Thermal management system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a thermal management system. This heat management system is provided with: a first flow path through which a heat medium flows; a second flow path through which the heat medium flows; a reserve tank provided in the second flow path; a water pump that circulates the heat medium; and a switching device. When the temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than a predetermined temperature in a state in which the second flow path and the first flow path are disconnected, the heat management system performs a degassing process for the second flow path and the first flow path by connecting the second flow path and the first flow path by means of the switching device and driving the water pump.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-063735 discloses a temperature control system including a coolant circuit provided with a path connected to a PCU, a path connected to a battery, a reserve tank, and a five-way valve for switching the coolant flow path. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Although not explicitly stated in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-063735, controlling the state of the five-way valve may temporarily create a circuit in which the path connected to the PCU (first flow path) or the path connected to the battery (second flow path) is disconnected from the reserve tank. In this case, there is a possibility that air bubbles may be mixed into (or remain in) the path not connected to the reserve tank.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a heat management system that can suppress air bubbles from being mixed into (or remaining in) a first flow path and a second flow path using a reserve tank.

[0005] A thermal management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided in a rechargeable electrical device, wherein the thermal management system includes: a first flow path through which a heat medium flows; a second flow path through which the heat medium flows and which includes a storage tank; a heat exchange device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through one of the first and second flow paths; a switching device that can switch the connection between the first and second flow paths; a pump that circulates the heat medium through each of the first and second flow paths when the first and second flow paths are connected; and a control device that controls the switching device and the pump. When the temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than a first temperature when the first and second flow paths are disconnected, the control device connects the first and second flow paths using the switching device and drives the pump, thereby performing a degassing process on the first and second flow paths.

[0006] In a thermal management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, when the temperature of the heat exchanged device is lower than the first temperature while the first and second flow paths are disconnected, degassing is performed on the first and second flow paths. Thus, when the temperature of the heat exchanged device is lower than the first temperature, degassing is performed in each of the first and second flow paths. As a result, the reservoir tank can be used to suppress the incorporation of bubbles into (or retention in) each of the first and second flow paths.

[0007] Furthermore, by performing the degassing process when the temperature of the heat exchanged device is below the first temperature, it is possible to prevent the degassing process from being performed without cooling the heat exchanged device when the heat exchanged device needs to be cooled. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heat exchanged device from increasing excessively. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the heat medium, which has been heated by the heat of the heat exchanged device, from circulating through the degassing process.

[0008] In the thermal management system according to one embodiment described above, the control device may terminate the degassing process if the degassing process continues for a first time or longer. This configuration prevents the degassing process from continuing for a first time or longer. As a result, the time required to execute a single degassing process can be shortened.

[0009] In the thermal management system according to one embodiment described above, the heat exchange device may include a first power storage device. The thermal management system may further include a first drive device capable of generating a driving force and capable of exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing through the other of the first and second flow paths. With this configuration, the heat medium can be used to efficiently cool the first power storage device and the first drive device by suppressing the incorporation of bubbles into (or retention in) the first and second flow paths.

[0010] In this case, the control device may also stop the degassing process if the temperature of the first power storage device is above a first temperature during the degassing process. This configuration can prevent the heat medium, which is heated by the heat of the first power storage device, from circulating through the degassing process. Furthermore, if the temperature of the first power storage device reaches the first temperature or above, the degassing process can be stopped to perform other control operations (e.g., cooling the first power storage device).

[0011] The thermal management system for the first power storage device may include a bypass path that bypasses at least a portion of one of the first and second flow paths where heat exchange occurs between the first power storage device and the heat medium. The control device may also, when performing a degassing process, prevent the heat medium from flowing through the other of the first and second flow paths from flowing through the bypass path if the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the other of the first and second flow paths is at or above a second temperature. With this configuration, the degassing process can be performed while suppressing a temperature increase of the first power storage device caused by the heat medium flowing through the other of the first and second flow paths.

[0012] In the thermal management system according to one embodiment described above, the control device may also prevent the degassing process from being performed if the cumulative time the pump is driven exceeds a second time when the first and second flow paths are connected. This configuration can prevent the degassing process from being performed excessively in the electrical equipment.

[0013] In this case, the accumulated time may be the sum of a first accumulated time during which the degassing process is being executed and a second accumulated time during which the pump is driven while the first and second flow paths are connected, other than when the degassing process is being executed. With this configuration, unlike a case where only the first accumulated time is considered as the accumulated time, control can be performed to limit the execution of the degassing process based on the time during which degassing is actually performed in the first and second flow paths.

[0014] In the thermal management system according to one embodiment described above, the control device may also be configured to enable degassing when the heat medium circulating in the electrical equipment is replaced while degassing is not being performed. In this case, the aforementioned air bubbles are likely to be introduced during heat medium replacement. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the air bubbles introduced by the replacement of the heat medium can be removed through degassing.

[0015] In the thermal management system according to the above embodiment, the switching device may include a five-way valve or an eight-way valve. With this configuration, the connection state between the first flow path and the second flow path can be easily switched using the five-way valve or the eight-way valve.

[0016] The thermal management system according to one embodiment described above may also include: a radiator; and a second drive device capable of generating driving force. The heat exchanged device may include a second power storage device. The radiator may be provided in the second flow path. At least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device may exchange heat with the heat medium flowing in the first flow path. With this configuration, the heat medium cooled by the radiator can be used to cool at least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device, and degassing of the first and second flow paths can be performed.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the bubbles from being mixed into (remaining in) the first flow path and the second flow path using the reserve tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] 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, and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management system according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a first communication pattern of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a second communication pattern of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a third communication mode of the heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 FIG1 is a first diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 FIG2 is a second diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 FIG3 is a third diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 FIG4 is a fourth diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management system according to a first modified example of one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the first communication pattern in the first modification.

[0031] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the second communication pattern in the first modification.

[0032] Figure 14 1 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the second communication pattern in the first modified example.

[0033] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the second communication pattern in the first modification example.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a first communication pattern of a heat management system according to a second modified example of one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the second communication pattern of the second modification example.

[0036] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the first modified example of the second communication pattern in the second modified example.

[0037] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the second communication pattern in the second modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] 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 identical reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0039] The following description uses the thermal management system of the present disclosure as an example, wherein the thermal management system is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably equipped with a battery for driving. Examples of the vehicle include a battery electric vehicle (BEV), 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 of the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles.

[0040] Figure 1 This figure shows an electric vehicle 10 equipped with a thermal management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Electric vehicle 10 is rechargeable. Specifically, electric vehicle 10 includes a battery 173, a charging circuit 11, and an outlet 12. Furthermore, electric vehicle 10 is an example of an "electrical device" as used herein. Furthermore, battery 173 is an example of a "first power storage device" and a "heat exchanged device."

[0041] Battery 173 stores electric power for driving electric vehicle 10. Connecting, for example, charging connector 21 of EVSE 20 to outlet 12 allows EVSE 20 to supply power to battery 173. Power input to outlet 12 is supplied to battery 173 via charging circuit 11. Charging circuit 11 may also include SPU 132, described later.

[0042] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 1. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600.

[0043] Thermal management circuit 100 is configured to circulate a heat medium. It includes a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, and a five-way valve 180. Five-way valve 180 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0044] The high temperature circuit 110 includes a water pump (W / P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reserve tank (R / T) 115. The radiator 120 is connected to both the high temperature circuit 110 and the low temperature circuit 130 (ie, shared).

[0045] The heat sink 120 includes a high temperature (HT: High Temperature) heat sink 121 and a low temperature (LT: Low Temperature) heat sink 122 (both refer to Figure 3 ).

[0046] The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a step-up / step-down converter 135, and a temperature sensor 136. The water pump 131 is an example of a "pump" as used herein. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are each devices capable of generating driving force for the electric vehicle 10. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are each an example of a "first drive device" as used herein.

[0047] Condenser 140 is connected to both high-temperature circuit 110 and refrigeration cycle 150. Refrigeration cycle 150 includes compressor 151, expansion valve 152, evaporator 153, evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154, and expansion valve 155. Chiller 160 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 150 and battery circuit 170.

[0048] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174, a storage tank 175, and a temperature sensor 176. The five-way valve 180 is connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. Figure 3 The water pump 171 is an example of a “pump” in the present disclosure.

[0049] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management loop 100 . The ECU 500 includes a processor 501 , a memory 502 , a storage device 503 , an interface 504 , a timer 505 , and a timer 506 .

[0050] The processor 501 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-processing unit). The memory 502 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 503 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The storage device 503 stores system programs including an OS (Operating System) and control programs including computer-readable codes required for control operations. The processor 501 implements various processes by reading the system program and the control program, expanding them in the memory 502, and executing them. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100. Timers 505 and 506 each measure the elapsed time from the execution of a predetermined process. The functions of the timers 505 and 506 will be described in detail later.

[0051] The ECU 500 generates control instructions based on sensor values ​​(e.g., temperatures at various locations) obtained from various sensors (not shown) included in the thermal management circuit 100 and user operations received by the HMI 600, and outputs the generated control instructions to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 may also be divided into multiple ECUs for each function. Figure 2 , the ECU 500 includes a single processor 501 , but the ECU 500 may include a plurality of processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage device 503 .

[0052] In this specification, the term "processor" is not limited to a processor in the narrow sense that executes processing in a stored program format. A "processor" may also include hard-wired circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be rewritten to mean processing circuitry that predefines processing via computer-readable code and / or hard-wired circuitry.

[0053] The HMI 600 includes a display with a touch panel, an operation panel, a console, etc. The HMI 600 receives user operations for controlling the thermal management system 1 and outputs a signal indicating the user operations to the ECU 500 .

[0054] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0055] Figure 3 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in this embodiment. The heat medium (typically hot water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of a first path, which includes a water pump 111, a condenser 140, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, a reservoir tank 115, and a water pump 111, and a second path, which includes a water pump 111, a condenser 140, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a high-temperature radiator 121, a reservoir tank 115, and a water pump 111.

[0056] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through a path extending from the water pump 131 to the SPU 132 to the PCU 133 to the oil cooler 134 to the boost-down converter 135 to the five-way valve 180 to the low-temperature radiator 122 and finally to the water pump 131. This path includes a flow path 130a extending from the water pump 131 to the SPU 132 to the PCU 133 to the oil cooler 134 to the boost-down converter 135 to the five-way valve 180. Flow path 130a is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0057] The water pump 131 is operated according to the ECU 500 (see Figure 2 ) control instructions to circulate the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130. SPU132 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 173 in accordance with the control instructions from ECU500. PCU133 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 173 into AC power in accordance with the control instructions from ECU500, and supplies the AC power to the motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. The oil cooler 134 uses an electric oil pump (EOP: Electrical Oil Pump) (not shown) to circulate the lubricating oil of the motor. The temperature sensor 136 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 130a (for example, the upstream side of the buck-boost converter 135). The SPU132, PCU133, oil cooler 134 and buck-boost converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130. The five-way valve 180 switches the path of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 in accordance with the control instructions from ECU500. The low-temperature radiator 122 is disposed near the high-temperature radiator 121 and performs heat exchange with the high-temperature radiator 121 .

[0058] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of the first and second paths described below. The first path is the path from compressor 151 to condenser 140 to expansion valve 152 to evaporator 153 to EPR 154 to compressor 151. The second path is the path from compressor 151 to condenser 140 to expansion valve 155 to chiller 160 to compressor 151.

[0059] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of the first path: water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171; and the second path: water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - bypass path 174 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171. Reservoir tank 175 is located at the junction of the first path and bypass path 174. The first path includes flow path 170a, which runs from the five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171. The placement of reservoir tank 175 is not limited to the example above. For example, reservoir tank 175 may be located between the five-way valve 180 and battery 173. Flow path 170a is an example of a "second flow path" in this disclosure.

[0060] Water pump 171 circulates the heat medium within battery circuit 170 in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Chiller 160 cools the heat medium circulating in battery circuit 170 by exchanging heat between the heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating in battery circuit 170. Electric heater 172 heats the heat medium in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Battery 173 supplies power for driving to the motor built into the transaxle. Battery 173 can be heated by electric heater 172 or cooled by chiller 160. Bypass path 174 bypasses at least portion 170b of flow path 170a where battery 173 and heat medium exchange heat. Bypass path 174 is designed to allow the heat medium to bypass electric heater 172 (the portion of flow path 170a that exchanges heat with electric heater 172 (not referenced)) and battery 173 (portion 170b). When the heat medium flows through bypass path 174, changes in the heat medium's temperature associated with heat absorption and heat dissipation between the heat medium and battery 173 can be suppressed. Reserve tank 175 stores a portion of the heat medium within battery circuit 170 to maintain the pressure and volume of the heat medium within battery circuit 170. Temperature sensor 176 detects the temperature of battery 173.

[0061] Five-way valve 180 is provided with five ports P1 to P5. Port P1 is the inlet port for the heat medium to flow in from chiller 160. Port P2 is the outlet port for the heat medium to flow out to electric heater 172 and battery 173 (portion 170b) of battery circuit 170. Port P3 is the inlet port for the heat medium to flow in from SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135 of low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is the outlet port for the heat medium to flow out of bypass path 174 of battery circuit 170. Port P5 is the outlet port for the heat medium to flow out to low-temperature radiator 122.

[0062] <Connectivity Mode>

[0063] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the first communication mode using the five-way valve 180. Figure 4 As shown, in the first communication mode, a path connecting port P1 and port P2 and a path connecting port P3 and port P5 are formed in the five-way valve 180. These two paths are independent of each other. No other path is formed to connect the two paths. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 (flow path 130a) and the battery circuit 170 (flow path 170a) are completely independently connected in parallel. In addition, the first communication mode is the circuit mode formed when the "degassing execution flag" described later is in the off state.

[0064] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the second communication mode using the five-way valve 180. Figure 5 As shown, in the second communication mode, a path connecting ports P1 and P5, and a path connecting ports P3 and P2 are formed in the five-way valve 180. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 (flow path 130a) and the battery circuit 170 (flow path 170a) are connected in series. As a result, the reserve tank 175, water pump 171, and water pump 131 are connected in series. By driving at least one of the water pumps 171 and 131 in this state, degassing is performed in each of the flow paths 170a and 130a using the reserve tank 175. The second communication mode is a circuit mode that is established when the "degassing execution flag," described later, is on and predetermined conditions, described later, are met. In this embodiment, in the second communication mode, both water pumps 171 and 131 are driven. Alternatively, only one of the water pumps 171 and 131 may be driven.

[0065] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of the third communication mode using the five-way valve 180. Figure 6As shown, in the third connection mode, in the five-way valve 180, a path connecting port P1 and port P5 and a path connecting port P3 and port P4 are formed. In this case, the reserve tank 175, the water pump 171, and the water pump 131 are connected in series. On the other hand, no heat exchange occurs between the heat medium and the battery 173. In addition, the third connection mode is a circuit mode formed when the "degassing execution flag" described later is in the ON state and a predetermined condition described later is satisfied. In this case, each of the water pumps 171 and 131 is driven. In addition, only one of the water pumps 171 and 131 may be driven.

[0066] In addition, the first to third connection modes of the five-way valve 180 are not limited to Figures 4 to 6 the examples shown.

[0067] Here, as described above, a circuit (for example, the first connection mode) in which the flow path 130a connected to the PCU 133 and the reserve tank 175 are not connected may be temporarily formed. In this case, in the conventional thermal management system, there is a possibility that air bubbles are mixed (remain) in the flow path 130a.

[0068] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the temperature of the battery 173 is less than the specified temperature T1 (for example, 35°C) in a state where the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a are disconnected, the five-way valve 180 is used to connect the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a and the water pumps (131, 171) are driven, thereby performing (starting) the degassing process for the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a (hereinafter referred to as "degassing process A"). That is, the degassing process A refers to a process of degassing the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a in a state where the temperature of the battery 173 is less than the specified temperature T1. The ECU 500 forms the second connection mode (see Figure 5 ) or the third connection mode (see Figure 6 ) by controlling the five-way valve 180 and drives the water pumps (131, 171), thereby performing the degassing process A. Thereby, degassing is performed in both the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a using the reserve tank 175. In addition, the degassing process A and the specified temperature T1 are examples of the "degassing process" and the "first temperature" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0069] <Control flow of ECU>

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 10 to describe the control flow of the ECU 500 (processor 501). Figure 7 The control flow shown may be executed (started) for each predetermined cycle (for example, 1 second).

[0071] As Figure 7As shown, in step S1, the ECU 500 determines whether the degassing end flag is off. The degassing end flag refers to a flag (signal) that changes according to the length of the cumulative time of degassing in the electric vehicle 10, as described in detail later. When the above-mentioned cumulative time is less than the specified time t2 described later, it is determined that the degassing is insufficient and the degassing end flag is maintained as off. When the degassing end flag is off ("Yes" in S1), the process enters step S2. When the degassing end flag is on ("No" in S1), the process ends.

[0072] In step S2, ECU 500 determines whether the degassing completion flag is off. The degassing completion flag is a flag indicating whether the degassing process A during charging has been completed (achieved). If the execution time (duration) of the degassing process A is less than the predetermined time t1 described below, it is determined that the degassing process A is not completed, and the degassing completion flag is maintained off. If the degassing completion flag is off ("Yes" in S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the degassing completion flag is on ("No" in S2), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0073] In step S3, the ECU 500 determines whether the degassing execution flag is on. If the degassing execution flag is on, the degassing process A is executed. If the degassing execution flag is on ("Yes" in S3), the process proceeds to step S6. If the degassing execution flag is off ("No" in S3), the process proceeds to step S4. In addition, if the degassing execution flag is off, in the thermal management circuit 100, for example, the first communication mode (see Figure 4 ).

[0074] In step S4, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the battery 173 is lower than the predetermined temperature T1. Specifically, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the temperature sensor 176 (see Figure 2 ) is less than a predetermined temperature T1 pre-stored in memory 502. If the temperature of battery 173 is less than predetermined temperature T1 ("YES" in S4), it is determined that battery 173 does not need to be cooled, and the process proceeds to step S5. If the temperature of battery 173 is greater than predetermined temperature T1 ("NO" in S4), cooling of battery 173 is prioritized, and the process ends.

[0075] In step S5, the ECU 500 turns on the degassing execution flag. Thus, the ECU 500 starts the degassing process A. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 to form the second communication mode (see Figure 5 ) or the third connection mode (refer to Figure 6) and drives the water pumps (131, 171). In addition, at the time point of step S5, either the second communication mode or the third communication mode can be formed. In addition, it is also possible to temporarily wait for the communication mode to be controlled by the five-way valve 180 until the determination of step S6 described later is completed.

[0076] In step S6, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the low temperature circuit 130 (flow path 130a) is lower than the cooling allowable temperature T2. Specifically, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature sensor 136 (see Figure 2 ) is less than the cooling allowable temperature T2 (e.g., 40°C) pre-stored in memory 502. If the temperature of the heat medium is less than the cooling allowable temperature T2 ("Yes" in S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If the temperature of the heat medium is greater than or equal to the cooling allowable temperature T2 ("No" in S6), the process proceeds to step S8. Note that the cooling allowable temperature T2 is an example of the "second temperature" in the present disclosure.

[0077] In step S7, the ECU 500 forms the second communication mode (see FIG. 1 ) in order to allow the heat medium to flow (circulate) to the battery 173 (portion 170 b ). Figure 5 ) is used to control the five-way valve 180. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0078] In step S8, the ECU 500 prevents the heat medium from flowing (distributing) to the battery 173 (portion 170b) and allows the heat medium to flow (distribute) to the bypass path 174, thereby forming a third communication mode (see FIG. Figure 6 ) is used to control the five-way valve 180. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0079] In step S9, the ECU 500 uses the timer 505 (see Figure 2 ) time counting operation. In addition, if the time counting by the timer 505 has already started at the time of step S9, the ECU 500 continues the time counting by the timer 505. Next, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0080] In step S10, ECU 500 determines whether the time counted by timer 505 is greater than or equal to a predetermined time t1 (e.g., 30 seconds to 1 minute). Information on the predetermined time t1 may be pre-stored in memory 502. If the time count is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t1 ("Yes" in S10), the process proceeds to step S11. If the time count is less than or equal to the predetermined time t1 ("No" in S10), the process proceeds to step S12. The predetermined time t1 is an example of the "first time" in the present disclosure.

[0081] In step S11 , ECU 500 turns on a purge completion flag. The process then proceeds to step S13 .

[0082] In step S12, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 is equal to or higher than predetermined temperature T1. If the temperature of battery 173 is equal to or higher than predetermined temperature T1 ("YES" in S12), the process proceeds to step S13. If the temperature of battery 173 is lower than predetermined temperature T1 ("NO" in S12), the process ends.

[0083] In step S13, the ECU 500 stores the total of the current accumulated time and the time count of the timer 505 as the updated accumulated time in the memory 502, etc. The accumulated time is the accumulated value of the time the water pumps (131, 171) are driven while the flow paths 170a and 130a are connected.

[0084] That is, the accumulated time is the sum of the first accumulated time of the execution of the degassing process A and the second accumulated time of the water pump (131, 171) being driven in the state where the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a are connected except when the degassing process A is executed. The first accumulated time is the accumulated value of the time count of the timer 505. The second accumulated time will be described later. In addition, "except when the degassing process A is executed" means a state where the temperature of the battery 173 is above the predetermined temperature T1, while on the other hand, the water pump (131, 171) is driven in the state where the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a are connected. For example, "except when the degassing process A is executed" means a state where the temperature of the battery 173 rises to above the predetermined temperature T1 due to the driving of the water pump (131, 171) in the state where the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a are connected, or the use of an air conditioner, an audio system, etc. that uses external power, while the water pump (131, 171) is driven in the state where the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a are connected.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S13, the ECU 500 clears the time count of the timer 505. Furthermore, the ECU 500 turns off the purge execution flag and the purge completion flag. Thus, the purge process A stops (ends). Thereafter, the process ends.

[0086] Figure 8 FIG2 is a second diagram showing a control flow executed by the ECU 500 (processor 501) according to the present embodiment. Figure 8 The control flow shown may also be executed (started) for every predetermined period (for example, 1 second).

[0087] In step S21, ECU 500 determines whether the degassing execution flag is off. In other words, ECU 500 determines whether degassing process A is not being executed. If the degassing execution flag is off ("Yes" in S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If the degassing execution flag is on ("No" in S21), the process ends.

[0088] In step S22, ECU 500 determines whether flow path 170a and flow path 130a are connected and whether water pump (131 or 171) is driven. Specifically, ECU 500 determines whether degassing is being performed in flow path 170a and flow path 130a while degassing is being performed in each of flow paths A. If the answer is "yes" in step S22, the process proceeds to step S23. If the answer is "no" in step S22, the process ends.

[0089] In step S23, the ECU 500 uses the timer 506 (see Figure 2 ) counts the time during which flow path 170a and flow path 130a are connected and water pump (131 or 171) is driven (hereinafter referred to as the connection time). The counted connection time is stored in memory 502, etc., and the process then terminates. The connection time is an example of the second accumulated time.

[0090] Figure 9 FIG3 is a diagram showing a control flow executed by the ECU 500 according to the present embodiment. Figure 9 The control flow shown may also be executed (started) for every predetermined period (for example, 1 second).

[0091] In step S31, ECU 500 determines whether electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready OFF state (not drivable). Specifically, ECU 500 determines whether electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready OFF state and the ignition power is on (IGON) (system startup). If electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready OFF state ("YES" in S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready OFF state ("NO" in S31), the process ends.

[0092] In step S32, ECU 500 calculates the current accumulated time and the connection time (see Figure 8 The total value of S23) is stored in the memory 502 etc. as the updated cumulative time.

[0093] In step S33 , ECU 500 clears the connection time information to 0. Specifically, ECU 500 deletes the connection time information from memory 502 or the like.

[0094] In step S34, ECU 500 determines whether the cumulative time calculated in step S32 exceeds a predetermined time t2 (e.g., 80 hours). Specifically, ECU 500 determines whether the cumulative time during which the water pump (131 or 171) is driven while flow path 130a and flow path 170a are connected exceeds predetermined time t2. If the cumulative time exceeds predetermined time t2 ("Yes" in S34), the process proceeds to step S35. If the cumulative time is less than predetermined time t2 ("No" in S34), the process ends. Note that predetermined time t2 is an example of a "second time" in the present disclosure.

[0095] In step S35, the ECU 500 turns on the degassing completion flag. Figure 7 As can be seen from step S1, after the degassing completion flag turns on, the degassing process A is not executed (limited execution) in the thermal management system 1. In addition, the ECU 500 clears the accumulated time information calculated in step S32. Specifically, the ECU 500 deletes the accumulated time information from the memory 502 or the like.

[0096] Figure 10 FIG4 is a fourth diagram showing a control flow executed by the ECU 500 according to the present embodiment. Figure 10 The control flow shown may also be executed (started) for every predetermined period (for example, 1 second).

[0097] In step S41, ECU 500 determines whether the heat medium circulating in electric vehicle 10 (heat management circuit 100) has been replaced. For example, ECU 500 may determine whether the heat medium has been replaced based on information input to electric vehicle 10 when the heat medium is replaced by a dealer (information indicating that the heat medium replacement is complete). If the heat medium has been replaced ("Yes" in S41), the process proceeds to step S42. If the heat medium has not been replaced ("No" in S41), the process ends.

[0098] In step S42, the ECU 500 turns off the degassing completion flag. Figure 7 As can be seen from step S1, after the degassing completion flag is turned off, the thermal management system 1 becomes ready to execute the degassing process A. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0099] As described above, in this embodiment, when the temperature of battery 173 is below predetermined temperature T1 while flow path 130a and flow path 170a are disconnected, thermal management system 1 connects flow path 130a and flow path 170a using five-way valve 180 and drives water pumps (131, 171), thereby performing degassing process A on flow path 130a and flow path 170a. This prevents bubbles from entering (or remaining in) each of flow path 130a and flow path 170a. As a result, battery 173 and PCU 133 can be efficiently cooled. Furthermore, by preventing the water pumps (131, 171) from being driven while bubbles are entering (or remaining in) the flow path, the load on the water pumps (131, 171) can be reduced. Furthermore, by performing degassing when the temperature of battery 173 is below predetermined temperature T1, bubbles can be removed through degassing when the temperature of battery 173 is relatively low. As a result, degassing can be performed when bubbles are unlikely to be generated due to heat generation of the battery 173. Thus, the degassing process A can be performed efficiently.

[0100] <Modification of Thermal Management System>

[0101] In the above embodiment, the communication mode of the thermal management circuit 100 is controlled by the five-way valve 180 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A switching valve other than the five-way valve 180 may also be used.

[0102] <First Modification>

[0103] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a heat management system 2 (heat management circuit 200 ) as a first modified example of the above-described embodiment.

[0104] Thermal management system 2 includes a thermal management circuit 200. Thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280. Thermal management circuit 200 is controlled by ECU 510. Eight-way valve 280 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0105] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. The chiller 220 is connected to (shared with) both the chiller circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240.

[0106] Radiator circuit 230 includes radiator 231. Refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, compressor 241, solenoid valve 242, solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, and 246, evaporator 247, check valve 248, and accumulator 249. Condenser 250 includes water-cooled condenser 251 and air-cooled condenser 252. Water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 240 and radiator circuit 230.

[0107] The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a reserve tank 265, and a heat medium temperature sensor 266. In addition, a variable speed drive axle may be provided in the drive unit circuit 260 instead of the oil cooler 264. In addition, the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 (or the variable speed drive axle) may be concentrated to provide an E-Axle. In addition, the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 are devices that can generate driving force supplied to the electric vehicle. The PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 are an example of the "first drive device" of the present disclosure. In addition, the water pump 261 is an example of the "pump" of the present disclosure.

[0108] The battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) 271, a battery 272, and a temperature sensor 273. The battery 272 is an example of a "first power storage device" in the present disclosure.

[0109] The eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P11 to P18 and is connected to the chiller circuit 210 , the radiator circuit 230 , the drive unit circuit 260 , and the battery circuit 270 .

[0110] The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through a path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P13 ) - the water pump 211 - the chiller 220 - the eight-way valve 280 (port P15 ).

[0111] Water pump 211 circulates the heat medium within chiller circuit 210 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in chiller circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 240. Eight-way valve 280 switches the path to the destination of connection to chiller circuit 210 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Path switching by eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0112] The heat medium circulating in radiator circuit 230 flows through either a first path, which runs from eight-way valve 280 (port P16) to water-cooled condenser 251, to radiator 231, and then to eight-way valve 280 (port P17), or a second path, which runs from eight-way valve 280 (port P16) to water-cooled condenser 251, to bypass path 230b, and then to eight-way valve 280 (port P17). Rotating eight-way valve 280 switches between the first and second paths. Radiator 231 is located downstream of the air intake grille (not shown) and performs heat exchange between the heat medium and the vehicle's external air.

[0113] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through any of the following first to fourth paths. The first path is the path from compressor 241 to solenoid valve 244A to air-cooled condenser 252 to check valve 248 to solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 to evaporator 247 to accumulator 249 to compressor 241. The second path is the path from compressor 241 to solenoid valve 244A to air-cooled condenser 252 to check valve 248 to solenoid valve (expansion valve) 246 to chiller 220 to accumulator 249 to compressor 241. The third path is the path from compressor 241 to solenoid valve 244B to water-cooled condenser 251 to solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 to evaporator 247 to accumulator 249 to compressor 241. The fourth path is a path of compressor 241 - electromagnetic valve 244B - water-cooled condenser 251 - electromagnetic valve 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241 .

[0114] Compressor 241 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating in refrigeration cycle 240 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel with compressor 241 and regulates the flow of gas-phase refrigerant into compressor 241 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valves 244 (244A, 244B) switch the flow of gas-phase refrigerant discharged from compressor 241 between water-cooled condenser 251 and air-cooled condenser 252 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat with the gas-phase refrigerant discharged from compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing through radiator circuit 230. Air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with the air introduced into the vehicle interior, generating hot air. Solenoid valve 245 restricts the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into evaporator 247 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 246 restricts the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into chiller 220 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. The electromagnetic valves 245 and 246 also have the function of expanding the liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 249 is a device that removes the liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid mixed state refrigerant, and prevents the liquid refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor 241 when the refrigerant is not completely vaporized by the vaporizer 247.

[0115] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P18) - the reserve tank 265 - the water pump 261 - the SPU 262 - the PCU 263 - the oil cooler 264 - the eight-way valve 280 (port P12).

[0116] The water pump 261 circulates the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 according to the control instructions from the ECU 510. The SPU 262 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 272 according to the control instructions from the ECU 510. The PCU 263 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 272 into AC power according to the control instructions from the ECU 510, and supplies the AC power to the motor (not shown) built into the variable speed drive axle. The oil cooler 264 cools the variable speed drive axle by exchanging heat between the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 and the lubricating oil of the motor. In addition, the heat generated by supplying power to the stator without rotating the rotor of the motor and the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 can also be heat exchanged.

[0117] The SPU 262, PCU 263, and oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260. The reserve tank 265 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 (heat medium overflowing due to pressure increase).

[0118] Heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium in flow path 260a, described later, where PCU 263 and other components are installed. Specifically, heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing between oil cooler 264 and eight-way valve 280 (on the downstream side of oil cooler 264). Heat medium temperature sensor 266 may also detect the temperature of the heat medium between PCU 263 and oil cooler 264, for example.

[0119] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through a path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P11 )-ADAS 271 -battery 272 -eight-way valve 280 (port P14 ).

[0120] ADAS 271 includes, for example, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Speed ​​Limiter (ASL), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Pre-Crash Safety (PCS), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). Battery circuit 270 may also include an Autonomous Driving System (ADS) in addition to ADAS 271. Battery 272 supplies driving power to the motor built into the transaxle. A temperature sensor 273 detects the temperature of battery 272.

[0121] like Figure 12 As shown, the chiller 220 is provided in the flow path 210a of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210a is a flow path connecting the port P13 and the port P15 of the eight-way valve 280.

[0122] Radiator 231 is provided in flow path 230a of radiator circuit 230. Flow path 230a also includes a bypass path 230b that bypasses radiator 231. Bypass path 230b is provided to connect the portion between water-cooled condenser 251 and radiator 231 to eight-way valve 280. When heat medium flows through bypass path 230b, heat medium does not flow through radiator 231. Similarly, when heat medium flows through radiator 231, heat medium does not flow through bypass path 230b.

[0123] Water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and reserve tank 265 (in Figure 12 The SPU 262 and oil cooler 264 (not shown) are provided in a flow path 260a of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260a connects port P18 and port P12 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 260a is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0124] The battery 272 is provided in the flow path 270a of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270a is a flow path connecting the port P11 and the port P14 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 270a is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0125] <Connectivity Mode>

[0126] Figure 12 as well as Figure 13The first and second communication modes using the eight-way valve 280 are shown in FIG. Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 Example shown.

[0127] like Figure 12 As shown, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P11 and port P15. In addition, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P14 and port P13. In addition, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P17 and port P18. In addition, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P12 and port P16. In addition, in the first communication mode, the radiator 231 and port P17 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected through the flow path 230a. As described above, in the first communication mode, the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are disconnected. In addition, Figure 12 The first communication mode shown is the same as the first communication mode of the first embodiment described above (see Figure 4 ) corresponding loop mode.

[0128] like Figure 13 As shown, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P11 and port P12. In addition, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P14 and port P18. In addition, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P13 and port P17. In addition, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P15 and port P16. In addition, in the second communication mode, the radiator 231 and port P17 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected through the flow path 230a. As described above, in the second communication mode, the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are connected. That is, Figure 13 The second communication mode shown is the same as the second communication mode of the second embodiment described above (see Figure 5 ) corresponding loop mode.

[0129] The thermal management system 2 is similar to the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment described above. In the state where the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are disconnected (see Figure 12 ) When the temperature of battery 272 is lower than a predetermined temperature T1 (e.g., 35° C.), eight-way valve 280 connects flow path 270 a and flow path 260 a, and water pump 261 is driven, thereby performing degassing process A on flow paths 270 a and 260 a. Furthermore, the control flow of the above-described embodiment can also be applied to the control flow of the degassing process in the first modified example.

[0130] <Modification of the First Modification>

[0131] In the first modification, the example of connecting the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a in the second communication mode is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 14 As shown, as a second communication pattern, the flow path 270a, the flow path 260a, the flow path 230a (or the bypass path 230b), and the flow path 210a may be connected.

[0132] In addition, if Figure 15 As shown, as a second communication mode, flow path 270a, flow path 260a, and flow path 210a may be connected. In this case, flow path 230a (and bypass path 230b) are disconnected from the other flow paths. In addition, although not shown, as a second communication mode, flow path 270a, flow path 260a, and flow path 230a (or bypass path 230b) may be connected, and flow path 210a is disconnected from the other flow paths.

[0133] In addition, the combination of the first communication mode and the second communication mode is not limited to the above examples. Figure 13 or Figure 15 The circuit described is the first connection mode, and Figure 14 The circuit shown is the second communication mode. Figure 13 The circuit described is the first connection mode, and Figure 14 or Figure 15 The circuit described is the second communication mode.

[0134] <Second Modification>

[0135] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a heat management system 3 (heat management circuit 300 ) as a second modified example of the above-described embodiment.

[0136] The heat management circuit 300 includes a heat medium circuit 310 containing a heat medium (water, etc.) and a refrigeration circuit 320 containing a working medium (water, a medium with a lower boiling point than water, etc.).

[0137] The refrigeration circuit 320 includes a compressor 321 , a condenser 322 , a first expansion valve 323 , an in-vehicle evaporator 324 , a second expansion valve 325 , a chiller 326 , a circulation flow path 350 , and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351 .

[0138] Compressor 321 compresses the working medium. Condenser 322 condenses the working medium discharged from compressor 321. First expansion valve 323 expands the working medium flowing out of condenser 322. In-vehicle evaporator 324 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of first expansion valve 323 and the air inside the vehicle (the interior of the vehicle).

[0139] The circulation flow path 350 is a flow path through which the working medium circulates, and the circulation flow path 350 sequentially connects the compressor 321 , the condenser 322 , the first expansion valve 323 , and the in-vehicle evaporator 324 .

[0140] The in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351 is connected to the circulation flow path 350 so as to bypass the in-vehicle evaporator 324 . The second expansion valve 325 is provided in the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351 .

[0141] The refrigeration circuit 320 also includes a manifold 327 , a receiver-drier 328 , and an internal heat exchanger 329 .

[0142] Manifold 327 is provided in circulation flow path 350. Receiver-drier 328 is connected to manifold 327. Internal heat exchanger 329 is connected to a portion of circulation flow path 350 upstream of first expansion valve 323 and a portion of circulation flow path 350 downstream of in-vehicle evaporator 324.

[0143] Next, the heat medium circuit 310 will be described. Heat medium circuit 310 includes a first circuit 311, a second circuit 312, a flow path 313, a radiator 313a, a reserve tank 313b, a flow path 314, a chiller 326, a flow path 315, and a five-way valve 330. Five-way valve 330 has ports P21 to P25. Five-way valve 330 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0144] First circuit 311 includes flow path 311a, battery 311b, water pump 311c, and temperature sensor 311d. First circuit 311 is formed by flow path 311a and any of flow paths 313-315. Water pump 311c and flow path 311a are examples of a "pump" and a "first flow path," respectively, as used herein. Battery 311b is an example of a "second power storage device" and a "heat exchanged device," as used herein.

[0145] Flow path 311a is the flow path through which the heat medium flows. Flow path 311a connects the water pump 311c and port P22 of the five-way valve 330. Battery 311b is connected to flow path 311a so as to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through flow path 311a. In other words, battery 311b is in thermal contact with flow path 311a. Water pump 311c is provided in flow path 311a. Temperature sensor 311d detects the temperature of battery 311b.

[0146] Second circuit 312 includes flow path 312a, water pump 312b, a drive device, and temperature sensor 312i. Second circuit 312 is formed by flow path 312a and any of flow paths 313 to 315. Water pump 312b and flow path 312a are examples of a "pump" and a "first flow path," respectively, as used herein.

[0147] The flow path 312a is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The flow path 312a is a flow path that connects the water pump 312b and the port P21 of the five-way valve 330. The water pump 312b is provided in the flow path 312a.

[0148] The drive device is a device that can generate driving force supplied to the electric vehicle. The drive device is connected to the flow path 312a in a manner that performs heat exchange with the heat medium flowing through the flow path 312a. That is, the drive device is in thermal contact with the flow path 312a. The drive device is connected to the portion of the flow path 312a downstream of the water pump 312b. The drive device includes a front inverter 312c, a front motor 312d, a DCDC converter 312e, a rear inverter 312f, and a rear motor 312g. An ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 312h is connected to the flow path 312a. In addition, the above-mentioned drive device is an example of the "second drive device" disclosed in the present invention.

[0149] The temperature sensor 312i detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the second circuit 312 (flow path 312a). Specifically, the temperature sensor 312i detects the temperature of the heat medium immediately after flowing through the drive device (immediately before flowing into the five-way valve 330).

[0150] The flow path 313 is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The radiator 313a and the reservoir tank 313b are provided in the flow path 313. The flow path 313 is an example of the "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0151] Flow path 314 is a flow path through which heat medium flows. Chiller 326 is connected to flow path 314 and in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351. Chiller 326 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through flow path 314 and the working medium flowing through in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351.

[0152] The five-way valve 330 can switch the connection states of the flow path 311 a , the flow path 312 a , the flow path 313 , the flow path 314 , and the flow path 315 .

[0153] like Figure 16As shown, a first end of the flow path 311a is connected to the port P22 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing through the flow path 311a flows from the port P22 into the five-way valve 330. A second end of the flow path 311a is connected to the water pump 311c.

[0154] A first end of the flow path 312a is connected to the port P21 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing through the flow path 312a flows from the port P21 into the five-way valve 330. A second end of the flow path 312a is connected to the water pump 312b.

[0155] A first end portion of the flow path 313 is connected to the port P25 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out of the port P25 flows through the flow path 313. A second end portion 313c of the flow path 313 is connected to the branch portion 340.

[0156] A first end portion of the flow path 314 is connected to the port P24 of the five-way valve 330 . The heat medium flowing out of the port P24 flows through the flow path 314 . A second end portion of the flow path 314 is connected to the branch portion 341 .

[0157] The first end of flow path 315 is connected to port P23 of five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out of port P23 flows through flow path 315. The second end of flow path 315 is connected to branch portion 342. In addition, branch portion 341 is provided between branch portions 340 and 342.

[0158] As described above, the flow path 311 a and the flow path 312 a are connected to the five-way valve 330 in parallel with each other.

[0159] The five-way valve 330 can switch the thermal management circuit 300 between a heating mode in which the battery 311 b is heated, a cooling mode in which the battery 311 b is cooled, a vehicle interior cooling mode, a vehicle interior heating mode, or a combination thereof. The five-way valve 330 is switched by the ECU 520 .

[0160] Figure 16 An example of the first communication mode of the heat management circuit 300 is shown. In the first communication mode, ports P21, P22, and P24 are open, ports P23 and P25 are closed, and water pumps 311c and 312b are driven.

[0161] In the first communication mode, the heat medium flowing from port P24 of five-way valve 330 into flow path 314 is branched at branch portion 341, flowing into flow paths 311a and 312a. The heat medium pressurized by water pump 312b exchanges heat with the drive device before flowing into port P21 of five-way valve 330. The heat medium pressurized by water pump 311c exchanges heat with battery 311b before flowing into port P22 of five-way valve 330. In the first communication mode, the heat medium does not pass through reservoir tank 313b, so degassing is not performed in flow paths 311a and 312a.

[0162] Figure 17 An example of the second communication mode of the heat management circuit 300 is shown. In the second communication mode, ports P21, P22, and P25 are open, ports P23 and P24 are closed, and water pumps 311c and 312b are driven.

[0163] The heat medium flowing out of port P25 of five-way valve 330 into flow path 313 passes through reservoir tank 313b, branches at branching portion 340, and flows into flow paths 311a and 312a. Thus, flow paths 311a and 312a are deaerated by reservoir tank 313b.

[0164] The thermal management system 3 is similar to the first embodiment described above, in a state where the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a and the flow path 313 are disconnected (see Figure 16 ) When the temperature of the battery 311b is lower than the predetermined temperature T1 (for example, 35°C), the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a and the flow path 313 are connected by the five-way valve 330 (refer to Figure 17 ) and drives the water pumps (311c, 312b), thereby performing degassing processing on the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, and the flow path 313. In addition, the control flow of the above embodiment can also be applied to the control flow of the degassing processing in the second modification.

[0165] <Modification of Modification 2>

[0166] In the second modification, the example of connecting the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, and the flow path 313 in the second communication mode is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 18 As shown in FIG. 1 , as a second communication mode, the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, the flow path 313, and the flow path 314 may be connected. Figure 19 As shown, as a second communication pattern, the flow path 311 a , the flow path 312 a , the flow path 313 , the flow path 314 , and the flow path 315 may be connected.

[0167] Although not shown in the figure, as a second communication pattern, one or two of the flow path 311 a , the flow path 312 a , the flow path 314 , and the flow path 315 may be connected to the flow path 313 .

[0168] In addition, the combination of the first communication mode and the second communication mode is not limited to the above examples. Figure 17 The circuit described is the first connection mode and Figure 18 or Figure 19 The circuit described is the second communication mode. Figure 18 The circuit described is the first connection mode and Figure 19 The circuit described is the second communication mode.

[0169] Furthermore, in the thermal management circuits of the first and second modified examples, a bypass path for bypassing the battery may be provided, similarly to the above-described embodiment.

[0170] <Other Modifications>

[0171] In the above embodiment, the thermal management system 1 is mounted on the electric vehicle 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermal management system may be mounted on electrical equipment other than the electric vehicle (eg, a stationary power storage device).

[0172] In the above embodiment, the five-way valve 180 is used to switch the heat medium flow path, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a six-way valve or a ten-way valve may be used to switch the heat medium flow path. Furthermore, multiple switching valves may be provided.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the reserve tank 175 is arranged in the flow path 170a where the battery 173 is installed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A reserve tank may be omitted from the flow path 170a and arranged in the flow path 130a where the drive unit (PCU 133, etc.) is installed.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the degassing process A is performed by connecting the flow path 170a provided with the battery 173 and the flow path 130a provided with the drive unit (PCU 133, etc.) when the temperature of the battery 173 is less than the predetermined temperature T1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The degassing process may also be performed by connecting flow paths other than the two described above when the temperature of the battery 173 is less than the predetermined temperature T1.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the bypass path 174 for bypassing the battery 173 is provided in the thermal management circuit 100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The bypass path 174 for bypassing the battery 173 may not be provided in the thermal management circuit. In this case, the bypass path 174 may not be provided in the thermal management circuit. Figure 7The processing of steps S6 to S8.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the degassing process A is not executed when the cumulative degassing time exceeds the predetermined time t2 (upper limit), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0177] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the degassing completion flag is turned on when the total of the cumulative time during which the degassing process A is executed (first cumulative time) and the cumulative time during which the water pumps (131, 171) are driven with the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a connected (second cumulative time) other than when the degassing process A is executed exceeds the predetermined time t2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the degassing completion flag may be turned on when the cumulative time during which the degassing process A is executed exceeds the predetermined time t2.

[0178] In the above embodiment, a water pump is provided in each of the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A water pump may be provided in only one of the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the ECU 500 is provided with two timers, and the two timers measure different times, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The ECU may be provided with only one timer.

[0180] Furthermore, the configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and each of the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0181] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system provided in a rechargeable electrical device, wherein: The thermal management system comprises: 1st flow path, heat medium circulation; The second flow path is where the heat medium flows and a storage tank is provided; a heat exchange device for exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing through one of the first flow path and the second flow path; a switching device capable of switching the connection state between the first flow path and the second flow path; a pump configured to circulate the heat medium through each of the first flow path and the second flow path in a state in which the first flow path and the second flow path are connected; as well as a control device for controlling the switching device and the pump, When the temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature while the first flow path and the second flow path are disconnected, the control device connects the first flow path and the second flow path using the switching device and drives the pump, thereby performing degassing treatment on the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device ends the degassing process when the degassing process continues for a first time period or longer.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat exchange device includes a first power storage device, The thermal management system further includes a first driving device capable of generating a driving force and performing heat exchange with a heat medium flowing through the other of the first flow path and the second flow path.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The control device stops the degassing process if the temperature of the first power storage device is equal to or higher than the first temperature during execution of the degassing process.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: further comprising a bypass path for bypassing at least a portion of one of the first flow path and the second flow path where heat exchange between the first power storage device and the heat medium is performed, When the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the other of the first flow path and the second flow path is equal to or higher than a second temperature during the degassing process, the control device causes the heat medium to flow through the bypass path without flowing through the portion.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device does not execute the degassing process when the accumulated time for which the pump is driven exceeds a second time in a state in which the first flow path and the second flow path are connected.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The accumulated time is a total value of a first accumulated time during which the degassing process is executed and a second accumulated time during which the pump is driven in a state where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected, except when the degassing process is executed.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device sets the degassing process to a state in which the degassing process is executable when the heat medium flowing through the electrical equipment is replaced in a state in which the degassing process is not executed.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The switching device includes a five-way valve or an eight-way valve.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also features: radiator; and The second driving device is capable of generating driving force, The heat exchanged device includes a second power storage device, The radiator is provided in the second flow path, At least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path.

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