Vehicle thermal management system and thermal management method

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle thermal management system and a thermal management method.The vehicle thermal management system comprises a battery cycle, a motor cycle, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pump and a temperature adjusting device, and the battery cycle comprises a first loop and a first heat exchanger, a first pump and a battery which are arranged on the first loop; the motor circulation comprises a second loop, and a second heat exchanger, a second pump and a motor which are arranged on the second loop; the first pipeline is connected with the first loop and is arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger; the second pipeline is connected with the second loop and is arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger; the third pump is arranged on the second pipeline and used for driving a medium in the second pipeline to flow; and the temperature adjusting device is connected to the first loop and the second pipeline, and is used for adjusting the temperature of the medium flowing to the battery so as to adjust and control the temperature of the battery. According to the vehicle heat management system, the special temperature adjusting device is additionally arranged, the regulation and control performance of the heat of the battery can be enhanced through the temperature adjusting device, and the situation that the temperature of the battery is too high and poor heat dissipation is caused in the using process is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more specifically, to a vehicle thermal management system and a thermal management method. Background Technology

[0002] In the existing technology, the three-electric system of vehicles such as electric vehicles and electric bicycles is mostly cooled by air cooling or water cooling. These cooling methods cannot meet the needs of high-performance vehicles for long-term high-power output, rapid battery discharge (1C), and rapid battery charging. In actual use, they also have poor heat dissipation and reduce the cycle life of the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0004] To address this, this invention proposes a vehicle thermal management system. This system includes a dedicated temperature control device, which enhances the regulation of battery heat, preventing excessively high battery temperatures and poor heat dissipation during use. This improves the battery's cycle life and meets the requirements for prolonged high-power output and rapid charging / discharging.

[0005] This invention also proposes a thermal management method including the above-described vehicle thermal management system.

[0006] The vehicle thermal management system of this invention includes:

[0007] The battery cycle includes a battery cycle and a motor cycle. The battery cycle includes a first loop and a first heat exchanger, a first pump, and a battery disposed in the first loop. The motor cycle includes a second loop and a second heat exchanger, a second pump, and a motor disposed in the second loop.

[0008] The first pipeline and the second pipeline are connected to the first loop and arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger, and the second pipeline is connected to the second loop and arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger.

[0009] A third pump is provided in the second pipeline and is used to drive the flow of the medium in the second pipeline;

[0010] A temperature regulating device is provided, wherein the temperature regulating device has a first channel and a second channel, the first channel is connected to the first loop, the second channel is connected to the second pipeline, and the temperature regulating device is used to regulate the temperature of the medium flowing to the battery in the first channel to regulate the temperature of the battery.

[0011] In some embodiments, the temperature control device includes:

[0012] A cooling chip having a first side and a second side, wherein one of the first side and the second side is used for cooling and the other side is used for heating;

[0013] The first heat exchange plate is disposed on the first side of the cooling chip and connected to the first loop, and the first channel is disposed inside the first heat exchange plate.

[0014] The second heat exchange plate is disposed on the second side of the cooling chip and connected to the second pipeline, and the second channel is disposed inside the second heat exchange plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cooling chip is a semiconductor cooling chip, and the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, there are two cooling chips and two second heat exchange plates, with the two cooling chips disposed between the two second heat exchange plates, the first heat exchange plate disposed between the two cooling chips, and the two second heat exchange plates connected together.

[0017] In some embodiments, a heat-conducting medium is provided between the cooling chip and the first heat exchange plate, and between the cooling chip and the second heat exchange plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the temperature control device includes a housing, and the cooling chip, the first heat exchange plate, and the second heat exchange plate are all disposed within the housing, and a buffer medium is provided between the first heat exchange plate and the housing, and between the second heat exchange plate and the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing covering the outer periphery of one of the second heat exchange plates, the second housing covering the outer periphery of the other second heat exchange plate, and the buffer medium is provided between the first housing and the second heat exchange plate, and between the second housing and the second heat exchange plate;

[0020] And / or, the temperature control device includes a connecting pipe that connects between the two second heat exchange plates.

[0021] In some embodiments, a retainer is included, the cooling element is disposed on the retainer, and the retainer is clamped and fixed between the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate;

[0022] And / or, including a middle frame, the middle frame being disposed within the housing, and the cooling element, the first heat exchange plate, and the second heat exchange plate all being disposed within the middle frame.

[0023] In some embodiments, a valve is included, which is disposed at the connection between the first pipeline and the first loop, and the valve is used to switch the flow of the medium to the first pipeline or to the first heat exchanger;

[0024] And / or, the motor cycle includes an on-board charger, which is located in the second loop and between the second pump and the motor.

[0025] The thermal management method based on a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first cycle formed by the first pump, the temperature regulating device, the battery, and the first pipeline of the vehicle thermal management system; a second cycle formed by the first pump, the temperature regulating device, the battery, and the first heat exchanger; and a third cycle formed by the third pump, the temperature regulating device, and the second heat exchanger.

[0026] In some embodiments, the thermal management method includes a low-temperature heating mode, a normal cooling mode, an auxiliary cooling mode, and a main cooling mode;

[0027] If the battery temperature is below the first threshold, the low-temperature heating mode is activated; if the battery temperature is above the second threshold but below the third threshold, the low-temperature heating mode is deactivated.

[0028] If the battery temperature is higher than the third threshold but lower than the fourth threshold, the normal cooling mode is activated.

[0029] If the temperature of the battery is higher than the fourth threshold but lower than the fifth threshold, the auxiliary cooling mode is activated.

[0030] If the temperature of the battery is higher than the fifth threshold, the main cooling mode is activated.

[0031] And the first threshold < the second threshold < the third threshold < the fourth threshold < the fifth threshold.

[0032] In some embodiments, the low-temperature heating mode includes the following steps:

[0033] When the battery temperature is below the first threshold, the temperature control device is activated and the battery is heated using the first cycle, and the medium output from the cold end of the temperature control device is circulated and transported using the third cycle.

[0034] When the battery temperature is not less than the second threshold and is lower than the third threshold, the temperature control device and the third pump are turned off, and then the second cycle is started.

[0035] In some embodiments, the normal cooling mode includes the following steps: when the battery temperature is higher than a third threshold and lower than a fourth threshold, the temperature control device is turned off, the battery is cooled using the second cycle, and the medium output from the hot end of the temperature control device is circulated using the third cycle.

[0036] In some embodiments, the auxiliary cooling mode includes the following steps: when the battery temperature is higher than a fourth threshold and lower than a fifth threshold, the temperature regulating device is activated, the battery is cooled using the second cycle, and the medium output from the hot end of the temperature regulating device is circulated and delivered using the third cycle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the main cooling mode includes the following steps: when the battery temperature is higher than a fifth threshold, the temperature regulating device is activated to cool the battery using the first cycle; and the medium output from the hot end of the temperature regulating device is circulated and delivered using the third cycle.

[0038] Beneficial effects: The vehicle thermal management system and thermal management method of the present invention are equipped with a dedicated temperature regulation device. The temperature regulation device can enhance the heat regulation performance of the battery, avoid the battery temperature from being too high and poor heat dissipation during use, improve the battery cycle life, and meet the needs of long-term high power output and fast charging and discharging. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the temperature control device.

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the temperature control device.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] 1-Battery cycle; 11-First loop; 12-First heat exchanger; 13-First pump; 14-Battery;

[0044] 2-Motor cycle; 21-Second loop; 22-Second heat exchanger; 23-Second pump; 24-Motor; 25-On-board charger;

[0045] 3-First pipeline;

[0046] 4-Second pipeline;

[0047] 5-Third pump;

[0048] 6-Temperature control device; 61-Refrigeration element; 62-First heat exchange plate; 63-Second heat exchange plate; 64-Shell; 641-First shell; 642-Second shell; 65-Buffer medium; 66-Connecting pipe; 67-Cage; 68-Middle frame;

[0049] 7-Valve. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle thermal management system of this embodiment includes a battery circulation system 1, a motor circulation system 2, a first pipeline 3, a second pipeline 4, a third pump 5, and a temperature regulating device 6. It should be noted that the vehicle thermal management system of this embodiment can be applied to two-wheeled vehicles such as electric vehicles and electric bicycles, as well as to vehicles such as sedans and SUVs.

[0052] Battery cycle 1 includes a first loop 11 and a first heat exchanger 12, a first pump 13, and a battery 14 disposed in the first loop 11, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the first loop 11 can be regarded as a ring-shaped pipeline composed of pipes, the first heat exchanger 12 can be a radiator, the first pump 13 can be a water pump, and the battery 14 can be the vehicle's power battery, specifically a lithium battery, a storage battery, etc.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the first heat exchanger 12, the first pump 13, and the battery 14 can all be connected to the first loop 11. In use, under the drive of the first pump 13, the medium used for temperature regulation, such as water, can circulate along the first loop 11, and the first heat exchanger 12 can realize the heat exchange between the medium and the outside world, thereby meeting the usage requirements for regulating the operating temperature of the battery 14.

[0054] The motor cycle 2 includes a second loop 21, a second heat exchanger 22, a second pump 23, and a motor 24, all located within the second loop 21. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the second loop 21 can also be regarded as a ring-shaped pipeline composed of pipes, the second heat exchanger 22 can also be a radiator, the second pump 23 can be a water pump, etc., and the motor 24 can be the vehicle's power motor 24. The motor 24 can drive the wheels, thereby meeting the driving needs of driving.

[0055] The second heat exchanger 22, the second pump 23, and the motor 24 can all be connected to the second loop 21. In use, under the drive of the second pump 23, water and other media used for temperature regulation can circulate along the second loop 21, while the second heat exchanger 22 can realize heat exchange between the media and the outside world, thereby meeting the needs of regulating the operating temperature of the motor 24.

[0056] The first pipe 3 is connected to the first loop 11 and arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger 12, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the first pipe 3 can be regarded as a pipe section. The first pipe 3 can be located in the first loop 11. One end of the first pipe 3 can be connected to the first loop 11 at the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, and the other end of the first pipe 3 can be connected to the first loop 11 at the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12.

[0057] In use, the medium can flow along the first pipe 3 or the first heat exchanger 12, and the first pipe 3 can be used to short-circuit the first heat exchanger 12.

[0058] The second pipe 4 is connected to the second loop 21 and arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger 22. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the second pipe 4 can also be regarded as a pipe. One end of the second pipe 4 can be connected to the second loop 21 at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 22, and the other end of the second pipe 4 can be connected to the second loop 21 at the inlet of the second heat exchanger 22.

[0059] The third pump 5 is installed in the second pipeline 4 and is used to drive the flow of the medium within the second pipeline 4. For example, the third pump 5 can also be a water pump, etc. The third pump 5 can be installed near the inlet end of the second pipeline 4. The installation of the third pump 5 meets the usage requirement of driving the medium to flow along the second pipeline 4.

[0060] Temperature control device 6 is connected to the first loop 11 and the second pipeline 4, and is used to regulate the temperature of the medium flowing to the battery 14 to control the temperature of the battery 14. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature control device 6 can be equipped with two independent first channels and second channels. The first channel can be connected in series with the first loop 11, and the second channel can be connected in series with the second pipe 4.

[0061] Secondly, the temperature control device 6 can be equipped with a cooling and heating module. When powered on, the cooling and heating module can perform cooling and heating functions, thereby meeting the heating or cooling needs of the first channel.

[0062] The vehicle thermal management system of this invention, based on the arrangement of the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 22, adds a temperature regulating device 6. The temperature regulating device 6 can realize autonomous heating and cooling of the medium, and the operating power of the temperature regulating device 6 can be adaptively adjusted according to its own needs, thereby fully ensuring the heating and cooling effect of the battery 14, enhancing the heat regulation performance of the battery 14, avoiding the situation of the battery 14 being too hot during use and poor heat dissipation, improving the cycle life of the battery 14, and also meeting the needs of long-term high-power output and rapid charging and discharging.

[0063] Secondly, the first pipeline 3 can short-circuit the first heat exchanger 12. When the ambient temperature is too high, the medium can be circulated and transported through the first pipeline 3, thereby avoiding the situation where the medium does not achieve a good cooling effect due to heat exchange with the outside when passing through the first heat exchanger 12, thus improving the cooling efficiency.

[0064] In addition, the second pipeline 4 can provide a conveying pipeline for the medium in another channel of the temperature-regulating medium. When the output medium is hot, it can also exchange heat with the external environment through the second heat exchanger 22, thereby cooling the medium. The second heat exchanger 22 is shared, which simplifies the overall number of parts and reduces costs.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the temperature control device 6 includes a cooling plate 61, a first heat exchange plate 62, and a second heat exchange plate 63.

[0066] The cooling chip 61 has a first side and a second side, one of which is used for cooling and the other for heating. For example, the cooling chip 61 can be a semiconductor cooling chip 61, the first side can be the top side of the cooling chip 61, and the second side can be the bottom side of the cooling chip 61. In use, heat can accumulate on the first side, while the second side has a lower temperature. In other embodiments, heat can also accumulate on the second side, while the first side has a lower temperature.

[0067] The first heat exchange plate 62 is located on the first side of the cooling plate 61 and is connected to the first loop 11. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first heat exchange plate 62 can be flat, and a flow channel for medium circulation can be provided inside the first heat exchange plate 62. This flow channel can be connected to the first loop 11 to form the first channel. The first heat exchange plate 62 can directly contact the first side of the cooling plate, thereby realizing the heat exchange between the medium in the flow channel and the first side of the cooling plate.

[0068] The second heat exchange plate 63 is located on the second side of the cooling plate 61 and is connected to the second pipe 4. For example... Figure 2As shown, the second heat exchange plate 63 can also be flat, and a flow channel for medium circulation can be provided inside the second heat exchange plate 63. This flow channel can be connected to the second pipeline 4 to form the second channel. The second heat exchange plate 63 can directly contact the second side of the cooling plate, thereby realizing the heat exchange between the medium in the flow channel and the second side of the cooling plate.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other. For example, the first side and the second side can be arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction. In other embodiments, when other types of temperature control devices 6 are used, the first side and the second side can also be adjacent to each other, thereby improving the flexibility and variability of the arrangement.

[0070] In some embodiments, two cooling plates 61 and two heat exchange plates 63 are provided, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the temperature control device 6 can be a sandwich structure, with two cooling plates 61 disposed between two second heat exchange plates 63, and a first heat exchange plate 62 disposed between the two cooling plates 61. The two second heat exchange plates 63 are connected.

[0071] In use, the first side of the two cooling chips 61 can simultaneously heat or cool the medium in the first heat exchange plate 62, and the second side of the two cooling chips 61 can respectively heat or cool the medium in the two second heat exchange plates 63. The temperature-adjusted medium in the first heat exchange plate 62 can be directly transported to the first loop 11, and the temperature-adjusted medium in the two second heat exchange plates 63 can be transported to the second pipeline 4.

[0072] Therefore, by adding a cooling plate 61 and a second heat exchange plate 63, the temperature regulation efficiency can be improved, thereby fully meeting the needs of efficient temperature regulation of the battery 14.

[0073] In some embodiments, a thermally conductive medium is provided between the cooling element 61 and the first heat exchange plate 62, and between the cooling element 61 and the second heat exchange plate 63. For example, the thermally conductive medium can be thermally conductive silicone. Two cooling elements 61 can be provided, and the first heat exchange plate 62 is disposed between the two cooling elements 61. Thermally conductive silicone can be applied to the upper and lower sides of the first heat exchange plate 62 and between the two cooling elements 61. A second heat exchange plate 63 can be attached to the outer side of each of the two cooling elements 61, and thermally conductive silicone can also be applied between each cooling element 61 and the corresponding second heat exchange plate 63.

[0074] The heat-conducting medium serves two purposes: firstly, it helps to bond and fix the cooling chip 61 to the first heat exchange plate 62 or the second heat exchange plate 63, thus ensuring the overall structural stability; secondly, it enhances the heat exchange efficiency between the cooling chip 61 and the first heat exchange plate 62 and the second heat exchange plate 63, thereby improving the temperature regulation effect on the battery 14.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the temperature control device 6 includes a housing 64, which can be box-shaped. The cooling chip 61, the first heat exchange plate 62, and the second heat exchange plate 63 are all located inside the housing 64, thereby achieving the effect of structural protection and integrating the bulk components.

[0076] Buffer media 65 are provided between the first heat exchange plate 62 and the shell 64, and between the second heat exchange plate 63 and the shell 64. Figure 2 As shown, the buffer medium 65 can be rubber, silicone, etc. The setting of the buffer medium 65 can improve the impact resistance of the temperature control device 6.

[0077] In some embodiments, the housing 64 includes a first housing 641 and a second housing 642, such as Figure 3 As shown, both the first shell 641 and the second shell 642 can be box-shaped structures. The first shell 641 covers the outer periphery of one second heat exchange plate 63, and the second shell 642 covers the outer periphery of another second heat exchange plate 63. Buffer media 65 are provided between the first shell 641 and the second heat exchange plate 63, and between the second shell 642 and the second heat exchange plate 63.

[0078] The split design of the housing 64 facilitates both manufacturing and installation, as well as subsequent disassembly.

[0079] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 6 includes a connecting pipe 66 connected between two second heat exchange plates 63. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the connecting pipe 66 can be a U-shaped pipe. The connecting pipe 66 can be located on the right side of the two second heat exchange plates 63 and can connect the two second heat exchange plates 63, thereby connecting the flow channels in the two second heat exchange plates 63 into one, which facilitates the circulation of the medium.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle thermal management system includes a retainer 67, which can be made of plastic or similar materials. A cooling element 61 is disposed within the retainer 67, and the retainer 67 is clamped and fixed between the first heat exchange plate 62 and the second heat exchange plate 63. The retainer effectively limits and fixes the cooling element 61, thereby ensuring the stability of the overall structure.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle thermal management system includes a middle frame 68, which is located within the housing 64. The cooling fins 61, the first heat exchange plate 62, and the second heat exchange plate 63 are all located within the middle frame 68. The middle frame 68 acts as a skeleton, thereby ensuring the overall structural stability of the temperature control device 6.

[0082] In some embodiments, the vehicle thermal management system includes a valve 7, which is located at the connection between the first pipeline 3 and the first loop 11, and is used to switch the flow of the medium to the first pipeline 3 or to the first heat exchanger 12.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, valve 7 can be a three-position two-way solenoid valve. Valve 7 has one inlet and two outlets. The inlet can be connected to the first loop 11, one outlet can be connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, and the other outlet can be connected to the first pipeline 3. In use, the two outlets can be opened and closed respectively, thereby achieving the function of switching between the first heat exchanger 12 and the first pipeline 3.

[0084] In some embodiments, the motor cycle 2 includes an on-board charger 25 (OBC) disposed in the second loop 21 and located between the second pump 23 and the motor 24.

[0085] The thermal management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0086] It should be noted that the thermal management method of this invention is implemented based on the above-described vehicle thermal management system, and as follows... Figure 1 As shown, the first pump 13, temperature regulating device 6, battery 14, and first pipeline 3 of the vehicle thermal management system form the first cycle. The first cycle is also the cycle of first pump 13 → temperature regulating device 6 → battery 14 → valve 7 → first pipeline 3 → first pump 13.

[0087] The first pump 13, temperature control device 6, battery 14, and first heat exchanger 12 form the second cycle. The second cycle is also the cycle of first pump 13 → temperature control device 6 → battery 14 → valve 7 → first heat exchanger 12 → first pump 13.

[0088] The third pump 5, temperature control device 6, and second heat exchanger 22 form the third cycle. The third cycle is also known as the cycle of third pump 5 → temperature control device 6 → second heat exchanger 22 → third pump 5.

[0089] In some embodiments, the thermal management method mainly includes modes such as low-temperature heating mode, normal cooling mode, auxiliary cooling mode, and main cooling mode.

[0090] If the temperature of battery 14 is lower than the first threshold, the low-temperature heating mode is turned on; if the temperature of battery is higher than the second threshold but lower than the third threshold, the low-temperature heating mode is turned off.

[0091] If the temperature of battery 14 is higher than the third threshold but lower than the fourth threshold, the normal cooling mode will be activated.

[0092] If the temperature of battery 14 is higher than the fourth threshold but lower than the fifth threshold, the auxiliary cooling mode will be activated.

[0093] If the temperature of battery 14 is higher than the fifth threshold, the main cooling mode will be activated.

[0094] And the first threshold < the second threshold < the third threshold < the fourth threshold < the fifth threshold.

[0095] In some embodiments, when in a low-temperature heating mode, the thermal management method may mainly include the following steps:

[0096] When the temperature of battery 14 is lower than the first threshold, the temperature control device 6 is activated and the battery 14 is heated using the first cycle, and the medium output from the cold end of the temperature control device 6 is circulated and transported using the third cycle; when the temperature of battery 14 is not lower than the second threshold and is lower than the third threshold, the temperature control device 6 and the third pump 5 are turned off, and then the second cycle is activated.

[0097] Specifically, when the temperature of battery 14 is lower than temperature T1 (T1 < 0℃), where temperature T1 can be considered as the first threshold, the temperature regulating device 6 can activate the heating mode. At this time, the first pump 13 and the third pump 5 start working, and the valve 7 switches to the first cycle ( Figure 1 (The small circulating water channel in the middle) can be used to heat the battery 14.

[0098] It should be noted that when the temperature control device 6 is in heating mode, the medium in the first heat exchange plate 62 can be heated, thereby meeting the requirement of supplying a higher temperature medium to the first loop 11 and the battery 14. Meanwhile, the medium in the second heat exchange plate 63 is cooled. The cooled medium can be transported along the second pipe 4 and part of the second loop 21 to the second heat exchanger 22. At the second heat exchanger 22, the cooler medium can exchange heat with the outside, thus preventing the cooler medium from flowing directly to the motor 24.

[0099] When the temperature of battery 14 reaches ≥ T2 (T2 > 0℃), where temperature T2 can be regarded as the second threshold, the temperature control device 6, the first pump 13, and the third pump 5 stop working, and the valve 7 switches to the second circulation (large circulation water circuit).

[0100] In some embodiments, when in normal cooling mode, the thermal management method may mainly include the following steps:

[0101] When the temperature of battery 14 is higher than the third threshold and lower than the fourth threshold, the temperature control device 6 is turned off, the battery 14 is cooled by the second cycle, and the medium output from the hot end of the temperature control device 6 is circulated and transported by the third cycle.

[0102] For example, when the temperature of battery 14 is higher than temperature T3 (T3 > T2), where temperature T3 can be regarded as the third threshold, the first pump 13 starts to work, and the valve 7 can switch to the second cycle under the control of the controller, etc. At this time, the temperature regulating device 6 does not work, and the fan at the first heat exchanger 12 is turned on, so that the temperature of the medium can be cooled by air by means of the first heat exchanger 12.

[0103] In some embodiments, when in auxiliary cooling mode, the thermal management method may mainly include the following steps:

[0104] When the temperature of battery 14 is higher than the fourth threshold and lower than the fifth threshold, the temperature control device 6 is activated to cool the battery 14 using the second cycle and to circulate the medium output from the hot end of the temperature control device 6 using the third cycle.

[0105] For example, when the temperature of battery 14 is higher than temperature T4 (T4 > T3), where temperature T4 can be regarded as the fourth threshold, the temperature regulating device 6 turns on the cooling mode. It should be noted that in actual operation, the input power of the temperature regulating device 6 can be adjusted according to the rate of temperature rise of battery 14 through PWM control. That is, in the auxiliary cooling mode, the temperature regulating device 6 is in a low power working state. At this time, the first pump 13 and the third pump 5 are turned on, and the valve 7 switches to the second cycle, thereby realizing auxiliary cooling of battery 14.

[0106] It should be noted that when the temperature control device 6 is in cooling mode, the medium in the first heat exchange plate 62 can be cooled, thus meeting the requirement of supplying a lower temperature medium to the first loop 11 and the battery 14. Meanwhile, the medium in the second heat exchange plate 63 is heated, and the heated medium can be transported along the second pipe 4 and part of the second loop 21 to the second heat exchanger 22. At the second heat exchanger 22, the hotter medium can exchange heat with the outside and achieve cooling, thereby preventing the hotter medium from flowing directly to the motor 24.

[0107] In some embodiments, when in main cooling mode, the thermal management method may mainly include the following steps:

[0108] When the temperature of battery 14 is higher than the fifth threshold, the temperature control device 6 is activated to cool down battery 14 using the first cycle; and the medium output from the hot end of the temperature control device 6 is circulated and transported using the third cycle.

[0109] For example, in extreme environments, when the temperature of battery 14 is higher than temperature T5 (T5 is greater than the allowable operating temperature of battery 14), where temperature T5 can be regarded as the fifth threshold, the first heat exchanger 12 and its fan can no longer cool the battery 14. Instead, due to the excessively high external temperature, they will heat the battery.

[0110] At this time, the temperature control device 6 turns on the main cooling mode. In this mode, the semiconductor cooling module works at a higher power through PWM control. At this time, the first pump 13 and the third pump 5 start working, and the valve 7 switches to the first cycle, thereby cooling the battery 14 and ensuring that the battery 14 does not overheat.

[0111] In some embodiments, during actual operation, the motor cycle 2 can run continuously, that is, the second pump 23, the on-board charger 25, the motor 24, and the second heat exchanger 22 will also form a circulation loop. This circulation loop is the cycle of second pump 23 → on-board charger 25 → motor 24 → second heat exchanger 22 → second pump 23, thereby meeting the temperature regulation requirements of the motor 24.

[0112] The thermal management method of this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0113] 1. A temperature control device is connected in series at the front end of the cooling water inlet of the battery cooling circuit. The temperature control device is a semiconductor cooling / heating module (TEC module). According to the battery temperature, the temperature control device can cool or heat the coolant before it enters the power battery, thereby improving the temperature control efficiency.

[0114] 2. The battery circuit has large and small circulating water channels (first circulation and second circulation). Based on the battery and ambient temperature, it is controlled by a two-position three-way solenoid valve (valve) to meet the requirements of efficient battery thermal management.

[0115] 3. The temperature control device is connected to the motor circuit (motor circulation) and shares the motor radiator assembly (second heat exchanger) for heat dissipation, which can reduce the number of components, which is beneficial to the overall vehicle layout and saves costs.

[0116] 4. The temperature control device adopts a sandwich structure, which makes the overall product lightweight, small in size, low in cost, and highly reliable. The control can adopt PWM closed-loop control, which can effectively improve the system efficiency of the temperature control device and save energy.

[0117] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0118] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0119] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0120] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0121] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0122] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The battery cycle includes a battery cycle and a motor cycle. The battery cycle includes a first loop and a first heat exchanger, a first pump, and a battery disposed in the first loop. The motor cycle includes a second loop and a second heat exchanger, a second pump, and a motor disposed in the second loop. The first pipeline and the second pipeline are connected to the first loop and arranged in parallel with the first heat exchanger, and the second pipeline is connected to the second loop and arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger. A third pump is provided in the second pipeline and is used to drive the flow of the medium in the second pipeline; A temperature regulating device is provided, wherein the temperature regulating device has a first channel and a second channel, the first channel is connected to the first loop, the second channel is connected to the second pipeline, and the temperature regulating device is used to regulate the temperature of the medium flowing to the battery in the first channel to regulate the temperature of the battery.

2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes: A cooling chip having a first side and a second side, wherein one of the first side and the second side is used for cooling and the other side is used for heating; The first heat exchange plate is disposed on the first side of the cooling chip and connected to the first loop, and the first channel is disposed inside the first heat exchange plate. The second heat exchange plate is disposed on the second side of the cooling chip and connected to the second pipeline, and the second channel is disposed inside the second heat exchange plate.

3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling chip is a semiconductor cooling chip, and the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other.

4. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are two cooling elements and two second heat exchange plates. The two cooling elements are disposed between the two second heat exchange plates, and the first heat exchange plate is disposed between the two cooling elements. The two second heat exchange plates are connected.

5. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A heat-conducting medium is provided between the cooling chip and the first heat exchange plate, and between the cooling chip and the second heat exchange plate.

6. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes a housing, and the cooling element, the first heat exchange plate, and the second heat exchange plate are all disposed inside the housing. Buffer media are provided between the first heat exchange plate and the housing, and between the second heat exchange plate and the housing.

7. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing covers the outer periphery of one of the second heat exchange plates, and the second housing covers the outer periphery of the other second heat exchange plate. The buffer medium is provided between the first housing and the second heat exchange plate, and between the second housing and the second heat exchange plate. And / or, the temperature control device includes a connecting pipe that connects between the two second heat exchange plates.

8. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes a retainer, the cooling element is disposed on the retainer, and the retainer is clamped and fixed between the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate; And / or, including a middle frame, the middle frame being disposed within the housing, and the cooling element, the first heat exchange plate, and the second heat exchange plate all being disposed within the middle frame.

9. The vehicle thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes a valve, which is located at the connection between the first pipeline and the first loop, and the valve is used to switch the flow of the medium to the first pipeline or to the first heat exchanger; And / or, the motor cycle includes an on-board charger, which is located in the second loop and between the second pump and the motor.

10. A thermal management method comprising a vehicle thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first pump, the temperature control device, the battery, and the first pipeline form a first cycle; the first pump, the temperature control device, the battery, and the first heat exchanger form a second cycle; and the third pump, the temperature control device, and the second heat exchanger form a third cycle.

11. The thermal management method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The thermal management method includes a low-temperature heating mode, a normal cooling mode, an auxiliary cooling mode, and a main cooling mode; If the battery temperature is below the first threshold, the low-temperature heating mode is activated; if the battery temperature is above the second threshold but below the third threshold, the low-temperature heating mode is deactivated. If the battery temperature is higher than the third threshold but lower than the fourth threshold, the normal cooling mode is activated. If the temperature of the battery is higher than the fourth threshold but lower than the fifth threshold, the auxiliary cooling mode is activated. If the temperature of the battery is higher than the fifth threshold, the main cooling mode is activated. And the first threshold < the second threshold < the third threshold < the fourth threshold < the fifth threshold.

12. The thermal management method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The low-temperature heating mode includes the following steps: When the battery temperature is below the first threshold, the temperature control device is activated and the battery is heated using the first cycle, and the medium output from the cold end of the temperature control device is circulated and transported using the third cycle. When the battery temperature is not less than the second threshold and is lower than the third threshold, the temperature control device and the third pump are turned off, and then the second cycle is started.

13. The thermal management method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The normal cooling mode includes the following steps: when the battery temperature is higher than the third threshold and lower than the fourth threshold, the temperature control device is turned off, the battery is cooled by the second cycle, and the medium output from the hot end of the temperature control device is circulated and transported by the third cycle.

14. The thermal management method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The auxiliary cooling mode includes the following steps: when the battery temperature is higher than the fourth threshold and lower than the fifth threshold, the temperature regulating device is activated, the battery is cooled using the second cycle, and the medium output from the hot end of the temperature regulating device is circulated and transported using the third cycle.

15. The thermal management method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The main cooling mode includes the following steps: When the battery temperature is higher than the fifth threshold, the temperature control device is activated to cool the battery using the first cycle; the medium output from the hot end of the temperature control device is circulated and transported using the third cycle.

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