charge is already low when starting, it cannot be heated. A low battery pack temperature means the battery cannot be charged. A dead battery will render all other high-voltage accessories unusable, affecting vehicle operation.

[0003] Existing technologies include solutions that use waste heat from the engine coolant to heat the battery. As long as the engine coolant temperature is sufficient, the battery can be heated through a heat exchanger. Once the battery reaches a suitable temperature, it can be charged, allowing the vehicle to operate normally. However, in winter, the engine warms up slowly. If the battery charge is low, the engine must be kept idling to warm up before the battery can be heated. This results in users spending a significant amount of time waiting for the battery to heat up, affecting normal vehicle operation.

[0004] Therefore, a thermal management system and vehicle are needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management system and vehicle that can use the heat from the fuel heater to heat the battery, engine and cab during cold starts of the vehicle at low temperatures, thereby meeting the vehicle's driving requirements and the operator's heating requirements.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A thermal management system, comprising:

[0008] A heating unit, comprising a fuel heater, a first fuel tank, and a first drive pump, wherein one end of the fuel heater is connected to the first fuel tank, the heating unit has an outlet and an inlet, and the first drive pump is disposed on a pipeline between the fuel heater and the outlet;

[0009] A battery unit, comprising a battery and a heat exchanger connected in series, wherein the two ends of the heat exchanger are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit, and a first control valve is provided on the pipeline between the inlet of the heat exchanger and the outlet of the heating unit;

[0010] An engine unit, comprising an engine, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit, and a second control valve is provided on the pipeline between the engine and the outlet of the heating unit;

[0011] An air conditioning unit, comprising a heating core, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit, and a third control valve is provided on the pipeline between the heating core and the outlet of the heating unit.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the thermal management system further includes a second oil tank, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the outlet and inlet of the heating unit, and a fourth control valve is provided between the second oil tank and the outlet of the heating unit.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the outlet of the engine is connected to the inlet of the heater core, the inlet of the engine is connected to the outlet of the heater core, and a fifth control valve is provided between the outlet of the engine and the inlet of the heater core.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the engine unit further includes a second drive pump, which is located in the circuit formed by the engine and the heater core.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the thermal management system further includes a refrigeration unit, which includes an air compressor;

[0016] The battery unit also includes a water-cooled evaporator. The water-cooled evaporator, the heat exchanger, and the battery are connected in sequence. The two ends of the water-cooled evaporator are respectively connected to the two ends of the air compressor. A sixth control valve is provided between the outlet of the air compressor and the inlet of the water-cooled evaporator.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, the battery cell further includes a third drive pump, which is disposed between the water-cooled evaporator and the battery; or between the water-cooled evaporator and the heat exchanger; or between the heat exchanger and the battery.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the air conditioning unit also includes an evaporator, the two ends of which are connected to the two ends of the air compressor, and a seventh control valve is provided between the inlet of the evaporator and the outlet of the air compressor.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, the refrigeration unit further includes a condenser located on the circulation pipeline of the refrigeration unit; the thermal management system further includes a medium-temperature radiator, a motor, a controller, and a first fan, wherein the motor, the controller, and the medium-temperature radiator are sequentially connected to form a cooling circuit, the medium-temperature radiator and the condenser are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the first fan is used to cool the medium-temperature radiator and the condenser simultaneously.

[0020] As an optional technical solution, the thermal management system further includes an intercooler, a high-temperature radiator, and a thermostat. The inlet of the thermostat is connected to the engine, the first outlet of the thermostat is connected to the engine, the second outlet of the thermostat is connected to the high-temperature radiator, and the outlet of the high-temperature radiator is connected to the engine. The engine includes a second fan for dissipating heat from the intercooler and the high-temperature radiator.

[0021] The present invention also adopts the following technical solutions:

[0022] The vehicle includes the thermal management system described above.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] This invention discloses a thermal management system comprising a heating unit, a battery unit, an engine unit, and an air conditioning unit. The heating unit includes a fuel heater, a first fuel tank, and a first drive pump. The fuel heater is connected to the first fuel tank, which supplies fuel to the fuel heater. The heating unit has an outlet and an inlet for a heating medium. The first drive pump is located on a pipeline between the fuel heater and the outlet, used to drive the flow of the heating medium and improve efficiency. The battery unit includes a battery and a heat exchanger. The engine unit includes an engine. The air conditioning unit includes a heater core. Both ends of the heat exchanger are connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit, respectively. Both ends of the engine are connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit, respectively. Both ends of the heater core are connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit, respectively. A first control valve, a second control valve, and a third control valve are respectively installed on the pipelines between the inlet of the heat exchanger, the engine, and the heater core and the outlet of the heating unit, used to control the opening and closing of the corresponding pipelines, thereby ensuring that the heating unit can control the heating of the battery, engine, and heater core. This ensures the heating needs of the vehicle during driving, parking, and general heating, improving vehicle performance and user experience.

[0025] This embodiment also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned thermal management system. By incorporating the aforementioned thermal management system, this vehicle can use a fuel heater to heat the battery, engine, and heater core, thereby improving the vehicle's heating performance during driving and parking, while also meeting the operator's heating needs, thus enhancing the vehicle's driving performance and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 10. Heating unit; 11. Fuel heater; 12. First fuel tank; 13. First drive pump;

[0029] 20. Battery cell; 21. Battery; 22. Heat exchanger; 23. First control valve; 24. Water-cooled evaporator; 25. Sixth control valve; 26. Third drive pump;

[0030] 30. Engine unit; 31. Engine; 32. Second control valve; 33. Fifth control valve; 34. Second drive pump;

[0031] 40. Air conditioning unit; 41. Heater core; 42. Third control valve; 43. Evaporator; 44. Seventh control valve;

[0032] 50. Second oil tank; 51. Fourth control valve;

[0033] 60. Refrigeration unit; 61. Air compressor; 62. Condenser;

[0034] 71. Medium-temperature radiator; 72. Motor; 73. Controller; 74. First fan;

[0035] 81. Intercooler; 82. High-temperature radiator; 83. Temperature controller; 84. Second fan. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a thermal management system, which includes a heating unit 10, a battery unit 20, an engine unit 30, and an air conditioning unit 40. The heating unit 10 includes a fuel heater 11, a first fuel tank 12, and a first drive pump 13. One end of the fuel heater 11 is connected to the first fuel tank 12. The heating unit 10 has an outlet and an inlet. The first drive pump 13 is disposed on the pipeline between the fuel heater 11 and the outlet. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first fuel tank 12 is a low-octane fuel tank for commercial vehicles, which can supply fuel to the fuel heater 11, thereby ensuring the functionality of the fuel heater 11. The first drive pump 13 is a first water pump, which can drive the flow of the heating medium in the pipeline, improving the heating efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery unit 20 includes a battery 21 and a heat exchanger 22 connected together. The two ends of the heat exchanger 22 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit 10. A first control valve 23 is provided on the pipeline between the inlet of the heat exchanger 22 and the outlet of the heating unit 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the battery 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are connected. The two ends of the heat exchanger 22 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit 10, so that the battery 21, the heat exchanger 22 and the fuel heater 11 can form a first circulation loop. The first control valve 23 is used to control the opening and closing of the first circulation loop, thereby controlling the heating of the battery 21 by the heating unit 10. The heating medium heated by the fuel heater 11 can exchange heat with the heat exchanger 22. The medium in the heat exchanger 22 is heated to heat the battery 21. Compared with the prior art method of using the waste heat of the engine 31 to heat the battery 21, since the fuel heater 11 only uses low voltage, even if the battery 21 is low on charge, it will not affect the normal heating of the battery 21, thereby ensuring the heating effect of the battery 21 and the normal operation of the vehicle.

[0042] Furthermore, the engine unit 30 includes an engine 31, with both ends of the engine 31 connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit 10, respectively. A second control valve 32 is installed on the pipeline between the engine 31 and the outlet of the heating unit 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, both ends of the engine 31 are connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit 10, respectively, so that the fuel heater 11 and the engine 31 form a second circulation loop. The second control valve 32 is used to control the on / off state of the second circulation loop, thereby controlling whether the heating unit 10 heats the engine 31, thus improving the flexibility during use. This arrangement allows the engine 31 to start normally even when the vehicle is parked in extremely cold conditions, ensuring not only the normal starting of the engine 31 but also improving the user experience.

[0043] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 40 includes a heater core 41, with its two ends connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit 10, respectively. A third control valve 42 is installed on the pipeline between the heater core 41 and the outlet of the heating unit 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the two ends of the heater core 41 are connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit 10, respectively, so that the heater core 41 and the fuel heater 11 form a third circulation loop. The third control valve 42 is used to control the on / off state of the third circulation loop, thereby controlling whether the heating unit 10 heats the heater core 41, thus improving the heating flexibility of the cab, ensuring that the occupants are always in a suitable temperature, and improving the user experience.

[0044] Furthermore, the thermal management system also includes a second fuel tank 50, with its two ends connected to the outlet and inlet of the heating unit 10, respectively. A fourth control valve 51 is provided between the second fuel tank 50 and the outlet of the heating unit 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second fuel tank 50 is the No. 0 fuel tank of the passenger vehicle. This configuration allows the second fuel tank 50 and the heating unit 10 to form a fourth circulation loop. The fourth control valve 51 is used to control the opening and closing of the fourth circulation loop, ensuring that the opening and closing of the fourth control valve 51 can be adjusted according to actual use, thus improving the flexibility of use. This configuration enables the second fuel tank 50 to be preheated during parking conditions, allowing the vehicle to directly use fuel from the No. 0 fuel tank when starting, thereby saving operating costs.

[0045] Furthermore, the outlet of engine 31 is connected to the inlet of heater core 41, and the inlet of engine 31 is connected to the outlet of heater core 41. A fifth control valve 33 is provided between the outlet of engine 31 and the inlet of heater core 41. Specifically, in this embodiment, this arrangement forms a fifth circulation loop between engine 31 and heater core 41. The fifth control valve 33 is used to control the opening and closing of the fifth circulation loop, so that when engine 31 is running and the water temperature is sufficient, engine 31 can supply heat to heater core 41, thereby achieving the purpose of using the waste heat from engine 31 water temperature to heat the cab, thus improving energy utilization and vehicle economy.

[0046] Furthermore, the engine unit 30 also includes a second drive pump 34, which is located in the circuit formed by the engine 31 and the heater core 41. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second drive pump 34 is a second water pump. The second water pump is provided in the fifth circulation circuit, which can drive the water flow at the engine 31, thereby improving the temperature rise efficiency of the cab and enhancing the user experience.

[0047] Furthermore, the thermal management system also includes a refrigeration unit 60, which includes an air compressor 61; the battery unit 20 also includes a water-cooled evaporator 24, which, along with the heat exchanger 22 and the battery 21, are sequentially connected. The two ends of the water-cooled evaporator 24 are respectively connected to the two ends of the air compressor 61, and a sixth control valve 25 is provided between the outlet of the air compressor 61 and the inlet of the water-cooled evaporator 24. Specifically, in this embodiment, the air compressor 61 is an electric air compressor 61. The water-cooled evaporator 24 and the air compressor 61 form a sixth circulation loop. The air pressure can boost cooling air to the water-cooled evaporator 24, thereby lowering the medium temperature at the water-cooled evaporator 24. As the medium circulates between the water-cooled evaporator 24, the heat exchanger 22, and the battery 21, the temperature of the battery 21 is kept at a suitable level, improving the battery's lifespan and ensuring the vehicle's operating condition. The sixth control valve 25 is a first expansion valve, which can control the opening and closing of the sixth circulation loop, thereby improving the flexibility of battery 21 temperature control.

[0048] Furthermore, the battery unit 20 also includes a third drive pump 26, which is disposed between the water-cooled evaporator 24 and the battery 21; or between the water-cooled evaporator 24 and the heat exchanger 22; or between the heat exchanger 22 and the battery 21. Specifically, in this embodiment, the third drive pump 26 is a third water pump, which is disposed between the battery 21 and the water-cooled evaporator 24. The third water pump can drive the flow of the medium in the circuit formed by the water-cooled evaporator 24, the heat exchanger 22 and the battery 21, thereby improving the temperature control efficiency of the battery 21.

[0049] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the third drive pump 26 may also be disposed between the water-cooled evaporator 24 and the heat exchanger 22 or between the heat exchanger 22 and the battery 21, without limitation.

[0050] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 40 also includes an evaporator 43, with both ends of the evaporator 43 connected to both ends of the air compressor 61, and a seventh control valve 44 is provided between the inlet of the evaporator 43 and the outlet of the air compressor 61. Specifically, in this embodiment, the evaporator 43 and the air compressor 61 form a seventh circulation loop, and the first control valve 23 is used to control the on / off state of the seventh circulation loop, thereby controlling whether the air compressor 61 provides cooling air to the evaporator 43, thus improving the temperature control flexibility at the evaporator 43, enabling flexible reduction of the temperature in the cab, and improving the user experience.

[0051] Preferably, in this embodiment, the evaporator 43 and the heater core 41 are used together to achieve functions such as heating, cooling, defrosting and defogging in vehicle driving and parking conditions, without any specific limitations.

[0052] Furthermore, the refrigeration unit 60 also includes a condenser 62, which is located on the circulation pipeline of the refrigeration unit 60; the thermal management system also includes a medium-temperature radiator 71, a motor 72, a controller 73, and a first fan 74. The motor 72, controller 73, and medium-temperature radiator 71 are sequentially connected to form a cooling circuit. The medium-temperature radiator 71 and the condenser 62 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The first fan 74 is used to cool both the medium-temperature radiator 71 and the condenser 62 simultaneously. Specifically, in this embodiment, the medium-temperature radiator 71 and the condenser 62 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The first fan 74 is located on the side of the medium-temperature radiator away from the condenser 62, which enables the first fan 74 to cool both the medium-temperature radiator 71 and the condenser 62 simultaneously, thereby meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the condenser 62 and the heat dissipation requirements of the cooling circuit formed by the motor 72, controller 73, and medium-temperature radiator 71.

[0053] Preferably, in this embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a fourth drive pump, which is disposed in the cooling circuit and can drive the flow of the medium in the cooling circuit to improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 72 and the controller 73.

[0054] Furthermore, the thermal management system also includes an intercooler 81, a high-temperature radiator 82, and a thermostat 83. The inlet of the thermostat 83 is connected to the engine 31, the first outlet of the thermostat 83 is connected to the engine 31, the second outlet of the thermostat 83 is connected to the high-temperature radiator 82, and the outlet of the high-temperature radiator 82 is connected to the engine 31. The engine 31 includes a second fan 84, which is used to dissipate heat from the intercooler 81 and the high-temperature radiator 82. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second fan 84 is an electronically controlled silicone oil fan of the engine 31. The engine 31 dissipates heat from the coolant through the thermostat 83, the high-temperature radiator 82, and the electronically controlled silicone oil fan of the engine 31, and dissipates heat from the pressurized air through the intercooler 81, thereby improving the flexibility of temperature control and ensuring the normal operation of the vehicle.

[0055] This embodiment also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned thermal management system, which can use a fuel heater 11 to heat the battery 21, engine 31 and heater core 41, thereby improving the vehicle's heating performance during driving and parking, while also meeting the operator's heating needs, and thus improving the vehicle's driving performance and user experience.

[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: Heating unit (10), the heating unit (10) includes a fuel heater (11), a first fuel tank (12) and a first drive pump (13), one end of the fuel heater (11) is connected to the first fuel tank (12), the heating unit (10) has an outlet and an inlet, and the first drive pump (13) is disposed on the pipeline between the fuel heater (11) and the outlet; The battery unit (20) includes a battery (21) and a heat exchanger (22) connected in series. The two ends of the heat exchanger (22) are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit (10). A first control valve (23) is provided on the pipeline between the inlet of the heat exchanger (22) and the outlet of the heating unit (10). An engine unit (30) includes an engine (31), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit (10), and a second control valve (32) is provided on the pipeline between the engine (31) and the outlet of the heating unit (10). An air conditioning unit (40) includes a heating core (41), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating unit (10), and a third control valve (42) is provided on the pipeline between the heating core (41) and the outlet of the heating unit (10). The thermal management system further includes a refrigeration unit (60), which includes an air compressor (61). The battery unit (20) also includes a water-cooled evaporator (24), the water-cooled evaporator (24), the heat exchanger (22) and the battery (21) are connected in sequence, the two ends of the water-cooled evaporator (24) are respectively connected to the two ends of the air compressor (61), and a sixth control valve (25) is provided between the outlet of the air compressor (61) and the inlet of the water-cooled evaporator (24). The refrigeration unit (60) further includes a condenser (62), which is located on the circulation pipeline of the refrigeration unit (60); the thermal management system further includes a medium-temperature radiator (71), a motor (72), a controller (73) and a first fan (74), which are connected in sequence to form a cooling circuit. The medium-temperature radiator (71) and the condenser (62) are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The first fan (74) is used to cool the medium-temperature radiator (71) and the condenser (62) at the same time. The thermal management system further includes an intercooler (81), a high-temperature radiator (82), and a thermostat (83). The inlet of the thermostat (83) is connected to the engine (31), the first outlet of the thermostat (83) is connected to the engine (31), the second outlet of the thermostat (83) is connected to the high-temperature radiator (82), and the outlet of the high-temperature radiator (82) is connected to the engine (31). The engine (31) includes a second fan (84) for dissipating heat from the intercooler (81) and the high-temperature radiator (82).

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a second oil tank (50), the two ends of which are connected to the outlet and inlet of the heating unit (10) respectively, and a fourth control valve (51) is provided between the second oil tank (50) and the outlet of the heating unit (10).

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the engine (31) is connected to the inlet of the heater core (41), the inlet of the engine (31) is connected to the outlet of the heater core (41), and a fifth control valve (33) is provided between the outlet of the engine (31) and the inlet of the heater core (41).

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The engine unit (30) also includes a second drive pump (34), which is disposed on the circuit formed by the engine (31) and the heater core (41).

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell (20) further includes a third drive pump (26), which is disposed between the water-cooled evaporator (24) and the battery (21); or between the water-cooled evaporator (24) and the heat exchanger (22); or between the heat exchanger (22) and the battery (21).

6. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit (40) also includes an evaporator (43), the two ends of the evaporator (43) and the two ends of the air compressor (61) are respectively connected, and a seventh control valve (44) is provided between the inlet of the evaporator (43) and the outlet of the air compressor (61).

7. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with a thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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