Thermal management system

Abstract

The invention provides a heat management system capable of effectively utilizing heat generated from a driving device and efficiently increasing the temperature of an electricity storage device. A heat management system (1) is provided with: a power storage device (173) that exchanges heat with a first flow path (170b); a drive device (133) that exchanges heat with a second flow path (130b); a heat sink (122) that is provided in a third flow path (130a); and a cooler (160) and switching devices (180, 190) that are provided in a fourth flow path (170a). When the temperature of the electricity storage device (173) rises, the switching device separates the third flow path from the other flow paths, forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates in the first flow path and the second flow path, and forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates in the fourth flow path.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-272395 (Patent Document 1) discloses an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a power storage device (battery), an inverter, a motor, and a control device. The power storage device is connected to the inverter, which is in turn connected to the motor. The control device controls the current flowing through the power storage device by switching the inverter. This reduces the amount of heat generated by power loss in the internal resistance of the power storage device. Consequently, the control device can execute temperature increase control (self-heating of the power storage device) by increasing the temperature of the power storage device through the current flowing through the power storage device.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-272395 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In electric vehicles and other electrical equipment, it is sometimes important to effectively utilize heat generated by a drive device including an inverter and a motor. Furthermore, it is desired to efficiently increase the temperature of the power storage device.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal management system capable of achieving both effective utilization of heat generated from a drive device and increased efficiency of the temperature rise of a power storage device.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] A thermal management system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is provided in an electrical device, wherein the thermal management system comprises: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path, capable of circulating a heat medium; a power storage device, which exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the first flow path; a drive device, which exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the second flow path, and supplies driving force to the electrical device; a radiator, which is provided in the third flow path; a cooler, which is provided in the fourth flow path; and a switching device, which can switch the connection state of the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path, and when the power storage device is heated, the switching device separates the third flow path from the other flow paths, forming a loop in which the heat medium circulates in the first flow path and the second flow path, and forming a loop in which the heat medium circulates in the fourth flow path.

[0011] The heat management system of the second aspect of the present disclosure is provided in an electrical device, wherein the heat management system comprises: a compressor for compressing a working medium; an expansion valve for expanding the working medium discharged from the compressor; a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the working medium flowing out of the expansion valve and a heat medium; a first circulation flow path for circulating the working medium, wherein the compressor, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger are connected in this order; a power storage device is connected to the first circulation flow path in a manner of exchanging heat with the working medium flowing in a portion between the compressor and the expansion valve in the first circulation flow path; a power storage device bypass flow path is connected to the first circulation flow path in a manner of bypassing the power storage device; a condenser is provided in the power storage device bypass flow path to condense the working medium discharged from the compressor; a pump for pressurizing the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger; a radiator, The heat medium discharged from the pump is cooled; a second circulation flow path for circulating the heat medium, connecting the heat exchanger, the pump and the radiator in this order; a driving device connected to the second circulation flow path in a manner of exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing in a portion between the radiator and the heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path, supplying driving force to the electrical equipment; a radiator bypass flow path connected to the second circulation flow path in a manner of bypassing the radiator; and a switching device capable of switching the flow path for the working medium and the flow path for the heat medium, the switching device separating the storage device bypass flow path from the first circulation flow path and separating the radiator from the second circulation flow path when the temperature of the storage device rises, and the compressor operates when the heating condition for the working medium to receive heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger is met.

[0012] 14. The heat dissipation controller of claim 13, wherein the heat dissipation controller is configured to dissipate heat from the first heat dissipation controller and the heat dissipation controller is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat dissipation controller.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal management system that can achieve both effective utilization of heat generated from a drive device and increased efficiency of the self-heating of a power storage device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an electric vehicle equipped with the thermal management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the configuration of the thermal management system in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal management circuit in a thermal management system.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing a heating pattern of the thermal management circuit when the battery temperature rises.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically showing a separation mode of a heat management circuit.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the control contents of the thermal management system.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing a heat sink separation mode of a thermal management circuit.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal management system in a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal management circuit in a thermal management system.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram schematically showing a heating pattern of the thermal management circuit when the battery temperature rises.

[0025] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal management system in a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal management circuit in a thermal management system.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a diagram schematically showing a heating pattern of the thermal management circuit when the battery temperature rises.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a diagram schematically showing a separation mode of a heat management circuit.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a diagram schematically showing a heat sink separation mode of a thermal management circuit.

[0030] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit in a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 17 This diagram shows a circuit configuration including a battery, a converter, an inverter, and a motor.

[0032] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit in a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit in a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0035] Hereinafter, the thermal management system of the present disclosure is mounted on an electric vehicle 1a (refer to Figure 1 ) as an example. The electric vehicle 1a is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery 173 for driving, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The electric vehicle 1a may be 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. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 1a is an example of an "electrical device" as used herein.

[0036] [First embodiment]

[0037] <Overall Structure>

[0038] Figure 2 This diagram shows an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600. ECU 500 is an example of a "control device" in the present disclosure.

[0039] The heat management circuit 100 is configured to allow a medium (water, etc.) for heat transfer to flow. Figure 2 As shown, thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a cooler 160, a battery circuit 170, a five-way valve 180, and a five-way valve 190. Five-way valve 180 and five-way valve 190 are each an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0040] The high temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (W / P) 111 , an electric heater 112 , a three-way valve 113 , a heater core 114 , a reservoir tank (R / T) 115 , and a heat medium (water, etc.) not shown.

[0041] The radiator 120 is connected to both the high temperature circuit 110 and the low temperature circuit 130 (ie, shared). The radiator 120 includes a high temperature (HT) radiator 121 (refer to Figure 3 ) and low temperature (LT: Low Temperature) radiator 122 (refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, the low-temperature radiator 122 is an example of a “radiator” in the present disclosure.

[0042] 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, a reservoir tank 136, and a heat medium (water, etc.) (not shown). PCU 133 and oil cooler 134 are examples of a "drive device" as used herein.

[0043] Condenser 140 is connected to both high-temperature circuit 110 and refrigeration cycle 150 .

[0044] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151 , an expansion valve 152 , an evaporator 153 , an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154 , an expansion valve 155 , and a working medium (water, a medium having a lower boiling point than water, etc.) not shown.

[0045] Cooler 160 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 150 and battery circuit 170 .

[0046] Battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174, and a battery temperature sensor 175. Water pump 171 and battery 173 are examples of a "pump" and an "electricity storage device," respectively, in the present disclosure.

[0047] The five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 are connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 respectively. Figure 3 The structure of the thermal management circuit 100 is described in detail in FIG.

[0048] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management loop 100 . The ECU 500 includes a processor 501 , a memory 502 , a storage 503 , and an interface 504 .

[0049] 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 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 503 stores system programs including an OS (Operating System) and control programs including computer-readable code required for control operations. The processor 501 implements various processes by reading the system programs and control programs and executing them in the memory 502. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0050] The ECU 500 generates control instructions based on sensor values ​​obtained from various sensors included in the thermal management circuit 100 (such as the battery temperature sensor 175), user operations received by the HMI 600, etc., and outputs the generated control instructions to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 can also be divided into multiple ECUs according to their functions. Figure 2 5 shows an example in which the ECU 500 includes a single processor 501 , but the ECU 500 may also include a plurality of processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage 503 .

[0051] In this specification, the term "processor" is not limited to a processor that executes processing in a stored program format. It also includes hardwired circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be replaced by processing circuitry in which processing is predefined by computer-readable code and / or hardwired circuitry.

[0052] The HMI 600 is 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 .

[0053] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0054] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the heat management circuit 100 in the first embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the high-temperature circuit 110 has a flow path 110a connecting the water pump 111, the condenser 140, the electric heater 112, the three-way valve 113, the high-temperature radiator 121, the liquid storage tank 115 and the water pump 111 in this order, and a flow path 110b connecting the three-way valve 113, the heater core 114 and the liquid storage tank 115 in this order.

[0055] The heat medium (e.g., water) in high-temperature circuit 110 flows through at least one of a first path and a second path. The first path circulates through water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, heater core 114, liquid reservoir 115, and water pump 111 in this order. The second path circulates through water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, high-temperature radiator 121, liquid reservoir 115, and water pump 111 in this order. Three-way valve 113 switches the heat medium's flow path so that the heat medium flows through at least one of the first and second paths.

[0056] Water pump 111 circulates the heat medium within high-temperature circuit 110 in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Condenser 140 exchanges heat between the heat medium and the working medium in refrigeration cycle 150. Electric heater 112 heats the heat medium. Heater core 114 uses the heat medium to heat air supplied to the interior (not shown) of electric vehicle 1 a. Reservoir 115 maintains the pressure and volume of the heat medium within high-temperature circuit 110 by storing a portion of the heat medium.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, low-temperature circuit 130 includes flow path 130a, which connects five-way valve 180, low-temperature radiator 122, and five-way valve 190 in this order; and flow path 130b, which connects five-way valve 190, reservoir tank 136, water pump 131, SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, boost-down converter 135, and five-way valve 180 in this order. Flow path 130b is in thermal contact with SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and boost-down converter 135. Flow path 130a is an example of the "third flow path" of the present disclosure, and flow path 130b is an example of the "second flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0058] The heat medium (e.g., water) in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows in the following path, which circulates in this order: water pump 131 - SPU 132 - PCU 133 - oil cooler 134 - boost / buck converter 135 - five-way valve 180 - low-temperature radiator 122 - five-way valve 190 - liquid storage tank 136 - water pump 131.

[0059] The water pump 131 circulates the heat medium within the low-temperature circuit 130 in accordance with control commands from the ECU 500. The SPU 132 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 173 in accordance with control commands from the ECU 500. The PCU 133 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 173 into AC power in accordance with control commands from the ECU 500 and supplies this AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. The oil cooler 134 circulates the motor's lubricating oil using an electric oil pump (EOP) (not shown). The oil cooler 134 cools the transaxle by exchanging heat between the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the motor's lubricating oil. The SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130. The reservoir tank 136 maintains the pressure and volume of the heat medium within the low-temperature circuit 130 by storing a portion of the heat medium. Five-way valves 180 and 190 switch the paths of the heat medium in low-temperature circuit 130 and battery circuit 170, respectively, in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Low-temperature radiator 122 is positioned adjacent to high-temperature radiator 121. The heat medium flowing through low-temperature radiator 122 exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through high-temperature radiator 121. Alternatively, the transaxle described above may be incorporated into low-temperature circuit 130, in place of oil cooler 134.

[0060] The working medium in refrigeration cycle 150 flows through at least one of a first path and a second path. The first path circulates through compressor 151, condenser 140, expansion valve 152, evaporator 153, EPR 154, and compressor 151 in this order. The second path circulates through compressor 151, condenser 140, expansion valve 155, cooler 160, and compressor 151 in this order. Expansion valves 152 and 155 switch the working medium flow path so that the working medium flows through at least one of the first path and the second path.

[0061] Compressor 151 compresses the gaseous working medium flowing out of cooler 160. Condenser 140 condenses the gaseous working medium discharged from compressor 151 by exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing through high-temperature circuit 110. Expansion valves 152 and 155 expand the working medium flowing out of condenser 140. Evaporator 153 evaporates the working medium flowing out of expansion valve 152 by exchanging heat with air supplied to the interior of the electric vehicle. Evaporation pressure regulating valve 154 regulates the pressure of the working medium flowing out of evaporator 153.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, battery circuit 170 includes flow path 170a, which connects five-way valve 190, water pump 171, cooler 160, and five-way valve 180 in this order; and flow path 170b, which connects five-way valve 180, electric heater 172, battery 173, and five-way valve 190 in this order. Flow path 170b is in thermal contact with battery 173. Flow path 170a is an example of the "fourth flow path" of the present disclosure, and flow path 170b is an example of the "first flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0063] The heat medium in battery circuit 170 (the same heat medium flowing in low-temperature circuit 130) flows through at least one of a first path and a second path. The first path circulates in this order: water pump 171 - cooler 160 - five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171. The second path circulates in this order: water pump 171 - cooler 160 - five-way valve 180 - bypass path 174 - five-way valve 190 - water pump 171. Five-way valves 180 and 190 switch between the first and second paths to allow the heat medium to flow through at least one of the first and second paths.

[0064] Water pump 171 circulates the heat medium within battery circuit 170 in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Cooler 160 cools the heat medium circulating in battery circuit 170 by exchanging heat between the working 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 driven to increase its temperature. This control (hereinafter referred to as temperature increase control) is executed by ECU 500. Battery 173 can be heated by electric heater 172 or cooled by cooler 160. Bypass path 174 connects five-way valve 180 and five-way valve 190 so that the heat medium bypasses electric heater 172 and battery 173. When the heat medium flows through the bypass path 174 , the temperature change of the heat medium due to heat absorption and heat dissipation between the heat medium and the battery 173 is suppressed. The battery temperature sensor 175 detects the temperature of the battery 173 .

[0065] Five-way valve 180 is provided with five ports P1 to P5. Port P1 is the inlet for the heat medium to flow in from cooler 160. Port P2 is the outlet for the heat medium to flow out to the electric heater 172 and battery 173 of battery circuit 170. Port P3 is the inlet for the heat medium to flow in after passing through the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135 of low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is the outlet for the heat medium to flow out to bypass path 174 of battery circuit 170. Port P5 is the outlet for the heat medium to flow out to low-temperature radiator 122.

[0066] Five-way valve 190 is provided with five ports P11 to P15. Port P11 is the outlet for the heat medium to flow out of cooler 160. Port P12 is the inlet for the heat medium to flow in after passing through electric heater 172 and battery 173 of battery circuit 170. Port P13 is the outlet for the heat medium to flow out of SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135 of low-temperature circuit 130. Port P14 is the inlet for the heat medium to flow in from bypass path 174 of battery circuit 170. Port P15 is the inlet for the heat medium to flow in from low-temperature radiator 122.

[0067] <mode>

[0068] Figure 4This is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a predetermined mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a heating mode) in the thermal management circuit 100, which is established by controlling the five-way valves 180 and 190. Control of the five-way valves 180 and 190 switches the connection states of the flow paths 130a, 130b, 170a, 170b, and the bypass path 174. This allows the thermal management circuit 100 to switch between multiple modes, including the heating mode.

[0069] Electric vehicles sometimes lack an engine, making it impossible to utilize engine waste heat to heat the object being heated. Therefore, effectively utilizing the heat generated by the drive unit, including the inverter and motor, is sometimes crucial. Furthermore, it is desirable to efficiently self-heat the power storage device. Specifically, it is desirable to effectively utilize the heat generated by the drive unit and efficiently self-heat the power storage device.

[0070] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 to become Figure 4 Specifically, in the warming mode, the five-way valve 180 forms a path connecting the ports P1 and P4 and a path connecting the ports P2 and P3, and the five-way valve 190 forms a path connecting the ports P11 and P14 and a path connecting the ports P12 and P13.

[0071] As a result, a first closed loop 11 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed by connecting the flow path 170b corresponding to the “first flow path” and the flow path 130b corresponding to the “second flow path”. Figure 4 ) and the second closed circuit 12 that connects the flow path 170a corresponding to the "fourth flow path" and the bypass path 174, and separates the flow path 130a corresponding to the "third flow path" from the other flow paths. In other words, the low-temperature radiator 122 is separated from the other circuits (independent state).

[0072] exist Figure 4 In the heating mode shown, during the temperature increase control performed by ECU 500, that is, during the self-heating of battery 173 to increase the temperature of battery 173, cooling of battery 173 by the heat medium flowing in second closed circuit 12 is suppressed, and heat generated in PCU 133 and the above-mentioned transaxle (not shown) is effectively transferred to battery 173 via the heat medium flowing in first closed circuit 11.

[0073] As a result, it is possible to achieve both effective use of heat generated from drive devices such as PCU 133 and increased efficiency of self-heating of battery 173 .

[0074] Furthermore, when the temperature of the battery 173 (the detection value of the battery temperature sensor 175) is higher than the set temperature Tc, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 to be Figure 5 The set temperature Tc is set to a temperature at which the battery 173 can properly function.

[0075] Specifically, in the split mode, the five-way valve 180 forms a path connecting the ports P1 and P4 and a path connecting the ports P3 and P5 , and the five-way valve 190 forms a path connecting the ports P11 and P14 and a path connecting the ports P13 and P15 .

[0076] As a result, the second closed loop 12 and the third closed loop 13 (see FIG. 1 ) are formed by connecting the flow path 130b corresponding to the "second flow path" and the flow path 130a corresponding to the "third flow path". Figure 5 ), and the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path" is separated from the other flow paths.

[0077] exist Figure 5 In the separation mode shown, when the temperature of the battery 173 becomes higher than the set temperature Tc, the battery 173 is separated from the other circuits, thereby suppressing excessive heating of the battery 173 caused by the heat generated by the PCU 133 and the above-mentioned variable speed drive axle being supplied to the battery 173 via the heat medium, and the heat generated by the PCU 133 and the above-mentioned variable speed drive axle is appropriately released in the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0078] <Control Method of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 6 The control method of the thermal management system 1 is described in the flowchart shown. Figure 6 The process shown is just an example, and the control content in this disclosure is not limited to Figure 6 Example shown.

[0080] First, ECU 500 drives electric vehicle 1a (starting the driving system) (step S1). Specifically, by pressing a start button (not shown) on electric vehicle 1a, PCU 133 is electrically connected to battery 173 (via an SMR (not shown)). ECU 500 detects that electric vehicle 1a is being driven by receiving a predetermined internal signal from electric vehicle 1a.

[0081] ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 (the value detected by battery temperature sensor 175 ) is lower than reference temperature Tb [° C.] (step S2 ). Reference temperature Tb may be set to 10° C., for example.

[0082] If the temperature of battery 173 is higher than reference temperature Tb (No in S2), ECU 500 ends the control. On the other hand, if the temperature of battery 173 is lower than reference temperature Tb (Yes in S2), ECU 500 controls five-way valve 180 and five-way valve 190 respectively so that thermal management circuit 100 becomes Figure 4 In the heating mode shown, the temperature increase control of the battery 173 is executed, and the water pump 131 of the first closed circuit 11 is driven (step S3 ).

[0083] Next, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 is higher than set temperature Tc (step S4 ). If the temperature of battery 173 is lower than set temperature Tc (NO in S4 ), ECU 500 returns to step S4 again.

[0084] On the other hand, if the temperature of battery 173 is higher than set temperature Tc (YES in S4 ), ECU 500 controls five-way valve 180 and five-way valve 190 to enter the separation mode (step S5 ). This cuts off the supply of heat generated by drive devices such as PCU 133 to battery 173 via the heat medium, thereby preventing excessive heating of battery 173.

[0085] Thereafter, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 so that the thermal management circuit 100 enters a mode different from the separation mode (step S6 ).

[0086] As described above, in the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment, when controlling the temperature rise of battery 173, ECU 500 controls five-way valves 180 and 190 to form a first closed circuit 11 connecting flow path 170b with flow path 130b and a second closed circuit 12 connecting flow path 170a with bypass path 174, while isolating flow path 130a from the other flow paths. Consequently, during the self-heating of battery 173, cooling of battery 173 by the heat medium flowing through second closed circuit 12 is suppressed, and heat generated in PCU 133 and the aforementioned transaxle (not shown) is efficiently supplied to battery 173 via the heat medium flowing through first closed circuit 11. This achieves both effective utilization of heat generated by drive devices such as PCU 133 and improved efficiency in self-heating of battery 173.

[0087] Furthermore, during temperature increase control in the heating mode, ECU 500 may drive water pump 131 of first closed circuit 11 at a low rotational speed sufficient to obtain a heat medium flow rate sufficient to cool drive devices such as PCU 133 to the minimum required level. When ECU 500 controls five-way valve 180 and five-way valve 190 to enter the separation mode, the rotational speed of water pump 131 may be increased. This prevents battery 173 from being cooled by the heat medium flowing through first closed circuit 11.

[0088] In addition, for example, if the answer is yes in step S4 of the flowchart, when there is a heating request after the electric vehicle 1a is driven, the ECU 500 may control the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 to become Figure 7 14. The radiator separation mode is shown, and the compressor 151 in the refrigeration cycle 150 and the water pump 111 in the high-temperature circuit 110 are driven. In the radiator separation mode, the five-way valve 180 forms a path connecting the ports P1 and P2 and a path connecting the ports P3 and P4, and the five-way valve 190 forms a path connecting the ports P11 and P14 and a path connecting the ports P12 and P13.

[0089] As a result, a third closed loop 13 is formed by connecting the flow path 170b corresponding to the "first flow path", the flow path 130b corresponding to the "second flow path", the bypass path 174, and the flow path 170a corresponding to the "fourth flow path" (see FIG. Figure 7 ), and the flow path 130a corresponding to the "third flow path" is separated from the other flow paths.

[0090] In the radiator separation mode, the heat generated by the battery 173 and the heat generated by the PCU 133 and the above-mentioned transmission drive axle are supplied to the refrigeration cycle via the cooler 160, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 151 required to generate heat supplied from the refrigeration cycle 150 to the heater core 114 of the high-temperature circuit 110 via the condenser 140.

[0091] [Second embodiment]

[0092] Next, refer to Figures 8 to 10 A heat management circuit 200 in a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same structure, operation, and effects as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0093] <Overall Structure>

[0094] Figure 8 The thermal management system 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a thermal management system in a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 2 is different from the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 200 instead of the thermal management circuit 100. Figure 1 )different.

[0095] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0096] Thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, cooling circuit 210, cooler 220, radiator circuit 230, refrigeration cycle 240, condenser 250, drive unit circuit 260, battery circuit 270, and eight-way valve 280. Eight-way valve 280 is an example of a “switching device” in the present disclosure.

[0097] like Figure 9 As shown, the eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P21 to P28. Figure 10 As shown, the eight-way valve 280 has four internal flow paths 281 - 284 .

[0098] Cooling circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211 and a flow path 210a connecting eight-way valve 280 (port P23), water pump 211, cooler 220, and eight-way valve 280 (port P25) in this order. Water pump 211 is an example of a "pump" in this disclosure, and flow path 210a is an example of a "fourth flow path" in this disclosure.

[0099] The cooler 220 is connected to (shared with) both the cooling circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240 . The cooler 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in the cooling circuit 210 and the working medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 .

[0100] Radiator circuit 230 includes radiator 231, flow path 230a connecting eight-way valve 280 (port P26), water-cooled condenser 251, radiator 231, and eight-way valve 280 in this order, and bypass flow path 230b connecting the portion of flow path 230a between water-cooled condenser 251 and radiator 231 to eight-way valve 280 (port P27). Radiator 231 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through radiator circuit 230 and the vehicle's ambient air. Bypass flow path 230b bypasses radiator 231. Flow path 230a is an example of a "third flow path" in this disclosure.

[0101] The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241 , solenoid valves 244 ( 244A, 244B), an expansion valve 245 ( 245A, 245B), an evaporator 247 , and an accumulator 249 .

[0102] like Figure 9 As shown, the solenoid valve 244 includes a first solenoid valve 244A and a second solenoid valve 244B. The expansion valve 245 includes a first expansion valve 245A and a second expansion valve 245B. The opening degree of each solenoid valve 244A, 244B and each expansion valve 245A, 245B can be adjusted.

[0103] like Figure 9 As shown, condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252. Water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 240 and radiator circuit 230. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gaseous working medium discharged from compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing in radiator circuit 230.

[0104] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated example, refrigeration cycle 240 includes electromagnetic valve 242 , which is connected in parallel with compressor 241 . Solenoid valve 242 adjusts the flow rate of the working medium discharged from compressor 241 and returned to accumulator 249 in accordance with control instructions from ECU 500 .

[0105] The working medium in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through any one of the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path.

[0106] The first path circulates through the compressor 241 , the first solenoid valve 244A, the air-cooled condenser 252 , the check valve 248 , the first expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245A, the evaporator 247 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0107] The second path circulates through the compressor 241 , the first solenoid valve 244A, the air-cooled condenser 252 , the check valve 248 , the second expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245B, the cooler 220 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0108] The third path is a path that circulates through the compressor 241 , the second solenoid valve 244B, the water-cooled condenser 251 , the first expansion valve 245A, the evaporator 247 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0109] The fourth path is a path that circulates through the compressor 241 , the second solenoid valve 244B, the water-cooled condenser 251 , the second expansion valve 245B, the cooler 220 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0110] Each solenoid valve 244A, 244B and each expansion valve 245A, 245B switches the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path so that the working medium flows through one of the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path.

[0111] The accumulator 249 removes the liquid phase working medium from the working medium in a gas-liquid mixed state, and prevents the liquid phase working medium from flowing into the compressor 241 when the liquid phase working medium is not completely evaporated in the evaporator 247 .

[0112] Drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a reservoir tank 265, and a flow path 260a connecting, in this order, an eight-way valve 280 (port P28), a reservoir tank 265, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, and an eight-way valve 280 (port P22). Flow path 260a is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure, while PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 are examples of a "drive device" in the present disclosure. The system including PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and battery 272 is an example of a "travel system" in the present disclosure.

[0113] The drive unit circuit 260 may include a transaxle instead of the oil cooler 264. Furthermore, in the drive unit circuit 260, heat generated by supplying electric power to the stator without rotating the motor rotor may be exchanged with the heat medium flowing through the drive unit circuit 260.

[0114] Battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) 271, a battery 272, and a flow path 270a connecting an eight-way valve 280 (port P21), the ADAS 271, the battery 272, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P24) in this order. Battery 272 is provided with a battery temperature sensor 273. Flow path 270a is an example of the "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0115] 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). In addition to ADAS 271, battery circuit 270 may also include an Autonomous Driving System (ADS).

[0116] <mode>

[0117] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a predetermined mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a heating mode) in the heat management circuit 200, which is established by controlling the eight-way valve 280. Control of the eight-way valve 280 switches the connection states of the flow paths 210a, 230a, 230b, 260a, and 270a. This allows the heat management circuit 200 to switch between multiple modes, including the heating mode.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the temperature of the battery 272 rises, the ECU 500 controls the eight-way valve 280 to become Figure 10 Specifically, in the heating mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown in (B), the internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 connects ports P21 and P22, and the internal flow path 282 connects ports P24 and P28. Furthermore, the internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 connects ports P23 and P27, and the internal flow path 284 connects ports P25 and P26.

[0119] As a result, a fourth closed circuit 14 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed in which the flow path 270a corresponding to the “first flow path” and the flow path 260a corresponding to the “second flow path” are connected via the eight-way valve 280. Figure 10 (A), (B)) and the bypass flow path 230b and the flow path 210a corresponding to the "fourth flow path" are connected via the eight-way valve 280 to the fifth closed circuit 15 (see Figure 10 (A), (B)), and the flow path 230a corresponding to the "third flow path" is separated from the other flow paths. In other words, the radiator 231 is separated from the other circuits (independent state).

[0120] In this embodiment, when controlling the temperature of battery 272 in the heating mode, if the temperature of battery 272 (the value detected by battery temperature sensor 273) exceeds set temperature Tc, eight-way valve 280 may be controlled to enter radiator isolation mode (not shown). However, in this embodiment, eight-way valve 280 cannot be used to switch thermal management circuit 200 to isolation mode (a mode in which flow path 270a containing battery 272 is isolated from other flow paths).

[0121] <Control Method of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0122] The control contents of the thermal management system 2 in this embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore only the differences from the control contents in the first embodiment will be described below.

[0123] That is, in this embodiment, the ECU 500 controls the eight-way valve 280 in step S3 so that the thermal management circuit 200 becomes Figure 10 In the heating mode shown, the temperature of the battery 272 is controlled to increase, and the water pump 261 of the fourth closed loop 14 is driven. In step S5, the ECU 500 controls the eight-way valve 280 to set the thermal management circuit 200 to a radiator separation mode (not shown).

[0124] [Third embodiment]

[0125] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 15A heat management circuit 300 in a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same structure, operation, and effects as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0126] <Overall Structure>

[0127] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of a thermal management system in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 3 is different from the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 300 instead of the thermal management circuit 100. Figure 1 )different.

[0128] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0129] Thermal management circuit 300 includes, for example, cooling circuit 210, cooler 220, radiator circuit 230, refrigeration cycle 240, condenser 250, drive unit circuit 260, battery circuit 270, six-way valve 380, and six-way valve 390. Six-way valve 380 and six-way valve 390 are examples of "switching devices" in the present disclosure.

[0130] like Figure 12 As shown, six-way valve 380 includes six ports P31 to P36, and six-way valve 390 includes six ports P41 to P46. Six-way valve 380 and six-way valve 390 are connected. Specifically, port P35 of six-way valve 380 and port P45 of six-way valve 390 are connected via connecting flow path 5, and port P36 of six-way valve 380 and port P46 of six-way valve 390 are connected via connecting flow path 6. Connecting flow path 5 and connecting flow path 6 are examples of "switching devices" in the present disclosure.

[0131] Cooling circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211 and a flow path 210b connecting, in this order, six-way valve 380 (port P33), water pump 211, cooler 220, and six-way valve 390 (port P43). Water pump 211 is an example of a "pump" in this disclosure, and flow path 210b is an example of a "fourth flow path" in this disclosure.

[0132] The cooler 220 is connected to (shared with) both the cooling circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240 . The cooler 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in the cooling circuit 210 and the working medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 .

[0133] Radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231 and a flow path 230b that connects six-way valve 390 (port P41), radiator 231, and six-way valve 390 (port P44) in this order. Radiator 231 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through radiator circuit 230 and the vehicle's ambient air. Flow path 230b is an example of a "third flow path" in this disclosure.

[0134] The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241 , solenoid valves 244 ( 244A, 244B), an expansion valve 245 ( 245A, 245B), an evaporator 247 , and an accumulator 249 .

[0135] like Figure 12 As shown, the solenoid valve 244 includes a first solenoid valve 244A and a second solenoid valve 244B. The expansion valve 245 includes a first expansion valve 245A and a second expansion valve 245B. The opening degree of each solenoid valve 244A, 244B and each expansion valve 245A, 245B can be adjusted.

[0136] like Figure 12 As shown, condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252. Water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 240 and drive unit circuit 260. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gaseous working medium discharged from compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing in drive unit circuit 260.

[0137] exist Figure 12 In the illustrated example, refrigeration cycle 240 includes electromagnetic valve 242 , which is connected in parallel with compressor 241 . Solenoid valve 242 adjusts the flow rate of the working medium discharged from compressor 241 and returned to accumulator 249 in accordance with control instructions from ECU 500 .

[0138] The working medium in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through any one of the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path.

[0139] The first path circulates through the compressor 241 , the first solenoid valve 244A, the air-cooled condenser 252 , the check valve 248 , the first expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245A, the evaporator 247 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0140] The second path circulates through the compressor 241 , the first solenoid valve 244A, the air-cooled condenser 252 , the check valve 248 , the second expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245B, the cooler 220 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0141] The third path is a path that circulates through the compressor 241 , the second solenoid valve 244B, the water-cooled condenser 251 , the first expansion valve 245A, the evaporator 247 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0142] The fourth path is a path that circulates through the compressor 241 , the second solenoid valve 244B, the water-cooled condenser 251 , the second expansion valve 245B, the cooler 220 , the accumulator 249 , and the compressor 241 in this order.

[0143] Each solenoid valve 244A, 244B and each expansion valve 245A, 245B switches the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path so that the working medium flows through one of the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path.

[0144] The accumulator 249 removes the liquid phase working medium from the working medium in a gas-liquid mixed state, and prevents the liquid phase working medium from flowing into the compressor 241 when the liquid phase working medium is not completely evaporated in the evaporator 247 .

[0145] Drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a reservoir tank 265, and a flow path 260b connecting, in this order, a six-way valve 390 (port P42), a reservoir tank 265, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a water-cooled condenser 251, and a six-way valve 380 (port P32). A heat medium temperature sensor 274 is provided in flow path 260b. Flow path 260b is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure, while PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 are examples of a "drive device" in the present disclosure. The system including PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and battery 272 is an example of a "travel system" in the present disclosure.

[0146] The drive unit circuit 260 may include a transaxle instead of the oil cooler 264. Furthermore, in the drive unit circuit 260, heat generated by supplying electric power to the stator without rotating the motor rotor may be exchanged with the heat medium flowing through the drive unit circuit 260.

[0147] Battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) 271, a battery 272, and a flow path 270b connecting a six-way valve 380 (port P31), the ADAS 271, the battery 272, and the six-way valve 380 (port P34) in this order. Battery 272 is provided with a battery temperature sensor 273. Flow path 270b is an example of the "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0148] 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). In addition to ADAS 271, battery circuit 270 may also include an Autonomous Driving System (ADS).

[0149] <mode>

[0150] Figure 13 This is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a predetermined mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a heating mode) in the heat management circuit 300, which is established by controlling six-way valves 380 and 390. Control of six-way valves 380 and 390 switches the connection states of flow paths 210b, 230b, 260b, and 270b. This allows the heat management circuit 300 to switch between multiple modes, including the heating mode.

[0151] In this embodiment, when the temperature of the battery 272 rises, the ECU 500 controls the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 to become Figure 13 Specifically, in the heating mode, six-way valve 380 forms a path connecting port P31 with port P32, a path connecting port P33 with port P36, and a path connecting port P34 with port P35, and six-way valve 390 forms a path connecting port P42 with port P45, and a path connecting port P43 with port P46.

[0152] As a result, a sixth closed loop 16 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed by connecting the flow path 270b corresponding to the “first flow path”, the flow path 260b corresponding to the “second flow path”, and the connecting flow path 5. Figure 13 ) and the seventh closed loop 17 (refer to Figure 13 ), and the flow path 230b corresponding to the "third flow path" is separated from the other flow paths. That is, the radiator 231 is separated from the other circuits (independent state).

[0153] Furthermore, when the temperature of the battery 272 (the detection value of the battery temperature sensor 273) is higher than the set temperature Tc, the ECU 500 controls the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 to be Figure 14Specifically, in the separated mode, a path connecting port P32 with port P35 and a path connecting port P33 with port P36 are formed by six-way valve 380, and a path connecting port P41 with port P45, a path connecting port P42 with port P44, and a path connecting port P43 with port P46 are formed by six-way valve 390.

[0154] As a result, the seventh closed loop 17 and the eighth closed loop 18 (see FIG. 1 ) are formed by connecting the flow path 260b corresponding to the "second flow path", the connecting flow path 5, and the flow path 230b corresponding to the "third flow path". Figure 14 ), and separates the flow path 270b corresponding to the "first flow path" from the other flow paths.

[0155] <Control Method of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0156] The control contents of the thermal management system 3 in this embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore only the differences from the control contents in the first embodiment will be described below.

[0157] That is, in this embodiment, the ECU 500 controls the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 in step S3 so that the thermal management circuit 300 becomes Figure 13 In the heating mode shown, the temperature of the battery 272 is controlled to drive the water pump 261 of the sixth closed loop 16. In addition, in step S5, the ECU 500 controls the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 to make the thermal management circuit 300 Figure 14 Separation mode shown.

[0158] In addition, for example, if the answer is yes in step S4 of the flowchart, when there is a heating request after the electric vehicle 1a is driven, the ECU 500 may control the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 to become Figure 15 1 and 111 in the high-temperature circuit 110. In the radiator separation mode, the compressor 151 in the refrigeration cycle 150 and the water pump 111 in the high-temperature circuit 110 are driven. In the radiator separation mode, a path connecting the ports P31 and P32 and a path connecting the ports P33 and P34 are formed by the six-way valve 380, and a path connecting the ports P42 and P43 is formed by the six-way valve 390.

[0159] As a result, a ninth closed loop 19 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed by connecting the flow path 270b corresponding to the “first flow path”, the flow path 260b corresponding to the “second flow path”, and the flow path 210b corresponding to the “fourth flow path”. Figure 15 ), and the flow path 230b corresponding to the "third flow path" is separated from the other flow paths.

[0160] [Fourth embodiment]

[0161] Next, refer to Figure 16 A heat management circuit 400 in a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same structure, operation, and effects as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0162] <Overall Structure>

[0163] The thermal management system (not shown) of this embodiment is different from the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 400 instead of the thermal management circuit 100. Figure 1 )different.

[0164] Thermal management circuit 400 differs from thermal management circuit 100 in that it includes six-way valves 380 and 390 instead of five-way valves 180 and 190. In other words, thermal management circuit 400 is equivalent to thermal management circuit 200 in the second embodiment with the high-temperature circuit 110 in the first embodiment added. Furthermore, six-way valves 380 and 390 are examples of "switching devices" in the present disclosure.

[0165] The pattern formed in the heat management circuit 400 by switching the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 is the same as the pattern described in the third embodiment.

[0166] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the heat management circuit 100 includes the high-temperature circuit 110 . However, in the heat management circuit 100 , the high-temperature circuit 110 may be omitted.

[0167] While the above embodiments illustrate an example in which battery temperature control is performed when the electric vehicle 1a starts driving (when the travel system is activated), the timing for starting temperature control is not limited to this. For example, temperature control may be performed when the battery temperature falls below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10°C). In this case, the ECU may acquire the battery temperature at predetermined intervals (e.g., once an hour).

[0168] Here, refer to Figure 17, the temperature increase control as an example of a unit for increasing the temperature of the battery 173 is described. The battery 173 is connected to the converter 810 via the SMR (System Main Relay) 800. The converter 810 is connected to the inverter 820. The inverter 820 is connected to the motor 830. The battery 173 is connected to the discharge circuit 840 including a switch and a resistor. A smoothing capacitor 850 is provided between the battery 173 and the converter 810. The discharge circuit 860 composed of a switch and a resistor is connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor 850. In addition, Figure 17 In the figures, the structure of the first embodiment is representatively shown, but the same structure can be used in other embodiments.

[0169] The temperature increase control of the battery 173 may include, for example, a control to electrically disconnect the SMR 800 and close the switch of the discharge circuit 840. Thus, current flows through the closed circuit formed by the battery 173 and the discharge circuit 840. Alternatively, the temperature increase control of the battery 173 may include a control to disconnect the switch of the discharge circuit 840 and close the switches of the SMR 800 and the discharge circuit 860. Thus, current flows through the closed circuit formed by the battery 173, the SMR 800, and the discharge circuit 860. Alternatively, the temperature increase control of the battery 173 may include a control to flow a current adjusted so as not to generate torque to the motor 830 while the SMR 800 is closed and the switches of the discharge circuit 840 and the discharge circuit 860 are open.

[0170] The temperature increase control described above is an example of a means for increasing the temperature of battery 173 when the temperature of battery 173 is less than reference temperature Tb. In each embodiment, the timing at which ECU 500 controls the switching device (five-way valves 180, 190, eight-way valve 280, and six-way valves 380, 390) to enter the temperature increase mode is not limited to the temperature increase control described above.

[0171] Furthermore, the switching operation of the switching device is not limited to the ECU 500 (control device) mounted on the electric vehicle 1 a . The switching device may form a circuit for the temperature increase mode based on a signal received from outside the electric vehicle 1 a .

[0172] [Fifth embodiment]

[0173] Next, refer to Figure 18 A heat management circuit 1000 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same structure, operation, and effects as those of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0174] <Overall Structure>

[0175] The thermal management system (not shown) of this embodiment is different from the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 1000 instead of the thermal management circuit 100. Figure 1 )different.

[0176] Thermal management circuit 1000 includes a first thermal management system 1100 including a working medium (water, a medium with a lower boiling point than water, etc.) and a second thermal management system 1200 including a heat medium (water, etc.).

[0177] The first thermal management system 1100 includes a compressor 1101, an expansion valve 1102, a heat exchanger 1103, an in-vehicle evaporator 1104, a gas-liquid separator 1105, an electronic expansion valve 1106, an in-vehicle condenser 1107, a heater 1108, an expansion on-off valve 1109, a power storage device 1110, a first circulation flow path 1150, a power storage device bypass flow path 1151, a heat exchanger bypass flow path 1152 and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153.

[0178] The compressor 1101 compresses the working medium.

[0179] The expansion valve 1102 expands the working medium discharged from the compressor 1101. The expansion valve 1102 is configured to expand the working medium in two directions.

[0180] The heat exchanger 1103 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of the expansion valve 1102 and the heat medium in the second thermal management system 1200 .

[0181] The in-vehicle evaporator 1104 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of the heat exchanger 1103 and the air in the vehicle (the interior of the vehicle).

[0182] The gas-liquid separator 1105 separates the working medium flowing into the gas-liquid separator 1105 into a gas-phase working medium and a liquid-phase working medium.

[0183] First circulation flow path 1150 is the flow path through which the working medium circulates. First circulation flow path 1150 connects compressor 1101, expansion valve 1102, and heat exchanger 1103 in this order. In-vehicle evaporator 1104 is located downstream of heat exchanger 1103 in first circulation flow path 1150. Gas-liquid separator 1105 is located between in-vehicle evaporator 1104 and compressor 1101 in first circulation flow path 1150.

[0184] Power storage device (battery) 1110 is connected to first circulation flow path 1150 so as to exchange heat with the working medium flowing through the portion of first circulation flow path 1150 between compressor 1101 and expansion valve 1102. In other words, power storage device 1110 is in thermal contact with the portion of first circulation flow path 1150 between compressor 1101 and expansion valve 1102.

[0185] The electronic expansion valve 1106 expands the working medium and is provided between the heat exchanger 1103 and the in-vehicle evaporator 1104 in the first circulation flow path 1150 .

[0186] The power storage device bypass flow path 1151 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 so as to bypass the power storage device 1110 .

[0187] An in-vehicle condenser (cooler) 1107 is provided in the power storage device bypass flow path 1151. The in-vehicle condenser 1107 exchanges heat between the working medium discharged from the compressor 1101 and the air in the vehicle.

[0188] The heater 1108 heats the air supplied into the vehicle interior.

[0189] Expansion valve 1109 functions as both an expansion valve and an on-off valve. It is located downstream of in-vehicle condenser 1107 in power storage device bypass flow path 1151. It expands the working medium flowing out of in-vehicle condenser 1107.

[0190] The heat exchanger bypass flow path 1152 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 in a manner that bypasses the heat exchanger 1103 .

[0191] A first check valve 1161 is provided in the first circulation flow path 1150 at a position parallel to the heat exchanger bypass flow path 1152 and upstream of the heat exchanger 1103. Figure 18 As indicated by the middle arrow, the first check valve 1161 allows the working medium to flow only toward the heat exchanger 1103 .

[0192] A second check valve 1162 is provided in heat exchanger bypass flow path 1152 . Second check valve 1162 allows only the working medium that has flowed out of heat exchanger 1103 to flow toward power storage device 1110 through heat exchanger bypass flow path 1152 .

[0193] The in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 in a manner that bypasses the in-vehicle evaporator 1104 .

[0194] A third check valve 1163 is provided in the first circulation flow path 1150 in parallel with the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153 and downstream of the in-vehicle evaporator 1104 . The third check valve 1163 only allows the working medium to flow toward the gas-liquid separator 1105 .

[0195] A first on-off valve 1171 is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path 1150 that is parallel to the power storage device bypass flow path 1151 and upstream of the power storage device 1110 .

[0196] A second on-off valve 1172 is provided in the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153 .

[0197] In this embodiment, a first connecting flow path 1154 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150. First connecting flow path 1154 connects the portion of the first circulation flow path 1150 between the first on-off valve 1171 and the power storage device 1110 with the portion of the first circulation flow path 1150 between the third check valve 1163 and the gas-liquid separator 1105. A third on-off valve 1173 is provided in the first connecting flow path 1154.

[0198] The second thermal management system 1200 includes a pump 1201 , a radiator 1202 , a fan 1203 , a driving device 1210 , a second circulation flow path 1250 , and a radiator bypass flow path 1251 .

[0199] The pump 1021 pressurizes the liquid-phase heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger 1103 .

[0200] The radiator 1202 cools the heat medium discharged from the pump 1201 .

[0201] The fan 1203 is provided so as to face the radiator 1202. The fan 1203 supplies cooling air to the radiator 1202. This promotes heat dissipation in the radiator 1202.

[0202] The second circulation flow path 1250 is a flow path through which the heat supply medium circulates. The second circulation flow path 1250 connects the heat exchanger 1103, the pump 1201, and the radiator 1202 in this order. The heat exchanger 1103 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 and the second circulation flow path 1250.

[0203] Drive device 1210 supplies driving force to the electrical equipment (electric vehicle 1a). Drive device 1210 includes high-voltage components such as a motor, motor controller, and a three-in-one charging and distribution system. These components generate a significant amount of heat during operation. Drive device 1210 is connected to second circulation circuit 1250 so as to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing between radiator 1202 and heat exchanger 1103 in the second circulation circuit 1250. In other words, drive device 1210 is in thermal contact with the portion of second circulation circuit 1250 between radiator 1202 and heat exchanger 1103.

[0204] The radiator bypass flow path 1251 is connected to the second circulation flow path 1250 in a manner that bypasses the radiator 1202 .

[0205] A three-way valve 1271 is provided at the connection between the second circulation flow path 1250 and the upstream end of the radiator bypass flow path 1251. Three-way valve 1271 can switch between a state in which the heat medium flows through the second circulation flow path 1250 and a state in which the heat medium flows through the radiator bypass flow path 1251. It should be noted that three-way valve 1271 can also be configured to switch between a state in which the heat medium flows through at least one of the second circulation flow path 1250 and the radiator bypass flow path 1251.

[0206] The first thermal management system 1100 and the second thermal management system 1200 include a switching device capable of switching the flow path of the working medium and the flow path of the heat medium. In this embodiment, the first on-off valve 1171, the second on-off valve 1172, the third on-off valve 1173, the expansion on-off valve 1109, and the three-way valve 1271 constitute the switching device. The switching device can switch the thermal management circuit 1000 to a heating mode (heating mode) for heating the power storage device 1110. Figure 18 ), a cooling mode (not shown) for cooling power storage device 1110, an interior cooling mode (not shown), an interior heating mode (not shown), and a combination of these modes.

[0207] When the temperature of the power storage device 1110 increases, the ECU 500 controls the switching device to become Figure 18 In the heating mode, the first on-off valve 1171 and the second on-off valve 1172 are opened, and the third on-off valve 1173 and the expansion on-off valve 1109 are closed. Figure 18As indicated by the middle arrow, the working medium discharged from compressor 1101 heats the power storage device 1110 by exchanging heat with the power storage device 1110. Furthermore, the working medium, having passed through the power storage device 1110, is expanded by expansion valve 1102 and becomes a low-temperature liquid. This working medium then exchanges heat with the heat medium in the second thermal management system 1200 in heat exchanger 1103. Specifically, the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in heat exchanger 1103. The working medium flowing out of heat exchanger 1103 flows through the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153 into the gas-liquid separator 1105, and then flows back into compressor 1101.

[0208] In the heating mode, three-way valve 1271 allows the heat medium to flow through radiator bypass flow path 1251. Therefore, the heat received by the heat medium from drive device 1210 is transferred to the working medium in heat exchanger 1103 and is not released in radiator 1202.

[0209] As described above, when the temperature of the power storage device 1110 rises, the switching device separates the power storage device bypass flow path 1151 from the first circulation flow path 1150 and separates the radiator 1202 from the second circulation flow path 1250 .

[0210] ECU 500 preferably drives compressor 1101 when a heating condition is satisfied for the working medium to receive heat from the heat medium in heat exchanger 1103. In other words, compressor 1101 preferably operates when a heating condition is satisfied for the working medium to receive heat from the heat medium in heat exchanger 1103.

[0211] For example, the heating condition may be set so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing into heat exchanger 1103 is greater than the temperature of the working medium flowing into heat exchanger 1103. The temperature of the heat medium flowing into heat exchanger 1103 is detected, for example, by temperature sensor 1181 provided at the inlet of heat exchanger 1103 in first circulation flow path 1150. The temperature of the working medium flowing into heat exchanger 1103 is detected, for example, by temperature sensor 1182 provided at the inlet of heat exchanger 1103 in second circulation flow path 1250.

[0212] Alternatively, the heating condition may be set to a predetermined time period having elapsed since at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive device 1210 began operating. In other words, the compressor 1101 may be driven with a delay relative to the operation of at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive device 1210. In this case, the predetermined time period may be set to the time required for the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 to reach the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103.

[0213] As described above, in this embodiment, during the self-heating of power storage device 1110, power storage device bypass flow path 1151 is separated from first circulation flow path 1150, and radiator 1202 is separated from second circulation flow path 1250. Consequently, the heat contained in the working medium discharged from compressor 1101 is efficiently supplied to power storage device 1110, and the heat generated by drive device 1210 is also efficiently supplied to power storage device 1110 via the heat medium, heat exchanger 1103, and working medium. Consequently, both the effective utilization of heat generated by drive device 1210 and the increased efficiency of self-heating of power storage device 1110 can be achieved.

[0214] [Sixth embodiment]

[0215] Next, refer to Figure 19 A heat management circuit 2000 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the sixth embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same structure, operation, and effects as those of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0216] <Overall Structure>

[0217] The thermal management system (not shown) of this embodiment is different from the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 2000 instead of the thermal management circuit 100. Figure 1 )different.

[0218] The heat management circuit 2000 includes a heat medium circuit 2100 containing a heat medium (such as water) and a refrigeration circuit 2200 containing a working medium (such as water or a medium with a lower boiling point than water). The following will first describe the refrigeration circuit 2200.

[0219] The refrigeration circuit 2200 includes a compressor 2201 , a condenser 2202 , a first expansion valve 2203 , an in-vehicle evaporator 2204 , a second expansion valve 2205 , a cooler 2206 , a circulation flow path 2250 , and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 2251 .

[0220] Compressor 2201 compresses the working medium. Condenser 2202 condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor. First expansion valve 2203 expands the working medium flowing out of condenser 2202. In-vehicle evaporator 2204 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of first expansion valve 2203 and the air inside the vehicle (the interior of the vehicle).

[0221] The circulation flow path 2250 is a flow path through which the working medium circulates, and connects the compressor 2201, the condenser 2202, the first expansion valve 2203, and the in-vehicle evaporator 2204 in this order.

[0222] The in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 2251 is connected to the circulation flow path 2250 so as to bypass the in-vehicle evaporator 2204. The second expansion valve 2205 is provided in the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 2251.

[0223] The refrigeration circuit 2200 also includes a manifold 2207 , a receiving dryer 2208 , and an internal heat exchanger 2209 .

[0224] Manifold 2207 is provided in circulation flow path 2250. Receiver dryer 2208 is connected to manifold 2207. Internal heat exchanger 2209 is connected to a portion of circulation flow path 2250 upstream of first expansion valve 2203 and a portion of circulation flow path 2250 downstream of in-vehicle evaporator 2204.

[0225] Next, the heat medium circuit 2100 is described. The heat medium circuit 2100 includes a first circuit 2110 , a second circuit 2120 , a third flow path 2131 , a radiator 2132 , a liquid storage tank 2133 , a fourth flow path 2141 , a cooler 2142 , and a switching device 2170 .

[0226] The first circuit 2110 includes a first flow path 2111 , a power storage device (battery) 2112 , and a first pump 2113 .

[0227] First flow path 2111 is a flow path through which a heat medium flows. A power storage device 2112 is connected to first flow path 2111 so as to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing in first flow path 2111. In other words, power storage device 2112 is in thermal contact with first flow path 2111. A first pump 2113 is provided in first flow path 2111.

[0228] The second circuit 2120 includes a second flow path 2121 , a second pump 2122 , and a drive device. The second flow path 2121 is a flow path through which the heat supply medium flows. The second pump 2122 is provided in the second flow path 2121 .

[0229] The drive device supplies driving force to the electrical equipment (electric vehicle 1a). The drive device is connected to the second flow path 2121 in a manner that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the second flow path 2121. In other words, the drive device is in thermal contact with the second flow path 2121. The drive device is connected to a portion of the second flow path 2121 downstream of the second pump 2122. In this embodiment, the drive device includes a front inverter 2123, a front electric motor 2124, a DC-DC converter 2125, a rear inverter 2126, and a rear electric motor 2127. An ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2128 is connected to the second flow path 2121.

[0230] The third flow path 2131 is a flow path through which the heat supply medium flows. The radiator 2132 and the liquid storage tank 2133 are provided in the third flow path 2131 .

[0231] Fourth flow path 2141 is a flow path through which the heat supply medium flows. Cooler 2142 is connected to fourth flow path 2141 and in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 2251. Cooler 2142 exchanges heat between the heat supply medium flowing in fourth flow path 2141 and the working medium flowing in in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 2251.

[0232] The switching device 2170 can switch the connection state of each flow path 2111, 2121, 2131, and 2141. In this embodiment, the switching device 2170 is composed of a five-way valve.

[0233] like Figure 19 As shown, one end of the first flow path 2111 is connected to the first port P3 of the switching device 2170 , and the other end of the first flow path 2111 is connected to the second port P2 of the switching device 2170 .

[0234] One end of the second flow path 2121 is connected to the branch portion 2115 of the first flow path 2111, and the other end of the second flow path 2121 is connected to the first port P1 of the switching device 2170. That is, the first flow path 2111 and the second flow path 2121 are connected to the switching device 2170 in parallel.

[0235] One end of the third flow path 2131 is connected to the fifth port P5 of the switching device 2170 , and the other end of the third flow path 2131 is connected to a portion of the second flow path 2121 between the second pump 2122 and the branch portion 2115 .

[0236] One end of the fourth flow path 2141 is connected to the fourth port P4 of the switching device 2170 , and the other end of the fourth flow path 2141 is connected to a portion of the second flow path 2121 between the second pump 2122 and the branch portion 2115 .

[0237] The switching device 2170 can switch the heat management circuit 2200 to a heating mode for heating the power storage device 2112 ( Figure 19 ), a cooling mode (omitted from illustration) for cooling the power storage device 2112, an interior cooling mode (omitted from illustration), an interior heating mode (omitted from illustration), and a mode combining these.

[0238] When the temperature of the power storage device 2112 rises, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 2170 to become Figure 19In the heating mode, the first port P1, the second port P2, and the third port P3 are open, and the fourth port P4 and the fifth port P5 are closed. In addition, the first pump 2113 and the second pump 2122 are driven.

[0239] Therefore, if Figure 19 As indicated by the middle arrows, the heat medium flowing from the third port P3 of the switching device 2170 into the first flow path 2111 branches at the branch portion 2115 and then flows into the first pump 2113 and the second pump 2122. The heat medium, pressurized by the first pump 2113, heats the power storage device 2112 through heat exchange, then flows into the second port P2 of the switching device 2170. The heat medium, pressurized by the second pump 2122, absorbs heat from the drive device through heat exchange, then flows into the first port P1 of the switching device 2170. Meanwhile, in the heating mode, the fourth port P4 and the fifth port P5 are closed, so the heat medium does not flow through the third flow path 2131 and the fourth flow path 2141.

[0240] As described above, when the temperature of the power storage device 2112 rises, the switching device 2170 forms a first circuit 2110 in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path 2111 and the switching device 2170, and a second circuit 2120 in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path 2121 and the switching device 2170, and separates the third flow path 2131 and the fourth flow path 2141 from the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120, respectively.

[0241] ECU 500 preferably drives second pump 2122 when the heating condition for power storage device 2112 to receive heat from the heat medium is satisfied. In other words, second pump 2122 preferably operates when the heating condition for power storage device 2112 to receive heat from the heat medium is satisfied.

[0242] For example, the heating condition may be set so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the portion of the second flow path 2121 downstream of the drive device is equal to or higher than the temperature of the power storage device 2112. The temperature of the power storage device 2112 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 2181 provided in the power storage device 2112. The temperature of the heat medium flowing in the portion of the second flow path 2121 downstream of the drive device is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 2182 provided at the inlet of the switching device 2170 in the first flow path 2121.

[0243] Alternatively, the heating condition may be set to a predetermined time period after the temperature of the power storage device 2112 begins to rise. In other words, the second pump 2122 may be driven with a delay relative to the temperature rise of the power storage device 2112. In this case, the predetermined time period may be set to the time required for the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the second flow path 2121 to the first port P1 of the switching device 2170 to reach approximately the temperature of the power storage device 2112.

[0244] As described above, in this embodiment, during the self-heating of power storage device 2112, first circuit 2110 and second circuit 2120 are formed, and third flow path 2131 and fourth flow path 2141 are separated from first circuit 2110 and second circuit 2120, respectively. Therefore, the heat received by the heat medium from the drive device in second flow path 2121 is efficiently supplied to power storage device 2112. This achieves both effective utilization of the heat generated by the drive device and increased efficiency in the self-heating of power storage device 2112.

[0245] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples in the following aspects.

[0246] [Scheme 1]

[0247] A thermal management system is provided in an electrical device, wherein the thermal management system comprises: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path and a fourth flow path, capable of circulating a heat medium; a power storage device, which exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the first flow path; a drive device, which exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the second flow path and supplies driving force to the electrical device; a radiator, which is provided in the third flow path; a cooler, which is provided in the fourth flow path; and a switching device, which can switch the connection state of the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path, and when the power storage device is heated, the switching device separates the third flow path from the other flow paths, forming a loop in which the heat medium circulates in the first flow path and the second flow path, and forming a loop in which the heat medium circulates in the fourth flow path.

[0248] In this thermal management system, when the power storage device heats up, heat generated by the operation of the drive unit is supplied to the power storage device via the heat medium flowing through the first and second flow paths. This effectively heats the power storage device while preventing the heat medium flowing through the fourth flow path from being cooled by the radiator. This achieves both effective utilization of heat generated by the drive unit and efficient heating of the power storage device.

[0249] [Scheme 2]

[0250] According to the thermal management system of claim 1, when the temperature of the power storage device rises, if the temperature of the power storage device becomes higher than a set temperature, the switching device separates the first flow path from the other flow paths, and forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates in the second flow path and the third flow path, and a circuit in which the heat medium circulates only in the fourth flow path.

[0251] In this aspect, heat generated by the operation of the drive device is supplied to the power storage device via the heat medium, so the temperature of the power storage device is efficiently increased.

[0252] [Scheme 3]

[0253] 14. The heat management system of claim 13, wherein the heat management system comprises: a compressor for compressing a working medium; an expansion valve for expanding the working medium discharged from the compressor; a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the working medium flowing out of the expansion valve and a heat medium; a first circulation flow path for circulating the working medium, wherein the compressor, the expansion valve, and the heat exchanger are connected in this order; a power storage device is connected to the first circulation flow path in such a manner as to exchange heat with the working medium flowing in a portion of the first circulation flow path between the compressor and the expansion valve; a power storage device bypass flow path is connected to the first circulation flow path in such a manner as to bypass the power storage device; a condenser provided in the power storage device bypass flow path for condensing the working medium discharged from the compressor; a pump for pressurizing the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger; and a radiator for pressurizing the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger. The heat medium discharged by the pump is cooled; a second circulation flow path for circulating the heat medium, connecting the heat exchanger, the pump and the radiator in this order; a driving device is connected to the second circulation flow path in a manner of exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing between the radiator and the heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path, supplying driving force to the electrical equipment; a radiator bypass flow path is connected to the second circulation flow path in a manner of bypassing the radiator; and a switching device capable of switching the flow path for the working medium and the flow path for the heat medium, the switching device separating the storage device bypass flow path from the first circulation flow path and separating the radiator from the second circulation flow path when the temperature of the storage device rises, and the compressor operates when the heating condition for the working medium to receive heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger is met.

[0254] In this solution, when the power storage device heats up, the power storage device bypass flow path is disconnected from the first circulation flow path, and the radiator is disconnected from the second circulation flow path. Consequently, the heat contained in the working medium discharged from the compressor is efficiently supplied to the power storage device, and the heat generated by the drive unit is also efficiently supplied to the power storage device via the heat medium, heat exchanger, and working medium. This achieves both effective utilization of the heat generated by the drive unit and efficient heating of the power storage device.

[0255] [Scheme 4]

[0256] The heat management system according to claim 3, wherein the heat receiving condition is set such that a predetermined time has elapsed since at least one of the pump and the drive device was activated.

[0257] [Scheme 5]

[0258] The heat management system according to claim 3, wherein the heat receiving condition is set such that the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger is equal to or higher than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger.

[0259] [Scheme 6]

[0260] 14. The heat dissipation controller of claim 13, wherein the heat dissipation controller is configured to control the heat dissipation in the heat dissipation device to be used for heat dissipation in the heat dissipation controller. The heat dissipation controller is configured to control the heat dissipation in the heat dissipation controller to be used for heat dissipation in the heat dissipation controller.

[0261] In this scheme, when the power storage device heats up, the first and second circuits are formed, and the third and fourth circuits are separated from the first and second circuits, respectively. Therefore, the heat received by the heat medium from the drive device in the second circuit is efficiently supplied to the power storage device. This achieves both effective utilization of heat generated by the drive device and efficient heating of the power storage device.

[0262] [Scheme 7]

[0263] The heat management system according to claim 6 further comprises: a first pump provided in the first flow path; and a second pump provided in the second flow path, the second pump being operated when a heat receiving condition is met in which the power storage device receives heat from the heat medium.

[0264] [Scheme 8]

[0265] The heat management system according to claim 7, wherein the heat receiving condition is set such that a predetermined time has elapsed since the power storage device started to increase in temperature.

[0266] [Scheme 9]

[0267] In the heat management system according to claim 7, the heat receiving condition is set so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the portion of the second flow path downstream of the drive device is equal to or higher than the temperature of the power storage device.

[0268] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated not by the above description of the embodiments but by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are also encompassed.

[0269] Description of Reference Numerals

[0270] 1, 2, 3 Thermal management system, 1a Electric vehicle (electrical equipment), 11 First closed loop, 12 Second closed loop, 13 Third closed loop, 14 Fourth closed loop, 15 Fifth closed loop, 16 Sixth closed loop, 17 Seventh closed loop, 18 Eighth closed loop, 19 Ninth closed loop, 100, 200, 300, 400, 1000, 2000 Thermal management circuit, 110 High-temperature circuit, 111 Water pump (pump), 114 Heater core, 120, 231 Radiator, 121 High-temperature radiator, 122 Low-temperature radiator, 130a, 230a, 230b Flow path (third flow path), 130b, 260a, 260b Flow path (second flow path), 133, 263 PCU (drive unit), 134, 264 oil cooler (drive unit), 140, 250 condenser, 150, 240 refrigeration cycle, 151, 241 compressor, 160, 220 cooler, 170a, 210a, 210b flow path (fourth flow path), 170b, 270a, 270b flow path (first flow path), 171, 261 water pump (pump), 173, 272 battery (electricity storage device), 175, 273 battery temperature sensor, 180, 190 five-way valve (switching device), 280 eight-way valve, 380, 390 six-way valve (switching device), 500 ECU (control unit), 600 HMI, 1100 First Thermal Management System, 1101 Compressor, 1102 Expansion Valve, 1103 Heat Exchanger, 1104 In-Vehicle Evaporator, 1105 Gas-Liquid Separator, 1106 Electronic Expansion Valve, 1107 In-Vehicle Condenser, 1108 Heater, 1109 Expansion Switch Valve, 1110 Power Storage Device (Battery), 1150 First Circulation Path, 1151 Power Storage Device Bypass Path, 1152 Heat Exchanger Bypass Path, 1153 In-Vehicle Evaporator Bypass Path, 1171 First On-Off Valve, 1172 Second On-Off Valve, 1173 Third On-Off Valve, 1200 Second Thermal Management System, 1201 Pump, 1202 Radiator, 1203 Fan, 1210 Drive Device , 1250 second circulation flow path, 1251 radiator bypass flow path, 1271 three-way valve, 2100 heat medium circuit, 2110 first circuit, 2111 first flow path, 2112 power storage device (battery), 2113 first pump, 2120 second circuit, 2121 second flow path, 2122 second pump, 2131 third flow path, 2132 radiator, 2133 liquid storage tank, 2141 fourth flow path, 2142 cooler, 2200 refrigeration circuit, 2201 compressor, 2202 condenser, 2203 first expansion valve, 2204 in-vehicle evaporator, 2205 second expansion valve, 2206 cooler, 2250 circulation flow path, 2251 in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path.

Claims

1. A thermal management system provided in an electrical device, wherein: The thermal management system comprises: The first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path are capable of circulating the heating medium; an electric storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the first flow path; a driving device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the second flow path and supplies driving force to the electrical device; a radiator, disposed in the third flow path; a cooler, disposed in the fourth flow path; and a switching device capable of switching the connection states of the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path; When the temperature of the power storage device rises, the switching device separates the third flow path from the other flow paths to form a circuit in which the heat medium circulates in the first flow path and the second flow path, and also forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates in the fourth flow path.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: When the temperature of the power storage device rises and the temperature of the power storage device becomes higher than a set temperature, the switching device separates the first flow path from the other flow paths, and forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path and the third flow path, and a circuit in which the heat medium circulates only through the fourth flow path.

3. A thermal management system provided in an electrical device, wherein: The thermal management system comprises: Compressor, which compresses the working medium; an expansion valve for expanding the working medium discharged from the compressor; a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the working medium flowing out of the expansion valve and a heat medium; a first circulation flow path for circulating the working medium, connecting the compressor, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger in this order; an electric storage device connected to the first circulation flow path so as to perform heat exchange with the working medium flowing through a portion of the first circulation flow path between the compressor and the expansion valve; an electricity storage device bypass flow path connected to the first circulation flow path in a manner of bypassing the electricity storage device; a condenser provided in the bypass flow path of the power storage device and configured to condense the working medium discharged from the compressor; a pump for pressurizing the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger; a radiator for cooling the heat medium discharged from the pump; A second circulation flow path for circulating the heat medium, connecting the heat exchanger, the pump and the radiator in this order; a driving device connected to the second circulation flow path so as to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing between the radiator and the heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path, and supplying driving force to the electrical device; a radiator bypass flow path connected to the second circulation flow path in a manner of bypassing the radiator; and a switching device capable of switching the flow path for the working medium and the flow path for the heat medium, When the temperature of the power storage device rises, the switching device disconnects the power storage device bypass flow path from the first circulation flow path and disconnects the radiator from the second circulation flow path. The compressor operates when a heat receiving condition is satisfied in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The heat receiving condition is set such that a predetermined time has elapsed since at least one of the pump and the drive device was activated.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: The heat receiving condition is set such that the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger is equal to or higher than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger.

6. A thermal management system provided in an electrical device, wherein: The thermal management system comprises: The first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path are capable of circulating the heating medium; an electric storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the first flow path; a driving device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing in the second flow path and supplies driving force to the electrical device; a radiator, disposed in the third flow path; a cooler, disposed in the fourth flow path; and a switching device capable of switching the connection states of the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path; The first flow path and the second flow path are connected to the switching device in parallel. When the temperature of the power storage device rises, the switching device forms a first circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path and the switching device, and a second circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path and the switching device, and separates the third flow path and the fourth flow path from the first circuit and the second circuit, respectively.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: The thermal management system further comprises: a first pump, disposed in the first flow path; and A second pump is provided in the second flow path, The second pump operates when a heat receiving condition is satisfied in which the power storage device receives heat from the heat medium.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: The heat receiving condition is set such that a predetermined time has elapsed since the power storage device started to increase in temperature.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: The heat receiving condition is set so that the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the second flow path at a location downstream of the drive device is equal to or higher than the temperature of the power storage device.

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