Thermal management system

Abstract

The invention provides a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes an LT radiator, an oil cooler, a refrigerator, a nine-way valve, a five-way valve, and an ECU. When heating is requested, the ECU controls the nine-way valve and the five-way valve to form a first heat medium loop in which the oil cooler, the LT radiator and the refrigerator are connected when the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the LT radiator is lower than the outside air temperature, and controls the nine-way valve and the five-way valve to form a second heat medium loop in which the oil cooler, the LT radiator and the refrigerator are connected when the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the LT radiator is higher than the outside air temperature. A second heat medium circuit in which the LT radiator is cut off from the first heat medium circuit is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-185829 discloses an electric vehicle equipped with an onboard temperature control system comprising a low-temperature radiator and a PCU (Power Control Unit) heat exchanger. When heating is required in the electric vehicle, the low-temperature radiator and PCU heat exchanger are connected in series with a refrigerator. In this case, heat supplied from the PCU to the cooling water via the PCU heat exchanger and heat supplied from the outside air to the cooling water in the low-temperature radiator (based on heat absorption by the low-temperature radiator) are used for heating. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-185829, when the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the low-temperature radiator is higher than the outside air temperature, heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air in the low-temperature radiator, which may reduce heating efficiency.

[0004] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a heat management system that can suppress a decrease in heating efficiency due to fluctuations in the outside temperature.

[0005] Regarding a thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a thermal medium circulates in the thermal management system, wherein: The thermal management system has: heat sink; A driving device, including a heat exchanger, capable of generating a driving force; Refrigeration equipment; A switching device for switching the flow path of the heat medium; and Control device, control switching device, When the control device is required to heat, When the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is lower than the outside temperature, the switching device is controlled to form a first heat medium circuit connecting the heat exchanger and the radiator to the refrigerator. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, the switching device is controlled to form a second heat medium circuit in which the radiator is disconnected from the first heat medium circuit.

[0006] In a thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when heating is requested, a first heat medium circuit is formed when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is lower than the outside air temperature. Furthermore, a second heat medium circuit is formed when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is higher than the outside air temperature. Thus, when heat is supplied from the outside air to the heat medium through the radiator because the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is lower than the outside air temperature, the heat supplied to the heat medium can be used for heating in both the radiator and the heat exchanger. Furthermore, when heat is released from the heat medium to the outside air through the radiator because the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is higher than the outside air temperature, only the heat supplied to the heat medium through the heat exchanger can be used for heating. In this case, the radiator does not contribute to heating, thereby preventing a decrease in heating efficiency due to heat dissipation from the radiator. This prevents a decrease in heating efficiency due to fluctuations in the outside air temperature.

[0007] Alternatively, the first heat medium circuit includes a first series circuit, wherein the first series circuit is a circuit formed by connecting a heat exchanger, a radiator, and a refrigerator in series. The second heat medium circuit includes a second series circuit in which the radiator is disconnected from the first series circuit and the heat exchanger and the refrigerator device are connected in series.

[0008] According to such a configuration, by switching between the first series circuit and the second series circuit, it is possible to easily switch whether the radiator contributes to heating.

[0009] Alternatively, the thermal management system further includes a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the heat medium flowing into the radiator. When the control device is required to heat, When the detection value of the first temperature sensor is lower than the outside temperature, the switching device is controlled to form the first heat medium circuit. When the detection value of the first temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, the switching device is controlled to form the second heat medium circuit.

[0010] With this configuration, by controlling the switching device based on the relationship between the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the radiator and the outside air temperature, the switching device can be controlled based on the relationship between the heat medium and the outside air temperature before heat exchange in the radiator. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the formation of a first heat medium circuit under temperature conditions where the radiator is dissipating heat to the outside air (i.e., heat medium temperature > outside air temperature).

[0011] Alternatively, the switching device includes a nine-way valve and a five-way valve. The control device controls each of the nine-way valve and the five-way valve to switch between the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit.

[0012] According to such a configuration, by switching the flow path of the heat medium using two different multi-way valves (a nine-way valve and a five-way valve), the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit can be easily switched.

[0013] The thermal management system may further include a second temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger. The control device controls the switching device to form the first heat medium circuit when the detection value of the second temperature sensor is lower than the outside air temperature in a state where the second heat medium circuit is formed.

[0014] According to such a configuration, even when the heat medium does not flow through the radiator, it is possible to appropriately switch from the second heat medium circuit to the first heat medium circuit based on the detection value of the second temperature sensor.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heating efficiency due to the high or low outside temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal management circuit of a thermal management system according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a first heat medium circuit of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a second heat medium circuit of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a third heat medium circuit of the heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a control flow of the ECU according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0024] The following, such as Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management system 10 of the present disclosure is mounted on an electric vehicle 20 as an example for explanation. The electric vehicle 20 is preferably equipped with a battery 510 for driving (described later). Figure 2 ) vehicle. Electric vehicle 20 is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Furthermore, electric vehicle 20 is, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). However, the application of the thermal management system disclosed herein is not limited to vehicles.

[0025] The electric vehicle 20 includes the thermal management system 10, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 21, and an outside air temperature sensor 22. The HMI 21 includes, for example, a vehicle navigation device, etc. The outside air temperature sensor 22 detects the outside air temperature.

[0026] The thermal management system 10 includes a thermal management circuit 1 and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2. The ECU 2 is an example of a "control device" in the present disclosure.

[0027] The ECU 2 includes a processor 2 a , a memory 2 b , a storage 2 c , and an interface 2 d .

[0028] Processor 2a is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). Memory 2b is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 2c is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. Memory 2c stores system programs, including the OS (Operating System), and control programs, including computer-readable code required for control calculations. Processor 2a implements various processes by reading the system and control programs from memory 2b and executing them. Interface 2d controls communication between ECU 2 and the components of thermal management circuit 1.

[0029] ECU2 generates control instructions based on sensor values ​​obtained from various sensors included in the thermal management circuit 1 (e.g., the detection value of the external temperature sensor 22), user operations received by HMI21 (e.g., operations requesting heating), etc. ECU2 outputs the generated control instructions to the thermal management circuit 1. ECU2 can also be divided into multiple ECUs according to their functions. Figure 1 2 shows an example in which the ECU 2 includes one processor 2a, but the ECU 2 may include multiple processors. The same applies to the memory 2b and the memory 2c.

[0030] Structure of the thermal management circuit

[0031] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of a thermal management circuit 1 in this embodiment. The thermal management circuit 1 includes a nine-way valve 100, a five-way valve 200, a high-temperature circuit 300, a unit circuit 400, a battery circuit 500, a refrigeration cycle 600, a flow path 700, and a flow path 800. Furthermore, the thermal management circuit 1 includes flow paths 30, 40, 50, and 60. The nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200 are each an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0032] The nine-way valve 100 includes a valve core 110 and outer sections 120 to 129. The valve core 110 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction and is configured to be rotatable about the central axis (not shown) of the valve core 110. When viewed from the Z1 side, the valve core 110 is surrounded by the outer sections 120 to 129. The valve core 110 is rotated according to the control signal from the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) control instructions and rotates.

[0033] The valve core 110 is provided with internal flow paths 111, 112, 113, and 114. As the valve core 110 rotates in response to control commands from the ECU 2, the positions of the internal flow paths 111 to 114 change. This changes the connections (or combination of connections) between the outer segments 120 to 129 and the internal flow paths 111 to 114. Details will be described later.

[0034] Internal flow path 111 is arranged on the Z1 side of internal flow path 112. Internal flow path 113 is arranged on the Z1 side of internal flow path 114. Internal flow path 111 and internal flow path 113 are arranged at the same position in the Z direction. Internal flow path 112 and internal flow path 114 are arranged at the same position in the Z direction.

[0035] The outer sections 120 to 129 are arranged in a circumferential shape on the outer periphery of the valve core 110. The outer sections 120 to 129 are isolated from each other. It should be noted that the outer sections 128 and 129 are arranged in a circumferential shape on the outer periphery of the valve core 110. Figure 2Although shown in the figure as being arranged side by side for ease of understanding, they are actually stacked in the Z direction. The outer segment 129 is arranged on the Z2 side of the outer segment 128.

[0036] The widths of the outer segments 120 to 126 in the circumferential direction of the valve core 110 are substantially equal to each other. The widths of the outer segments 127 to 129 in the circumferential direction are smaller than the widths of the outer segments 120 to 126 in the circumferential direction.

[0037] The five-way valve 200 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction. The five-way valve 200 has valve ports P1 to P5. Valve ports P1 to P4 are inlets for allowing heat medium to flow into the five-way valve 200. Valve port P5 is an outlet for allowing heat medium to flow out of the five-way valve 200. Valve ports P1 to P4 are connected to lower sections (not shown) that are isolated from each other. In other words, the five-way valve 200 is provided with four lower sections that are isolated from each other. Although not shown in the figure, the four sections have the same shape as each other (a fan shape with a central angle of 90 degrees when viewed from the Z1 side). Valve port P5 is connected to an upper section (not shown) provided on the Z1 side of the above-mentioned four lower sections.

[0038] The flow state of the heat medium in valve ports P1 to P5 is determined by the ECU2 ( Figure 1 ) is controlled by control commands from ECU 2. Specifically, ECU 2 changes the position of opening 210. A partition (not shown) is provided within five-way valve 200 to separate the four lower sections from the upper section, and opening 210 is formed on this partition. This partition rotates and moves about the central axis of the cylindrical five-way valve 200 in response to control commands from ECU 2. As a result, the lower section overlapping with opening 210 in the Z direction changes. Valve port P5 is connected only to the valve port connected to the lower section overlapping with opening 210 in the Z direction.

[0039] When viewed from the Z1 side, opening 210 has a fan-shaped shape with a central angle of approximately 90 degrees. Therefore, one or two of the four lower sections can overlap with opening 210 simultaneously in the Z direction. As a result, one or two of valve ports P1 to P4 communicate with valve port P5.

[0040] The high temperature circuit 300 includes a water pump 310, a HVH (High Voltage Heater) 320, a heater core 330, and a HT (High Temperature) radiator 340. The water pump 310 is driven by the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) control instructions to make the heat medium circulate in the high temperature circuit 300.

[0041] High-temperature circuit 300 includes flow path 350, flow path 360, and flow path 370. Flow path 350 connects valve port P5 to branch point 380. Water pump 310 and HVH 320 are provided in flow path 350. Furthermore, the flow path between water pump 310 and HVH 320 in flow path 350 is also connected to water-cooled condenser 640, described later, of refrigeration cycle 600. Specifically, heat exchange occurs in water-cooled condenser 640 between the heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 600 and the heat medium flowing in flow path 350.

[0042] The flow path 360 connects the branch point 380 and the valve port P2 . The heater core 330 is provided in the flow path 360 .

[0043] The flow path 370 connects the branch point 380 and the valve port P1 . The HT radiator 340 is provided in the flow path 370 .

[0044] The unit circuit 400 includes a LT (Low Temperature) radiator 410, a water tank 420, and a water pump 430. In addition, the unit circuit 400 includes an SPU (Smart Power Unit) 440, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 450, and a drive unit 460. The drive unit 460 is a device that generates power for the electric vehicle 20 ( Figure 1 ) driving force. Drive unit 460 includes an oil cooler (O / C) 461 and a transaxle (T / A) 462. LT radiator 410 and oil cooler 461 are examples of a "radiator" and a "heat exchanger," respectively, as used herein. Furthermore, PCU 450 and drive unit 460 are examples of a "drive device," respectively, as used herein.

[0045] The water pump 430 is operated according to the signal from the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) control command to circulate the heat medium. In addition, the water pump 430 sends the heat medium to the SPU413 side.

[0046] Unit circuit 400 includes temperature sensor 411 and temperature sensor 451. Temperature sensor 411 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through LT radiator 410. Specifically, temperature sensor 411 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into LT radiator 410. For example, temperature sensor 411 detects the temperature of the heat medium passing through the heat medium inlet of LT radiator 410.

[0047] Temperature sensor 451 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through PCU 450 (PCU 450's heat exchanger). Temperature sensor 451 may also detect the temperature of the heat medium immediately before it flows through PCU 450 (PCU 450's heat exchanger) (e.g., at the heat medium inlet of PCU 450's heat exchanger). Furthermore, temperature sensor 451 may also detect the temperature of the heat medium flowing through oil cooler 461 or immediately before it flows through oil cooler 461 (e.g., at the heat medium inlet of oil cooler 461). The heat exchanger of PCU 450 is an example of a "heat exchanger" in this disclosure.

[0048] Unit circuit 400 includes flow path 480 and flow path 490. Flow path 480 connects outer section 127 of nine-way valve 100 to outer section 120. Flow path 480 includes LT radiator 410, water tank 420, water pump 430, SPU 440, PCU 450, and oil cooler 461. Like PCU 450, SPU 440 includes a heat exchanger (not shown) for exchanging heat with the heat medium in flow path 480. Oil cooler 461 exchanges heat between drive axle 462 and the heat medium in flow path 480. Alternatively, drive axle 462 may be provided in flow path 480 instead of oil cooler 461.

[0049] The flow path 490 connects the outer section 129 of the nine-way valve 100 and the water storage tank 420 .

[0050] The battery circuit 500 includes a battery 510, a water pump 520, and a flow path 530. The water pump 520 delivers the heat medium to the battery 510. The water pump 520 is operated according to the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) control command to circulate the heat medium. In addition, the battery 510 is an example of the "power storage device" of the present disclosure.

[0051] The flow path 530 connects the outer section 123 and the outer section 124 of the nine-way valve 100. The flow path 530 is provided with a battery 510 and a water pump 520. The battery 510 includes a heat exchanger (not shown) for exchanging heat with the heat medium in the flow path 530.

[0052] Refrigeration cycle 600 includes a refrigerator 610, an evaporator 620, a compressor 630, and a water-cooled condenser 640. Furthermore, refrigeration cycle 600 includes expansion valves 650, 660, and an EPR (Evaporative Pressure Regulator) 670. The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in refrigeration cycle 600 flows through one or both of a first path and a second path. The first path is the path of compressor 630 - water-cooled condenser 640 - expansion valve 660 - evaporator 620 - EPR 670 - compressor 630. The second path is the path of compressor 630 - water-cooled condenser 640 - expansion valve 650 - refrigerator 610 - compressor 630. Furthermore, refrigerator 610 is an example of a "refrigeration device" in the present disclosure.

[0053] Flow path 700 connects outer section 125 and outer section 126 of nine-way valve 100. Flow path 700 is also connected to refrigerator 610 of refrigeration cycle 600. Specifically, the heat medium flowing through flow path 700 exchanges heat with the heat medium of refrigeration cycle 600 in refrigerator 610.

[0054] The flow path 800 connects the outer section 121 and the outer section 122 of the nine-way valve 100. No equipment or the like is provided in the flow path 800.

[0055] The flow path 30 connects a branch point 371 to a confluence portion 481. The branch point 371 is provided between the HT radiator 340 and the five-way valve 200 in the flow path 370 of the high-temperature circuit 300. The confluence portion 481 is provided between the LT radiator 410 and the nine-way valve 100 in the flow path 480 of the unit circuit 400. In other words, the heat medium in the flow path 370 that branches into the flow path 30 at the branch point 371 merges with the heat medium in the flow path 480 at the confluence portion 481.

[0056] Flow path 40 connects valve port P3 of nine-way valve 100 to branch point 531 of flow path 530 of battery circuit 500, located between battery 510 and outer section 124. Specifically, the heat medium branching into flow path 530 of flow path 40 at branch point 531 flows from valve port P3 into five-way valve 200.

[0057] Flow path 50 connects branch point 380 of high temperature circuit 300 and branch point 531 of battery circuit 500 . Specifically, the heat medium branching into high temperature circuit 300 (flow path 350 ) of flow path 50 at branch point 380 merges with flow path 530 at branch point 531 .

[0058] Flow path 60 connects valve port P4 of five-way valve 200 to branch point 482 between drive unit 460 (oil cooler 461) and outer section 120 of nine-way valve 100 in flow path 480 of unit circuit 400. Specifically, the heat medium that branches off flow path 480 from flow path 60 at branch point 482 flows from valve port P4 into five-way valve 200.

[0059] Here, in conventional thermal management systems, for example, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the LT radiator is higher than the outside air temperature, heat is dissipated from the heat medium to the outside air in the LT radiator, which may reduce heating efficiency.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, when heating is requested, the ECU 2 controls the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200 when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the LT radiator 410 is lower than the outside temperature. This forms the first heat medium circuit 1a ( Figure 3 ). In addition, when the ECU 2 is requested to heat, if the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the LT radiator is higher than the outside temperature, the ECU 2 controls the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200. As a result, the second heat medium circuit 1b is formed in which the LT radiator 410 is disconnected from the first heat medium circuit 1a ( Figure 4 ).

[0061] First heat medium circuit

[0062] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing the first heat medium circuit 1a of the heat management circuit 1. In the first heat medium circuit 1a, the LT radiator 410, the oil cooler 461 (the drive unit 460 ( Figure 2 )) and the refrigerator 610 are provided in a common circulation loop. Detailed description is given below.

[0063] The internal flow path 111 of the nine-way valve 100 connects the outer section 121 with the outer section 123. The internal flow path 112 connects the outer section 122 with the outer section 124. The internal flow path 113 connects the outer section 120 with the outer section 126. The internal flow path 114 connects the outer section 125 with the outer section 127.

[0064] In the five-way valve 200 , the opening 210 overlaps only with the lower section communicating with the valve port P2 . Therefore, the valve port P5 communicates only with the valve port P2 among the valve ports P1 to P4 .

[0065] Thus, the heat medium circulates in the circuit (circulation circuit in the high temperature circuit 300 ) of the five-way valve 200 (port P5 )—the water pump 310 —the water-cooled condenser 640 —the HVH 320 —the heater core 330 —the five-way valve 200 (port P2 ).

[0066] In addition, the heat medium circulates in a loop of water tank 420 - water pump 430 - SPU 440 - PCU 450 - oil cooler 461 - outer section 120 - internal flow path 113 - outer section 126 - refrigerator 610 - outer section 125 - internal flow path 114 - outer section 127 - LT radiator 410 - water tank 420.

[0067] Specifically, in the first heat medium circuit 1a, a series circuit 900 is formed, in which the LT radiator 410, the oil cooler 461 (and the heat exchanger of the PCU 450), and the refrigerator 610 are connected in series. Series circuit 900 includes a portion of the flow path 480, the internal flow path 113, and a portion of the flow path 700. Series circuit 900 is an example of the "first series circuit" in the present disclosure.

[0068] In addition, the heat medium circulates in a loop of water pump 520 - battery 510 - outer section 124 - inner flow path 112 - outer section 122 - flow path 800 - outer section 121 - inner flow path 111 - outer section 123 - water pump 520 .

[0069] In addition, in the refrigeration cycle 600 , the heat medium circulates in a circuit of the refrigerator 610 - the compressor 630 - the water-cooled condenser 640 - the expansion valve 650 - the refrigerator 610 .

[0070] In the first heat medium circuit 1a, the heat medium that has exchanged heat with the outside air in the LT radiator 410 and then in the oil cooler 461 (and the heat exchanger of the PCU 450) flows through the refrigerator 610. The heat supplied to the refrigeration cycle 600 by the refrigerator 610 is used for heating by the heater core 330 in the high-temperature circuit 300.

[0071] Note that, in the first heat medium circuit 1a, the heat medium does not flow through the flow paths 30, 40, 50, and 60. Furthermore, in the first heat medium circuit 1a, the heat medium does not flow through the flow path 490.

[0072] Second heat medium circuit

[0073] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing the second heat medium circuit 1b of the heat management circuit 1. The second heat medium circuit 1b is a circuit in which the LT radiator 410 is disconnected from the first heat medium circuit 1a.

[0074] Internal flow path 111 of nine-way valve 100 connects outer section 121 with outer section 123. Internal flow path 112 connects outer section 122 with outer section 124. Internal flow path 113 connects outer section 120 with outer section 126. Internal flow path 114 connects outer section 125 with outer section 129. In other words, only the combination of outer sections connected by internal flow path 114 differs from that of first heat medium circuit 1a.

[0075] As in the first heat medium circuit 1a, in the five-way valve 200, the opening 210 overlaps only with the lower section communicating with the valve port P2. Therefore, as in the first heat medium circuit 1a, the valve port P5 communicates only with the valve port P2 among the valve ports P1 to P4.

[0076] Thus, similar to the first heat medium circuit 1 a , the heat medium circulates in the circuit of the five-way valve 200 (port P5 )—the water pump 310 —the water-cooled condenser 640 —the HVH 320 —the heater core 330 —the five-way valve 200 (port P2 ).

[0077] The heat medium circulates in a circuit of water tank 420 - water pump 430 - SPU 440 - PCU 450 - oil cooler 461 - outer section 120 - internal flow path 113 - outer section 126 - refrigerator 610 - outer section 125 - internal flow path 114 - outer section 129 - water tank 420. That is, the LT radiator 410 bypasses the first heat medium circuit 1a ( Figure 3 ) in the circulation loop.

[0078] Specifically, in the second heat medium circuit 1b, the LT radiator 410 is formed from the series circuit 900 ( Figure 3 ) is disconnected from series circuit 910. In series circuit 910, oil cooler 461 (and the heat exchanger of PCU 450) are connected in series with refrigerator 610. Series circuit 910 includes a portion of flow path 480 downstream of LT radiator 410, internal flow path 113, and a portion of flow path 700. Series circuit 910 is an example of the "second series circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0079] In the second heat medium circuit 1 b , similarly to the first heat medium circuit 1 a , the heat medium circulates through a circuit of water pump 520 - battery 510 - outer segment 124 - inner flow path 112 - outer segment 122 - flow path 800 - outer segment 121 - inner flow path 111 - outer segment 123 - water pump 520 .

[0080] In the second heat medium circuit 1 b , similarly to the first heat medium circuit 1 a , in the refrigeration cycle 600 , the heat medium circulates through the circuit of refrigerator 610 - compressor 630 - water-cooled condenser 640 - expansion valve 650 - refrigerator 610 .

[0081] In the second heat medium circuit 1b, the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the oil cooler 461 (and the heat exchanger of the PCU 450) flows through the refrigerator 610. The heat supplied to the refrigeration cycle 600 by the refrigerator 610 is used for heating by the heater core 330 in the high-temperature circuit 300. Since the heat medium does not flow through the LT radiator 410, heat exchange between the heat medium in the LT radiator 410 and the outside air does not occur.

[0082] In the second heat medium circuit 1b, similarly to the first heat medium circuit 1a, the heat medium does not flow through the flow paths 30, 40, 50, and 60. Also, in the second heat medium circuit 1b, similarly to the first heat medium circuit 1a, the heat medium does not flow through the flow path 490.

[0083] The third heat medium circuit

[0084] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the third heat medium circuit 1c of the heat management circuit 1. The third heat medium circuit 1c is a circuit for passing water to each device in the heat management circuit 1. This can eliminate liquid accumulation and the like.

[0085] Internal flow path 111 of nine-way valve 100 connects outer section 122 with outer section 124. Internal flow path 112 connects outer section 123 with outer section 125. Internal flow path 113 connects outer section 121 with outer section 127. Internal flow path 114 connects outer section 120 with outer section 126.

[0086] In the five-way valve 200 , the opening 210 overlaps with the lower section that communicates with the valve ports P1 and P2 , respectively. Therefore, the valve port P5 communicates with the valve ports P1 and P2 among the valve ports P1 to P4 .

[0087] Thus, the heat medium circulates in a first circuit of the five-way valve 200 (valve port P5 )—the water pump 310 —the water-cooled condenser 640 —the HVH 320 —the heater core 330 —the five-way valve 200 (valve port P2 ).

[0088] In addition, the heat medium circulates in a second loop of the five-way valve 200 (valve port P5) - water pump 310 - water-cooled condenser 640 - HVH 320 - HT radiator 340 - five-way valve 200 (valve port P1).

[0089] The heat medium in the second circuit branches off at branch point 371 into flow path 30. The heat medium branching off into flow path 30 circulates in the third circuit. The third circuit comprises LT radiator 410 - water tank 420 - water pump 430 - SPU 440 - PCU 450 - oil cooler 461 - outer segment 120 - inner flow path 114 - outer segment 126 - chiller 610 - outer segment 125 - inner flow path 112 - outer segment 123 - water pump 520 - battery 510 - outer segment 124 - inner flow path 111 - outer segment 122 - flow path 800 - outer segment 121 - inner flow path 113 - outer segment 127 - LT radiator 410.

[0090] The heat medium in the third circuit branches into the flow path 50 at the branch point 531 , and flows into the high-temperature circuit 300 from the branch point 380 .

[0091] Note that, in the third heat medium circuit 1 c , the heat medium does not flow through the flow paths 40 and 60 . In addition, in the third heat medium circuit 1 c , the heat medium does not flow through the flow path 490 .

[0092] ECU control flow

[0093] Figure 6 It means that ECU2 ( Figure 1 ) is a diagram of an example of the control flow executed. Figure 6 The control flow shown may be executed (started) at a predetermined period (for example, every minute).

[0094] In S1, ECU2 determines whether the heating flag is ON. The heating flag is set by the user in HMI21 ( Figure 1 ) is executed in the case where a predetermined operation requesting heating is performed. If the heating flag is ON (Yes in S1), the process proceeds to S2. If the heating flag is OFF (No in S1), the process ends.

[0095] In S2, the ECU 2 determines whether the second heat medium circuit 1b ( Figure 4 For example, the ECU 2 may make the above determination based on the status of the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200. If the second heat medium circuit 1b is established (YES in S2), the process proceeds to S3. If the second heat medium circuit 1b is not established (NO in S2), the process proceeds to S4.

[0096] In S3, the ECU 2 determines whether the temperature sensor 451 ( Figure 2 ) is less than the outside air temperature. Specifically, the ECU 2 determines whether the detection value of the temperature sensor 451 is less than the outside air temperature sensor 22 ( Figure 1). If the value detected by temperature sensor 451 is less than the outside temperature (YES in S3), the process proceeds to S5. If the value detected by temperature sensor 451 is greater than the outside temperature (NO in S3), the process proceeds to S6. The threshold in S3 may be, for example, the outside temperature + α (e.g., α = 3°C) instead of the outside temperature.

[0097] In S4, the ECU 2 determines whether the temperature sensor 411 ( Figure 2 ) is less than the outside air temperature. Specifically, the ECU 2 determines whether the detection value of the temperature sensor 411 is less than the outside air temperature sensor 22 ( Figure 1 If the detection value of temperature sensor 411 is lower than the outside temperature (YES in S4), the process proceeds to S5. If the detection value of temperature sensor 411 is higher than the outside temperature (NO in S4), the process proceeds to S6.

[0098] In S5, the ECU 2 controls the five-way valve 200 and the nine-way valve 100 to switch the heat management circuit 1 to the first heat medium circuit 1a ( Figure 3 ). In addition, when the heat management circuit 1 has already been switched to the first heat medium circuit 1a, this state is maintained.

[0099] Thus, a series circuit 900 ( Figure 3 ). Therefore, the heat medium, having absorbed heat in LT radiator 410 and oil cooler 461, flows through refrigerator 610. As a result, the amount of heat transferred from refrigerator 610 to refrigeration cycle 600 becomes relatively large, thereby reducing the power consumption of compressor 630. This improves the efficiency of heating by heater core 330.

[0100] In S6, the ECU 2 controls the five-way valve 200 and the nine-way valve 100 to switch the heat management circuit 1 to the second heat medium circuit 1b ( Figure 3 ). In addition, when the heat management circuit 1 has already been switched to the second heat medium circuit 1b, this state is maintained.

[0101] Thus, a series circuit 910 ( Figure 4), the heat medium that has absorbed heat in oil cooler 461 circulates through refrigerator 610. Furthermore, the heat medium circulating through refrigerator 610 does not pass through LT radiator 410 and, therefore, does not dissipate heat to the outside air in LT radiator 410. As a result, the amount of heat transferred from refrigerator 610 to refrigeration cycle 600 can be prevented from being reduced due to heat dissipation in LT radiator 410. This can also prevent an increase in power consumption by compressor 630. Consequently, a decrease in heating efficiency by heater core 330 is minimized.

[0102] In addition, the ECU 2 may also control the five-way valve 200 and the nine-way valve 100 to switch the heat management circuit 1 to the third heat medium circuit 1c ( Figure 5 ).

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, when heating is requested and the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the LT radiator 410 is lower than the outside air temperature, the ECU 2 controls the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200. This creates the first heat medium circuit 1a, which connects the oil cooler 461, the LT radiator 410, and the refrigerator 610. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the LT radiator 410 is higher than the outside air temperature, the ECU 2 controls the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200. This creates the second heat medium circuit 1b, which disconnects the LT radiator 410 from the first heat medium circuit 1a. Forming the first heat medium circuit 1a allows heat absorbed from the outside air in the LT radiator 410 to be utilized for heating. Furthermore, forming the second heat medium circuit 1b prevents the heat from being dissipated from the heat medium in the LT radiator 410 to the outside air, which could reduce heating efficiency.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the LT radiator 410, oil cooler 461, and refrigerator 610 are connected in series, whereby both the LT radiator 410 and the oil cooler 461 contribute to heating. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The circuit connecting the LT radiator 410 and refrigerator 610 and the circuit connecting the oil cooler 461 and refrigerator 610 may be disconnected and independent of each other.

[0105] While the above embodiment illustrates an example in which the heat medium circuits (1a, 1b) are switched based on the magnitude relationship between the heat medium temperature immediately before entering the LT radiator 410 (circulating at the heat medium inlet of the LT radiator 410) and the outside air temperature, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heat medium circuits may be switched based on the magnitude relationship between the heat medium temperature immediately after exiting the LT radiator 410 (circulating at the heat medium outlet of the LT radiator 410) and the outside air temperature. In this case, the first heat medium circuit 1a may be formed when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium outlet is less than the outside air temperature (or the outside air temperature + α). Alternatively, the second heat medium circuit 1b may be formed when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium outlet is equal to or greater than the outside air temperature (or the outside air temperature + α).

[0106] In the above embodiment, while the second heat medium circuit 1b is formed, the heat medium circuits (1a, 1b) are switched based on the magnitude relationship between the detection value of the temperature sensor 451 and the outside air temperature. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. While the second heat medium circuit 1b is formed, the heat medium circuits may also be switched based on the magnitude relationship between the detection value of the temperature sensor 411 and the outside air temperature.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the state of the thermal management circuit 1 is switched by controlling the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The switching valve may have other structures (e.g., a multi-way valve other than the five-way valve and the nine-way valve).

[0108] While the example in which the referenced temperature sensor ( 411 , 451 ) is switched based on whether the second heat medium circuit 1 b is established is described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to detect whether the heat medium is flowing through the LT radiator 410 and switch the referenced temperature sensor based on the detection result. For example, the above determination may be made based on the circuit mode corresponding to the status of the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200. Furthermore, the above determination may be made based on the detection value of a sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor or a flow rate sensor) installed at the heat medium inlet of the LT radiator 410.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the PCU 450 and the drive unit 460 (oil cooler 461 and transaxle 462 ) are connected in series, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The PCU 450 and the drive unit 460 may be connected in parallel.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 22 is used as the outside air temperature information, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, outside air temperature information acquired through communication with the Internet or the like may be used.

[0111] Furthermore, the configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and each of the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0112] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated not by the above description of the embodiments but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system in which a heat medium circulates, wherein: The thermal management system comprises: heat sink; A driving device, including a heat exchanger, capable of generating a driving force; Refrigeration equipment; a switching device for switching the flow path of the heat medium; and a control device for controlling the switching device, When the control device is required to heat, When the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is lower than the outside air temperature, the switching device is controlled to form a first heat medium circuit connecting the heat exchanger and the radiator to the refrigerator device. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the radiator is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, the switching device is controlled to form a second heat medium circuit that isolates the radiator from the first heat medium circuit.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The first heat medium circuit includes a first series circuit, wherein the first series circuit is a circuit formed by connecting the heat exchanger, the radiator, and the refrigerator device in series. The second heat medium circuit includes a second series circuit in which the radiator is disconnected from the first series circuit and the heat exchanger and the refrigerator device are connected in series.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The thermal management system further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the radiator. When the control device is required to heat, When the detection value of the temperature sensor is lower than the outside air temperature, the switching device is controlled to form the first heat medium circuit. When the detection value of the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the outside air temperature, the switching device is controlled to form the second heat medium circuit.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The switching device includes a nine-way valve and a five-way valve. The control device controls each of the nine-way valve and the five-way valve to switch between the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The thermal management system further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger. The control device controls the switching device to form the first heat medium circuit when the detection value of the temperature sensor is lower than the outside air temperature in a state where the second heat medium circuit is formed.

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