Cooling system and hybrid electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a cooling system and a hybrid electric vehicle, and relates to the technical field of automobile thermal management systems. The cooling system comprises a first cooling assembly, a second cooling assembly, an air inlet cooler, an electric drive device and an electric control device. An inlet of the second cooling assembly and an inlet of the air inlet cooler both communicate with an outlet of the first cooling assembly, and an inlet of the electric drive device and an inlet of the electric control device both communicate with an outlet of the second cooling assembly. The first cooling assembly is used for cooling the cooling medium to a first temperature range, the second cooling assembly is used for cooling the cooling medium to a second temperature range, and the maximum temperature value of the second temperature range is smaller than the minimum temperature value of the first temperature range. According to the cooling system, the cooling requirement of engine air inlet can be met through the first cooling assembly, the cooling requirement of the electric drive device and the electric control device can be met through the second cooling assembly, and therefore the temperature of the first cooling assembly does not need to be lowered to increase energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive thermal management system technology, and in particular to a cooling system and a hybrid vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are new energy vehicles that combine two energy sources, unlike traditional gasoline or pure electric vehicles. PHEVs offer multiple driving modes, including pure electric, engine mode, and hybrid mode, with complex coupling mechanisms between them. To ensure optimal operation of PHEVs under different power modes and conditions, their cooling systems must maintain the operating temperatures of the engine, electric drive unit (motor drive unit), electronic control units (battery management unit and vehicle control unit), and battery within a reasonable range, ensuring stable and efficient operation of these components.

[0003] The cooling of the engine intake air temperature, electric drive unit, and electronic control unit is achieved through a medium-temperature cooling circuit in the cooling system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the existing medium-temperature cooling circuit consists of a radiator 1 and pipes. After the coolant is cooled by the radiator 1, part of it enters the engine's intake air cooler 2 to cool the engine's intake air, and the other part enters the electric drive unit 3 and the electronic control unit 4 for cooling.

[0004] However, the target cooling temperatures of the electric drive unit 3 and the electronic control unit 4 are inconsistent with the target cooling temperature of the engine. The target cooling temperatures of the electric drive unit 3 and the electronic control unit 4 are lower. Therefore, the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the radiator 1 is higher for the electric drive unit 3 and the electronic control unit 4, which often results in the cooling temperature of the electric drive unit 3 and the electronic control unit 4 not meeting the standard. Lowering the temperature of the radiator 1 to make the cooling temperature of the electric drive unit 3 and the electronic control unit 4 meet the standard will greatly increase the energy consumption of the radiator 1 and reduce the efficiency of the cooling system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooling system and a hybrid electric vehicle to alleviate the technical problem in existing hybrid electric vehicles where the engine intake air cooler, electric drive unit, and electronic control unit share a single cooling circuit for cooling. However, the target cooling temperature of the electric drive unit and electronic control unit is lower than that of the engine, resulting in the cooling temperature at the electric drive unit and electronic control unit often failing to meet the standard. Lowering the temperature at the radiator to achieve the target cooling temperature at the electric drive unit and electronic control unit would increase the energy consumption of the radiator and reduce the efficiency of the cooling system.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cooling system, comprising a first cooling component, a second cooling component, an intake air cooler, an electric drive device, and an electronic control device; The inlet of the second cooling component and the inlet of the air intake cooler are both connected to the outlet of the first cooling component, and the inlet of the electric drive device and the inlet of the electric control device are both connected to the outlet of the second cooling component. The first cooling component is used to cool the cooling medium to a first temperature range, and the second cooling component is used to cool the cooling medium that has been cooled to the first temperature range to a second temperature range, wherein the maximum temperature value of the second temperature range is less than the minimum temperature value of the first temperature range.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the outlet of the electric drive device and the outlet of the electric control device are both connected to the inlet of the first cooling component.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the outlet of the second cooling component, the electric drive device, the electric control device, and the inlet of the first cooling component are connected in sequence.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the outlet of the intake cooler is connected to the inlet of the first cooling component.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the outlet of the electronic control device, the outlet of the air intake cooler, and the inlet of the first cooling component are connected by a three-way valve.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the inlet of the second cooling component, the inlet of the air intake cooler, and the outlet of the first cooling component are connected by a three-way valve.

[0012] In an optional implementation, both the first cooling component and the second cooling component are heat sinks.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, a first cooling component is further included, which is connected to the second cooling component to exchange heat and cool the cooling medium within the second cooling component.

[0014] In an optional implementation, a second cooling component is further included, which is connected to the first cooling component to exchange heat and cool the cooling medium within the first cooling component.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a hybrid electric vehicle including the cooling system described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0016] The cooling system provided by this invention includes a first cooling component, a second cooling component, an intake air cooler, an electric drive unit, and an electronic control unit. The inlet of the second cooling component and the inlet of the intake air cooler are both connected to the outlet of the first cooling component, and the inlet of the electric drive unit and the inlet of the electronic control unit are both connected to the outlet of the second cooling component. The first cooling component cools the cooling medium to a first temperature range, and the second cooling component cools the cooling medium, which has been cooled to the first temperature range, further cools it to a second temperature range. The maximum temperature value of the second temperature range is less than the minimum temperature value of the first temperature range. The cooling system provided by this invention is used to cool the intake air cooler, electric drive unit, and electronic control unit of the engine in a hybrid electric vehicle, thereby controlling the operating temperatures of the engine, electric drive unit, and electronic control unit within reasonable temperature ranges to ensure that these devices can operate stably and efficiently. During the cooling process, the first cooling component first cools the temperature of the coolant and other cooling media to a first temperature range, which is the temperature range required for the engine to operate normally. Since the inlet of the second cooling component and the inlet of the engine's intake air cooler are both connected to the outlet of the first cooling component, the cooling media cooled to the first temperature range flows to the intake air cooler to cool the engine's intake air, allowing the engine to operate within its required temperature range. The other path flows to the second cooling component, where it is further cooled to the second temperature range. The second temperature range is the temperature range required for the electric drive and electronic control devices to operate normally. Since the temperature range required by the electric drive and electronic control devices is usually smaller, the maximum temperature value of the second temperature range must be less than the minimum temperature value of the first temperature range to ensure that the second temperature range meets the requirements for the electric drive and electronic control devices to operate normally. Since the inlets of both the electric drive unit and the electronic control unit are connected to the outlet of the second cooling component, the cooling medium, after being cooled again by the second cooling component, flows to the electric drive unit and the electronic control unit to cool them, allowing them to operate within their required temperature ranges. Therefore, the cooling system provided by this invention, by adding a second cooling component, can ensure that the electric drive unit and the electronic control unit operate within reasonable temperature ranges, and that the engine operates within a reasonable intake air temperature range, without requiring significant cooling of the first cooling component. This allows for more rational control and allocation of the cooling circuits for the engine, electric drive unit, and electronic control unit, without leading to a significant increase in cooling system energy consumption, while effectively improving the efficiency of the cooling system, thereby effectively enhancing the driving range of hybrid vehicles.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the cooling system provided by the present invention cools the intake air cooler through the first cooling component and cools the electric drive device and the electronic control device through the second cooling component. It can meet the cooling requirements of the engine intake air and the cooling requirements of the electric drive device and the electronic control device. At the same time, it does not need to lower the temperature of the first cooling component and increase its energy consumption, thus effectively improving the overall efficiency of the cooling system.

[0018] The hybrid electric vehicle provided by the present invention includes the above-described cooling system, and thus the hybrid electric vehicle has the same beneficial effects as the above-described cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing medium-temperature cooling circuit; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Icons: 1-Radiator; 2-Intake cooler; 3-Electric drive unit; 4-Electrical control unit; 5-First cooling component; 6-Second cooling component; 7-Three-way valve; 8-First cooling component; 80-Heat exchanger; 81-Cooling fan; 9-Second cooling component. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0024] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0025] Example: like Figure 2 As shown, the cooling system provided in this embodiment includes a first cooling component 5, a second cooling component 6, an intake air cooler 2, an electric drive device 3, and an electronic control device 4. The inlet of the second cooling component 6 and the inlet of the intake air cooler 2 are both connected to the outlet of the first cooling component 5, and the inlet of the electric drive device 3 and the inlet of the electronic control device 4 are both connected to the outlet of the second cooling component 6. The first cooling component 5 is used to cool the cooling medium to a first temperature range, and the second cooling component 6 is used to cool the cooling medium cooled to the first temperature range again to a second temperature range, wherein the maximum temperature value of the second temperature range is less than the minimum temperature value of the first temperature range.

[0026] The cooling system provided in this embodiment is used to cool the intake air cooler 2, electric drive unit 3, and electronic control unit 4 of the engine in a hybrid electric vehicle, so as to control the operating temperature of the engine, electric drive unit 3, and electronic control unit 4 within a reasonable temperature range, ensuring that these devices can work stably and efficiently.

[0027] During the cooling process, the first cooling component 5 first cools the temperature of the cooling medium, such as the coolant, to a first temperature range, which is the temperature range required for the engine to operate normally. The original temperature of the cooling medium is denoted as T0, and the temperature within the first temperature range is denoted as T1. Since T0 > T1, and the inlet of the second cooling component 6 and the inlet of the engine's intake air cooler 2 are both connected to the outlet of the first cooling component 5, the cooling medium cooled from T0 to T1 flows to the intake air cooler 2 to cool the engine's intake air, allowing the engine to operate within its required temperature range. The other flow goes to the second cooling component 6, where it is cooled again to the second temperature range.

[0028] The second temperature range is the temperature range required for the electric drive device 3 and the electric control device 4 to operate normally. Since the temperature range required for the electric drive device 3 and the electric control device 4 is usually smaller, in order for the second temperature range to meet the temperature range required for the electric drive device 3 and the electric control device 4 to operate normally, the maximum temperature value of the second temperature range must be less than the minimum temperature value of the first temperature range.

[0029] Let T2 be the temperature within the second temperature range. Then T0 > T1 > T2. Since the inlet of the electric drive device 3 and the inlet of the electronic control device 4 are both connected to the outlet of the second cooling component 6, the cooling medium will be cooled down to T2 again by the second cooling component 6. The cooling medium at temperature T2 will then flow to the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4 to cool them, so that both the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4 can operate within their required temperature range.

[0030] Therefore, the cooling system provided in this embodiment, by adding a second cooling component 6, can meet the requirements of the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4 to operate within a reasonable temperature range, as well as the requirements of the engine to operate within a reasonable intake air temperature range, without requiring a significant reduction in the temperature of the first cooling component 5. This allows for more reasonable control and allocation of the cooling circuits of the engine, the electric drive device 3, and the electronic control device 4, without causing a significant increase in the energy consumption of the cooling system, and effectively improving the efficiency of the cooling system, thereby effectively improving the driving range of the hybrid vehicle.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the cooling system provided in this embodiment cools the intake air cooler 2 through the first cooling component 5 and cools the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4 through the second cooling component 6. This can meet the cooling requirements of the engine intake air and the cooling requirements of the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4. At the same time, it does not need to lower the temperature of the first cooling component 5 to increase its energy consumption, thus effectively improving the overall efficiency of the cooling system.

[0032] Furthermore, the outlet of the electric drive device 3 and the outlet of the electric control device 4 are both connected to the inlet of the first cooling component 5.

[0033] At this time, a circulation loop can be formed between the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4, the first cooling component 5 and the second cooling component 6. As a result, the cooling medium after cooling the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4 will be heated from T2 to T3, and then flow back to the first cooling component 5 through the above circulation loop for circulating cooling.

[0034] It should be noted that although the cooling medium at temperature T2 raises the temperature to T3 after cooling the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4, the temperature of T3 is usually still lower than T1. Correspondingly, T1 is even lower than T0, that is, T0 > T1 > T3 > T2. Therefore, after the cooling medium at temperature T3 is returned to the first cooling component 5 through the above-mentioned circulation loop, not only can the energy of the medium be saved, but the temperature drop of the cooling medium at the first cooling component 5 can also be reduced, thereby making full use of the cooling capacity of the cooling medium and further reducing the energy consumption of the first cooling component 5.

[0035] Furthermore, the outlet of the second cooling component 6, the electric drive device 3, the electric control device 4, and the inlet of the first cooling component 5 are connected in sequence.

[0036] At this time, the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4 are connected in series. It should be noted that the series connection can still meet the cooling requirements of the electronic control device 4. Therefore, in order to simplify the pipeline structure and improve the flow efficiency of the cooling medium, the electric drive device 3 and the electronic control device 4 can be connected in series and the electric drive device 3 can be located between the outlet of the second cooling component 6 and the electronic control device 4.

[0037] In this embodiment, the outlet of the air intake cooler 2 can be connected to the inlet of the first cooling component 5.

[0038] At this time, a circulation loop can also be formed between the first cooling component 5 and the intake air cooler 2. As a result, the cooling medium after the engine intake air is cooled will be heated from T1 to T4, and then flow back to the first cooling component 5 through the above circulation loop for circulating cooling.

[0039] It should be noted that although the cooling medium at temperature T4 raises the temperature to T4 after cooling the engine intake air, this temperature is approximately equal to the temperature at T0. Therefore, by returning the cooling medium at temperature T4 to the first cooling component 5 through the aforementioned circulation loop, energy can be saved without affecting the energy consumption of the first cooling component 5.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outlet of the electronic control device 4 is connected to the inlet of the first cooling component 5 via a pipeline, and the outlet of the air intake cooler 2 is also connected to the inlet of the first cooling component 5 via a pipeline. To simplify the pipeline structure, a three-way valve 7 can be provided at the junction of the above pipelines. Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, the outlet of the electronic control device 4, the outlet of the air intake cooler 2, and the inlet of the first cooling component 5 are connected by a three-way valve 7.

[0041] Correspondingly, the inlet of the second cooling component 6 is connected to the outlet of the first cooling component 5 via a pipeline, and the inlet of the air intake cooler 2 is connected to the outlet of the first cooling component 5 via a pipeline. To simplify the pipeline structure, a three-way valve 7 can be installed at the junction of the aforementioned pipelines. Thus, if... Figure 2 As shown, the inlet of the second cooling component 6, the inlet of the air intake cooler 2, and the outlet of the first cooling component 5 are connected by a three-way valve 7.

[0042] In this embodiment, both the first cooling component 5 and the second cooling component 6 can be heat sinks.

[0043] The radiator can play a heat exchange role, thereby realizing the cooling of components such as the intake air cooler 2, electric drive device 3, and electronic control device 4 by the cooling medium.

[0044] When both the first cooling component 5 and the second cooling component 6 are radiators, the first cooling component 5 can use the radiator in the existing hybrid vehicle cooling system, but the second cooling component 6 needs to use a radiator with a higher power than the first cooling component 5 to ensure that the second cooling component 6 can cool the cooling medium down to the second temperature range again.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the cooling system provided in this embodiment may further include a first cooling component 8, which is connected to a second cooling component 6 to exchange heat and cool the cooling medium in the second cooling component 6.

[0046] The first cooling component 8 can reduce the temperature of the cooling medium in the second cooling component 6 and maintain it within the second temperature range.

[0047] The specific structure of the first cooling component 8 can be selected in various ways. In this embodiment, the first cooling component 8 preferably includes a cooling fan 81 and a heat exchanger 80. The heat exchanger 80 usually includes a cooling side and a heating side. The cooling side is connected to the second cooling component 6 to cool the cooling medium in the second cooling component 6. The cooling fan 81 can be set on the heating side to prevent the heat exchanger 80 from overheating.

[0048] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 80 can also be a radiator.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooling system provided in this embodiment also includes a second cooling component 9, which is connected to the first cooling component 5 to exchange heat and cool the cooling medium in the first cooling component 5.

[0050] The specific structure of the second cooling component 9 can also be selected in various ways. In order to ensure the performance of the second cooling component 9, this embodiment preferably uses the second cooling component 9 as a condenser.

[0051] This embodiment also provides a hybrid electric vehicle, which includes the above-mentioned cooling system. Therefore, the hybrid electric vehicle and the above-mentioned cooling system can solve the same technical problems and achieve the same technical effects, which will not be described in detail here.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling system, characterized in that, It includes a first cooling component (5), a second cooling component (6), an air intake cooler (2), an electric drive unit (3), and an electronic control unit (4); The inlet of the second cooling component (6) and the inlet of the air intake cooler (2) are both connected to the outlet of the first cooling component (5), and the inlet of the electric drive device (3) and the inlet of the electric control device (4) are both connected to the outlet of the second cooling component (6). The first cooling component (5) is used to cool the cooling medium to a first temperature range, and the second cooling component (6) is used to cool the cooling medium that has been cooled to the first temperature range to a second temperature range again, wherein the maximum temperature value of the second temperature range is less than the minimum temperature value of the first temperature range.

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the electric drive device (3) and the outlet of the electric control device (4) are both connected to the inlet of the first cooling component (5).

3. The cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet of the second cooling component (6), the electric drive device (3), the electric control device (4) and the inlet of the first cooling component (5) are connected in sequence.

4. The cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outlet of the air intake cooler (2) is connected to the inlet of the first cooling component (5).

5. The cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outlet of the electronic control device (4), the outlet of the air intake cooler (2), and the inlet of the first cooling component (5) are connected by a three-way valve (7).

6. The cooling system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The inlet of the second cooling component (6), the inlet of the air intake cooler (2), and the outlet of the first cooling component (5) are connected by a three-way valve (7).

7. The cooling system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Both the first cooling component (5) and the second cooling component (6) are heat sinks.

8. The cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a first cooling component (8), which is connected to the second cooling component (6) to exchange heat and cool the cooling medium in the second cooling component (6).

9. The cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a second cooling component (9), which is connected to the first cooling component (5) to exchange heat and cool the cooling medium in the first cooling component (5).

10. A hybrid electric vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the cooling system described in any one of claims 1-9.

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