Thermal management system and control device

Abstract

When a compressor (41) in a refrigerant circuit module (1) is stopped and a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit (40) is placed in a high-temperature state, a control device acquires a heat-related state of the refrigerant from a state detection unit (80), and controls the refrigerant circuit module (1) according to the acquired heat-related state of the refrigerant. The control device executes at least one of an operation of performing the heat medium circuits (50, 60, 70) and an operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit, and after execution, the control device performs an operation capable of maximizing the output of the compressor on the basis of the heat-related state of the refrigerant acquired from the state detection unit. Thus, the refrigerant circuit module performs normal operation.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-45092 filed on March 22, 2023, and claims priority thereto. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system, a control device. BACKGROUND

[0004] In the past, for example, a structure is proposed in which a heat medium circuit connected to a refrigerant circuit is operated in accordance with the temperature of the refrigerant circuit (Patent Literature 1).

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-128546

[0008] Generally, a refrigerant circuit is configured such that functional components such as a compressor, a heat exchanger, and the like that constitute a refrigeration cycle are connected by piping, hoses. Each device is disposed at a position separated from each other by the piping, the hoses.

[0009] According to the above-described structure, heat movement with the outside air, pressure loss occurs in the piping, the hoses, and therefore the capacity of the refrigerant circuit decreases. Therefore, in order to compensate for the portion in which the capacity of the refrigerant circuit decreases, the power consumption increases. As a result, the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit decreases.

[0010] Therefore, it is considered to integrate each functional component of the refrigerant circuit in one place and modularize. By this, the piping, the hoses become short, and therefore it is possible to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit.

[0011] However, there is a possibility that the refrigerant circuit is left in a high-temperature state after the operation of the refrigerant circuit ends in summer, and the like. In the case where the refrigerant circuit is left in a high temperature, the pressure of the refrigerant rises.

[0012] In the case where the compressor that is a power source of the refrigerant circuit is started in a state where the pressure of the refrigerant rises, there is a possibility that the pressure of the refrigerant becomes an abnormally high pressure. In addition, as the pressure of the refrigerant rises, it is necessary to increase the starting torque of the motor that operates the compressor, and therefore there is a possibility that the compressor cannot be started due to the insufficient torque of the motor.

[0013] The abnormally high pressure of the refrigerant, the insufficient starting torque of the compressor can be taken countermeasures by design change of the compressor, the motor, the control device that drives the motor. However, in order to eliminate the insufficient starting torque of the compressor, the compressor, the control device are upsized, and therefore the refrigerant circuit module is upsized. SUMMARY

[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal management system, a control device, which can operate a compressor without making the compressor and the control device large even in a condition where a refrigerant pressure becomes high after a refrigerant circuit is left at a high temperature in a state where the refrigerant circuit is integrated as a refrigerant circuit module.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a thermal management system includes:

[0016] a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, the refrigerant circuit being configured to circulate a refrigerant in accordance with an operation of the compressor;

[0017] a state detection unit configured to detect a thermal-related state of the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit;

[0018] a heat medium circuit connected to the refrigerant circuit and configured to circulate a heat medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant; and

[0019] a control device configured to perform at least one of an operation of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit and an operation of the heat medium circuit,

[0020] the refrigerant circuit, the state detection unit, and the control device are integrated as one in a refrigerant circuit module, the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is entirely within the refrigerant circuit module,

[0021] when the compressor is stopped in the refrigerant circuit module and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is left at a high temperature,

[0022] the control device acquires the thermal-related state of the refrigerant from the state detection unit, and performs at least one of the operation of the heat medium circuit and an operation of suppressing an output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit in accordance with the acquired thermal-related state of the refrigerant,

[0023] after the performance, the control device performs an operation capable of maximizing the output of the compressor based on the thermal-related state of the refrigerant acquired from the state detection unit, thereby causing the refrigerant circuit module to perform a normal operation.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a control device is included in a thermal management system having:

[0025] a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, the refrigerant circuit being configured to circulate a refrigerant in accordance with an operation of the compressor;

[0026] a state detection unit configured to detect a thermal-related state of the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit; and

[0027] a heat medium circuit connected to the refrigerant circuit and circulating a heat medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant,

[0028] the control device controls the operation of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit and the operation of the heat medium circuit,

[0029] the control device and the refrigerant circuit and the state detecting portion are integrated as a refrigerant circuit module, and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is entirely within the refrigerant circuit module,

[0030] when the compressor is stopped in the refrigerant circuit module and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is left in a high-temperature state,

[0031] the control device acquires the heat-related state of the refrigerant from the state detecting portion, and based on the acquired heat-related state of the refrigerant, performs at least one of the operation of the heat medium circuit and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit,

[0032] after the performance, the control device performs the operation capable of maximizing the output of the compressor based on the heat-related state of the refrigerant acquired from the state detecting portion, thereby causing the refrigerant circuit module to perform the normal operation.

[0033] Thus, in the case where the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is left in a high-temperature state, the high-temperature state of the refrigerant can be improved by the operation of the heat medium circuit or the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit. That is, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant can be lowered. Therefore, in the state where the refrigerant circuit is integrated as the refrigerant circuit module, even in the condition where the refrigerant pressure becomes high after the high-temperature leaving of the refrigerant circuit, the compressor can be caused to operate without making the compressor or the control device large. Therefore, the refrigerant circuit module can be caused to perform the normal operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] The above objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a thermal management system according to a first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the control content of an integrated ECU.

[0037] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control content of an integrated ECU according to a second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a thermal management system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, a plurality of modes for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, there are cases where the same reference signs are annotated to portions corresponding to matters already explained in the preceding embodiment and repeated explanation is omitted. In each embodiment, only a part of the constitution is explained, and as for the other parts of the constitution, the other preceding embodiment explained can be applied. Not only in each embodiment, parts that can be combined are specifically indicated to be combinable with each other, but even if not specifically indicated, the embodiments can be partially combined with each other as long as there is no particular obstacle to the combination.

[0040] (First Embodiment)

[0041] Reference Figure 1 A first embodiment in the present disclosure will be explained. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant circuit module 1 to which the present disclosure is directed is applied to a thermal management system 100 mounted on an electric vehicle such as an electric automobile, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, or the like. The electric vehicle is a vehicle that obtains a driving force for running from an electric motor.

[0042] The thermal management system 100 performs air conditioning of a vehicle interior as an air conditioning target space, and performs temperature adjustment of an on-vehicle device. Therefore, the thermal management system 100 can be called an air conditioning device with on-vehicle device cooling function or an on-vehicle device cooling device with air conditioning function.

[0043] As Figure 1 indicated, the thermal management system 100 includes a higher-level ECU 10, an LV battery 20, and an HV battery 30. The thermal management system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 40, a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 50, a first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60, a second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70, a state detection portion 80, and an integrated ECU 90.

[0044] In addition, the thermal management system 100 has an indoor air conditioning unit for supplying air conditioning air that is temperature-adjusted by warm heat or cold heat generated by the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0045] The higher-level ECU 10 communicates with the integrated ECU 90. ECU is an abbreviation of Electronic Control Unit. The higher-level ECU 10 outputs a state notification and an action request to the integrated ECU 90 and inputs a state notification and an action request from the integrated ECU 90 through a communication unit.

[0046] The higher-level ECU 10 is constituted by a well-known microcomputer and its peripheral circuit including a processor 11, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The higher-level ECU 10 performs various kinds of arithmetic operations and processing based on a control program stored in the ROM.

[0047] The LV battery 20 is, for example, a low-voltage battery of about 12 V. The LV battery 20 supplies low-voltage electric power to the integrated ECU 90.

[0048] The HV battery 30 is, for example, a high-voltage battery of several hundred V. The HV battery 30 supplies high-voltage electric power to the in-vehicle devices requiring high voltage, according to an instruction from the upper ECU 10 or the integrated ECU 90.

[0049] The HV battery 30 is a secondary battery that accumulates electric power to be supplied to the plurality of in-vehicle devices that operate by electric power. The HV battery 30 is a battery pack formed by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells stacked in series or in parallel. The battery cell involved in the present embodiment is a lithium ion battery.

[0050] The refrigerant circuit 40 is a vapor compression type refrigerating machine. The refrigerant circuit 40 uses, for example, a freon-based refrigerant as a refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant circuit 40 constitutes a subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. Refrigeration oil for lubricating the compressor 41 is mixed in the refrigerant. The refrigeration oil is, for example, PAG oil. A part of the refrigeration oil circulates in the cycle together with the refrigerant.

[0051] The refrigerant circuit 40 includes the compressor 41, the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42, the receiver 43, the first expansion valve 44, the second expansion valve 45, the first chiller 46, and the second chiller 47.

[0052] The compressor 41 sucks, compresses, and discharges the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 40. The compressor 41 houses a compression mechanism portion that compresses the gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 40 and an MOT 41A for actuating the compression mechanism portion, in the inside of a housing formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0053] The MOT 41A is an electric motor that outputs a rotational driving force for driving the compressor 41. Therefore, in the refrigerant circuit 40, the refrigerant circulates according to the actuation of the compressor 41. The rotation speed of the MOT 41A is controlled according to an instruction from the integrated ECU 90.

[0054] The discharge port side of the compressor 41 is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 via a high-pressure side flow path 48A that is a refrigerant flow path. The heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 has a refrigerant passage 42A through which the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 flows, and a heat medium passage 42B through which the high-temperature side heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 50 flows.

[0055] The heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 is a condenser that exchanges heat between the high-pressure refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage 42A and the high-temperature side heat medium flowing in the heat medium passage 42B to condense the high-pressure refrigerant. That is, the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 radiates heat possessed by the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 to the high-temperature side heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 50 to heat the high-temperature side heat medium.

[0056] The refrigerant outlet side of the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 is connected to the receiver 43 via the high-pressure side flow path 48A. The receiver 43 is a gas-liquid separation portion that separates the refrigerant gas-liquid flowing out of the refrigerant passage 42A of the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42, causes the liquid-phase refrigerant to flow to the downstream side, and stores the remaining refrigerant circulating.

[0057] The refrigerant branch portion 49A is connected to the outlet in the receiver 43. In the refrigerant branch portion 49A, one of the three inflow outlets is used as a refrigerant inflow outlet, and the remaining two are used as refrigerant outflow outlets. That is, the refrigerant branch portion 49A is a branch portion that branches the flow of the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing out of the receiver 43.

[0058] The refrigerant outflow outlet on one side of the refrigerant branch portion 49A is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the first expansion valve 44 via the high-pressure side flow path 48A. The refrigerant outflow outlet on the other side of the refrigerant branch portion 49A is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the second expansion valve 45 via the high-pressure side flow path 48A.

[0059] The first expansion valve 44 is a pressure-reducing portion that pressure-reduces and expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing out of the outflow outlet on one side of the refrigerant branch portion 49A. The first expansion valve 44 is an electrically driven variable throttle mechanism. The first expansion valve 44 has a valve core and an electrically driven actuator. The valve core is configured to be able to change the opening degree of the flow path of the refrigerant. That is, the valve core is able to change the throttle opening degree. The electrically driven actuator has a stepping motor that changes the throttle opening degree of the valve core.

[0060] The first expansion valve 44 is configured by a variable throttle mechanism having a full-closing function that fully closes the flow path of the refrigerant. The first expansion valve 44 is controlled by a control signal output from the integrated ECU 90.

[0061] The refrigerant outflow outlet of the first expansion valve 44 is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the first cold machine 46 via the low-pressure side flow path 48B. The first cold machine 46 has a refrigerant passage 46A in which the low-pressure refrigerant pressure-reduced by the first expansion valve 44 flows and a heat medium passage 46B in which the low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60 flows. The first cold machine 46 is an evaporator that exchanges heat between the low-pressure refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage 46A and the low-temperature side heat medium flowing in the heat medium passage 46B to evaporate the low-pressure refrigerant to exert a heat-absorbing function.

[0062] The outlet side of the refrigerant passage 46A in the first chiller 46 is connected to the refrigerant confluence portion 49B via the low-pressure side flow path 48B. In the refrigerant confluence portion 49B, two of the three inflow outlets are used as refrigerant inflow outlets, and the remaining one is used as a refrigerant outflow outlet. That is, the refrigerant confluence portion 49B is a confluence portion that confluences the flow of the refrigerant branched by the refrigerant branching portion 49A.

[0063] The other refrigerant outlet in the refrigerant branching portion 49A is connected to the second expansion valve 45. The second expansion valve 45 is a pressure-reducing portion that pressure-reduces the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing out from the other outflow outlet of the receiver 43. The second expansion valve 45 is configured to be able to change the opening degree of the flow path of the refrigerant, like the first expansion valve 44.

[0064] In addition, the second expansion valve 45 is configured by a variable throttle mechanism having a full-closing function that fully closes the flow path of the refrigerant. The second expansion valve 45 is controlled by a control signal output from the integrated ECU 90.

[0065] The refrigerant outflow outlet of the second expansion valve 45 is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the second chiller 47 via the low-pressure side flow path 48B. The second chiller 47 has a refrigerant passage 47A that allows the low-pressure refrigerant after pressure reduction by the second expansion valve 45 to flow therethrough, and a heat medium passage 47B that allows the low-temperature-side heat medium circulating in the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 to flow therethrough. The second chiller 47 is an evaporator that exchanges heat between the low-pressure refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage 47A and the low-temperature-side heat medium flowing in the heat medium passage 47B, and evaporates the low-pressure refrigerant to exert a heat-absorbing action.

[0066] The outlet side of the refrigerant passage 47A in the second chiller 47 is connected to the refrigerant confluence portion 49B via the low-pressure side flow path 48B. Therefore, the refrigerant confluence portion 49B confluences the flow of the refrigerant flowing out from the first chiller 46 and the flow of the refrigerant flowing out from the second chiller 47. Also, the outflow outlet of the refrigerant confluence portion 49B is connected to the suction inlet side of the compressor 41 via the low-pressure side flow path 48B.

[0067] Furthermore, in the refrigerant circuit 40 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant is compressed and pressure-boosted by the compressor 41, and after being pressure-reduced by the first expansion valve 44 or the second expansion valve 45, is sucked into the compressor 41. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path from the discharge outlet of the compressor 41 to the inflow outlet of the first expansion valve 44 or the second expansion valve 45 can be referred to as a high-pressure side flow path. In addition, the refrigerant flow path from the outflow outlet of the first expansion valve 44 or the second expansion valve 45 to the suction inlet of the compressor 41 can be referred to as a low-pressure side flow path.

[0068] Next, the respective heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 of the thermal management system 100 will be described. The respective heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 are circuits that are connected to the refrigerant circuit 40 and in which heat media that are capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant circulate.

[0069] First, the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 will be described. The high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 is a circuit in which a high-temperature-side heat medium circulates. The high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 uses a glycol aqueous solution as the high-temperature-side heat medium. The high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 includes the heat medium passage 42B of the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42, a high-temperature-side pump 51, and a heater core 52.

[0070] Further, the high-temperature-side heat medium can be any fluid that is capable of transferring heat that is heated by the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42, and various modes can be employed. For example, as the high-temperature-side heat medium, a liquid that contains at least glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, or a nanofluid, or an antifreeze liquid can be employed.

[0071] The high-temperature-side pump 51 is a heat medium pressure-feeding portion in the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 that sucks in and pressure-feeds the high-temperature-side heat medium. The discharge port side of the high-temperature-side pump 51 is connected to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 42B in the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 via a high-temperature-side heat medium flow path 53. Thus, the high-temperature-side pump 51 pressure-feeds the high-temperature-side heat medium toward the inlet side of the heat medium passage 42B of the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42. The high-temperature-side pump 51 is an electric water pump whose rotational speed, i.e., pressure-feeding capacity, is controlled by a control voltage output from the integrated ECU 90.

[0072] The outlet side of the heat medium passage 42B in the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 is connected to the heat medium inlet side of the heater core 52 via the high-temperature-side heat medium flow path 53. The heater core 52 is disposed inside the housing of the room air conditioning unit. The heater core 52 is a heating heat exchange portion that exchanges heat between the high-temperature-side heat medium that is heated by the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 and the supply air. The heater core 52 radiates the heat possessed by the high-temperature-side heat medium to the supply air, and heats the supply air. The heat medium outlet of the heater core 52 is connected to the suction port side of the high-temperature-side pump 51.

[0073] Thus, in the thermal management system 100, by the respective constituent devices of the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42 and the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 can be used as a heat source to heat the supply air, and the air conditioning air.

[0074] Next, the first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60 that constitutes the thermal management system 100 will be described. The first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60 is a circuit that circulates a low-temperature side heat medium. The first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60 uses the same kind of fluid as the high-temperature side heat medium as the low-temperature side heat medium. The first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60 includes the heat medium passage 46B of the first chiller 46, a first low-temperature side pump 61, and a battery heat exchange portion 62.

[0075] The first low-temperature side pump 61 is a heat medium pressure feeding portion that sucks and pressure feeds the low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60. The discharge port side of the first low-temperature side pump 61 is connected to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 46B in the first chiller 46 via a low-temperature side heat medium flow path 63. Thus, the first low-temperature side pump 61 pressure feeds the low-temperature side heat medium toward the inlet side of the heat medium passage 46B in the first chiller 46. The first low-temperature side pump 61 is an electric water pump whose rotational speed, that is, pressure feeding capacity is controlled by a control voltage output from the integrated ECU 90.

[0076] The outlet side of the heat medium passage 46B in the first chiller 46 is connected to the heat medium inlet side in the battery heat exchange portion 62 via the low-temperature side heat medium flow path 63. The battery heat exchange portion 62 is a heat exchange portion that causes the plurality of battery cells constituting the HV battery 30 and the low-temperature side heat medium to exchange heat.

[0077] The battery heat exchange portion 62 is configured to form a flow path for the low-temperature side heat medium to flow in a battery case that houses the plurality of battery cells. Also, the heat medium outlet of the battery heat exchange portion 62 is connected to the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 61.

[0078] Further, in Figure 1 , the battery heat exchange portion 62 and the HV battery 30 are described separately, but this is an example of a description method of the drawing. As described above, the battery heat exchange portion 62 and the HV battery 30 are configured to be integrated.

[0079] Thus, in the thermal management system 100, the temperature adjustment function of adjusting the temperature of the battery can be achieved by each of the constituent devices of the first chiller 46 and the first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60.

[0080] The HV battery 30 generates heat when charging and discharging. The HV battery 30 has characteristics that the output easily decreases at low temperatures and the deterioration easily progresses at high temperatures. Thus, the temperature of the HV battery 30 must be maintained within an appropriate temperature range. In the case of a lithium ion battery, the appropriate temperature range is, for example, 15°C or higher and 55°C or lower. Thus, the thermal management system 100 performs cooling of the HV battery 30 when the temperature of the HV battery 30 rises.

[0081] In this way, the thermal management system 100 can cool the battery by the cold heat generated by the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0082] Next, the second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70 that constitutes the thermal management system 100 will be described. The second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70 is a circuit that circulates a low-temperature side heat medium. The second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70 can employ the same kind of fluid as the high-temperature side heat medium as the low-temperature side heat medium. The second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70 includes a heat medium passage 47B of the second chiller 47, a second low-temperature side pump 71, and a cooler core 72.

[0083] The second low-temperature side pump 71 is a heat medium pumping unit that sucks and pumps the low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70. The discharge port side of the second low-temperature side pump 71 is connected to the inlet side of the heat medium passage 47B in the second chiller 47 via the low-temperature side heat medium flow path 63. Thus, the second low-temperature side pump 71 pumps the low-temperature side heat medium toward the inlet side of the heat medium passage 47B in the second chiller 47. The second low-temperature side pump 71 is an electric water pump whose rotational speed, i.e., pumping capacity, is controlled by a control voltage output from the integrated ECU 90.

[0084] The outlet side of the heat medium passage 47B in the second chiller 47 is connected to the heat medium inlet side in the cooler core 72 via the low-temperature side heat medium flow path 63. The cooler core 72 is a cooling heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70 and the supply air supplied to the vehicle cabin as an air conditioning target space, and cools the supply air.

[0085] The cooler core 72 is disposed inside the indoor air conditioning unit. The cooler core 72 absorbs heat from the supply air blown into the vehicle cabin to the low-temperature side heat medium. The cooler core 72 corresponds to an example of a cooling unit that takes the supply air as a cooling target. The heat medium outlet side of the cooler core 72 is connected to the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 71.

[0086] Thus, in the thermal management system 100, the low-pressure refrigerant reduced in pressure by the second expansion valve 45 can be used as a cold heat source to cool the supply air by each of the constituent devices of the second chiller 47 and the second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70. According to the above structure, the cooling target in the thermal management system 100 according to the present embodiment is air and the HV battery 30.

[0087] The state detection unit 80 detects a state related to the heat of the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40. The state related to the heat of the refrigerant is the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. That is, as a state value indicating the state related to the heat of the refrigerant, the state detection unit 80 detects the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant.

[0088] The state detection section 80 includes, for example, a first refrigerant temperature sensor 81, a second refrigerant temperature sensor 82, and a third refrigerant temperature sensor 83 in order to detect the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0089] The first refrigerant temperature sensor 81 is a refrigerant temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41. The first refrigerant temperature sensor 81 is disposed, for example, on the inlet side in the refrigerant passage 42A of the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42.

[0090] The second refrigerant temperature sensor 82 is a refrigerant temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the low-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the first cold machine 46. The second refrigerant temperature sensor 82 is disposed, for example, on the outlet side in the refrigerant passage 46A of the first cold machine 46.

[0091] The third refrigerant temperature sensor 83 is a refrigerant temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the low-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the second cold machine 47. The third refrigerant temperature sensor 83 is disposed, for example, on the outlet side in the refrigerant passage 47A of the second cold machine 47.

[0092] The state detection section 80 includes a refrigerant pressure sensor 84 in order to detect the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 40. The refrigerant pressure sensor 84 is disposed, for example, in the high-pressure side flow path 48A. In addition, a plurality of refrigerant pressure sensors 84 can be disposed in the high-pressure side flow path 48A.

[0093] Here, the thermal management system 100 includes various control sensors in addition to the state detection section 80. The thermal management system 100 includes, for example, a first heat medium temperature sensor, a second heat medium temperature sensor, a third heat medium temperature sensor, an inside air temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, a solar radiation sensor, and an air conditioning air temperature sensor.

[0094] The first heat medium temperature sensor is a heat medium temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the high-temperature side heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 50. The first heat medium temperature sensor is disposed, for example, on the outlet side of the heat medium passage 42B in the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42.

[0095] The second heat medium temperature sensor is a heat medium temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the first low-temperature side heat medium circuit 60. The second heat medium temperature sensor is disposed, for example, on the outlet side of the heat medium passage 46B in the first cold machine 46.

[0096] The third heat medium temperature sensor is a heat medium temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the second low-temperature side heat medium circuit 70. The third heat medium temperature sensor is disposed, for example, on the outlet side of the heat medium passage 47B in the second cold machine 47.

[0097] The inside air temperature sensor is an inside air temperature detecting section that detects an inside air temperature Tr as a temperature in a vehicle cabin. The outside air temperature sensor is an outside air temperature detecting section that detects an outside air temperature Tam as a temperature outside the vehicle cabin. The sunshine sensor is a sunshine amount detecting section that detects a sunshine amount As that is an amount of sunshine that is radiated into the vehicle cabin. The air conditioning air temperature sensor is an air conditioning air temperature detecting section that detects a blown air temperature TAV as a temperature of blown air that is blown out from the mixing space into the vehicle cabin.

[0098] The state detecting section 80 and the various sensors output the detection results to the integrated ECU 90. The detection timing of each sensor is set to any one of always, periodically, or irregularly.

[0099] The integrated ECU 90 performs communication with the upper ECU 10, operation of the compressor 41 of the refrigerant circuit 40, operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70, and communication with the ECUs mounted on the actuators included in each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70.

[0100] The integrated ECU 90 is configured by a well-known microcomputer including a processor 91, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and a peripheral circuit thereof. The integrated ECU 90 performs various operations and processes based on a control program stored in the ROM, and controls the operation of various control target devices connected to the output side.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the integrated ECU 90 has a determination unit that determines the operation of at least one of the refrigerant circuit 40 and each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 in accordance with the state of the refrigerant detected by the state detecting section 80. The integrated ECU 90 has a requirement unit for the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 and a requirement unit for the operation of the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0102] The integrated ECU 90 acquires information related to the state of the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 from the state detecting section 80. The integrated ECU 90 controls the operation of various control target devices in accordance with the information acquired from the state detecting section 80 and the various sensors for control.

[0103] Further, as the state related to the heat of the refrigerant, temperature information of a plurality of refrigerants is obtained by a plurality of sensors. Therefore, an average value of a plurality of temperatures can also be adopted as the temperature of the refrigerant. Alternatively, one or more temperatures can also be selectively adopted from among the temperatures of the plurality of refrigerants. In addition, in a case where pressure information of a plurality of refrigerants is obtained by a plurality of sensors, likewise, an average value of a plurality of pressure values can also be adopted as the pressure value. Alternatively, one or more pressure values can also be selectively adopted from among the pressure values.

[0104] The various control target devices include the compressor 41, the first expansion valve 44, the second expansion valve 45, the high-temperature side pump 51, the first low-temperature side pump 61, the second low-temperature side pump 71, an indoor blower of the indoor air conditioning unit, an indoor / outdoor air switching device, an air mixing door, and the like.

[0105] Although not shown, an operation panel disposed in the vicinity of an instrument panel in the front portion of the passenger compartment in the electric vehicle is connected to the input side of the integrated ECU 90. Operation signals from various operation switches provided in the operation panel are input to the integrated ECU 90.

[0106] As the various operation switches provided in the operation panel, specifically, there are an automatic switch, an air conditioning switch, a wind volume setting switch, a temperature setting switch, and the like. The automatic switch is an operation switch that sets or cancels automatic control operation of the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0107] The air conditioning switch is an operation switch that requests cooling of the blown air by the cooler core 72. The wind volume setting switch is an operation switch that is operated when the wind volume of the indoor blower is manually set. The temperature setting switch is an operation switch that sets the target temperature Tset of the passenger compartment.

[0108] Further, the integrated ECU 90 is a structure in which a control section that controls the various control target devices connected to the output side thereof is integrally constituted. Therefore, the structure (i.e., hardware and software) that controls the operation of each of the control target devices constitutes the control section that controls the operation of each of the control target devices.

[0109] For example, the structure in the integrated ECU 90 that controls the refrigerant discharge capacity (e.g., rotational speed) of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40 corresponds to a compressor control section. In addition, the structure in the integrated ECU 90 that controls the pressure reduction amount (i.e., throttle opening degree) in the first expansion valve 44 and the second expansion valve 45 of the refrigerant circuit 40 corresponds to a pressure reduction control section.

[0110] In the above structure, the refrigerant circuit 40, the state detection section 80, and the integrated ECU 90 are integrated as one. Here, the integrated as one means that the plurality of constituent devices that constitute the refrigerant circuit 40 are assembled and integrated at one location.

[0111] For example, as the constituent devices of the integrated refrigerant circuit 40, the compressor 41, the heat medium refrigerant heat exchanger 42, the receiver 43, the first expansion valve 44, the second expansion valve 45, the first cold machine 46, and the second cold machine 47 can be cited. For example, by assembling the above-described constituent devices in a flow path forming member that is a plate-shaped flow path forming member in which a flow path of a refrigerant is formed, integration can be achieved. The arrangement of each of the constituent devices in the flow path forming member can be appropriately set.

[0112] By the integration, the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is all present within the refrigerant circuit module 1. In other words, the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 does not flow out of the integrated refrigerant circuit module 1, nor does it flow in from the outside.

[0113] Next, the flowchart of Figure 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 to explain the operation of the thermal management system 100. As long as the thermal management system 100 continues to be used without being discarded, the flowchart of Figure 2 is repeated. In the present embodiment, the control program is processed by the processor 91 of the integrated ECU 90.

[0114] First, the integrated ECU 90 acquires the state detection of the refrigerant circuit 40 (step S10). That is, the integrated ECU 90 acquires each information of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant from the state detection portion 80 as a state value indicating the state of the thermal correlation of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0115] Next, the integrated ECU 90 determines whether the compressor 41 is stopped and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is left in a high-temperature state in the refrigerant circuit module 1 (step Sll). In the refrigerant circuit module 1, since the refrigerant is present only in the place where each of the components of the refrigerant circuit module 1 is integrated, the refrigerant rises to the refrigerant pressure corresponding to the temperature of the refrigerant circuit module 1 by the high-temperature leaving of the refrigerant circuit module 1.

[0116] Here, the state in which the refrigerant circuit module 1 is left refers to a condition in which the operation of the refrigerant circuit 40 is maintained in a stopped state. In addition, the high-temperature state of the refrigerant refers to a state in which the temperature of the refrigerant is, for example, 120°C or more. Alternatively, the high-temperature state of the refrigerant refers to a state in which the pressure of the refrigerant is, for example, 3 MPa or more. Of course, even in the case where the temperature of the refrigerant is less than 120°C and the pressure of the refrigerant is less than 3 MPa, as the state of the refrigerant circuit 40, there is a case where it can be said that it is high-temperature and high-pressure.

[0117] Specifically, the integrated ECU 90 compares the temperature of the refrigerant with the first determination threshold value. Therefore, the state detection portion 80 detects at least the temperature of the refrigerant as a state value indicating the state of the thermal correlation of the refrigerant.

[0118] Here, the first determination threshold value is a threshold value set to the temperature of the refrigerant. The first determination threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether the compressor 41 of the refrigerant circuit 40 can be operated at a normal output. The first determination threshold value is set in advance to the integrated ECU 90.

[0119] Further, in order to determine whether the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is left in a high-temperature state, a comparison can also be made between the pressure of the refrigerant and a first determination threshold. The first determination threshold in this case is set with respect to the pressure of the refrigerant. In addition, the state detecting portion 80 can detect at least the pressure of the refrigerant as a state value indicative of a heat-related state of the refrigerant.

[0120] Alternatively, in order to determine whether the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is left in a high-temperature state, a comparison can also be made between a comparison value derived from both the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant and a first determination threshold. The comparison value is set, for example, in accordance with a correlation map of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant. Thus, the first determination threshold in this case is set with respect to the comparison value.

[0121] In the case where the temperature of the refrigerant is less than the first determination threshold, the integrated ECU 90 causes the refrigerant circuit module 1 to perform normal operation (step S12). That is, the integrated ECU 90 causes the refrigerant circuit 40 and each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, and 70 to operate in accordance with an operation request from the upper ECU 10 and an operation signal from the operation panel of the electric automobile.

[0122] Under normal operation, the integrated ECU 90 performs operation that does not suppress the output of the compressor 41 of the refrigerant circuit 40. The operation that does not suppress the output of the compressor 41 refers to operation that can maximize the output of the compressor 41. In other words, it refers to operation that does not reduce the capacity of the compressor 41. Subsequently, the integrated ECU 90 returns to the start of the flowchart of Fig. 1. Figure 2

[0123] On the other hand, in the case where the temperature of the refrigerant is equal to or greater than the first determination threshold (step S10), the compressor 41 is stopped in the refrigerant circuit module 1 and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is left in a high-temperature state. In this case, the integrated ECU 90 causes the refrigerant circuit module 1 to operate in accordance with operation that is set in advance based on the state detection (step S13).

[0124] In the present embodiment, the operation that is set in advance based on the state detection refers to at least one of operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, and 70 and operation that suppresses the output of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0125] ​The operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 includes a case where only the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 is operated, a case where only the first low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 60 is operated, and a case where only the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 is operated. In addition, the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 includes a case where the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 and the first low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 60 are operated, a case where the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 and the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 are operated, and a case where the first low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 60 and the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 are operated. Furthermore, the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 includes a case where all of the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50, the first low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 60, and the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 are operated. In addition, in each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70, not only normal output operation but also operation with reduced output is possible.

[0126] The operation of suppressing the output of the compressor 41 refers to an operation of suppressing the rise in the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant when the compressor 41 is operated. That is, the compressor 41 is operated in a limited output manner. For example, the compressor 41 is operated in such a manner that the rotational speed of the compressor 41 is lower than that in normal operation. In addition, the rotational speed can be constant or can be changed in stages.

[0127] In both cases of the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40, the integrated ECU 90 simultaneously performs both the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor 41.

[0128] In addition, the integrated ECU 90 can calculate the efficiency and the consumed electric power of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 and the refrigerant circuit 40, and select the operation with high efficiency on the basis of the calculation result. In a case where the efficiency caused by the difference in operation cannot be calculated in the initial stopped state, the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 can be performed, and then the effect of the reduction in the refrigerant pressure caused by the reduced operation state can be evaluated, and the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 and the refrigerant circuit 40 can be selected.

[0129] In addition, not only the state of the high-temperature placement is improved by only the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70, but also the operation can be changed in accordance with the conditions of the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. Thus, the efficient operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 and the reduction in the start-up delay of the refrigerant circuit 40 can be performed.

[0130] In a state where the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is at a high temperature, the refrigerant pressure is high, and it is difficult to start the compressor 41. However, by the integrated ECU 90 cooling the refrigerant with each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 or causing the refrigerant circuit 40 to act in stages, it is possible to reduce the temperature and the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant. Thus, even in a case where the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is left in a state at a high temperature, it is possible to start the compressor 41.

[0131] Subsequently, the integrated ECU 90 returns to the start of the flowchart of Figure 2 the state detection section 80, and repeats the processing. The integrated ECU 90 again acquires the state detection by the state detection section 80, and causes the compressor 41 to perform the normal operation in a case where the temperature of the refrigerant is less than the first determination threshold value, and performs the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor 41 in a case where the temperature of the refrigerant is the first determination threshold value or more.

[0132] As described above, the integrated ECU 90 according to the present embodiment acquires the state related to the heat of the refrigerant from the state detection section 80 in a case where the compressor 41 is stopped in the refrigerant circuit module 1 and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 40 is left in a state at a high temperature. The integrated ECU 90 executes at least one of the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40 in accordance with the acquired state related to the heat of the refrigerant. The integrated ECU 90 performs the operation of not suppressing the output of the compressor 41, that is, the operation capable of exerting the output of the compressor 41 to the maximum, on the basis of the state related to the heat of the refrigerant acquired from the state detection section 80 after the execution of the above operation, and thereby causes the refrigerant circuit module 1 to perform the normal operation.

[0133] Thus, it is possible to reduce the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant. Therefore, it is possible to improve the high-temperature state of the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit module 1. That is, in the refrigerant circuit module 1, it is possible to drive the compressor 41 without making the compressor 41 or the integrated ECU 90 large, for a situation where the refrigerant pressure rises when left at a high temperature and the compressor 41 cannot be driven.

[0134] In addition, in the present embodiment, the state detection section 80 detects either one or both of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant as the state value indicating the state related to the heat of the refrigerant. In this way, since either one or both of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant is directly detected by the state detection section 80, it is possible to make a determination of the determination threshold value with high precision. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more appropriate operation of the compressor 41 in the integrated ECU 90.

[0135] As a modification, the integrated ECU 90 can also acquire either one or both of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant by estimation based on the detection value detected by the state detection portion 80 as the state value indicating the thermal correlation state of the refrigerant. Thereby, even in a structure in which the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant cannot be directly detected, the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant can be acquired as the thermal correlation state of the refrigerant.

[0136] The state value indicating the thermal correlation state of the refrigerant can also be acquired by measuring the temperature of a place related to the refrigerant in the thermal management system 100 in addition to estimation. Or, it can be the ambient temperature in the case of being left at a high temperature. In the left state, the relevant temperature can be utilized.

[0137] As a modification, the thermal management system 100 can also not have all of the respective heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70. For example, the thermal management system 100 can also be a structure having only the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 as the heat medium circuit. The thermal management system 100 can also be a structure having only the first low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 60 as the heat medium circuit. The thermal management system 100 can also be a structure having only the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 as the heat medium circuit. In addition, the thermal management system 100 can also be a structure having the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 and the first low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 60 as the heat medium circuits. The thermal management system 100 can also be a structure having the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 50 and the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 as the heat medium circuits. The thermal management system 100 can also be a structure having the first low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 60 and the second low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 70 as the heat medium circuits.

[0138] Further, the integrated ECU 90 of the present embodiment corresponds to a control device. In addition, the respective heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 correspond to heat medium circuits.

[0139] (Second Embodiment)

[0140] In the present embodiment, mainly the different parts from the first embodiment are described. In the present embodiment, the integrated ECU 90 has a plurality of determination thresholds for the state value indicating the thermal correlation state of the refrigerant. Specifically, the integrated ECU 90 has a first determination threshold for the state value indicating the thermal correlation state of the refrigerant and a second determination threshold larger than the first determination threshold.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the first determination threshold is a threshold for determining that the compressor 41 of the refrigerant circuit 40 cannot operate at all. The second determination threshold is a threshold for determining whether the refrigerant circuit 40 and the respective heat medium circuits 50, 60, 70 can operate in combination.

[0142] For example, in a case where the temperature of the refrigerant is adopted as the state value indicating the state of the heat-related state of the refrigerant, the first determination threshold value and the second determination threshold value are set with respect to the temperature of the refrigerant. The same applies to a case where the pressure of the refrigerant is adopted as the state value indicating the state of the heat-related state of the refrigerant, or a case where a comparison value derived from both the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant is adopted.

[0143] Next, the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to Figure 3 to explain the operation of the thermal management system 100. The processes of the step S20, the step S21, and the step S22 are common (identical) to the processes of the step S10, the step S11, and the step S12 shown in FIG. 7. Figure 2

[0144] However, the definition of the first determination threshold value of the step S21 is different from the definition of the first determination threshold value of the step S21 of FIG. 7. That is, in the step S21, it is determined whether the compressor 41 of the refrigerant circuit 40 is completely inoperable. Figure 2

[0145] The following is a case where the temperature of the refrigerant is adopted as the state value indicating the state of the heat-related state of the refrigerant, and the temperature of the refrigerant is equal to or higher than the first determination threshold value. In this case, the refrigerant circuit 40 is in a state where it cannot operate at full output. Therefore, it is necessary to cause each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, and 70 or the refrigerant circuit 40 to operate to reduce the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0146] The integrated ECU 90 determines whether the temperature of the refrigerant is equal to or higher than the second determination threshold value in a case where the temperature of the refrigerant is equal to or higher than the first determination threshold value (the step S23). The second determination threshold value is set to a value lower than the first determination threshold value.

[0147] In a case where the temperature of the refrigerant is lower than the second determination threshold value, the integrated ECU 90 causes the refrigerant circuit module 1 to operate according to the operation set in advance based on the state detection (the step S24).

[0148] In this case, if only the refrigerant circuit 40 is caused to operate, the temperature of the refrigerant and the pressure of the refrigerant rise, and it is difficult to start the compressor 41. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operation set in advance based on the state detection by the state detection portion 80 is an operation of both the operation of each of the heat medium circuits 50, 60, and 70 and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0149] ​​Furthermore, the operation of each heat medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and refrigerant circuit 40 is the same as in the first embodiment. Depending on the operation of each heat medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and refrigerant circuit 40, the refrigerant circuit module 1 can efficiently transition to specified conditions.

[0150] On the other hand, when the refrigerant temperature is above the second determination threshold, the integrated ECU 90 activates the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 50 (step S25). Alternatively, the integrated ECU 90 may activate only the first low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 60, or only the second low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 70. Of course, similar to the first embodiment, the integrated ECU 90 may selectively activate any one of the heat transfer circuits 50, 60, and 70. In each heat transfer circuit 50, 60, and 70, operation may be normal output or operation with decreased output. Subsequently, the integrated ECU 90 returns to... Figure 3 The process begins at the start of the flowchart and is repeated.

[0151] As explained above, the integrated ECU 90 has multiple judgment thresholds for state values ​​representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant, and can control the operation of each heat medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and the refrigerant circuit 40 based on the relationship between the thermally related state of the refrigerant and the multiple judgment thresholds. Here, the judgment thresholds for state values ​​representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant are not limited to two. Three or more judgment thresholds can also be set. Therefore, the operation of each heat medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and the refrigerant circuit 40 can be set in detail according to the state of the refrigerant.

[0152] (Third Implementation)

[0153] This embodiment mainly describes the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant circuit module 1 is composed of a refrigerant circuit 40, a status detection unit 80, various heat medium circuits 50, 60, and 70, an integrated ECU 90, and a host ECU 10 integrated into one unit.

[0154] As a control example in this case, the processor 11 of the host ECU 10 can also perform... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The process is as shown. That is, the upper ECU 10 performs at least one of the actions of each heat medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and the action of suppressing the output of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0155] As another control example, the host ECU10 can also perform... Figure 2 and Figure 3The illustrated processing is the operation request of each thermal medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and the refrigerant circuit 40 to the integrated ECU 90. The integrated ECU 90 causes each thermal medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and the refrigerant circuit 40 to operate in accordance with the operation request of the upper ECU 10.

[0156] As another control example, the integrated ECU 90 can also perform Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustrated processing is the operation request of each thermal medium circuit 50, 60, 70 to the upper ECU 10. In this way, the processing of the thermal management system 100 can also be divided by the integrated ECU 90 and the upper ECU 10.

[0157] Further, the upper ECU 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to a control device.

[0158] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0159] For example, the structure of the high-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 50, the first low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 60, and the second low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 70 in the thermal management system 100 to which the refrigerant circuit module 1 is applied is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the high-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 50, the first low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 60, and the second low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 70 are configured to independently circulate the thermal medium, but are not limited to this. That is, it can also be configured such that at least two of the high-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 50, the first low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 60, and the second low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 70 are connected in a manner that allows the outflow and inflow of the thermal medium.

[0160] In addition, the constituent devices provided to the high-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 50, the first low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 60, and the second low-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 70 are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Depending on the circuit structure of each thermal medium circuit 50, 60, 70, the structure of the thermal medium circuit 50, 60, 70 can be added or changed. For example, in the high-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 50, a high-temperature-side radiator and a flow rate adjustment valve can be added in addition to the heater core 52, and the heat of the thermal medium of the high-temperature-side thermal medium circuit 50, which remains after heating in the heater core 52, can be radiated in the high-temperature-side radiator.

[0161] The integrated ECU 90 and the upper ECU 10 can also receive an update program from an external server via a communication unit. Thereby, for example, the control content of the operation of each thermal medium circuit 50, 60, 70 and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40 can be changed. Of course, other control contents can also be updated.

[0162] While the present disclosure is described based on an embodiment, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment, the configuration. The present disclosure also includes various modifications, modifications within the equivalent scope. In addition, various combinations, modes, and other combinations, modes including only one element, one or more elements or less than a plurality of elements are also within the scope, the idea range of the present disclosure.

[0163] The technical features of the heat management system, the control device disclosed in the present specification are as follows.

[0164] (Item 1)

[0165] A heat management system includes:

[0166] A refrigerant circuit (40) having a compressor (41) for circulating a refrigerant according to the operation of the compressor;

[0167] A state detection unit (80) that detects a heat-related state of the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit;

[0168] A heat medium circuit (50, 60, 70) connected to the refrigerant circuit and circulating a heat medium capable of heat exchange with the refrigerant; and

[0169] A control device (10, 90) that operates the compressor of the refrigerant circuit and the operation of the heat medium circuit,

[0170] The refrigerant circuit, the state detection unit, and the control device are integrated as one refrigerant circuit module (1), and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is entirely within the refrigerant circuit module,

[0171] When the compressor is stopped in the refrigerant circuit module and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is left in a high-temperature state,

[0172] The control device acquires the heat-related state of the refrigerant from the state detection unit, and according to the acquired heat-related state of the refrigerant, at least one of the operation of the heat medium circuit and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit is executed,

[0173] After the execution, the control device performs an operation capable of maximizing the output of the compressor based on the heat-related state of the refrigerant acquired from the state detection unit, so that the refrigerant circuit module performs a normal operation.

[0174] (Item 2)

[0175] The heat management system according to item 1, wherein the control device has a plurality of determination thresholds for a state value indicating the heat-related state of the refrigerant, and based on a relationship between the heat-related state of the refrigerant and the plurality of determination thresholds, the control device executes at least one of an operation of the heat medium circuit and an operation of suppressing an output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit.

[0176] (Item 3)

[0177] The heat management system according to item 1,

[0178] The control device has a first determination threshold for a state value indicating the heat-related state of the refrigerant and a second determination threshold larger than the first determination threshold,

[0179] In a case where the state value is smaller than the first determination threshold, the control device causes the refrigerant circuit module to perform a normal operation,

[0180] In a case where the state value is equal to or larger than the first determination threshold and smaller than the second determination threshold, the control device performs both of an operation of the heat medium circuit and an operation of suppressing an output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit,

[0181] In a case where the state value is equal to or larger than the second determination threshold, the control device performs an operation of the heat medium circuit.

[0182] (Item 4)

[0183] The heat management system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the state detection portion detects either or both of a temperature and a pressure of the refrigerant as the state value indicating the heat-related state of the refrigerant.

[0184] (Item 5)

[0185] The heat management system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the control device acquires either or both of a temperature and a pressure of the refrigerant as the state value indicating the heat-related state of the refrigerant by estimation based on a detection value detected by the state detection portion.

[0186] (Item 6)

[0187] The heat management system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the refrigerant circuit, the state detection portion, the heat medium circuit, and the control device are integrated as the refrigerant circuit module.

[0188] (Item 7)

[0189] A control device is included in a thermal management system having:

[0190] a refrigerant circuit (40) having a compressor (41) for circulating a refrigerant according to an operation of the compressor;

[0191] a state detecting section (80) that detects a heat-related state of the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit; and

[0192] a heat medium circuit (50, 60, 70) connected to the refrigerant circuit and circulating a heat medium capable of heat exchange with the refrigerant,

[0193] the control device performs at least one of an operation of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit and an operation of the heat medium circuit,

[0194] the control device and the refrigerant circuit and the state detecting section are integrated as one refrigerant circuit module (1) in which the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is entirely contained,

[0195] when the compressor is stopped in the refrigerant circuit module and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is left in a high-temperature state,

[0196] the control device acquires the heat-related state of the refrigerant from the state detecting section, and performs at least one of an operation of the heat medium circuit and an operation of suppressing an output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit based on the acquired heat-related state of the refrigerant,

[0197] after the performance, the control device performs an operation capable of maximizing the output of the compressor based on the heat-related state of the refrigerant acquired from the state detecting section, thereby causing the refrigerant circuit module to perform a normal operation.

[0198] (item 8)

[0199] the control device according to item 7,

[0200] has a plurality of determination thresholds for a state value indicating the heat-related state of the refrigerant, and performs at least one of an operation of the heat medium circuit and an operation of suppressing an output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit based on a relationship between the heat-related state of the refrigerant and the plurality of determination thresholds.

[0201] (item 9)

[0202] the control device according to item 7,

[0203] a first determination threshold value for a state value representing the state of the heat-related state of the refrigerant and a second determination threshold value larger than the first determination threshold value,

[0204] in a case where the state value is smaller than the first determination threshold value, the control device causes the refrigerant circuit module to perform normal operation,

[0205] in a case where the state value is equal to or larger than the first determination threshold value and smaller than the second determination threshold value, the control device performs both of the operation of the heat medium circuit and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit,

[0206] in a case where the state value is equal to or larger than the second determination threshold value, the control device performs the operation of the heat medium circuit.

[0207] (Item 10)

[0208] According to the control device according to any one of items 7 to 9, the state detection section detects either one or both of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant as the state value representing the heat-related state of the refrigerant.

[0209] (Item 11)

[0210] According to the control device according to any one of items 7 to 9, either one or both of the temperature and the pressure of the refrigerant is obtained by estimation based on a detection value detected by the state detection section as the state value representing the heat-related state of the refrigerant.

[0211] (Item 12)

[0212] According to the control device according to any one of items 7 to 11, the control device is integrated as one together with the refrigerant circuit, the state detection section, and the heat medium circuit as the refrigerant circuit module.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, Include: A refrigerant circuit (40) having a compressor (41) for circulating refrigerant according to the operation of the compressor; A status detection unit (80) detects the thermally related status of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit; A heat transfer medium circuit (50, 60, 70), connected to the refrigerant circuit, providing circulation of a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant; and Control devices (10, 90) that operate the compressor in the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer medium circuit. The refrigerant circuit, the status detection unit, and the control device are integrated as a single refrigerant circuit module (1), and all the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is contained within the refrigerant circuit module. When the compressor stops in the refrigerant circuit module and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is placed in a high-temperature state, The control device acquires the thermally related state of the refrigerant from the state detection unit, and based on the acquired thermally related state of the refrigerant, executes at least one of the operation of the heat medium circuit and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit. After the execution, the control device performs an operation that maximizes the output of the compressor based on the thermally related state of the refrigerant obtained from the state detection unit, thereby enabling the refrigerant circuit module to operate normally.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device has a plurality of determination thresholds for state values ​​representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant. Based on the relationship between the thermally related state of the refrigerant and the plurality of determination thresholds, the control device performs at least one of the operation of the heat medium circuit and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device has a first determination threshold for a state value representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant and a second determination threshold that is larger than the first determination threshold. If the state value is less than the first determination threshold, the control device causes the refrigerant circuit module to perform normal operation. When the state value is above the first determination threshold and below the second determination threshold, the control device performs two actions: operating the heat medium circuit and suppressing the compressor output in the refrigerant circuit. When the state value is above the second determination threshold, the control device performs the operation of the heat medium circuit.

4. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The state detection unit detects either or both of the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant as a state value representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control device, based on the detection value detected by the state detection unit, estimates either or both of the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant as a state value representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant.

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit, the status detection unit, the heat medium circuit, and the control device are integrated as a single refrigerant circuit module.

7. A control device included in a thermal management system, the thermal management system having: A refrigerant circuit (40) having a compressor (41) for circulating refrigerant according to the operation of the compressor; A condition detection unit (80) detects the thermally related state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit; and A heat transfer medium circuit (50, 60, 70) is connected to the refrigerant circuit and provides a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant. The control device performs the operation of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit and the operation of the heat medium circuit, characterized in that, The control device, the refrigerant circuit, and the status detection unit are integrated together as a refrigerant circuit module (1), and all the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is contained within the refrigerant circuit module. When the compressor stops in the refrigerant circuit module and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is placed in a high-temperature state, The control device acquires the thermally related state of the refrigerant from the state detection unit, and based on the acquired thermally related state of the refrigerant, executes at least one of the operation of the heat medium circuit and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit. After the execution, the control device performs an operation that maximizes the output of the compressor based on the thermally related state of the refrigerant obtained from the state detection unit, thereby enabling the refrigerant circuit module to operate normally.

8. The control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Having multiple determination thresholds for state values ​​representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant, the control device performs at least one of the operation of the heat medium circuit and the operation of suppressing the output of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit based on the relationship between the thermally related state of the refrigerant and the multiple determination thresholds.

9. The control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It has a first determination threshold for a state value representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant and a second determination threshold that is larger than the first determination threshold. If the state value is less than the first determination threshold, the control device causes the refrigerant circuit module to perform normal operation. When the state value is above the first determination threshold and below the second determination threshold, the control device performs two actions: operating the heat medium circuit and suppressing the compressor output in the refrigerant circuit. When the state value is above the second determination threshold, the control device performs the operation of the heat medium circuit.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The state detection unit detects either or both of the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant as a state value representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant.

11. The control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, Based on the detection value detected by the state detection unit, either or both of the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant are estimated as state values ​​representing the thermally related state of the refrigerant.

12. The control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The control device, the refrigerant circuit, the status detection unit, and the heat medium circuit are integrated together as a single refrigerant circuit module.

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