Thermal management system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a thermal management system and a vehicle. The thermal management system comprises a first heat exchange loop (110) using a first refrigerant and a second heat exchange loop (120) using a second refrigerant, the first heat exchange loop (110) and the second heat exchange loop (120) are provided with a compressor (1), and the compressor (1) is suitable for compressing the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. According to the heat management system, double-refrigerant heat exchange can be achieved through a small number of parts and a small assembling space.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing dual-refrigerant heat exchange systems typically share heat exchange piping. However, different refrigerants have different requirements for heat exchange components due to their varying operating pressures, often leading to low heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, when configured as two separate heat exchange circuits, each with its own refrigerant, the thermal management system components become complex and diverse, while also requiring significant space for vehicle assembly. Therefore, a dual-refrigerant thermal management system with fewer components is urgently needed to simplify the overall thermal management system structure while still meeting the diverse heat exchange requirements of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system to solve the technical problem of the complex structure of the dual-refrigerant thermal management system in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of the present invention proposes a thermal management system comprising a first heat exchange circuit using a first refrigerant, a second heat exchange circuit using a second refrigerant, and a compressor. The first and second heat exchange circuits share the compressor, which is suitable for compressing the first and second refrigerants. This solution, through the design of a dual refrigerant circuit sharing a compressor, enables independent circulation control of the two refrigerants, simplifying the system structure while avoiding the pressure compatibility issues caused by shared components in traditional dual refrigerant systems.

[0005] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the first heat exchange circuit includes a first condenser and a first heat exchange assembly, and the first condenser, the first heat exchange assembly, and the compressor are connected in series. This solution achieves a complete circulation path for the first refrigerant through the series connection of the first condenser and the first heat exchange assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the second heat exchange circuit includes a second condenser and a second heat exchange assembly, which are connected in series with the compressor. This solution achieves a complete circulation path for the second refrigerant through the series connection of the second condenser and the second heat exchange assembly.

[0007] Furthermore, in a possible implementation, the first heat exchange assembly and the second condenser are arranged opposite to each other to facilitate heat exchange. This solution achieves heat exchange between the two refrigerants through an integrated arrangement, thereby improving the overall heat exchange efficiency of the system.

[0008] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, both the first heat exchange component and the second heat exchange component are evaporators. This solution achieves enhanced heating in extremely cold conditions through a dual evaporator design.

[0009] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the first heat exchange circuit includes a first heat exchange branch and a second heat exchange branch. The first heat exchange branch includes the first heat exchange assembly and a third expansion valve, and the second heat exchange branch includes a first cold plate and a first expansion valve. The first and second heat exchange branches are arranged in parallel, and the first and second heat exchange branches are arranged in series with the first condenser and the compressor. This solution achieves multi-path control in cooling mode through a dual-branch design.

[0010] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the second heat exchange circuit includes a third heat exchange branch and a fourth heat exchange branch. The third heat exchange branch includes a second cold plate and a second expansion valve, and the fourth heat exchange branch includes the second condenser and a fourth expansion valve. The third and fourth heat exchange branches are arranged in parallel, and the third and fourth heat exchange branches are arranged in series with the second heat exchange assembly and the compressor. This solution achieves multi-path control in heating mode through a dual-branch design.

[0011] Furthermore, in a possible implementation, the first heat exchange component is an evaporator, and the second heat exchange component is a plate heat exchanger. This solution improves heat exchange efficiency by combining the evaporator and the plate heat exchanger.

[0012] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the second heat exchange assembly is also located on a third heat exchange loop, connected to the powertrain. This solution achieves coordinated optimization of vehicle thermal management by integrating the plate heat exchanger into the powertrain cooling system.

[0013] Furthermore, in a possible implementation, the first refrigerant is at least one of R1234yf and R134a. This solution meets environmental protection requirements by selecting a low global warming potential refrigerant.

[0014] Furthermore, in a possible implementation, the second refrigerant is at least one of R290 and R744. This solution improves system performance by selecting a high-efficiency refrigerant.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle comprising the thermal management system described above. This solution provides a vehicle that meets the requirements for battery thermal management and passenger compartment temperature control, effectively improving the overall vehicle energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 is an architectural diagram of a thermal management system according to a specific example of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 It is an architectural diagram of a thermal management system according to a specific example of the present invention.

[0019] Wherein, each reference numeral is:

[0020] 110, first heat exchange circuit; 120, second heat exchange circuit; 130, third heat exchange circuit; 111, first heat exchange branch; 112, second heat exchange branch; 121, third heat exchange branch; 122, fourth heat exchange branch.

[0021] 1. Compressor; 2. First condenser; 3. First evaporator; 4. Second condenser; 5. Second heat exchange assembly; 6. First cold plate; 7. First expansion valve; 8. Plate heat exchanger; 9. Second cold plate; 10. Second expansion valve; 11. First one-way valve; 12. Second one-way valve; 13. Third expansion valve; 14. Fourth expansion valve; 15. Third one-way valve; 16. Fourth one-way valve; 17. Fifth one-way valve; 18. First gas-liquid separator; 19. Second gas-liquid separator; 20. Radiator; 21. Fan; 22. Powertrain. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0024] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] The thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is now described. Figure 1 As shown, a thermal management system includes a first heat exchange circuit 110 using a first refrigerant, a second heat exchange circuit 120 using a second refrigerant, and a compressor 1. The first heat exchange circuit 110 and the second heat exchange circuit 120 share the compressor 1, and the compressor 1 is suitable for compressing the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. In the above embodiment, the dual refrigerant circuits share the compressor design, which can achieve independent circulation control of the two refrigerants, avoiding the pressure adaptability problem caused by the sharing of components in the traditional dual refrigerant system. This solution can meet the compression requirements of R744 and R134a at the same time through the multi-working condition adaptability design of the compressor, effectively improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0028] Furthermore, the first heat exchange circuit 110 includes a first condenser 2 and a first heat exchange component 3, and the first condenser 2 and the first heat exchange component 3 are connected in series with the compressor 1. This solution realizes the complete circulation path of the R134a refrigerant in the heating mode through the series structure of the first condenser and the first heat exchange component. Specifically, under the heating condition, the R134a refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 1 and enters the first heat exchange component (such as the evaporator) to absorb heat, expands through the first expansion valve 7, enters the first condenser 2 to dissipate heat, and finally returns to the compressor 1 through the gas-liquid separator to form a closed cycle.

[0029] Furthermore, the second heat exchange circuit 120 includes a second condenser 4 and a second heat exchange component 5, and the second condenser 4 and the second heat exchange component 5 are connected in series with the compressor 1. This solution realizes the complete circulation path of the R744 refrigerant in the heating mode through the series structure of the second condenser and the second heat exchange component. Specifically, under heating conditions, the R744 refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 1 and enters the one-way valve, releases heat through the battery pack cold plate, and enters the plate heat exchanger (second heat exchange component) after throttling by the expansion valve to absorb heat, and finally returns to the compressor 1 through the gas-liquid separator to form a closed cycle.

[0030] Furthermore, the first heat exchange assembly 3 and the second condenser 4 are arranged relative to each other to facilitate heat exchange. This solution achieves heat exchange between the two refrigerants by integrating the R134a evaporator (first heat exchange assembly) with the R744 condenser (second condenser). Specifically, under heating conditions, the heat released by the R744 condenser can be absorbed by the R134a evaporator, improving the overall heat recovery efficiency of the system. This integrated design effectively reduces the number of system components and reduces piping complexity.

[0031] In some embodiments, both the first heat exchange component 3 and the second heat exchange component 5 are evaporators. This solution uses a dual evaporator design to achieve coordinated cooling of the battery pack and the vehicle cabin in cooling mode.

[0032] Example 2

[0033] Now, another embodiment of the thermal management system provided by the present invention is described. Figure 2 As shown, a thermal management system includes a first heat exchange circuit 110 using a first refrigerant, a second heat exchange circuit 120 using a second refrigerant, and a compressor 1. The first heat exchange circuit 110 and the second heat exchange circuit 120 share the compressor 1, and the compressor 1 is suitable for compressing the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. In the above embodiment, the dual refrigerant circuits share the compressor design, which can achieve independent circulation control of the two refrigerants, avoiding the pressure adaptability problem caused by the sharing of components in the traditional dual refrigerant system. This solution can meet the compression requirements of R744 and R134a at the same time through the multi-working condition adaptability design of the compressor, effectively improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0034] Furthermore, the first heat exchange circuit 110 includes a first condenser 2 and a first heat exchange component 3, and the first condenser 2 and the first heat exchange component 3 are connected in series with the compressor 1. This solution realizes the complete circulation path of the R134a refrigerant in the heating mode through the series structure of the first condenser and the first heat exchange component. This solution realizes the complete circulation path of the R134a refrigerant in the cooling mode through the series structure of the first condenser and the first heat exchange component. Specifically, under the refrigeration condition, the R134a refrigerant enters the first condenser to dissipate heat after being compressed by the compressor, enters the first heat exchange component (such as the battery pack cold plate) to absorb heat after being throttled by the expansion valve, and finally returns to the compressor through the gas-liquid separator to form a closed loop.

[0035] Furthermore, the second heat exchange circuit 120 includes a second condenser 4 and a second heat exchange component 5, and the second condenser 4 and the second heat exchange component 5 are connected in series with the compressor 1. This solution realizes the complete circulation path of the R744 refrigerant in the heating mode through the series structure of the second condenser and the second heat exchange component. Specifically, under the heating condition, the R744 refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 1 and enters the second heat exchange component 5 (such as the evaporator) to absorb heat. After expansion through the second expansion valve 10, it enters the second condenser 4 to absorb heat, and finally returns to the compressor 1 through the gas-liquid separator, forming a closed cycle.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange assembly 3 and the second condenser 4 are arranged opposite each other to facilitate heat exchange. This solution integrates the R134a evaporator (first heat exchange assembly) with the R744 condenser (second condenser) to achieve heat exchange between the two refrigerants. Specifically, under heating conditions, the heat released by the R744 condenser can be absorbed by the R134a evaporator, improving the overall heat recovery efficiency of the system. This integrated design effectively reduces the number of system components and reduces piping complexity.

[0037] In some embodiments, both the first heat exchange component 3 and the second heat exchange component 5 are evaporators. This solution utilizes a dual-evaporator design to achieve coordinated cooling of the battery pack and the vehicle cabin in cooling mode. Specifically, the R134a evaporator (the first heat exchange component) is used to cool the battery pack cold plate, while the R744 evaporator (the second heat exchange component) can be integrated into the cabin air conditioning system to achieve multi-scenario temperature control.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange circuit 110 includes a first heat exchange branch and a second heat exchange branch, the first heat exchange branch includes the first heat exchange component 3 and the third expansion valve 13, the second heat exchange branch includes the first cold plate 6 and the first expansion valve 7, the first heat exchange branch and the second heat exchange branch are arranged in parallel, and the first heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange branch and the first condenser 2 and the compressor 1 are arranged in series. This solution achieves multi-path control in cooling mode through a dual-branch design. Specifically, the first heat exchange branch (evaporator + expansion valve) is used for battery pack cooling, and the second heat exchange branch (cold plate + expansion valve) is used for the cabin air-conditioning system. The two branches are operated in parallel to flexibly distribute cooling capacity.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange circuit 120 includes a third heat exchange branch and a fourth heat exchange branch, the third heat exchange branch includes a second cold plate 9 and a second expansion valve 10, the fourth heat exchange branch includes the second condenser 4 and the fourth expansion valve 14, the third heat exchange branch is arranged in parallel with the fourth heat exchange branch, and the third heat exchange branch, the fourth heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange component 5 and the compressor 1 are arranged in series. This solution achieves multi-path control in heating mode through a dual-branch design. Specifically, the third heat exchange branch (cold plate + expansion valve) is used for battery pack heating, and the fourth heat exchange branch (condenser + expansion valve) is used for the cabin air-conditioning system. The two branches are operated in parallel to flexibly distribute heat.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange component 3 is an evaporator, and the second heat exchange component 5 is a plate heat exchanger. This solution improves heat exchange efficiency by combining the evaporator and plate heat exchanger. Specifically, the R134a evaporator is used to directly cool the battery pack, while the R744 plate heat exchanger enables efficient heat exchange with the external environment, meeting the needs of different operating conditions.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange assembly 5 is also located on the third heat exchange loop 130, connected to the powertrain. This solution integrates the plate heat exchanger into the powertrain cooling system, achieving coordinated optimization of vehicle thermal management. Specifically, after absorbing powertrain heat in the plate heat exchanger, the R744 refrigerant can be further used to heat the battery pack or the vehicle cabin, improving energy efficiency.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first refrigerant is at least one of R1234yf and R134a. This solution meets environmental requirements by selecting a low-global warming potential refrigerant. Specifically, R134a has good thermodynamic properties, while R1234yf has a lower greenhouse gas potential. The choice of refrigerant can be tailored to the specific application scenario.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second refrigerant is at least one of R290 and R744. This solution improves system performance by selecting a highly energy-efficient refrigerant. Specifically, R744 has excellent cooling capacity per unit volume and is suitable for high-temperature conditions, while R290 has good environmental performance and is suitable for low-temperature environments.

[0044] An embodiment of the present application also provides a vehicle comprising the aforementioned thermal management system. In this embodiment, by integrating a dual-refrigerant coupling system, the vehicle can maintain a heating coefficient of performance of 2-3 in extremely low-temperature environments, while simultaneously optimizing energy efficiency in both cooling and heating modes. This solution is particularly well-suited for the battery thermal management and passenger compartment temperature control requirements of new energy vehicles, effectively improving overall vehicle energy efficiency.

[0045] Although one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art after reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond to any component (functionally equivalent) that performs the specific functions of the described components, even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structures. In addition, although specific features of the present disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations as may be desired and beneficial for any given or specific application. In addition, with respect to the terms "including," "having," "having," "having," or variations thereof used in the specific embodiments or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0046] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended claims.

[0047] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first heat exchange circuit (110) using a first refrigerant, a second heat exchange circuit (120) using a second refrigerant, and a compressor (1). The first heat exchange circuit (110) and the second heat exchange circuit (120) share the compressor (1), and the compressor (1) is suitable for compressing the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heat exchange circuit (110) comprises a first condenser (2) and a first heat exchange component (3); the first condenser (2), the first heat exchange component (3) and the compressor (1) are connected in series.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second heat exchange circuit (120) comprises a second condenser (4) and a second heat exchange component (5), and the second condenser (4), the second heat exchange component (5) and the compressor (1) are connected in series.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first heat exchange component (3) and the second condenser (4) are arranged opposite to each other so as to be suitable for heat exchange.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first heat exchange component (3) and the second heat exchange component (5) are both evaporators.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first heat exchange circuit (110) comprises a first heat exchange branch and a second heat exchange branch, the first heat exchange branch comprises the first heat exchange component (3) and a third expansion valve (13), the second heat exchange branch comprises a first cold plate (6) and a first expansion valve (7), the first heat exchange branch and the second heat exchange branch are arranged in parallel, and the first heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange branch, the first condenser (2) and the compressor (1) are arranged in series.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second heat exchange circuit (120) includes a third heat exchange branch and a fourth heat exchange branch, the third heat exchange branch includes a second cold plate (9) and a second expansion valve (10), the fourth heat exchange branch includes the second condenser (4) and a fourth expansion valve (14), the third heat exchange branch and the fourth heat exchange branch are arranged in parallel, and the third heat exchange branch, the fourth heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange component (5) and the compressor (1) are arranged in series.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first heat exchange component (3) is an evaporator, and the second heat exchange component (5) is a plate heat exchanger.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second heat exchange component (5) is also located on the third heat exchange circuit (130) and is connected to the powertrain.

10. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first refrigerant is at least one of R1234yf and R134a.

11. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The second refrigerant is at least one of R290 and R744.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that: The thermal management system comprises the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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