Thermal management system

Abstract

The heat management system comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve device, a second valve device and a first valve piece, in a first working mode, the second valve device is in a throttling state, a first port is in a cut-off state, and the second port communicates with a third port; the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second valve device and the third heat exchanger communicate. And in the second working mode, the first valve device is in the throttling state, the second port is in the cut-off state, at least one of the first port and the third port is in the throttling state, the outlet of the compressor, the first port, the third port and the inlet of the compressor are communicated, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device and the second heat exchanger are communicated. The second port is controlled to be in the cut-off state, so that the second port is not communicated with the third heat exchanger, and the influence of migration of a refrigerant to the third heat exchanger on the heating performance of the system in an extremely low temperature environment can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A vehicle's (e.g., an electric vehicle) thermal management system can regulate the ambient temperature inside the passenger compartment and manage the thermal properties of the battery.

[0003] In the relevant thermal management system, a throttling valve is connected in series between the compressor outlet and the compressor inlet. In the hot gas bypass mode, the throttling valve is in a throttling state, and the compressor outlet, throttling valve and compressor inlet are connected. Since the throttling valve can also be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant discharged by the throttling valve will migrate to the outdoor heat exchanger, affecting the heating performance of the system in extremely low temperature environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a thermal management system that can reduce the impact of refrigerant migration to a third heat exchanger on the system's heating performance in extremely low temperature environments.

[0005] The objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A thermal management system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, and a first valve component.

[0007] The first valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port can be connected to the outlet of the compressor, the second port can be connected to the third heat exchanger, and the third port can be connected to the inlet of the compressor.

[0008] The thermal management system has a first working mode. In the first working mode, the second valve device is in a throttling state, the first port is in a shut-off state, the second port is connected to the third port, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second valve device, and the third heat exchanger are connected.

[0009] The thermal management system has a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the first valve device is in a throttling state, the second port is in a shut-off state, at least one of the first port and the third port is in a throttling state, the compressor outlet, the first port, the third port and the compressor inlet are connected, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device and the second heat exchanger are connected.

[0010] In this application, a first valve is provided, which has a first port, a second port and a third port. The first port can be connected to the outlet of the compressor, the second port can be connected to the third heat exchanger, and the third port can be connected to the inlet of the compressor. In the second working mode, the second port is in the closed state, so that the second port is not connected to the third heat exchanger, thereby reducing the impact of refrigerant migration to the third heat exchanger on the heating performance of the system in extremely low temperature environments.

[0011] The objective of this application is also achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0012] A thermal management system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve assembly, a first valve component, and a second valve component.

[0013] The first valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is connected to the outlet of the compressor, the second port is connected to the third heat exchanger, and the third port is connected to the inlet of the compressor.

[0014] The second valve includes a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port. The fourth port can be connected to the outlet of the compressor, the fifth port can be connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the sixth port can be connected to the inlet of the compressor.

[0015] In the second operating mode of the thermal management system, the compressor is in the on state, the first valve device is in the throttling state, the second port and the third port are both in the off state, at least one of the fourth port and the sixth port is in the throttling state, the compressor outlet, the fourth port, the sixth port and the compressor inlet are connected, and the compressor, the fourth port, the fifth port, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device and the second heat exchanger are connected.

[0016] In this application, a first valve and a second valve are provided. The first valve has a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port can be connected to the compressor outlet, the second port can be connected to the third heat exchanger, and the third port can be connected to the compressor inlet. The second valve includes a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port. The fourth port can be connected to the compressor outlet, the fifth port can be connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the sixth port can be connected to the compressor inlet. In the second operating mode, both the second port and the third port are in a closed state, so that the first port is not connected to the third heat exchanger, thereby reducing the impact of refrigerant migration to the third heat exchanger on the heating performance of the system in extremely low temperature environments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a connection diagram of the first embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first embodiment of the thermal management system in passenger cabin thermal mode.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first embodiment of the thermal management system in heating and dehumidification mode.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a first embodiment of the thermal management system in hot gas bypass mode.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a first embodiment of the thermal management system in passenger cabin single-cooling mode.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a first embodiment of the thermal management system in a hybrid cooling mode;

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first embodiment of the thermal management system in cooling and dehumidification mode;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a connection diagram of the second embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the thermal management system in passenger cabin single thermal mode;

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the thermal management system in heating and dehumidification mode;

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows the second embodiment of the thermal management system in hot gas bypass mode;

[0028] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows the second embodiment of the thermal management system in passenger cabin single-cooling mode;

[0029] Figure 13 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows a second embodiment of the thermal management system in a hybrid cooling mode;

[0030] Figure 14 yes Figure 8The diagram shows the second embodiment of the thermal management system in cooling and dehumidification mode;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a connection diagram of the third embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0032] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The diagram shows a third embodiment of the thermal management system in passenger cabin single thermal mode.

[0033] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the thermal management system in heating and dehumidification mode;

[0034] Figure 18 yes Figure 15 The diagram shows a third embodiment of the thermal management system in hot gas bypass mode.

[0035] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 The diagram shows a third embodiment of the thermal management system in passenger cabin single-cooling mode.

[0036] Figure 20 yes Figure 15 The diagram shows a third embodiment of the thermal management system in hybrid cooling mode;

[0037] Figure 21 yes Figure 15 The diagram shows the third embodiment of the thermal management system in cooling and dehumidification mode. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0039] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0041] According to the first embodiment of the thermal management system provided in this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the various components of the thermal management system are connected by pipes to form two main systems: a refrigerant system and a coolant system. These two systems are isolated and not interconnected. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant system, while coolant flows through the coolant system. The refrigerant can be R134A, carbon dioxide, or other heat exchange media, and the coolant can be a mixture of ethanol and water or other cooling media.

[0042] The thermal management system of this embodiment includes a second heat exchanger 4, which is a liquid-cooled heat exchanger. The structure and working principle of a liquid-cooled heat exchanger are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The second heat exchanger 4 includes a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42 that are not interconnected. The second heat exchanger 4 is used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant. The flow channel of the first heat exchange section 41 is connected to the refrigerant system, and the flow channel of the second heat exchange section 42 is connected to the coolant system.

[0043] In this embodiment, the refrigerant system includes a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a first heat exchange section 41, a third heat exchanger 5, a fourth heat exchanger 6, a fifth heat exchanger 9, a first valve device 31, a second valve device 32, a third valve device 33, a first valve component 7, a second valve component 8, and several valve components. These components can be indirectly connected through pipelines or valves, or they can be integrated into a single structure. It is understood that the refrigerant system may include some of the aforementioned components.

[0044] The fifth heat exchanger 9 is an intermediate heat exchanger. The structure and working principle of intermediate heat exchangers are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The fifth heat exchanger 9 includes a first part 91 and a second part 92, which are isolated from each other. The fifth heat exchanger 9 is used for heat exchange between two different sections of refrigerant in the same circuit. The flow channels of the first part 91 and the second part 92 are both connected to the refrigerant system. The first part 91 is located between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the throttling valve on the evaporator inlet side. The second part 92 is located between the outlet of the evaporator and the inlet of the compressor 1. Higher-temperature refrigerant flows in the first part 91, and lower-temperature refrigerant flows in the second part 92, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the compressor 1 and reducing the possibility of liquid slugging in the compressor 1. Simultaneously, it can also lower the temperature of the refrigerant before the throttling valve flowing into the evaporator inlet side, resulting in a lower refrigerant temperature after throttling and better heat exchange at the evaporator.

[0045] It is important to understand that condenser and evaporator do not refer to a specific heat exchanger. When the thermal management system is in operation, the heat exchanger where the refrigerant inside condenses is called the condenser, and the heat exchanger where the refrigerant inside evaporates is called the evaporator.

[0046] In some possible embodiments, the refrigerant system further includes a gas-liquid separator 10. The gas-liquid separator 10 is located after the outlet of the evaporator and before the inlet of the compressor 1. It can separate the refrigerant into gaseous and liquid states, store liquid refrigerant to reduce the risk of liquid slugging in the compressor, and can also be used to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the circulation loop.

[0047] The first valve device 31, the second valve device 32, and the third valve device 33 all have throttling and shut-off functions. When the opening degree of the above three valve devices is 0, the valve devices are in the shut-off state, and the pipelines on both sides of the valve devices are not connected. When the above three valve devices are in the throttling state, the refrigerant flowing through the valve devices cools and depressurizes, and the opening degree of the valve devices is greater than 0. According to the heat exchange requirements, the opening degree of the valve devices is adjusted, thereby adjusting the throttling effect of the valve devices. The above three valve devices all have a throttling state and can also be called throttling devices.

[0048] The valve component has a shut-off state and a fully open state. If the valve component is in the shut-off state, no refrigerant flows in the branch where the valve component is located; if the valve component is in the fully open state, refrigerant can flow in the branch where the valve component is located. Optionally, the valve component is a shut-off valve or a check valve. In this embodiment, the valve components include a first valve component 11, a second valve component 12, and a third valve component 13.

[0049] The first valve 7 includes a first port 71, a second port 72, and a third port 73. The first port 71 and the second port 72 are both inlets, and the third port 73 is an outlet. The first port 71 and the second port 72 can be closed simultaneously or one of them can be closed. The opening degree of the third port 73 can be adjusted. By adjusting the opening degree of the third port 73, the refrigerant can be depressurized to achieve a throttling effect.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second valve 8 includes a fourth port 81, a fifth port 82, and a sixth port 83. The fourth port 81 is the inlet, and the fifth and sixth ports 82 and 83 are the outlets. The fifth and sixth ports 82 and 83 can be closed or opened simultaneously, or one of the fifth and sixth ports 82 or 83 can be closed. That is, the fourth port 81 can be connected to at least one of the fifth and sixth ports 82 and 83. Specifically, the second valve 8 is a proportional three-way valve, which can adjust the flow ratio between the branch connected to the fifth port 82 and the branch connected to the sixth port 83.

[0051] In this embodiment, the outlet end of compressor 1 is connected to the first port 71 and the fourth port 81, the fifth port 82 is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger 2, the other end of the first heat exchanger 2 is connected to one end of the first valve component 11, the other end of the first valve component 11 and one end of the second valve component 12 are connected to one end of the first part 91, the other end of the first part 91 is connected to one end of the first valve device 31, one end of the second valve device 32 and one end of the third valve device 33, the other end of the first valve device 31 is connected to one end of the first heat exchange section 41, and the other end of the second valve device 32 is connected to one end of the third valve device 33. The other end of the first heat exchanger 41, the other end of the second valve component 12 is connected to one end of the third heat exchanger 5, the other end of the third heat exchanger 5 is connected to the second port 72 and the sixth port 83, the other end of the third valve device 32 is connected to one end of the fourth heat exchanger 6, the other end of the fourth heat exchanger 6 is connected to one end of the third valve component 13, the other end of the first heat exchanger 41, the other end of the third valve component 13, and the third port 73 are connected to one end of the gas-liquid separator 10, the other end of the gas-liquid separator 10 is connected to one end of the second part 92, and the other end of the second part 92 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 1.

[0052] The coolant system includes a first branch L1, a second branch L2, a third branch L3, a fourth branch L4, and a fifth branch L5. The first branch L1 includes a first pump P1 and a battery heat exchanger 101. The second branch L2 includes a second pump P2 and a motor heat exchanger 102. The third branch L3 includes a sixth heat exchanger 103. The fourth branch L4 includes a second heat exchange section 42.

[0053] Pumps P1 and P2 power the flow of coolant in the coolant system. Optionally, pumps P1 and P2 are electric water pumps; the type and specifications of the two pumps can be the same or different, depending on the requirements of the thermal management system.

[0054] The battery heat exchange device 101 is used for thermal management of the battery. Optionally, the battery heat exchange device 101 can be an integrated component with the battery as a whole, or it can be a separate component that is assembled with the battery.

[0055] The motor heat exchanger 102 is used for thermal management of the motor. Optionally, the motor heat exchanger 102 can be an integrated component with the motor, or it can be a separate component assembled with the motor.

[0056] The coolant system includes a multi-port valve 100, which has a first port a, a second port b, a third port c, a fourth port d, and a fifth port e. The multi-port valve 100 switches the connection state of the five ports through a valve core.

[0057] The first interface a is connected to the outlet of the first branch L1, the second interface b is connected to the outlet of the second branch L2, the third interface c is connected to the inlet of the third branch L3, the fourth interface d is connected to the inlet of the fourth branch L4, the fifth interface e is connected to the inlet of the fifth branch L5, the outlet of the fifth branch L5 is connected to the inlet of the first branch L1, the outlet of the third branch L3 is connected to the inlets of the first branch L1 and the second branch L2, and the outlet of the fourth branch L4 is connected to the inlets of the first branch L1 and the second branch L2. The connection status of each branch is adjusted by regulating the connection status of the multi-way valve 100 and the status of the first pump P1 and the second pump P2.

[0058] The thermal management system provided in this application embodiment can be applied to electric vehicles. The electric vehicle has an air conditioning unit that exchanges heat with the air in the passenger compartment. A first heat exchanger 2 and a fourth heat exchanger 6 are disposed within the air conditioning unit. The first heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 6 are used for heat exchange with the air in the air conditioning unit to regulate the temperature of the passenger compartment. The first heat exchanger 2 is located downstream of the fourth heat exchanger 6 in the airflow. A fan is provided within the air conditioning unit to guide the airflow within the unit. A third heat exchanger 5 and a sixth heat exchanger 103 are disposed near the front grille of the vehicle and are equipped with a fan device to guide the airflow. The third heat exchanger 5 and the sixth heat exchanger 103 are arranged side-by-side and are both used for heat exchange with the atmospheric environment, releasing heat into or absorbing heat from the atmospheric environment. The first heat exchanger 2, the third heat exchanger 5, the fourth heat exchanger 6, and the sixth heat exchanger 103 are all air-cooled heat exchangers, all used for heat exchange with air. The structure of air-cooled heat exchangers is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0059] The thermal management system has a first working mode, a second working mode, a third working mode, and a fourth working mode. The first working mode includes a passenger cabin single-heat mode and a heating and dehumidification mode. The second working mode includes a hot air bypass mode. The third working mode includes a passenger cabin single-cooling mode and a mixed cooling mode. The fourth working mode includes a cooling and dehumidification mode.

[0060] The thermal management system of this embodiment is not only applicable to vehicles, but also to other heat exchange systems that require thermal management. For ease of description, the specification of this application uses vehicles as an example.

[0061] In the single-heat mode of the passenger cabin, compressor 1 is turned on, the second valve device 32 is in a throttling state, the first port 71 is in a closed state, the second port 72 is connected to the third port 73, the sixth port 83 is in a closed state, the fourth port 81 is connected to the fifth port 82, and the first valve component 11 is in a fully open state.

[0062] In low-temperature environments, when the passenger cabin requires heating, the thermal management system executes a passenger cabin-only heating mode. For specific implementation details, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, fourth port 81, fifth port 82, first heat exchanger 2, first valve component 11, first part 91, second valve device 32, third heat exchanger 5, second port 72, third port 73, gas-liquid separator 10, second part 92, and inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The heated coolant in the first heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit, thereby achieving heating of the passenger cabin.

[0063] When the ambient temperature is low and the humidity is high, the thermal management system operates in heating and dehumidification mode. (See below) Figure 3 The heating and dehumidification mode differs from the passenger cabin single-heat mode in that the third valve device 33 is in a throttling state, and the third valve component 13 is in a fully open state. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the fifth port 82, the first heat exchanger 2, the first valve component 11, the first part 91, the second valve device 32, the third heat exchanger 5, the second port 72, the third port 73, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence.

[0064] The humid air in the air conditioning unit first flows through the fourth heat exchanger 6, which has a lower temperature, and the moisture in the air is precipitated out when it encounters the cold, thus achieving dehumidification; then it flows through the first heat exchanger 2, which has a higher temperature, and the dehumidified air is heated, thus achieving heating and dehumidification.

[0065] In hot gas bypass mode, compressor 1 is turned on, first valve device 31 is in throttling state, second port 72 is in cut-off state, first port 71 is connected to third port 73, third port 73 is in throttling state, sixth port 83 is in cut-off state, fourth port 81 is connected to fifth port 82, and first valve component 11 is in full-flow state.

[0066] In other possible embodiments, the opening degree of the first port 71 is adjustable, and in hot gas bypass mode, the first port 71 can be in a throttling state.

[0067] In extremely low temperature environments, when the passenger cabin requires heating, the thermal management system executes a hot gas bypass mode. For specific implementation details, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, first port 71, third port 73, gas-liquid separator 10, second part 92, and inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The outlet of compressor 1, fourth port 81, fifth port 82, first heat exchanger 2, first valve component 11, first part 91, first valve device 31, first heat exchange section 41, gas-liquid separator 10, second part 92, and inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The heated coolant in the first heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit, thereby achieving heating of the passenger cabin.

[0068] Since the second port 72 is in the closed state under the hot gas bypass mode, the second port 72 is not connected to the third heat exchanger 5, which reduces the impact of refrigerant migration to the third heat exchanger 5 on the heating performance of the system under extremely low temperature environment.

[0069] In passenger cabin single-heat mode, heating and dehumidification mode, and hot air bypass mode, the first port a of the control multi-way valve 100 is connected to the fifth port e, and the second port b is connected to the fifth port e. Along the coolant flow direction, the outlet of the first pump P1, the battery heat exchange device 101 and the inlet of the first pump P1 are connected in sequence, and the outlet of the second pump P2, the motor heat exchange device 102 and the inlet of the second pump P2 are connected in sequence. The motor heat exchange device 102 absorbs the heat from the motor and uses it for battery heating.

[0070] In passenger cabin single-cooling mode, compressor 1 is turned on, third valve device 33 is in throttling state, first port 71, second port 72 and fifth port 82 are all in the closed state, fourth port 81 is connected to sixth port 83, second valve component 12 and third valve component 13 are both in the fully open state; first interface a is connected to fifth interface e, second interface b is connected to third interface c.

[0071] In high-temperature environments, when the passenger cabin requires cooling, the thermal management system executes a passenger cabin-only cooling mode. For specific implementation details, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, fourth port 81, sixth port 83, third heat exchanger 5, second valve component 12, first part 91, third valve device 33, fourth heat exchanger 6, third valve component 13, gas-liquid separator 10, second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected; along the coolant flow direction, the outlet of first pump P1, battery heat exchange device 101, and the inlet of first pump P1 are sequentially connected, and the outlet of second pump P2, motor heat exchange device 102, sixth heat exchanger 103, and the inlet of second pump P2 are sequentially connected. The low-temperature coolant in the fourth heat exchanger 6 exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit, thereby achieving passenger cabin cooling; the coolant circulates within the battery heat exchange device 101.

[0072] In high-temperature environments, when both the passenger cabin and the battery require cooling, the thermal management system executes a hybrid cooling mode. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 The hybrid cooling mode differs from the passenger cabin single-cooling mode in that: the first valve device 31 is in a throttling state, the first interface a is connected to the fourth interface d, and the second interface b is connected to the third interface c. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the sixth port 83, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the first valve device 31, the first heat exchange part 41, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected; along the coolant flow direction, the outlet of the first pump P1, the battery heat exchange device 101, the second heat exchange part 42, and the inlet of the first pump P1 are sequentially connected, and the outlet of the second pump P2, the motor heat exchange device 102, the sixth heat exchanger 103, and the inlet of the second pump P2 are sequentially connected. The low-temperature coolant in the second heat exchange part 42 is used for battery cooling; the motor heat exchange device 102 is connected to the sixth heat exchanger 103, and heat is released to the atmospheric environment through the sixth heat exchanger 103 to reduce the temperature of the coolant and achieve motor heat dissipation.

[0073] In the cooling and dehumidification mode, compressor 1 is turned on, the first port 71 and the second port 72 are both in the off state, the fourth port 81 is connected to the fifth port 82 and the sixth port 83, the first valve component 11, the second valve component 12 and the third valve component 13 are all in the fully open state; the first interface a is connected to the fifth interface e, and the second interface b is connected to the fifth interface e.

[0074] When the ambient temperature and humidity are both high, the thermal management system executes a cooling and dehumidification mode. For a specific embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, fourth port 81, sixth port 83, third heat exchanger 5, second valve component 12, first part 91, third valve device 33, fourth heat exchanger 6, third valve component 13, gas-liquid separator 10, second part 92 and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of compressor 1, fourth port 81, fifth port 82, first heat exchanger 2, first valve component 11, first part 91, third valve device 33, fourth heat exchanger 6, third valve component 13, gas-liquid separator 10, second part 92 and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence.

[0075] The humid air in the air conditioning unit flows through the fourth heat exchanger 6, which has a lower temperature. The moisture in the air is condensed upon cooling, thus achieving dehumidification. The opening degree of the fifth port 82 is controlled to be less than the opening degree of the sixth port 83, and the first heat exchanger 2 provides supplemental heating to the passenger cabin.

[0076] When the passenger cabin requires heating and dehumidification and there is excess heat, the thermal management system can also execute the heating and dehumidification mode according to the cooling and dehumidification mode. In the heating and dehumidification mode, the opening degree of the fifth port 82 is greater than the opening degree of the sixth port 83, and the excess heat is released to the outside environment through the third heat exchanger 5.

[0077] When the outdoor heat exchanger needs to be de-iced, the thermal management system can also execute the de-icing mode in the cooling and dehumidification mode. In the de-icing mode, the opening degree of the fifth port 82 and the sixth port 83 is adjusted according to the demand ratio.

[0078] According to the second embodiment of the thermal management system provided in this application, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first valve 7 is positioned differently. In the first embodiment, the first valve 7 is located near the inlet side of the compressor 1 relative to the third heat exchanger 5. In the second embodiment, the first valve 7 is located on the side near the third heat exchanger 5.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, the first valve 7 includes a first port 71, a second port 72, and a third port 73. The first port 71 is the inlet and is connected to the sixth port 83 of the second valve 8. The second port 72 is either the inlet or the outlet, and the third port 73 is the outlet. The opening degree of the third port 73 is adjustable. By adjusting the opening degree of the third port 73, the refrigerant can be depressurized to achieve a throttling effect.

[0080] See Figure 11 The hot gas bypass mode of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that: the fourth port 81 is connected to the fifth port 82, and the fourth port 81 is connected to the sixth port 83. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the sixth port 83, the first port 71, the third port 73, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially.

[0081] See Figure 12 The passenger cabin single-cooling mode of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that: both the third port 73 and the fifth port 82 are in the closed state, the first port 71 is connected to the second port 72, and the fourth port 81 is connected to the sixth port 83. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the sixth port 83, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially.

[0082] See Figure 13 The hybrid refrigeration mode of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that: both the third port 73 and the fifth port 82 are in the off state, the first port 71 is connected to the second port 72, and the fourth port 81 is connected to the sixth port 83. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the sixth port 83, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence; the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the sixth port 83, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the first valve device 31, the first heat exchange part 41, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence.

[0083] See Figure 14 The refrigeration and dehumidification mode of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that: the third port 73 is in a closed state, the first port 71 is connected to the second port 72, and the fourth port 81 is connected to the fifth port 82 and the sixth port 83. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the sixth port 83, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence; the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the fifth port 82, the first heat exchanger 2, the first valve component 11, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence.

[0084] According to the third embodiment of the thermal management system provided in this application, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that: Figure 15As shown, the first valve 7 includes a first port 71, a second port 72, and a third port 73. The first port 71 is the inlet, the second port 72 is either the inlet or the outlet, and the third port 73 is the outlet. The second port 72 and the third port 73 can be closed simultaneously or one of them can be closed. The second valve 8 includes a fourth port 81, a fifth port 82, and a sixth port 83. The opening degree of the sixth port 83 is adjustable. By adjusting the opening degree of the sixth port 83, the refrigerant pressure can be reduced to achieve a throttling effect. The sixth port 83 is connected to one end of the gas-liquid separator 10, and the other end of the gas-liquid separator 10 is connected to one end of the second part 92. The other end of the second part 92 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 1.

[0085] See Figure 18 The hot gas bypass mode of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that: both the second port 72 and the third port 73 are in a closed state, the fourth port 81 is connected to the fifth port 82 and the sixth port 83, and the sixth port 83 is in a throttling state. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the sixth port 83, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially.

[0086] In other possible embodiments, the opening degree of the fourth port 81 is adjustable, and in hot gas bypass mode, the fourth port 81 can be in a throttling state.

[0087] See Figure 19 The passenger cabin single-cooling mode of the third embodiment differs from that of the passenger cabin single-cooling mode of the first embodiment in that: the third port 73 and the fourth port 81 are in the closed state, and along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92 and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence.

[0088] See Figure 20 The hybrid refrigeration mode of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that: the first valve device 31 is in a throttling state, and the third port 73 and the fourth port 81 are in a shut-off state. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of compressor 1, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the first valve device 31, the first heat exchange part 41, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence.

[0089] See Figure 21 The refrigeration and dehumidification mode of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that: both the third port 73 and the sixth port 83 are in the off state, the first port 71 is connected to the second port 72, and the fourth port 81 is connected to the fifth port 82; along the refrigerant flow direction, the outlet of compressor 1, the first port 71, the second port 72, the third heat exchanger 5, the second valve component 12, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence, and the outlet of compressor 1, the fourth port 81, the fifth port 82, the first heat exchanger 2, the first valve component 11, the first part 91, the third valve device 33, the fourth heat exchanger 6, the third valve component 13, the gas-liquid separator 10, the second part 92, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence.

[0090] In this application, the "connection" between two components can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline between them, or they may have a valve or other component in addition to a pipeline. Similarly, the "connection" between two components in this application can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline connection, or they may have a valve or other component in addition to a pipeline connection.

[0091] It should be understood that the various modes of the thermal management system of this application are independent of each other and can all be started directly. There is no order in which the modes operate. The descriptions involving progressive relationships in the above description are only for ease of understanding and should not be interpreted as indicating that the two modes operate in a certain order.

[0092] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of this specification should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized by, The heat management system comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve device, a second valve device and a first valve element, The first valve element comprises a first port, a second port and a third port, the first port is capable of communicating with an outlet of the compressor, the second port is capable of communicating with the third heat exchanger, and the third port is capable of communicating with an inlet of the compressor; The heat management system has a first working mode, in the first working mode, the compressor is in an open state, the second valve device is in a throttling state, the first port is in a closed state, the second port communicates with the third port, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second valve device and the third heat exchanger are in communication; The heat management system has a second working mode, in the second working mode, the compressor is in an open state, the first valve device is in a throttling state, the second port is in a closed state, at least one of the first port and the third port is in a throttling state, the outlet of the compressor, the first port, the third port and the inlet of the compressor are in communication, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device and the second heat exchanger are in communication.

2. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The heat management system comprises a second valve element, the second valve element has a fourth port, a fifth port and a sixth port, the fourth port is capable of communicating with the outlet of the compressor, the fifth port is capable of communicating with the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the sixth port is capable of communicating with the third heat exchanger.

3. The thermal management system of claim 2, wherein, In the first working mode, the sixth port is in a closed state, and the fourth port communicates with the fifth port.

4. The thermal management system of claim 3, wherein, The heat management system comprises a third valve device and a fourth heat exchanger, the third valve device is arranged on the inlet side of the fourth heat exchanger, and the third valve device has a throttling function; The heat management system has a third working mode, in the third working mode, the compressor is in an open state, the third valve device is in a throttling state, the fourth port communicates with the sixth port, the first port and the second port are both in a closed state, the fifth port is in a closed state, and the compressor, the fourth port, the sixth port, the third heat exchanger, the third valve device and the fourth heat exchanger are in communication; In the second working mode, the sixth port is in a closed state, and the fourth port communicates with the fifth port.

5. The thermal management system of claim 3, wherein, The heat management system comprises a third valve device and a fourth heat exchanger, the third valve device is arranged on the inlet side of the fourth heat exchanger, and the third valve device has a throttling function; The heat management system has a third working mode, in the third working mode, the third port and the fifth port are in a closed state, the fourth port communicates with the sixth port, the first port communicates with the second port, the compressor is in an open state, the third valve device is in a throttling state, the compressor, the fourth port, the sixth port, the first port, the second port, the third heat exchanger, the third valve device and the fourth heat exchanger communicate; In the second working mode, the fourth port communicates with the fifth port, and the fourth port communicates with the sixth port.

6. A thermal management system characterized by, The heat management system comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve device, a first valve element and a second valve element, The first valve element comprises a first port, a second port and a third port, the first port can communicate with the outlet of the compressor, the second port can communicate with the third heat exchanger, and the third port can communicate with the inlet of the compressor, The second valve element comprises a fourth port, a fifth port and a sixth port, the fourth port can communicate with the outlet of the compressor, the fifth port can communicate with the inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the sixth port can communicate with the inlet of the compressor; In the second working mode, the compressor is in an open state, the first valve device is in a throttling state, the second port and the third port are in a closed state, at least one of the fourth port and the sixth port is in a throttling state, the outlet of the compressor, the fourth port, the sixth port and the inlet of the compressor communicate, and the compressor, the fourth port, the fifth port, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device and the second heat exchanger communicate.

7. The thermal management system of claim 6, wherein, The second valve element can adjust the flow ratio of the branch connected with the fifth port and the branch connected with the sixth port.

8. The thermal management system of claim 6, wherein, The heat management system comprises a second valve device, a third valve device and a fourth heat exchanger, the third valve device is arranged on the inlet side of the fourth heat exchanger, and the third valve device has a throttling function; The heat management system has a third working mode, in the third working mode, the compressor is in an open state, the third valve device is in a throttling state, the third port and the fourth port are in a closed state, the first port communicates with the second port, the compressor, the first port, the second port, the third heat exchanger, the third valve device and the fourth heat exchanger communicate; In the first working mode, the compressor is in an open state, the second valve device is in a throttling state, the first port and the third port are in a closed state, the fourth port communicates with the fifth port, the second port communicates with the third port, and the compressor, the fourth port, the fifth port, the first heat exchanger, the second valve device, the third heat exchanger, the second port and the third port communicate.

9. The thermal management system of claim 8, wherein, The heat management system comprises a fifth heat exchanger comprising a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being isolated from each other in the fifth heat exchanger, the first part being heat exchangeable with the second part, an inlet of the first part being connectable with the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, an outlet of the first part being connectable with the first valve device, the second valve device and the third valve device, an inlet of the second part being connectable with the second heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger, an outlet of the second part being connectable with an inlet of the compressor.

10. The thermal management system of claim 9, wherein, The heat management system comprises a first valve component and a second valve component, the first valve component being connected in series between an outlet of the first heat exchanger and an inlet of the first part, the second valve component being connected in series between the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the first part.

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