Thermal management system

Abstract

In a thermal management system (1), during temperature rise control of a power storage device (173), switching devices (180, 190) are controlled so as to form a first connection flow path (30) that connects a first flow path (170b), a second flow path (130b), and a fourth flow path (170a), and a radiator (122) is separated from the first connection flow path (30) and is independent from the first connection flow path (30).

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 electrical equipment such as electric vehicles, it is often important to effectively utilize the heat generated by the drive unit, including the inverter and motor. Furthermore, it is desirable to efficiently increase the temperature of the power storage device. Specifically, it is desirable to effectively utilize the heat generated by the drive unit and efficiently increase the temperature of the power storage device.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a thermal management system that can effectively utilize heat generated from a drive device and efficiently increase the temperature of a power storage device.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The first aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management system 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 that performs heat exchange with the heat medium in the first flow path; a drive device that performs heat exchange with the heat medium in the second flow path and can generate a driving force; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a cooling device provided in the fourth flow path; and a switching device capable of switching the connection states between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path. A flow path loop having a first connecting flow path connecting the first flow path, the second flow path, and the fourth flow path and a radiator that is separated and independent from the connecting flow path is set as a temperature increase loop. In the thermal management system, when the power storage device is heated, the switching device forms a temperature increase loop. It should be noted that the radiator being separated and independent from the first connecting flow path means that the heat medium flowing in the first connecting flow path does not flow in the radiator.

[0011] In the thermal management system of the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when the power storage device is heated, a first connecting flow path is formed that connects the first flow path, the second flow path, and the fourth flow path, and the heat sink is separate and independent from the first connecting flow path. This allows the heat generated by the drive device to be used to heat the power storage device. Furthermore, it prevents the heat generated by the drive device from being lost to the heat sink, etc., which is unrelated to the heating of the power storage device. As a result, the heat generated by the drive device can be effectively utilized, and the power storage device can be heated efficiently.

[0012] In the thermal management system according to the first aspect, the electrical device is preferably an electric vehicle. Furthermore, the temperature of the power storage device increases when the electric vehicle's driving system is activated. With this configuration, the temperature of the power storage device can be easily increased at the start of driving of the electric vehicle. As a result, the driving performance of the electric vehicle can be easily maintained above a certain level at the start of driving.

[0013] In the thermal management system according to the first aspect, the power storage device is preferably configured to be externally charged using charging power supplied from a charging device external to the electrical device. Furthermore, the power storage device is heated so that its temperature reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature at the start of external charging. This configuration facilitates raising the temperature of the power storage device at the start of external charging. Consequently, it is easy to maintain a constant charging speed and efficiency at the start of external charging. Furthermore, the start of external charging refers to the timing at which the supply of charging power to the power storage device begins.

[0014] The thermal management system according to the first aspect preferably includes a pump disposed in the second flow path to circulate the heat medium. Furthermore, as the temperature of the power storage device rises, the pump output increases over time. With this configuration, the pump output can be increased after the heat medium in the second flow path reaches a relatively high temperature over time. As a result, cooling of the power storage device by the heat medium can be prevented.

[0015] The thermal management system according to the first aspect preferably includes a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the power storage device and a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat medium in the second flow path. Furthermore, when the temperature of the power storage device rises, if the value detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than the value detected by the first temperature sensor, the switching device forms a temperature-raising circuit. This configuration more reliably prevents the power storage device from being cooled by the heat medium in the second flow path.

[0016] In the thermal management system according to the first aspect, the electrical device is preferably an electric vehicle. The cooling device is configured to exchange heat with an air conditioning circuit that adjusts the room temperature of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, when the power storage device is heated, if there is a heating request using the air conditioning circuit and the outside air temperature is below a predetermined threshold, the switching device switches to a heating circuit. With this configuration, when the outside air temperature is below the predetermined threshold, the cooling device can be used to operate the heating system using heat generated by the drive device and the power storage device.

[0017] In this case, preferably, the control device separates and independently operates the second connecting flow path connecting the first and second flow paths and the third connecting flow path connecting the third and fourth flow paths, and when the outside air temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, the switching device forms a heating circuit. With this configuration, when the outside air temperature falls below the predetermined threshold, heating control utilizing the radiator can be switched to heating control utilizing heat from the drive device, etc. As a result, heating efficiency can be easily maintained even when the outside air temperature falls below the predetermined threshold.

[0018] The thermal management system of the second aspect of the present disclosure is provided in an electrical device, wherein the thermal 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, the compressor, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger being connected in this order; a power storage device being connected to the first circulation flow path in a manner of exchanging heat with the working medium flowing between the compressor and the expansion valve in the first circulation flow path; a power storage device bypass flow path being connected to the first circulation flow path in a manner of bypassing the power storage device; The condenser is located in the bypass flow path of the power storage device and condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor. The pump pressurizes the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger. The radiator cools the heat medium discharged from the pump. The second circulation flow path circulates the heat medium and connects the heat exchanger, pump, and radiator in this order. The drive device is connected to the second circulation flow path to exchange 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. The radiator bypass flow path is connected to the second circulation flow path to bypass the radiator. The switching device can switch the flow path of the heat medium. The switching device disconnects the radiator from the second circulation flow path when the temperature of the power storage device rises. The compressor operates when the heating conditions are met, in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger.

[0019] In the thermal management system of the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the radiator is separated from the second circulation flow path when the storage device is heated. This prevents heat generated in the drive device from being removed by the radiator, which is unrelated to the heating of the storage device, while using the heat generated in the drive device to heat the storage device. Furthermore, in the thermal management system of the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the compressor operates when the heating conditions are met, in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger. This prevents the working medium from being removed from the heat exchanger, allowing the storage device to be heated more efficiently.

[0020] In the thermal management system according to the second aspect, the heat receiving condition is preferably set to a predetermined time period after at least one of the pump and the drive device has been activated. With this configuration, heat exchange between the working medium and the heat medium can be performed in the heat exchanger after the heat medium has been heated above a certain temperature due to the drive device being heated above a certain temperature. As a result, heat loss from the working medium to the heat medium can be suppressed.

[0021] In the second thermal management system, the heat receiving condition is preferably 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. This configuration can more reliably prevent the working medium from losing heat to the heat medium.

[0022] The third aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management system 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 that performs heat exchange with the heat medium flowing in the first flow path; a drive device that performs heat exchange with the heat medium flowing in the second flow path and supplies driving force to the electrical device; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a cooler provided 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 with each other. The switching device forms a first circuit in which the heat medium circulates in the first flow path, the fourth flow path, and the switching device when the temperature of the power storage device rises, and a second circuit in which the heat medium circulates in the second flow path, the fourth flow path, and the switching device, and separates the third flow path from the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0023] In the thermal management system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when the temperature of the power storage device is increased, a first circuit is formed in which the heat supply medium circulates through the first and fourth flow paths and the switching device, and a second circuit is formed in which the heat supply medium circulates through the second and fourth flow paths and the switching device, with the third flow path being separated from the first and second circuits. As a result, the heat medium of the first circuit and the heat medium of the second circuit exchange heat within the switching device and the fourth flow path. Therefore, the heat generated by the drive device can be used to increase the temperature of the power storage device. Furthermore, by separating the third flow path from the first and second circuits, it is possible to prevent the heat generated by the drive device from being dissipated by the radiator, which is unrelated to the temperature increase of the power storage device.

[0024] In the third aspect of the thermal management system, preferably, a first pump is provided in the first flow path and a second pump is provided in the second flow path. The second pump operates when a heating condition is met in which the power storage device receives heat from the heat medium. This configuration allows the power storage device to be heated more efficiently.

[0025] In this case, the heating condition is preferably set to a predetermined time after the drive device is activated. With this configuration, heat exchange between the first circuit heat medium and the second circuit heat medium can be performed after the drive device is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0026] In the thermal management system according to the third aspect, the heat receiving condition is preferably set such that the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the second flow path downstream of the drive device is equal to or higher than the temperature of the power storage device. This configuration can more reliably prevent the heat medium in the first circuit from being lost to the heat medium in the second circuit.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, heat generated from the drive device can be effectively utilized, and the temperature of the power storage device can be efficiently increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with the thermal management system according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management system according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a first communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a second communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing control of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 Flowchart of the first control of step S170.

[0036] Figure 8 Yes Figure 6 Flowchart of the second control of step S170.

[0037] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management system according to a second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of a thermal management system according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11A This is a diagram showing a first communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11B Is to express Figure 11A Diagram of the schematic structure of the corresponding thermal management circuit.

[0041] Figure 12A This is a diagram showing a second communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12B Is to express Figure 12A Diagram of the schematic structure of the corresponding thermal management circuit.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing control of the thermal management system according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 14 Yes Figure 13 Flowchart of the first control of step S270.

[0045] Figure 15 Yes Figure 13 Flowchart of the second control of step S270.

[0046] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management system according to a third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of a heat management system according to a third embodiment.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing a first communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing a second communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the third embodiment.

[0050] Figure 20 This is a flowchart showing control of the thermal management system according to the third embodiment.

[0051] Figure 21 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0052] Figure 22 It is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of a heat management system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0053] Figure 23A This is a diagram showing a first communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 23B Is to express Figure 23A Diagram of the schematic structure of the corresponding thermal management circuit.

[0055] Figure 24A This is a diagram showing a second communication mode of the heat management circuit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0056] Figure 24B Is to express Figure 24A Diagram of the schematic structure of the corresponding thermal management circuit.

[0057] Figure 25 1 is a flowchart showing control of the heat management system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0058] Figure 26Flowchart showing control of the heat management system according to the modified examples of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0059] Figure 27A It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a first modified example of the second embodiment.

[0060] Figure 27B Is to express Figure 27A Diagram of the schematic structure of the corresponding thermal management circuit.

[0061] Figure 28 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a first modified example of the third embodiment.

[0062] Figure 29 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a second modified example of the third embodiment.

[0063] Figure 30 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a third modified example of the third embodiment.

[0064] Figure 31 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 32 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a second modified example of the second embodiment.

[0066] Figure 33 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a fourth modified example of the third embodiment.

[0067] Figure 34 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0068] Figure 35 This diagram shows a circuit configuration including a battery, a converter, an inverter, and a motor.

[0069] Figure 36 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management system according to a fifth embodiment.

[0070] Figure 37 This is a flowchart showing a first example of heat receiving conditions for the compressor operation according to the fifth embodiment.

[0071] Figure 38 This is a flowchart showing a second example of the heat receiving conditions for the compressor operation according to the fifth embodiment.

[0072] Figure 39 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat management system according to a sixth embodiment.

[0073] Figure 40This is a flowchart showing a first example of heat receiving conditions for the second pump operation in the sixth embodiment.

[0074] Figure 41 This is a flowchart showing a second example of the heat receiving conditions for the second pump operation in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] [First embodiment]

[0078] <Overall Structure>

[0079] Figure 2 The diagram shows an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100 , an electronic control unit (ECU) 500 , an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600 , and an outside air temperature sensor 700 .

[0080] Thermal management circuit 100 is configured to circulate a heat medium. For example, thermal management circuit 100 includes 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 valves 180 and 190 are each examples of a "switching device" in the present disclosure. Cooler 160 is also an example of a "cooling device" in the present disclosure.

[0081] 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, and a reservoir tank (R / T) 115. The heater core 114 is an example of an "air conditioning circuit" in the present disclosure.

[0082] 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: High Temperature) radiator 121 and a low temperature (LT: Low Temperature) radiator 122 (both refer to Figure 3 ). In the low-temperature radiator 122, the heat medium flowing in the low-temperature circuit 130 exchanges heat with the outside air. Note that the low-temperature radiator 122 is an example of a "radiator" in the present disclosure.

[0083] 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 temperature sensor 137. PCU 133 and oil cooler 134 are examples of a "drive device" within the meaning of the present disclosure. Water pump 131 and heat medium temperature sensor 137 are examples of a "pump" and a "second temperature sensor," respectively, within the meaning of the present disclosure.

[0084] Condenser 140 is connected to both high-temperature circuit 110 and refrigeration cycle 150 .

[0085] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151 , an expansion valve 152 , an evaporator 153 , an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154 , and an expansion valve 155 .

[0086] Cooler 160 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 150 and battery circuit 170 . In cooler 160 , heat is exchanged between the heat medium flowing through battery circuit 170 and the medium circulating through refrigeration cycle 150 .

[0087] Battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass 174, and a battery temperature sensor 175. Battery 173 is an example of a "power storage device" in the present disclosure. Battery temperature sensor 175 is an example of a "first temperature sensor" in the present disclosure. Furthermore, a pulsating temperature increase circuit may be provided in battery circuit 170 (battery 173) to increase the temperature of battery 173 by utilizing the pulsating component of the current flowing through battery 173.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 .

[0090] 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.

[0091] The ECU 500 generates control instructions based on the sensor values ​​obtained from various sensors included in the thermal management circuit 100 (such as the battery temperature sensor 175 and the heat medium temperature sensor 137), 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 .

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 .

[0094] The outside air temperature sensor 700 detects the outside air temperature outside the electric vehicle 1 a . Information on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 700 is transmitted to the ECU 500 .

[0095] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0096] Figure 3 This diagram shows an example of the configuration of a thermal management circuit 100 in the first embodiment. The heat medium (typically warm water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of a first path: water pump 111 - condenser 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - heater core 114 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111; and a second path: water pump 111 - condenser 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - high-temperature radiator 121 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111.

[0097] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through a path of water pump 131 - SPU 132 - PCU 133 - oil cooler 134 - step-up / step-down converter 135 - five-way valve 180 - low-temperature radiator 122 - five-way valve 190 - reservoir 136 - water pump 131 .

[0098] Water pump 131 circulates the heat medium within low-temperature circuit 130 in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. SPU 132 controls the charging and discharging of battery 173 in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. PCU 133 converts DC power supplied from battery 173 into AC power in accordance with control commands from ECU 500, and supplies this AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. Oil cooler 134 circulates the motor's lubricating oil using an electric oil pump (EOP) (not shown). Oil cooler 134 cools the transaxle by exchanging heat between the heat medium circulating in low-temperature circuit 130 and the motor's lubricating oil. Alternatively, the frequency of the AC current flowing from the inverter (not shown) of PCU 133 to the motor can be set to the resonant frequency of the circuit including the inverter and motor.

[0099] The SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and step-up / step-down converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130. The reservoir 136 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130. The five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 respectively switch the paths of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 according to control instructions from the ECU 500. The low-temperature radiator 122 is arranged near the high-temperature radiator 121 and performs heat exchange with the high-temperature radiator 121. In addition, the above-mentioned variable speed drive axle may be provided in the low-temperature circuit 130 instead of the oil cooler 134.

[0100] Heat medium temperature sensor 137 detects the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path (flow path 130 b described below) in which PCU 133 and the like are located. For example, heat medium temperature sensor 137 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing between the step-up / down converter 135 and the five-way valve 180 (on the downstream side of step-up / down converter 135). Heat medium temperature sensor 137 may also detect the temperature of the heat medium between PCU 133 and oil cooler 134, for example.

[0101] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of the first path of compressor 151-condenser 140-expansion valve 152-evaporator 153-EPR154-compressor 151 and the second path of compressor 151-condenser 140-expansion valve 155-cooler 160-compressor 151.

[0102] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of the first path of water pump 171-cooler 160-five-way valve 180-electric heater 172-battery 173-five-way valve 190-water pump 171 and the second path of water pump 171-cooler 160-five-way valve 180-bypass path 174-five-way valve 190-water pump 171.

[0103] 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 heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating in battery circuit 170. Electric heater 172 heats the heat medium in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Battery 173 supplies power for driving to the motor built into the transaxle. Battery 173 can be heated by electric heater 172 or cooled by cooler 160. Bypass 174 is configured to allow the heat medium to bypass electric heater 172 and battery 173. When heat medium flows through bypass 174, changes in the heat medium's temperature associated with heat absorption and heat dissipation between the heat medium and battery 173 can be suppressed. Battery temperature sensor 175 detects the temperature of battery 173.

[0104] 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 from 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 the bypass path 174 of battery circuit 170. Port P5 is the outlet for the heat medium to flow out to the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0105] 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 from the electric heater 172 and battery 173 of battery circuit 170. Port P13 is the outlet for the heat medium to flow out of the 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.

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown, battery 173 is disposed in flow path 170b within battery circuit 170. Battery 173 exchanges heat with the heat medium in flow path 170b. Flow path 170b is in thermal contact with battery 173. Flow path 170b connects port P2 of five-way valve 180 to port P12 of five-way valve 190. Flow path 170b is an example of the "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0107] Low-temperature radiator 122 is provided in flow path 130a in low-temperature circuit 130. Flow path 130a connects port P5 of five-way valve 180 and port P15 of five-way valve 190. Flow path 130a is an example of a "third flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0108] Water pump 131, SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, boost / buck converter 135, reservoir 136, and heat medium temperature sensor 137 are each disposed in flow path 130b within low-temperature circuit 130. PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and the like exchange heat with the heat medium in flow path 130b. Flow path 130b is in thermal contact with SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and boost / buck converter 135. Flow path 130b connects port P3 of five-way valve 180 with port P13 of five-way valve 190. Flow path 130b is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0109] Cooler 160 is provided in flow path 170a in battery circuit 170. Flow path 170a connects port P1 of five-way valve 180 and port P11 of five-way valve 190. Flow path 170a is an example of a "fourth flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0110] <Connectivity Mode>

[0111] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are conceptual diagrams schematically illustrating a first communication mode and a second communication mode of the heat management circuit 100 formed by controlling the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190. The second communication mode is an example of a "temperature increasing circuit" in the present disclosure.

[0112] In the first communication mode, the five-way valve 180 forms a path connecting the port P1 and the port P5 and a path connecting the port P2 and the port P3 .

[0113] In the first communication mode, the five-way valve 190 forms a path connecting the port P11 and the port P15 and a path connecting the port P12 and the port P13 .

[0114] As a result, a first closed loop 10 is formed, connecting the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170 with the flow path 130b of the low-temperature circuit 130. Furthermore, a second closed loop 20 is formed, connecting the flow path 170a of the battery circuit 170 with the flow path 130a of the low-temperature circuit 130. Thus, the first closed loop 10 and the second closed loop 20 are separated and independent from each other. The first closed loop 10 and the second closed loop 20 are examples of the "second connecting flow path" and "third connecting flow path," respectively, in the present disclosure.

[0115] 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 from the drive unit, including the inverter and motor, is sometimes crucial. Furthermore, it is desirable to efficiently increase the temperature of the power storage device. Specifically, it is desirable to effectively utilize the heat generated by the drive unit and efficiently increase the temperature of the power storage device.

[0116] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the temperature of the battery 173 is controlled, Figure 5 In the second communication mode, five-way valve 180 forms a path connecting ports P1 and P2, and a path connecting ports P3 and P4. Also, in the second communication mode, five-way valve 190 forms a path connecting ports P11 and P14, and a path connecting ports P12 and P13.

[0117] As a result, a third closed circuit 30 is formed, connecting flow path 170b of battery circuit 170, flow path 130b of low-temperature circuit 130, and flow path 170a of battery circuit 170. In this case, low-temperature radiator 122 (flow path 130a) is disconnected from third closed circuit 30 (battery 173, cooler 160, and PCU 133). Third closed circuit 30 is an example of a "first connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0118] exist Figure 5 When battery 173 is used in the second communication mode shown, heat generated by the self-heating of battery 173 is stored (heat accumulation) in third closed circuit 30. Furthermore, the self-heating of battery 173 also generates heat in PCU 133 and the aforementioned transaxle (not shown). Heat generated by PCU 133 and the transaxle is stored (heat accumulation) in third closed circuit 30. Consequently, the temperature of battery 173 is increased by the heat generated by the self-heating and the heat generated by PCU 133 and the transaxle.

[0119] As a result, the heat generated by the drive devices such as PCU 133 can be effectively utilized, and the temperature of the battery 173 can be efficiently increased. It should be noted that when there is no heating request during the temperature increase control of the battery 173, the ECU 500 can also operate the compressor 151 and the electric heater 112 (both at Figure 3 (shown in the figure) stops to stop the heat exchange (heat dissipation) in the cooler 160.

[0120] <Control Method of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0121] Reference Figure 6 The control method of the thermal management system 1 is described in the flowchart of FIG. Figure 5The process shown is just an example, and the control in this disclosure is not limited to Figure 5 Example shown.

[0122] In step S100, the electric vehicle 1a starts driving (starting the driving system). Specifically, the start button (not shown) of the electric vehicle 1a is pressed, which activates the PCU 133 and other components, and electrically connects the PCU 133 to the battery 173 (via the SMR (not shown)). This causes current to be supplied from the PCU 133 to the battery 173. The ECU 500 detects the start of driving the electric vehicle 1a by receiving a predetermined internal signal from the electric vehicle 1a. It should be noted that at this point, the flow path 170b of the battery circuit 170 and the flow path 130b of the low-temperature circuit 130 are disconnected and separated.

[0123] In step S110, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 detected by battery temperature sensor 175 is less than 10°C. If the temperature of battery 173 is less than 10°C (YES in S110), the process proceeds to step S120. If the temperature of battery 173 is 10°C or higher (NO in S110), the process ends. The threshold value in step S110 may be a value other than 10°C.

[0124] In step S120, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium detected by heat medium temperature sensor 137 is higher than the temperature of battery 173 detected by battery temperature sensor 175. If the temperature of the heat medium is higher than the temperature of battery 173 (YES in S120), the process proceeds to step S130. If the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the temperature of battery 173 (NO in S120), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0125] In step S130, ECU 500 determines whether the user of electric vehicle 1a has requested the heating to be activated. If such a request has been made (YES in S130), the process proceeds to step S150. If such a request has not been made (NO in S130), the process proceeds to step S160. Alternatively, ECU 500 may determine that such a request has been made based on a signal transmitted to ECU 500 when the user presses the button to activate the heating.

[0126] In step S140, ECU 500 controls the heating medium flowing through flow path 130b to increase its temperature. Specifically, ECU 500 causes the heating medium to flow for a predetermined time while PCU 133 and other components are driven. This increases the heating medium's temperature using the heat generated by PCU 133 and other components. The process then returns to step S120.

[0127] In step S150, the ECU 500 determines whether the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 700 is higher than -10°C. When the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (Yes in S150), the process proceeds to step S160. When the outside air temperature is -10°C or lower (No in S150), the process proceeds to step S161. It should be noted that the threshold value of -10°C is set based on cooling the heat medium to around -10°C by expansion using the expansion valve 155. Additionally, -10°C is an example of the "predetermined threshold value" of the present disclosure.

[0128] In step S160, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 respectively to make the heat management circuit 100 Figure 4 become the first connection mode as shown. At this time, when there is a heating requirement in step S130 (Yes in S130), the water pump 171 can also be driven.

[0129] In step S161, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 respectively to make the heat management circuit 100 Figure 5 become the second connection mode as shown. At this time, even when there is a heating requirement in step S130 (Yes in S130), if the flow rate of the heat medium (output of the water pump 131) is sufficient, the water pump 171 can be stopped.

[0130] In step S170, the ECU 500 heats up the battery 173 by continuing to maintain the state with the first connection mode or the second connection mode. The detailed processing performed in step S170 will be described later.

[0131] In step S180, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the battery 173 detected by the battery temperature sensor 175 is 10°C or higher. When the temperature of the battery 173 is 10°C or higher (Yes in S180), the process proceeds to step S190. When the temperature of the battery 173 is less than 10°C (No in S180), the process returns to step S170. In addition, the threshold value in step S180 can be a value other than 10°C as long as it is not less than the threshold value in step S110.

[0132] In step S190, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 respectively to change the heat management circuit 100 from Figure 4 the first connection mode shown (or Figure 5 the second connection mode shown) to another connection mode (for example, a connection mode suitable for the running of the electric vehicle 1a). After that, the process ends.

[0133] <Processing in S170>

[0134] like Figure 7 As shown, the process of step S170 includes the processes of steps S171 to S173. In step S171, ECU 500 sets (initializes) the flow rate (output) of water pump 131 to a predetermined value. This predetermined value is a relatively low value within the range of flow rates that can be output by water pump 131 (e.g., approximately 1 / 4 of the upper limit). The process of step S171 is only executed in the initial flow.

[0135] In step S172, ECU 500 determines whether the difference between the temperature of the heat medium detected by heat medium temperature sensor 137 and the temperature of battery 173 detected by battery temperature sensor 175 is greater than 10°C (heat medium temperature - battery 173 temperature > 10°C). If the difference is greater than 10°C ("YES" in S172), the process proceeds to step S173. If the difference is less than 10°C ("NO" in S172), the process proceeds to step S180 (see Figure 6 ). In addition, the temperature of the heat medium rises faster than the temperature of the battery 173. Therefore, during the temperature increase control of the battery 173, the difference gradually increases with the passage of time.

[0136] In step S173, ECU 500 increases the flow rate (output) of water pump 131. For example, ECU 500 sets the flow rate (output) of water pump 131 to the upper limit of the range of flow rates that can be output by water pump 131. Therefore, when controlling the temperature rise of battery 173, as time passes, the difference (the difference between the temperature of the heat medium and the temperature of battery 173) increases, and the flow rate (output) of water pump 131 increases accordingly. Next, the process proceeds to step S180 (see Figure 6 ). In addition, in step S173, when the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 has already been set to the upper limit value, the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is not changed.

[0137] While the above example illustrates the execution of step S173 based on the difference between the temperature of the heat medium and the temperature of battery 173, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, step S173 may be executed based on the elapse of a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) after the execution of step S171. In this case, the difference is not considered.

[0138] In addition, in step S173, an example is shown in which the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 is increased to a predetermined value based on the above-mentioned difference, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the ECU 500 may also determine the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 based on the temperature of the heat medium detected by the heat medium temperature sensor 137 and the required value of the flow rate of the heat medium. In addition, the ECU 500 may also use a map representing the relationship between the required value of the temperature of the heat medium and the flow rate of the heat medium and the flow rate (output) of the water pump 131 to set the above-mentioned flow rate (output). In addition, the above-mentioned map is stored in the memory 502 (see Figure 2 ).

[0139] like Figure 8 As shown, the processing of step S170 includes the processing of steps S174 to S177. In step S174, ECU500 determines whether there is a request from the user to activate the heating. If there is such a request (yes in S174), the processing proceeds to step S175. If there is no such request (no in S174), the processing proceeds to step S180 (see Figure 6 ).

[0140] In step S175, the ECU 500 drives the water pump 171. As a result, the heat medium is fed into the second closed circuit 20 (see Figure 8 In addition, if the water pump 171 is already driven, the driving of the water pump 171 is continued.

[0141] In step S176, ECU 500 determines whether the detection value of outside air temperature sensor 700 is -10°C or lower. If the outside air temperature is -10°C or lower (YES in S176), the process proceeds to step S177. If the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (NO in S176), the process proceeds to step S180 (see Figure 6 ).

[0142] In step S177, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 so that the connection between the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a is released and the third closed loop 30 (see FIG. 1 ) connecting the first closed loop 10 and the flow path 170a is formed. Figure 5 ). As a result, cooler 160, battery 173, and PCU 133 are interconnected. Furthermore, low-temperature radiator 122 is separated and independent from third closed circuit 30 (cooler 160, battery 173, and PCU 133). Furthermore, if thermal management circuit 100 is already in the second communication mode (i.e., after S161), ECU 500 maintains thermal management circuit 100 in the second communication mode.

[0143] Alternatively, only one of the series of processes of steps S174 and S175 and the series of processes of steps S176 and S177 may be performed.

[0144] As described above, in the first embodiment, when controlling the temperature increase of battery 173, ECU 500 forms third closed circuit 30 connecting flow path 170a, flow path 170b, and flow path 130a, and separates low-temperature radiator 122 (flow path 130a) from third closed circuit 30. This allows the temperature of battery 173 to be increased by utilizing heat generated by the self-heating of battery 173 and heat generated by PCU 133 and other components. As a result, heat generated by PCU 133 and other components can be effectively utilized, allowing the temperature of battery 173 to be increased efficiently.

[0145] [Second embodiment]

[0146] In the first embodiment described above, the structure using the five-way valve 180 and the five-way valve 190 is described. However, the structure of the switching device disclosed herein is not limited thereto. In the second embodiment, the structure using the eight-way valve 280 as the switching device disclosed herein is described.

[0147] <Overall Structure>

[0148] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of a thermal management system 2 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 2 is different from the thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 200 instead of the thermal management circuit 100 and an ECU 510 instead of the ECU 500. Figure 1 )different.

[0149] Thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a cooling circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280. Eight-way valve 280 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure. Furthermore, chiller 220 and refrigeration cycle 240 are examples of a "cooling device" and an "air conditioning circuit," respectively, in the present disclosure.

[0150] The cooling circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. The cooler 220 is connected to (shared with) both the cooling circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240.

[0151] The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231. The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, a solenoid valve 242, and solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, and 246 (see Figure 10), evaporator 247, check valve 248 and liquid reservoir 249. Condenser 250 includes water-cooled condenser 251 and air-cooled condenser 252 (refer to Figure 10 ), the water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the radiator circuit 230.

[0152] Drive unit circuit 260, for example, includes a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a fluid reservoir 265, and a heat medium temperature sensor 266. Alternatively, a transaxle may be incorporated into drive unit circuit 260 in place of the oil cooler 264. Alternatively, PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 (or transaxle) may be combined to form an electric transaxle. PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 are examples of a "drive device" within the present disclosure. Heat medium temperature sensor 266 and water pump 261 are examples of a "second temperature sensor" and a "pump," respectively, within the present disclosure.

[0153] Battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) 271 , a battery 272 , and a battery temperature sensor 273 . Battery 272 is an example of a “power storage device” in the present disclosure, and battery temperature sensor 273 is an example of a “first temperature sensor.”

[0154] The eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P21 to P28 (see Figure 10 ), connected to the cooling circuit 210, the radiator circuit 230, the drive unit circuit 260 and the battery circuit 270.

[0155] The ECU 510 controls the thermal management circuit 200 . The ECU 510 includes a processor 511 , a memory 512 , a storage 513 , and an interface 514 .

[0156] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0157] Figure 10 This diagram shows an example of the configuration of the heat management circuit 200 in the second embodiment. The heat medium circulating in the cooling circuit 210 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P23) - water pump 211 - cooler 220 - eight-way valve 280 (port P25).

[0158] Water pump 211 circulates the heat medium within cooling circuit 210 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Cooler 220 performs heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in cooling circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 240. Eight-way valve 280 switches the path to the destination of connection to cooling circuit 210 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Path switching by eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0159] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated example, the heat medium circulating in radiator circuit 230 flows through eight-way valve 280 (port P26), water-cooled condenser 251, bypass flow path 230b, and eight-way valve 280 (port P27). Radiator 231 is located downstream of the grille shutter (not shown) and performs heat exchange between the vehicle's outside air and the heat medium.

[0160] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through any one of the first path of the compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 - evaporator 247 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241; the second path of the compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244A - air-cooled condenser 252 - check valve 248 - solenoid valve (expansion valve) 246 - cooler 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241; the third path of the compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244B - water-cooled condenser 251 - solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 - evaporator 247 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241; and the fourth path of the compressor 241 - solenoid valve 244B - water-cooled condenser 251 - solenoid valve 246 - cooler 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241.

[0161] Compressor 241 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating in refrigeration cycle 240 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel with compressor 241 and adjusts the flow of gas-phase refrigerant into compressor 241 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valves 244 (244A, 244B) switch the flow of gas-phase refrigerant discharged from compressor 241 to either water-cooled condenser 251 or air-cooled condenser 252 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through radiator circuit 230. Air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with air introduced into the vehicle interior, producing warm air. Solenoid valve 245 restricts the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into evaporator 247 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 246 restricts the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into cooler 220 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. The electromagnetic valves 245 and 246 also have the function of expanding the liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 249 removes the liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid mixed state refrigerant to prevent the liquid refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor 241 when the refrigerant is not completely vaporized by the evaporator 247.

[0162] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P28 ) - the reservoir 265 - the water pump 261 - the SPU 262 - the PCU 263 - the oil cooler 264 - the eight-way valve 280 (port P22 ).

[0163] Water pump 261 circulates the heat medium within drive unit circuit 260 in accordance with control instructions from ECU 510. SPU 262 controls the charging and discharging of battery 272 in accordance with control instructions from ECU 510. PCU 263 converts the DC power supplied from battery 272 into AC power in accordance with control instructions from ECU 500, and supplies this AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. Oil cooler 264 cools the transaxle by exchanging heat between the heat medium circulating in drive unit circuit 260 and the lubricating oil of the motor. Alternatively, heat generated by supplying power to the stator without rotating the motor rotor can be exchanged with the heat medium circulating in drive unit circuit 260.

[0164] The SPU 262, PCU 263, and oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260. The reservoir tank 265 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 (heat medium overflowing due to pressure increase).

[0165] Heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path (flow path 260a, described below) in which PCU 263 and the like are provided. For example, heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing between oil cooler 264 and eight-way valve 280 (on the downstream side of oil cooler 264). Heat medium temperature sensor 266 may also detect the temperature of the heat medium between PCU 263 and oil cooler 264, for example.

[0166] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through a path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P21 ) - the ADAS 271 - the battery 272 - the eight-way valve 280 (port P24 ).

[0167] 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). Battery 272 supplies driving power to the motor built into the transaxle. A battery temperature sensor 273 detects the temperature of battery 272.

[0168] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the cooler 220 is provided in the flow path 210a of the cooling circuit 210 (see Figure 11B ). The flow path 210a is a flow path connecting the port P23 and the port P25 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 210a is an example of the "fourth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0169] The radiator 231 is provided in the flow path 230a of the radiator circuit 230 (see Figure 11B ). Flow path 230a also includes a bypass path 230b. Bypass flow path 230b is provided to connect the portion between water-cooled condenser 251 and radiator 231 to eight-way valve 280. When the heat medium flows through bypass flow path 230b, the heat medium does not flow through radiator 231. Furthermore, when the heat medium flows through radiator 231, the heat medium does not flow through bypass flow path 230b. Flow path 230a is an example of a "third flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0170] Water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264 and liquid storage tank 265 (in Figure 11A and Figure 11B Only PCU 263 is shown as a representative example) provided in the flow path 260a of the drive unit circuit 260 (see Figure 11B ). The flow path 260a is a flow path connecting the port P28 and the port P22 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 260a is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0171] The battery 272 is provided in the flow path 270a of the battery circuit 270 (see Figure 11B ). The flow path 270a is a flow path connecting the port P21 and the port P24 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 270a is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0172] <Connectivity Mode>

[0173] Figure 11A ( Figure 11B )and Figure 12A ( Figure 12B ) are conceptual diagrams respectively showing the outlines of the first communication mode and the second communication mode of the eight-way valve 280. The second communication mode is an example of the "temperature increasing circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0174] In the first communication mode (refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B ), the internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P22 and port P21. Furthermore, in the first communication mode, the internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P24 and port P28. Furthermore, in the first communication mode, the internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P27 and port P23. Furthermore, in the first communication mode, the internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P25 and port P26. Furthermore, in the first communication mode, the radiator 231 and port P27 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected via the flow path 230a.

[0175] As a result, flow path 260a, where PCU 263 and the like are located, and flow path 270a, where battery 272 is located, are connected via eight-way valve 280. As a result, heat medium flows through first closed loop 11, which is comprised of water pump 261, PCU 263, eight-way valve 280, battery 272, eight-way valve 280, and water pump 261. First closed loop 11 is an example of a "second connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0176] Furthermore, the flow path 210a provided with the cooler 220 is connected to the flow path 230a of the radiator circuit 230 via the eight-way valve 280. As a result, the heat medium flows through the second closed loop 21, which is composed of the following: water pump 211 - cooler 220 - eight-way valve 280 - water-cooled condenser 251 - radiator 231 - eight-way valve 280 - water pump 211. The second closed loop 21 is an example of the "third connecting flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0177] exist Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the example shown, the first closed loop 11 and the second closed loop 21 are separate and independent from each other.

[0178] Here, if Figure 11A As shown, the eight-way valve 280 has a circular shape when viewed perpendicular to the paper surface. The eight-way valve 280 is configured to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0179] Figure 12A Indicates that the eight-way valve 280 is Figure 11A In this case, a path connecting port P24 and port P28 is formed by the internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280. In addition, a path connecting port P21 and port P25 is formed by the internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280. In addition, a path connecting port P22 and port P26 is formed by the internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280. In addition, a path connecting port P23 and port P27 is formed by the internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280. In addition, in the second communication mode, the bypass flow path 230b and the port P27 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected through the flow path 230a (bypass flow path 230b).

[0180] Therefore, if Figure 12B As shown, the heat medium flows through the third closed loop 31, which is composed of water-cooled condenser 251, eight-way valve 280, water pump 211, cooler 220, eight-way valve 280, battery 272, eight-way valve 280, water pump 261, PCU 263, eight-way valve 280, and water-cooled condenser 251. Radiator 231 is independent and separate from the third closed loop 31. The third closed loop 31 is an example of a "first connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0181] Therefore, by rotating the eight-way valve 280, the first communication mode can be easily switched (see Figure 11A and Figure 11B ) and the second connectivity mode (refer to Figure 12A and Figure 12B ).

[0182] <Control Method of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0183] Reference Figure 13 The control method of the thermal management system 2 is described in the flowchart of FIG. Figure 13 The process shown is just an example, and the control in this disclosure is not limited to Figure 13 In addition, descriptions of the same steps as those in the control flow in the first embodiment are simplified or omitted.

[0184] Following step S100, in step S210, ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of battery 272, detected by battery temperature sensor 273, is less than 10°C. If the temperature of battery 272 is less than 10°C (YES in S210), the process proceeds to step S220. If the temperature of battery 272 is 10°C or higher (NO in S210), the process ends. The threshold value in step S210 may be a value other than 10°C. At this point, flow path 270a of battery circuit 270 and flow path 260a of drive unit circuit 260 are disconnected and separated.

[0185] In step S220, ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium detected by heat medium temperature sensor 266 is higher than the temperature of battery 272 detected by battery temperature sensor 273. If the temperature of the heat medium is higher than the temperature of battery 272 (YES in S220), the process proceeds to step S230. If the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the temperature of battery 272 (NO in S220), the process proceeds to step S240.

[0186] In step S230, ECU 510 determines whether a user of electric vehicle 1a has requested heating. If so (YES in S230), the process proceeds to step S250. If not (NO in S230), the process proceeds to step S260.

[0187] In step S240, the ECU 510 performs the same operation as in step S140 of the first embodiment (see Figure 6 ) Similarly, control is performed to increase the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 260a. Then, the process returns to step S220.

[0188] In step S250, the ECU 510 determines whether the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 700 is higher than -10°C. When the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (Yes in S250), the process proceeds to step S260. When the outside air temperature is -10°C or lower (No in S250), the process proceeds to step S261. Note that the threshold of -10°C is set based on cooling the heat medium to around -10°C by expansion using the solenoid valve 246 (expansion valve). Additionally, -10°C is an example of the "predetermined threshold" of the present disclosure.

[0189] In step S260, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the heat management circuit 200 becomes Figure 11A and Figure 11B the first connection mode shown. At this time, when there is a heating requirement in step S230 (Yes in S230), the water pump 211 can also be driven.

[0190] In step S261, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the heat management circuit 200 becomes Figure 12A and Figure 12B the second connection mode shown.

[0191] In step S270, the ECU 510 warms up the battery 272 by continuing to form the state of the first connection mode or the second connection mode. The detailed processing performed in step S270 will be described later.

[0192] In step S280, the ECU 510 determines whether the temperature of the battery 272 detected by the battery temperature sensor 273 is 10°C or higher. When the temperature of the battery 272 is 10°C or higher (Yes in S280), the process proceeds to step S290. When the temperature of the battery 272 is less than 10°C (No in S280), the process returns to step S270. Additionally, the threshold in step S280 may be a value other than 10°C as long as it is above the threshold in step S210.

[0193] In step S290, the ECU 510 changes the heat management circuit 200 from Figure 11A and Figure 11B the first connection mode shown (or Figure 12A and Figure 12B the second connection mode shown) to another connection mode (for example, a connection mode suitable for the running of the electric vehicle 1a). After that, the process ends.

[0194] <Processing in S270>

[0195] As Figure 14As shown, the process of step S270 includes the processes of steps S271 through S273. In step S271, ECU 510 sets (initializes) the flow rate (output) of water pump 261 to a predetermined value. This predetermined value is a relatively low value within the range of flow rates that can be output by water pump 261 (e.g., approximately 1 / 4 of the upper limit). The process of step S271 is only performed in the initial flow.

[0196] In step S272, ECU 510 determines whether the difference between the temperature of the heat medium detected by heat medium temperature sensor 266 and the temperature of battery 272 detected by battery temperature sensor 273 is greater than 10°C (heat medium temperature - battery 272 temperature > 10°C). If the difference is greater than 10°C (YES in S272), the process proceeds to step S273. If the difference is less than 10°C (NO in S272), the process proceeds to step S280 (see Figure 13 ).

[0197] In step S273, ECU 510 increases the flow rate (output) of water pump 261. For example, ECU 510 sets the flow rate (output) of water pump 261 to the upper limit of the range of flow rates that can be output by water pump 261. If the flow rate (output) of water pump 261 is already set to the upper limit in step S273, the flow rate (output) of water pump 261 is not changed.

[0198] like Figure 15 As shown, the processing of step S270 includes the processing of steps S274 to S277. In step S274, ECU510 determines whether there is a request from the user to activate the heating. If there is such a request (yes in S274), the processing proceeds to step S275. If there is no such request (no in S274), the processing proceeds to step S280 (see Figure 13 ).

[0199] In step S275, ECU 510 drives water pump 211. If water pump 211 is already being driven, the driving of water pump 211 is continued.

[0200] In step S276, ECU 510 determines whether the detection value of outside air temperature sensor 700 is -10°C or lower. If the outside air temperature is -10°C or lower (YES in S276), the process proceeds to step S277. If the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C (NO in S276), the process proceeds to step S280 (see Figure 13 ).

[0201] In step S277, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 to form a third closed loop 31 (see FIG. 1 ) connecting the first closed loop 11 to the flow path 210a. Figure 12B ). The third closed loop 31 and the radiator 231 are separated and independent from each other. In addition, if the thermal management circuit 200 is already in the second communication mode (ie, after S261), the ECU 510 maintains the thermal management circuit 200 in the second communication mode.

[0202] Alternatively, only one of the series of processes of steps S274 and S275 and the series of processes of steps S276 and S277 may be performed.

[0203] The other structures and effects in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will not be repeated.

[0204] [Third embodiment]

[0205] In the third embodiment, two six-way valves are used, unlike the second embodiment which uses the eight-way valve 280. The same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0206] <Overall Structure>

[0207] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of a thermal management system 3 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 3 is different from the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 2 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 300 instead of the thermal management circuit 200 and an ECU 520 instead of the ECU 510. Figure 9 )different.

[0208] Thermal management circuit 300 includes 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 each an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0209] The cooler 220 is provided in the flow path 210b of the cooling circuit 210. The flow path 210b is provided to connect the cooling circuit 210 to the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390. The flow path 210b is an example of the "fourth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0210] The radiator 231 is provided in the flow path 230c. The flow path 230c is provided so as to connect the radiator 231 and the six-way valve 390. In addition, the flow path 230c is an example of the "third flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0211] Water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and reservoir tank 265 are provided in flow path 260b of drive unit circuit 260. Flow path 260b is provided to connect drive unit circuit 260 to six-way valve 380 and six-way valve 390, respectively. Flow path 260b is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0212] The battery 272 is provided in the flow path 270b of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270b is provided to connect the battery circuit 270 and the six-way valve 380. The flow path 270b is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0213] The ECU 520 controls the thermal management circuit 300 . The ECU 520 includes a processor 521 , a memory 522 , a storage 523 , and an interface 524 .

[0214] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0215] Figure 17 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the heat management circuit 300 in the third embodiment. Figure 17 As shown, the six-way valve 380 includes six ports P31 to P36. In addition, the six-way valve 390 includes six ports P41 to P46.

[0216] The six-way valve 380 is connected to the six-way valve 390. Specifically, the port P35 of the six-way valve 380 is connected to the port P45 of the six-way valve 390 via the flow path 5. The port P36 of the six-way valve 380 is connected to the port P46 of the six-way valve 390 via the flow path 6.

[0217] The heat medium circulating in the cooling circuit 210 flows through a path of the six-way valve 380 (port P33 ) - the water pump 211 - the cooler 220 - the six-way valve 390 (port P43 ).

[0218] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through the six-way valve 390 (port P41 ) - the water-cooled condenser 251 - the radiator 231 - the six-way valve 390 (port P44 ).

[0219] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through a path of the six-way valve 390 (port P42 ) - the reservoir 265 - the water pump 261 - the SPU 262 - the PCU 263 - the oil cooler 264 - the six-way valve 380 (port P32 ).

[0220] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through a path of the six-way valve 380 (port P31 ) - the ADAS 271 - the battery 272 - the six-way valve 380 (port P34 ).

[0221] <Connectivity Mode>

[0222] Figure 18 and Figure 19 These are conceptual diagrams schematically illustrating a first communication mode and a second communication mode of the heat management circuit 300 formed by controlling the six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390. The second communication mode is an example of a "temperature increasing circuit" in the present disclosure.

[0223] exist Figure 18 In the illustrated first communication mode, a path connecting the port P31 with the port P32 , a path connecting the port P34 with the port P35 , and a path connecting the port P33 with the port P36 are formed by the six-way valve 380 .

[0224] In the first communication mode, the six-way valve 390 forms a path connecting the port P42 with the port P45 , a path connecting the port P44 with the port P46 , and a path connecting the port P41 with the port P43 .

[0225] In addition, in the first communication mode, a path (flow path 5 ) that connects the port P35 and the port P45 and a path (flow path 6 ) that connects the port P36 and the port P46 are formed.

[0226] This connects flow path 260b, which includes PCU 263, six-way valve 380, six-way valve 390, and flow path 270b, which includes battery 272. As a result, heat medium flows through first closed loop 12, which runs from water pump 261 to PCU 263, six-way valve 380, battery 272, six-way valve 380, six-way valve 390, and water pump 261. First closed loop 12 is an example of a "second connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0227] Furthermore, flow path 210b, which includes cooler 220, flow path 230c, which includes radiator 231, six-way valve 380, and six-way valve 390 are connected. As a result, heat medium flows through second closed loop 22, which runs from water pump 211 to cooler 220 to radiator 231 to six-way valve 390 to six-way valve 380 to water pump 211. Second closed loop 22 is an example of a "third connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0228] exist Figure 19 In the second communication mode shown, a path connecting port P31 with port P32 and a path connecting port P33 with port P34 are formed by six-way valve 380. In addition, a path connecting port P42 with port P43 is formed by six-way valve 390.

[0229] Thus, the heat medium flows through the third closed circuit 32 of cooler 220-six-way valve 390-water pump 261-PCU 263-six-way valve 380-battery 272-six-way valve 380-water pump 211-cooler 220. The third closed circuit 32 is an example of the "first connecting flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0230] <Control Method of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0231] Reference Figure 20 The control method of the heat management system 3 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The same steps as those in the control flow of the second embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

[0232] If the answer is No in step S230 or Yes in step S250, the process proceeds to step S360. If the answer is No in step S250, the process proceeds to step S361.

[0233] In step S360, the ECU 520 makes the thermal management circuit 300 Figure 18 The six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 are controlled in the manner of the first communication mode shown. Then, the process proceeds to step S370.

[0234] In step S361, the ECU 520 makes the thermal management circuit 300 Figure 19 The six-way valve 380 and the six-way valve 390 are controlled in the manner of the second communication mode shown. Then, the process proceeds to step S370.

[0235] The processing of step S370 is similar to the processing of step S270 in the second embodiment (see Figure 14 and Figure 15 ) are the same, so repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0236] In addition, other structures and effects in the third embodiment are the same as those in the above-mentioned second embodiment.

[0237] [Fourth embodiment]

[0238] In the fourth embodiment, a ten-way valve is used, unlike the second embodiment which uses the eight-way valve 280. The same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0239] <Overall Structure>

[0240] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of a thermal management system 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 4 is different from the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 2 ) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 400 instead of the thermal management circuit 200 and an ECU 530 instead of the ECU 510. Figure 9 )different.

[0241] Thermal management circuit 400 includes chiller circuit 210, cooler 220, radiator circuit 230, refrigeration cycle 240, condenser 250, drive unit circuit 260, battery circuit 270, and ten-way valve 480. Ten-way valve 480 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0242] The cooler 220 is provided in the flow path 210c of the cooling circuit 210. The flow path 210c is provided so as to connect the cooling circuit 210 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 210c is an example of the "fourth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0243] The radiator 231 is provided in the flow path 230d. The flow path 230d is provided in a manner to connect the radiator 231 and the ten-way valve 480. In addition, the flow path 230d includes a bypass flow path 230e (see Figure 22 The bypass flow path 230e is provided so as to connect the portion between the radiator 231 and the water-cooled condenser 251 to the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 230d is an example of a "third flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0244] Water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and reservoir tank 265 are provided in flow path 260c of drive unit circuit 260. Flow path 260c is provided to connect drive unit circuit 260 and ten-way valve 480. Flow path 260c is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0245] The battery 272 is provided in the flow path 270c of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270c is provided so as to connect the battery circuit 270 and the ten-way valve 480. In addition, the flow path 270c includes a bypass flow path 270d (see Figure 22 The bypass flow path 270d is provided so as to connect the portion between the ADAS 271 and the battery 272 and the ten-way valve 480. The flow path 270c is an example of the "first flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0246] The ECU 530 controls the thermal management circuit 400 . The ECU 530 includes a processor 531 , a memory 532 , a storage 533 , and an interface 534 .

[0247] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0248] Figure 22 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the heat management circuit 400 in the fourth embodiment. Figure 22 As shown, the ten-way valve 480 includes ten ports P50-P59.

[0249] The heat medium circulating in the cooling circuit 210 flows through a path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P53 ) - the water pump 211 - the cooler 220 - the ten-way valve 480 (port P55 ).

[0250] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows through one or both of the first path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P56) - water-cooled condenser 251 - radiator 231 - ten-way valve 480 (port P57) and the second path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P59) - bypass flow path 230e - ten-way valve 480 (port P57).

[0251] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through a path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P58 ) - the reservoir 265 - the water pump 261 - the SPU 262 - the PCU 263 - the oil cooler 264 - the ten-way valve 480 (port P52 ).

[0252] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through one or both of a first path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P51) - ADAS 271 - battery 272 - ten-way valve 480 (port P54) and a second path of the ten-way valve 480 (port P51) - ADAS 271 - bypass flow path 270d - ten-way valve 480 (port P50).

[0253] <Connectivity Mode>

[0254] Figure 23A ( Figure 23B )and Figure 24A ( Figure 24B ) are conceptual diagrams respectively showing the outlines of the first communication mode and the second communication mode by the ten-way valve 480. The second communication mode is an example of the "temperature increasing circuit" of the present disclosure.

[0255] In the first communication mode (refer to Figure 23A and Figure 23B ), the internal flow path 481 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P52 and port P51. Furthermore, in the first communication mode, the internal flow path 482 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P54 and port P58. Furthermore, in the first communication mode, the internal flow path 483 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P57 and port P53. Furthermore, in the first communication mode, the internal flow path 484 of the ten-way valve 480 forms a path connecting port P55 and port P56.

[0256] As a result, flow path 260c, where PCU 263 and the like are located, and flow path 270c, where battery 272 is located, are connected via ten-way valve 480. As a result, heat medium flows through first closed loop 13, which is comprised of water pump 261, PCU 263, ten-way valve 480, battery 272, ten-way valve 480, and water pump 261. First closed loop 13 is an example of a "second connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0257] Furthermore, flow path 210c, where cooler 220 is located, and flow path 230d (radiator 231) of radiator circuit 230 are connected via ten-way valve 480. As a result, heat medium flows through second closed circuit 23, which runs from water pump 211 to cooler 220, to ten-way valve 480, to water-cooled condenser 251, to radiator 231, to ten-way valve 480, and finally to water pump 211. Second closed circuit 23 is an example of a "third connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0258] exist Figure 23A and Figure 23B In the example shown, the first closed loop 13 and the second closed loop 23 are separate and independent from each other.

[0259] Figure 24A Indicates from Figure 23A The second communication mode switches the flow paths of internal flow paths 481 to 484 according to the state of the valve. In this case, internal flow path 481 of ten-way valve 480 forms a passage connecting port P56 and port P57. Furthermore, internal flow path 482 of ten-way valve 480 forms a passage connecting port P52 and port P51. Furthermore, internal flow path 483 of ten-way valve 480 forms a passage connecting port P55 and port P59. Furthermore, internal flow path 484 of ten-way valve 480 forms a passage connecting port P53 and port P54.

[0260] Therefore, if Figure 24B As shown, the heat medium flows through the third closed circuit 33, which is composed of water pump 261, PCU 263, ten-way valve 480, battery 272, ten-way valve 480, water pump 211, cooler 220, ten-way valve 480, bypass flow path 230e, ten-way valve 480, and water pump 261. The third closed circuit 33 is an example of a "first connecting flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0261] Therefore, by rotating the internal flow paths 481 to 484, the first communication mode can be easily switched (see Figure 23A and Figure 23B ) and the second connectivity mode (refer to Figure 24A and Figure 24B ).

[0262] <Control Method of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0263] Reference Figure 25 Flowchart illustrating the control method of the thermal management system 4. Figure 25 The process shown is just an example, and the control in this disclosure is not limited to Figure 25 In addition, descriptions of the same steps as those in the control flow in the second embodiment are simplified or omitted.

[0264] If the answer is No in step S230 or Yes in step S250, the process proceeds to step S460. If the answer is No in step S250, the process proceeds to step S461.

[0265] In step S460, the ECU 530 makes the thermal management circuit 400 Figure 23A and Figure 23B The ten-way valve 480 is controlled in the manner of the first communication mode shown. Then, the process proceeds to step S470.

[0266] In step S461, the ECU 530 makes the thermal management circuit 400 Figure 24A and Figure 24B The ten-way valve 480 is controlled in the manner of the second communication mode shown. Then, the process proceeds to step S470.

[0267] The processing of step S470 is similar to the processing of step S270 in the second embodiment (see Figure 14 and Figure 15 ) are the same, so repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0268] In addition, other structures and effects in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the above-mentioned second embodiment.

[0269] While the first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate examples in which battery temperature increase control is performed at the start of driving the electric vehicle 1a (when the travel system is activated), the present disclosure is not limited to this. Alternatively, the temperature increase control may be initiated a predetermined time before the next scheduled travel start time (e.g., 30 minutes before). Furthermore, in these cases, control may be performed to prevent the electric vehicle's motor from generating torque (e.g., to flow only one phase of the three-phase current supplied to the motor).

[0270] In addition, if Figure 26 As shown, temperature rise control may also be performed at the start of external charging (e.g., rapid charging) in which the battery is charged using charging power supplied from a charging device (not shown) outside the electric vehicle. For example, when the insertion of the charging plug is detected by the ECU 500 in step S400, the process proceeds to step S110. In a case where it is determined in step S180 or S110 that the temperature of the battery 173 is above 10°C, the process proceeds to step S410. In addition, 10°C is an example of a "predetermined temperature" in the present disclosure. In step S410, the ECU 500 starts control of external charging (rapid charging). In addition, in Figure 26 describes an example in which plugging in is a trigger for battery temperature control, but even before plugging in, battery temperature control may be started at a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) before the scheduled external charging start time (charging power supply start time). Figure 26 The above control is typically applied to the first embodiment, but can also be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the above temperature increase control can also be executed at the start of normal charging (low-speed charging, which is slower than fast charging).

[0271] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the thermal management system is provided in an electric vehicle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermal management system may be provided in an electrical device other than the electric vehicle (eg, a stationary power storage device).

[0272] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the output of the water pump is increased over time, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the output of the water pump may be constant.

[0273] While the first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate an example in which the battery temperature is raised using the first communication mode when the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, a circuit other than the first communication mode may be formed to raise the battery temperature when the outside air temperature is higher than -10°C.

[0274] While the first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate examples in which the communication pattern of the heat management circuit is controlled based on the presence or absence of a heating request and the outside air temperature, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The communication pattern of the heat management circuit may be controlled based on only one of the presence or absence of a heating request and the outside air temperature. Furthermore, the communication pattern of the heat management circuit may be controlled regardless of the presence or absence of a heating request or the outside air temperature.

[0275] While the first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate an example in which the first communication mode (warming circuit) is established when the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path of the PCU (drive unit) is higher than the temperature of the battery, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first communication mode may be established based solely on, for example, the battery temperature, regardless of the relationship between the heat medium and battery temperatures.

[0276] While the first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate an example in which the water pump output is increased to a predetermined value when the temperature difference between the heat medium and the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the water pump output may be gradually increased (proportionally) as the difference increases. Furthermore, the water pump output may be increased to the predetermined value a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) after the start of temperature rise control in the first (or second) communication mode.

[0277] While the first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate examples in which battery temperature increase control is performed at the start of driving the electric vehicle 1a (when the travel system is activated), the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, even at a time other than the start of driving the electric vehicle 1a (when the travel system is activated), the temperature increase control described above may be performed when the battery temperature falls below a predetermined threshold (10°C in the above embodiment). In this case, the ECU may acquire the battery temperature detection value at predetermined intervals (e.g., once an hour).

[0278] While the first to fourth embodiments described above illustrate an example in which the first communication mode (heating circuit) is established at the start of driving of the electric vehicle 1a (when the driving system is activated) and the battery temperature is raised using the current flowing through the battery, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first communication mode may be established after the electric vehicle 1a has finished driving (after current no longer flows through the battery), and the battery temperature may be raised using a heat medium heated by heat generated by the PCU, etc. Alternatively, the battery temperature may be raised by flowing a larger current than usual through the battery while the electric vehicle 1a is driving in the second communication mode.

[0279] In the second embodiment described above, the second communication mode using the eight-way valve 280 is shown (see Figure 12A and Figure 12B ), but can also be achieved through Figure 12A and Figure 12B A circuit other than the circuit shown in the figure is used to increase the temperature of the battery. Figure 27A and Figure 27B The thermal management loop is shown in Figure 1. Figure 27A and Figure 27B In the communication mode shown, internal flow path 281 of eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P23 and port P24. Furthermore, in the above-described communication mode, internal flow path 282 of eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P25 and port P26. Furthermore, in the above-described communication mode, internal flow path 283 of eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P21 and port P22. Furthermore, in the above-described communication mode, internal flow path 284 of eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P27 and port P28. Thus, a closed circuit 34 is formed: water pump 211 - cooler 220 - port P25 - port P26 - water-cooled condenser 251 - port P27 - port P28 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P22 - port P21 - battery 272 - port P24 - port P23 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 34 is an example of a “first connecting flow path” in the present disclosure.

[0280] In the third embodiment described above, the second communication mode using the six-way valve 380 is shown (see Figure 19 ), but can also be achieved through Figure 19 A circuit other than the circuit shown in the figure is used to increase the temperature of the battery. Figures 28 to 30 Thermal management loop as shown.

[0281] exist Figure 28 In the illustrated communication mode, six-way valve 380 forms a path connecting ports P31 and P32, a path connecting ports P33 and P34, and a path connecting ports P35 and P36. Six-way valve 390 also forms a path connecting ports P42 and P45, and a path connecting ports P43 and P46. Furthermore, a path (flow path 5) connecting ports P35 and P45, and a path (flow path 6) connecting ports P36 and P46 are formed. This forms a closed circuit 35: water pump 211 - cooler 220 - port P43 - port P46 - port P36 - port P35 - port P45 - port P42 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P32 - port P31 - battery 272 - port P34 - port P33 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 35 is an example of the “first connecting flow path” in the present disclosure.

[0282] exist Figure 29 In the illustrated communication mode, six-way valve 380 forms a path connecting ports P31 and P32, a path connecting ports P34 and P35, and a path connecting ports P36 and P33. Six-way valve 390 also forms a path connecting ports P42 and P43, and a path connecting ports P45 and P46. Furthermore, a path (flow path 5) connecting ports P35 and P45, and a path (flow path 6) connecting ports P36 and P46 are formed. This forms a closed circuit 36: water pump 211 - cooler 220 - port P43 - port P42 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P32 - port P31 - battery 272 - port P34 - port P35 - port P45 - port P46 - port P36 - port P33 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 36 ​​is an example of the “first connecting flow path” in the present disclosure.

[0283] exist Figure 30In the illustrated communication mode, six-way valve 380 forms a path connecting ports P31 and P36, a path connecting ports P33 and P34, and a path connecting ports P32 and P35. Six-way valve 390 also forms a path connecting ports P42 and P43, and a path connecting ports P45 and P46. Furthermore, a path (flow path 5) connecting ports P35 and P45, and a path (flow path 6) connecting ports P36 and P46 are formed. This forms a closed circuit 37: water pump 211 - cooler 220 - port P43 - port P42 - water pump 261 - PCU 263 - port P32 - port P35 - port P45 - port P46 - port P36 - port P31 - battery 272 - port P34 - port P33 - water pump 211. The closed circuit 37 is an example of the “first connecting flow path” in the present disclosure.

[0284] In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the high temperature circuit 110 is provided in the heat management circuit 100 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The high temperature circuit 110 may not be provided in the heat management circuit 100 (see Figure 31 ). In addition, in the second to fourth embodiments, a high temperature circuit may be provided as in the first embodiment (see Figures 32 to 34 ).

[0285] Furthermore, the configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and each of the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0286] In addition, refer to Figure 35 The following describes the details of the battery temperature control. The battery 173 is connected to the converter 810 via the system main relay (SMR) 800. The converter 810 is connected to the inverter 820. The inverter 820 is connected to the motor 830. In addition, a discharge circuit 840 including a switch and a resistor is connected to the battery 173. In addition, a smoothing capacitor 850 is provided between the battery 173 and the converter 810. In addition, a discharge circuit 860 composed of a switch and a resistor is connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor 850. In addition, Figure 35 In the figures, the structure of the first embodiment is representatively shown, but the second to fourth embodiments can also be configured in the same manner.

[0287] 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.

[0288] [Fifth embodiment]

[0289] Next, refer to Figure 36 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.

[0290] <Overall Structure>

[0291] The heat management system (not shown) of the fifth embodiment is different from the heat management system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a heat management circuit 1000 instead of the heat management circuit 100 . Figure 1 )different.

[0292] 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.).

[0293] 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.

[0294] The compressor 1101 compresses the working medium. 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.

[0295] 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 .

[0296] 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).

[0297] 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.

[0298] First circulation flow path 1150 is the flow path through which the working medium circulates. First circulation flow path 1150 sequentially connects compressor 1101, expansion valve 1102, and heat exchanger 1103. 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.

[0299] 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.

[0300] The electronic expansion valve 1106 expands the working medium and is provided in the first circulation flow path 1150 between the heat exchanger 1103 and the in-vehicle evaporator 1104 .

[0301] The power storage device bypass flow path 1151 is provided so as to bypass the power storage device 1110 .

[0302] 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.

[0303] Heater 1108 heats the air supplied to the vehicle interior. 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. Expansion valve 1109 expands the working medium flowing out of in-vehicle condenser 1107.

[0304] 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 .

[0305] 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 36 As indicated by the middle arrow, the first check valve 1161 allows the working medium to flow only toward the heat exchanger 1103 .

[0306] 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 .

[0307] 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 .

[0308] 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 .

[0309] A first on-off valve 1171 is provided in first circulation flow path 1150 in parallel with power storage device bypass flow path 1151 and upstream of power storage device 1110. A second on-off valve 1172 is provided in in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153.

[0310] In the fifth 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, and 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.

[0311] 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 .

[0312] The pump 1201 pressurizes the liquid-phase heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger 1103. The radiator 1202 cools the heat medium discharged from the pump 1201.

[0313] 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.

[0314] The second circulation flow path 1250 is a flow path through which the heat supply medium circulates. The second circulation flow path 1250 sequentially connects the heat exchanger 1103, the pump 1201, and the radiator 1202. The heat exchanger 1103 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 and the second circulation flow path 1250.

[0315] Drive device 1210 supplies driving force to the electrical equipment (electric vehicle 1a). Drive device 1210 includes components operating at high voltage, such as a motor, motor controller, and a three-in-one charging and distribution system. These components generate a large 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.

[0316] The radiator bypass flow path 1251 is connected to the second circulation flow path 1250 in a manner that bypasses the radiator 1202 .

[0317] A three-way valve 1271 is provided at the connection portion between the upstream end of the second circulation flow path 1250 and 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. Alternatively, three-way valve 1271 can 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.

[0318] The first thermal management system 1100 and the second thermal management system 1200 include a switching device capable of switching the flow path for the working medium and the flow path for the heat medium. In the fifth 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 between a heating mode for heating the power storage device 1110, a cooling mode for cooling the power storage device 1110, a vehicle interior cooling mode, a vehicle interior heating mode, or a combination of these modes. Figure 36 This mode is a combination of a heating mode for heating power storage device 1110 and a vehicle interior heating mode.

[0319] When the temperature of the power storage device 1110 increases, the ECU 500 Figure 36 In this mode, the first on-off valve 1171, the second on-off valve 1172 and the expansion valve 1109 are opened, and the third on-off valve 1173 is closed. Figure 36As indicated by the middle arrow, the working medium discharged from compressor 1101 heats up power storage device 1110 by exchanging heat with it. Furthermore, the working medium, having passed through power storage device 1110, expands in expansion valve 1102, becoming a low-temperature liquid. Furthermore, the working medium discharged from compressor 1101 exchanges heat with the air inside the vehicle in vehicle condenser 1107. The working medium, having passed through vehicle condenser 1107, expands in expansion valve 1109, becoming a low-temperature liquid. The working medium expanded in expansion valves 1102 and 1109, respectively, exchanges heat with the heat medium in 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 vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153, flows into gas-liquid separator 1105, and then flows back into compressor 1101.

[0320] In addition, Figure 36 In the illustrated mode, three-way valve 1271 allows the heat medium to pass 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.

[0321] As described above, when the temperature of power storage device 1110 rises, the switching device connects first circulation flow path 1150 to power storage device bypass flow path 1151 and disconnects radiator 1202 from second circulation flow path 1250. Furthermore, the state in which first circulation flow path 1150 and power storage device bypass flow path 1151 are connected means that the working medium flows through both power storage device bypass flow path 1151 (in-vehicle condenser 1107) and first circulation flow path 1150 (power storage device 1110).

[0322] 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.

[0323] For example, the heating condition may be set such 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 working 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 heat 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.

[0324] Specifically, if Figure 37 As shown, it is determined whether the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1182 is greater than or equal to the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1181 (step S500). If the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1182 is greater than or equal to the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1181 (YES in S500), driving of compressor 1101 is started (step S510). If the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1182 is less than the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1181 (NO in S500), the process of step S500 is repeated.

[0325] 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 was activated. In other words, the compressor 1101 may be driven with a delay relative to the activation 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.

[0326] Specifically, if Figure 38 As shown, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive device 1210 was activated (step S600). If the predetermined time has elapsed since at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive device 1210 was activated (yes in S600), driving of the compressor 1101 is started (step S610). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since at least one of the pump 1201 and the drive device 1210 was activated (no in S600), the process of step S600 is repeated.

[0327] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, during the self-heating of power storage device 1110, first circulation flow path 1150 is connected to power storage device bypass flow path 1151, and radiator 1202 is separated from second circulation flow path 1250. Consequently, heat from the working medium discharged from compressor 1101 is efficiently supplied to power storage device 1110, and 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.

[0328] [Sixth embodiment]

[0329] Next, refer to Figure 39 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.

[0330] <Overall Structure>

[0331] The heat management system (not shown) of the sixth embodiment is different from the heat management system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that it includes a heat management circuit 2000 instead of the heat management circuit 100 . Figure 1 )different.

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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 .

[0334] 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).

[0335] The circulation flow path 2250 is a flow path through which the working medium circulates, and sequentially connects the compressor 2201 , the condenser 2202 , the first expansion valve 2203 , and the in-vehicle evaporator 2204 .

[0336] 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.

[0337] The refrigeration circuit 2200 also includes a manifold 2207 , a receiving dryer 2208 , and an internal heat exchanger 2209 .

[0338] 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.

[0339] 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 2206, a fifth flow path 2151, and a switching device 2170. The switching device 2170 has ports P61 to P65.

[0340] The first circuit 2110 includes a first flow path 2111 , a power storage device (battery) 2112 , a first pump 2113 , and a fourth flow path 2141 .

[0341] 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.

[0342] The second circuit 2120 includes a second flow path 2121 , a second pump 2122 , a driving device, and a fourth flow path 2141 .

[0343] exist Figure 39 In the circuit pattern shown, the heat medium flowing out of switching device 2170 (port P64, described later) flows through fourth flow path 2141 before branching into first flow path 2111 and second flow path 2121 at branching portion 2115. Specifically, first flow path 2111 and second flow path 2121 are connected to switching device 2170 in parallel.

[0344] 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 .

[0345] The drive device supplies driving force to the electrical equipment (electric vehicle 1a). The drive device is connected to the second flow path 2121 so as to exchange 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 the sixth 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.

[0346] 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 .

[0347] Fourth flow path 2141 is a flow path for the heat supply medium to flow. Cooler 2206 is connected to fourth flow path 2141 and in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 2251. Cooler 2206 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.

[0348] The switching device 2170 can switch the connection state of each of the flow paths 2111, 2121, 2131, 2141, and 2151. In the sixth embodiment, the switching device 2170 is formed of a five-way valve.

[0349] like Figure 39 As shown, one end of the first flow path 2111 is connected to the port P62 of the switching device 2170. The heat medium flowing in the first flow path 2111 flows from the port P62 into the switching device 2170. The other end of the first flow path 2111 is connected to the branch portion 2115.

[0350] One end of the second flow path 2121 is connected to the port P61 of the switching device 2170. The heat medium flowing through the second flow path 2121 flows from the port P61 into the switching device 2170. The other end of the second flow path 2121 is connected to the branch portion 2115.

[0351] One end of third flow path 2131 is connected to port P65 of switching device 2170. The heat medium flowing out of port P65 flows through third flow path 2131. The other end of third flow path 2131 is connected to a portion of second flow path 2121 between second pump 2122 and branch portion 2115.

[0352] One end of the fourth flow path 2141 is connected to the port P64 of the switching device 2170. The heat medium flowing out of the port P64 flows through the fourth flow path 2141. The other end of the fourth flow path 2141 is connected to the branch portion 2115.

[0353] One end of the fifth flow path 2151 is connected to the port P63 of the switching device 2170. The heat medium flowing out of the port P63 flows through the fifth flow path 2151. The other end of the fourth flow path 2141 is connected to a portion between the branch portion 2115 and the first pump 2113.

[0354] Switching device 2170 can switch heat management circuit 2200 to a heating mode for heating power storage device 2112 , a cooling mode for cooling power storage device 2112 , a vehicle interior cooling mode, a vehicle interior heating mode, or a combination thereof. Figure 39 This mode is a combination of a heating mode for heating power storage device 2110 and a vehicle interior heating mode.

[0355] When the temperature of the power storage device 2112 rises, the ECU 500 Figure 39 The switching device 2170 is controlled in the mode shown. In this mode, ports P61, P62, and P64 are opened, and ports P63 and P65 are closed. In addition, the first pump 2113 and the second pump 2122 are driven.

[0356] Therefore, if Figure 39 As indicated by the middle arrows, the heat medium flowing from port P64 of switching device 2170 into fourth flow path 2141 branches at branching portion 2115 and then flows into first pump 2113 and second pump 2122. The heat medium, pressurized by first pump 2113, heats up power storage device 2112 through heat exchange, then flows into port P62 of switching device 2170. The heat medium, pressurized by second pump 2122, absorbs heat from the drive device through heat exchange, then flows into port P61 of switching device 2170. Meanwhile, in the above-described mode, ports P63 and P65 are closed, so the heat medium does not flow through third flow path 2131 and fifth flow path 2151.

[0357] 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, the fourth flow path 2141, and the switching device 2170, and a second circuit 2120 in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path 2121, the fourth flow path 2141, and the switching device 2170, and separates the third flow path 2131 from the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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 (port P61) in the first flow path 2121.

[0360] Specifically, if Figure 40As shown, it is determined whether the temperature detected by temperature sensor 2182 is equal to or higher than the temperature detected by temperature sensor 2181 (step S700). If the temperature detected by temperature sensor 2182 is equal to or higher than the temperature detected by temperature sensor 2181 (YES in S700), driving of second pump 2122 is started (step S710). If the temperature detected by temperature sensor 2182 is lower than the temperature detected by temperature sensor 2181 (NO in S700), the process of step S700 is repeated.

[0361] Alternatively, the heating condition may be set to require a predetermined time to have elapsed since the temperature of the power storage device 2112 began to rise (or since the drive device began to operate). In other words, the second pump 2122 may be driven with a delay relative to the temperature rise (operation of the drive device) of the power storage device 2112. In this case, the predetermined time may be set to the time required for the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the second flow path 2121 to the port P61 of the switching device 2170 to reach approximately the temperature of the power storage device 2112.

[0362] Specifically, if Figure 41 As shown, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of temperature increase of power storage device 2112 (since the start of activation of the drive device) (step S800). If the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of temperature increase of power storage device 2112 (since the start of activation of the drive device) (YES in S800), driving of second pump 2122 is started (step S810). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of temperature increase of power storage device 2112 (since the start of activation of the drive device) (NO in S800), the process of step S800 is repeated.

[0363] As described above, in the sixth embodiment, during the self-heating of power storage device 2112, first circuit 2110 and second circuit 2120 are formed, and third flow path 2131 is separated from first circuit 2110 and second circuit 2120. 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. Consequently, both the effective utilization of heat generated by the drive device and the increased efficiency of self-heating of power storage device 2112 can be achieved.

[0364] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated not by the above description of the embodiments but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0365] Description of Reference Numerals

[0366] 1, 2, 3, 4 Thermal management system, 1a Electric vehicle (electrical equipment), 10, 11, 12, 13 First closed circuit (second connecting flow path), 20, 21, 22, 23 Second closed circuit (third connecting flow path), 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 Third closed circuit (first connecting flow path), 114 Heater core (air conditioning circuit), 122 Low-temperature radiator (radiator), 130a, 230a, 230c, 230d Flow path (third flow path), 130b, 260a, 260b, 260c Flow path (second flow path), 131, 261 Water pump (pump), 133, 263 PCU (drive unit), 134, 264 oil cooler (drive unit), 137, 266 heat medium temperature sensor (second temperature sensor), 160, 220 cooler (cooler unit), 170a, 210a, 210b, 210c flow path (fourth flow path), 170b, 270a, 270b, 270c flow path (first flow path), 173, 272 battery (storage device), 175, 273 battery temperature sensor (first temperature sensor), 180, 190 five-way valve (switching device), 231 radiator, 240 refrigeration cycle (air conditioning circuit), 280 eight-way valve (switching device), switching device), 380, 390 six-way valves (switching device), 480 ten-way valve (switching device), 1101 compressor, 1102 expansion valve, 1103 heat exchanger, 1109 expansion on-off valve (switching device), 1110 power storage device, 1150 first circulation flow path, 1151 power storage device bypass flow path, 1170 in-vehicle condenser (condenser), 1171 first on-off valve (switching device), 1172 second on-off valve (switching device), 1173 third on-off valve (switching device), 1201 pump, 1202 radiator, 1210 drive device, 1250 second circulation flow path, 1251 radiator bypass flow path , 1271 three-way valve (switching device), 2110 first circuit, 2111 first flow path, 2112 power storage device, 2113 first pump, 2120 second circuit, 2121 second flow path, 2122 second pump, 2123 front inverter (drive device), 2124 front electric motor (drive device), 2125 DCDC converter (drive device), 2126 rear inverter (drive device), 2127 rear electric motor (drive device), 2128 ADAS-ECU (drive device), 2131 third flow path, 2132 radiator, 2141 fourth flow path, 2170 switching device, 2206 cooler.

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 electrical storage device for exchanging heat with the heat medium in the first flow path; a driving device, capable of generating a driving force by exchanging heat with the heat medium in the second flow path; a radiator, disposed in the third flow path; a cooling device, disposed in the fourth flow path; and a switching device capable of switching the connection states among the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path; When a first flow path circuit having a first connecting flow path connecting the first flow path, the second flow path, and the fourth flow path and the radiator being separated from the first connecting flow path is used as a temperature increasing circuit, When the temperature of the power storage device increases, the switching device forms the temperature increase circuit.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical device is an electric vehicle, When the travel system of the electric vehicle is activated, the power storage device is heated up.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The power storage device is configured to be externally charged using charging power supplied from a charging device external to the electrical device. The temperature of the power storage device is increased so that the temperature of the power storage device becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature when the external charging is started.

4. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The thermal management system further includes a pump provided in the second flow path for circulating the heat medium. During the temperature increase, the output of the pump is increased as time passes.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The thermal management system further comprises: a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the power storage device; and a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat medium in the second flow path; During the temperature increase, when the detection value of the second temperature sensor is larger than the detection value of the first temperature sensor, the switching device forms the temperature increase loop.

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The electrical device is an electric vehicle, The cooling device is configured to perform heat exchange with an air conditioning circuit that adjusts the room temperature of the electric vehicle. During the temperature increase, when there is a heating request using the air-conditioning circuit and the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the switching device forms the temperature increase circuit.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein: When the power storage device is heated in a state where the second connecting flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path and the third connecting flow path connecting the third flow path and the fourth flow path are separated and independent from each other, the switching device forms the temperature rising circuit when the outside air temperature becomes below the predetermined threshold value.

8. 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 electrical storage device bypass flow path, arranged so as to bypass the electrical 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 heat medium to flow, When the temperature of the power storage device rises, the switching device connects the first circulation flow path to the power storage device bypass 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.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, 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.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 8 or 9, 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.

11. 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 cooling device, 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 with each other. The switching device forms a first circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path, the fourth flow path, and the switching device when the temperature of the power storage device rises, and a second circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path, the fourth flow path, and the switching device, and separates the third flow path from the first circuit and the second circuit.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 11, 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.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein: The heating condition is set such that a predetermined time has elapsed since the driving device was activated.

14. The thermal management system according to claim 12 or 13, 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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