Control method and system of thermal management unit

Abstract

The invention provides a control method and system of a thermal management unit. The method relates to the technical field of thermal management and comprises the following steps: in response to a unit enable signal, controlling a low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit to be conducted under the condition that the unit enable signal is effective; under the condition that the unit enable signal is invalid, a low-voltage power supply unit of the heat management unit is controlled to be disconnected, and power-off logic of the current working mode of the heat management unit is executed; under the condition that the low-voltage power supply unit is switched on, responding to the mode request signal, if the current working mode is switched to the target mode indicated by the mode request signal, executing the power-off logic of the current working mode and then executing the power-on logic of the target mode, and enabling the target mode to become a new current working mode after completing the power-on logic. Therefore, power supply control and mode management are effectively decoupled, the hierarchical relationship between the power supply signal and the control signal is distinguished, and orderly switching between the current working mode and the target mode is carried out based on the mode request signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a control method and system for a thermal management unit. Background Technology

[0002] Existing thermal management systems (such as energy storage battery thermal management systems) focus on functional implementation, while simultaneously handling the coupled processing of high and low voltage power supply management, the control of multiple components, and the management of operating modes. For example, failure to strictly distinguish between power supply signals and control signals may lead to malfunctions of components upon receiving power. There is a lack of a unified safety management method that can adapt to the control characteristics of different components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a control method and system for a thermal management unit, aiming to provide a standardized control method with clear management levels and high safety and reliability.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a control method for a thermal management unit, the method comprising:

[0005] In response to the unit enable signal, if the unit enable signal is valid, the low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit is turned on; if the unit enable signal is invalid, the low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit is turned off, and the power-down logic of the current working mode of the thermal management unit is executed.

[0006] When the low-voltage power supply unit is turned on, if the target mode indicated by the received mode request signal is different from the current working mode, the power-down logic of the current working mode is executed, and then the power-on logic of the target mode is executed. After the target mode completes the power-on logic, it becomes the new current working mode.

[0007] Optionally, the low-voltage power supply unit includes a switch that controls the continuity of the power supply lines for the low-voltage components in the thermal management unit.

[0008] Optionally, the power-on logic for executing the target mode includes:

[0009] When all security conditions included in the security condition set corresponding to the target mode are met, a control signal is sent to each drive interface corresponding to the target mode. The control signal is configured according to the operating status of the component connected to the drive interface in the target mode.

[0010] Optionally, the drive interface includes one or more of a PWM interface, a communication interface, and a relay interface;

[0011] The components connected to the PWM interface include components for linear speed regulation; the components connected to the communication interface include components for communication control; and the components connected to the relay interface include components for switch control.

[0012] Optionally, the target mode is a cooling mode, and the power-on logic for executing the target mode includes:

[0013] When all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode are met, a closing signal is sent to the heat dissipation fan relay and the compressor precharge relay on the control board via the relay interface;

[0014] After the first duration, monitor whether the compressor bus voltage reaches the threshold voltage;

[0015] If the compressor bus voltage reaches the threshold voltage, a closing signal is sent to the compressor main relay and a disconnect signal is sent to the compressor precharge relay through the relay interface. An enable signal and a speed command signal are sent to the compressor through the communication interface.

[0016] Optionally, the target mode is a heating mode, and the power-on logic for executing the target mode includes:

[0017] If all safety conditions in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the heating mode are met, a closing signal is sent to the relay of the PTC heater through the relay interface.

[0018] Optionally, the target mode is a pump circulation mode, and the power-on logic for executing the target mode includes:

[0019] When all safety conditions in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the pump circulation mode are met, a control signal is sent to the water pump through the PWM interface to control the water pump speed to reach the target speed.

[0020] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0021] During the operation of the current working mode, the set of safety conditions for the current working mode is monitored. If any condition in the set of safety conditions is not met, the power-down logic of the current working mode is executed.

[0022] Thirdly, this application provides a control system for a thermal management unit, including a mode management module, a power supply control module, and a component control module, wherein the mode management module is connected to the power supply control module and the component control module;

[0023] The mode management module is used to receive mode request signals and unit enable signals; when the unit enable signal is valid, it sends a power supply on signal to the power supply control module; when the unit enable signal is invalid, it sends a power supply off signal to the power supply control module and executes the power-down logic of the current working mode based on the component control module; when the low-voltage power supply unit is on, if the target mode indicated by the mode request signal is different from the current working mode, it executes the power-down logic of the current working mode based on the component control module and then executes the power-on logic of the target mode. After the target mode completes the power-on logic, it becomes the new current working mode.

[0024] The power supply control module is used to control the low-voltage power supply unit to be turned on in response to the power supply on signal, and to control the low-voltage power supply unit to be turned off in response to the power supply off signal.

[0025] The component control module is used to control the operating status of the corresponding component in the thermal management unit in response to the control signal sent by the mode management module.

[0026] Optionally, the pattern management module further includes a pattern state machine and a condition monitor;

[0027] The condition monitor is used to receive sensor signals and fault codes from the thermal management unit; based on the sensor signals and fault codes, it confirms whether all safety conditions included in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the target mode are met, and feeds back the results to the mode state machine.

[0028] The mode state machine is used to send control signals to each drive interface corresponding to the target mode in the component control module when the result is that all the security conditions included in the security condition set corresponding to the target mode are satisfied. The control signals are configured according to the operating status of the components connected to the drive interfaces in the target mode.

[0029] Thirdly, this application provides an apparatus comprising a memory and a processor, the memory for storing instructions or code, and the processor for executing the instructions or code to cause the apparatus to perform a control method for a thermal management unit as described in any of the first aspects above.

[0030] Fourthly, this application provides a computer storage medium storing code, wherein when the code is executed, a device executing the code implements a control method for a thermal management unit as described in any of the first aspects above.

[0031] This application provides a control method and system for a thermal management unit. When executing the method, in response to a unit enable signal, if the enable signal is valid, the low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit is turned on; if the enable signal is invalid, the low-voltage power supply unit is turned off, and the power-down logic for the current operating mode of the thermal management unit is executed; if the low-voltage power supply unit is turned on, in response to a mode request signal, if the current operating mode switches to the target mode indicated by the mode request signal, the power-down logic for the current operating mode is executed, followed by the power-on logic for the target mode. After the target mode completes its power-on logic, it becomes the new current operating mode. This application first confirms the received unit enable signal, and then determines the on / off state of the low-voltage power supply unit based on the validity of the enable signal, ensuring that the system only starts the basic power supply to the thermal management unit when the enable signal is valid. Based on this, the current operating mode is switched according to the target mode corresponding to the mode request signal, achieving an orderly transition of operating states. In this way, power supply control and mode management are effectively decoupled, the hierarchical relationship between power supply signals and control signals is distinguished, and the current working mode and target mode are switched in an orderly manner based on the mode request signal, reducing the risk of system runaway and providing a control method with clear management hierarchy and safety and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this embodiment or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiment or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a thermal management unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the application process for a control method of a thermal management unit.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the power-on logic flow in a cooling mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the power-on logic flow in a heating mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the power-on logic flow in a pump circulation mode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the control system structure of a thermal management unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0040] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more. In embodiments of this disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B.

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This application provides a schematic flowchart of a control method for a thermal management unit, comprising:

[0044] S101. In response to the unit enable signal, if the unit enable signal is valid, control the low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit to be turned on; if the unit enable signal is invalid, control the low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit to be turned off, and execute the power-off logic of the current working mode of the thermal management unit.

[0045] In one example, prior to step S101 above, the process may include initializing the thermal management unit, which includes restoring the control signals of all components of the thermal management unit to an invalid state.

[0046] In one example, the unit enable signal can be in a high-level state when active and in a low-level state when inactive. This signal is controlled by the user or output by the host computer to trigger the start-up or shutdown process of the thermal management unit. When the unit enable signal changes from low to high, it is determined to be a valid trigger, the thermal management unit enters the start-up process, and the low-voltage power supply unit is turned on to realize the basic power supply of the thermal management unit.

[0047] In one example, the aforementioned low-voltage power supply unit may include a switch that controls the continuity of the power supply lines to the low-voltage components in the thermal management unit.

[0048] Optionally, the aforementioned switches may include a 12V power supply relay and a 24V power supply relay. By controlling the on / off state of the 12V power supply relay and the 24V power supply relay, independent power supply management for low-voltage components of different voltage levels in the thermal management unit can be achieved, ensuring the basic power supply for the startup of the thermal management unit.

[0049] S102. When the low-voltage power supply unit is turned on, if the target mode indicated by the received mode request signal is different from the current working mode, the power-down logic of the current working mode is executed, and then the power-on logic of the target mode is executed. After the target mode completes the power-on logic, it becomes the new current working mode.

[0050] Understandably, step S102 above is performed only after the low-voltage power supply unit is turned on and the thermal management unit has achieved basic power supply, and then the current working mode is switched to the target mode indicated by the mode request signal.

[0051] Optionally, the modes of the aforementioned thermal management unit may include cooling mode, heating mode, pump circulation mode, refueling mode, and shutdown mode. Cooling mode provides cooling capacity to external devices requiring cooling (such as a vehicle's energy storage battery); heating mode provides heating capacity; pump circulation mode only activates the circulation pump to maintain the flow of medium in the thermal management unit's piping; refueling mode is used to replenish refrigerant or liquid; and shutdown mode releases the control signal and shuts down all components of the thermal management unit.

[0052] Understandably, when switching modes, it is necessary to ensure that the previous mode is completely exited to avoid control conflicts and energy waste, thereby improving system safety and operating efficiency. For example, when the thermal management unit is currently in cooling mode, and the mode request signal indicates a switch to heating mode, the power-off logic for cooling mode is executed first, releasing the control signal corresponding to cooling mode and shutting down cooling-related components such as the compressor and fan. After it has completely exited, the power-on logic for heating mode is executed, sending the control signal corresponding to heating mode and starting heating-related components such as the heater.

[0053] In one example, see Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the application flow of a control method for a thermal management unit. Another control method for a thermal management unit may include:

[0054] S201. Initialize the thermal management unit;

[0055] S202, Monitor receiver enable signals and mode request signals;

[0056] S203. Determine whether the unit enable signal is valid;

[0057] S204. If effective, close the power supply relay and execute step S206.

[0058] S205. If invalid, disconnect the power supply relay and invalidate all component control signals of the thermal management unit (put the thermal management unit in an initialization state), and execute step S202.

[0059] S206. Based on the target mode indicated by the latest mode request signal, determine whether the target mode is the same as the current working mode;

[0060] S207. If they are the same, maintain the current working mode and proceed to step S202.

[0061] S208. If they are different, execute the power-down logic of the current working mode, and then execute the power-on logic of the target mode. After the mode switching is completed, the target mode becomes the current working mode, and return to step S202 to continuously monitor the new unit enable signal and the new mode request signal.

[0062] The steps S201-S208 described above constitute a complete closed-loop control logic, ensuring stable operation of the thermal management unit under different operating conditions. By real-time monitoring of the unit's enable signal and mode request signal, and through decoupled and orderly control of low-voltage power supply and thermal management unit operating mode switching, the unit's operating state is reliably adjusted, ensuring both timely response and avoiding the risk of misoperation. This approach is particularly suitable for diverse thermal management needs. For example, in practical applications, this control method can effectively adapt to the complex thermal management requirements of scenarios such as new energy vehicles and energy storage power stations.

[0063] In the embodiments of this application, the above Figure 1 There are several possible implementations of step S102, which will be described below. It should be noted that the implementations given below are merely illustrative examples and do not represent all implementations of the embodiments of this application.

[0064] In step S102 above, executing the power-on logic of the target mode may include:

[0065] Continuously monitor and receive sensor signals and fault codes generated by component anomalies from the sensors included in the thermal management unit; based on the sensor signals and the fault codes, confirm whether all safety conditions included in the safety condition set corresponding to the target mode are met;

[0066] When all security conditions included in the set of security conditions corresponding to the target mode are met, a control signal is sent to each drive interface corresponding to the target mode. The control signal is a signal configured according to the operating status of the component connected to the drive interface in the target mode.

[0067] The above fault codes are used to indicate abnormal operating conditions of various components in the thermal management unit, including faults such as compressor overcurrent and temperature sensor open circuit.

[0068] The set of safety conditions is configured based on the operating status and parameter thresholds of each component of the thermal management unit under each mode. For example, the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode may include one or more of the following: the thermal management unit is fault-free, the control board temperature is below the control board temperature threshold, the water pump is fault-free and in operation, the compressor is fault-free, the compressor outlet temperature is below the compressor outlet temperature threshold, and the required cooling temperature is below the current temperature.

[0069] During the execution of the target mode power-on logic, control signals are only allowed to be sent after all safety conditions are met, effectively avoiding equipment damage caused by abnormal startup, such as starting the water pump in the event of a water pump failure, which could lead to a safety accident.

[0070] In one example, the aforementioned drive interface may include a PWM interface for transmitting PWM signals, a communication interface for communication, and a relay interface for transmitting switching signals.

[0071] Optionally, the communication interface can be a LIN bus interface.

[0072] Optionally, the components connected to the PWM interface include linear speed regulation components, such as fans and water pumps. The components connected to the communication interface include communication control components, such as compressors and electronic expansion valves. The components connected to the relay interface include components controlled by switches such as relays, such as PTC heaters, compressor power circuits, and small cooling fans for the control board.

[0073] The above approach distinguishes between different types of signal-corresponding drive interfaces and adapts them to corresponding control signals, achieving precise driving and coordinated control of various components. For the PWM interface, a pulse signal with a corresponding duty cycle is generated based on the target speed; for the LIN bus interface, a specific communication frame is sent to activate the compressor or adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve; for the relay interface, a high / low level is output to achieve on / off control. This avoids using high-cost control methods (such as CAN, LIN, etc.) to drive simple components (such as PTC heaters), thus preventing resource waste. In this way, while ensuring safety and response speed, the overall control cost is further reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, following step S102, the method further includes:

[0075] During the operation of the current working mode, the set of safety conditions for the current working mode is monitored. If any condition in the set of safety conditions is not met, the power-down logic of the current working mode is executed.

[0076] The power-down logic for the above-mentioned operating mode includes: releasing the control signals sent to each drive interface corresponding to the current operating mode.

[0077] For example, during the mode switching process in step S102, such as switching from cooling mode to heating mode, the control signals sent by the cooling mode to the compressor main relay, etc., need to be released to ensure that the current working mode completes the power-off logic and safely exits the current working mode.

[0078] In one possible implementation, see Figure 3 The diagram shows a power-on logic flow in a cooling mode. When the target mode is cooling mode, step S102 involves executing the power-on logic for the target mode, including:

[0079] S301. Determine all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode.

[0080] In one example, the predefined set of safety conditions for the above-mentioned cooling mode includes one or more of the following: the thermal management unit is fault-free, the control board temperature is less than the control board temperature threshold, the water pump is fault-free and in operation, the compressor is fault-free, the compressor outlet temperature is less than the compressor outlet temperature threshold, and the required cooling temperature is less than the current actual temperature.

[0081] S302. If any safety condition in the set of all safety conditions is not met, the power-on logic of the subsequent cooling mode is terminated and the reason is recorded (e.g., the safety condition is not currently met).

[0082] S303. When all safety conditions in the set of all safety conditions are met, send a closing signal to the control board cooling fan relay and the compressor precharge relay through the relay interface, and execute step S304.

[0083] In one example, a closed signal is first sent to the relay controlling the start and stop of the cooling fan on the control board via the relay interface, and this relay remains closed during the cooling mode operation. The closed signal is released when the cooling mode executes the power-down logic. Prioritizing the closure of the cooling fan relay in the cooling sequence ensures reliable operation of the control board under high temperature and high load conditions.

[0084] S304. After the first duration, monitor whether the compressor bus voltage reaches the threshold voltage.

[0085] The aforementioned first duration can be the duration after the compressor pre-charge relay is started, or the duration after a closing signal is sent to the compressor pre-charge relay through the relay interface.

[0086] The function of the compressor pre-charge relay is as follows: the compressor pre-charge relay and pre-charge resistor are connected in series, and then in parallel with the compressor main relay. Upon power-up, the pre-charge relay closes first, and current flows through the pre-charge resistor to pre-charge the capacitors in the compressor circuit, effectively limiting inrush current and protecting the compressor drive circuit and power network. When pre-charging is complete (indicated by the compressor bus voltage reaching the threshold voltage), the main relay closes, establishing a low-impedance main power supply circuit. At this point, the pre-charge relay must be disconnected to prevent the pre-charge resistor from overheating and being damaged due to prolonged current flow; and to avoid insufficient power supply to the compressor due to voltage division caused by the pre-charge resistor after the main circuit is established.

[0087] S305. If the compressor bus voltage reaches the threshold voltage, a closing signal is sent to the compressor main relay through the relay interface and a disconnection signal is sent to the compressor precharge relay. The compressor enable signal and speed command signal are sent through the LIN bus.

[0088] S306. If the compressor bus voltage does not reach the threshold voltage, disconnect the pre-charge relay and output a pre-charge failure warning.

[0089] S307. Continuously monitor whether all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode are met.

[0090] S308. If all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode are met, then the cooling mode is maintained and the above step S307 is executed.

[0091] S309. If any safety condition in the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode is not met, the power-down logic of the cooling mode shall be executed immediately.

[0092] The power-off logic of the above-mentioned cooling mode may include releasing the control signals sent to each drive interface corresponding to the cooling mode, including releasing the control signals sent to the compressor main relay through the relay interface, releasing the control signals sent to the control board cooling fan relay through the relay interface, and releasing the compressor enable signal and speed command signal through the LIN bus interface.

[0093] In one possible implementation, see Figure 4 The diagram shows a power-on logic flow in a heating mode. When the target mode is heating mode, step S102 involves executing the power-on logic for the target mode, including:

[0094] S401. Determine all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the heating mode.

[0095] In one example, the predefined set of safety conditions for the heating mode may include one or more of the following: the thermal management unit is fault-free, the water pump is fault-free and in operation, the battery inlet temperature sensor is fault-free and its temperature value is less than the upper heating threshold, the battery outlet temperature sensor is fault-free and its temperature value is less than the upper heating threshold, the PTC heater is fault-free, and the required heating temperature is greater than the current actual temperature and the difference between the required heating temperature and the current actual temperature is greater than the minimum start-up temperature threshold.

[0096] S402. If any safety condition in the set of all safety conditions is not met, terminate the power-on logic of the subsequent heating mode and record the reason (e.g., the safety condition is not currently met).

[0097] S403. When all safety conditions in the set of all safety conditions are met, a closing signal is sent to the relay of the PTC heater through the relay interface.

[0098] S404. Continuously monitor whether all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the heating mode are met.

[0099] S405. If all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the heating mode are met, then the heating mode is maintained and the above step S404 is executed.

[0100] S406. If any safety condition in the predefined set of safety conditions for the heating mode is not met, the power-off logic for the heating mode will be executed immediately.

[0101] The power-off logic of the above heating mode may include releasing the control signals sent by each drive interface corresponding to the heating mode, including releasing the closing signal sent to the relay of the PTC heater through the relay interface.

[0102] In one possible implementation, see Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a power-on logic flow in a pump circulation mode. When the target mode is the pump circulation mode, step S102 involves executing the power-on logic for the target mode, including:

[0103] S501. Determine all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the pump circulation mode.

[0104] In one example, the predefined set of safety conditions for the pump circulation mode includes one or more of the following: the thermal management unit is fault-free, the water pump is fault-free and in operation, and the sensor data in the thermal management unit is valid.

[0105] The core of the pump circulation mode is to control the water pump to achieve medium circulation and temperature uniformity in the pipeline.

[0106] S502. If any safety condition in the set of all safety conditions is not met, the power-on logic of the subsequent pump cycle mode is terminated and the reason is recorded (e.g., the safety condition is not currently met).

[0107] S503. When all safety conditions in the set of all safety conditions are met, a control signal is sent to the water pump through the PWM interface to control the water pump speed to reach the target speed.

[0108] S504. Continuously monitor whether all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the pump circulation mode are met.

[0109] S505. If all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the pump circulation mode are met, then the pump circulation mode is maintained and the above step S504 is executed.

[0110] S506. If any safety condition in the predefined set of safety conditions for pump circulation mode is not met, the power-down logic of pump circulation mode shall be executed immediately.

[0111] The power-down logic of the above-mentioned pump cycle mode may include releasing the control signals sent by each drive interface corresponding to the heating mode, including releasing the control signals sent to the water pump through the PWM interface.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the power-on process for the refueling mode involves monitoring that all safety conditions in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the refueling mode are met, and then sending a control signal to the water pump via the PWM interface to control the water pump speed to reach the target speed. The power-off process for the refueling mode can be described as releasing the sending of the control signal to the water pump via the PWM interface.

[0113] Understandably, when a mode request signal indicating a target mode different from the current operating mode is received, or when the unit enable signal fails, the current operating mode will be controlled to execute power-down logic. Specifically, the executed power-down logic includes releasing the control signals of all drive interfaces in the current mode and stopping the operation of the corresponding components. The reason is also recorded to ensure the traceability of the system's safety status.

[0114] The above describes some specific implementations of a control method for a thermal management unit provided in this application. Based on this, this application also provides a corresponding system. The system provided in this application will be described below from the perspective of functional modularity.

[0115] See Figure 6 The diagram shows a control system structure of a thermal management unit. The control system of the thermal management unit includes: a mode management module, a power supply control module, and a component control module. The mode management module is connected to the power supply control module and the component control module.

[0116] The mode management module 610 is used to receive mode request signals and unit enable signals; when the unit enable signal is valid, it sends a power supply on signal to the power supply control module 620; when the unit enable signal is invalid, it sends a power supply off signal to the power supply control module 620 and executes the power-down logic of the current working mode based on the component control module 630; when the low-voltage power supply unit is on, if the target mode indicated by the mode request signal is different from the current working mode, it executes the power-down logic of the current working mode based on the component control module 630 and then executes the power-on logic of the target mode. After the target mode completes the power-on logic, it becomes the new current working mode.

[0117] The power supply control module 620 is used to control the low-voltage power supply unit to be turned on in response to the power supply on signal, and to control the low-voltage power supply unit to be turned off in response to the power supply off signal.

[0118] Optionally, the aforementioned low-voltage power supply unit includes a switch that controls the continuity of the power supply lines for the low-voltage components in the thermal management unit.

[0119] The component control module 630 is used to control the operating status of the corresponding component in the thermal management unit in response to the control signal sent by the mode management module 610.

[0120] The power-down logic of the current working mode can be to directly operate the component control module 630 in the event of a mode switch or unit enable signal failure, thereby releasing the control signal sent by the mode management module 610 to control the corresponding component in the thermal management unit to stop operation.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the pattern management module 610 further includes a pattern state machine 611 and a condition monitor 612;

[0122] The condition monitor 612 is used to receive sensor signals and fault codes from the thermal management unit; based on the sensor signals and fault codes, it confirms whether all safety conditions included in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the target mode are met, and feeds back the results to the mode state machine 611.

[0123] The mode state machine 611 is used to send control signals to each drive interface corresponding to the target mode in the component control module 630 when the result is that all the security conditions included in the security condition set corresponding to the target mode are satisfied. The control signals are configured according to the operating status of the components connected to the drive interface in the target mode.

[0124] In one possible implementation, see Figure 6 The component control module 630 includes one or more of a PWM interface, a communication interface, and a relay interface; the component connected to the PWM interface includes a linear speed regulation component; the component connected to the communication interface includes a communication control component; and the component connected to the relay interface includes a switch control component.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the target mode is a cooling mode. The mode management module 610 is specifically used to monitor whether all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode are met. It then sends a closed signal to the control board cooling fan relay and the compressor pre-charge relay via a relay interface. After a first time interval, it monitors whether the compressor bus voltage reaches a threshold voltage. If the compressor bus voltage reaches the threshold voltage, it sends a closed signal to the compressor main relay and a disconnect signal to the compressor pre-charge relay via the relay interface, and sends an enable signal and a speed command signal to the compressor via the communication interface.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the target mode is a heating mode, and the mode management module 610 is specifically used to monitor that all safety conditions in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the heating mode are met, and then send a closing signal to the relay of the PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient Thermistor) heater through the relay interface.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the target mode is a pump cycle mode. The mode management module 610 is specifically used to monitor that all safety conditions in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the pump cycle mode are met, and then send a control signal to the water pump through the PWM interface to control the water pump speed to reach the target speed.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the mode management module 610 is specifically used to monitor the set of safety conditions for the current working mode during the operation of the current working mode. If any condition in the set of safety conditions is not met, the power-down logic of the current working mode is executed.

[0129] This application also provides corresponding devices and computer storage media for implementing the solutions provided in this application.

[0130] The device includes a memory and a processor. The memory is used to store instructions or code, and the processor is used to execute the instructions or code to enable the device to perform a control method for a thermal management unit as described in any embodiment of this application.

[0131] The computer storage medium stores code, and when the code is executed, the device running the code implements a control method for a thermal management unit as described in any embodiment of this application.

[0132] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" (if they exist) are used only as name identifiers and do not represent the order of first and second.

[0133] As can be seen from the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that all or part of the steps in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus a general-purpose hardware platform. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium, such as a read-only memory (ROM) / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network communication device such as a router) to execute the methods described in various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments of this application.

[0134] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0135] The above description is merely an exemplary implementation of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a thermal management unit, characterized in that, The method includes: In response to the unit enable signal, if the unit enable signal is valid, the low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit is turned on; if the unit enable signal is invalid, the low-voltage power supply unit of the thermal management unit is turned off, and the power-down logic of the current working mode of the thermal management unit is executed. When the low-voltage power supply unit is turned on, if the target mode indicated by the received mode request signal is different from the current working mode, the power-down logic of the current working mode is executed, and then the power-on logic of the target mode is executed. After the target mode completes the power-on logic, it becomes the new current working mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-voltage power supply unit includes a switch that controls the continuity of the power supply lines for the low-voltage components in the thermal management unit.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power-on logic for executing the target mode includes: When all security conditions included in the security condition set corresponding to the target mode are met, a control signal is sent to each drive interface corresponding to the target mode. The control signal is configured according to the operating status of the component connected to the drive interface in the target mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive interface includes one or more of the following: PWM interface, communication interface, and relay interface; The components connected to the PWM interface include components for linear speed regulation; the components connected to the communication interface include components for communication control; and the components connected to the relay interface include components for switch control.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target mode is a cooling mode, and the power-on logic for executing the target mode includes: When all safety conditions in the predefined set of safety conditions for the cooling mode are met, a closing signal is sent to the heat dissipation fan relay and the compressor precharge relay on the control board via the relay interface; After the first duration, monitor whether the compressor bus voltage reaches the threshold voltage; If the compressor bus voltage reaches the threshold voltage, a closing signal is sent to the compressor main relay and a disconnect signal is sent to the compressor precharge relay through the relay interface. An enable signal and a speed command signal are sent to the compressor through the communication interface.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target mode is a heating mode, and the power-on logic for executing the target mode includes: If all safety conditions in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the heating mode are met, a closing signal is sent to the relay of the PTC heater through the relay interface.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target mode is a pump circulation mode, and the power-on logic for executing the target mode includes: When all safety conditions in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the pump circulation mode are met, a control signal is sent to the water pump through the PWM interface to control the water pump speed to reach the target speed.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3, 5-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the operation of the current working mode, the set of safety conditions for the current working mode is monitored. If any condition in the set of safety conditions is not met, the power-down logic of the current working mode is executed.

9. A control system for a thermal management unit, characterized in that, It includes a mode management module, a power supply control module, and a component control module, wherein the mode management module is connected to the power supply control module and the component control module; The mode management module is used to receive mode request signals and unit enable signals; when the unit enable signal is valid, it sends a power supply on signal to the power supply control module; when the unit enable signal is invalid, it sends a power supply off signal to the power supply control module and executes the power-down logic of the current working mode based on the component control module; when the low-voltage power supply unit is on, if the target mode indicated by the mode request signal is different from the current working mode, it executes the power-down logic of the current working mode based on the component control module and then executes the power-on logic of the target mode. After the target mode completes the power-on logic, it becomes the new current working mode. The power supply control module is used to control the low-voltage power supply unit to be turned on in response to the power supply on signal, and to control the low-voltage power supply unit to be turned off in response to the power supply off signal. The component control module is used to control the operating status of the corresponding component in the thermal management unit in response to the control signal sent by the mode management module.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pattern management module also includes a pattern state machine and a condition monitor; The condition monitor is used to receive sensor signals and fault codes from the thermal management unit; based on the sensor signals and fault codes, it confirms whether all safety conditions included in the set of safety conditions corresponding to the target mode are met, and feeds back the results to the mode state machine. The mode state machine is used to send control signals to each drive interface corresponding to the target mode in the component control module when the result is that all the security conditions included in the security condition set corresponding to the target mode are satisfied. The control signals are configured according to the operating status of the components connected to the drive interfaces in the target mode.

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