Thermal management system

Abstract

A heat management system is provided with an HT radiator (first radiator), an LT radiator (second radiator), a nine-way valve (switching device) and a five-way valve (switching device) for switching a flow path of a heat medium, and an ECU (control device). An ECU controls a nine-way valve and a five-way valve to switch between a first heat medium circuit in which an HT radiator and an LT radiator are separated and are independent from each other and a second heat medium circuit in which the HT radiator and the LT radiator are connected in series.

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 on-board temperature control device including a high-temperature radiator and a low-temperature radiator. The high-temperature radiator is provided in a high-temperature circuit. The low-temperature radiator is provided in a low-temperature circuit. The high-temperature circuit and the low-temperature circuit are independent of each other. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-185829, as described above, the high-temperature circuit and the low-temperature circuit are independent of each other. In other words, the high-temperature radiator and the low-temperature radiator are provided to cool different heat sources. Therefore, if the heat source is high, a single radiator may not provide sufficient cooling power.

[0004] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal management system capable of efficiently cooling a heat source using two heat sinks.

[0005] A thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a thermal management system for circulating a heating medium, comprising:

[0006] a first radiator;

[0007] a second radiator, different from the first radiator;

[0008] a switching device for switching a flow path of a heat medium; and

[0009] A control device controls the switching device.

[0010] The control device controls the switching device to switch the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit.

[0011] The first heat medium circuit is a heat medium circuit that separates the first radiator and the second radiator and makes them independent of each other.

[0012] The second heat medium circuit is a heat medium circuit including a series circuit in which a first radiator and a second radiator are connected in series.

[0013] In a thermal management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second heat medium circuit is formed as described above, comprising a series circuit formed by connecting a first radiator and a second radiator in series. This allows a common heat source to be cooled by both the first radiator and the second radiator. Consequently, in situations where the heat source generates a relatively large amount of heat, the heat source can be efficiently cooled by forming the second heat medium circuit. Furthermore, in situations where the heat source generates a relatively small amount of heat, cooling by the first radiator and cooling by the second radiator can be performed separately by forming the first heat medium circuit. Consequently, in situations where the heat source generates a relatively small amount of heat, the heat source can be efficiently cooled.

[0014] Thermal management systems can also include:

[0015] an electrical storage device; and

[0016] A driving device capable of generating driving force.

[0017] In the first heat medium circuit, the first radiator may release heat supplied from the power storage device to the outside air, and the heat medium flowing through the second radiator may exchange heat with the drive device.

[0018] In the second heat medium circuit, the first radiator and the second radiator may each release heat supplied from the power storage device to the outside air.

[0019] With this configuration, the first radiator provided for the power storage device in the first heat medium circuit and the second radiator provided for the drive device can be used together in the second heat medium circuit to cool the power storage device. Consequently, the power storage device can be efficiently cooled by the first and second radiators in the second heat medium circuit.

[0020] The control device may also control the switching device to form a second heat medium circuit during external charging of the power storage device. With this configuration, during external charging, when the temperature of the power storage device is likely to rise, the power storage device can be efficiently cooled using both the first and second radiators.

[0021] The control device may also control the switching device to form a second heat medium circuit during external charging using fast charging. With this configuration, the power storage device can be efficiently cooled using both the first and second heat sinks during external charging, when the temperature of the power storage device rises more rapidly than during normal charging.

[0022] The switching device may also include a nine-way valve and a five-way valve.

[0023] The control device may control the nine-way valve and the five-way valve separately to switch between the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit.

[0024] With such a configuration, the flow paths of the heat medium are switched using two different multi-way valves (a nine-way valve and a five-way valve), thereby making it possible to easily switch between the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently cool a heat source using two different heat sinks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] 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 numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal management circuit of a thermal management system according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a first heat medium circuit of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a second heat medium circuit of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a third heat medium circuit of the heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a control flow of the ECU according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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). Alternatively, 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 use of the thermal management system disclosed herein is not limited to vehicles.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The ECU 2 includes a processor 2 a , a memory 2 b , a storage 2 c , and an interface 2 d .

[0037] The processor 2a is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The memory 2b is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 2c is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The memory 2c stores system programs including an OS (Operating System) and control programs including computer-readable code required for control operations. The processor 2a implements various processes by reading the system and control programs, expanding them in the memory 2b, and executing them. The interface 2d controls communication between the ECU 2 and the components of the thermal management circuit 1.

[0038] ECU2 generates control instructions based on sensor values ​​obtained from various sensors included in the thermal management circuit 1 and user operations received through an HMI (Human Machine Interface) (not shown) installed in the electric vehicle 20. ECU2 outputs the generated control instructions to the thermal management circuit 1. ECU2 can also be divided into multiple ECUs according to each function. Figure 1 2 shows an example in which the ECU 2 includes a single processor 2a, but the ECU 2 may include a plurality of processors. The same applies to the memory 2b and the storage 2c.

[0039] Structure of the thermal management circuit

[0040] 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. It should be noted that the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200 are each an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0041] The nine-way valve 100 includes a valve core 110 and outer partitions 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 partitions 120 to 129. The valve core 110 is rotated according to the control signal from the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) control instructions to rotate.

[0042] 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 111-114 change. This changes the connections (or combinations of connections) between the outer sections 120-129 and the internal flow paths 111-114. Details will be described later.

[0043] 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. It should be noted that 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.

[0044] The outer partitions 120 to 129 are arranged circumferentially on the outer periphery of the valve core 110. The outer partitions 120 to 129 are isolated from each other. Figure 2 Although shown in the figure as being arranged in a row for ease of understanding, they are actually stacked in the Z direction. The outer partition 129 is arranged on the Z2 side of the outer partition 128.

[0045] The widths of the outer sections 120 to 126 in the circumferential direction of the valve element 110 are substantially equal to each other. The widths of the outer sections 127 to 129 in the circumferential direction are smaller than the widths of the outer sections 120 to 126 in the circumferential direction.

[0046] The five-way valve 200 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction. The five-way valve 200 has ports P1 to P5. Ports P1 to P4 are inlet ports for allowing heat medium to flow into the five-way valve 200. Port P5 is an outlet port for allowing heat medium to flow out of the five-way valve 200. Ports P1 to P4 are connected to mutually isolated lower partitions (not shown). In other words, the five-way valve 200 is provided with four mutually isolated lower partitions. Although not shown in the figure, the four partitions have the same shape (a fan shape with a central angle of 90 degrees when viewed from the Z1 side). Port P5 is connected to the upper partition (not shown) provided on the Z1 side of the four lower partitions.

[0047] The flow state of the heat medium in ports P1 to P5 is determined by the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) is controlled by control commands from ECU 2. Specifically, ECU 2 changes the position of opening 210. A partition plate (not shown) is provided within five-way valve 200, separating the four lower and upper sections. Opening 210 is formed on this partition plate. Control commands from ECU 2 cause this partition plate to rotate about the central axis of the cylindrical five-way valve 200. As a result, the lower section overlapping with opening 210 in the Z direction changes. Port P5 communicates only with ports communicating with the lower section overlapping with opening 210 in the Z direction.

[0048] When viewed from the Z1 side, the opening 210 has a sector shape with a central angle of approximately 90 degrees. Therefore, one or two of the four lower subareas may overlap with the opening 210 in the Z direction. Consequently, one or two of the ports P1 to P4 communicate with the port P5.

[0049] 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 ) to circulate the heat medium in the high temperature circuit 300. It should be noted that the HT radiator 340 is an example of the "first radiator" of the present disclosure.

[0050] High-temperature circuit 300 includes flow paths 350, 360, and 370. Flow path 350 connects 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.

[0051] The flow path 360 connects the branch point 380 and the port P2 . The heater core 330 is provided in the flow path 360 .

[0052] The flow path 370 connects the branch point 380 and the port P1 . The HT radiator 340 is provided in the flow path 370 .

[0053] The unit circuit 400 includes an LT (Low Temperature) radiator 410, a reservoir tank 420, and a water pump 430. Furthermore, the unit circuit 400 includes an SPU (Smart Power Unit) 440, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 450, an oil cooler (O / C) 460, and a drive axle (T / A) 470. The water pump 430 is driven by the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) control instructions to circulate the heat medium. It should be noted that the water pump 430 sends the heat medium to the SPU413 side. The drive axle 470 can generate the electric vehicle 20 ( Figure 1 ) driving force. It should be noted that LT radiator 410 is an example of the "second radiator" of the present disclosure. Furthermore, PCU 450 and transaxle 470 are each an example of the "drive device" of the present disclosure.

[0054] Unit circuit 400 includes flow path 480 and flow path 490. Flow path 480 connects outer partition 127 of nine-way valve 100 to outer partition 120. Flow path 480 includes LT radiator 410, storage tank 420, water pump 430, SPU 440, PCU 450, and oil cooler 460. SPU 440 and PCU 450 each include a heat exchanger (not shown) for exchanging heat with the heat medium in flow path 480. Oil cooler 460 exchanges heat between drive axle 470 and the heat medium in flow path 480. It should be noted that drive axle 470 may be provided in flow path 480 instead of oil cooler 460.

[0055] The flow path 490 connects the outer partition 129 of the nine-way valve 100 and the storage tank 420 .

[0056] The battery circuit 500 includes a battery 510, a water pump 520, a flow path 530, and a temperature sensor 540. It should be noted that the water pump 520 delivers heat medium to the battery 510 side. It should be noted that the water pump 520 is regulated by the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 ) to circulate the heat medium. It should be noted that the battery 510 is an example of the "power storage device" of the present disclosure.

[0057] Flow path 530 connects outer partition 123 and outer partition 124 of nine-way valve 100. Battery 510 and water pump 520 are provided in flow path 530. Battery 510 includes a heat exchanger (not shown) for exchanging heat with the heat medium in flow path 530.

[0058] The temperature sensor 540 detects the temperature of the battery 510. The data detected by the temperature sensor 540 is sent to the ECU 2 ( Figure 1 )send.

[0059] Refrigeration cycle 600 includes a cooler 610, an evaporator 620, a compressor 630, and a water-cooled condenser 640. Furthermore, refrigeration cycle 600 includes expansion valves 650 and 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 runs from compressor 630 to water-cooled condenser 640, expansion valve 660, evaporator 620, EPR 670, and compressor 630. The second path runs from compressor 630 to water-cooled condenser 640, expansion valve 650, cooler 610, and compressor 630.

[0060] Flow path 700 connects outer partition 125 and outer partition 126 of nine-way valve 100. Flow path 700 is also connected to cooler 610 of refrigeration cycle 600. That is, the heat medium flowing through flow path 700 and the heat medium of refrigeration cycle 600 exchange heat in cooler 610.

[0061] The flow path 800 connects the outer partition 121 and the outer partition 122 of the nine-way valve 100. No equipment or the like is provided in the flow path 800.

[0062] 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 of the flow path 370 that branches into the flow path 30 at the branch point 371 merges with the heat medium of the flow path 480 at the confluence portion 481.

[0063] Flow path 40 connects port P3 of nine-way valve 100 to branch point 531 provided between battery 510 and outer partition 124 in flow path 530 of battery circuit 500. Specifically, the heat medium in flow path 530, which branches off at branch point 531 into flow path 40, flows from port P3 into five-way valve 200.

[0064] Flow path 50 connects branch point 380 of high temperature circuit 300 and branch point 531 of battery circuit 500 . That is, the heat medium of high temperature circuit 300 (flow path 350 ) branching into flow path 50 at branch point 380 merges with flow path 530 at branch point 531 .

[0065] Flow path 60 connects port P4 of five-way valve 200 and a branch point 482 between oil cooler 460 in flow path 480 of unit circuit 400 and outer partition 120 of nine-way valve 100. Specifically, the heat medium in flow path 480, which branches off at branch point 482 into flow path 60, flows from port P4 into five-way valve 200.

[0066] In conventional thermal management systems, the HT radiator and the LT radiator cool different heat sources. Therefore, when the heat source has a large amount of heat, the cooling power of only one radiator may be insufficient.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, the ECU 2 controls the nine-way valve 100 and the five-way valve 200 to switch the first heat medium circuit 1a ( Figure 3 ) and the second heat medium circuit 1b ( Figure 4 ). The first heat medium circuit 1a ( Figure 3 ) separates the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410 and makes them independent of each other. The second heat medium circuit 1b ( Figure 4 ) includes a series circuit 31 connecting the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410 in series. It should be noted that the first heat medium circuit 1a and the second heat medium circuit 1b are circuits for cooling the battery 510.

[0068] First heat medium circuit

[0069] 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 HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410 are provided in different circulation circuits.

[0070] Internal flow path 111 of nine-way valve 100 connects outer partition 121 with outer partition 127. Internal flow path 112 connects outer partition 120 with outer partition 122. Internal flow path 113 connects outer partition 124 with outer partition 126. Internal flow path 114 connects outer partition 123 with outer partition 125.

[0071] In the five-way valve 200 , the opening 210 overlaps only with the lower section communicating with the port P1 . Therefore, the port P5 communicates only with the port P1 among the ports P1 to P4 .

[0072] 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 HT radiator 340 —the five-way valve 200 (port P1 ).

[0073] The heat medium circulates through a circuit: reservoir tank 420 - water pump 430 - SPU 440 - PCU 450 - oil cooler 460 - outer partition 120 - inner flow path 112 - outer partition 122 - flow path 800 - outer partition 121 - inner flow path 111 - outer partition 127 - LT radiator 410 - reservoir tank 420. In the first heat medium circuit 1a, the heat medium flowing through LT radiator 410 exchanges heat with SPU 440, PCU 450, and transaxle 470 (oil cooler 460).

[0074] The heat medium circulates in a loop of water pump 520 - battery 510 - outer partition 124 - inner flow path 113 - outer partition 126 - cooler 610 - outer partition 125 - inner flow path 114 - outer partition 123 - water pump 520 .

[0075] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle 600 , the heat medium circulates in a circuit of the cooler 610 - the compressor 630 - the water-cooled condenser 640 - the expansion valve 650 - the cooler 610 .

[0076] In the first heat medium circuit 1a, the HT radiator 340 dissipates heat supplied from the battery 510 (heat generated in the battery 510) to the outside air. The heat from the battery 510 is transferred to the high-temperature circuit 300 via the cooler 610 (refrigeration cycle 600) and the water-cooled condenser 640, and then dissipated from the HT radiator 340 to the outside air.

[0077] Note that, in the first heat medium circuit 1 a , the heat medium does not flow through any of the flow paths 30 , 40 , 50 , and 60 . Furthermore, in the first heat medium circuit 1 a , the heat medium does not flow through the flow path 490 .

[0078] Second heat medium circuit

[0079] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing the second heat medium circuit 1b of the heat management circuit 1. In the second heat medium circuit 1b, the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410 are provided in a common circulation circuit.

[0080] Internal flow path 111 of nine-way valve 100 connects outer partition 121 with outer partition 128. Internal flow path 112 connects outer partition 120 with outer partition 122. Internal flow path 113 connects outer partition 124 with outer partition 126. Internal flow path 114 connects outer partition 123 with outer partition 125.

[0081] In the five-way valve 200, the opening 210 overlaps only with the lower section communicating with the port P4. Therefore, the port P5 communicates only with the port P4 among the ports P1 to P4.

[0082] The heat medium thus circulates through a loop that goes from five-way valve 200 (port P5) to water pump 310, water-cooled condenser 640, HVH 320, HT radiator 340, branch point 371, flow path 30, junction 481, LT radiator 410, reservoir tank 420, water pump 430, SPU 440, PCU 450, oil cooler 460, branch point 482, flow path 60, and five-way valve 200 (port P4). This circulation loop forms a series circuit 31, connecting the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410 in series.

[0083] The heat medium circulates in a loop of water pump 520 - battery 510 - outer partition 124 - inner flow path 113 - outer partition 126 - cooler 610 - outer partition 125 - inner flow path 114 - outer partition 123 - water pump 520 .

[0084] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle 600 , the heat medium circulates in a circuit of the cooler 610 - the compressor 630 - the water-cooled condenser 640 - the expansion valve 650 - the cooler 610 .

[0085] Heat from battery 510 is transferred to high-temperature circuit 300 via cooler 610 (refrigeration cycle 600) and water-cooled condenser 640, and then to unit circuit 400 via flow path 30. Thus, in second heat medium circuit 1b, HT radiator 340 and LT radiator 410 respectively release heat supplied from battery 510 (heat generated in battery 510) to the outside air.

[0086] Note that, in the second heat medium circuit 1 b , the heat medium does not flow through either the flow path 50 or the flow path 60 . Furthermore, in the second heat medium circuit 1 b , the heat medium does not flow through the flow path 490 .

[0087] The third heat medium circuit

[0088] 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.

[0089] Internal flow path 111 of nine-way valve 100 connects outer partition 122 with outer partition 124. Internal flow path 112 connects outer partition 123 with outer partition 125. Internal flow path 113 connects outer partition 121 with outer partition 127. Internal flow path 114 connects outer partition 120 with outer partition 126.

[0090] In the five-way valve 200 , the opening 210 overlaps with the lower section that communicates with the ports P1 and P2 , respectively. Therefore, the port P5 communicates with the ports P1 and P2 among the ports P1 to P4 .

[0091] Thus, the heat medium circulates in a first 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 ).

[0092] Furthermore, the heat medium circulates in a second loop of the five-way valve 200 (port P5) - water pump 310 - water-cooled condenser 640 - HVH 320 - HT radiator 340 - five-way valve 200 (port P1).

[0093] The heat medium of the second circuit branches off into flow path 30 at branch point 371. The heat medium branched off into flow path 30 circulates through a third circuit, which includes LT radiator 410, storage tank 420, water pump 430, SPU 440, PCU 450, oil cooler 460, outer partition 120, inner flow path 114, outer partition 126, cooler 610, outer partition 125, inner flow path 112, outer partition 123, water pump 520, battery 510, outer partition 124, inner flow path 111, outer partition 122, flow path 800, outer partition 121, inner flow path 113, outer partition 127, and LT radiator 410.

[0094] The heat medium in the third circuit branches off into the flow path 50 at the branch point 531 , and flows into the high-temperature circuit 300 from the branch point 380 .

[0095] Note that, similar to the second heat medium circuit 1b, the third heat medium circuit 1c also forms a series circuit 31. Furthermore, in the third heat medium circuit 1c, the heat medium does not flow through either the flow path 40 or the flow path 60. Furthermore, in the third heat medium circuit 1c, the heat medium does not flow through the flow path 490.

[0096] ECU control flow

[0097] Figure 6 is shown by ECU2 ( Figure 1 ) is a diagram of an example of the control flow executed. Figure 6The control flow shown may also be executed (started) at a predetermined period (for example, every one minute).

[0098] In S1, ECU 2 determines whether the battery cooling flag is on. The battery cooling flag is on when the value detected by temperature sensor 540, which detects the temperature of battery 510, is above a predetermined value (e.g., 40°C). If the battery cooling flag is on (YES in S1), the process proceeds to S2. If the battery cooling flag is off (NO in S1), the process ends.

[0099] In S2, ECU 2 determines whether the charging method for battery 510 is fast charging (whether fast charging mode is on). ECU 2 determines the charging method based on information about the connector of electric vehicle 20 connected to the charging plug, information about the charging current, and information transmitted from the charging station. If the charging method is fast charging (YES in S2), the process proceeds to S3. If the charging method is not fast charging (normal charging) (NO in S2), the process proceeds to S4.

[0100] In S3, 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 4 In this case, the battery 510 is cooled by both the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410. Note that if the heat management circuit 1 has already switched to the second heat medium circuit 1b, this state is maintained.

[0101] In S4, 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 this case, the battery 510 is cooled only by the HT radiator 340 of the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410. It should be noted that when the heat management circuit 1 has already switched to the first heat medium circuit 1a, this state is maintained.

[0102] Furthermore, the ECU 2 may 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 1 c ( Figure 5 ).

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, the ECU 2 controls the five-way valve 200 and the nine-way valve 100 to switch between the first heat medium circuit 1a and the second heat medium circuit 1b. The first heat medium circuit 1a separates and independently connects the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410. The second heat medium circuit 1b includes a series circuit 31 connecting the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410 in series. This makes it easy to switch between a mode in which the battery 510 is cooled using both radiators (the HT radiator 340 and the LT radiator 410) and a mode in which the battery 510 is cooled using only one radiator (the HT radiator 340). By switching between these two modes depending on the temperature of the battery 510, the battery 510 can be cooled efficiently and with appropriate cooling power.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the radiator for cooling battery 510 is switchable, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A radiator for cooling a heat source other than battery 510 (eg, PCU 450 ) may also be switchable.

[0105] While the above embodiment illustrates an example of switching thermal management circuit 1 during external charging, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Thermal management circuit 1 can also be switched during times other than external charging. For example, thermal management circuit 1 can be switched during high-load operation of unit circuit 400. In this case, switching control to connect HT radiator 340 and LT radiator 410 in series can be performed only when the temperature of the heat medium in unit circuit 400 is below a specified value (e.g., 50°C). This prevents the temperature of unit circuit 400 from becoming excessively high (e.g., exceeding 65°C).

[0106] In the above embodiment, the second heat medium circuit 1 b is formed during external charging by fast charging, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second heat medium circuit 1 b may be formed during external charging by normal charging.

[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. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The switching valve may have other structures (e.g., a multi-way valve other than a five-way valve and a nine-way valve).

[0108] In the above embodiment, the PCU 450 and the oil cooler 460 (transaxle 470 ) are connected in series, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be connected in parallel.

[0109] It should be noted that the configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and each of the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is represented by the scope of the claims, not the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all variations within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for circulating a heating medium, the thermal management system comprising: a first radiator; a second radiator, different from the first radiator; a switching device for switching a flow path of a heat medium; and a control device for controlling the switching device, The control device controls the switching device to switch between the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit. The first heat medium circuit is a heat medium circuit that separates the first radiator and the second radiator and makes them independent of each other. The second heat medium circuit is a heat medium circuit including a series circuit in which the first radiator and the second radiator are connected in series.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal management system further comprises: an electrical storage device; and A driving device capable of generating a driving force, In the first heat medium circuit, the first radiator releases heat supplied from the power storage device to the outside air, and the heat medium flowing through the second radiator exchanges heat with the drive device. In the second heat medium circuit, the first radiator and the second radiator each release heat supplied from the power storage device to the outside air.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: The control device controls the switching device to form the second heat medium circuit during external charging of the power storage device.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The control device controls the switching device to form the second heat medium circuit during the external charging by fast charging.

5. 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 the nine-way valve and the five-way valve to switch between the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit.

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