Method for operating temperature control device of motor vehicle, in particular motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a temperature control device (1) of a motor vehicle, the temperature control device (1) having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant can flow, in which a first heat exchanger (4), a second heat exchanger (22) and a refrigerant compressor for conveying and compressing the refrigerant are arranged, and a temperature control circuit (3) through which a temperature control medium can flow, in which a first heat exchanger (4), a second heat exchanger (22), an electrical energy store (7) of the motor vehicle, a third heat exchanger (5), an ambient air heat exchanger (16) through which ambient air can circulate as a fourth heat exchanger, and at least one electric machine (8) for driving the motor vehicle are arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a temperature control device for a motor vehicle, particularly an automobile, as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] AT519800B1 discloses a method for regulating the temperature of a vehicle battery using a temperature regulating device for cooling and / or heating the battery. DE102011109422A1 discloses a method for charging a vehicle battery. US10952726B2 discloses a method for managing the thermal energy of a battery in a vehicle. Furthermore, DE102010005154A1 discloses a cooled energy storage device. US8494739B2 discloses a method for operating a hybrid vehicle. CN112585369B discloses a friction clutch. Furthermore, EP2748044B1 discloses a method for braking a motor vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a method for a temperature control device for operating motor vehicles, enabling particularly advantageous temperature control of the vehicle's interior space.

[0004] According to the invention, this task is accomplished by a method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] This invention relates to a method for operating a temperature control device for a motor vehicle (also simply referred to as a vehicle), the interior space of which, also known as the passenger compartment or passenger space, is formed by a structure of the vehicle, for example, a self-supporting body. During vehicle operation, occupants (e.g., the driver or female driver of the vehicle) can reside in the interior space of the vehicle. Preferably, the motor vehicle is constructed as an automobile, particularly a sedan.

[0006] In this method, the temperature control device has a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant medium flows, for example, in this method. A first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger attached to the first heat exchanger are arranged in the refrigerant circuit, specifically such that, in the flow direction of the refrigerant medium flowing through the refrigerant circuit in this method, the second heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the refrigerant compressor and upstream of the first heat exchanger. Therefore, the first and second heat exchangers are components of the temperature control device.

[0007] In this method, the temperature control device further includes a temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium, preferably a liquid and distinct from the refrigerant medium, can flow. This temperature control circuit is preferably fluidly separated from the refrigerant medium circuit. Preferably, the temperature control circuit is traversed by a temperature control medium in this method. Preferably, the temperature control medium is a liquid. More preferably, the temperature control medium contains at least water. A first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, an electric energy storage device for the vehicle, and a third heat exchanger attached to the first and second heat exchangers are arranged in the temperature control circuit. Preferably, the third heat exchanger is not arranged in the refrigerant medium circuit, and is therefore located outside the refrigerant medium circuit, and thus cannot be traversed by the refrigerant medium.

[0008] Electrical energy is stored or circulated in the energy storage device, particularly electrochemically. The energy storage device is also called a battery, and is preferably a secondary battery. More preferably, the energy storage device is a high-voltage component, the voltage of which, particularly the operating voltage or rated voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, particularly greater than 60 volts, and more preferably several hundred volts. Furthermore, an ambient air heat exchanger, which is the fourth heat exchanger of the temperature control device and is attached to the first, second, and third heat exchangers, is arranged in the temperature control circuit. Preferably, the fourth heat exchanger is not arranged in the refrigerant circuit, and is therefore located outside the refrigerant circuit and thus cannot be circulated by the refrigerant. The ambient air is the air that flows and circulates within the motor vehicle environment and through the ambient air heat exchanger, particularly without introducing ambient air into the interior space. Furthermore, at least one motor is arranged in the temperature control circuit for driving, particularly for purely electric motor vehicles. This means that the motor vehicle can be driven by the motor, particularly in purely electric mode. For example, the method specifies that the motor vehicle is driven by an electric motor, particularly by pure electric drive. Preferably, the motor is a high-voltage component, the voltage of which, particularly the operating voltage or rated voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, particularly greater than 60 volts, and more preferably several hundred volts.

[0009] To enable particularly advantageous and energy-efficient temperature control, especially heating, i.e., warming the interior space of a motor vehicle, according to the present invention, when the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle (also known as the external temperature or ambient temperature) is higher than a settable or predefined threshold, the temperature control device is operated in a first heat pump operation, also referred to as a first heat pump operation mode. This method is performed, for example, by means of an electronic computing device, particularly the electronic computing device of the motor vehicle. The threshold is stored, for example, in the electronic computing device's, particularly electrical or electronic data storage. For example, the ambient temperature is detected, particularly by means of an ambient temperature sensor, wherein the electronic computing device compares the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor with the threshold. If the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle is lower than the threshold, the temperature control device is operated in a second heat pump operation, also referred to as a second heat pump operation mode. For example, if the detected ambient temperature is determined to be higher, i.e., greater than the threshold, by comparing the detected ambient temperature with the threshold and thus by means of the electronic computing device, then the temperature control device is operated in the first heat pump operation by means of the electronic computing device. For example, if the detected ambient temperature is determined to be below the threshold by comparing it with a threshold and thus by means of an electronic computing device, then the temperature control device is operated in the second heat pump operation by means of the electronic computing device. For example, if the ambient temperature detected, in particular by means of an ambient temperature sensor, is equal to the threshold, which can be determined, for example, by comparison and thus by means of an electronic computing device, then the temperature control device is operated either in the first heat pump operation or in the second heat pump operation.

[0010] Not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium flows through the motor, through the first heat exchanger, through the second heat exchanger, and through the third heat exchanger. For example, at least one pump, particularly attached to the refrigerant compressor, is arranged in the temperature-regulating circuit, by means of which the temperature-regulating medium is conveyed, for example, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, and thereby conveyed through the temperature-regulating circuit and thus through the motor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger.

[0011] In particular, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, heat is transferred from the motor to the temperature regulating medium, thereby cooling the motor and heating the temperature regulating medium. Not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, the refrigerant is transported and compressed by means of the refrigerant compressor and thereby transported, in particular, through the refrigerant circuit, so that the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation.

[0012] Not only in the first heat pump operation (also known as the first operating mode) but also in the second heat pump operation (also known as the second operating mode), the first heat exchanger (also known as the cooler) operates as an evaporator, by which the refrigerant medium is evaporated. Thus, heat is transferred from the temperature regulating medium to the refrigerant medium via the first heat exchanger.

[0013] Not only in the first operating mode (first heat pump operation) but also in the second operating mode (second heat pump operation), the second heat exchanger operates as a cooling device for the refrigeration medium, by means of which heat is transferred from the refrigeration medium to the temperature regulating medium, thereby cooling the refrigeration medium and heating the temperature regulating medium.

[0014] Not only in the first operating mode (first heat pump operation) but also in the second operating mode (second heat pump operation), the third heat exchanger is circulated and / or circulated by air. Not only in the first operating mode but also in the second operating mode, heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium to the air circulating and / or flowing through the third heat exchanger via the third heat exchanger. This air is introduced into the interior space of the vehicle and is therefore also referred to as cabin air. The air circulating and / or flowing through the third heat exchanger is heated by transferring heat from the temperature-regulating medium to the air circulating and / or flowing through the third heat exchanger. Since the air circulating and / or flowing through the third heat exchanger is introduced into the interior space, the interior space is heated by means of the cabin air. Therefore, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, heat, also referred to as waste heat, transferred from the motor to the temperature-regulating medium, is utilized to heat the interior space and thus regulate its temperature.

[0015] For example, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, the first heat exchanger and the motor are arranged in a first sub-loop of the temperature-regulating loop, also referred to as the main loop. And, for example, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, the second and third heat exchangers are arranged in a second sub-loop, also referred to as the heating loop or heating ring. These sub-loops are separated from each other, particularly completely fluidly separated, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation. This means that, preferably, the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-loop does not flow into or through the second sub-loop, and preferably, the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-loop does not flow into or through the first sub-loop. The corresponding sub-loops are also referred to as the corresponding sub-rings. Therefore, for example, it is stipulated that, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, heat is transferred from the motor to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-loop, and heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-loop to the cooling medium by means of the first heat exchanger. Not only during the operation of the first heat pump, but also during the operation of the second heat pump, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-loop and thus through the heating loop by means of the second heat exchanger. And not only during the operation of the first heat pump, but also during the operation of the second heat pump, heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the heating loop (second sub-loop) to the cabin air by means of the third heat exchanger.

[0016] The first heat pump operation and the second heat pump operation differ from each other at least in that, in the first heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium flows through the ambient heat exchanger, and in the second heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium bypasses the ambient heat exchanger and therefore does not flow through the ambient air heat exchanger. Specifically, in the first heat pump operation, the ambient air heat exchanger is arranged in the first sub-loop. For example, it is specified that in the first heat pump operation, the ambient air heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the motor in the first sub-loop.

[0017] For example, in the first heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium is cooled (particularly those flowing through the first sub-loop) by flowing through an ambient air heat exchanger, in such a way that heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the ambient air heat exchanger and specifically through the first sub-loop to the ambient air at or near the circulating ambient air heat exchanger. Specifically, it is specified that in the first heat pump operation, the entire temperature-regulating medium flowing through the motor and the first heat exchanger and specifically through the first sub-loop also flows through the ambient air heat exchanger. For example, it is specified that in the second heat pump operation, the entire temperature-regulating medium flowing through the motor and the first heat exchanger and specifically through the first sub-loop bypasses the ambient air heat exchanger and therefore does not flow through it. It is particularly preferably specified that in the second heat pump operation, the flow of the temperature-regulating medium through the ambient air heat exchanger does not occur, and particularly, does not occur at all. Therefore, in the operation of the second heat pump, undesirable heat exchange between the temperature-regulating medium (especially flowing through the first sub-loop) and the ambient air via the ambient air heat exchanger can be avoided, allowing the internal space to be effectively heated and thus regulated by the heat from the motor during the operation of the second heat pump. Furthermore, for example, excessive heat dissipation, i.e., excessively intense cooling of the energy storage unit caused by the temperature-regulating medium, can be avoided during the operation of the second heat pump.

[0018] This invention is particularly based on the understanding that when the ambient temperature is very low, the operation of the first heat pump may lead to excessive heat dissipation from the electric energy storage device. This can now be avoided because when the ambient temperature is very low, especially below a threshold, the second heat pump is activated.

[0019] Excessively low temperatures, i.e., excessive heat dissipation from the energy storage device, can lead to undesirable low performance in providing the electrical energy stored in the device and / or in storing electrical energy into the device, which can now be avoided by the method according to the invention.

[0020] To enable particularly efficient and on-demand temperature control, especially for heating the internal space, in one embodiment of the invention, it is stipulated that during the operation of the second heat pump, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger is smaller than that during the operation of the first heat pump, thereby resulting in a smaller heat flow rate from the temperature-regulating medium to the refrigerant via the first heat exchanger during the second heat pump operation. This means that the amount of heat taken from (particularly flowing through the first sub-loop) the temperature-regulating medium and thus from the temperature-regulating circuit, particularly from the first sub-loop, and transferred to the refrigerant circuit and thus introduced into the refrigerant circuit per unit time via the first heat exchanger is less during the second heat pump operation than during the first heat pump operation, thereby avoiding excessive heat dissipation and thus avoiding excessively intense cooling of the electric energy storage device. By changing, i.e., adjusting the operation of the refrigerant compressor, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant delivered by the refrigerant compressor and thus realized can be changed, i.e., the heat flow rate transferred from (particularly flowing through the first sub-loop) the temperature-regulating medium to or at the refrigerant via the first heat exchanger can be changed. Therefore, for example, in the first heat pump operation, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant delivered by the refrigerant compressor in the first heat pump operation has a first value, and for example, in the second heat pump operation, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant delivered by the refrigerant compressor in the second heat pump operation has a second value, wherein the second value is less than the first value. Preferably, the first and second values ​​are greater than zero. Therefore, in the first heat pump operation, the heat flow rate transferred from the temperature-regulating medium (particularly flowing through the first sub-loop) to or at the refrigerant medium via the first heat exchanger (cooler) has a third value, and in the second heat pump operation, the heat flow rate transferred from the temperature-regulating medium (particularly flowing through the first sub-loop) to or at the refrigerant medium via the first heat exchanger (cooler) has a fourth value, wherein the fourth value is less than the third value because the second value is less than the first value. Therefore, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant delivered by the refrigerant compressor in its operation can be changed by changing the operation of the refrigerant compressor, thereby changing the heat flow rate. Therefore, the heat flow rate can be adjusted as needed. In other words, the amount of heat taken from the temperature-regulating medium (particularly flowing through the first sub-loop) and introduced into the refrigerant medium via the first heat exchanger can be changed by altering the operation of the refrigerant compressor, particularly during the operation of the second heat pump. Preferably, the third and fourth values ​​are greater than zero.

[0021] In order to effectively heat the interior space and thus regulate its temperature, especially during the operation of the second heat pump, and on the other hand, to avoid excessive heat dissipation from the energy storage device, in another embodiment of the invention, it is specified that the refrigerant compressor is operated, at least during the operation of the second heat pump, according to the temperature of the electric energy storage device and / or according to the temperature regulating medium, particularly by means of an electronic computing device.

[0022] Preferably, the refrigerant compressor is an electric refrigerant compressor, and therefore an electrically operable refrigerant compressor. The refrigerant compressor, for example, has a housing and a conveying element, and particularly a motor configured as an electric motor, by means of which the conveying element can be driven and thus movable relative to the housing, particularly rotatable about a rotational axis. The refrigerant is conveyed and compressed by means of the conveying element's movement relative to the housing.

[0023] If the conveying element is rotatable relative to the housing about a rotational axis, i.e., if the conveying element rotates relative to the housing about a rotational axis to convey and compress the refrigerant medium, then the conveying element rotates relative to the housing about a rotational axis at a rotational speed during the conveying and compression of the refrigerant medium. Regarding the aforementioned changes or adjustments to the operation of the refrigerant compressor, this specifically refers to changes or adjustments to the rotational speed. Therefore, for example, a fifth value of rotational speed is set in the first heat pump operation, and a sixth value of rotational speed smaller than the fifth value is set in the second heat pump operation, i.e., achieved by means of a motor, such that the mass flow rate of the refrigerant medium is smaller in the second heat pump operation than in the first heat pump operation. Thus, the heat flow rate transferred from the temperature-regulating medium (particularly flowing through the first sub-loop) to or at the refrigerant medium via the first heat exchanger can be adjusted as needed. Preferably, the fifth and sixth values ​​are greater than zero.

[0024] In order to enable particularly efficient and on-demand temperature control of the internal space and to avoid excessive heat dissipation from the energy storage unit, a further embodiment of the invention specifies that, at least during the second heat pump operation, the refrigerant compressor is operated in a regulated manner according to the temperature of the electric energy storage unit and / or according to the temperature-regulating medium. Specifically, the refrigerant compressor is operated in a regulated manner with respect to the rotational speed of the delivery element, and is thus regulated such that the rotational speed is specifically adjusted.

[0025] To advantageously heat and thus regulate the internal space, and on the other hand, to avoid excessive heat dissipation from the electric energy storage unit, a further embodiment of the invention specifies that an electric heater is provided in the temperature regulation circuit, particularly in the second sub-circuit, by means of which the temperature regulation medium can be heated using electrical energy (which is supplied to or can be supplied to the heater). Preferably, the heater is provided in the second sub-circuit both in the first and second heat pump operations, and thus in the heating loop. Here, it is specified that the temperature regulation medium (particularly flowing through the heating loop) is heated by means of the electric heater in the second heat pump operation. Since the heat flow rate transferred from the temperature regulation medium (particularly flowing through the first sub-circuit) to the refrigerant medium via the first heat exchanger is smaller in the second heat pump operation than in the first heat pump operation, the difference between the heat flow rate in the second heat pump operation and the heat flow rate in the first heat pump operation is compensated by the electric heater operating and thus heating the temperature regulation medium, particularly flowing through the second sub-circuit (heating loop), using electrical energy (which is supplied to the electric heater). Therefore, the interior space can be advantageously heated and thus its temperature regulated. Furthermore, the excessively low temperature of the energy storage device can be avoided, just as excessively high temperatures can be avoided, allowing the energy storage device's temperature to be maintained within a settable or predefined temperature range. Additionally, the temperature of the energy storage device can be at least substantially matched to the temperature of the motor, and vice versa. Furthermore, for example, during the operation of the second heat pump, the heat or waste heat of the motor and, if available, the heat or waste heat of the energy storage device can be used to heat (particularly the cooling medium flowing through the first sub-loop), and the cooling medium can be heated via the first heat exchanger, and subsequently via the second heat exchanger (particularly the cooling medium flowing through the heating loop), and the cabin air can be heated via the third heat exchanger, thus heating the interior space, resulting in effective and efficient interior space temperature regulation.

[0026] In order to enable particularly efficient and on-demand temperature control and heating of the interior space, a further embodiment of the invention specifies that, during the operation of the second heat pump, the electric heater is operated according to the temperature present in the temperature control circuit, particularly in the heating circuit (second sub-circuit). The temperature present in the heating circuit may be, for example, the temperature of the temperature control medium itself and / or the temperature of the components arranged in the heating circuit, such as the temperature of the first heat exchanger and / or the second heat exchanger.

[0027] It has been shown to be particularly advantageous that if the second heat pump is operated in a regulated manner according to the temperature present in the temperature control circuit, especially in the heating circuit, i.e., the electric heater is regulated, the interior space can be heated particularly on demand and efficiently, and thus the interior space can be regulated.

[0028] To achieve particularly efficient and energy-saving temperature control, especially for interior spaces, a further embodiment of the invention specifies that the temperature control device operates in a first heat pump mode when the ambient temperature of the vehicle is above a threshold and the temperature of the electric energy storage device is below a limit value. The limit value is, for example, set or settable. For example, the limit value is stored in a data memory. If the ambient temperature of the vehicle is above the threshold and if the temperature of the electric energy storage device is above the limit value, the temperature control device operates in a third heat pump mode. If, for example, the temperature of the electric energy storage device is equal to the limit value, the temperature control device operates either in the first heat pump mode or in the third heat pump mode. The third heat pump mode is also referred to as the third operating mode.

[0029] In the operation of the third heat pump, the temperature-regulating medium flows through the motor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger, and the electric energy storage unit. Specifically, in the operation of the third heat pump, the temperature-regulating medium is transported by means of a pump and thereby transported through the temperature-regulating circuit in such a way that the temperature-regulating medium flows through the motor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger, and the electric energy storage unit. The temperature-regulating device may include a valve device that can switch between different switching states to thereby affect the flow of the temperature-regulating medium, particularly the temperature-regulating medium.

[0030] In the operation of the third heat pump, heat is transferred from the motor and from the energy storage unit to the temperature-regulating medium, thereby heating the temperature-regulating medium. In the operation of the third heat pump, the refrigerant is delivered and compressed by a refrigerant compressor, thereby flowing through both the first and second heat exchangers. In the operation of the third heat pump, the first heat exchanger operates as an evaporator, by which the refrigerant evaporates, thereby transferring heat from the temperature-regulating medium to the refrigerant. In the operation of the third heat pump, the second heat exchanger operates as a cooling device for the refrigerant, by which heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the temperature-regulating medium. In the operation of the third heat pump, the third heat exchanger is circulated and / or circulated by air. In the operation of the third heat pump, heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium to the air circulating and / or flowing through the third heat exchanger, and this air is introduced into the interior space of the vehicle, thereby heating and thus regulating the interior space. Furthermore, in the operation of the third heat pump, the temperature-regulating medium flows through an ambient air heat exchanger. For example, in the operation of the third heat pump, the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the ambient air heat exchanger is cooled by means of the ambient air heat exchanger, in which heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the ambient air heat exchanger to the ambient air in the circulating ambient air heat exchanger.

[0031] For example, in third heat pump operation, the motor and ambient air heat exchanger are arranged in the third sub-loop. For example, in third heat pump operation, the second and third heat exchangers are arranged in the second sub-loop. For example, in third heat pump operation, the first heat exchanger and energy storage unit are arranged in the first sub-loop, which is also referred to as a battery loop or battery circuit. Preferably, in third heat pump operation, the sub-loops are fluidly separated from each other in pairs.

[0032] For example, it is specified that in the first heat pump operation, the first heat exchanger, the motor, and the ambient air cooler are arranged in the first sub-loop, wherein preferably, in the first heat pump operation, the energy storage unit is arranged outside the first sub-loop and also outside the second sub-loop. Specifically, for example, in the first heat pump operation, no temperature-regulating medium flows through the energy storage unit. For example, it is specified that in the second heat pump operation, the first heat exchanger, the motor, and the energy storage unit are arranged in the first sub-loop such that, for example, in the second heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium, particularly the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-loop, flows through the motor, the first heat exchanger, and the energy storage unit. Here, for example, in the second heat pump operation, the ambient air cooler is arranged outside the first sub-loop and also outside the second sub-loop.

[0033] In order to heat the interior space on demand and effectively and thus regulate the temperature of the interior space during the operation of the third heat pump, in another embodiment of the invention, it is specified that during the operation of the third heat pump, the temperature regulating medium, in particular the temperature regulating medium flowing through the second sub-circuit, is heated by means of an electric heater.

[0034] Another embodiment is characterized in that, during the operation of the second heat pump, a temperature-regulating medium flows through the electric energy storage unit. This advantageously maintains the temperature of the electric energy storage unit or its temperature within a specified range, because, for example, during at least the first portion of the second heat pump's operation, heat can be transferred from the electric energy storage unit to the temperature-regulating medium, particularly the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-circuit. This avoids excessively high temperatures in the energy storage unit. For example, during at least the second portion of the second heat pump's operation, heat can be transferred from the temperature-regulating medium, particularly the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-circuit, to the energy storage unit, thereby avoiding excessive heat dissipation, i.e., excessively low temperatures in the energy storage unit. For example, the selective transfer of heat from the energy storage unit to the temperature-regulating medium, particularly the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-circuit, or the transfer of heat from the temperature-regulating medium, particularly the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-circuit, to the energy storage unit can be adjusted by variations in the operation of the refrigerant compressor described above. This can be achieved by adjusting the mass flow rate of the refrigerant medium supplied by the refrigerant compressor and flowing through the first heat exchanger, thereby adjusting the heat flow rate transferred from the temperature-regulating medium, particularly the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-loop, to the refrigerant medium via the first heat exchanger. This allows adjustment of the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in the temperature-regulating loop, particularly the temperature in the first sub-loop. By adjusting the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in the temperature-regulating loop, particularly the temperature in the first sub-loop, it is possible to selectively transfer heat from the temperature-regulating medium to the energy storage unit, or vice versa. For example, if the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in the temperature-regulating loop, particularly the temperature in the first sub-loop, is higher than the temperature of the energy storage unit, then heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium to the energy storage unit. Conversely, if the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in the temperature-regulating loop, particularly the temperature in the first sub-loop, is lower than the temperature of the energy storage unit, then heat is transferred from the energy storage unit to the temperature-regulating medium. Therefore, the temperature of the energy storage unit can be adjusted selectively. In particular, this allows the energy storage unit or its temperature to be selectively maintained within a specific temperature range.

[0035] To effectively and efficiently heat and thus regulate the interior space, a further design of the invention specifies that no temperature-regulating medium flows through the electric energy storage unit during the first heat pump operation. Regarding the energy storage unit and the motor, heat is thus transferred only from the motor to the temperature-regulating medium during the first heat pump operation. This means that, for example, in terms of the electric energy storage unit and the motor, only the motor is used as a heat source during the first heat pump operation to heat the refrigerant medium and thus the cabin air. This advantageously avoids excessive heat dissipation, i.e., excessively low temperatures in the energy storage unit. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle temperature control device is shown, wherein the temperature control device is operated during the first heat pump operation;

[0038] Figure 2 Another schematic illustration shows a temperature control device operating during the second heat pump operation;

[0039] Figure 3 Another schematic illustration shows a temperature control device operating during the operation of a third heat pump; and

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the regulating circuit for an electric refrigerant compressor and an electric heater for regulated operation of a temperature control device is shown.

[0041] Components that are identical or have the same function in the figure are given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figures 1 to 3 The temperature control device 1 of a motor vehicle, also referred to simply as a vehicle, is illustrated schematically. The interior space of the motor vehicle, also known as the passenger compartment or passenger space, is formed by the structure of the motor vehicle, for example, a self-supporting body structure, i.e., the clearance. The following uses... Figures 1 to 4 This describes a method for operating the temperature control device 1. Here, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the operation of a first heat pump, in which a temperature control device 1 can operate and is operated in the method. Figure 2 The second heat pump operation is shown, in which the temperature control device 1 can operate and is operated in the method. Figure 3 The third heat pump operation is shown, in which the temperature control device 1 can operate and is operated in the method.

[0043] The temperature control device 1 has a refrigerant circuit (not shown) through which a refrigerant medium can flow. Furthermore, the temperature control device 1 has a temperature control circuit 3 through which a temperature control medium, different from the refrigerant medium and preferably a liquid, can flow. Preferably, the temperature control medium contains at least water. The temperature control device 1 has a first heat exchanger 4, also called a cooler, which is arranged both in the refrigerant circuit and in the temperature control circuit 3. Therefore, heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant medium and the temperature control medium via the heat exchanger 4. The temperature control device 1 also has a second heat exchanger 22 attached to the heat exchanger 4, which is arranged both in the refrigerant circuit and in the temperature control circuit 3. Therefore, the heat exchanger 22 can be through which both the refrigerant medium and the temperature control medium flow, allowing heat to be exchanged between the refrigerant medium and the temperature control medium via the heat exchanger 22.

[0044] The temperature control device 1 also includes a third heat exchanger 5, which is attached to both heat exchanger 4 and heat exchanger 22. This third heat exchanger, also called a heating heat exchanger, is arranged in the temperature control circuit 3 and outside the refrigerant circuit. This means that heat exchanger 5 is not arranged in the refrigerant circuit. The third heat exchanger 5 can be circulated and / or flowed through by air, which can be introduced into the interior space of the vehicle or is therefore also called cabin air. The temperature control device 1 also includes a refrigerant compressor (not shown in the figure), which is configured here as an electric refrigerant compressor. The refrigerant compressor, the first heat exchanger 4, and the second heat exchanger 22 are arranged in the refrigerant circuit and are therefore allowed to flow through the refrigerant. Furthermore, the first heat exchanger 4 and the second heat exchanger 22 are arranged in the temperature control circuit 3 and are therefore allowed to flow through the temperature control medium. In this method, the refrigerant is delivered and compressed by means of the refrigerant compressor and thereby delivered through the refrigerant circuit. Preferably, the refrigerant circuit and the temperature control circuit 3 are fluidly separated from each other, particularly completely fluidly separated.

[0045] The temperature control device 1 includes an electric energy storage unit 7, which is a high-voltage component and is therefore also called a high-voltage storage device (HVS). Electrical energy is stored or stored in the HVS, particularly electrochemically. The HVS is arranged in the temperature control circuit 3 and is therefore permeable to a temperature control medium. The temperature control device 1 also includes at least one motor 8 of the motor vehicle, which is driven by the motor 8, particularly by pure electric drive. Preferably, the motor 8 is also constructed as a high-voltage component. The motor 8 is arranged in the temperature control circuit 3 and is therefore permeable to a temperature control medium. A first pump 6 and a second pump 9, preferably an electric pump, are arranged in the temperature control circuit 3. The temperature control medium can be delivered by means of the respective pumps 6 and 9, and thus the temperature control medium is delivered through the temperature control circuit 3. A third pump 10, preferably an electric pump, is also arranged in the temperature control circuit 3, attached to the pumps 6 and 9. The temperature-regulating medium can be transported by pump 10 and thus transported through temperature-regulating circuit 3.

[0046] The temperature control device 1 also has a valve device 13, which has, for example, at least two valve elements 14 and 15. By means of the valve device 13 and therefore by means of the valve elements 14 and 15, the flow of the temperature control medium through the temperature control circuit 3 can be affected and thus adjusted.

[0047] The temperature control device 1 also includes an ambient air heat exchanger 16, which is attached to heat exchangers 4, 5, and 22 and is therefore the fourth heat exchanger for the temperature control device 1. The ambient air heat exchanger 16 is arranged in the temperature control loop 3 and is therefore permeable by the temperature control medium. The ambient air heat exchanger 16 is circulated by ambient air flowing in the environment of the vehicle and, for example, when the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle is moving forward. The ambient air heat exchanger 16 may be equipped with a particularly electrically operable fan 17, by means of which ambient air can be supplied, thereby supplying ambient air to the ambient air heat exchanger 16.

[0048] In this method, when the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle (also known as the external temperature or ambient temperature) is higher than, for example, a set or predefined threshold, the temperature control device 1... Figure 1 The first heat pump is operating as shown. In this method, when the ambient temperature is below a threshold, the temperature control device 1 operates in the second heat pump operation.

[0049] In the first heat pump operation, the first heat exchanger 4 and the motor 8 are arranged in the first sub-loop 11 of the temperature control loop 3, through which the temperature control medium flows. In the first heat pump operation, the second heat exchanger 22 and the third heat exchanger 5 are arranged in the second sub-loop 2 of the temperature control loop 3, also known as the heating loop, and through which the temperature control medium flows. It can be seen that in the first heat pump operation, pump 10 is arranged in the first sub-loop 11 and pump 6 is arranged in the second sub-loop 2. In the first heat pump operation, the energy storage unit 7 and pump 9 are arranged outside sub-loops 2 and 11, and the ambient air heat exchanger 16 is arranged in the first sub-loop 11.

[0050] In the second heat pump operation, the first heat exchanger 4, the motor 8, and the energy storage 7 are arranged in the first sub-loop 11 of the temperature control loop 3, through which the temperature control medium flows during the second heat pump operation. In the second heat pump operation, the second heat exchanger 22 and the third heat exchanger 5 are arranged in the second sub-loop 2 of the temperature control loop 3, also known as the heating loop, and through which the temperature control medium flows during the second heat pump operation. It can be seen that in the second heat pump operation, pump 9 is arranged in the first sub-loop 11 and pump 6 is arranged in the second sub-loop 2. In the second heat pump operation, the ambient air heat exchanger 16 and pump 10 are arranged outside sub-loops 2 and 11.

[0051] During the first heat pump operation and the second heat pump operation, the fluids in sub-circuits 11 and 2 are separated from each other. It should be understood that the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-circuit 11 does not flow into the second sub-circuit 2 and does not flow through the second sub-circuit 2, and the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-circuit 2 does not flow into the first sub-circuit 11 and does not flow through the first sub-circuit 11.

[0052] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the temperature-regulating medium flows through the motor 8, the first heat exchanger 4 (also called the cooler), the second heat exchanger 22, and the third heat exchanger 5, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation. Heat is transferred from the motor 8 to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-loop 11, as indicated by arrow 18, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation. The refrigerant is delivered and compressed by means of a refrigerant compressor, thereby flowing through the first heat exchanger 4 (cooler) and the second heat exchanger 22, not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation. The heat exchanger 4 operates as an evaporator, by which the refrigerant evaporates, thereby transferring heat from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the first sub-loop 11 to the refrigerant via the first heat exchanger 4. This is indicated by arrow 19. Not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, the second heat exchanger 22 operates as a cooling device for the refrigerant medium, by means of which heat is transferred from the refrigerant medium to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-loop 2. Not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, the third heat exchanger 5 is circulated and / or flows through by air, which is introduced into the interior space and is therefore also referred to as cabin air. Not only in the first heat pump operation but also in the second heat pump operation, as indicated by arrow 20, heat is transferred via the third heat exchanger 5 from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-loop 2 to the cabin air circulating and / or flowing through the third heat exchanger 5, thereby heating the cabin air. Since the cabin air is introduced into the interior space, the interior space is thereby heated and thus the interior space is temperature-regulated.

[0053] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, during the first heat pump operation, the temperature regulating medium flows through the ambient air heat exchanger 16. As indicated by arrow 21, during the first heat pump operation, the temperature regulating medium flowing through the ambient air heat exchanger 16 and thus through the first sub-loop 11 is cooled by means of the ambient air heat exchanger 16 in such a way that heat is transferred from the temperature regulating medium flowing through the ambient air heat exchanger 16 to the ambient air circulating in the ambient air heat exchanger 16.

[0054] like Figure 1As indicated by arrow 23, in the first heat pump operation, heat is transferred from the refrigerant medium via heat exchanger 22 to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-loop 2, thereby cooling the refrigerant medium and heating the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-loop 2. In both the first and second heat pump operations, heat exchanger 22 functions as a cooler, particularly as a condenser, by means of which the refrigerant medium is cooled, particularly condensed, in the manner that heat is transferred from the refrigerant medium to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-loop 2 via or through heat exchanger 22 in both the first and second heat pump operations.

[0055] The temperature control device 1 also includes an electric heater 24, which is arranged in the temperature control circuit 3. The heater 24 is arranged in the second sub-circuit 2 not only during the first heat pump operation but also during the second heat pump operation. Preferably, the heater 24 is arranged outside the refrigerant circuit, i.e., not within the refrigerant circuit. Preferably, the heat exchanger 5 is arranged outside the refrigerant circuit, i.e., not within the refrigerant circuit. Preferably, the ambient air heat exchanger 16 is arranged outside the refrigerant circuit, i.e., not within the refrigerant circuit.

[0056] For example, it is specified that heater 24 operates during the first heat pump operation. Thus, by means of heater 24, the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the second sub-circuit 2 is heated using electrical energy (from which heater 24 is supplied), which... Figure 1 As shown by arrow 25, heater 24 is arranged downstream of heat exchanger 22 and upstream of heat exchanger 5 in the flow direction of the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 2 during the first heat pump operation and the second heat pump operation.

[0057] For example, during the first heat pump operation, no temperature-regulating medium flows through the electrical storage unit 7. For example, during the first heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium is delivered through the first sub-circuit 11 by means of pump 10, particularly during periods when the temperature-regulating medium is not delivered by means of pump 9. For example, during the first heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium is delivered through the second sub-circuit 2 by means of pump 6, particularly during periods when the temperature-regulating medium is not delivered by means of pump 9. From Figure 2 It can be seen that during the operation of the second heat pump, the temperature regulating medium bypasses the ambient air heat exchanger 16 and the pump 10, and therefore does not flow through the ambient air heat exchanger 16 or the pump 10, so that the temperature regulating medium does not flow through the ambient air heat exchanger 16 or the pump 10 during the operation of the second heat pump.

[0058] In the first heat pump operation, the motor 8, heat exchanger 4 and ambient air heat exchanger 16 are fluidly connected in series, such that in the flow direction of the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the sub-loop 11 in the first heat pump operation, the heat exchanger 4 is arranged downstream of the motor 8 and upstream of the ambient air heat exchanger 16 in the sub-loop 11.

[0059] In the operation of the second heat pump, the temperature regulating medium flows through the electric energy storage device 7. In the operation of the second heat pump, for example, the motor 8, the heat exchanger 4 and the high-voltage storage device (energy storage device 7) are fluidically connected in series with each other, in particular, such that in the flow direction of the temperature regulating medium flowing through the sub-loop 11 in the second heat pump operation, the heat exchanger 4 is arranged downstream of the motor 8 and upstream of the electric energy storage device 7 in the sub-loop 11.

[0060] In the first heat pump operation and the second heat pump operation, for example, the refrigerant compressor is arranged downstream of heat exchanger 4 and upstream of heat exchanger 22 in the direction of flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0061] like Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 25, during the operation of the second heat pump, for example, it is specified that the electric heater 24 is activated. Therefore, the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 2 is also heated by means of heater 24 during the operation of the second heat pump. Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 23, the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 2 is heated, particularly during the operation of the second heat pump, via heat exchanger 22. This is achieved by transferring heat from the refrigerant medium to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 2 during the operation of the second heat pump. Figure 2Arrow 26 indicates that the temperature of the electric energy storage unit 7 can be maintained within, for example, a settable or pre-defined temperature range during the operation of the second heat pump. For this purpose, the operation of the refrigerant compressor is changed, for example, during the operation of the second heat pump, such that the mass flow rate of the refrigerant, delivered by the refrigerant compressor and thus realized, particularly greater than 0 and flowing specifically through the cooler (heat exchanger 4), is altered. This alters the heat flow rate, indicated by arrow 19, which is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the sub-loop 11 to the refrigerant via the cooler. For example, if the refrigerant compressor operates such that the mass flow rate delivered by the refrigerant compressor and flowing through the cooler has a first value, and for example, if the refrigerant compressor operates such that the mass flow rate delivered by the refrigerant compressor and flowing through the cooler has a second value smaller than the first value, then when the mass flow rate has the first value, the heat flow rate is greater than when the mass flow rate has the second value. In other words, for example, when the mass flow rate has the first value, the resulting or generated heat flow rate has a third value, and for example, when the mass flow rate has the second value, the heat flow rate has a fourth value smaller than the third value. When the heat flow rate has a third value, compared to when the heat flow rate has a fourth value, the amount of heat transferred per unit time from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 to the cooling medium via the cooler is greater. This results in the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 being more strongly cooled via the cooler compared to when the mass flow rate has a second value. By changing the mass flow rate, the heat flow rate can be changed, thereby changing the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11. Consequently, the temperature regulation of the energy storage device 7, which is achieved or achievable by means of the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11, can be changed. For example, if the temperature-regulating medium in sub-loop 11 is regulated, particularly strongly cooled, by means of the cooler through the heat flow rate, such that the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in sub-loop 11 is lower than the temperature of the energy storage device 7, then the energy storage device 7 is cooled by means of the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11, and thus heat is transferred from the energy storage device 7 to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11, as shown by arrow 27. For example, if the temperature-regulating medium in sub-loop 11 is conditioned, and in particular cooled, by means of a cooler through a heat flow rate, such that the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in sub-loop 11 is higher than the temperature of the energy storage unit 7, then the energy storage unit 7 is heated by means of the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11, and the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 is cooled, thus heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 to the energy storage unit 7, as shown by arrow 28. By adjusting the mass flow rate and therefore by adjusting the resulting heat flow rate, it is possible to selectively transfer heat from the energy storage unit 7 to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 (arrow 27) or to transfer heat from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 to the energy storage unit 7 (arrow 28) as needed.Thus, particularly during the operation of the second heat pump, the energy storage unit 7 can be advantageously cooled or heated by means of a temperature-regulating medium. In other words, for example, during at least a portion of the operation of the second heat pump, the energy storage unit 7 can be cooled by means of a temperature-regulating medium flowing through the sub-loop 11, and during at least a second portion of the operation of the second heat pump, the energy storage unit 7 can be heated by means of a temperature-regulating medium flowing through the sub-loop 11, thereby allowing the energy storage unit 7 or its temperature to be selectively maintained within the stated temperature range during the operation of the second heat pump (arrow 26).

[0062] If the ambient temperature is above the threshold, and if, in particular, the temperature of the energy storage device 7 is below the limit value, then the temperature control device 1 operates in the first heat pump operation. If the ambient temperature is above the threshold, and if, in particular, the temperature of the energy storage device is above the limit value, then the temperature control device 1 operates in the third heat pump operation. Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0063] In the third heat pump operation, the first heat exchanger 4 and the energy storage unit 7 are arranged in the first sub-loop 11, and the pump 9 is also arranged in sub-loop 11. In the third heat pump operation, heat exchangers 5 and 22, as well as pump 6 and heater 24, are arranged in the second sub-loop 2. In the third heat pump operation, the motor 8, the ambient air heat exchanger 16, and pump 10 are arranged in the third sub-loop 12. In the third heat pump operation, sub-loops 2, 11, and 12 are fluidly separated from each other, and are considered in pairs.

[0064] In the third heat pump operation (also known as the third operating mode), the temperature regulating medium flows through the motor 8, through the first heat exchanger 4, through the second heat exchanger 22, through the third heat exchanger 5, through the electric energy storage unit 7, and also through the ambient air heat exchanger 16.

[0065] Here, the energy storage unit 7 and the heat exchanger 4 are fluidly connected in series and arranged in sub-loop 11. The motor 8 and the ambient air heat exchanger 16 are fluidly connected in series and arranged in the third sub-loop 12. The heat exchangers 22 and 5 and the heater 24 are fluidly connected in series and arranged in the second sub-loop 2. Here, the pump 9 delivers the temperature-regulating medium through the first sub-loop 11 and thus through the heat exchanger 4 and the energy storage unit 7, while simultaneously the pump 10 delivers the temperature-regulating medium through the sub-loop 12 and thus through the motor 8 and the ambient air heat exchanger 16, and simultaneously the pump 6 delivers the temperature-regulating medium through the sub-loop 2 and thus through the heat exchangers 22 and 5 and the heater 24. As indicated by arrows 18 and 29, during the operation of the third heat pump, heat is transferred from the motor 8 to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the sub-loop 12 and from the energy storage unit 7 to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the sub-loop 11. As indicated by arrow 21, in the third heat pump operation, heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 12 to the ambient air via ambient air heat exchanger 16, thereby cooling the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 12. In the third heat pump operation, the refrigerant is delivered by means of a refrigerant compressor and thus through the refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant is compressed by the refrigerant compressor. Therefore, in the third heat pump operation, the refrigerant flows through heat exchangers 4 and 22. In the third heat pump operation, heat exchanger 4 (cooler) operates as an evaporator, by which the refrigerant evaporates, thereby, as indicated by arrow 19, heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 to the refrigerant via the first heat exchanger 4. As indicated by arrow 20, in the third heat pump operation, the third heat exchanger 5 is introduced into the air circulation and / or flows through the internal space. As indicated by arrow 23, in the third heat pump operation, the second heat exchanger 22 operates as a cooling device for the refrigerant, by means of which heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 2. In the third heat pump operation, particularly as also in the first and second heat pump operations and as indicated by arrow 20, heat is transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 2 to the circulating and / or flowing air through the third heat exchanger 5, which is introduced into the interior space as cabin air, thereby heating the interior space. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow 25, it can be specified that, in the third heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 2 is electrically heated by means of heater 24.

[0066] In the first heat pump operation, for example, the flow of the temperature-regulating medium through the storage tank is avoided or prevented by means of pump 10 only in relation to pumps 9 and 10, and the delivery of the temperature-regulating medium by pump 9 does not occur during this period. In the first heat pump operation, the sub-loop 11 is formed, for example, by a first part, a second part, and a third part, wherein the motor 8 is arranged in the first part, the heat exchanger 4 is arranged in the second part, and the ambient air heat exchanger 16 and the pump 10 are arranged in the third part.

[0067] In the second heat pump operation, the sub-loop 11 is formed, for example, by a first part, a second part, and a fourth part, in which the pump 9 and the energy storage unit 7 are arranged. In the first heat pump operation, the fourth part is not part of the sub-loop 11, and in the second heat pump operation, the third part is not part of the sub-loop 11.

[0068] In the third heat pump operation, sub-loop 11 is formed by the second part and the fourth part. In the third heat pump operation, sub-loop 12 is formed by the first part and the third part. In the first heat pump operation, the first part and the third part are not components of sub-loop 11, and in the third heat pump operation, the second part and the fourth part are not components of sub-loop 12. Here, a connecting line L is specified, through which the formation of each part can be realized, and thus the formation of sub-loops 11 and 12 can be realized.

[0069] Since the temperature-regulating medium is delivered only by pump 10 in relation to pumps 9 and 10 during the first heat pump operation, the temperature-regulating medium from heat exchanger 4 does not flow to or from pump 9 to energy storage 7, nor does it flow through energy storage 7. Instead, the temperature-regulating medium flows from heat exchanger 4 to connecting line L, through connecting line L, and from there to ambient air heat exchanger 16, through the ambient air heat exchanger, from there to pump 10, through the pump, from there to motor 8, through the motor, and from there back to heat exchanger 4, thus closing sub-loop 11 during the first heat pump operation. During the second heat pump operation, for example, the temperature-regulating medium is delivered only by pump 9 in relation to pumps 9 and 10, and the delivery of the temperature-regulating medium via pump 10 does not occur during this period. Thus, for example, the temperature-regulating medium does not flow from heat exchanger 4 to connecting line L and does not flow through connecting line L, and therefore does not flow to ambient air heat exchanger 16 and does not flow through the ambient air heat exchanger. Instead, the temperature-regulating medium flows from heat exchanger 4 to pump 9 and through pump 9, and from there to energy storage 7 and through energy storage 7, and from there to motor 8 and through motor, and from there back to heat exchanger 4 and through heat exchanger, thereby closing sub-loop 11 during the operation of the second heat pump. Since, for example, in the operation of the third heat pump, the temperature regulating medium is transported by both pump 9 and pump 10, for example, the temperature regulating medium does not flow from heat exchanger 4 to connecting line L and does not flow through connecting line L, but flows from heat exchanger 4 to pump 9 and through pump 9, and from there to energy storage 7 and through energy storage 7, and through the corresponding switching state of valve element 15, the temperature regulating medium does not flow from energy storage 7 to motor 8 and does not flow through motor, but flows from energy storage 7 back to heat exchanger 4 via valve element 15, thereby closing sub-loop 11. Furthermore, the temperature regulating medium flows from the pump 10 to the motor 8 and through the motor, and through the corresponding switching state of the valve device 13, especially the corresponding switching state of the valve element 30 of the valve device 13, the temperature regulating medium does not flow from the motor 8 to the cooler and does not flow through the cooler. Instead, the temperature regulating medium flows from the motor through the valve element 30 to the ambient air heat exchanger 16 and through the ambient air heat exchanger, and from there flows back to the pump 10 and through the pump, thereby closing the sub-loop 12.

[0070] For example, at least in the second heat pump operation and preferably also in the third heat pump operation, the refrigerant compressor and electric heater 24 are operated in a regulated manner. It is conceivable that the refrigerant compressor and heater 24 are also operated in a regulated manner in the first heat pump operation. Here, Figure 4A regulating circuit for the regulated operation of the refrigerant compressor and heater 24 is schematically shown. A first regulator for the regulated operation of the refrigerant compressor is indicated by 31, and a second regulator for the regulated operation of the heater 24 is indicated by 32. A temperature-regulating circuit 3, also known as an HVS circuit, is schematically shown, and a sub-circuit 2, also known as a heating loop, is similarly schematically shown. Arrow 33 indicates the current temperature of the accumulator 7, which is also referred to as the actual temperature, for example. Arrow 34 indicates the set temperature of the accumulator 7. The set temperature of the accumulator 7 is compared with the actual temperature of the accumulator 7, wherein the regulator 31 adjusts the refrigerant compressor, particularly its speed, based on the comparison between the set temperature and the actual temperature. Thus, for example, the speed of the refrigerant compressor is used as a control variable, where, for example, the actual temperature of the accumulator 7 is used as a controlled variable, and the set temperature of the accumulator 7 is used as a setpoint for the regulated operation of the refrigerant compressor. Figure 4 In Chinese, KMV is used to represent a refrigerant compressor.

[0071] Arrow 35 indicates the actual temperature of the heating loop, also known as the heating circuit or cabin air, and arrow 36 indicates the set temperature of the heating loop or cabin air.

[0072] The actual temperature, indicated by arrow 35, is compared with the set temperature, indicated by arrow 36, and based on this comparison, the regulator 32 adjusts the electric heater 24, and in particular, adjusts the electrical energy supplied to the heater 24. Thus, the electrical energy supplied to the heater 24, for example, for operating the heater 24, is used as a control quantity to regulate the operation of the heater 24, and the actual temperature, indicated by arrow 35, is used as the controlled quantity, and the set temperature, indicated by arrow 36, is used as the set quantity for regulating the operation of the heater 24 by means of the regulator 32. Overall, it can be seen that the refrigerant compressor KMV (which is arranged in the refrigerant circuit and outside the temperature control circuit 3 and particularly outside the heating loop) is operated, and particularly regulated, according to the actual temperature (arrow 33) of the energy storage 7 and, for example, also according to the set temperature (arrow 34) of the energy storage 7, which is arranged in the temperature control circuit 3 and outside the refrigerant circuit. By regulating the operation of the refrigerant compressor KMV, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant can be adjusted, and thus the heat flow rate transferred from the temperature-regulating medium flowing through sub-loop 11 to the refrigerant via the cooler can be adjusted. This allows adjustment of the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in temperature-regulating loop 3, particularly the temperature of the temperature-regulating medium in sub-loop 11, and consequently, the temperature of the energy storage device 7. Specifically, the temperature of the energy storage device 7 can be regulated, i.e., it can be adjusted in a controlled manner. Here, the actual temperature of the energy storage device 7 is a controlled quantity used by the regulator 31 and the regulating operation of the refrigerant compressor KMV.

[0073] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0074] 1 Temperature control device

[0075] 2. Refrigeration medium circuit

[0076] 3 Temperature control circuit

[0077] 4 First heat exchanger

[0078] 5 Second heat exchanger

[0079] 6. Refrigeration medium compressor

[0080] 7. Energy Storage Device

[0081] 8 motors

[0082] 9 pumps

[0083] 10 pumps

[0084] 11 First Sub-Circuit

[0085] 12 Second Sub-Circuit

[0086] 13 Valve Device

[0087] 14 Valve Components

[0088] 15 Valve Components

[0089] 16 Ambient air heat exchanger

[0090] 17 Fans

[0091] 18 arrows

[0092] 19 arrows

[0093] 20 arrows

[0094] 21 arrows

[0095] 22 Fourth heat exchanger

[0096] 23 arrows

[0097] 24 Electric heater

[0098] 25 arrows

[0099] 26 arrows

[0100] 27 arrows

[0101] 28 arrows

[0102] 29 arrows

[0103] 30 Valve Components

[0104] 31 First Regulator

[0105] 32 Second regulator

[0106] 33 arrows

[0107] 34 arrows

[0108] 35 arrows

[0109] 36 arrows

[0110] L connecting pipeline

Claims

1. A method for operating a temperature control device (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the temperature control device (1) has a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant medium can flow, wherein a first heat exchanger (4), a second heat exchanger (22) and a refrigerant compressor for conveying and compressing the refrigerant medium are arranged in the refrigerant medium circuit, and has a temperature control circuit (3) through which a temperature control medium can flow, wherein a first heat exchanger (4), a second heat exchanger (22), an electric energy storage device (7) for the motor vehicle, a third heat exchanger (5), an ambient air heat exchanger (16) through which ambient air can circulate as a fourth heat exchanger and at least one motor (8) for driving the motor vehicle; Its features are: -If the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle is higher than the threshold, the temperature control device (1) is operated in the first heat pump operation; -If the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle is below the threshold, the temperature control device (1) is operated in the second heat pump operation; Not only during the first heat pump operation but also during the second heat pump operation: The temperature regulating medium flows through the motor (8), the first heat exchanger (4), the second heat exchanger (22) and the third heat exchanger (5); Heat is transferred from the motor (8) to the temperature regulating medium; The refrigerant is delivered and compressed by a refrigerant compressor and flows through the first heat exchanger (4) and the second heat exchanger (22). The first heat exchanger (4) is operated as an evaporator, and the refrigerant is evaporated by means of the evaporator, thereby transferring heat from the temperature regulating medium to the refrigerant through the first heat exchanger (4). The second heat exchanger (22) is operated as a cooling device for the refrigeration medium, and heat is transferred from the refrigeration medium to the temperature regulating medium by means of the cooling device; The third heat exchanger (5) is circulated and / or flowed through by air; and Heat is transferred from the temperature regulating medium to the circulating and / or air flowing through the third heat exchanger (5) and introduced into the interior space of the motor vehicle. - During the first heat pump operation, the temperature regulating medium flows through the ambient air heat exchanger (16); and - In the second heat pump operation, the temperature regulating medium bypasses the ambient air heat exchanger (16).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, In the second heat pump operation, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger (4) is smaller than that in the first heat pump operation by means of the refrigerant compressor. As a result, the heat flow rate transferred from the temperature regulating medium to the refrigerant via the first heat exchanger (4) in the second heat pump operation is smaller than that in the first heat pump operation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least during the second heat pump operation, the refrigerant compressor is operated according to the temperature of the electric energy storage device (7) and / or according to the temperature of the temperature regulating medium.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, At least during the second heat pump operation, the refrigerant compressor is operated in a regulated manner according to the temperature of the electric energy storage device (7) and / or according to the temperature of the temperature regulating medium.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An electric heater (24) is arranged in the temperature control loop, wherein the temperature control medium is heated by means of the electric heater (24) during the operation of the second heat pump.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the operation of the second heat pump, the electric heater (24) is operated according to the temperature present in the temperature control loop (3) and / or according to the temperature of the circulating air and / or the air flowing through the third heat exchanger (5).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the operation of the second heat pump, the electric heater (24) is operated in a regulated manner according to the temperature present in the temperature control loop (3) and / or according to the temperature of the circulating air and / or the air flowing through the third heat exchanger (5).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: -If the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle is higher than the threshold and the temperature of the electric storage device (7) is lower than the limit value, then the temperature control device (1) is operated in the first heat pump operation; and -If the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle is higher than the threshold and the temperature of the electric storage device (7) is higher than the limit value, then the temperature control device (1) is set to operate in the third heat pump operation, in which: The temperature regulating medium flows through the motor (8), the first heat exchanger (4), the second heat exchanger (22), the third heat exchanger (5), and the electric energy storage device (7). Heat is transferred from the motor (8) and from the energy storage device (7) to the temperature regulating medium; The refrigerant is delivered and compressed by a refrigerant compressor and flows through the first heat exchanger (4) and the second heat exchanger (22). The first heat exchanger (4) is operated as an evaporator, and the refrigerant is evaporated by means of the evaporator, thereby heat is transferred from the temperature regulating medium to the refrigerant through the first heat exchanger (4); The second heat exchanger (22) is operated as a cooling device for the refrigeration medium, and heat is transferred from the refrigeration medium to the temperature regulating medium by means of the cooling device; The third heat exchanger (5) is circulated and / or flowed through by air; Heat is transferred from the temperature regulating medium to the circulating and / or flowing air through the third heat exchanger (5), which is then introduced into the interior space of the motor vehicle. as well as The temperature regulating medium flows through the ambient air heat exchanger (16).

9. The method according to claim 8 in the case of any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, In the operation of the third heat pump, the temperature regulating medium is heated by means of an electric heater (24).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, During the operation of the second heat pump, the temperature regulating medium flows through the electric energy storage device (7).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, During the first heat pump operation, no temperature regulating medium flows through the electric energy storage device (7).

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