Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100) for a vehicle, comprising:-a heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprising:-a primary circuit (20A),-a secondary circuit (20B),-a refrigerant circuit (10) comprising a main refrigerant flow circuit (10A) comprising:-a compressor (15),-a first exchanger (1),-a second exchanger (2),-a second exchanger (3),-a third exchanger (4),-a fourth exchanger (5),-a fourth exchanger (6),-a fourth heat exchanger (6),-a fourth heat exchanger (6),-a fourth heat exchanger (6),-a fourth heat exchanger (7),-a fourth heat exchanger (7),-a fourth heat exchanger (7),- The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) for a vehicle passenger compartment, comprising a primary loop (10A), a secondary loop (20B), a first heat exchanger (2), which is arranged jointly on the primary loop (10A) and on the primary loop (20A), an expansion valve (31), a second heat exchanger (2), which is arranged jointly on the primary loop (10A) and on the secondary loop (20B), in which:-the primary loop (20A) comprises a third heat exchanger (3), which is thermally coupled to an internal air flow (Fi) to the vehicle passenger compartment, and-a second heat exchanger (3), which is thermally coupled to the secondary loop (20B). And-the secondary heat transfer fluid loop (20B) comprises a fourth exchanger (4) thermally coupled to a first element (41) of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal regulation systems. For example, these systems can be installed in motor vehicles. Such systems enable thermal regulation of various vehicle components, such as the passenger compartment or energy storage battery in the case of electric vehicles. Heat exchange is primarily managed through the compression and expansion of refrigerant fluid within various heat exchangers, which allows for the heating or cooling of various components. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal control systems typically utilize a refrigerant loop and a heat transfer fluid loop that exchanges heat with the refrigerant. Therefore, such systems are referred to as indirect systems. The refrigerant fluid loop is designed so that the refrigerant fluid transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid in a first two-fluid exchanger. The heat transferred to the heat transfer fluid can then be dissipated into the airflow for the passenger compartment, thus heating the passenger compartment. The heat transfer fluid loop also cools the heat dissipation components of the vehicle's powertrain, such as the vehicle's electric traction motor or the power electronics controlling the electric motor. For this purpose, another two-fluid exchanger exchanges heat between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0003] Furthermore, the need for rapid battery charging necessitates increased available cooling power. To provide high cooling power and good temperature uniformity within the battery, it is known to circulate a dielectric heat transfer fluid inside the battery components. In this case, an additional two-fluid exchanger is used to achieve heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the dielectric heat transfer fluid. This configuration is complex and expensive to implement because it requires the use of numerous heat exchangers, particularly numerous two-fluid heat exchangers.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for more easily integrated thermal control systems that use fewer heat exchangers and simplified flow loops for various fluids. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention proposes a thermal regulation system for motor vehicles, comprising:

[0006] - Heat transfer fluid circuits, particularly dielectric heat transfer fluid circuits, include:

[0007] --Primary heat transfer fluid flow loop; Secondary heat transfer fluid flow loop;

[0008] --First bypass branch road;

[0009] --Second bypass branch;

[0010] --Third bypass branch;

[0011] --A refrigerant fluid circuit, comprising a main refrigerant fluid flow loop, which includes, in sequence, the following components in the direction of refrigerant fluid flow:

[0012] ---Compression device;

[0013] ---The first heat exchanger is arranged together on the main refrigerant fluid loop and the primary heat transfer fluid loop to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid;

[0014] ---First expansion device;

[0015] ---A second heat exchanger, which is arranged together on the primary refrigerant fluid loop and the secondary heat transfer fluid loop, to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, wherein:

[0016] - The primary heat transfer fluid loop includes a third heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the internal airflow within the vehicle's passenger compartment; and

[0017] - The secondary heat transfer fluid loop includes a fourth heat exchanger configured to be thermally connected to a first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0018] - The first bypass branch connects the first connection point located on the primary loop between the first and third heat exchangers to the second connection point located on the secondary loop between the second and fourth heat exchangers.

[0019] - The second bypass branch connects the third connection point located on the primary loop between the third heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger to the fourth connection point located on the secondary loop between the fourth heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0020] - The third bypass branch connects the fifth connection point on the first bypass branch to the sixth connection point on the second bypass branch. The third bypass branch includes a fifth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with airflow outside the vehicle's passenger compartment, wherein:

[0021] - The refrigerant circuit includes an auxiliary refrigerant flow branch arranged in parallel with the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. The auxiliary branch includes, in sequence, the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger. The sixth heat exchanger is arranged on both the auxiliary refrigerant branch and the fourth heat transfer fluid branch to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The fourth branch is connected to the secondary loop in parallel with the second heat exchanger between the seventh and eighth connection points.

[0022] The thermal control system is characterized in that the heat transfer fluid loop includes a fifth bypass branch that connects a ninth connection point located on the fourth bypass branch between the sixth heat exchanger and the seventh connection point to a tenth connection point located on the secondary loop between the fourth heat exchanger and the eighth connection point. The fifth bypass branch includes a seventh heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the internal airflow within the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0023] Therefore, heat transfer fluid circuits, especially dielectric heat transfer fluid circuits, include functions such as cooling and heating the passenger compartment, thermal management of the first components of the vehicle's electric powertrain, and dehumidification for certain operating modes.

[0024] According to one example of the invention, the seventh connection point is located between the second connection point and the fourth heat exchanger.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the eighth connection point is located between the tenth connection point and the fourth connection point.

[0026] The first component in the vehicle's electric powertrain can be an electrical energy storage battery. The battery can provide the energy required to power the vehicle's electric drive motor. Thermal connection to the fourth heat exchanger can be achieved via a heat transfer fluid flow loop (not shown in the various figures). Alternatively, thermal connection can be achieved by bringing one or more walls of the fourth heat exchanger into contact with one or more walls of the battery.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the fourth heat exchanger can be formed by the battery itself, that is, when the heat transfer fluid is a dielectric heat transfer fluid, the heat dissipating battery is in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid.

[0028] In particular, the electrical and / or electronic components of the battery may be immersed or partially immersed in a dielectric heat transfer fluid.

[0029] Immersion of all or part of the battery’s electrical and / or electronic components improves heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid by eliminating thermal resistance, particularly contact resistance, between the fourth heat exchanger and the electrical and / or electronic components.

[0030] According to one example of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes:

[0031] - The sixth bypass branch connects the eleventh connection point, located on the secondary loop between the second heat exchanger and the second connection point, to the fourth bypass branch.

[0032] - The seventh branch connects the twelfth connection point, located on the secondary loop between the seventh connection point and the fourth heat exchanger, to the thirteenth connection point, located on the secondary loop between the fourth heat exchanger and the tenth connection point.

[0033] The seventh branch includes an eighth heat exchanger, which is configured to exchange heat with the airflow outside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0034] The eighth heat exchanger is particularly used for the thermal regulation of the first component of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sixth bypass branch connects the eleventh connection point to the ninth connection point.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes an eighth bypass branch connected in parallel with a fourth heat exchanger to the secondary loop, the eighth bypass branch including a ninth heat exchanger configured to be thermally coupled to a second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0037] The function of the ninth heat exchanger is to perform thermal regulation on the second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0038] The second component of the vehicle's electric powertrain may be, for example, an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor and / or the electric traction motor.

[0039] The ninth heat exchanger may be formed by the electronic control unit of the electric motor itself and / or by the electric motor itself, that is, when the heat transfer fluid is a dielectric heat transfer fluid, the electronic control unit of the electric motor and / or the heat dissipation electric motor are in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid.

[0040] In particular, the electrical and / or electronic components of the electronic control unit of the electric motor, and / or the electric motor itself, may be immersed or partially immersed in a dielectric heat transfer fluid.

[0041] The electrical and / or electronic components of the electronic control unit of the electric motor, and / or all or part of the electric motor, are immersed in heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid by eliminating the thermal resistance, particularly contact resistance, between the ninth heat exchanger and the electrical and / or electronic components.

[0042] According to one example of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes:

[0043] - The ninth bypass branch connects the fourteenth connection point, located on the secondary loop between the fourth heat exchanger and the thirteenth connection point, to the fifteenth connection point, located on the primary loop between the third heat exchanger and the third connection point;

[0044] - The tenth bypass branch connects the primary loop to the sixteenth connection point located on the seventh bypass branch.

[0045] The heat transfer fluid circuit, particularly for dielectric heat transfer fluids, therefore includes the function of heating the first element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle via a first heat exchanger.

[0046] According to one example of the invention, the eighth bypass branch connects the twelfth connection point to the fourteenth connection point.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tenth bypass branch connects the first connection point to the sixteenth connection point.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sixteenth connection point is located between the eighth heat exchanger and the twelfth connection point.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention:

[0050] - The primary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a first flow pump, which is specifically arranged between the third connection point and the first heat exchanger;

[0051] - The secondary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second flow pump, which is specifically arranged between the seventh connection point and the fourth heat exchanger;

[0052] - The secondary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third flow pump, which is specifically located between the fourth connection point and the second heat exchanger.

[0053] - The fourth bypass branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fourth flow pump, which is specifically located between the eighth connection point and the sixth heat exchanger.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes:

[0055] - The first three-way valve is located on the secondary loop and the fourth bypass branch;

[0056] - The second three-way valve is arranged together on the secondary loop and the first bypass branch;

[0057] - The third three-way valve is arranged together on the first bypass branch and the third bypass branch;

[0058] - The fourth three-way valve is arranged together on the second and third bypass branches.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seventh connection point is part of the first three-way valve.

[0060] The first three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0061] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop and between the secondary loop and the fourth bypass branch; or

[0062] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the fourth bypass branch and the secondary loop in the section between the seventh and second connection points, and prevents flow in the secondary loop in the section between the seventh and twelfth connection points; or

[0063] - Allow heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop and prohibit flow between the secondary loop and the fourth bypass branch.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second connection point is part of a second three-way valve.

[0065] The second three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0066] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the secondary loop and the first bypass branch; or

[0067] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop and between the secondary loop and the first bypass branch.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fifth connection point is part of the third three-way valve.

[0069] The third three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0070] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the first bypass branch and the third bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the first bypass branch and the primary loop; or

[0071] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the first bypass branch and the third bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the first bypass branch and the secondary loop.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sixth connection point is part of the fourth three-way valve.

[0073] The fourth three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0074] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow between the second bypass branch and the third bypass branch, and prevents the heat transfer fluid from flowing between the second bypass branch and the primary loop; or

[0075] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the second bypass branch and the third bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the second bypass branch and the secondary loop.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fifth three-way valve that is disposed together on the secondary loop and the seventh bypass branch.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thirteenth connection point is part of the fifth three-way valve.

[0078] The fifth three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0079] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop, but prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the secondary loop and the seventh bypass branch; or

[0080] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the secondary loop between the thirteenth and fourteenth connection points and the seventh bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the secondary loop between the thirteenth and tenth connection points.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a first four-way valve commonly disposed on the fourth bypass branch, the fifth bypass branch and the sixth bypass branch.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ninth connection point is part of the first four-way valve.

[0083] The first four-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0084] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the fourth bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the fifth and sixth bypass branches; or

[0085] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the fifth and sixth bypass branches, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the fourth bypass branch; or

[0086] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the fourth bypass branch between the ninth and eighth connection points and the fifth bypass branch, while preventing the heat transfer fluid from flowing in the sixth bypass branch and also preventing the heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the fourth bypass branch between the ninth and seventh connection points; or

[0087] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the portion of the fourth bypass branch between the ninth and eighth connection points, and between the fifth and sixth bypass branches, while preventing heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the fourth bypass branch between the ninth and seventh connection points.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second four-way valve arranged together on the secondary loop, the seventh bypass branch, and the eighth bypass branch.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the twelfth connection point is part of a second four-way valve.

[0090] The second four-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0091] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the secondary loop between the twelfth and fourteenth connection points and the seventh bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the eighth bypass branch and in the portion of the secondary loop between the twelfth and seventh connection points; or

[0092] - Allowing the heat transfer fluid to flow, on the one hand, between the portion of the secondary loop between the twelfth and fourteenth connection points and the seventh bypass branch, and on the other hand, between the eighth bypass branch and the portion of the secondary loop between the twelfth and seventh connection points; or

[0093] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop, but prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the seventh and eighth bypass branches; or

[0094] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the secondary loop between the twelfth and fourteenth connection points and the eighth bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the seventh bypass branch and in the portion of the secondary loop between the twelfth and seventh connection points; or

[0095] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop and between the secondary loop and the eighth bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the seventh bypass branch.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid circuit includes:

[0097] - The third and fourth-way valves are jointly installed on the secondary loop, the eighth bypass branch, and the ninth bypass branch;

[0098] - The fourth four-way valve is arranged together on the primary loop, the first bypass branch and the tenth bypass branch.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fourteenth connection point is part of the third four-way valve.

[0100] The third four-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0101] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the secondary loop between the fourteenth and twelfth connection points and the ninth bypass branch, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the eighth bypass branch and in the portion of the secondary loop between the fourteenth and thirteenth connection points; or

[0102] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop, but prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the eighth and ninth bypass branches; or

[0103] - Heat transfer fluid is permitted to flow between the fourth and twelfth connection points of the secondary loop and the eighth bypass branch, but flow is prohibited in the ninth bypass branch and in the section of the secondary loop between the fourteenth and thirteenth connection points; or

[0104] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop and between the secondary loop and the eighth bypass branch, but prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the ninth bypass branch; or

[0105] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow on the one hand between the portion of the secondary loop between the fourteenth and twelfth connection points and the ninth bypass branch, and on the other hand between the eighth bypass branch and the portion of the secondary loop between the fourteenth and thirteenth connection points.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first connection point is part of a fourth four-way valve.

[0107] The fourth four-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0108] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the primary loop and the tenth bypass branch in the portion between the first and third connection points, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the first bypass branch and in the portion of the primary loop between the first and fifteenth connection points; or

[0109] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the primary loop and the first bypass branch in the portion between the first and third connection points, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the tenth bypass branch and in the portion of the primary loop between the first and fifteenth connection points; or

[0110] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow in the primary loop and between the primary loop and the first bypass branch, and prevents the heat transfer fluid from flowing in the tenth bypass branch; or

[0111] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to flow in the primary loop and between the primary loop and the tenth bypass branch, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from flowing in the first bypass branch; or

[0112] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the primary loop and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the first bypass branch and the tenth bypass branch.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the invention, the refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit is a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerant fluids, such as R134a, R744, or R290, can be used.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid used in the heat transfer fluid circuit may be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or a dielectric heat transfer fluid.

[0115] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal regulation system as described above, the thermal regulation system being in a mode referred to as cooling a first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain, particularly operating at an external temperature above 20°C, wherein:

[0116] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0117] --A second refrigerant stream flows in the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0118] --The third refrigerant stream flows in the second expansion device and in the sixth heat exchanger, where the third refrigerant stream is converted to low pressure and in the sixth heat exchanger absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0119] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0120] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the secondary loop, the second pump, the fourth heat exchanger, and the secondary loop again, and splits at the eighth connection point:

[0121] --The second heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the fourth bypass branch, and merges into the seventh connection point.

[0122] --The third heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger, in which the third heat transfer fluid flow transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the secondary loop, and rejoins the seventh connection point.

[0123] - The second and third heat transfer fluid flows meet at the seventh connection point to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the second pump;

[0124] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the primary loop, in the first pump, in the first heat exchanger, in the primary loop, in the first bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, in the fifth heat exchanger, in the third bypass branch, in the second bypass branch, and in the primary loop, then returns to the first pump. In the first heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fifth heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow.

[0125] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal regulation system as described above, wherein the thermal regulation system is in a mode of cooling the electric powertrain of the vehicle and heating the passenger compartment, particularly at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0126] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0127] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0128] --The third refrigerant flow flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger. In the second expansion device, the third refrigerant flow is converted to low pressure. In the sixth heat exchanger, the third refrigerant flow absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0129] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0130] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the secondary loop, the second pump, the fourth heat exchanger, and the secondary loop again, and splits at the eighth connection point:

[0131] --The second heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the fourth bypass branch, and merges into the seventh connection point.

[0132] --The third heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, and rejoins the seventh connection point.

[0133] - The second and third heat transfer fluid flows meet at the seventh connection point to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the second pump;

[0134] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the primary loop, the first pump, and the first heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, it receives heat from the refrigerant, flows through the primary loop, and splits at the first connection point:

[0135] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flows in the first bypass branch, the third bypass branch, and the fifth heat exchanger, in which it transfers heat to the external airflow, flows in the third bypass branch and the second bypass branch, and rejoins the third connection point.

[0136] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flows in the primary loop and in the third heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the internal airflow, flows in the primary loop, and rejoins the third connection point.

[0137] - The fifth and sixth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the third junction to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the first pump.

[0138] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal regulation system as described above, the thermal regulation system being in a mode referred to as cooling the first element and passenger compartment of the electric powertrain of the vehicle, particularly operating at an external temperature above 20°C, wherein:

[0139] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0140] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0141] --The third refrigerant flow flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger. In the second expansion device, the third refrigerant flow is converted to low pressure. In the sixth heat exchanger, the third refrigerant flow absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0142] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0143] - The first heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop and splits at the eighth connection point:

[0144] --The second heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. The second heat transfer fluid flows through the fourth bypass branch, the fifth bypass branch, and the seventh heat exchanger. In the seventh heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid receives heat from the internal air flow, flows through the fifth bypass branch, and returns to the tenth connection point.

[0145] --The third heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger. In the second heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant. It flows in the secondary loop, in the second pump, in the fourth heat exchanger, and in the secondary loop again, and then merges back into the tenth connection point.

[0146] - The second and third heat transfer fluid flows merge at the tenth junction to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow;

[0147] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the primary loop, in the first pump, and in the first heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, flows in the primary loop, in the first bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, and in the fifth heat exchanger. In the fifth heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow, flows in the third bypass branch, in the second bypass branch, and in the primary loop, and returns to the first pump.

[0148] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, the thermal conditioning system being in a mode referred to as cooling the first element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle and heating and dehumidifying the passenger compartment, particularly operating at an external temperature between 0°C and 20°C, wherein:

[0149] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0150] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream is converted to a low pressure. In the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0151] --The third refrigerant flow flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger. In the second expansion device, the third refrigerant flow is converted to low pressure. In the sixth heat exchanger, the third refrigerant flow absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0152] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0153] - The first heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop and splits at the eighth connection point:

[0154] --The second heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. The second heat transfer fluid flows through the fourth bypass branch, the fifth bypass branch, and the seventh heat exchanger. In the seventh heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid receives heat from the internal air flow, flows through the fifth bypass branch, and returns to the tenth connection point.

[0155] --The third heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger, in the second heat exchanger the third heat transfer fluid flow transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, in the second pump, in the fourth heat exchanger, and rejoins the tenth connection point.

[0156] - The second and third heat transfer fluid flows meet at the tenth junction to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow;

[0157] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the primary loop, in the first pump, and in the first heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, flows in the primary loop, and splits at the first connection point:

[0158] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flows in the first bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, and in the fifth heat exchanger. In the fifth heat exchanger, the fifth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external air flow. It also flows in the third bypass branch and the second bypass branch, and then rejoins the third connection point.

[0159] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flows in the primary loop and in the third heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the internal airflow and flows in the primary loop, and the sixth heat transfer fluid flows back into the third connection point.

[0160] - The fifth and sixth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the third junction to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the first pump.

[0161] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal regulation system as described above, wherein the thermal regulation system is in a mode of first element of an electric powertrain, referred to as passively cooling a vehicle, and actively cooling a passenger compartment, particularly operating at an external temperature between 20°C and 30°C, wherein:

[0162] - The refrigerant flows through the compressor at high pressure and sequentially through the first heat exchanger, the first expansion device, and the second heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the first expansion device, the refrigerant flows through at low pressure. In the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid and returns to the compressor.

[0163] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the secondary loop, the second pump, the fourth heat exchanger, the secondary loop, the seventh bypass branch, and the eighth heat exchanger. In the eighth heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow, the seventh bypass branch, and the secondary loop. Then the first heat transfer fluid returns to the second pump.

[0164] - The second heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the secondary loop, in the third pump, in the second heat exchanger, in the secondary loop, in the sixth bypass branch, in the fifth bypass branch, in the seventh heat exchanger, in the fifth bypass branch, and in the secondary loop. In the second heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid receives heat from the internal air flow. Then, the second heat transfer fluid returns to the third pump.

[0165] - The third heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the primary loop, in the first pump, in the first heat exchanger, in the primary loop, in the first bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, in the fifth heat exchanger, in the third bypass branch, in the second bypass branch, and in the primary loop. In the first heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fifth heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow. Then, the third heat transfer fluid returns to the first pump.

[0166] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, the thermal conditioning system being in a mode of first element of an electric powertrain, referred to as passively cooling the vehicle, and heating and dehumidifying the passenger compartment, particularly operating at an external temperature between 0°C and 20°C, wherein:

[0167] - The refrigerant fluid flows through the compressor at high pressure, and then flows sequentially through the first heat exchanger, the first expansion device, and the second heat exchanger before returning to the compression device. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant fluid transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the first expansion device, the refrigerant fluid flows at low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant fluid absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0168] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the secondary loop, the second pump, the fourth heat exchanger, the secondary loop, the seventh bypass branch, the eighth heat exchanger, the seventh bypass branch, and the secondary loop. In the eighth heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow and then returns to the second pump.

[0169] - The second heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the secondary loop, the third pump, and the second heat exchanger. In the second heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows through the secondary loop, through the sixth bypass branch, through the fifth bypass branch, and through the seventh heat exchanger. In the seventh heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid receives heat from the internal airflow, flows through the fifth bypass branch, flows through the secondary loop, and then returns to the third pump.

[0170] - The third heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the primary loop, the first pump, the first heat exchanger, and back into the primary loop. In the first heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant and splits at the first connection point:

[0171] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flows in the first bypass branch, the third bypass branch, the fifth heat exchanger, the third bypass branch, and the second bypass branch. In the fifth heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external air flow, and the fourth heat transfer fluid flows back into the third connection point.

[0172] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flows in the primary loop, in the third heat exchanger, and transfers heat to the internal airflow in the third heat exchanger, and then rejoins the third connection point.

[0173] - The fourth and fifth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the third junction to reform the third heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the first pump.

[0174] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, the thermal conditioning system being in a mode of first element of an electric powertrain, referred to as passively cooling the vehicle, and heating and dehumidifying the passenger compartment, particularly operating at an external temperature between 0°C and 20°C, wherein:

[0175] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0176] --A second refrigerant stream flows in the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger, where it is converted to a low pressure and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger.

[0177] --The third refrigerant flow, which flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger, becomes low pressure in the second expansion device and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger.

[0178] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0179] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the secondary loop, in the second pump, in the fourth heat exchanger, in the secondary loop, in the seventh bypass branch, in the eighth heat exchanger, in the seventh bypass branch, and in the secondary loop, and then returns to the second pump. In the eighth heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow.

[0180] - The second heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop and splits at the eighth connection point:

[0181] --The third heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant. The third heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch and rejoins the ninth connection point.

[0182] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, in the second heat exchanger, in the secondary loop, and in the sixth bypass branch. In the second heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, and the fourth heat transfer fluid returns to the ninth connection point.

[0183] - The third and fourth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the ninth connection point to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the fifth bypass branch, in the seventh heat exchanger, and in the fifth bypass branch. In the seventh heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the internal air flow, and the second heat transfer fluid flow re-enters the secondary loop.

[0184] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the primary loop, the first pump, the first heat exchanger, and back into the primary loop. In the first heat exchanger, the fifth heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant and splits at the first connection point:

[0185] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flows in the first bypass branch, the third bypass branch, the fifth heat exchanger, the third bypass branch, and the second bypass branch. In the fifth heat exchanger, the sixth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow, and the sixth heat transfer fluid flows back into the third connection point.

[0186] --The seventh heat transfer fluid flows in the primary loop, in the third heat exchanger, and in the primary loop. In the third heat exchanger, the seventh heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the internal airflow, and the seventh heat transfer fluid flows back into the third connection point.

[0187] - The sixth and seventh heat transfer fluid flows merge at the third junction to reform the fifth heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the first pump.

[0188] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal regulation system as described above, the thermal regulation system being in a mode of cooling the first element of the electric powertrain of a vehicle, referred to as passive cooling, and cooling the passenger compartment, particularly operating at an external temperature between 20°C and 30°C, wherein:

[0189] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0190] --A second refrigerant stream flows in the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger, where it is converted to a low pressure and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger.

[0191] --The third refrigerant stream flows in the second expansion device and in the sixth heat exchanger, where the third refrigerant stream is converted to low pressure and in the sixth heat exchanger absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0192] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0193] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the secondary loop, in the second pump, in the fourth heat exchanger, in the secondary loop, in the seventh bypass branch, in the eighth heat exchanger, in the seventh bypass branch, and in the secondary loop, and then returns to the second pump. In the eighth heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow.

[0194] - The second heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop and splits at the eighth connection point:

[0195] --The third heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the fourth bypass branch, and rejoins the ninth connection point.

[0196] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger, in which the fourth heat transfer fluid flow transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, in the sixth bypass branch, and returns to the ninth connection point.

[0197] - The third and fourth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the ninth connection point to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the fifth bypass branch, in the seventh heat exchanger, and in the fifth bypass branch. In the seventh heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the internal air flow, and the second heat transfer fluid flow re-enters the secondary loop.

[0198] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the primary loop, in the first pump, in the first heat exchanger, in the primary loop, in the first bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, in the fifth heat exchanger, in the third bypass branch, in the second bypass branch, and back to the first pump. In the first heat exchanger, the fifth heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fifth heat exchanger, the fifth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the external airflow.

[0199] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, wherein the thermal conditioning system is in a mode of operating as a first element of an electric powertrain, referred to as a passively heated vehicle, and heating the passenger compartment, particularly at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0200] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it is converted to high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0201] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream is converted to low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0202] --The third refrigerant flow, which flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger, becomes low pressure in the second expansion device and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger.

[0203] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0204] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the primary loop, in the first pump, in the first heat exchanger, in the primary loop, in the third heat exchanger, and then returns to the first pump. In the first heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, and in the third heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the internal airflow.

[0205] - The second heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the secondary loop, in the second pump, in the fourth heat exchanger, in the secondary loop, in the eighth bypass branch, in the ninth heat exchanger, in the eighth bypass branch, in the secondary loop, and then returns to the second pump;

[0206] - The third heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the first bypass branch, the third bypass branch, the fifth heat exchanger, the third bypass branch, and the second bypass branch. In the fifth heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid receives heat from the external airflow and splits at the fourth connection point:

[0207] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant. It also flows in the fourth bypass branch and the secondary loop, and then rejoins the second connection point.

[0208] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger. In the second heat exchanger, the fifth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, and returns to the second connection point.

[0209] - The fourth and fifth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the second junction to reform the third heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the fifth heat exchanger.

[0210] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, the thermal conditioning system being in a mode referred to as cooling the first and second components of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating the passenger compartment, particularly operating at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0211] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to circulate in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0212] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0213] --The third refrigerant flow, which flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger, is converted to low pressure in the second expansion device and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger.

[0214] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0215] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially in the primary loop, in the first pump, in the first heat exchanger, in the primary loop, in the third heat exchanger, and then returns to the first pump. In the first heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, and in the third heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the internal airflow.

[0216] - The second heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop and is divided into:

[0217] --The third heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant. It then flows in the fourth bypass branch and returns to the seventh connection point.

[0218] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger, in which the fourth heat transfer fluid flow transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, and rejoins the seventh connection point.

[0219] - The third and fourth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the seventh junction to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow, which then flows in the secondary loop and splits into:

[0220] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the second pump, in the fourth heat exchanger, and into the fourteenth connection point;

[0221] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flows in the eighth bypass branch, in the ninth heat exchanger, and in the eighth bypass branch, and then rejoins the fourteenth connection point;

[0222] - The fifth and sixth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the fourteenth junction to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow.

[0223] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, the thermal conditioning system being in a mode referred to as heating a first element of a vehicle's electric powertrain, particularly operating at an external temperature below 20°C, wherein:

[0224] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0225] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0226] --The third refrigerant flow, which flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger, becomes low pressure in the second expansion device and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger.

[0227] -The second and third refrigerant streams are combined before returning to the compression unit to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0228] - The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the primary loop, the first pump, the first heat exchanger, the primary loop, the tenth bypass branch, the seventh bypass branch, the secondary loop, the second pump, the fourth heat exchanger, the secondary loop, the ninth bypass branch, the primary loop, and then back to the first pump. In the first heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid.

[0229] - The second heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the first bypass branch, the third bypass branch, the fifth heat exchanger, the third bypass branch, and the second bypass branch. In the fifth heat exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid receives heat from the external airflow and splits at the fourth connection point:

[0230] --The third heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the third heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant. It also flows in the fourth bypass branch and the secondary loop, and rejoins the second connection point.

[0231] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger, in which the fourth heat transfer fluid flow transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, and returns to the second connection point.

[0232] - The third and fourth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the second junction to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the fifth heat exchanger.

[0233] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal regulation system as described above, wherein the thermal regulation system is in a mode of operating in the first element and passenger compartment of an electric powertrain referred to as a heated vehicle, particularly at an external temperature below 0°C, wherein:

[0234] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it is converted to high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0235] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0236] --The third refrigerant flow, which flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger, becomes low pressure in the second expansion device and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger.

[0237] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0238] - The first heat transfer fluid flow sequentially flows through the primary loop, the first pump, and the first heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, and the first heat transfer fluid flow is divided into:

[0239] --The second flow, which flows in the primary loop, in the third heat exchanger, and in the primary loop, transfers heat to the internal airflow in the third heat exchanger and rejoins the fifteenth connection point.

[0240] --The third flow flows through the tenth bypass branch, the seventh bypass branch, the secondary loop, the second pump, the fourth heat exchanger, the secondary loop, and the ninth bypass branch, and then rejoins the fifteenth connection point;

[0241] - The second and third heat transfer fluid flows meet at the fifteenth connection point to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the primary loop and then returns to the first pump.

[0242] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the first bypass branch, the third bypass branch, and the fifth heat exchanger. In the fifth heat exchanger, the fourth heat transfer fluid receives heat from the external airflow, flows through the third bypass branch and the second bypass branch, and splits at the fourth connection point:

[0243] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the fifth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant. It also flows in the fourth bypass branch and the secondary loop, and returns to the second connection point.

[0244] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger. In the second heat exchanger, the sixth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, and returns to the second connection point.

[0245] - The fifth and sixth heat transfer fluid flows merge at the second junction to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow before returning to the fifth heat exchanger.

[0246] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal regulation system as described above, the thermal regulation system being in a mode referred to as cooling a first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating a second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain, particularly operating at an external temperature below 0°C, wherein:

[0247] - The first refrigerant flow circulates in the compressor, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant flow is divided into:

[0248] --A second refrigerant stream flows through the first expansion device and the second heat exchanger. In the first expansion device, the second refrigerant stream becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant stream absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0249] --The third refrigerant flow, which flows in the second expansion device and the sixth heat exchanger, is converted to low pressure in the second expansion device and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger.

[0250] -The second and third refrigerant streams merge before returning to the compressor to reform the first refrigerant stream;

[0251] - The first heat transfer fluid flow sequentially flows through the primary loop, the first pump, and the first heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, and the first heat transfer fluid flow is divided into:

[0252] --The second flow, which flows in the primary loop, in the third heat exchanger, and in the primary loop, transfers heat to the internal airflow in the third heat exchanger and rejoins the fifteenth connection point.

[0253] - The third flow flows through the tenth bypass branch, the seventh bypass branch, the secondary loop, the second pump, the fourth heat exchanger, the secondary loop, and the ninth bypass branch, and then rejoins the fifteenth connection point;

[0254] - The second and third heat transfer fluid flows merge at the fifteenth junction to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the primary loop and then returns to the first pump.

[0255] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop and is divided into:

[0256] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flows in the fourth bypass branch, in the fourth pump, and in the sixth heat exchanger. In the sixth heat exchanger, the fifth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the fourth bypass branch, and merges at the seventh connection point.

[0257] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, in the third pump, and in the second heat exchanger. In the second heat exchanger, the sixth heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop, and rejoins the seventh connection point.

[0258] - The fifth and sixth heat transfer fluid flows meet at the seventh junction to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow, which flows in the secondary loop, in the eighth bypass branch, in the ninth heat exchanger, and in the eighth bypass branch, and rejoins the secondary loop. Attached Figure Description

[0259] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0260] [ Figure 1 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of a thermal regulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0261] [ Figure 2 [This is based on the first operating mode] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, where this first operating mode is referred to as the first element of the electric powertrain for cooling the vehicle.

[0262] [ Figure 3 ] indicates according to the first operating mode Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating the passenger compartment.

[0263] [ Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and passenger compartment.

[0264] [ Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating and dehumidifying the passenger compartment.

[0265] [ Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode being referred to as passively cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and actively cooling the passenger compartment.

[0266] [ Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as passively cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating and dehumidifying the passenger compartment.

[0267] [ Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as passively cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating and dehumidifying the passenger compartment.

[0268] [ Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as passively cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and cooling the passenger compartment.

[0269] [ Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as passively heating the first element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle and heating the passenger compartment.

[0270] [ Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as cooling the first and second elements of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating the passenger compartment.

[0271] [ Figure 12 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as the first element of the electric powertrain of the heated vehicle.

[0272] [ Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode of which is referred to as the first element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle and the passenger compartment.

[0273] [ Figure 14 The diagram illustrates the operation according to the first operating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system, the first operating mode being referred to as cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating the second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain. Detailed Implementation

[0274] For ease of reading the accompanying drawings, various elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals. Some elements or parameters can be indexed, i.e., designated as, for example, first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. The purpose of this indexing is to distinguish similar but not identical elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply that one element or parameter takes precedence over another. Therefore, the names "first," "second," "third," etc., are interchangeable.

[0275] In the following description, the term "first element upstream of second element" means that the first element is located before the second element relative to the flow direction or path of the fluid. Similarly, the term "first element downstream of second element" means that the first element is located after the second element relative to the flow direction or path of the fluid in question. In the case of a refrigerant circuit, the term "first element upstream of second element" means that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the first element and then through the second element, without passing through the compressor. In other words, the refrigerant fluid leaves the compressor, may pass through one or more elements, through the first element and then through the second element, and may then return to the compressor after passing through other elements.

[0276] The statement "the second element is placed between the first element and the third element" means that the shortest path from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0277] When a specified subsystem includes a given element, this does not preclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0278] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term 'exchanger' is equivalent to the terms 'heat exchanger' and 'heat exchanger'; similarly, the term 'expander' is equivalent to the term 'expansion device', and the term 'compressor' is equivalent to the term 'compression device'.

[0279] Each expansion device used can be an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve, or a calibration orifice. In the case of an electronic expansion valve, the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage allowing refrigerant fluid to pass through can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. For this purpose, an electronic control module controls an electric motor that moves a movable baffle, which controls the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage available for refrigerant.

[0280] The thermal control system 100 described below can be installed in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is electric or hybrid.

[0281] An electronic control unit (not shown) receives information from various sensors, particularly those measuring refrigerant properties. The electronic control unit also receives commands from vehicle occupants, such as desired temperatures within the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit implements control rules that enable the control of various actuators to regulate the thermal conditioning system 100, thereby ensuring that the received commands are met. A compressor 15 allows refrigerant to circulate in a closed refrigerant flow loop 10. The compressor 15 may be an electric compressor, i.e., a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor. The compressor 15 has a low-pressure refrigerant suction side (also referred to as the compressor inlet 15a) and a high-pressure refrigerant discharge side (also referred to as the compressor outlet 15b). Internal moving parts of the compressor 15 change the refrigerant from low pressure at the inlet side 15a to high pressure at the outlet side 15b. After expansion in one or more expansion devices, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 15 inlet 15a and begins a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0282] The refrigerant used by refrigerant circuit 10 is a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants, such as R134a, R744, or R290, can be used.

[0283] The thermal control system 100 includes a heat transfer fluid loop 20, in which a heat transfer fluid can flow under the action of one or more pumps. The loop includes different flow loops connected by different bypass branches. Each connection point between two parts of the loop allows the heat transfer fluid to enter any part of the loop where it meets at that connection point. In other words, each connection point is a device for redirecting the heat transfer fluid arriving at that connection point.

[0284] The heat transfer fluid used in the heat transfer fluid loop 20 can be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or a dielectric heat transfer fluid.

[0285] The term "internal airflow Fi" refers to the airflow leading to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. This internal airflow can circulate within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, which is typically referred to by the English term "HVAC." This system is not shown in the figures.

[0286] The term "external airflow Fe" refers to the airflow that is not directed into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In other words, the airflow remains outside the passenger compartment.

[0287] Figure 1 A thermal regulation system 100 for a motor vehicle is shown.

[0288] The thermal control system 100 includes:

[0289] -Heat transfer fluid circuit 20, particularly dielectric heat transfer fluid circuit, includes:

[0290] --Primary heat transfer fluid flow loop 20A; Secondary heat transfer fluid flow loop 20B;

[0291] --First bypass branch 20C;

[0292] --Second bypass branch 20D;

[0293] --Third bypass branch 20E;

[0294] - Refrigerant fluid circuit 10, which includes a main refrigerant fluid flow loop 10A, which includes, in the direction of refrigerant fluid flow, the following:

[0295] --Compression device 15;

[0296] --The first heat exchanger 1 is arranged together on the main refrigerant fluid loop 10A and the primary heat transfer fluid loop 20A to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid.

[0297] --First expansion device 31;

[0298] --The second heat exchanger 2, which is arranged together on the main refrigerant fluid loop 10A and the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B, allows for heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid.

[0299] in:

[0300] - The primary heat transfer fluid loop 20A includes a third heat exchanger 3, which is configured to exchange heat with the internal airflow Fi leading to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0301] - The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B includes a fourth heat exchanger 4, which is configured to be thermally connected to a first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0302] - The first bypass branch 20C connects the first connection point 51 located on the primary loop 20A between the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 to the second connection point 52 located on the secondary loop 20B between the second heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0303] - The second bypass branch 20D connects the third connection point 53 located on the primary loop 20A between the third heat exchanger 3 and the first heat exchanger 1 to the fourth connection point 54 located on the secondary loop 20B between the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the second heat exchanger 2.

[0304] - The third bypass branch 20E connects the fifth connection point 55 located on the first bypass branch 20C to the sixth connection point 56 located on the second bypass branch 20D. The third bypass branch 20E includes a fifth heat exchanger 5, wherein the fifth heat exchanger 5 is configured to exchange heat with the airflow Fe outside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0305] in:

[0306] The refrigerant circuit 10 includes an auxiliary refrigerant flow branch 10B arranged in parallel with the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. The auxiliary branch 10B includes the second expansion device 32 and the sixth heat exchanger 6 in sequence. The sixth heat exchanger 6 is arranged on the auxiliary refrigerant branch 10B and the fourth heat transfer fluid bypass branch 20F to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The fourth bypass branch 20F is connected in parallel with the first heat exchanger 1 to the secondary loop 20 between the seventh connection point 57 and the eighth connection point 58. B. The thermal control system 100 is characterized in that the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a fifth bypass branch 20G that connects a ninth connection point 59 located on the fourth bypass branch 20F between the sixth heat exchanger 6 and the seventh connection point 57 to a tenth connection point 60 located on the secondary loop 20B between the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the eighth connection point 58. The fifth bypass branch 20G includes a seventh heat exchanger 7 that is configured to exchange heat with the internal airflow Fi leading to the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0307] Refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed loop configured to allow refrigerant flow. Heat transfer fluid circuit 20 forms a heat transfer fluid flow loop, i.e., a closed loop configured to allow heat transfer fluid flow. Under their nominal operating conditions, i.e., without faults or abnormalities, each of circuits 10 and 20 is sealed.

[0308] The primary loop 20A of the heat transfer fluid loop 20 forms a heat transfer fluid flow loop. Similarly, the secondary loop 20B of the heat transfer fluid loop 20 forms a heat transfer fluid flow loop. The primary loop 20A and the secondary loop 20B are connected by bypass branches. Each bypass branch includes exactly one inlet and one outlet. Each bypass branch connects to a portion of the heat transfer fluid loop at each end. Each connection is made at the connection point.

[0309] The refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 1. The first heat exchanger 1 includes a first heat exchange section 1A through which the refrigerant flows and a second heat exchange section 1B through which the heat transfer fluid flows. Heat exchange occurs between the first heat exchange section 1A and the second heat exchange section 1B of the first heat exchanger 1.

[0310] Similarly, the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can exchange heat in the second heat exchanger 2. The second heat exchanger 2 includes a first heat exchange section 2A through which the refrigerant flows and a second heat exchange section 2B through which the heat transfer fluid flows. Heat exchange occurs together between the first heat exchange section 2A and the second heat exchange section 2B of the second heat exchanger 2.

[0311] Similarly, the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can exchange heat in the sixth heat exchanger 6. The sixth heat exchanger 6 includes a first heat exchange section 6A through which the refrigerant flows and a second heat exchange section 6B through which the heat transfer fluid flows. Heat exchange occurs between the first heat exchange section 6A and the second heat exchange section 6B of the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0312] The first heat exchanger 1 allows at least a portion of the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to condense at the outlet of the compressor 15. Therefore, the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is transferred to the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit 20. This allows the heat transfer fluid to be heated.

[0313] The second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6 can be used, respectively, to evaporate at least a portion of the low-pressure refrigerant leaving the first expansion unit 31 and the second expansion unit 32. The heat of vaporization of the refrigerant is removed from the heat transfer fluid. This allows the heat transfer fluid to be cooled.

[0314] The first heat exchanger 1, the second heat exchanger 2, and the sixth heat exchanger 6 are traversed by two different fluids, and each heat exchanger is a two-fluid heat exchanger.

[0315] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20, particularly the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 for dielectric heat transfer fluid, thus includes functions for cooling and heating the passenger compartment, thermal management of the battery, and dehumidification for certain operating modes.

[0316] The seventh connection point 57 is located between the second connection point 52 and the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0317] The eighth connection point 58 is located between the tenth connection point 60 and the fourth connection point 54.

[0318] The first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain can be an electrical energy storage battery. The battery can supply the energy required by the vehicle's traction electric motor. Thermal connection with the fourth heat exchanger 4 can be achieved through a heat transfer fluid flow loop (not shown in the figures). Thermal connection can also be achieved by contacting one or more walls of the fourth heat exchanger 4 with one or more walls of the battery 41.

[0319] The fourth heat exchanger 4 can be formed by the battery itself, that is, when the heat transfer fluid is a dielectric heat transfer fluid, the heat-dissipating battery is in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid. In particular, the electrical and / or electronic components of the battery can be immersed or partially immersed in the dielectric heat transfer fluid.

[0320] The third heat exchanger 3 is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

[0321] The third heat exchanger 3 is a radiator used to heat the passenger cabin.

[0322] A motor fan unit (not shown) is arranged near the third heat exchanger 3, and the motor fan unit can be activated if needed to increase the flow rate of the internal airflow Fi.

[0323] The seventh heat exchanger 7 is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. It is situated upstream of the third heat exchanger 3 within the system. The seventh heat exchanger 7 is a passenger compartment air conditioning radiator and can also function as a dehumidifier.

[0324] The fifth heat exchanger 5 is configured to exchange heat with the external airflow Fe leading to the vehicle's passenger compartment. The fifth heat exchanger 5 is located, for example, at the front of the vehicle, behind the grille. If needed, a second motor-fan unit (not shown) can be activated to increase the velocity of the external airflow Fe.

[0325] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes:

[0326] - The sixth bypass branch 20H connects the eleventh connection point 61, located on the secondary loop 20B between the second heat exchanger 2 and the second connection point 52, to the fourth bypass branch 20F.

[0327] - The seventh bypass branch 20I connects the twelfth connection point 62, located on the secondary loop 20B between the seventh connection point 57 and the fourth heat exchanger 4, to the thirteenth connection point 63, located on the secondary loop 20B between the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the tenth connection point 60. The seventh bypass branch 20I includes an eighth heat exchanger 8, wherein the eighth heat exchanger 8 is configured to exchange heat with the external airflow Fe leading to the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0328] The eighth heat exchanger 8 is configured to exchange heat with the external airflow Fe leading to the vehicle's passenger compartment. The eighth heat exchanger 8 is located, for example, at the front of the vehicle, particularly behind the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0329] The sixth bypass branch 20H connects the eleventh connection point 61 to the ninth connection point 59.

[0330] According to the example shown, the heat transfer fluid loop 20 of the thermal regulation system 100 also includes an eighth bypass branch 20J connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the secondary loop 20B. The eighth bypass branch 20J includes a ninth heat exchanger 9, which is configured to be thermally coupled to a second element 42 of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0331] The function of the ninth heat exchanger 9 is to perform thermal regulation on the second element 42 of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0332] The second element 42 of the vehicle's electric powertrain may be, for example, an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor and / or electric traction motor.

[0333] The ninth heat exchanger 9 may be formed by the electronic control unit of the electric motor itself and / or by the electric motor itself, that is, when the heat transfer fluid is a dielectric heat transfer fluid, the electronic control unit of the electric motor and / or the heat dissipation electric motor are in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid.

[0334] In particular, the electrical and / or electronic components of the electronic control unit of the electric motor and / or the electric motor itself may be immersed or partially immersed in a dielectric heat transfer fluid.

[0335] The heat transfer fluid loop 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes: a ninth bypass branch 20K, which connects the fourteenth connection point 64, located on the secondary loop 20B between the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the thirteenth connection point 63, to the fifteenth connection point 65, located on the primary loop 20A between the third heat exchanger 3 and the third connection point 53; and a tenth bypass branch 20L, which connects the primary loop 20A to the sixteenth connection point 66, located on the seventh bypass branch 20I.

[0336] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20, particularly for a dielectric heat transfer fluid, thus includes the function of the first element 41 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle heated by means of the first heat exchanger 1.

[0337] The eighth bypass branch 20J connects the twelfth connection point 62 to the fourteenth connection point 64.

[0338] The tenth bypass branch 20L connects the first connection point 51 to the sixteenth connection point 66.

[0339] The sixteenth connection point 66 is located between the eighth heat exchanger 8 and the twelfth connection point 62.

[0340] The primary loop 20A of the heat transfer fluid loop 20 includes a first flow pump 21, which is specifically arranged between the third connection point 53 and the first heat exchanger 1. The first pump 21 is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow from the third connection point 53 to the first heat exchanger 1.

[0341] The secondary loop 20B of the heat transfer fluid loop 20 includes a second flow pump 22, which is specifically arranged between the twelfth connection point 57 and the fourth heat exchanger 4. The second pump 22 is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow from the twelfth connection point 62 to the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0342] The secondary loop 20B of the heat transfer fluid loop 20 includes a third flow pump 23, which is specifically arranged between the fourth connection point 54 and the second heat exchanger 2. The third pump 23 is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow from the fourth connection point 54 to the second heat exchanger 2.

[0343] The fourth bypass branch 20F of the heat transfer fluid loop 20 includes a fourth flow pump 24, which is specifically arranged between the eighth connection point 58 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. The fourth pump 24 is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow from the eighth connection point 58 to the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0344] The first pump 21, the second pump 22, the third pump 23, and the fourth pump 24 are electrically controlled.

[0345] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes:

[0346] - The first three-way valve 26 is jointly installed on the secondary loop 20B and the fourth bypass branch 20F;

[0347] - The second three-way valve 27 is jointly installed on the secondary loop 20B and the first bypass branch 20C;

[0348] - The third three-way valve 28 is jointly installed on the first bypass branch 20C and the third bypass branch 20E;

[0349] - The fourth three-way valve 29 is arranged together on the second bypass branch 20D and the third bypass branch 20E.

[0350] The seventh connection point 57 is part of the first three-way valve 26.

[0351] The first three-way valve 26 is configured to selectively:

[0352] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B; or

[0353] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the fourth bypass branch 20F and the secondary loop 20B in the portion between the seventh connection point 57 and the second connection point 52, and prevents flow in the portion of the secondary loop 20B between the seventh connection point 57 and the twelfth connection point 62; or

[0354] - Allow heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B, and prohibit flow between the secondary loop 20B and the fourth bypass branch 20F.

[0355] The first three-way valve 26 selectively allows the sixth heat exchanger 6 to communicate with the fourth heat exchanger 4 and / or the ninth heat exchanger 9, or connects the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth heat exchanger 5, or disconnects the sixth heat exchanger from the portion of the secondary loop that includes the first three-way valve 26.

[0356] The second connection point 52 is part of the second three-way valve 27.

[0357] The second three-way valve 27 is configured to selectively:

[0358] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the secondary loop 20B and the first bypass branch 20C; or

[0359] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B and between the secondary loop 20B and the first bypass branch 20C.

[0360] The second three-way valve 27 selectively connects the second heat exchanger 2 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and / or the ninth heat exchanger 9, or to the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0361] The fifth connection point 55 is part of the third three-way valve 28.

[0362] The third three-way valve 28 is configured to selectively:

[0363] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow between the first bypass branch 20C and the third bypass branch 20E, and prevents the heat transfer fluid from flowing between the first bypass branch 20C and the primary loop 20A; or

[0364] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the first bypass branch 20C and the third bypass branch 20E, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the first bypass branch 20C and the secondary loop 20B.

[0365] The third three-way valve 28 allows the fifth heat exchanger 5 to be selectively connected to either the primary loop 20A or the secondary loop 20B.

[0366] The sixth connection point 56 is part of the fourth three-way valve 29.

[0367] The fourth three-way valve 29 is configured to selectively:

[0368] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow between the second bypass branch 20D and the third bypass branch 20E, and prevents the heat transfer fluid from flowing between the second bypass branch 20D and the primary loop 20A; or

[0369] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the second bypass branch 20D and the third bypass branch 20E, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing between the second bypass branch 20D and the secondary loop 20B.

[0370] The fourth three-way valve 29 selectively connects the fifth heat exchanger 5 to the primary loop 20A or the secondary loop 20B.

[0371] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes a fifth three-way valve 30 that is commonly disposed on the secondary loop 20B and the seventh bypass branch 20I.

[0372] In a particular embodiment, the thirteenth connection point 63 is part of the fifth three-way valve 30.

[0373] The fifth three-way valve 30 is configured to selectively:

[0374] - Allow heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B, and prohibit heat transfer fluid from flowing between the secondary loop 20B and the seventh bypass branch 20I; or

[0375] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the secondary loop 20B between the thirteenth connection point 63 and the fourteenth connection point 64 and the seventh bypass branch 20I, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the secondary loop 20B between the thirteenth connection point 63 and the tenth connection point 60.

[0376] The fifth three-way valve 30 allows the fourth heat exchanger 4 and / or the ninth heat exchanger 9 to be selectively connected to the eighth heat exchanger 8 or the second heat exchanger 2 and / or the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0377] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes a first four-way valve 71 that is commonly disposed on the fourth bypass branch 20F, the fifth bypass branch 20G, and the sixth bypass branch 20H.

[0378] The ninth connection point 59 is part of the first four-way valve 71.

[0379] The first four-way valve 71 is configured to selectively:

[0380] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the fourth bypass branch 20F, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the fifth bypass branch 20G and the sixth bypass branch 20H; or

[0381] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the fifth bypass branch 20G and the sixth bypass branch 20H, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the fourth bypass branch 20F; or

[0382] - Allow heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the fourth bypass branch 20F between the ninth connection point 59 and the eighth connection point 58 and the fifth bypass branch 20G, and prohibit heat transfer fluid from flowing in the sixth bypass branch 20H on the one hand, and prohibit heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the fourth bypass branch 20F between the ninth connection point 59 and the seventh connection point 57 on the other hand; or

[0383] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the fourth bypass branch 20F between the ninth connection point 59 and the eighth connection point 58, between the fifth bypass branch 20G and the sixth bypass branch 20H, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the fourth bypass branch 20F between the ninth connection point 59 and the seventh connection point 57.

[0384] The first four-way valve 71 selectively allows the sixth heat exchanger 6 to be connected to the secondary loop 20B, such that the sixth heat exchanger 6 is connected to the secondary loop at both ends of the fourth bypass branch 20F, and thus operates in parallel with the second heat exchanger 2, or connects the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth bypass branch 20G and thus to the seventh heat exchanger 7, or connects the seventh heat exchanger 7 to the secondary loop 20B via the sixth bypass branch 20H.

[0385] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes a second four-way valve 72 that is commonly disposed on the secondary loop 20B, the seventh bypass branch 20I, and the eighth bypass branch 20J.

[0386] The twelfth connection point 62 is part of the second four-way valve 72.

[0387] The second four-way valve 72 is configured to selectively:

[0388] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of secondary loop 20B between the twelfth connection point 62 and the fourteenth connection point 64 and the seventh bypass branch 20I, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the eighth bypass branch 20J and in the portion of secondary loop 20B between the twelfth connection point 62 and the seventh connection point 57; or

[0389] - Allowing the heat transfer fluid to flow, on the one hand, between the portion of secondary loop 20B between the twelfth connection point 62 and the fourteenth connection point 64 and the seventh bypass branch 20I, and on the other hand, between the portion of the eighth bypass branch 20J and secondary loop 20B between the twelfth connection point 62 and the seventh connection point 57; or

[0390] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the seventh bypass branch 20I and the eighth bypass branch 20J; or

[0391] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of secondary loop 20B between the twelfth connection point 62 and the fourteenth connection point 64 and the eighth bypass branch 20J, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the seventh bypass branch 20I and secondary loop 20B between the twelfth connection point 62 and the seventh connection point 57; or

[0392] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B and between the secondary loop 20B and the eighth bypass branch 20J, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the seventh bypass branch 20I.

[0393] The second four-way valve 72 selectively connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the eighth heat exchanger 8, or connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the eighth heat exchanger 8 while simultaneously connecting the ninth heat exchanger 9 to the second heat exchanger 2 and / or the sixth heat exchanger 6, or connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second heat exchanger 2 and / or the sixth heat exchanger 6, or connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the ninth heat exchanger 9, or connects both the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the ninth heat exchanger 9 to the second heat exchanger 2 and / or the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0394] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes a third four-way valve 73 that is commonly disposed on the secondary loop 20B, the eighth bypass branch 20J, and the ninth bypass branch 20K.

[0395] The fourteenth connection point 64 is part of the third four-way valve 73.

[0396] The third four-way valve 73 is configured to selectively:

[0397] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of secondary loop 20B between the fourteenth connection point 64 and the twelfth connection point 62 and the ninth bypass branch 20K, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the eighth bypass branch 20J and secondary loop 20B between the fourteenth connection point 64 and the thirteenth connection point 63; or

[0398] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the eighth bypass branch 20J and the ninth bypass branch 20K; or

[0399] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of secondary loop 20B between the fourteenth connection point 64 and the twelfth connection point 62 and the eighth bypass branch 20J, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion of the ninth bypass branch 20K and secondary loop 20B between the fourteenth connection point 64 and the thirteenth connection point 63; or

[0400] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the secondary loop 20B and between the secondary loop 20B and the eighth bypass branch 20J, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the ninth bypass branch 20K; or

[0401] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of the secondary loop 20B between the fourteenth connection point 64 and the twelfth connection point 62 and the ninth bypass branch 20K, and on the other hand, between the eighth bypass branch 20J and the portion of the secondary loop 20B between the fourteenth connection point 64 and the thirteenth connection point 63.

[0402] The third four-way valve 73 selectively connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the ninth bypass branch 20K and, in particular, to the first heat exchanger 1, or connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second heat exchanger 2 and / or the sixth heat exchanger 6, or connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the ninth heat exchanger 9, or connects both the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the ninth heat exchanger 9 to the second heat exchanger 2 and / or the sixth heat exchanger 6 and / or the eighth heat exchanger 8, or connects the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the ninth bypass branch 20K and, in particular, to the first heat exchanger 1, and connects the ninth heat exchanger 9 to the second heat exchanger 2 and / or the sixth heat exchanger 6 and / or the eighth heat exchanger 8.

[0403] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal control system 100 includes a fourth four-way valve 74 arranged together on the primary loop 20A, the first bypass branch 20C, and the tenth bypass branch 20L.

[0404] The first connection point 51 is part of the fourth four-way valve 74.

[0405] The fourth four-way valve 74 is configured to selectively:

[0406] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the portion of primary loop 20A between the first connection point 51 and the third connection point 53 and the tenth bypass branch 20L, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the first bypass branch 20C and the portion of primary loop 20A between the first connection point 51 and the fifteenth connection point 65; or

[0407] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the primary loop 20A and the first bypass branch 20C in the portion between the first connection point 51 and the third connection point 53, and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the portion between the tenth bypass branch 20L and the primary loop 20A between the first connection point 51 and the fifteenth connection point 65; or

[0408] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to flow in the primary loop 20A and between the primary loop 20A and the first bypass branch 20C, and prevent the heat transfer fluid from flowing in the tenth bypass branch 20L; or allow the heat transfer fluid to flow in the primary loop 20A and between the primary loop 20A and the tenth bypass branch 20L, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from flowing in the first bypass branch 20C; or

[0409] - Allows heat transfer fluid to flow in the primary loop 20A and prevents heat transfer fluid from flowing in the first bypass branch 20C and the tenth bypass branch 20L.

[0410] The fourth four-way valve 74 selectively allows the first heat exchanger 1 to be connected to the tenth bypass branch 20L, thereby connecting to the seventh bypass branch 20I, particularly to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and / or the ninth heat exchanger 9 and / or the eighth heat exchanger 8, or to connect the first heat exchanger 1 to the first bypass branch 20C, particularly to the fifth heat exchanger 5, or to connect the first heat exchanger 1 on one hand to the first bypass branch 20C, particularly to the fifth heat exchanger 5, and on the other hand to the third heat exchanger 3, or to connect the first heat exchanger 1 on one hand to the tenth bypass branch 20L, thereby connecting to the seventh bypass branch 20I, particularly to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and / or the ninth heat exchanger 9 and / or the eighth heat exchanger 8, and on the other hand to the third heat exchanger 3, or to connect the first heat exchanger 1 to the third heat exchanger 3.

[0411] Many operating modes are possible for thermal control systems. Figures 2 to 14 Different operating methods of the regulating system as described above are illustrated. In these figures, the portion of each of loops 10 and 20 corresponding to the fluid flow in that loop is represented by a solid line, and the portion of the loop where no fluid flows is represented by a dashed line. In these figures, white arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow, and black arrows indicate the direction of heat transfer fluid flow.

[0412] Figure 2 The operation of the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, is schematically illustrated. This thermal regulation system operates in a mode referred to as cooling the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain, particularly at external temperatures above 20°C, wherein:

[0413] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid and is divided into:

[0414] --A second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows through the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, the second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 becomes low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, the second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0415] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0416] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together before returning to the compression unit 15 to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1;

[0417] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially through the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, and then through the secondary loop 20B again, and splits at the eighth connection point 58:

[0418] --The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the sixth heat exchanger 6, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0419] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the secondary loop 20B, and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0420] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 and the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 merge at the seventh connection point 57 to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 before returning to the second pump 22;

[0421] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, the first heat exchanger 1, the primary loop 20A, the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third bypass branch 20E, the second bypass branch 20D, and back to the primary loop 20A, and returns to the first pump 21. In the first heat exchanger 1, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, and in the fifth heat exchanger 5, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe.

[0422] In this operating mode, the heat dissipated at the fourth heat exchanger 4 by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is transferred to the coolant at the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. Therefore, the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is cooled.

[0423] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0424] Figure 3 A schematic diagram is shown illustrating how the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, operates in a mode known as cooling the first element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle and heating the passenger compartment, particularly when operating at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0425] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid and is divided into:

[0426] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows into the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2, where it is converted to a low pressure and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger 2.

[0427] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, it becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0428] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together before returning to the compression unit 15 to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1;

[0429] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially through the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, and the fourth heat exchanger 4. It then flows through the secondary loop 20B and branches at the eighth connection point 58 of the eighth bypass branch 20F:

[0430] --The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0431] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the secondary loop 20B and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0432] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 and the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 merge at the seventh connection point 57 to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 before returning to the second pump 22;

[0433] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid. The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the primary loop 20A and splits at the first connection point 51:

[0434] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows in the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third bypass branch 20E, and the second bypass branch 20D. In the fifth heat exchanger 5, it transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, and the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0435] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 flows in the primary loop 20A and in the third heat exchanger 3. In the third heat exchanger 3, it transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0436] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 merge at the third connection point 53 to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 before returning to the first pump 21.

[0437] In this operating mode, the heat dissipated at the fourth heat exchanger 4 by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is transferred to the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. Therefore, the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is cooled.

[0438] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5, and dissipated into the internal airflow Fi at the third heat exchanger 3.

[0439] Therefore, the internal airflow Fi is heated at the third heat exchanger 3.

[0440] Figure 4A diagram illustrates how the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, operates in a mode known as cooling mode, which is used for the electric powertrain and first components of the vehicle's passenger compartment, particularly when the external temperature is above 20°C, wherein:

[0441] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid and is divided into:

[0442] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows through the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, it becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0443] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, it becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0444] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together before returning to the compression unit 15 to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1;

[0445] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows in the secondary loop 20B and splits at the eighth connection point 58:

[0446] --The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, the fifth bypass branch 20G, the seventh heat exchanger 7, and the fifth bypass branch 20G, and rejoins the tenth connection point 60. In the seventh heat exchanger 7, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 receives heat from the internal air flow Fi.

[0447] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. It flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the second pump 22, in the fourth heat exchanger 4, and in the secondary loop 20B again, and then rejoins the tenth connection point 60.

[0448] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 and the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 meet at the tenth connection point 60 to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1;

[0449] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows sequentially through the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, the first heat exchanger 1, the primary loop 20A, the first bypass branch 20C, through the third bypass branch 20E, through the fifth heat exchanger 5, through the third bypass branch 20E, through the second bypass branch 20D, through the primary loop 20A and back to the first pump 21. In the first heat exchanger 1, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 receives heat from the refrigerant fluid. In the fifth heat exchanger 5, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe.

[0450] In this operating mode, the internal airflow Fi is cooled at the seventh heat exchanger 7. The passenger cabin is thus cooled.

[0451] The heat dissipated by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 is transferred to the coolant at the second heat exchanger 2. Therefore, the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is cooled.

[0452] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0453] The heat transfer fluid does not flow in the third heat exchanger 3, so it does not heat the internal airflow Fi.

[0454] Figure 5 A diagram shows how the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, operates as a first element of the electric powertrain, referred to as cooling the vehicle, and in a mode that heats and dehumidifies the passenger compartment, particularly when operating at external temperatures between 0°C and 20°C, wherein:

[0455] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid and is divided into:

[0456] --A second refrigerant stream Qr2 flows through the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, the second refrigerant stream Qr2 becomes low-pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, the second refrigerant stream Qr2 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0457] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0458] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge before returning to the compression unit 15 to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1;

[0459] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows in the secondary loop 20B and splits at the eighth connection point 58:

[0460] --The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the sixth heat exchanger 6, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows through the fourth bypass branch 20F, the fifth bypass branch 20G, and the seventh heat exchanger 7, and reaches the tenth connection point 60. In the seventh heat exchanger 7, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 receives heat from the internal air flow Fi.

[0461] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. It flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the second pump 22, in the fourth heat exchanger 4, and in the secondary loop 20B again, and then rejoins the tenth connection point 60.

[0462] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 and the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 meet at the tenth connection point 60 to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1;

[0463] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 receives heat from the refrigerant fluid and splits at the first connection point 51:

[0464] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows in the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third bypass branch 20E, and the second bypass branch 20D. In the fifth heat exchanger 5, the fifth heat transfer fluid flow transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, and the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0465] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 flows in the primary loop 20A and in the third heat exchanger 3. In the third heat exchanger 3, the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0466] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 merge at the third connection point 53 to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 before returning to the first pump 21.

[0467] In this operating mode, the internal airflow Fi is cooled at the seventh heat exchanger 7 and reheated at the third heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the internal airflow Fi is dehumidified. The heat supplied by the third heat exchanger 3 is greater than the heat absorbed by the seventh heat exchanger 7, thus heating the airflow.

[0468] The heat dissipated by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 is transferred to the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger 2. Therefore, the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is cooled.

[0469] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0470] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates how the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, operates as a first element of the electric powertrain, known as passively cooling the vehicle, and actively cooling the passenger compartment, particularly at external temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, wherein:

[0471] - The refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it is converted to high pressure, and then flows sequentially in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion device 31, and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first heat exchanger 1, it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion device 31 it is converted to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid and returns to the compressor 15.

[0472] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially through the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the secondary loop 20B, the seventh bypass branch 20I, the eighth heat exchanger 8, the seventh bypass branch 20I and the secondary loop 20B. In the eighth heat exchanger 8, the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, and then the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 returns to the second pump 22.

[0473] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows sequentially in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows through the secondary loop 20B, flows through the sixth bypass branch 20H, flows through the fifth bypass branch 20G, and flows through the seventh heat exchanger 7. In the seventh heat exchanger 7, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 receives heat from the internal air flow Fi, flows through the fifth bypass branch 20G, flows through the secondary loop 20B, and then returns to the third pump 23.

[0474] - The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 sequentially flows through the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 receives heat from the refrigerant, flows through the primary loop 20A, flows through the first bypass branch 20C, flows through the third bypass branch 20E, flows through the fifth heat exchanger 5, in the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, flows through the third bypass branch 20E, flows through the second bypass branch 20D, flows through the primary loop 20A, and returns to the first pump 21.

[0475] In this operating mode, the internal airflow Fi is cooled at the seventh heat exchanger 7.

[0476] The heat dissipated by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the eighth heat exchanger 8. Therefore, this is called passive cooling.

[0477] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0478] The heat transfer fluid does not flow in the third heat exchanger 3, therefore the third heat exchanger 3 does not heat the internal airflow Fi.

[0479] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates how the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, operates as a first element of the electric powertrain, known as passively cooling the vehicle, and in a mode that heats and dehumidifies the passenger compartment, particularly at external temperatures between 0°C and 20°C, wherein:

[0480] - The refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it is converted to high pressure, and then flows sequentially in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion device 31, and the second heat exchanger 2, and returns to the compressor 15. In the first heat exchanger 1, it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion device 31 it is converted to low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2 it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0481] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially through the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the secondary loop 20B, the seventh bypass branch 20I, and the eighth heat exchanger 8. In the eighth heat exchanger 8, it transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, the seventh bypass branch 20I, and the secondary loop 20B, and then returns to the second pump 22.

[0482] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows sequentially in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows through the secondary loop 20B, flows through the sixth bypass branch 20H, flows through the fifth bypass branch 20G, and flows through the seventh heat exchanger 7. In the seventh heat exchanger 7, it receives heat from the internal air flow Fi, flows through the fifth bypass branch 20G, flows through the secondary loop 20B, and then returns to the third pump 23.

[0483] - The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, the third heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant and splits at the first connection point:

[0484] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, and the fifth heat exchanger 5. It also flows in the third bypass branch 20E and the second bypass branch 20D. In the fifth heat exchanger 5, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, and the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0485] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows in the primary loop 20A, the third heat exchanger 3 and the primary loop 20A. In the third heat exchanger 3, it transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi and rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0486] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 and the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 merge at the third connection point 53 to reform the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 before returning to the first pump 21.

[0487] In this operating mode, the internal airflow Fi is cooled at the seventh heat exchanger 7 and reheated at the third heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the internal airflow Fi is dehumidified. The heat supplied by the third heat exchanger 3 is greater than the heat absorbed by the seventh heat exchanger 7, thus heating the airflow.

[0488] The heat dissipated by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the eighth heat exchanger 8. This is known as passive cooling.

[0489] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0490] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates how the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, operates as a first element of the electric powertrain, known as passively cooling the vehicle, and in a mode that heats and dehumidifies the passenger compartment, particularly when operating at external temperatures between 0°C and 20°C, wherein:

[0491] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid and is divided into:

[0492] --A second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows in the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, the second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 becomes low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, the second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0493] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0494] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together before returning to the compression unit 15 to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1;

[0495] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially in the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the second loop 20B, the seventh bypass branch 20I, the eighth heat exchanger 8, the seventh bypass branch 20I, and the secondary loop 20B, and then returns to the second pump 22. In the eighth heat exchanger 8, the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe.

[0496] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the secondary loop 20B and splits at the eighth connection point 58:

[0497] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the sixth heat exchanger 6, the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 transfers heat to the refrigerant. The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F and rejoins the ninth connection point 59.

[0498] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid. The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B and in the sixth bypass branch 20H, and then rejoins the ninth connection point 59.

[0499] - The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 and the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 merge at the ninth connection point 59 to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2. The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fifth bypass branch 20G, in the seventh heat exchanger 7, and in the fifth bypass branch 20G. In the seventh heat exchanger 7, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 receives heat from the internal air flow Fi, and the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 re-enters the secondary loop 20B.

[0500] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows sequentially through the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 receives heat from the refrigerant and splits at the first connection point 51:

[0501] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 flows in the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third bypass branch 20E, and the second bypass branch 20D. The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe in the fifth heat exchanger 5, and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0502] --The seventh heat transfer fluid flow Qc7 flows in the primary loop 20A and in the third heat exchanger 3. In the third heat exchanger 3, the seventh heat transfer fluid flow Qc7 transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, and the seventh heat transfer fluid flow Qc7 rejoins the third connection point 53.

[0503] - The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 and the seventh heat transfer fluid flow Qc7 merge at the third connection point 53 to reform the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 before returning to the first pump 21.

[0504] In this operating mode, the internal airflow Fi is cooled at the seventh heat exchanger 7 and reheated at the third heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the internal airflow Fi is dehumidified. The heat supplied by the third heat exchanger 3 is greater than the heat absorbed by the seventh heat exchanger 7, thus heating the airflow. In this operating mode, the heat transfer fluid flows through the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6, which absorb heat from the heat transfer fluid and allow the internal airflow Fi to be dehumidified.

[0505] The heat dissipated by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the eighth heat exchanger 8. This is called passive cooling.

[0506] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0507] Figure 9 The operation of the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, is schematically illustrated in a mode known as passive cooling of the electric powertrain of the vehicle and cooling of the passenger compartment, particularly when operating at external temperatures above 30°C, wherein:

[0508] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid. The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 is divided into:

[0509] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows into the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, the second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 is converted to low pressure. In the second heat exchanger 2, the second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0510] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0511] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 before returning to the compression unit 15;

[0512] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially in the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the secondary loop 20B, the seventh bypass branch 20I, and the eighth heat exchanger 8. In the eighth heat exchanger 8, it transfers heat to the external air flow Fe. It then flows in the seventh bypass branch 20I and the secondary loop 20B before returning to the second pump 22.

[0513] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the secondary loop 20B and splits at the eighth connection point 58:

[0514] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 transfers heat to the refrigerant in the sixth heat exchanger 6, flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, and rejoins the ninth connection point 59.

[0515] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the secondary loop 20B, and in the sixth bypass branch 20H, and rejoins the ninth connection point 59.

[0516] - The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 and the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 merge at the ninth connection point 59 to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2. The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the fifth bypass branch 20G, in the seventh heat exchanger 7, and in the fifth bypass branch 20G. In the seventh heat exchanger 7, the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 receives heat from the internal air flow Fi. The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 is reintegrated into the secondary loop 20B.

[0517] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 sequentially flows through the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 receives heat from the refrigerant, flows through the primary loop 20A, flows through the first bypass branch 20C, flows through the third bypass branch 20E, flows through the fifth heat exchanger 5, and in the fifth heat exchanger 5, the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 transfers heat to the external air flow Fe, flows through the third bypass branch 20E, flows through the second bypass branch 20D, flows through the primary loop 20A, and returns to the first pump 21.

[0518] In this operating mode, the internal airflow Fi is cooled at the seventh heat exchanger 7. In this mode, the heat transfer fluid flows through the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6, which absorb heat from the heat transfer fluid and allow the internal airflow Fi to be cooled.

[0519] The heat dissipated by the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the eighth heat exchanger 8. This is known as passive cooling.

[0520] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0521] The heat transfer fluid does not flow in the third heat exchanger 3, therefore the third heat exchanger 3 does not heat the internal airflow Fi.

[0522] Figure 10 The operation of the thermal conditioning system 100, as already described, is schematically illustrated. The thermal conditioning system operates as a first element of the electric powertrain, referred to as passively heating the vehicle, and heats the passenger compartment, particularly at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0523] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, dividing into:

[0524] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows through the first expansion device 31, where it is converted to low pressure. The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 then enters the second heat exchanger 2, where it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0525] - A third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0526] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 before returning to the compression unit 15;

[0527] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, in the first pump 21, in the first heat exchanger 1, in the primary loop 20A, in the third heat exchanger 3, and then returns to the first pump 21. In the first heat exchanger 1, the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 receives heat from the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1. In the third heat exchanger 3, the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi.

[0528] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows sequentially in the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, and the fourth heat exchanger 4, then flows in the secondary loop 20B, the eighth bypass branch 20J, the ninth heat exchanger 9, the eighth bypass branch 20J, and the secondary loop 20B, and then returns to the second pump 22.

[0529] - The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows sequentially in the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third bypass branch 20E, and the second bypass branch 20D. In the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 receives heat from the external air flow Fe, and splits at the fourth connection point 54:

[0530] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B, the fourth bypass branch 20F, the fourth pump 24, and the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the sixth heat exchanger 6, the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 transfers heat to the refrigerant. It also flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F and the secondary loop 20B, and then merges back into the second connection point 52.

[0531] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2. In the second heat exchanger 2, the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop 20B, and returns to the second connection point 52.

[0532] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 and the fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 merge at the second connection point 52 to reform the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 before returning to the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0533] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated by the internal airflow Fi at the third heat exchanger 3 in order to heat the passenger cabin.

[0534] The heat dissipated by the second element 42 of the vehicle's electric drive system at the ninth heat exchanger 9 is transferred to the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric drive system at the fourth heat exchanger 4. In this way, the heat generated by the second element 42 of the vehicle's electric drive system is used to heat the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric drive system.

[0535] Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5. Therefore, the evaporation of the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6 is achieved by recovering heat from the external airflow Fe.

[0536] Figure 11 The operation of the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, is schematically illustrated. This thermal regulation system operates in a mode referred to as cooling the first and second components of the electric powertrain of the vehicle and heating the passenger compartment, particularly at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0537] - The first refrigerant stream Qr1 flows through the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, dividing into:

[0538] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows in the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, it becomes low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0539] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, it becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0540] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 before returning to the compression unit 15;

[0541] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, in the first pump 21, in the first heat exchanger 1, in the primary loop 20A, in the third heat exchanger 3, and then returns to the first pump 21. In the first heat exchanger 1, it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, and in the third heat exchanger 3, it transfers the heat to the internal air flow Fi.

[0542] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the secondary loop 20B and is divided into:

[0543] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0544] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the secondary loop 20B, and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0545] - The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 and the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 merge at the seventh connection point 57 to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2. The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows in the secondary loop 20B and splits into:

[0546] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the second pump 22, in the fourth heat exchanger 4, and merges into the fourteenth connection point 64.

[0547] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 flows in the eighth bypass branch 20J, in the ninth heat exchanger 9, and returns to the fourteenth connection point 64.

[0548] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 merge at the fourteenth connection point 64 to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2.

[0549] In this operating mode, the heat dissipated at the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the ninth heat exchanger 9 by the first element 41 and the second element 42 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is transferred to the coolant at the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. Therefore, the first element 41 and the second element 42 of the vehicle's electric powertrain are cooled.

[0550] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated at the third heat exchanger 3 by the internal airflow Fi. Therefore, the internal airflow Fi is heated at the third heat exchanger 3 to heat the passenger compartment.

[0551] Figure 12 The operation of the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, is schematically illustrated. This system operates in a heating mode for the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain, particularly at external temperatures below 20°C, wherein:

[0552] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, dividing into:

[0553] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows in the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, it becomes low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0554] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in its second expansion device 32 and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, where it becomes low pressure and absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0555] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 before returning to the compression unit 15;

[0556] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, the first heat exchanger 1, the primary loop 20A, the tenth bypass branch 20L, the seventh bypass branch 20I, the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the secondary loop 20B, the ninth bypass branch 20K, and the primary loop 20A, and then returns to the first pump 21, where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchanger 1;

[0557] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 flows sequentially through the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third bypass branch 20E, and the second bypass branch 20D. In the fifth heat exchanger 5, it receives heat from the external airflow Fe and splits at the fourth connection point 54:

[0558] --The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, in the sixth heat exchanger 6 (in which it transfers heat to the refrigerant), in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the secondary loop 20B, and returns to the second connection point 52.

[0559] --The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop 20B, and returns to the second connection point 52.

[0560] - The third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 and the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 merge at the second connection point 52 to reform the second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 before returning to the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0561] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is transferred to the first element 41 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle at the fourth heat exchanger 4 in order to heat the first element 41 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

[0562] Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5. Therefore, the evaporation of the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6 is achieved by recovering heat from the external airflow Fe.

[0563] The heat transfer fluid does not flow in the third heat exchanger 3, therefore the third heat exchanger 3 does not heat the internal airflow Fi.

[0564] Figure 13The operation of the thermal regulation system 100 as already described is schematically illustrated in a mode known as heating mode, for the first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and the passenger compartment, particularly for operation at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0565] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, dividing into:

[0566] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows in the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, it becomes low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0567] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, it becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0568] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge before returning to the compression unit 15 to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1;

[0569] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid in the primary loop 20A, and the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 is divided into:

[0570] --The second flow Qc2, which flows in the primary loop 20A, in the third heat exchanger 3, in the primary loop 20A, in the third heat exchanger 3 it transfers heat to the internal air flow Fi, and rejoins the fifteenth connection point 65;

[0571] --The third flow Qc3 flows through the tenth bypass branch 20L, the seventh bypass branch 20I, the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the secondary loop 20B, and the ninth bypass branch 20K, and then rejoins the fifteenth connection point 65.

[0572] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 and the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 merge at the fifteenth connection point 65 to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1, which flows in the primary loop 20A and then returns to the first pump 21.

[0573] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows sequentially in the first bypass branch 20C, the third bypass branch 20E, the fifth heat exchanger 5, the third bypass branch 20E, and the second bypass branch 20D. In the fifth heat exchanger 5, it receives heat from the external air flow Fe, and at the fourth connection point 54, it splits into:

[0574] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, in the sixth heat exchanger 6 (in which it transfers heat to the refrigerant), in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the secondary loop 20B, and then merges back into the second connection point 52;

[0575] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, flows in the secondary loop 20B, and merges into the second connection point 52.

[0576] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 merge at the second connection point 52 to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 before returning to the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0577] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated by the internal airflow Fi at the third heat exchanger 3 to heat the passenger compartment, and is also transferred to the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 to heat the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain. In this way, the first heat exchanger 1 is used to heat both the passenger compartment and the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0578] Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the external airflow Fe at the fifth heat exchanger 5. Therefore, the evaporation of the refrigerant at the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6 is achieved by recovering the external airflow Fe.

[0579] Figure 14 The operation of the thermal regulation system 100, as already described, is schematically illustrated. This thermal regulation system operates in a mode described as cooling a first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain and heating a second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain, particularly at external temperatures below 0°C, wherein:

[0580] - The first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 flows in the compressor 15, where it passes under high pressure, and continues to flow in the first heat exchanger 1, where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, dividing into:

[0581] --The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 flows in the first expansion device 31 and the second heat exchanger 2. In the first expansion device 31, it becomes low pressure, and in the second heat exchanger 2, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0582] --The third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 flows in the second expansion device 32 and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the second expansion device 32, it becomes low pressure, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6, it absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0583] - The second refrigerant fluid flow Qr2 and the third refrigerant fluid flow Qr3 merge together to reform the first refrigerant fluid flow Qr1 before returning to the compression unit 15;

[0584] - The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 flows sequentially in the primary loop 20A, the first pump 21, and the first heat exchanger 1. In the first heat exchanger 1, it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid and flows in the primary loop 20A. The first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1 is divided into:

[0585] --The second flow Qc2, which flows in the primary loop 20A, in the third heat exchanger 3, in the primary loop 20A, in the third heat exchanger 3 it transfers heat to the internal airflow Fi and rejoins the fifteenth connection point 65;

[0586] --The third flow Qc3 flows through the tenth bypass branch 20L, the seventh bypass branch 20I, the secondary loop 20B, the second pump 22, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the secondary loop 20B, and the ninth bypass branch 20K, and then rejoins the fifteenth connection point 65.

[0587] - The second heat transfer fluid flow Qc2 and the third heat transfer fluid flow Qc3 merge at the fifteenth connection point 65 to reform the first heat transfer fluid flow Qc1, which flows in the primary loop 20A and then returns to the first pump 21.

[0588] - The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B and is divided into:

[0589] --The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, in the fourth pump 24, and in the sixth heat exchanger 6. In the sixth heat exchanger 6, it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the fourth bypass branch 20F, and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0590] --The sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 flows in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, and in the second heat exchanger 2, where it transfers heat to the refrigerant fluid, flows in the secondary loop 20B, and rejoins the seventh connection point 57.

[0591] - The fifth heat transfer fluid flow Qc5 and the sixth heat transfer fluid flow Qc6 merge at the seventh connection point 57 to reform the fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4. The fourth heat transfer fluid flow Qc4 flows in the secondary loop 20B, the eighth bypass branch 20J, the ninth heat exchanger 9, and the eighth bypass branch 20J, and then re-enters the secondary loop 20B.

[0592] The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated by the internal airflow Fi at the third heat exchanger 3 to heat the passenger compartment, and is also transferred to the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the fourth heat exchanger 4 to heat the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain. In this way, the first heat exchanger 1 is used to heat both the passenger compartment and the first element 41 of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0593] The heat dissipated by the second element 42 of the vehicle's electric powertrain at the ninth heat exchanger 9 is transferred to the coolant at the second heat exchanger 2 and the sixth heat exchanger 6. Therefore, the second element 42 of the vehicle's electric powertrain is cooled.

Claims

1. A thermal regulation system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - Heat transfer fluid circuit (20), particularly dielectric heat transfer fluid circuit, which includes: --Primary heat transfer fluid flow loop (20A). --Secondary heat transfer fluid flow loop (20B). --First bypass branch (20C). --Second bypass branch (20D). --Third bypass branch (20E). - A refrigerant fluid circuit (10), comprising a main refrigerant fluid flow loop (10A), wherein the main refrigerant fluid flow loop comprises, in sequence, the following components in the direction of refrigerant fluid flow: ---Compression device (15) ---First heat exchanger (1), the first heat exchanger (1) is arranged together on the main refrigerant fluid loop (10A) and the primary heat transfer fluid loop (20A) to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, ---First expansion device (31). ---Second heat exchanger (2), the second heat exchanger (2) is arranged together on the main refrigerant fluid loop (10A) and the secondary heat transfer fluid loop (20B) to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, in: - The primary heat transfer fluid loop (20A) includes a third heat exchanger (3) configured to exchange heat with the internal airflow (Fi) in the vehicle passenger compartment, and - The secondary heat transfer fluid loop (20B) includes a fourth heat exchanger (4) configured to be thermally connected to a first element (41) of the electric powertrain of the vehicle. - The first bypass branch (20C) connects the first connection point (51) to the second connection point (52), the first connection point (51) being located on the primary loop (20A) between the first heat exchanger (1) and the third heat exchanger (3), and the second connection point (52) being located on the secondary loop (20B) between the second heat exchanger (2) and the fourth heat exchanger (4). - The second bypass branch (20D) connects the third connection point (53) to the fourth connection point (54), the third connection point (53) being located on the primary loop (20A) between the third heat exchanger (3) and the first heat exchanger (1), and the fourth connection point (54) being located on the secondary loop (20B) between the fourth heat exchanger (4) and the second heat exchanger (2). - The third bypass branch (20E) connects a fifth connection point (55) located on the first bypass branch (20C) to a sixth connection point (56) located on the second bypass branch (20D). The third bypass branch (20E) includes a fifth heat exchanger (5), wherein the fifth heat exchanger (5) is configured to exchange heat with the external airflow (Fe) leading to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. in: The refrigerant circuit (10) includes an auxiliary refrigerant flow branch (10B) arranged in parallel with the first expansion device (31) and the second heat exchanger (2). The auxiliary branch (10B) includes the second expansion device (32) and the sixth heat exchanger (6) in sequence. The sixth heat exchanger (6) is arranged together on the auxiliary refrigerant flow branch (10B) and the fourth heat transfer fluid bypass branch (20F) to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The fourth bypass branch (20F) is connected in parallel with the first heat exchanger (1) to the secondary loop (20B) between the seventh connection point (57) and the eighth connection point (58). The thermal control system (100) is characterized in that the heat transfer fluid loop (20) includes a fifth bypass branch (20G) that connects a ninth connection point (59) to a tenth connection point (60) on the fourth bypass branch (20F) between the sixth heat exchanger (6) and the seventh connection point (57), and the tenth connection point (60) is located on the secondary loop (20B) between the fourth heat exchanger (4) and the eighth connection point (58). The fifth bypass branch (20G) includes a seventh heat exchanger (7) configured to exchange heat with the internal airflow (Fi) leading to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

2. The thermal control system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes: - The sixth bypass branch (20H) connects the eleventh connection point (61) to the fourth bypass branch (20F), the eleventh connection point (61) being located on the secondary loop (20B) between the second heat exchanger (2) and the second connection point (52). - A seventh bypass branch (20I) that connects a twelfth connection point (62) to a thirteenth connection point (63) on the secondary loop (20B) between the seventh connection point (57) and the fourth heat exchanger (4), and the thirteenth connection point (63) on the secondary loop (20B) between the fourth heat exchanger (4) and the tenth connection point (60), the seventh bypass branch (20I) including an eighth heat exchanger (8) configured to exchange heat with an external airflow (Fe) leading to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

3. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes an eighth bypass branch (20J) which is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger (4) to the secondary loop (20B). The eighth bypass branch (20J) includes a ninth heat exchanger (9) which is configured to be thermally connected to a second element (42) of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

4. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes: - Ninth bypass branch (20K), which connects the fourteenth connection point (64) to the fifteenth connection point (65) on the secondary loop (20B) between the fourth heat exchanger (4) and the thirteenth connection point (63), and the fifteenth connection point (65) on the primary loop (20A) between the third heat exchanger (3) and the third connection point (53). - The tenth bypass branch (20L) connects the primary loop (20A) to the sixteenth connection point (66) arranged on the seventh bypass branch (20I).

5. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - The primary loop (20A) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a first flow pump (21), which is specifically arranged between the third connection point (53) and the first heat exchanger (1). - The secondary loop (20B) of the heat transfer fluid loop (20) includes a second flow pump (22), which is specifically arranged between the seventh connection point (57) and the fourth heat exchanger (4). - The secondary loop (20B) of the heat transfer fluid loop (20) includes a third flow pump (23), which is specifically arranged between the fourth connection point (54) and the second heat exchanger (2). - The fourth bypass branch (20F) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a fourth flow pump (24), which is specifically arranged between the eighth connection point (58) and the sixth heat exchanger (6).

6. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes: - A first three-way valve (26), the first three-way valve (26) being disposed together on the secondary loop (20B) and the fourth bypass branch (20F), - A second three-way valve (27), the second three-way valve (27) being disposed together on the secondary loop (20B) and the first bypass branch (20C), - A third three-way valve (28), which is commonly installed on the first bypass branch (20C) and the third bypass branch (20E). - Fourth three-way valve (29), which is jointly provided on the second bypass branch (20D) and the third bypass branch (20E).

7. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a fifth three-way valve (30), which is commonly located on the secondary loop (20B) and the seventh bypass branch (20I).

8. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a first four-way valve (71), which is commonly disposed on the fourth bypass branch (20F), the fifth bypass branch (20G), and the sixth bypass branch (20H).

9. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a second four-way valve (72), which is disposed on the secondary loop (20B), the seventh bypass branch (20I) and the eighth bypass branch (20J).

10. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes: - A third four-way valve (73), which is commonly located on the secondary loop (20B), the eighth bypass branch (20J), and the ninth bypass branch (20K). - Fourth four-way valve (74), the fourth four-way valve (74) is commonly disposed on the primary loop (20A), the first bypass branch (20C) and the tenth bypass branch (20L).

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