Thermal management module and vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510893535.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-15
Smart Images
Figure CN120481545A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle thermal management, and in particular to a thermal management module and a vehicle. Background Art
[0002] With the global development of new energy vehicle technologies, countries are increasingly stringent with regard to vehicle emissions. At the same time, customers are demanding higher levels of vehicle performance and comfort, leading to an increasing complexity in vehicle thermal management modules. Whether in traditional fuel-powered vehicles or new energy vehicles, the vehicle thermal management module requires extremely precise and detailed control. During operation, the thermal management module reduces unnecessary heat transfer and loss, ensuring that all system components maintain their optimal operating temperature and maintaining an optimal interior climate.
[0003] In related art, the various components in a thermal management module are connected to each other through pipes, which takes up a lot of space. In related art, the thermal management module is equipped with a base plate for mounting various components and multiple circulation pumps. The circulation pumps and base plate are dispersed within the thermal management module, taking up a lot of space. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a thermal management module and a vehicle, so that the thermal management module has high integration and compact structure, and saves the layout space of the fluid delivery pipeline in the thermal management module.
[0005] In a first aspect, a thermal management module is provided, comprising: a flow channel plate and a first circulation pump, wherein a first flow channel, a second flow channel, a third flow channel, a fourth flow channel, a fifth flow channel, a sixth flow channel, and a seventh flow channel are arranged at intervals on the flow channel plate; the first circulation pump is arranged on the flow channel plate, the inlet of the first circulation pump is connected to the first flow channel, and the outlet of the first circulation pump is connected to the second flow channel; a first interface connected to the second flow channel is provided on the flow channel plate, and the first interface is used to connect to the inlet of a first heat exchange device on the electric drive; a second interface connected to the third flow channel is also provided on the flow channel plate, and the second interface is used to connect to the outlet of the first heat exchange device; the third flow channel is connected to the first flow channel;
[0006] The thermal management module also includes a second circulation pump, the inlet of the second circulation pump is connected to the fourth flow channel, the outlet of the second circulation pump is connected to the fifth flow channel, and a third interface connected to the fifth flow channel is also provided on the flow channel plate, and the third interface is used to connect to the inlet of the heating device. A fourth interface connected to the sixth flow channel is also provided on the flow channel plate, and the fourth interface is used to connect to the outlet of the heating device. The sixth flow channel is used to connect to the inlet of the second heat exchange device, and the fourth flow channel is used to connect to the outlet of the second heat exchange device through the seventh flow channel.
[0007] By arranging multiple flow channels on the flow channel plate and arranging the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump on the flow channel plate, the thermal management module has a higher degree of integration, a more compact structure, and saves space for arranging fluid delivery pipelines in the thermal management module.
[0008] Optionally, the outlet of the first circulation pump is spaced apart from the flow channel plate in a direction perpendicular to the flow channel plate; the thermal management module further includes a first spacer disposed within the second flow channel, the first spacer extending within the second flow channel, and configured to equalize the cross-sectional area of the second flow channel along the extension direction. This can avoid the problem of excessive flow resistance caused by a sudden change in flow channel cross-section due to the water outlet of the first circulation pump and the second flow channel not being in the same plane, thereby ensuring smoother fluid flow between the water outlet of the first circulation pump and the second flow channel.
[0009] Optionally, the thermal management module also includes a kettle, a water inlet provided on the third flow channel, and a vent provided at the top of the third flow channel, connected to the kettle. This reduces the amount of residual gas within the third flow channel when the kettle fills the third flow channel with liquid. Furthermore, when the thermal management module is in operation, it also allows for more rapid removal of residual gas from the entire liquid cooling circuit.
[0010] Optionally, the height of the first flow channel is lower than that of the water supply port, so that the liquid in the third flow channel can flow smoothly into the first flow channel, thereby ensuring that the first liquid cooling circuit is filled with liquid under any operating conditions.
[0011] By arranging a heating device between the third interface and the fourth interface, and connecting the heating device and the second heat exchange device in series in the second liquid cooling circuit, the heating device heats the second heat exchanger through the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit.
[0012] Optionally, the thermal management module further includes a four-way valve, and the first flow channel, the third flow channel, the fourth flow channel and the seventh flow channel are connected by the four-way valve.
[0013] By configuring a four-way valve, the first and second liquid cooling circuits can operate independently, allowing the heating device to heat the battery or the refrigerant circuit. Alternatively, the first and second liquid cooling circuits can be connected in series, allowing the second heat exchange device to cool the electric drive and transfer heat from the electric drive to the battery to heat it, thereby achieving energy savings.
[0014] Optionally, the thermal management module also includes a three-way valve, and the flow channel plate is also provided with an eighth flow channel and a ninth flow channel at intervals, and the sixth flow channel, the eighth flow channel and the ninth flow channel are connected by a three-way valve; the second heat exchange device includes a first sub-heat exchange device and a second sub-heat exchange device, the eighth flow channel is used to connect with the inlet of the second sub-heat exchange device through the first sub-heat exchange device, the ninth flow channel is used to connect with the inlet of the second sub-heat exchange device, and the seventh flow channel is used to connect with the outlet of the second sub-heat exchange device.
[0015] By installing three-way valves between the sixth, eighth, and ninth flow channels, and providing first and second sub-heat exchangers on the second liquid cooling circuit, the equipment on the liquid cooling circuit can be heated or cooled, and the excess heat or cold of the heat exchangers themselves can be rationally utilized, thereby achieving energy conservation.
[0016] Optionally, the first flow channel, the second flow channel, the third flow channel, the fourth flow channel, the fifth flow channel, the sixth flow channel, the seventh flow channel, the eighth flow channel and the ninth flow channel are arranged at intervals on the same side of the flow channel plate; the first area and the second area are arranged at intervals on the flow channel plate, the first flow channel, the second flow channel and the third flow channel are located in the first area, and the fourth flow channel, the fifth flow channel, the sixth flow channel, the seventh flow channel, the eighth flow channel and the ninth flow channel are located in the second area.
[0017] By setting up different zones on the flow channel plate, with the flow channels of the first liquid cooling circuit located in the first zone and the flow channels of the second liquid cooling circuit located in the second zone, the flow channels of the two liquid cooling circuits are concentrated in two different zones, isolating the flow channels of the two liquid cooling circuits. This prevents heat transfer and interference between the first and second liquid cooling circuits due to the temperature difference between the two, which can cause energy transfer losses. This improves energy transmission efficiency and achieves better energy savings.
[0018] Optionally, a plurality of partition ribs are provided at intervals on the surface of the flow channel plate, with the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth flow channels respectively being surrounded by the partition ribs. This prevents heat or cooling from being transferred or interfered with by the liquids in different flow channels, which could result in heat or cooling loss. It also prevents unnoticeable internal leakage between flow channels, which could lead to heat loss, thereby improving heat or cooling transfer efficiency.
[0019] Optionally, the flow channel plate also includes four mounting points, which are used to connect the flow channel plate to the vehicle via the mounting assembly. Three of these mounting points can be selected to connect the vehicle via the mounting assembly, depending on the vehicle's spatial layout. This improves the thermal management module's versatility across different vehicle models, providing a wider range of adaptability.
[0020] Optionally, the three-way valve includes a first valve body, the four-way valve includes a second valve body, and the first valve body and the second valve body are an integrated structure, which can reduce the number of components, save layout space and material costs.
[0021] Optionally, the first flow channel, the second flow channel, the third flow channel, the fourth flow channel, the fifth flow channel, the sixth flow channel, the seventh flow channel, the eighth flow channel, and the ninth flow channel are all arranged on the same side of the flow channel plate to prevent heat transfer and interference between the flow channels, thereby preventing heat loss.
[0022] In a second aspect, a vehicle is provided, comprising the above-mentioned thermal management module, electric drive, heating equipment, first heat exchange equipment and second heat exchange equipment, wherein the thermal management module is connected to the electric drive, heating equipment, first heat exchange equipment and second heat exchange equipment.
[0023] The vehicle provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the thermal management module in the above embodiment, and thus can achieve the same technical effects and solve the same technical problems.
[0024] Beneficial effects of the present invention:
[0025] (1) The present application provides a plurality of flow channels on the flow channel plate in the thermal management module, and provides the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump on the flow channel plate, so that the structure of the thermal management module can be made more integrated, more compact, and save space.
[0026] (2) By installing a three-way valve and a four-way valve on the flow channel plate, multiple flow channels on the flow channel plate are connected. The first liquid cooling circuit and the second liquid cooling circuit can be operated independently, or the first liquid cooling circuit and the second liquid cooling circuit can be connected in series. The equipment on the liquid cooling circuit can be heated or cooled, and the excess heat or cold of the heat exchange equipment itself can be reasonably utilized, thereby achieving energy saving.
[0027] (3) A water supply port is provided on the third flow channel, and a water bottle is connected to the water supply port to provide the flow channel with liquid for heat exchange. A vent hole is provided at the top of the third flow channel and is connected to the water bottle to reduce the amount of residual gas in the third flow channel, thereby more quickly removing the residual gas in the entire liquid cooling circuit.
[0028] (4) By setting four mounting points on the flow channel plate and selecting three of the mounting points to connect to the vehicle through the mounting assembly, the versatility of the thermal management module on different vehicle models is improved, and the adaptability is wider.
[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the flow channel arrangement in the flow channel plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0031] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the liquid cooling circuit and the refrigerant circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the front view of the flow channel plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at EE in FIG;
[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A local enlarged view of point a in FIG;
[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the four-way valve structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the three-way valve structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the front view of the flow channel plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in the second direction;
[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the back side of the flow channel plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present application.
[0039] Reference numerals:
[0040] 100, flow channel plate; 100a, partition rib; 101, first flow channel; 102, second flow channel; 102a, first interface; 103, third flow channel; 103a, second interface; 103b, water inlet; 103c, vent; 104, fourth flow channel; 105, fifth flow channel; 105a, third interface; 106, sixth flow channel; 106a, fourth interface; 107, seventh flow channel; 108, eighth flow channel; 109, ninth flow channel;
[0041] 200, seven-way valve; 201, four-way valve; 201a, port 4; 201b, port 5; 201c, port 6; 201d, port 7; 202, three-way valve; 202a, port 1; 202b, port 2; 202c, port 3;
[0042] 301, first heat exchange device; 302, second heat exchange device; 302a, first sub-heat exchange device; 302b, second sub-heat exchange device;
[0043] 400, kettle; 510, electric drive; 520, heating equipment; 601, first circulation pump; 602, second circulation pump; 700, first cushion block; 800, mounting point;
[0044] 1000, refrigerant circuit; 2000, liquid cooling circuit; 2100, first liquid cooling circuit; 2200, second liquid cooling circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth", "seventh", "eighth", and "ninth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth", "seventh", "eighth", and "ninth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.
[0046] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not preclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.
[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, "perpendicular" and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement being discussed and the errors associated with the measurement of a specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). "Perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.
[0048] The thermal management module is a crucial component of a vehicle's thermal management system. It regulates the temperature of components such as the battery, electric drive, and charger. Proper temperature control within the module prevents damage to related components or performance degradation caused by excessively high or low temperatures. Furthermore, the module contributes to in-vehicle climate control, enhancing occupant comfort.
[0049] See also Figure 1-Figure 2The present application provides a vehicle, including an electric drive 510, a first heat exchange device 301 and the above-mentioned thermal management module, the first heat exchange device 301 is arranged on the electric drive 510, the first interface 102a on the flow channel plate 100 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange device 301, and the second interface 103a on the flow channel plate 100 is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchange device 301, so that the electric drive 510 can be cooled. The thermal management module includes a refrigerant circuit 1000 and a liquid cooling circuit 2000, and heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant circuit 1000 and the liquid cooling circuit 2000 through a heat exchanger. It is worth noting that the liquid cooling circuit 2000 can both cool the equipment connected to it and heat the equipment connected to it, depending on the change in the temperature of the liquid in the liquid cooling circuit 2000, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. It should be noted that the vehicle includes but is not limited to cars, off-road vehicles, urban off-road vehicles, etc., and the present application does not specifically limit the structural form of the vehicle.
[0050] The specific structure of the thermal management module is as follows: A thermal management module includes: a flow channel plate 100 and a first circulation pump 601. The flow channel plate 100 is provided with a first flow channel 101, a second flow channel 102, a third flow channel 103, a fourth flow channel 104, a fifth flow channel 105, a sixth flow channel 106, and a seventh flow channel 107. The first circulation pump 601 is provided on the flow channel plate 100, with the inlet of the first circulation pump 601 communicating with the first flow channel 101 and the outlet of the first circulation pump 601 communicating with the second flow channel 102. The flow channel plate 100 is provided with a first interface 102a communicating with the second flow channel 102, and the first interface 102a is used to connect to the inlet of the first heat exchange device 301 on the electric drive 510. The flow channel plate 100 is also provided with a second interface 103a communicating with the third flow channel 103, and the second interface 103a is used to connect to the outlet of the first heat exchange device 301. The third flow channel 103 is connected to the first flow channel 101.
[0051] The thermal management module also includes a second circulation pump 602, which, similar to the first circulation pump 601, provides power for the liquid in the flow channel. The inlet of the second circulation pump 602 is connected to the fourth flow channel 104, and the outlet of the second circulation pump 602 is connected to the fifth flow channel 105. The flow channel plate 100 is also provided with a third interface 105a connected to the fifth flow channel 105, and the third interface 105a is used to connect to the inlet of the heating device 520. The flow channel plate 100 is also provided with a fourth interface 106a connected to the sixth flow channel 106, and the fourth interface 106a is used to connect to the outlet of the heating device 520. In other words, the heating device 520 is connected between the fifth flow channel 105 and the sixth flow channel 106.
[0052] For example, the flow channel plate 100 is welded from two plates using hot plate welding, laser welding, friction welding, etc. The flow channel plate 100 can also be injection molded from a plastic material or made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy. The liquid in the flow channel can be antifreeze.
[0053] For example, the electric drive 510 mainly includes components such as an electric motor, a controller, a battery, and an inverter. These components work together to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, thereby propelling the vehicle forward.
[0054] Exemplarily, the liquid cooling circuit 2000 includes a first liquid cooling circuit 2100, which is formed by the first flow channel 101, the second flow channel 102, the third flow channel 103, and external pipes connected to the above flow channels. A first heat exchange device 301 is provided on the first liquid cooling circuit 2100, and the first heat exchange device 301 is in close contact with the electric drive 510, thereby cooling the electric drive 510.
[0055] It is worth noting that the first heat exchange device 301 can be a heat exchanger specifically designed to cool the electric drive 510, thereby achieving cooling for the electric drive 510. The first circulating pump 601 provides power to the liquid in the first liquid cooling circuit 2100. The power of the first circulating pump 601 can be selected according to needs. The first circulating pump 601 can be fixed to the flow channel plate 100 with screws, and the inlet and outlet of the first circulating pump 601 are sealed with sealing rings.
[0056] Exemplarily, heating device 520 is a water-heating PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. This device uses a semiconductor resistor as its core material, exhibiting a characteristic in which its resistance increases dramatically with increasing temperature, thus providing heating for the liquid within the flow channel. Heating device 520 can be connected to third port 105a and fourth port 106a via an external pipe.
[0057] Exemplarily, the flow channel plate 100 is vertically positioned within the vehicle's engine compartment. Because the portion of the fifth flow channel 105 is no lower than the lowest point of the kettle 400, the liquid within the fifth flow channel 105 cannot continuously flow upward due to gravity. To ensure smooth flow of the liquid within the fifth flow channel 105, the second circulation pump 602 is positioned between the fourth flow channel 104 and the fifth flow channel 105. The sixth flow channel 106 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchange device 302, and the fourth flow channel 104 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchange device 302 via the seventh flow channel 107. In other words, the second heat exchange device 302 is positioned between the sixth flow channel 106 and the seventh flow channel 107.
[0058] Exemplarily, the liquid cooling circuit 2000 also includes a second liquid cooling circuit 2200, which includes the fourth flow channel 104, the fifth flow channel 105, the sixth flow channel 106, and the seventh flow channel 107, as well as external pipes connected to these flow channels. The second heat exchange device 302 can be a battery. For example, in cold weather and when the vehicle is not started, the battery needs to be heated. In this case, the water heating PCT operates to heat the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200, thereby heating the battery.
[0059] For example, second heat exchanger 302 can be an air conditioning heat exchanger. When heating is required in the vehicle interior, the water heater PTC operates to raise the temperature of the liquid in second liquid cooling circuit 2200, thereby heating the air conditioning heat exchanger. The air conditioning heat exchanger transfers heat to refrigerant circuit 1000, which then heats the vehicle interior.
[0060] By providing multiple flow channels on the flow channel plate 100 and arranging the first circulation pump 601 and the second circulation pump 602 on the flow channel plate, the thermal management module is more integrated and compact, saving space for arranging fluid delivery pipelines in the thermal management module.
[0061] In some embodiments, see Figure 3-Figure 4 , along the direction perpendicular to the flow channel plate 100, the outlet of the first circulation pump 601 is spaced apart from the flow channel plate 100; the thermal management module also includes a first pad 700, which is arranged in the second flow channel 102, and the first pad 700 extends in the second flow channel 102. The first pad 700 is used to make the cross-sectional areas of the second flow channel 102 equal along the extension direction.
[0062] It is understandable that the first circulation pump 601 has a certain height, that is, the circulation pump is arranged to protrude from the flow channel plate 100. The water inlet of the first circulation pump 601 is connected to the second flow channel 102, and the water outlet of the first circulation pump 601 protrudes from the flow channel plate 100, that is, the water outlet of the first circulation pump 601 and the flow channel plate 100 are spaced apart. The sudden narrowing of the flow channel from a wider state will cause excessive fluid resistance in the flow channel. The first pad 700 makes the cross-sectional area of the second flow channel 102 equal along the extension direction, which plays a role in guiding flow. It is worth noting that "equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.
[0063] By disposing the first cushion block 700 within the second flow channel 102 and extending the first cushion block 700 within the second flow channel 102, the cross-sectional areas of the second flow channel 102 along the extension direction can be maintained equal. In other words, the cross-sectional areas of the fluid passage between the water outlet of the first circulating pump 601 and the second flow channel 102 are maintained equal. This can avoid the problem of excessive flow resistance caused by the water outlet of the first circulating pump 601 and the second flow channel 102 not being in the same plane, resulting in a sudden change in the flow channel cross-section. This allows the fluid to flow more smoothly between the water outlet of the first circulating pump 601 and the second flow channel 102.
[0064] In some embodiments, the thermal management module further includes a kettle 400, see Figure 5 The third flow channel 103 is provided with a water replenishing port 103b, and the kettle 400 is connected to the water replenishing port 103b; the top of the third flow channel 103 is provided with a vent hole 103c connected to the kettle 400.
[0065] It can be understood that the kettle 400 serves as a liquid storage container in the liquid cooling circuit 2000, see Figure 1 , can be fixed on the flow channel plate 100 by screws. When the liquid enters the third flow channel 103 through the water supply port 103b, see Figure 5 , which will push the gas in the third flow channel 103 to be discharged. By connecting the vent hole 103c with the kettle 400, the discharged gas can flow back into the kettle 400 from the exhaust hole.
[0066] Exemplarily, the flow channel plate 100 is vertically arranged in the engine compartment, the exhaust hole is arranged above the water supply port 103b and the exhaust hole is arranged close to the kettle 400.
[0067] By providing a water inlet 103b connected to the kettle 400 and an exhaust hole in the third flow channel 103, and positioning the exhaust hole at the top of the third flow channel 103, the amount of residual gas in the third flow channel 103 can be reduced when the kettle 400 adds liquid to the third flow channel 103. Furthermore, when the thermal management module is operating, residual gas within the entire liquid cooling circuit 2000 can be more quickly removed.
[0068] In some embodiments, the height of the first flow channel 101 is lower than the height of the water replenishment port 103b. Figure 1-Figure 2 For example, the flow channel plate 100 is vertically positioned within the engine compartment, with the water bottle 400 positioned higher on the flow channel. The height of the first flow channel 101 is set lower than that of the water inlet 103b. This allows gravity to allow the liquid in the third flow channel 103 to flow smoothly into the first flow channel 101. This ensures that the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 remains fully filled with liquid under all operating conditions.
[0069] In some embodiments, the thermal management module further includes a four-way valve 201 , and the first flow channel 101 , the third flow channel 103 , the fourth flow channel 104 and the seventh flow channel 107 are connected via the four-way valve 201 .
[0070] For example, the four-way valve 201 is fixed to the flow channel plate 100 by screws, see Figure 6 The four-way valve 201 has four outlets: port 4 201a, port 5 201b, port 6 201c, and port 7 201d. A rotating member is provided within the four-way valve 201. Rotation of the rotating member causes the four-way valve 201 to have a first state and a second state. In the first state, ports 4 201a and 5 201b are connected, while ports 6 201c and 7 201d are connected. In the second state, ports 4 201a and 7 201d are connected, while ports 6 201c and 5 201b are connected, thereby achieving connectivity between different circuits.
[0071] Four-way valve 201 connects first flow channel 101 with third flow channel 103, and fourth flow channel 104 with seventh flow channel 107. This allows first and second liquid cooling circuits 2100 and 2200 to operate independently. First liquid cooling circuit 2100 cools electric drive 510, while second liquid cooling circuit 2200 heats the battery and refrigerant circuit 1000. This has been described above and will not be repeated here.
[0072] The four-way valve 201 can also connect the third flow channel 103 with the fourth flow channel 104 and the first flow channel 101 with the seventh flow channel 107. At this time, the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 and the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 are connected in series.
[0073] For example, the refrigerant circuit 1000 can cool the second heat exchange device 302, thereby cooling the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200. The second liquid cooling circuit 2200 is connected in series with the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 to cool the electric drive 510.
[0074] For example, the second heat exchange device 302 is a battery. During very cold winter months, the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 and the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 are connected in series. This allows the heat generated by the electric drive 510 in the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 to be transferred to the battery in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200, thereby heating the battery. At this point, the water heating PCT can be deactivated and no longer heats the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200. The water heating PCT serves only as a pathway, thus achieving energy savings. Additional functions can also be achieved by adding other devices to the liquid cooling circuit 2000, and this is not limited in this embodiment.
[0075] By setting the four-way valve 201, see Figure 1-Figure 2, allowing the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 and the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 to operate independently, allowing the heating device 520 to heat the battery or the refrigerant circuit 1000. Alternatively, the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 and the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 can be connected in series, allowing the second heat exchange device 302 to cool the electric drive 510 and transfer heat from the electric drive 510 to the battery to heat the battery, thereby achieving energy conservation.
[0076] In some embodiments, the thermal management module further includes a three-way valve 202, see Figure 1 , an eighth flow channel 108 and a ninth flow channel 109 are also provided on the flow channel plate 100 at intervals, and the sixth flow channel 106, the eighth flow channel 108 and the ninth flow channel 109 are connected via a three-way valve 202;
[0077] The second heat exchange device 302 includes a first sub-heat exchange device 302a and a second sub-heat exchange device 302b. Figure 1-Figure 2 The eighth flow channel 108 is used to communicate with the inlet of the second sub-heat exchange device 302b through the first sub-heat exchange device 302a, the ninth flow channel 109 is used to communicate with the inlet of the second sub-heat exchange device 302b, and the seventh flow channel 107 is used to communicate with the outlet of the second sub-heat exchange device 302b.
[0078] For example, a three-way water valve can be single-way or double-way, and the double-way valve can achieve bidirectional proportional adjustment. Figure 7 The three-way valve 202 is provided with a sliding member. The sliding member slides to enable the three-way valve 202 to have a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state connects the first port 202a and the third port 202c. The second state connects the second port 202b and the third port 202c. The third state connects the first port 202a, the second port 202b, and the third port 202c, thereby achieving connectivity between different circuits.
[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-heat exchange device 302a is a battery, and the second sub-heat exchange device 302b is a battery cooler. Specifically, the outlet of the eighth flow channel 108 is first connected to the battery and then to the inlet of the battery cooler. The ninth flow channel 109 is connected to the inlet of the battery cooler. For example, an external pipe is provided between the eighth and ninth flow channels 108 and 109, and the battery is connected to this external pipe. The seventh flow channel 107 is connected to the outlet of the battery cooler. The battery cooler comprises a heat exchanger composed of layers of stacked plate heat exchangers, capable of exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the coolant as needed. The coolant and the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger via convection. Within the battery heat exchanger body, the coolant and the refrigerant are separated by a barrier layer, enabling heat transfer between the coolant and the refrigerant, thereby completing the heat exchange. The battery cooler is connected to the flow channel plate 100, and a sealing ring is used to seal the battery cooler and the flow channel plate 100. The battery cooler can be fixed to the flow channel plate 100 with screws.
[0080] For example, when the weather is hot, the battery needs to be cooled. The three-way valve 202 connects the sixth flow channel 106 and the eighth flow channel 108. The eighth flow channel 108 is connected to the ninth flow channel 109 through the battery. A battery heat exchanger is provided between the ninth flow channel 109 and the seventh flow channel 107. The refrigerant circuit 1000 cools and exchanges heat with the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 through the battery cooler, thereby reducing the temperature of the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200, thereby cooling the battery. It is worth noting that the water heating PTC is turned off at this time, and the water heating PTC only provides a passage for the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200.
[0081] For example, in cold weather and when the vehicle is not started, the battery needs to be heated. Three-way valve 202 connects sixth flow channel 106 and eighth flow channel 108, activating the PCT to heat the liquid in second liquid cooling circuit 2200 and thus the battery. During this time, refrigerant circuit 1000 is inactive, meaning the battery cooler is not cooled; the battery cooler merely circulates the liquid in second liquid cooling circuit 2200.
[0082] For example, when heating the vehicle interior is required but not the battery, three-way valve 202 connects sixth flow channel 106 and ninth flow channel 109, while closing sixth flow channel 106 and eighth flow channel 108. This means that the liquid in second liquid cooling circuit 2200 does not pass through the battery. The water-heating PTC heats the liquid in second liquid cooling circuit 2200, which then flows directly to second sub-heat exchange device 302b, where it heats refrigerant circuit 1000, which in turn heats the vehicle interior.
[0083] Exemplarily, when the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 and the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 are connected in series, the three-way valve 202 connects the sixth flow channel 106 and the ninth flow channel 109, and closes the sixth flow channel 106 and the eighth flow channel 108, that is, the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 does not pass through the battery. The refrigerant circuit 1000 can cool the second sub-heat exchange device 302b, thereby cooling the liquid in the second liquid cooling circuit 2200, and the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 and the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 are connected in series, thereby cooling the electric drive 510. The cooling capacity generated by the refrigerant circuit 1000 can be generated by the working needs of the refrigerant itself. For example, when the air conditioner is turned on in the car, the cooling capacity generated by the refrigerant circuit 1000 can be reasonably utilized. This working mode is suitable for situations where the battery does not need to be cooled, but the electric drive 510 needs to be cooled.
[0084] By setting a three-way valve 202 between the sixth flow channel 106, the eighth flow channel 108 and the ninth flow channel 109, see Figure 2 , and a first sub-heat exchange device 302a and a second sub-heat exchange device 302b are provided on the second liquid cooling loop 2200. This achieves heating or cooling of the devices on the liquid cooling loop 2000 and rationally utilizes the excess heat or cold of the heat exchange devices themselves, thereby achieving energy conservation.
[0085] In some embodiments, the first flow channel 101, the second flow channel 102, the third flow channel 103, the fourth flow channel 104, the fifth flow channel 105, the sixth flow channel 106, the seventh flow channel 107, the eighth flow channel 108 and the ninth flow channel 109 are arranged at intervals on the same side of the flow channel plate 100; a first area and a second area are arranged at intervals on the flow channel plate 100, the first flow channel 101, the second flow channel 102, and the third flow channel 103 are located in the first area, and the fourth flow channel 104, the fifth flow channel 105, the sixth flow channel 106, the seventh flow channel 107, the eighth flow channel 108 and the ninth flow channel 109 are located in the second area.
[0086] Exemplarily, first liquid cooling circuit 2100 includes flow channels in a first region, and second liquid cooling circuit 2200 includes flow channels in a second region. During high-speed vehicle operation, the electric drive 510 generates relatively high amounts of heat. The flow channels in the first region connect the electric drive 510 to the first heat exchanger via external piping, while the flow channels in the second region are primarily used to heat or cool the battery and heat the refrigerant circuit 1000. Therefore, when first and second liquid cooling circuits 2100, 2200 are operating independently, the temperature of the liquid in the flow channels in the first region is often higher than that in the flow channels in the second region.
[0087] By setting up different zones on the flow channel plate 100, with the flow channels of the first liquid cooling circuit 2100 located in the first zone and the flow channels of the second liquid cooling circuit 2200 located in the second zone, the flow channels of the two liquid cooling circuits 2000 are concentrated in two different zones, isolating the flow channels of the two liquid cooling circuits 2000. This prevents heat transfer and interference between the first and second liquid cooling circuits 2100, 2200, and energy transfer losses caused by the temperature difference between the two circuits. This improves energy transmission efficiency and achieves better energy savings.
[0088] In some embodiments, a plurality of partition ribs 100a are arranged at intervals on the surface of the flow channel plate 100, and the first flow channel 101, the second flow channel 102, the third flow channel 103, the fourth flow channel 104, the fifth flow channel 105, the sixth flow channel 106, the seventh flow channel 107, the eighth flow channel 108 and the ninth flow channel 109 are respectively surrounded by the partition ribs 100a.
[0089] For example, in actual working conditions, the coolant temperature in each channel of the channel plate 100 is different. By using the partition ribs 100a as channel walls and ensuring that two adjacent channels do not share the same channel wall, the channels are separated from each other by the partition ribs 100a.
[0090] Each flow channel is surrounded by ribs 100a, which prevents heat or cooling from being transferred or interfered with by the liquids in different flow channels, resulting in heat or cooling loss. This also prevents unnoticeable internal leakage between flow channels, which could lead to heat loss, thereby improving heat or cooling transfer efficiency.
[0091] In some embodiments, the flow channel plate further includes four mounting points 800, see Figure 8-Figure 9 The four mounting fixing points 800 are respectively located at the four vertices of the rectangle, and the mounting fixing points 800 are used to connect the flow channel plate to the vehicle through the mounting assembly.
[0092] As you can understand, in different regions, vehicles are divided into left-hand drive and right-hand drive. Left-hand drive refers to a vehicle with the driver's seat located on the left side of the cab, while right-hand drive refers to a vehicle with the driver's seat located on the right side of the cab.
[0093] For example, for left-hand drive vehicles, the vehicle's steering system and transmission are located on the left side of the vehicle. The flow plate 100 is vertically arranged in the engine compartment, and the two fixing points on both sides of the flow plate 100 are connected to the vehicle through a mounting assembly. The mounting fixing point 800 on the right side below the flow plate 100 is connected to the vehicle through a mounting assembly. The left side below the flow plate 100 provides avoidance space for the steering system and the transmission. Similarly, for right-hand drive vehicles, the two fixing points on both sides of the flow plate 100 are connected to the vehicle through a mounting assembly. The mounting fixing point 800 on the left side below the flow plate 100 is connected to the vehicle through a mounting assembly, and the right side below the flow plate 100 provides avoidance space for the steering system and the transmission.
[0094] By providing four mounting points 800 on the flow channel plate 100, three of these mounting points 800 can be selected for connection to the vehicle through the mounting assembly, depending on the spatial layout of different vehicle models. This improves the versatility of the thermal management module across different vehicle models, providing wider adaptability and simplified assembly.
[0095] In some embodiments, mounting point 800 is provided with a shock-absorbing pad and bushing. The water pump, water valve, and other components in the thermal management module generate vibration and noise during operation. The shock-absorbing pad can prevent or reduce the transmission of vibration and noise to the vehicle body, thereby improving the comfort of the vehicle occupants.
[0096] In some embodiments, the three-way valve 202 includes a first valve body, and the four-way valve 201 includes a second valve body. The first valve body and the second valve body are an integrated structure. That is, the three-way valve 202 and the four-way valve 201 form a seven-way valve 200.
[0097] It is understandable that making the valve bodies of the two water valves into an integrated structure can save space while still being able to achieve their respective functions.
[0098] For example, the three-way valve 202 and the four-way valve 201 are installed close to each other on the flow channel plate 100 , and one or two wiring harness matching interfaces can be provided on the valve bodies of the two water valves for communication connection with external devices.
[0099] By configuring the valve bodies of the three-way valve 202 and the four-way valve 201 as a whole, that is, the three-way valve 202 and the four-way valve 201 form a seven-way valve 200, the number of components can be reduced, and layout space and material costs can be saved.
[0100] In some embodiments, the first channel 101, the second channel 102, the third channel 103, the fourth channel 104, the fifth channel 105, the sixth channel 106, the seventh channel 107, the eighth channel 108 and the ninth channel 109 in the thermal management module are all arranged on the same side of the channel plate, that is, all the channels are single-layer channels.
[0101] By arranging multiple flow channels on the same side of the flow channel plate, heat transfer and interference between the flow channels are prevented, which causes heat loss.
[0102] For example, the thermal management module is based on the flow channel plate 100. Figure 8-Figure 9 All flow channels on the flow channel plate 100 are connected through components such as the electronic water pump, multi-way valve, kettle 400, and battery cooler to form the internal flow channels of the thermal management module. The multi-way valve is not limited to the three-way valve 202 and the four-way valve 201; other multi-way valves can also be used. The number of these components can be one or more depending on the actual requirements of the thermal management module.
[0103] Exemplarily, all flow channels are dispersed around the four-way valve 201 , and the flow channels do not cross each other. They are connected to external pipelines through interfaces on the flow channel plate 100 to form a liquid cooling circuit 2000 circulation of the thermal management module.
[0104] For example, the first circulating pump 601 is an electronic water pump for cooling the electric drive 510, and the second circulating pump 602 is an electronic water pump for cooling the battery. The number and power of the electronic water pumps can be adjusted according to specific needs, and the water pumps can also be applied to the cooling cycle of other equipment. This embodiment of the application does not limit this.
[0105] It is worth noting that the first flow channel 101, the second flow channel 102, the third flow channel 103, the fourth flow channel 104, the fifth flow channel 105, the sixth flow channel 106, and the seventh flow channel 107 are all located no higher than the water replenishment port 103b. Furthermore, the second flow channel 102 and the fifth flow channel 105 are located after the water outlets of the first circulation pump 601 and the second circulation pump 602, respectively. A second gasket is located within the fifth flow channel 105, serving the same function as the first gasket 700.
[0106] Because the circulating pump can provide a continuous flow of liquid within the flow channels, the fact that the second flow channel 102 and the fifth flow channel 105 are partially higher than the water inlet 103b will not cause the accumulation of bubbles within the two flow channels, nor will it hinder the removal of residual gas within the two flow channels. This arrangement can greatly reduce the amount of residual gas within the flow channels during liquid refilling, thereby reducing the residual gas in the entire liquid circuit.
[0107] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application integrate some key components of the thermal management module. By providing multiple flow channels on the flow channel plate, each flow channel is short, with fewer bends, and thus reduces fluid resistance. This avoids the need for multiple liquid delivery pipes, thereby saving material usage, cost, and weight. The thermal management module can be precisely controlled by software.
[0108] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.
[0109] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.
Claims
1. A thermal management module, characterized in that: include: A flow channel plate (100), wherein the flow channel plate (100) is provided with a first flow channel (101), a second flow channel (102), a third flow channel (103), a fourth flow channel (104), a fifth flow channel (105), a sixth flow channel (106), and a seventh flow channel (107) at intervals; A first circulation pump (601), the first circulation pump (601) is arranged on the flow channel plate (100), the inlet of the first circulation pump (601) is communicated with the first flow channel (101), and the outlet of the first circulation pump (601) is communicated with the second flow channel (102); the flow channel plate (100) is provided with a first interface (102a) communicated with the second flow channel (102), the first interface (102a) is used to communicate with the inlet of the first heat exchange device (301) on the electric drive (510); the flow channel plate (100) is also provided with a second interface (103a) communicated with the third flow channel (103), the second interface (103a) is used to communicate with the outlet of the first heat exchange device (301); the third flow channel (103) is communicated with the first flow channel (101); A second circulation pump (602), the inlet of the second circulation pump (602) is connected to the fourth flow channel (104), the outlet of the second circulation pump (602) is connected to the fifth flow channel (105), the flow channel plate (100) is further provided with a third interface (105a) connected to the fifth flow channel (105), the third interface (105a) is used to connect to the inlet of the heating device (520), the flow channel plate (100) is further provided with a fourth interface (106a) connected to the sixth flow channel (106), the fourth interface (106a) is used to connect to the outlet of the heating device (520), the sixth flow channel (106) is used to connect to the inlet of the second heat exchange device (302), and the fourth flow channel (104) is used to connect to the outlet of the second heat exchange device (302) through the seventh flow channel (107).
2. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein: In a direction perpendicular to the flow channel plate (100), the outlet of the first circulation pump (601) is spaced apart from the flow channel plate (100); the thermal management module further comprises a first pad (700) arranged in the second flow channel (102), the first pad (700) extending in the second flow channel (102), and the first pad (700) is used to make the cross-sectional areas of the second flow channel (102) equal along the extension direction.
3. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal management module further comprises a kettle (400); a water supply port (103b) is provided on the third flow channel (103); the kettle (400) is connected to the water supply port (103b); and a vent hole (103c) is provided at the top end of the third flow channel (103) and is connected to the kettle (400).
4. The thermal management module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The height of the first flow channel (101) is lower than the height of the water replenishment port (103b).
5. The thermal management module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thermal management module further comprises a four-way valve (201), and the first flow channel (101), the third flow channel (103), the fourth flow channel (104) and the seventh flow channel (107) are connected via the four-way valve (201).
6. The thermal management module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thermal management module further comprises a three-way valve (202); an eighth flow channel (108) and a ninth flow channel (109) are provided on the flow channel plate (100) at intervals; the sixth flow channel (106), the eighth flow channel (108), and the ninth flow channel (109) are connected via the three-way valve (202); The second heat exchange device (302) includes a first sub-heat exchange device (302a) and a second sub-heat exchange device (302b), the eighth flow channel (108) is used to communicate with the inlet of the second sub-heat exchange device (302b) through the first sub-heat exchange device (302a), the ninth flow channel (109) is used to communicate with the inlet of the second sub-heat exchange device (302b), and the seventh flow channel (107) is used to communicate with the outlet of the second sub-heat exchange device (302b).
7. The thermal management module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first flow channel (101), the second flow channel (102), the third flow channel (103), the fourth flow channel (104), the fifth flow channel (105), the sixth flow channel (106), the seventh flow channel (107), the eighth flow channel (108) and the ninth flow channel (109) are arranged at intervals on the same side of the flow channel plate (100); a first area and a second area are arranged at intervals on the flow channel plate (100), the first flow channel (101), the second flow channel (102) and the third flow channel (103) are located in the first area, and the fourth flow channel (104), the fifth flow channel (105), the sixth flow channel (106), the seventh flow channel (107), the eighth flow channel (108) and the ninth flow channel (109) are located in the second area.
8. The thermal management module according to claim 6, wherein: A plurality of partition ribs (100a) are arranged at intervals on the surface of the flow channel plate (100), and the first flow channel (101), the second flow channel (102), the third flow channel (103), the fourth flow channel (104), the fifth flow channel (105), the sixth flow channel (106), the seventh flow channel (107), the eighth flow channel (108) and the ninth flow channel (109) are respectively surrounded by the partition ribs (100a).
9. The thermal management module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The three-way valve (202) includes a first valve body, and the four-way valve (201) includes a second valve body, and the first valve body and the second valve body are an integrated structure.
10. The thermal management module according to claim 1, wherein: The flow channel plate (100) further comprises four mounting fixing points (800), wherein the four mounting fixing points (800) are respectively located at four vertices of a rectangle, and the mounting fixing points (800) are used to connect the flow channel plate (100) to a vehicle via a mounting assembly.
11. The thermal management module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first flow channel (101), the second flow channel (102), the third flow channel (103), the fourth flow channel (104), the fifth flow channel (105), the sixth flow channel (106), the seventh flow channel (107), the eighth flow channel (108) and the ninth flow channel (109) are all arranged on the same side of the flow channel plate (100).
12. A vehicle, characterized in that: The invention comprises an electric drive (510), a first heat exchange device (301) and a thermal management module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first heat exchange device (301) is arranged on the electric drive (510), the first interface (102a) on the flow channel plate (100) is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange device (301), and the second structure on the flow channel plate (100) is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchange device (301).