Heat exchange module, vehicle-mounted heat management system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchange module, a vehicle-mounted heat management system and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of automobile heat management, the heat exchange module comprises a heat exchange part and a liquid storage part, and the heat exchange part is used for being thermally coupled with an object to be subjected to heat exchange, and preferably is a battery pack and other parts needing to be cooled. The liquid storage part communicates with the heat exchange part, is located on the upstream of the heat exchange medium flowing direction and is used for providing a refrigerant for the heat exchange part under the cooling working condition. The liquid storage part comprises a container and a first pipeline, the first pipeline is provided with a first end and a second end which are oppositely arranged, the first end communicates with the heat exchange part, and the second end faces the interior of the container and is inserted below the liquid level of the liquid phase heat exchange medium in the container. And under the cooling working condition, the liquid heat exchange medium enters the first pipeline from the second end and then enters the heat exchange piece through the first end, latent heat exchange is achieved, and the heat exchange efficiency and the temperature uniformity are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of automotive thermal management technology, and in particular to a heat exchange module, an on-board thermal management system, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Currently, vehicle thermal management systems are used to regulate and control the heat generated or absorbed during vehicle operation, ensuring that the powertrain, electronic components, and passenger compartment remain within a suitable operating temperature range, thereby improving vehicle performance, energy efficiency, and ride comfort. However, research has found that existing thermal management systems generally fail to effectively regulate the temperature of the refrigerant entering the battery pack, resulting in reduced heat transfer efficiency and ultimately limiting the thermal management system's heat exchange capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a heat exchange module, an on-board thermal management system, and a vehicle, which can improve heat exchange efficiency to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of the present application, a heat exchange module is provided, comprising:

[0005] A heat exchange element configured to be thermally coupled to an object to be heat exchanged;

[0006] a liquid storage element, connected to the heat exchange element so as to allow the heat exchange medium to circulate, wherein in a cooling condition, the liquid storage element is located upstream of the heat exchange element along the flow direction of the heat exchange medium;

[0007] In which, the liquid storage component includes a container and a first pipe, the first pipe includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite to each other, the first end is connected to the heat exchange component, and the second end extends into the container. Under the cooling condition, the heat exchange medium enters the first pipe through the second end and passes into the heat exchange component through the first end, and the second end is configured to be immersed below the liquid level of the liquid-phase heat exchange medium in the container.

[0008] Optionally, the low-pressure liquid storage component further includes a second pipe, which is connected to the container. Under the cooling condition, the heat exchange medium enters the container through the second pipe.

[0009] Optionally, the first end is away from the end of the second conduit located in the container.

[0010] Optionally, an auxiliary cooling module is further included, and in cooling conditions, the auxiliary cooling module is connected to the liquid storage component.

[0011] Optionally, the auxiliary cooling module includes an economizer, a first electronic expansion valve, a third pipe and a fourth pipe, the third pipe connects the main line of the economizer with the liquid storage component, the fourth pipe connects the auxiliary line inlet of the economizer with the main line of the economizer, and the first electronic expansion valve is arranged on the fourth pipe.

[0012] Optionally, the fourth pipeline connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer with the main road outlet of the economizer; or the fourth pipeline connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer with the main road inlet of the economizer.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a vehicle-mounted thermal management system, comprising the heat exchange module described in the first aspect.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a compressor, a heat exchange circulation loop and a gas-liquid separator. The compressor, the heat exchange module and the gas-liquid separator are all arranged on the heat exchange circulation loop, and the heat exchange medium flowing out of the compressor flows back to the compressor after passing through the heat exchange module and the gas-liquid separator.

[0015] Optionally, a first condenser is further included, wherein the first condenser is arranged on the heat exchange circulation loop, and the first condenser is connected between the compressor and the heat exchange module.

[0016] Optionally, a second electronic expansion valve is further included, and the second electronic expansion valve is arranged on the heat exchange circulation loop. Under cooling conditions, the second electronic expansion valve is located upstream of the liquid storage component.

[0017] Optionally, the economizer is connected between the first condenser and the second electronic expansion valve, and the fourth pipe communicates with an auxiliary road inlet of the economizer and a main road outlet of the economizer.

[0018] Optionally, the economizer is connected between the first condenser and the second electronic expansion valve, and the fourth pipe is connected to the auxiliary inlet of the economizer and the main inlet of the economizer.

[0019] Optionally, the economizer is connected between the liquid storage element and the heat exchange element, and the fourth pipe connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer and the main road outlet of the economizer.

[0020] Optionally, the economizer is connected between the liquid storage element and the heat exchange element, and the fourth pipe is connected to the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer and the main road inlet of the economizer.

[0021] Optionally, the economizer is connected between the first condenser and the second electronic expansion valve, and the fourth pipe is connected to the auxiliary inlet of the economizer and the main inlet of the economizer.

[0022] Optionally, the economizer is connected between the first condenser and the second electronic expansion valve, and the fourth pipe communicates with an auxiliary road inlet of the economizer and a main road outlet of the economizer.

[0023] Optionally, the economizer is a plate heat exchanger.

[0024] Optionally, a first solenoid valve is provided on the heat exchange circulation loop, and the first solenoid valve is connected between the compressor and the first condenser.

[0025] In a third aspect, a vehicle is also provided, comprising the vehicle-mounted thermal management system of the second aspect.

[0026] In the heat exchange module of the embodiment of the present application, through the combined configuration of the heat exchange component and the liquid storage component, the heat exchange medium is preferentially allowed to enter the heat exchange component in liquid form under cooling conditions, thereby improving the efficiency of latent heat exchange. This structural design effectively improves the liquid phase ratio of the refrigerant in the battery pack temperature control system, so that when exchanging heat with the battery pack, it can rely on the liquid refrigerant to absorb heat and vaporize to release more latent heat, thereby increasing the amount of heat that can be taken away by the unit mass of refrigerant, which is beneficial to improving the cooling efficiency. In addition, the first pipe provided in the liquid storage component has its second end facing the interior of the container and is inserted below the liquid level of the liquid phase medium, so that the suction port of the heat exchange medium is stably in the liquid refrigerant. This design helps to avoid the decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by the gas-liquid mixing state, and is beneficial to improving the stability and continuity of the refrigerant supply. By stably supplying liquid refrigerant, this solution improves the heat exchange uniformity of different parts inside the battery pack to a certain extent, and has the technical advantage of promoting a more balanced temperature distribution of the battery pack. Furthermore, the liquid storage container can be designed as a low-pressure structure, which simplifies manufacturing and material requirements compared to traditional high-pressure containers, reducing system complexity and helping to control costs. Therefore, this technical solution not only improves the performance of the thermal management system, but also offers advantages such as structural simplicity, controllable costs, and stable operation.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in detail in the subsequent detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0029] In order to more completely understand the present application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same drawing numbers represent the same parts in the following description.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange module provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle thermal management system provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle thermal management system provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 ;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle thermal management system provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 ;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle thermal management system provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 ;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle thermal management system provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 ;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle thermal management system provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 .

[0037] Description of reference numerals:

[0038] 1. Heat exchange components;

[0039] 2. Liquid storage member; 21. Container; 22. First pipeline; 221. First end; 222. Second end; 23. Second pipeline;

[0040] 3. Auxiliary cooling module; 31. Economizer; 32. First electronic expansion valve; 33. Third pipeline; 34. Fourth pipeline;

[0041] 4. Compressor;

[0042] 5. heat exchange circulation loop; 51. first solenoid valve;

[0043] 6. Gas-liquid separator;

[0044] 7. First condenser;

[0045] 8. Second electronic expansion valve;

[0046] 9. Heating module; 91. Second condenser; 92. Second solenoid valve; 93. Third electronic expansion valve;

[0047] 10. Water circuit module; 101. Powertrain; 102. Motor radiator; 103. Three-way valve; 104. Auxiliary water tank; 105. Electronic pump; 106. Plate converter;

[0048] 100. Air conditioning module; 1001. In-vehicle evaporator; 1002. Fourth electronic expansion valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0050] This application provides a heat exchange module, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the heat exchange module includes a heat exchange component 1 and a liquid storage component 2, wherein the heat exchange component 1 is configured to be thermally coupled with the object to be heat exchanged. Specifically, the object to be heat exchanged can be a battery pack. Furthermore, the heat exchange component 1 is used to exchange heat with the battery pack during the flow of the heat exchange medium, so as to achieve regulation and control of the battery pack temperature. It can be understood that the heat exchange component 1 can adopt a common structural form in the prior art, such as a refrigerant flow plate, a cooling pipe row and other structures. The specific structural form does not affect the implementation method of this embodiment.

[0051] At the same time, liquid reservoir 2 is connected to heat exchanger 1, storing the heat exchange medium and providing liquid heat exchange medium to heat exchanger 1 during cooling operation. Liquid reservoir 2 is located upstream of heat exchanger 1. The heat exchange medium enters heat exchanger 1 from liquid reservoir 2 and exchanges heat with the battery pack as it passes through heat exchanger 1.

[0052] Furthermore, the liquid storage component 2 includes a container 21 and a first pipe 22, the first pipe 22 is provided with a first end 221 and a second end 222 relative to each other, wherein the first end 221 is connected to the heat exchange component 1, and the second end 222 is arranged toward the interior of the container 21 and is inserted into the container 21 vertically or obliquely downward.

[0053] It can be understood that under cooling conditions, the heat exchange medium enters the pipe from the inside of the container 21 through the second end 222 of the first pipe 22, and then enters the heat exchange component 1 through the first end 221. It should be noted that the container 21 contains a two-phase heat exchange medium, specifically a refrigerant in which a liquid phase and a gas phase coexist. The structure of the container 21 can be set to a pressure-controllable structure or a structure in a low-pressure environment to facilitate the stable maintenance of the two-phase state of the refrigerant. In the liquid storage component 2, the liquid-phase heat exchange medium is distributed at the bottom of the container 21, while the gas-phase heat exchange medium is located at the upper part of the container 21.

[0054] Exemplarily, the second end 222 of the first pipe 22 is inserted below the liquid level of the liquid heat exchange medium in the container 21, that is, the second end 222 is in the liquid refrigerant. It can be understood that since the heat exchange medium is sucked in from the second end 222 of the first pipe 22, the heat exchange medium entering the first pipe 22 can be all liquid heat exchange medium to a certain extent. This structure increases the proportion of liquid components in the refrigerant components flowing from the liquid storage component 2 to the heat exchange component 1 under cooling conditions. This setting is different from the traditional heat exchange structure in which the refrigerant is in a gas-liquid mixed state before entering the cooling circuit. In this embodiment, the heat exchange medium is sucked in in liquid form by immersing the second end 222 below the liquid level, which is beneficial to improving the subsequent latent heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange component 1 and the battery pack.

[0055] Furthermore, because the liquid refrigerant can vaporize after absorbing heat during latent heat exchange, its heat exchange capacity per unit volume or unit mass is greater than that of pure sensible heat exchange. Therefore, by inserting the second end 222 of the first pipe 22 into the liquid medium, the proportion of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant received by the heat exchange element 1 can be increased, thereby increasing the heat exchange capacity on the battery pack side to a certain extent. This also promotes temperature balance at different locations in the battery pack, helping to improve temperature uniformity within the battery pack.

[0056] Furthermore, in this configuration, the container 21 of the liquid storage element 2 does not need to be a high-pressure container 21; it can be configured as a low-pressure container 21. This configuration offers advantages in design and manufacturing costs while also reducing system complexity. The connection between the liquid storage element 2 and the heat exchange element 1 is not limited to a direct connection; functional connection can also be achieved via structures such as refrigerant distribution piping.

[0057] It should be noted that the depth at which the second end 222 of the first pipe 22 is immersed under the liquid heat exchange medium can be flexibly adjusted according to the system operating parameters. For example, the design can be optimized based on the saturation pressure of the heat exchange medium, the volume of the container 21 and the cooling amount required by the battery pack, so as to achieve a balance between heat exchange efficiency and system stability; at the same time, "heat exchange medium" and "refrigerant" have the same meaning.

[0058] In summary, this embodiment sets the structure of the liquid storage component 2 and the first pipe 22 so that the liquid component in the heat exchange medium received by the heat exchange component 1 under the cooling condition accounts for a higher proportion, thereby promoting the latent heat exchange process of the battery pack to a certain extent, improving the heat exchange capacity and temperature balance of the battery pack, and further improving the performance and reliability of the vehicle thermal management system.

[0059] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2The heat exchange module further includes a second pipe 23, which is connected to the container 21 and is used to introduce the heat exchange medium into the container 21 under cooling conditions. Specifically, the second pipe 23 can be arranged at the upper part or side of the container 21, one end of which is connected to the internal space of the container 21, and the other end is connected to the upstream refrigerant flow path. The second pipe 23 can be used to guide the external heat exchange medium into the container 21 under cooling conditions, so that the refrigerant reserve in the container 21 can be maintained, and the ratio of the gas-liquid two phases in the container 21 can be adjusted to a certain extent. In particular, when the heat exchange medium continues to flow to the heat exchange element 1, the heat exchange medium is replenished through the second pipe 23, which helps to maintain a stable liquid level in the container 21.

[0060] It can be understood that in this structure, the second end 222 of the first pipe 22 is inserted below the liquid level of the liquid-phase heat exchange medium inside the container 21, and the second pipe 23 is used to replenish the refrigerant to the container 21. Therefore, the first pipe 22 and the second pipe 23 form an upstream and downstream flow relationship under cooling conditions, that is, the second pipe 23 supplies heat exchange medium to the container 21, and the first pipe 22 draws liquid from the container 21 into the heat exchange element 1. Through this structural arrangement, the flow path of the heat exchange medium inside the heat exchange module can be made clearer. After entering the container 21 from the second pipe 23, the heat exchange medium is guided into the heat exchange element 1 in liquid form by the first pipe 22, so that the heat exchange medium entering the heat exchange element 1 has a higher proportion of liquid components in its phase composition. This structure has a positive effect on maintaining an efficient latent heat exchange process.

[0061] Furthermore, the location of the second conduit 23 and the distribution of the heat exchange medium within the container 21 can be tailored to suit different operating conditions. For example, it can be positioned at the inlet of the gas phase or liquid phase to adjust the inflow rate and distribution of the heat exchange medium. This structural arrangement provides a clearer fluid guidance path within the heat exchange module under cooling conditions and facilitates the directional flow of the liquid heat exchange medium between the container 21 and the heat exchange element 1, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and temperature balance during the battery pack's thermal management process.

[0062] In some examples, such as Figure 1As shown, the first end 221 of the first pipe 22 is positioned away from the end of the second pipe 23 located within the container 21. That is, within the interior space of the container 21, the first end 221 of the first pipe 22 and the location where the second pipe 23 connects to the container 21 are spaced apart from each other. This can be achieved by being positioned on opposite side walls of the container 21 or by being offset with a certain flow distance. The purpose of this structural arrangement is to ensure that when the heat exchange medium enters the container 21 through the second pipe 23, it has the necessary spatial and temporal conditions to complete the gas-liquid phase transition. In particular, when the heat exchange medium is a superheated gas or in a critical state, if the first end 221 of the first pipe 22 is too close to the second pipe 23, the heat exchange medium may be sucked into the first pipe 22 before it has completely condensed or liquefied. This may result in the presence of gaseous components within the first pipe 22, resulting in a reduced proportion of liquid in the heat exchange medium that ultimately enters the heat exchange element 1, and thus affecting the heat exchange efficiency to a certain extent.

[0063] Based on this, by arranging the first end 221 in an area away from the second pipe 23, the residence path and heat exchange time of the heat exchange medium inside the container 21 can be extended to a certain extent, which is beneficial to its gas-liquid separation and phase stabilization process in the container 21, so that the heat exchange medium flowing in the first pipe 22 is more of a liquid refrigerant before flowing into the heat exchange element 1. It can be understood that the arrangement of this structure is not only beneficial to improving the uniformity of gas-liquid distribution in the container 21, but also promotes the directional flow of liquid refrigerant to a certain extent, reducing the impact of gas disturbance on liquid phase stability. In addition, this structure provides a more optimized flow path planning space for the heat exchange module in the system design, which is beneficial to the compactness of the overall structure of the container 21 and the rationalization of the distribution of functional areas. The above structure and arrangement method have a positive role in promoting the improvement of latent heat exchange efficiency and system operation stability without changing the basic functions of the original heat exchange element 1 and the liquid storage element 2.

[0064] In some embodiments, combined Figure 1 、 Figure 2The heat exchange module further includes an auxiliary cooling module 3, which is connected to the liquid storage unit 2 under cooling conditions. Specifically, the auxiliary cooling module 3 includes an economizer 31, a first electronic expansion valve 32, a third pipe 33, and a fourth pipe 34. The economizer 31 adopts a plate heat exchanger structure and has two heat exchange channels: a main channel and an auxiliary channel. The main channel of the economizer 31 is used for the flow of medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, while the auxiliary channel of the economizer 31 is used for the flow of low-temperature, low-pressure evaporative refrigerant. One end of the third pipe 33 is connected to the main channel outlet of the economizer 31, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the container 21 of the liquid storage unit 2, guiding the refrigerant in the main channel of the economizer 31 after heat exchange into the liquid storage unit 2. The fourth pipe 34 has one end connected to the main channel of the economizer 31 and the other end connected to the auxiliary channel inlet of the economizer 31. The first electronic expansion valve 32 is disposed in the fourth pipe 34 to regulate the flow and pressure of the refrigerant entering the auxiliary channel. Specifically, after entering the fourth pipe 34, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant is throttled by the first electronic expansion valve 32, changing its state to low temperature, low pressure, and evaporating. This low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant then flows into the auxiliary circuit of the economizer 31 and undergoes heat exchange with the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant in the main circuit of the economizer 31. During this heat exchange process, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in the auxiliary circuit of the economizer 31 absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the main circuit of the economizer 31, causing the temperature of the refrigerant in the main circuit of the economizer 31 to decrease. The refrigerant then enters the container 21 of the liquid storage element 2 through the third pipe 33. Because the liquid storage element 2 provides heat exchange medium to the heat exchange element 1 via the first pipe 22, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the heat exchange element 1 has been further reduced by the auxiliary cooling module 3.

[0065] In the above structure, the auxiliary cooling module 3 is beneficial to further reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before it enters the liquid storage part 2 by adding a first-level heat exchange path, thereby enhancing the supercooling of the liquid refrigerant. On the other hand, through the throttling effect of the first electronic expansion valve 32, the flow rate and evaporation pressure of the low-temperature and low-pressure evaporating refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary path of the economizer 31 are controlled, so that it is in a more suitable heat absorption state, thereby forming an effective heat exchange in the economizer 31. This arrangement not only improves the pre-cooling degree of the refrigerant, but also works synergistically with the gas-liquid separation effect inside the liquid storage part 2, helping to enhance the liquid proportion of the refrigerant output by the liquid storage part 2, thereby providing more latent heat exchange capabilities when the heat exchange part 1 is thermally coupled with the battery pack, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity and temperature balancing effect of the battery pack.

[0066] In terms of structural terminology, the "main path" of the economizer 31 refers to the main channel for the flow of liquid refrigerant, which has a higher flow rate and temperature, while the "auxiliary path" of the economizer 31 is the secondary channel for the evaporating refrigerant to circulate, which can be used to absorb heat and cool down. "Throttling" refers to the process of converting the refrigerant from a high-pressure liquid state to a low-pressure vapor-liquid mixture or gas state through components such as an expansion valve. The heat exchange component 1, the liquid storage component 2 and the auxiliary cooling module 3 form a composite thermal management path for the battery pack cooling condition through their respective functional combinations, so that the refrigerant has a lower temperature and a higher liquid ratio before entering the battery pack, which increases the temperature difference between the battery cell and the refrigerant to a certain extent, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange intensity and meeting the high-efficiency requirements of the vehicle for battery thermal management.

[0067] In some embodiments, combined Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The connection method of the fourth pipe 34 in the heat exchange module has been further diversified to accommodate different heat exchange needs and system layout requirements. Specifically, the fourth pipe 34 is used to connect the auxiliary inlet of the economizer 31 to different locations on the main line of the economizer 31. One end of the fourth pipe 34 is always connected to the auxiliary inlet of the economizer 31, while the other end can be connected to the main outlet of the economizer 31 or the main inlet of the economizer 31, depending on the actual operating conditions and system integration method. When the fourth pipe 34 is connected to the main outlet of the economizer 31, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant will come from the refrigerant that has completed the main heat exchange process of the economizer 31. This path arrangement is more suitable for situations where the refrigerant at the main outlet needs to be further cooled, so that the temperature difference of the auxiliary refrigerant when absorbing heat is larger, and the heat exchange is more complete.

[0068] At the same time, when the fourth pipe 34 is connected to the main inlet of the economizer 31, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the high-temperature liquid refrigerant in the main circuit, which has not yet exchanged heat. This path helps reduce the temperature of the main circuit before heat exchange begins, which has a certain effect on improving the heat exchange efficiency of the entire economizer 31. The above two connection methods are selected based on the system's different requirements for temperature distribution, heat exchange capacity, or structural compactness, making the heat exchange function of the economizer 31 more flexible and efficient in different application scenarios. This optimized design of the connection method is beneficial for achieving refined control of the refrigerant state adjustment of the auxiliary cooling module 3 under different operating conditions, thereby improving the responsiveness and energy efficiency of the refrigeration system to a certain extent. The "auxiliary inlet" mentioned above refers to the inlet location in the economizer 31 that allows the inflow of low-temperature, low-pressure evaporating refrigerant, while the "main inlet" and "main outlet" refer to the inlet and outlet of the liquid refrigerant on the main circuit of the economizer 31, respectively. In summary, the overall structural design of this application emphasizes the flexibility and compatibility of the flow path, which is beneficial for meeting the dynamic cooling requirements under complex operating conditions of the thermal management system.

[0069] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a vehicle-mounted thermal management system, comprising the heat exchange module of the first aspect.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle thermal management system includes the heat exchange module of the first aspect, as well as a compressor 4, a heat exchange circulation loop 5, a gas-liquid separator 6, a first condenser 7, and a second electronic expansion valve 8. The compressor 4, the heat exchange module, and the gas-liquid separator 6 are all disposed on the heat exchange circulation loop 5. It will be appreciated that each component is sequentially connected to the heat exchange circulation loop 5 via pipes, and that continuous flow and state changes of the refrigerant are achieved according to the operating logic of the cooling mode.

[0071] Specifically, compressor 4 is located at the front end of heat exchange circulation loop 5 and is used to compress low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to produce high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with the first condenser 7, where it comes into contact with the outside air and releases heat before being converted into medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, which is then transported downstream. To further reduce the refrigerant temperature, an economizer 31 is provided between the first condenser 7 and the second electronic expansion valve 8. Economizer 31 is a plate-type heat exchanger with a main and auxiliary circuit structure. The main circuit of economizer 31 flows with medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, while the auxiliary circuit of economizer 31 flows with low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant after throttling and evaporation. The refrigerant in the auxiliary circuit of economizer 31 forms a circuit with the first electronic expansion valve 32 through a fourth pipe 34. The refrigerant is fed into the main circuit outlet or main circuit inlet of economizer 31. The throttled refrigerant entering the auxiliary circuit inlet of economizer 31 absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the main circuit, reducing the main circuit refrigerant temperature.

[0072] Subsequently, the medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, whose temperature drops further, enters the second electronic expansion valve 8. The throttling effect causes it to be converted into a low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase refrigerant, which then flows into the liquid storage part 2. There is a liquid level distribution in the container 21 of the liquid storage part 2. The liquid refrigerant is in the lower layer inside the container 21, and the gaseous refrigerant is in the lower layer inside the container 21. Under the control of the liquid level, the second end 222 of the first pipe 22 is immersed in the liquid refrigerant, so that the liquid refrigerant enters the interior of the heat exchanger 1. The heat exchanger 1 is preferably a battery cooling plate, which is attached to the surface of the battery pack or embedded in the battery pack. It is used to absorb the heat released by the battery pack, convert the refrigerant from liquid to gas, and maintain it in a low-temperature and low-pressure state. Subsequently, the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 1 enters the gas-liquid separator 6, which is used to separate the residual liquid and gaseous substances, enhance the state stability of the refrigerant, and return to the suction end of the compressor 4 again to complete a complete cycle.

[0073] In this embodiment, the compressor 4, first condenser 7, economizer 31, liquid storage element 2, second electronic expansion valve 8, heat exchange element 1, and gas-liquid separator 6 form a compact thermal management closed-loop system. The system structure cooperates with each other and has a high heat exchange efficiency. By setting the spatial distribution relationship between the liquid storage element 2 and the first pipe 22, the second pipe 23, and the heat exchange element 1, the liquid refrigerant entering the heat exchange element 1 absorbs the heat of the battery cells and undergoes a gasification reaction during the process of flowing through the battery cooling plate, ensuring a more stable heat exchange effect. At the same time, by providing the economizer 31 and the first electronic expansion valve 32 that cooperates with it, part of the refrigerant is throttled and evaporated and absorbs the heat of the main refrigerant through the auxiliary path, which is beneficial to further reduce the refrigerant temperature. Combined with the gas-liquid stratification effect in the liquid storage element 2, the temperature of the refrigerant that finally flows into the heat exchange element 1 is kept at a lower level, thereby increasing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the heat exchange element 1 and enhancing the heat transfer efficiency. The first electronic expansion valve 32 and the second electronic expansion valve 8 are used to adjust the pressure and temperature conditions before entering the auxiliary circuit of the economizer 31 and the liquid storage component 2, respectively. Their settings are adjusted in real time according to the dynamic changes in the working conditions, which is beneficial to ensuring the flexibility and stability of the entire system operation.

[0074] It should be understood that the "heat exchange circulation loop 5" refers to a closed-loop flow path including a compressor 4, a first condenser 7, an economizer 31, a second electronic expansion valve 8, a liquid storage component 2, a heat exchange component 1, and a gas-liquid separator 6. The heat exchange medium undergoes physical processes such as compression, condensation, throttling, evaporation, and separation in this path in sequence; the "liquid storage component 2" includes a container 21 for storing and regulating the state of the heat exchange medium, supporting the natural stratification of the liquid and gas phases; the "gas-liquid separator 6" is used to separate the gaseous and liquid refrigerants to reduce the risk of liquid hammer under abnormal system operating conditions; the "heat exchange component 1" is a device that directly performs heat exchange. In this embodiment, a battery cooling plate is preferred. Its heat exchange effect depends on the state of the refrigerant flowing through its internal channel and the temperature difference. The above system design is beneficial to a certain extent in adapting to the needs of battery thermal management under complex vehicle operating conditions and improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the overall operation of the heat exchange system.

[0075] In some optional embodiments, combined with Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The economizer 31 is connected between the first condenser 7 and the second electronic expansion valve 8 , and the fourth pipe 34 connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer 31 with the main road outlet of the economizer 31 .

[0076] In some optional embodiments, combined with Figure 1 、 Figure 3 The economizer 31 is connected between the first condenser 7 and the second electronic expansion valve 8 , and the fourth pipe 34 connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer 31 with the main road inlet of the economizer 31 .

[0077] In some optional embodiments, combined with Figure 1 、 Figure 4 The economizer 31 is connected between the liquid storage component 2 and the battery cooling plate, and the fourth pipe 34 connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer 31 with the main road outlet of the economizer 31.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, combined with Figure 1 、 Figure 5 The economizer 31 is connected between the liquid storage element 2 and the heat exchange element 1 , and the fourth pipe 34 connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer 31 with the main road inlet of the economizer 31 .

[0079] In some optional embodiments, combined with Figure 1 、 Figure 6 The economizer 31 is connected between the first condenser 7 and the second electronic expansion valve 8 , and the fourth pipe 34 connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer 31 with the main road inlet of the economizer 31 .

[0080] In some optional embodiments, combined with Figure 1 、 Figure 7 The economizer 31 is connected between the first condenser 7 and the second electronic expansion valve 8 , and the fourth pipe 34 connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer 31 with the main road outlet of the economizer 31 .

[0081] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 A first solenoid valve 51 is provided on the heat exchange circulation loop 5. The first solenoid valve 51 is installed between the compressor 4 and the first condenser 7 and is used to perform beneficial flow control on the first refrigerant circulation path under different working conditions.

[0082] It can be understood that a solenoid valve is a fluid control element that relies on electrical signals to control opening or closing, and plays an important role in regulating the flow state of the heat exchange medium in the thermal management system. By setting the solenoid valve between the outlet of the compressor 4 and the inlet of the first condenser 7 in the heat exchange circulation loop 5, it is possible to control the on-off path of the first condenser 7 under specific operating conditions or standby conditions to avoid unnecessary refrigerant flow. This structure is particularly suitable for thermal management systems that involve the coexistence of multiple circulation loops or frequent switching of operating modes. By controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve through electrical control signals, the heat exchange system can switch more flexibly between different functional modes.

[0083] For example, under certain system operating conditions, the thermal management system does not need to exchange heat through the first condenser 7. In this case, the first solenoid valve 51 can be de-energized and closed, thereby cutting off the path for the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 4 to flow directly into the first condenser 7, closing this portion of the heat exchange circulation loop 5 and thereby avoiding energy waste due to unnecessary heat exchange in the first condenser 7. Conversely, when the condensation function is required, the first solenoid valve 51 is electrically opened, reconnecting the circuit, allowing the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to continue flowing through the first condenser 7 to release heat and complete the subsequent cooling process.

[0084] Furthermore, the first solenoid valve 51 also serves as a safety regulator during system startup and shutdown, preventing unstable fluid impacts on the first condenser 7 or other downstream components before the refrigerant has established a stable flow state, thereby helping to maintain a balanced pressure distribution within the system. Furthermore, the solenoid valve's response time can be configured in conjunction with the controller logic to achieve a rapid response to heat exchange modes, further improving the system's thermal management efficiency.

[0085] In the vehicle-mounted thermal management system disclosed in this application, the heat exchange circulation loop 5 includes multiple heat exchange components and control elements, and its structural relationship is relatively complex. By adding a solenoid valve between the compressor 4 and the first condenser 7, it is beneficial to enhance the controllability of the overall system operation mode, and facilitate further expansion of the integrated control scheme of different cooling circuits, bypass paths or heat pump modes in subsequent implementation methods, so that the system has stronger adaptability in the coordinated operation of multiple working conditions.

[0086] In some embodiments, combined Figure 1 The vehicle-mounted thermal management system also includes a heating module 9, which includes a second condenser 91, a second solenoid valve 92, and a third electronic expansion valve 93; at the same time, the vehicle-mounted thermal management system also includes a water exchange module, and the water channel module 10 includes a powertrain 101, a motor radiator 102, a three-way valve 103, an auxiliary water tank 104, an electronic pump 105 and a plate exchanger 106. The heating module 9 can quickly heat the passenger compartment in winter, and the water channel module 10 can be used for heating in winter. The specific structure of the heating structure and the water channel module 10 is an existing technology in the vehicle-mounted management system and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0087] In some embodiments, combined Figure 1 The vehicle thermal management system also includes an air-conditioning module 100. The air-conditioning module 100 includes an in-vehicle evaporator 1001 and a fourth electronic expansion valve 1002. The air-conditioning module 100 can adjust the temperature of the passenger compartment in the vehicle in summer or winter, which will not be described in detail in this application.

[0088] In a third aspect, the present application further includes a vehicle, characterized in that it includes the vehicle thermal management system according to the second aspect. The vehicle has all the beneficial effects of the vehicle thermal management system according to the second aspect, which will not be further elaborated in this disclosure.

[0089] The vehicle may be a fuel vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a new energy vehicle, etc., and this disclosure does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0090] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0092] The embodiments, implementation methods and related technical features of the present application can be combined and replaced with each other without conflict.

[0093] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and do not constitute any form of limitation to the present application. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present application without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present application are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present application.

Claims

1. A heat exchange module, characterized in that: include: A heat exchange element (1) is configured to be thermally coupled to an object to be heat exchanged; A liquid storage element (2) is connected to the heat exchange element (1) to allow the heat exchange medium to circulate. In a cooling condition, the liquid storage element (2) is located upstream of the heat exchange element (1) along the flow direction of the heat exchange medium. The liquid storage element (2) includes a container (21) and a first pipe (22), the first pipe (22) includes a first end (221) and a second end (222) arranged opposite to each other, the first end (221) is connected to the heat exchange element (1), and the second end (222) extends into the container (21). Under the cooling condition, the heat exchange medium enters the first pipe (22) through the second end (222) and enters the heat exchange element (1) through the first end (221), and the second end (222) is configured to be immersed below the liquid level of the liquid-phase heat exchange medium in the container (21).

2. The heat exchange module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The low-pressure liquid storage element (2) further comprises a second pipe (23), the second pipe (23) being in communication with the container (21), and under the cooling condition, the heat exchange medium enters the container (21) through the second pipe (23).

3. The heat exchange module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end (221) is away from the end of the second pipe (23) located in the container (21).

4. The heat exchange module according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an auxiliary cooling module (3), and in a cooling state, the auxiliary cooling module (3) is in communication with the liquid storage component (2).

5. The heat exchange module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary cooling module (3) comprises an economizer (31), a first electronic expansion valve (32), a third pipe (33) and a fourth pipe (34); the third pipe (33) connects the main circuit of the economizer (31) with the liquid storage element (2); the fourth pipe (34) connects the auxiliary circuit inlet of the economizer (31) with the main circuit of the economizer (31); and the first electronic expansion valve (32) is arranged on the fourth pipe (34).

6. The heat exchange module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fourth pipe (34) connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) with the main road outlet of the economizer (31); or, the fourth pipe (34) connects the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) with the main road inlet of the economizer (31).

7. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that: Comprising the heat exchange module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The invention also includes a compressor (4), a heat exchange circulation loop (5) and a gas-liquid separator (6), wherein the compressor (4), the heat exchange module and the gas-liquid separator (6) are all arranged on the heat exchange circulation loop (5), and the heat exchange medium flowing out of the compressor (4) flows back to the compressor (4) after passing through the heat exchange module and the gas-liquid separator (6).

9. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a first condenser (7), which is arranged on the heat exchange circulation loop (5) and connected between the compressor (4) and the heat exchange module.

10. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a second electronic expansion valve (8), which is arranged on the heat exchange circulation loop (5). In the cooling condition, the second electronic expansion valve (8) is located upstream of the liquid storage component (2).

11. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The economizer (31) is connected between the first condenser (7) and the second electronic expansion valve (8), and the fourth pipe (34) communicates the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) with the main road outlet of the economizer (31).

12. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The economizer (31) is connected between the first condenser (7) and the second electronic expansion valve (8), and the fourth pipe (34) communicates the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) with the main road inlet of the economizer (31).

13. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The economizer (31) is connected between the liquid storage element (2) and the heat exchange element (1), and the fourth pipe (34) communicates the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) with the main road outlet of the economizer (31).

14. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The economizer (31) is connected between the liquid storage element (2) and the heat exchange element (1), and the fourth pipe (34) communicates with the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) and the main road inlet of the economizer (31).

15. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The economizer (31) is connected between the first condenser (7) and the second electronic expansion valve (8), and the fourth pipe (34) communicates the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) with the main road inlet of the economizer (31).

16. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The economizer (31) is connected between the first condenser (7) and the second electronic expansion valve (8), and the fourth pipe (34) communicates the auxiliary road inlet of the economizer (31) with the main road outlet of the economizer (31).

17. The vehicle thermal management system according to any one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that: The economizer (31) is a plate heat exchanger.

18. The vehicle thermal management system according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that: The heat exchange circulation loop (5) is provided with a first solenoid valve (51), and the first solenoid valve (51) is connected between the compressor (4) and the first condenser (7).

19. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle thermal management system includes any one of claims 7 to 18.

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