Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100) comprising:-a heat transfer liquid circuit (20) configured to circulate a heat transfer liquid,-a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising, in succession in the direction of circulation of the refrigerant:-a compression device (11),-a first heat exchanger (1) jointly on the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and the refrigerant circuit (10),-a second heat exchanger (2) jointly on the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and the refrigerant circuit (10), the invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) comprising a heat transfer liquid circuit (20), a refrigerant circuit (10), a first expansion valve (31), a second heat exchanger (2) commonly on the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and the refrigerant circuit (10), a second expansion valve (32), a third heat exchanger (3) commonly on the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and the refrigerant circuit (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal regulation systems. Such systems can be installed, for example, in motor vehicles. When the vehicle is an electric vehicle, these systems allow for thermal regulation of different components of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment or the energy storage battery. In particular, heat exchange is managed by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant circulating in a circuit in which multiple heat exchangers are located. The compressor discharges refrigerant at high pressure and allows the refrigerant to circulate in the circuit. The refrigerant can absorb or release heat in the different heat exchangers located in the circuit. Background Technology

[0002] A common drawback of fluorinated refrigerants is their high global warming potential (GWP). Some hydrocarbons, such as propane, possess thermodynamic properties that allow them to be used as refrigerants and have lower GWPs. However, it is preferable that the heat exchanger located in the passenger compartment of a vehicle does not contain hydrocarbons.

[0003] In this configuration, a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant undergoes intermediate heat exchange with a water-based heat transfer liquid, which then flows into a heat exchanger located within the passenger compartment. Therefore, the passenger compartment can be heated and cooled by circulating heat transfer liquids that are either preheated or precooled by the refrigerant.

[0004] Different operating modes are possible by associating multiple heat exchangers, each allowing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. However, known systems are typically very complex and do not allow for all desired operating modes.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a thermal regulation system with an optimized architecture that allows for a wider range of operating modes while being easier to implement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, a thermal regulation system is proposed, comprising:

[0007] - A heat transfer liquid circuit configured to circulate a heat transfer liquid; - A refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit comprising, sequentially in the refrigerant circulation direction:

[0008] -- Compression device,

[0009] -- A first heat exchanger is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit and the refrigerant circuit to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

[0010] - First expansion valve,

[0011] -- A second heat exchanger is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit and the refrigerant circuit to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

[0012] -- Second expansion valve,

[0013] - A third heat exchanger is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit and the refrigerant circuit to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

[0014] This arrangement of the refrigerant circuit allows for the availability of a source of hot heat transfer liquid and two sources of cold heat transfer liquid, which can be at two different temperature levels. By adjusting the corresponding expansion levels provided by the first and second expansion valves, it is also possible to have two hot heat transfer liquid sources and one cold heat transfer liquid source. With the proposed architecture, a large number of operating modes are thus possible, allowing for optimization of energy consumption for a wide range of different usage scenarios. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit can be particularly compact, thus facilitating integration.

[0015] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0016] A thermal control system is a thermal control system used in motor vehicles.

[0017] The first exchanger can be operated as a refrigerant condenser.

[0018] When the refrigerant is in a supercritical state, the first exchanger can also operate as a refrigerant cooler.

[0019] The second exchanger can be selectively operated as a refrigerant condenser / cooler or as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0020] The third exchanger can be operated as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit includes an accumulator located downstream of the third exchanger and upstream of the inlet of the refrigerant compressor.

[0022] As a variant, the accumulator is positioned downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the second exchanger.

[0023] The refrigerant circuit forms a single circulation loop for the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit has no bypass branches.

[0024] The first expansion valve is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. Similarly, the second expansion valve can also be an electronic expansion valve.

[0025] The first heat exchanger is located both on the main loop of the heat transfer liquid circuit and on the refrigerant circuit.

[0026] The main heat transfer liquid loop includes a fourth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the first airflow.

[0027] The first heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section located on the refrigerant loop and a second heat exchange section located on the main heat transfer liquid loop.

[0028] The first airflow is the first airflow inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0029] The main heat transfer liquid loop includes a first heat transfer liquid circulation pump.

[0030] The second heat exchanger is located both in the secondary loop of the heat transfer liquid circuit and in the refrigerant circuit.

[0031] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop includes a fifth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a first element of the electric drive system of a motor vehicle.

[0032] The second heat exchanger allows for the selective cooling or heating of the first element of the vehicle's electric drive system.

[0033] The second heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section located on the refrigerant loop and a second heat exchange section located on the secondary heat transfer liquid loop.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first element of the vehicle's electric drive system includes an energy storage battery.

[0035] The fifth heat exchanger includes the walls of the housing of the components of the electric drive system.

[0036] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop includes a second heat transfer liquid circulation pump.

[0037] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop includes an electric heating device configured to heat the heat transfer fluid.

[0038] Activating the electric heating device allows the heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary heat transfer liquid loop to be heated.

[0039] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop is isolated from the main loop.

[0040] The third heat exchanger is located both in the tertiary loop of the heat transfer liquid circuit and in the refrigerant circuit.

[0041] The three-stage heat transfer liquid loop includes a sixth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the second airflow.

[0042] The second airflow is the second airflow inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0043] The first internal airflow can be the same as the second internal airflow.

[0044] In other words, the airflow that forms the first internal airflow can be equal to the airflow that forms the second internal airflow.

[0045] The first internal airflow can be different from the second internal airflow.

[0046] In particular, the airflow forming the first internal airflow can be smaller than the airflow forming the second internal airflow.

[0047] In other words, a portion of the second internal airflow that exchanges heat with the sixth heat exchanger can bypass the fourth exchanger.

[0048] The sixth heat exchanger is positioned upstream of the fourth heat exchanger in the direction of the internal airflow.

[0049] The third heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section located on the refrigerant loop and a second heat exchange section located on the tertiary heat transfer liquid loop.

[0050] The three-stage heat transfer liquid loop includes a third heat transfer liquid circulation pump.

[0051] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop is isolated from the tertiary loop.

[0052] Each heat transfer liquid circulation pump can be an electrically controlled pump.

[0053] The heat transfer fluid loop includes a first bypass branch that connects a first junction point on the main loop between the first and fourth exchangers to a second junction point on the main loop between the fourth and first exchangers.

[0054] The first bypass branch includes a seventh heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a third airflow.

[0055] The third airflow is the airflow outside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0056] The first circulation pump is located between the first exchanger and the first junction.

[0057] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second bypass branch that connects a third junction on the secondary loop between the second pump and the fifth exchanger to a fourth junction on the secondary loop between the fifth exchanger and the second exchanger.

[0058] The second circulation pump is located between the second exchanger and the third junction.

[0059] The heat transfer fluid loop includes a third bypass branch that connects the fifth junction point on the tertiary loop between the third and sixth exchangers to the sixth junction point on the tertiary loop between the third and sixth exchangers.

[0060] The third bypass branch includes an eighth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a second element of the electric drive system of the motor vehicle.

[0061] The fifth junction is located between the third pump and the sixth exchanger.

[0062] The third circulation pump is located between the third exchanger and the fifth junction.

[0063] The second component of the vehicle's electric drive system includes the vehicle's electric drive motor.

[0064] The second component of the vehicle's electric drive system may include an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric drive motor.

[0065] The third circulation pump is located between the third exchanger and the fifth junction.

[0066] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fourth bypass branch that connects the seventh junction on the first bypass branch located between the seventh exchanger and the first junction to the eighth junction on the third bypass branch located between the fifth junction and the eighth exchanger.

[0067] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fifth bypass branch that connects the ninth junction on the first bypass branch located between the seventh exchanger and the second junction to the tenth junction on the third bypass branch located between the eighth exchanger and the sixth junction.

[0068] The fifth bypass branch includes the fourth heat transfer liquid circulation pump.

[0069] The fourth circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0070] The fourth circulation pump is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid from the ninth junction to the tenth junction.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0072] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a first three-way valve located on the main loop and the first bypass branch. The first three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0073] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the main loop, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the main loop and the first bypass branch, or

[0074] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the seventh exchanger to the first exchanger, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth exchanger to the first exchanger, or

[0075] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the first, fourth, and seventh exchangers.

[0076] According to a variant embodiment, the first three-way valve can be a proportional valve. In other words, the flow reaching one of the valve's three inlets / outlets can be successively diverted between the other two inlets / outlets.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0078] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second three-way valve located on the secondary loop and the second bypass branch.

[0079] The second three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0080] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the secondary loop, but prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the secondary loop and the second bypass branch, or

[0081] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the secondary loop and the second bypass branch, and prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the second and fifth exchangers.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0083] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third three-way valve located on the third loop and the third bypass branch.

[0084] The third three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0085] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate within the tertiary loop, but prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the tertiary loop and the third bypass branch, or

[0086] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the third and eighth heat exchangers, and prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the third and sixth heat exchangers, or

[0087] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the third, sixth, and eighth exchangers.

[0088] The fourth bypass branch includes the first shut-off valve.

[0089] The third bypass branch includes the second shut-off valve.

[0090] The second shut-off valve is located between the eighth junction and the eighth exchanger.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the first heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0092] The first bidirectional pump includes a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The first bidirectional pump is configured to selectively:

[0093] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or

[0094] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the main loop includes a first check valve, and the first bypass branch includes a second check valve, wherein the first and second check valves are configured as follows:

[0096] - In the first discharge direction of the first circulating pump, the heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the first heat exchanger to the fourth heat exchanger, and the heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating from the first heat exchanger to the seventh heat exchanger.

[0097] - In the second discharge direction opposite to the first discharge direction of the first circulating pump, heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the first heat exchanger to the seventh heat exchanger, and heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating from the first heat exchanger to the fourth heat exchanger.

[0098] According to an exemplary embodiment, the main loop includes a first check valve configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the second junction to the fourth heat exchanger and to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth heat exchanger to the second junction through the first check valve. A first bypass branch includes a second check valve configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the first junction to the seventh junction and to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the seventh junction to the first junction through the second check valve.

[0099] According to another exemplary embodiment, the main loop includes a first check valve configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the second junction to the fourth heat exchanger through the first check valve, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fourth heat exchanger to the second junction through the first check valve. A first bypass branch includes a second check valve configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the first junction to the seventh junction through the second check valve, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the seventh junction to the first junction through the second check valve.

[0100] Arranging a two-way pump with two check valves allows for the same circulation options as check pumps and three-way valves.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0102] The second bidirectional pump includes a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The second bidirectional pump is configured to selectively:

[0103] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or

[0104] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the secondary loop includes a third check valve, and the second bypass branch includes a fourth check valve, wherein the third and fourth check valves are configured as follows:

[0106] - In the first discharge direction of the second circulation pump, the heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the second heat exchanger to the fifth heat exchanger, and circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch is prohibited.

[0107] - In the second discharge direction, which is opposite to the first discharge direction of the second circulation pump, the heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate in the second bypass branch, and the heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the second heat exchanger to the fifth heat exchanger.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the secondary loop includes a third check valve configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the third junction to the fifth heat exchanger via the third check valve, and configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fifth heat exchanger to the third junction via the third check valve. The second bypass branch includes a fourth check valve configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fourth junction to the third junction via the fourth check valve, and configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the third junction to the fourth junction via the fourth check valve.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the secondary loop includes a third check valve configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the third junction to the fifth heat exchanger through the third check valve, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fifth heat exchanger to the third junction through the third check valve. The second bypass branch includes a fourth check valve configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth junction to the third junction through the fourth check valve, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the third junction to the fourth junction through the fourth check valve.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0111] The third bidirectional pump includes a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The third bidirectional pump is configured to selectively:

[0112] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or

[0113] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the three-stage loop includes a fifth check valve, and the third bypass branch includes a sixth check valve, wherein the fifth and sixth check valves are configured as follows:

[0115] - In the first discharge direction of the third circulation pump, heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the third heat exchanger to the sixth heat exchanger, and heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating from the third heat exchanger to the eighth heat exchanger.

[0116] - In the second discharge direction of the third circulation pump, which is opposite to the first discharge direction, heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the third heat exchanger to the eighth heat exchanger, and heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating from the third heat exchanger to the sixth heat exchanger.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the three-stage loop includes a fifth check valve configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the sixth heat exchanger to the fifth junction through the fifth check valve, and configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fifth junction to the sixth heat exchanger through the fifth check valve. The third bypass branch includes a sixth check valve configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the tenth junction to the sixth junction through the sixth check valve, and configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the sixth junction to the tenth junction through the sixth check valve.

[0118] According to another embodiment, the three-stage loop includes a fifth check valve configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the sixth heat exchanger to the fifth junction through the fifth check valve, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fifth junction to the sixth heat exchanger through the fifth check valve. The third bypass branch includes a sixth check valve configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the tenth junction to the sixth junction through the sixth check valve, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the sixth junction to the tenth junction through the sixth check valve.

[0119] Each one-way valve is, for example, a check valve.

[0120] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes three-way valves located on the third and fourth bypass branches.

[0121] The three-way valve is configured to selectively:

[0122] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the fourth bypass branch and the eighth exchanger, and prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the fourth bypass branch and the fifth junction, or

[0123] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the fourth bypass branch and the fifth junction, and prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the fourth bypass branch and the eighth exchanger.

[0124] Each of the three-way valves can be a proportional valve.

[0125] The proposed thermal control system can be selectively operated in different operating modes.

[0126] A method for operating the thermal control system as described above in a first operating mode, referred to as the first passenger compartment heating mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0127] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the first expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0128] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0129] - Start the electric heating device to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop.

[0130] - The second heat transfer liquid flow circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where the second heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant, in the second bypass branch, and in the electric heating device where the second heat transfer liquid flow receives heat, and then returns to the second exchanger.

[0131] A method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a second operating mode, referred to as the first battery heating mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0132] - The refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circuit is zero.

[0133] - Start the electric heating device to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop.

[0134] - The heat transfer fluid flows in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, in the fifth exchanger where the heat transfer fluid releases heat to heat the elements of the drive system, and in the electric heating device where the heat transfer fluid receives heat, and then returns to the second exchanger.

[0135] A method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a third operating mode, referred to as the battery cooling mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0136] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the first expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0137] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates successively in the first and seventh heat exchangers and returns to the first heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. In the seventh heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the outside airflow.

[0138] - The second heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, in the fifth exchanger, and in the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger, where the second heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the fifth exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow receives heat to cool the components of the drive system.

[0139] A method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a fourth operating mode, referred to as the passenger compartment cooling mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0140] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then successively circulates in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0141] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates successively in the first and seventh heat exchangers and returns to the first heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. In the seventh heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the outside airflow.

[0142] - The second heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the third and sixth exchangers and returns to the third exchanger. In the third exchanger, the heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant. In the sixth exchanger, the heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the second internal air flow.

[0143] Furthermore, a method is proposed for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a fifth operating mode, referred to as the drivetrain cooling mode, wherein:

[0144] - The refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant circuit is zero.

[0145] - The heat transfer fluid flows in succession through the fourth circulation pump, the eighth exchanger, the fourth bypass branch and the seventh exchanger, and returns to the fourth circulation pump. In the eighth exchanger, the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the second element of the drive system. In the seventh exchanger, the heat transfer fluid releases heat to the external airflow.

[0146] A method for operating the thermal control system as described above in a sixth operating mode, referred to as the second passenger compartment heating mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0147] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then successively circulates in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0148] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0149] - The second heat transfer liquid flow circulates in a three-stage loop, successively in the third and eighth exchangers, and returns to the third exchanger, where it releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the eighth exchanger it receives heat.

[0150] A method is also proposed for operating the thermal control system as described above in a seventh operating mode, referred to as the third passenger compartment heating mode, wherein:

[0151] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the first expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0152] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0153] - The second heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the second exchanger where the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the refrigerant and in the fifth exchanger where the heat transfer liquid receives heat, and then returns to the second exchanger.

[0154] A method for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in an eighth operating mode, referred to as the second battery heating mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0155] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates sequentially in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0156] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second and fifth exchangers, and returns to the second exchanger, where it receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fifth exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow releases heat.

[0157] - The second heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the third and eighth exchangers and returns to the third exchanger. In the third exchanger, the second heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant. In the eighth exchanger, the second heat transfer liquid flow receives heat.

[0158] A method for operating the thermal control system as described above in a ninth operating mode, known as the defrost mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0159] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the first expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0160] - The first heat transfer fluid stream circulates in the seventh exchanger, where it releases heat and splits into:

[0161] -- A second heat transfer fluid flow, which circulates successively in a fourth circulating pump, in an eighth exchanger where it receives heat, and in a fourth bypass branch, and

[0162] - A third heat transfer liquid flow, which circulates in the first exchanger and in the first circulation pump, receives heat from the refrigerant in the first exchanger.

[0163] The second and third heat transfer fluid flows return to each other to form the first heat transfer fluid flow.

[0164] - Start the electric heating device to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop.

[0165] - The fourth heat transfer liquid flow circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, the second bypass branch, and the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger. In the second exchanger, the fourth heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the electric heating device, the fourth heat transfer liquid flow receives heat.

[0166] A method for operating the thermal conditioning system as described above in a tenth operating mode, known as the passenger compartment dehumidification and drivetrain cooling mode, is also proposed, wherein:

[0167] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then successively circulates in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0168] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger, the heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0169] The second heat transfer fluid flow circulates successively in the fourth circulating pump, the eighth exchanger, the fourth bypass branch, and the seventh exchanger, and returns to the fourth circulating pump. In the eighth exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the second element of the drive system. In the seventh exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the external airflow.

[0170] - The third heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the third and sixth exchangers and returns to the third exchanger. In the third exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant. In the sixth exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the second internal air flow.

[0171] Furthermore, a method is proposed for operating the thermal control system as described above in an eleventh operating mode, referred to as the fourth passenger compartment heating mode, wherein:

[0172] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then successively circulates in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0173] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0174] - The second heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the third and seventh exchangers and returns to the third exchanger. In the third exchanger, the second heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger, the second heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the outside air flow.

[0175] A method is also proposed for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a twelfth operating mode, referred to as the first combination of passenger compartment and battery heating mode, wherein:

[0176] A refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the first expansion valve, the refrigerant stream reaches an intermediate pressure below the high pressure. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and reaches a low pressure below the intermediate pressure. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0177] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0178] - Start the electric heating device to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop.

[0179] The second heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, the fifth exchanger, and the electric heating device, before returning to the second exchanger. In the fifth exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow releases heat, and in the electric heating device, it receives heat.

[0180] - The third heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the third and seventh exchangers and returns to the third exchanger. In the third exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the external air flow.

[0181] The second heat transfer liquid flow can circulate in the second exchanger without exchanging heat with the refrigerant.

[0182] A method is also proposed for operating the thermal control system as described above in a thirteenth operating mode, referred to as the fifth passenger compartment heating mode, wherein:

[0183] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then successively circulates in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0184] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0185] - Start the electric heating device to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop.

[0186] The second heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, the second bypass branch, and the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger, where it releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the electric heating device, it receives heat.

[0187] - The third heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the third and seventh exchangers and returns to the third exchanger. In the third exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the external air flow.

[0188] A method is also proposed for operating the thermal regulation system as described above in a fourteenth operating mode, referred to as the second combination of passenger compartment and battery heating mode, wherein:

[0189] The refrigerant stream circulates in the compressor, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then successively circulates in the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the third heat exchanger, before returning to the compressor. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer fluid. In the second expansion valve, the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer fluid.

[0190] The first heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the main loop, successively in the first and fourth exchangers, and returns to the first exchanger. In the first exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger, the first heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the first internal airflow.

[0191] - The electric heating device is not activated.

[0192] The second heat transfer fluid flow circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, the fifth exchanger, and the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger. In the second exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fifth exchanger, the second heat transfer fluid flow releases heat.

[0193] - The third heat transfer liquid flow circulates successively in the third and seventh exchangers and returns to the third exchanger. In the third exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger, the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the external air flow.

[0194] The refrigerant flow can circulate in the first expansion valve without undergoing expansion.

[0195] The refrigerant flow can circulate in the first expansion valve and undergo partial expansion.

[0196] As a variation, an electric heating device can be activated to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop. Attached Figure Description

[0197] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and studying the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0198] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of the first embodiment.

[0199] Figure 2 It operates in the first operating mode, also known as the first passenger compartment heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0200] Figure 3 It operates in the second mode, also known as the first battery heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0201] Figure 4 It operates in a third mode, also known as battery cooling mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0202] Figure 5 It operates in the fourth mode, also known as the passenger compartment cooling mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0203] Figure 6 It operates in the fifth mode, also known as the drivetrain cooling mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0204] Figure 7 It operates in the sixth mode, also known as the second passenger compartment heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0205] Figure 8 It operates in the seventh mode, also known as the third passenger compartment heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0206] Figure 9 It operates in the eighth mode, also known as the second battery heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0207] Figure 10 It operates in the ninth mode, also known as defrost mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0208] Figure 11 It operates in the tenth mode, also known as the passenger compartment dehumidification and transmission cooling mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0209] Figure 12 It operates in the eleventh mode, also known as the fourth passenger compartment heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0210] Figure 13 It operates in the twelfth mode, also known as the fourth passenger compartment heating and battery heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0211] Figure 14 It operates in the thirteenth mode, also known as the fifth passenger compartment heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0212] Figure 15 It operates in the fourteenth operating mode, also known as the passenger compartment heating and battery heating mode. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0213] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system of the second embodiment.

[0214] Figure 17 It is operated in the first operating mode. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0215] Figure 18 It is operated in the third operating mode. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0216] Figure 19 It is operated in the tenth operating mode. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system in the diagram.

[0217] Figure 20 It is operated in the thirteenth operating mode. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the thermal regulation system. Detailed Implementation

[0218] To make the accompanying drawings easier to read, different elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Some elements or parameters may be assigned ordinal numbers; in other words, they may be designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. The purpose of this ordinal numbering is to distinguish similar but not identical elements or parameters. This ordinal numbering does not imply any priority of one element or parameter relative to another, and the designations are interchangeable.

[0219] Similarly, the terms primary, secondary, and tertiary correspond to ordinal numbers and are interchangeable.

[0220] In the following description, the statement "the first element is upstream of the second element" means that the first element is positioned before the second element relative to the circulation or travel direction of the fluid. Similarly, the statement "the first element is downstream of the second element" means that the first element is positioned after the second element relative to the circulation or travel direction of the relevant fluid. In the case of a refrigerant circuit, the statement "the first element is upstream of the second element" means that the refrigerant travels successively through the first element and then through the second element, without passing through the compressor. In other words, the refrigerant leaves the compressor, optionally through one or more elements, then through the first element, then through the second element, and then returns to the compressor, optionally having already passed through another element.

[0221] 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.

[0222] When a specified subsystem includes a given element, this does not preclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0223] The thermal control system 100 described below includes an electronic control unit (not shown) that receives information from various sensors, specifically measuring the characteristics of the refrigerant at various points in the circuit. The electronic control unit also receives setpoints from vehicle occupants, such as desired temperatures within the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit may also receive setpoints from other electronic subsystems, such as an energy storage battery management system. The electronic control unit implements control rules for operating various actuators to control the thermal control system 100 to achieve the received setpoints.

[0224] The compressor 11 (also referred to as a compressor) enables the refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerant circulation loop 10. The compressor 11 may be an electric compressor, i.e., a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor. The compressor 11 includes an intake side (also referred to as the inlet 11a of the compressor) for low-pressure refrigerant and a discharge side (also referred to as the outlet 11b of the compressor 11) for high-pressure refrigerant. The internal moving parts of the compressor 11 carry the refrigerant from the low pressure at the inlet 11a side to the high pressure at the outlet 11b side. After expanding in one or more expansion members and circulating in at least a portion of the loop, the refrigerant returns to the inlet 11a of the compressor 11 and begins a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0225] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed loop capable of supplying refrigerant circulation. The refrigerant circuit 10 is sealed when in its nominal operating condition, i.e., without defects or leaks. Each junction of the circuit 10 allows refrigerant to enter one or the other circuit sections that meet at that junction. The refrigerant is diverted between the circuit sections that meet at the junction by adjusting the opening or closing of a shut-off valve, check valve, or expansion device contained in each section. In other words, each junction is a device for redirecting the refrigerant arriving at that junction. The various shut-off valves and check valves thus allow for the selective diversion of refrigerant into different branches of the refrigerant circuit to achieve different operating modes, as described below.

[0226] The refrigerant used in refrigerant circuit 10 is a natural fluid such as R290 or R744. Chemical refrigerants, such as R1234yf or R134a, can also be used.

[0227] Each device used to expand the refrigerant (also called an expansion valve) can be an electronic expansion valve. In an electronic expansion valve, the flow area allowed for refrigerant to pass through can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a fully open position. For this purpose, the electronic control module of the expansion valve controls an electric motor that moves a movable closing device, thereby controlling the available flow area for the refrigerant.

[0228] Internal airflow Fi refers to the airflow in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. This internal airflow Fi can circulate within HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment 70, as schematically shown in various diagrams. A first motor fan unit, not shown, is positioned within the heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning equipment to increase the flow rate of the internal airflow Fi when necessary.

[0229] External airflow Fe refers to airflow that is not used in the vehicle's passenger compartment. In other words, this airflow Fe remains outside the vehicle's passenger compartment. A second motor-fan unit, also not shown, can be activated to increase the flow rate of external airflow Fe when necessary. The airflow provided by the first and second motor-fan units can be adjusted in real time according to heat exchange requirements, for example, via the electronic control unit of the thermal regulation system 100.

[0230] The term "exchanger" is equivalent to the term "heat exchanger". Similarly, the term "internal exchanger" is equivalent to the term "internal heat exchanger". The term "accumulation device" is equivalent to the term "refrigerant accumulation device".

[0231] One or more heat transfer fluid loops also form one or more closed and sealed loops in which the heat transfer fluid can circulate.

[0232] A "loop" refers to a closed circuit. It begins at any point on the loop and returns to the starting point by following the path of the loop.

[0233] 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 of its ends. Each connection is formed at the connection point.

[0234] Bypasses can connect two separate loops.

[0235] A bypass branch can connect a loop and another bypass branch.

[0236] A bypass branch can connect to two other bypass branches.

[0237] A network formed by different loops and different bypass branches can be constructed in different ways depending on the location of different valves, so as to create different circuits and thus allow different operating modes.

[0238] Therefore, a thermal regulation system 100 is proposed, comprising:

[0239] - Heat transfer fluid circuit 20, which is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid.

[0240] - A refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit 10 comprising, in the direction of refrigerant circulation:

[0241] - Compression device 11,

[0242] - A first heat exchanger 1 is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 and the refrigerant circuit 10 to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

[0243] - First expansion valve 31

[0244] - A second heat exchanger 2 is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 and the refrigerant circuit 10 to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

[0245] - Second expansion valve 32

[0246] - A third heat exchanger 3 is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 and the refrigerant circuit 10 to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

[0247] This arrangement of the refrigerant circuit allows for the availability of a source of hot heat transfer liquid and two sources of cold heat transfer liquid, which can be at two different temperature levels. By adjusting the corresponding expansion levels provided by the first and second expansion valves, it is also possible to have two hot heat transfer liquid sources and one cold heat transfer liquid source. With the proposed architecture, a large number of operating modes are thus possible, allowing for optimization of energy consumption for a wide range of different usage scenarios. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit can be particularly compact, thus facilitating integration.

[0248] According to the example shown, thermal regulation system 100 is a thermal regulation system 100 for a motor vehicle.

[0249] The first exchanger 1 can be operated as a refrigerant condenser.

[0250] The first exchanger 1 can operate as a refrigerant cooler. This is the case when the refrigerant is in a supercritical state, such as when R744 is used as the refrigerant in loop 10.

[0251] The first exchanger 1 can receive high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant.

[0252] The second exchanger 2 can be selectively operated as a refrigerant condenser / cooler or as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0253] The second exchanger 2 is located downstream of the first expansion valve 31, and can therefore condense or evaporate the refrigerant depending on the degree of expansion achieved by the first expansion valve 31.

[0254] The third exchanger 3 can be operated as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0255] According to the example shown, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes an accumulator 12 located downstream of the third exchanger 3 and upstream of the inlet 11a of the refrigerant compressor 11.

[0256] Storage device 12 is an energy storage device.

[0257] According to a variant not shown, the accumulation device 12 is located downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the second exchanger 2. The accumulation device 12 is a receiver dryer.

[0258] Here, refrigerant circuit 10 forms a single circulation loop for the refrigerant. Refrigerant circuit 10 does not have any bypass branches.

[0259] The first expansion valve 31 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. Similarly, the second expansion valve 32 can also be an electronic expansion valve.

[0260] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0261] The first heat exchanger 1 is arranged both on the main loop 20A of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0262] The main heat transfer liquid loop 20A includes a fourth heat exchanger 4 configured to exchange heat with the first air flow F1.

[0263] The first heat exchanger 1 includes a first heat exchange section 1a located on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 1b located on the main heat transfer liquid loop 20A.

[0264] The first heat exchanger 1 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 1a and the heat transfer liquid in the second heat exchange section 1b.

[0265] The first airflow F1 is the first airflow Fi-1 inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0266] The main heat transfer liquid loop 20A includes a first heat transfer liquid circulation pump 21.

[0267] The main loop 20A is connected in series with the first switch 1 and the fourth switch 4.

[0268] The second heat exchanger 2 is arranged on both the secondary loop 20B of the heat transfer liquid loop 20 and the refrigerant loop 10.

[0269] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B includes a fifth heat exchanger 5, which is configured to exchange heat with a first element 25 of the electric drive system of a motor vehicle.

[0270] The second heat exchanger 2 allows for the selective cooling or heating of the first element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive system.

[0271] The second heat exchanger 2 includes a first heat exchange section 2a located on the refrigerant loop 10 and a second heat exchange section 2b located on the secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B.

[0272] The second heat exchanger 2 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 2a and the heat transfer liquid in the second heat exchange section 2b.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the first element 25 of the vehicle's electric drive system includes an energy storage battery.

[0274] Electric storage batteries can supply electrical energy to power vehicles.

[0275] The fifth heat exchanger 5 includes the wall of the housing of the electric drive system element 25.

[0276] The heat transfer fluid passing through the fifth exchanger 5 comes into contact with the wall of the housing. In one operating mode, heat released by the operation of the components 25 of the electric drive system can pass through the housing wall and be transferred to the heat transfer fluid. In another operating mode, heat from the heat transfer fluid can be transferred to the components 25 of the drive system to heat them.

[0277] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B includes a second heat transfer liquid circulation pump 22.

[0278] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B includes an electric heating device 15 configured to heat the heat transfer liquid.

[0279] The electric heating device 15 is activated so that the heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B can be heated.

[0280] Secondary loop 20B is connected in series with the second switch 2 and the fifth switch 5.

[0281] The electric heating device 15 is optional.

[0282] When the electric heating device 15 is present, the secondary loop 20B connects the second heat exchanger 2, the fifth heat exchanger 5 and the electric heating device 15 in series.

[0283] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B is isolated from the main loop 20A.

[0284] In other words, the secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B and the main loop 20A are not fluidly connected.

[0285] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B must not mix with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the main loop 20A.

[0286] The third heat exchanger 3 is arranged on both the tertiary loop 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 and the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0287] The three-stage heat transfer liquid loop 20C includes a sixth heat exchanger 6 configured to exchange heat with the second air flow F2.

[0288] The second airflow F2 is the second airflow Fi-2 inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0289] The first internal airflow Fi-1 can be the same as the second internal airflow Fi-2.

[0290] In other words, the airflow that forms the first internal airflow Fi-1 can be equal to the airflow that forms the second internal airflow Fi-2.

[0291] In this case, the entire airflow that exchanges heat with the sixth exchanger 6 also exchanges heat with the fourth exchanger 4.

[0292] The first internal airflow Fi-1 can be different from the second internal airflow Fi-2.

[0293] In particular, the airflow forming the first internal airflow Fi-1 can be smaller than the airflow forming the second internal airflow Fi-2.

[0294] In other words, a portion of the second internal airflow Fi-2, which exchanges heat with the sixth heat exchanger 6, can bypass the fourth exchanger 4.

[0295] The sixth heat exchanger 6 is located upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 4 in the direction of the internal airflow.

[0296] The third heat exchanger 3 includes a first heat exchange section 3a located on the refrigerant loop 10 and a second heat exchange section 3b located on the tertiary heat transfer liquid loop 20C.

[0297] The third exchanger 3 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 3a and the heat transfer liquid in the second heat exchange section 3b.

[0298] The third switch 3 can be the same as the second switch 2.

[0299] The three-stage heat transfer liquid loop 20C includes a third heat transfer liquid circulation pump 23.

[0300] The three-level loop 20C is connected in series with the third switch 3 and the sixth switch 6.

[0301] The secondary heat transfer liquid loop 20B is isolated from the tertiary loop 20C.

[0302] In other words, the tertiary heat transfer liquid loop 20C and the secondary loop 20B are not fluidly connected.

[0303] Each heat transfer liquid circulation pump can be an electrically controlled pump.

[0304] Each of the circulating pumps 21, 22, and 23 includes an electric motor that drives a set of movable parts configured to draw in heat transfer liquid through an inlet and discharge heat transfer liquid through an outlet.

[0305] When the electric motors of the pumps under discussion are not operating and are not moving, each circulation pump 21, 22, 23 may also not start, i.e., not discharge any heat transfer liquid.

[0306] In addition to the aforementioned circulation loop, the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 includes multiple bypass branches, which allow different parts of the circuit to be connected, thereby enabling different configurations of the heat transfer liquid circuit.

[0307] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 includes a first bypass branch 20D, which connects a first junction point C1 on the main loop 20A between the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4 to a second junction point C2 on the main loop 20A between the fourth exchanger 4 and the first exchanger 1.

[0308] The first bypass branch 20D includes a seventh heat exchanger 7, which is configured to exchange heat with the third airflow F3.

[0309] The third airflow F3 is the airflow Fe outside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0310] The seventh exchanger 7 is located, for example, on the front surface of the vehicle, just behind the radiator grille.

[0311] The first bypass branch 20D is connected in parallel with the fourth switch 4 to the main loop 20A.

[0312] The first circulating pump 21 is located between the first exchanger 1 and the first junction C1.

[0313] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a second bypass branch 20E that connects a third junction C3 on the secondary loop 20B between the second pump 22 and the fifth exchanger 5 to a fourth junction C4 on the secondary loop 20B between the fifth exchanger 5 and the second exchanger 2.

[0314] The second bypass branch 20E is connected in parallel with the fifth switch 5 to the secondary loop 20B.

[0315] The second bypass branch 20E allows the heat transfer fluid from the second exchanger 2 to reach the second exchanger 2 without passing through the fifth exchanger 5.

[0316] The second circulation pump 22 is located between the second exchanger 2 and the third junction C3.

[0317] The electric heating device 15 is positioned between the fourth junction point C4 and the second exchanger 2.

[0318] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a third bypass branch 20F, which connects the fifth junction point C5 on the tertiary loop 20C located between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6 to the sixth junction point C6 on the tertiary loop 20C located between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6.

[0319] The third bypass branch 20F includes an eighth heat exchanger 8, which is configured to exchange heat with the second element 26 of the electric drive system of the motor vehicle.

[0320] The fifth junction C5 is located between the third pump 23 and the sixth exchanger 6.

[0321] The third circulation pump 23 is located between the third exchanger 3 and the fifth junction C5.

[0322] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second element 26 of the vehicle's electric drive system includes the vehicle's electric drive motor.

[0323] As a variation, the second element 26 of the vehicle's electric drive system may include an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric drive motor.

[0324] Therefore, the two separate components 25 and 26 of the vehicle's electric drive system can receive thermal regulation.

[0325] The third bypass branch 20F allows the heat transfer fluid from the third exchanger 3 to reach the third exchanger 3 without passing through the sixth exchanger 6.

[0326] The third circulation pump 23 is located between the third exchanger 3 and the fifth junction C5.

[0327] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a fourth bypass branch 20G, which connects the seventh junction C7 on the first bypass branch 20D located between the seventh exchanger 7 and the first junction C1 to the eighth junction C8 on the third bypass branch 20F located between the fifth junction C5 and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0328] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a fifth bypass branch 20H, which connects a ninth junction C9 on a first bypass branch 20D located between a seventh exchanger 7 and a second junction C2 to a tenth junction C10 on a third bypass branch 20F located between an eighth exchanger 8 and a sixth junction C6.

[0329] The fifth bypass branch 20H includes the fourth heat transfer liquid circulation pump 24.

[0330] The fourth circulation pump 24 is a unidirectional pump.

[0331] The fourth circulation pump 24 is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid from the ninth junction C9 to the tenth junction C10.

[0332] Figures 1 to 15 The first embodiment is shown, wherein the circulating pumps 21, 22, and 23 are bidirectional pumps.

[0333] The first heat transfer liquid circulation pump 21 is a unidirectional pump.

[0334] The first heat transfer liquid circulation pump 21 has a single discharge direction for the heat transfer liquid, that is, the discharge direction cannot be changed.

[0335] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 includes a first three-way valve 41 located on the main loop 20A and the first bypass branch 20D.

[0336] The first three-way valve 41 is configured to selectively:

[0337] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the main loop 20A, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the main loop 20A and the first bypass branch 20D, or

[0338] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the seventh exchanger 7 to the first exchanger 1, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth exchanger 4 to the first exchanger 1, or

[0339] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the first exchanger 1, the fourth exchanger 4, and the seventh exchanger 7.

[0340] The first three-way valve 41 allows the heat transfer liquid flow passing through the first exchanger 1 to be diverted between the fourth exchanger 4 and the seventh exchanger 7.

[0341] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 includes only two stable equilibrium positions, namely, under steady-state conditions, the flow through the first exchanger 1 is directed to the fourth exchanger 4 or the seventh exchanger 7.

[0342] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 can successively split the total flow through the first exchanger 1 between the flow directed to the fourth exchanger 4 and the additional flow of the total flow directed to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0343] The proportion directed to the fourth exchange 4 can vary continuously between 0% and 100% of the total flow passing through the first exchange 1.

[0344] The second connection point C2 forms part of the first three-way valve 41.

[0345] The first three-way valve 41 selectively allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the first exchanger 1 to the fourth exchanger 4 or from the first exchanger 1 to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0346] According to the first embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump 22 is a unidirectional pump.

[0347] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a second three-way valve 42 located on the secondary loop 20B and the second bypass branch 20E.

[0348] The second three-way valve 42 is configured to selectively:

[0349] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the secondary loop 20B, and prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the secondary loop 20B and the second bypass branch 20E, or

[0350] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the secondary loop 20B and the second bypass branch 20E, and prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5.

[0351] The third connection point C3 forms part of the second three-way valve 42.

[0352] The second three-way valve 42 allows the heat transfer fluid to be selectively circulated in series between the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5, or to isolate the fifth exchanger 5 from the second exchanger 2.

[0353] According to this embodiment, the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump 23 is a unidirectional pump.

[0354] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a third three-way valve 43 located on the three-stage loop 20C and the third bypass branch 20F.

[0355] The third three-way valve 43 is configured to selectively:

[0356] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the tertiary loop 20C, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the tertiary loop 20C and the third bypass branch 20F, or

[0357] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the third exchanger 3 and the eighth exchanger 8, and prohibits the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6, or

[0358] - Allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the third exchanger 3, the sixth exchanger 6, and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0359] The third three-way valve 43 allows the heat transfer fluid flow through the third exchanger 3 to be diverted between the sixth exchanger 6 and the third bypass branch 20F. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the third bypass branch 20F can then be directed to the eighth exchanger 8 or the seventh exchanger 7.

[0360] According to an exemplary embodiment, the third three-way valve 43 includes only two stable equilibrium positions, namely, under steady-state conditions, the flow through the third exchanger 3 is directed to the sixth exchanger 6 or the third bypass branch 20F, toward the seventh exchanger 7 or the eighth exchanger 8.

[0361] According to another exemplary embodiment, the third three-way valve 43 can continuously split the total flow through the third exchanger 3 between the flow directed to the sixth exchanger 6 and the additional flow of the total flow directed to the third bypass branch 20F.

[0362] The proportion directed to the sixth exchange 6 can vary continuously between 0% and 100% of the total flow through the third exchange 3.

[0363] The fifth connection point C5 forms part of the third three-way valve 43.

[0364] The third three-way valve 43 selectively allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the third exchanger 3 to the sixth exchanger 6, or allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the third exchanger 3 to the eighth exchanger 8 or the seventh exchanger 7.

[0365] Each of the three-way valves 41, 42, and 43 is an electrically controlled valve.

[0366] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a set of shut-off valves that allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in certain parts of the circuit to be interrupted.

[0367] The fourth bypass branch 20G includes the first shut-off valve 28.

[0368] The third bypass branch 20F includes the second shut-off valve 29.

[0369] The second shut-off valve 29 is located between the eighth junction C8 and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0370] The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are electrically controlled valves.

[0371] The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 have, for example, two stable operating positions: a first position and a second position, in which circulation through the valve is interrupted and in the second position, circulation through the valve is permitted.

[0372] Figures 16 to 20 A second embodiment is shown, wherein circulation pumps 21, 22, and 23 are bidirectional pumps.

[0373] Therefore, the first heat transfer liquid circulation pump 21 is a bidirectional pump.

[0374] The first bidirectional pump 21 includes a first inlet / outlet ES1-1 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-1.

[0375] The first bidirectional pump 21 is configured to selectively:

[0376] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES1-1 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-1, or

[0377] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-1 to the first inlet / outlet ES1-1.

[0378] In other words, the pump's discharge direction can be reversed. The heat transfer fluid inlet can become the heat transfer fluid outlet, and vice versa; this is why the terms inlet / outlet are used.

[0379] The main loop 20A includes a first check valve 45, and the first bypass branch 20D includes a second check valve 46. The first check valve 45 and the second check valve 46 are configured as follows:

[0380] - In the first discharge direction of the first circulating pump 21, heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the first heat exchanger 1 to the fourth heat exchanger 4, and heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating from the first heat exchanger 1 to the seventh heat exchanger 7.

[0381] - In the second discharge direction opposite to the first discharge direction of the first circulation pump 21, the heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate from the first heat exchanger 1 to the seventh heat exchanger 7, and the heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the first heat exchanger 1 to the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0382] according to Figures 16 to 20 The example shown:

[0383] The main loop 20A includes a first check valve 45 configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the second junction C2 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 through the first check valve 45, and configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second junction C2 through the first check valve 45. The first bypass branch 20D includes a second check valve 46 configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the first junction C1 to the seventh junction C7 through the second check valve 46, and configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the seventh junction C7 to the first junction C1.

[0384] According to a variant embodiment not shown:

[0385] The main loop 20A includes a first check valve 45 configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the second junction C2 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 through the first check valve 45, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second junction C2 through the first check valve 45. The first bypass branch 20D includes a second check valve 46 configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the first junction C1 to the seventh junction C7 through the second check valve 46, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the seventh junction C7 to the first junction C1 through the second check valve 46.

[0386] In other words, the assembly direction of the first check valve 45 and the assembly direction of the second check valve 46 are opposite between the illustrated embodiment and the variant embodiment not shown.

[0387] Arranging a two-way pump with two check valves allows for the same circulation options as check pumps and three-way valves, while using simpler, lower-cost components.

[0388] According to this embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid circulation pump 22 is a bidirectional pump.

[0389] The operation of the second bidirectional pump 22 is similar to that of the first bidirectional pump 21.

[0390] The second bidirectional pump 22 includes a first inlet / outlet ES1-2 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-2.

[0391] The second bidirectional pump 22 is configured to selectively:

[0392] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES1-2 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-2, or

[0393] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-2 to the first inlet / outlet ES1-2.

[0394] Secondary loop 20B includes a third check valve 47, and second bypass branch 20E includes a fourth check valve 48. The third check valve 47 and the fourth check valve 48 are configured as follows:

[0395] - In the first discharge direction of the second circulating pump 22, the heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the second heat exchanger 2 to the fifth heat exchanger 5, and the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch 20E is prohibited.

[0396] - In the second discharge direction opposite to the first discharge direction of the second circulation pump 22, the heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate in the second bypass branch 20E, and the heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the second heat exchanger 2 to the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0397] According to the illustrated embodiment:

[0398] The secondary loop 20B includes a third check valve 47 configured to allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the third junction C3 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 through the third check valve 47, and configured to prevent the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fifth heat exchanger 5 to the third junction C3 through the third check valve 47.

[0399] The second bypass branch 20E includes a fourth check valve 48, which is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fourth junction C4 to the third junction C3 through the fourth check valve 48, and is configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the third junction C3 to the fourth junction C4 through the fourth check valve 48.

[0400] According to a variant embodiment not shown:

[0401] Secondary loop 20B includes a third check valve 47 configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the third junction C3 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 through the third check valve 47, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fifth heat exchanger 5 to the third junction C3 through the third check valve 47. Second bypass branch 20E includes a fourth check valve 48 configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth junction C4 to the third junction C3 through the fourth check valve 48, and configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the third junction C3 to the fourth junction C4 through the fourth check valve 48.

[0402] According to this embodiment, the third heat transfer liquid circulation pump 23 is a bidirectional pump.

[0403] The third bidirectional pump 23 includes a first inlet / outlet ES1-3 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-3.

[0404] The third bidirectional pump 23 is configured to selectively:

[0405] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES1-3 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-3, or

[0406] - Circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-3 to the first inlet / outlet ES1-3.

[0407] Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 includes an electric motor that drives a set of movable parts, which are configured to selectively:

[0408] - In the first discharge direction, heat transfer liquid is discharged through the first inlet / outlet and heat transfer liquid is drawn in through the second inlet / outlet, or

[0409] - In the second discharge direction, the heat transfer liquid is discharged through the second inlet / outlet and the heat transfer liquid is drawn in through the first inlet / outlet.

[0410] The rotation direction of the electric motor of a set of movable parts of the reverse-drive bidirectional pump allows it to switch from the first discharge direction to the second discharge direction, and vice versa.

[0411] Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 can be controlled, for example, by a transistor bridge circuit, thereby controlling the direction and speed of rotation of the motor.

[0412] Each of the bidirectional pumps 21, 22, and 23 can be stopped, meaning the electric motor is not operated electrically. In this case, there is no discharge of heat transfer fluid, and therefore no circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0413] The three-stage loop 20C includes a fifth check valve 49, and the third bypass branch 20F includes a sixth check valve 50. The fifth check valve 49 and the sixth check valve 50 are configured as follows:

[0414] - In the first discharge direction of the third circulation pump 23, the heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the third heat exchanger 3 to the sixth heat exchanger 6, and the heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating from the third heat exchanger 3 to the eighth heat exchanger 8.

[0415] - In the second discharge direction of the third circulation pump 23, which is opposite to the first discharge direction, the heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate from the third heat exchanger 3 to the eighth heat exchanger 8, and the heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the third heat exchanger 3 to the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0416] According to the illustrated embodiment:

[0417] The three-stage loop 20C includes a fifth check valve 49 configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth junction C5 through the fifth check valve 49, and configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fifth junction C5 to the sixth heat exchanger 6 through the fifth check valve 49.

[0418] The third bypass branch 20F includes a sixth check valve 50, which is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the tenth junction C10 to the sixth junction C6 through the sixth check valve 50, and is configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the sixth junction C6 to the tenth junction C10 through the sixth check valve 50.

[0419] According to a variant embodiment not shown:

[0420] The three-stage loop 20C includes a fifth check valve 49, which is configured to prevent the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth junction C5 through the fifth check valve 49, and is configured to allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the fifth junction C5 to the sixth heat exchanger 6 through the fifth check valve 49.

[0421] The third bypass branch 20F includes a sixth check valve 50, which is configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from circulating from the tenth junction C10 to the sixth junction C6 through the sixth check valve 50, and is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to circulate from the sixth junction C6 to the tenth junction C10 through the sixth check valve 50.

[0422] Each one-way valve, 45, 46..., 50, is, for example, a check valve.

[0423] A check valve is a passive component that responds to the pressure difference between its inlet and outlet. It does not require electrical control.

[0424] According to the second embodiment, the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 includes a three-way valve 44 located on both the third bypass branch 20F and the fourth bypass branch 20G.

[0425] The three-way valve 44 is configured to selectively:

[0426] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to flow between the fourth bypass branch 20G and the eighth exchanger 8, and prohibit the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the fourth bypass branch 20G and the fifth junction C5, or

[0427] - Allow the heat transfer fluid to flow between the fourth bypass branch 20G and the fifth junction C5, and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from flowing between the fourth bypass branch 20G and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0428] In the second embodiment where pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with check valves 45, ..., 50 and three-way valve 44, there is no first shut-off valve 28 and second shut-off valve 29.

[0429] The proposed thermal control system 100 can be selectively operated in different operating modes.

[0430] Figures 2 to 15 and Figures 17 to 20 The circulation of refrigerant and heat transfer liquid is shown under different operating modes.

[0431] In these figures, the portion of the heat transfer fluid flow in loop 20 that circulates is shown with a thick solid line, while the portion of the heat transfer fluid that does not circulate is shown with a thin dashed line.

[0432] The same depiction is used for refrigerant circuit 10: the portion of the refrigerant flow in circuit 20 that circulates therein is shown with a thick solid line, while the portion of the refrigerant that does not circulate therein is shown with a thin dashed line.

[0433] Figure 2 and Figure 17 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a first operating mode, referred to as the first passenger compartment heating mode.

[0434] In this first operating mode:

[0435] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11. In the compressor 11, the refrigerant stream QR becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant stream QR circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the first expansion valve 31, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0436] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger 4, the heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0437] - Start the electric heating device 15 to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop 20B.

[0438] - The second stream of heat transfer liquid QL2 circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, the second bypass branch 20E, and the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2, where the second stream of heat transfer liquid releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the electric heating device 15, the second stream of heat transfer liquid receives heat.

[0439] Figure 2 This first operating mode is shown when the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, and 23 are unidirectional pumps associated with three-way valves.

[0440] Figure 17 This first operating mode is shown when pumps 21, 22, and 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with check valves.

[0441] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the main loop 20A heats the first internal airflow Fi-1 in the fourth exchanger 4. The refrigerant releases heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the main loop 20A, and in particular receives heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B. This heat received from the heat transfer fluid is supplied by means of the activation of the electric heating device 15.

[0442] The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are started. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are stopped and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0443] The third exchanger (3) does not participate in heat exchange. Similarly, the sixth exchanger (6), the seventh exchanger (7), and the eighth exchanger (8) are heat-non-starting.

[0444] Figure 3 A method is shown for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a second operating mode, referred to as the first battery heating mode.

[0445] In this second operating mode:

[0446] - The refrigerant flow rate in refrigerant circuit 10 is zero.

[0447] - Start the electric heating device 15 to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop 20B.

[0448] - The heat transfer fluid flow QL circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, the fifth exchanger 5, and the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2. In the fifth exchanger 5, the heat transfer fluid flow QL releases heat to heat the drive system element 25. In the electric heating device 15, the heat transfer fluid flow QL receives heat.

[0449] Figure 3 This operating mode with respect to the first embodiment is shown, i.e., when the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps associated with three-way valves.

[0450] The heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B heats the elements 25 of the transmission system in the fifth exchanger 5. Heat is supplied by means of the activation of the electric heating device 15.

[0451] Only the second pump 22 is activated. The first pump 21, the third pump 23, and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0452] Compressor 11 does not start and does not discharge refrigerant.

[0453] In the heat exchanger, only the fifth exchanger 5 performs heat exchange.

[0454] Figure 4 and Figure 18 A method is shown for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a third operating mode, known as the battery cooling mode.

[0455] In this third operating mode:

[0456] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant and subsequently circulates in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3 before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the first expansion valve 31, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0457] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 and the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the heat transfer liquid receives heat from the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger 7, the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the external air flow Fe.

[0458] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, the fifth exchanger 5, and the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2, where the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the fifth exchanger 5, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat to cool the drive system components 25.

[0459] Figure 4 This operating mode is shown when the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, and 23 are unidirectional pumps, and Figure 18 This operating mode is shown when pumps 21, 22, and 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with check valves.

[0460] The heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B is cooled in the second exchanger 2 by the evaporation of refrigerant. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B cools the components 25 of the electric drive system in the fifth exchanger 5. The heat supplied by the refrigerant to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the main loop 20A in the first exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe in the seventh exchanger 7.

[0461] The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are started.

[0462] Pumps 23 and 24 are deactivated and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0463] The third exchanger (3) does not participate in heat exchange. Similarly, the fourth, sixth, and eighth exchangers (4, 6, and 8) do not contribute to heat exchange.

[0464] In accordance with the first embodiment Figure 4In this configuration, the first three-way valve 41 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating to the fourth exchanger 4. The first heat transfer fluid flow QL1 is discharged by the first pump 21 and is thus directed to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0465] exist Figure 18 In this configuration, the first check valve 45 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth exchanger 4 to the second junction C2. The first pump 21 draws in the heat transfer fluid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-1 and discharges it to the first junction C1 through its second inlet / outlet ES2-1.

[0466] The second check valve 46 allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the first junction C1 to the seventh junction C7 and the seventh heat exchanger 7. The first check valve 45 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the first junction C1 to the second junction C2. Therefore, the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid in the fourth heat exchanger 4 is zero.

[0467] The fourth check valve 48 prevents the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch 20E. The third check valve 47 allows circulation in the secondary loop 20B from the third junction C3 through the fifth exchanger 5 to the fourth junction C4.

[0468] Figure 5 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a fourth operating mode, known as the passenger compartment cooling mode.

[0469] In this fourth operating mode:

[0470] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0471] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 and the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 receives heat from the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger 7, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 releases heat to the external air flow Fe.

[0472] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the sixth exchanger 6, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat from the second internal air flow Fi-2.

[0473] The heat transfer liquid circulating in the three-stage loop 20C is cooled in the third exchanger 3 by refrigerant evaporation. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid circulating in the three-stage loop 20C cools the second internal airflow Fi-2 in the sixth exchanger 6. The heat supplied by the refrigerant to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the main loop 20A in the first exchanger 1 is dissipated into the external airflow Fe in the seventh exchanger 7.

[0474] The first pump 21 and the third pump 23 are activated. The first three-way valve 41 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating to the fourth exchanger 4. The heat transfer fluid discharged by the first pump 21 is therefore directed to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0475] The second pump 22 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0476] The second exchanger 2 does not participate in heat exchange. Similarly, the fourth exchanger 4, the fifth exchanger 5, and the eighth exchanger 8 do not contribute to heat exchange.

[0477] Figure 5 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0478] Figure 6 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a fifth operating mode, known as the drivetrain cooling mode.

[0479] In this fifth operating mode:

[0480] - The refrigerant flow rate QR in refrigerant circuit 10 is zero.

[0481] - The heat transfer liquid flow QL circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, in the eighth exchanger 8, in the fourth bypass branch 20G and in the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the fourth circulation pump 24. In the eighth exchanger 8, the heat transfer liquid flow QL receives heat from the second element 26 of the drive system. In the seventh exchanger 7, the heat transfer liquid flow QL releases heat to the external air flow Fe.

[0482] Compressor 11 does not start and does not discharge refrigerant.

[0483] Only the fourth pump 24 is activated. The first pump 21, the second pump 22, and the third pump 23 are deactivated and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0484] Under the action of the fourth circulation pump 24, the heat transfer liquid circulates in the eighth exchanger 8, then travels along the fourth bypass branch 20G and returns to the seventh exchanger 7. The heat transfer liquid is cooled by the external airflow Fe in the seventh exchanger 7, and then returns to the eighth exchanger 8 by traveling along the fifth bypass branch 20H.

[0485] Both the first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are in the open position.

[0486] Therefore, the heat emitted by the second element 26 of the transmission system can be dissipated into the external airflow Fe.

[0487] In the heat exchanger, only the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8 perform heat exchange.

[0488] Figure 6 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0489] Figure 7 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a sixth operating mode, referred to as the second passenger compartment heating mode.

[0490] In this sixth operating mode:

[0491] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0492] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the heat transfer liquid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger 4, the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0493] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates in the three-stage loop 20C, successively circulates in the third exchanger 3 and the eighth exchanger 8, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the eighth exchanger 8, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat.

[0494] Therefore, the heat transfer fluid in the third-stage loop 20C receives heat from the drive system element 26 in the eighth exchanger 8. This heat recovered from the drive system is transferred to the refrigerant in the third exchanger 3. The heat transferred to the refrigerant is then transferred to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the main loop 20A in the first exchanger 1, and dissipated into the first internal airflow Fi-1 in the fourth exchanger 4.

[0495] The first pump 21 and the third pump 23 were started.

[0496] The second pump 22 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0497] Secondary loop 20B is not started, and the second exchanger 2 does not participate in heat exchange.

[0498] The fifth exchanger (5), the sixth exchanger (6), and the seventh exchanger (7) do not participate in heat exchange.

[0499] The electric heating device 15 was not activated.

[0500] The first three-way valve 41 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the ninth junction C9 to the fourth exchanger 4, and the heat transfer fluid discharged by the first pump 21 is thus guided to the fourth exchanger 4.

[0501] The third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the third pump 23 to the eighth exchanger 8 and prevents it from circulating to the sixth exchanger 6. At the fifth junction C5, the heat transfer fluid is directed to the eighth exchanger 8 by traveling along the third bypass branch 20F.

[0502] Figure 7 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0503] Figure 8 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a seventh operating mode, referred to as the third passenger compartment heating mode.

[0504] In this seventh operating mode:

[0505] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant and subsequently circulates in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3 before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the first expansion valve 31, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0506] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the heat transfer liquid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger 4, the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0507] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates successively in the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5, and returns to the second exchanger 2. In the second exchanger 2, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the fifth exchanger 5, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat.

[0508] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the main loop 20A heats the first internal airflow Fi-1 in the fourth exchanger 4. The refrigerant releases heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the main loop 20A in the first exchanger 1 and receives heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B in the second exchanger 2. This heat received by the refrigerant is absorbed from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B, which receives heat dissipated by the operation of the electric drive system.

[0509] The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are started.

[0510] Pumps 23 and 24 are deactivated and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0511] The second three-way valve 42 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating in the second bypass branch 20E and allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the third junction C3 to the fifth exchanger 5 in the secondary loop 20B.

[0512] The sixth exchanger 6, the sixth exchanger 7, and the eighth exchanger 8 do not participate in heat exchange.

[0513] The electric heating device 15 was not activated.

[0514] Figure 8 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0515] Figure 9 A method is shown for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in an eighth operating mode, referred to as the second battery heating mode.

[0516] In this eighth operating mode:

[0517] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11. In the compressor 11, the refrigerant stream QR becomes a high-pressure refrigerant and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 33, and returns to the compressor 11. In the second heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger 33, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0518] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5, and returns to the second exchanger 2, where the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fifth exchanger 5, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 releases heat.

[0519] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 and the eighth exchanger 8, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the eighth exchanger 8, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat.

[0520] The heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B heats the drive system element 25 in the fifth exchanger 5. Heat is supplied by refrigerant circulating in the second exchanger 2. Preferably, the refrigerant does not expand as it passes through the first expansion valve 31. The low-pressure refrigerant, after expanding in the second expansion valve 32, evaporates in the third exchanger 3, absorbing heat from the heat transfer liquid, thereby recovering the heat loss from the second drive system element 26.

[0521] The second pump 22 and the third pump 23 were started.

[0522] The first pump 21 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and the heat transfer liquid is not circulated.

[0523] The first exchanger 1, the fourth exchanger 4, the sixth exchanger 6, and the seventh exchanger 7 do not participate in heat exchange.

[0524] The second exchanger 2, the third exchanger 3, and the eighth exchanger 8 participate in heat exchange within the thermal regulation system 100.

[0525] Figure 9 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0526] Figure 10 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a ninth operating mode, known as the defrost mode.

[0527] In this ninth operating mode:

[0528] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant and subsequently circulates in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3 before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the first expansion valve 31, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0529] - The first heat transfer fluid flow QL1 circulates in the seventh exchanger 7, where it releases heat and splits into:

[0530] -- The second heat transfer fluid flow QL2, which successively circulates in the fourth circulating pump 24, in the eighth heat exchanger 8 where it receives heat, and in the fourth bypass branch 20G, and

[0531] -- A third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 circulates in a first exchanger 1 and in a first circulation pump 21, in which the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the refrigerant.

[0532] The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 and the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 come together to form the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1.

[0533] - Start the electric heating device 15 to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop 20B.

[0534] - The fourth heat transfer liquid flow QL4 circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, in the second bypass branch 20E, and in the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2. In the second exchanger 2, the fourth heat transfer liquid flow QL4 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the electric heating device 15, the fourth heat transfer liquid flow QL4 receives heat.

[0535] After operation in the fourth heating mode (described in detail below), the seventh heat exchanger 7 can accumulate frost when the ambient temperature is negative or close to 0°C and the humidity level is high. In this ninth operating mode, the heat released by the heat transfer fluid in the seventh heat exchanger 7 allows for defrosting of the seventh heat exchanger 7.

[0536] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the seventh exchanger 7 receives heat in the eighth exchanger 8 and also in the first exchanger 1.

[0537] The refrigerant evaporates in the second exchanger 2, absorbing heat from the heat transfer liquid that circulates successively in a portion of the secondary loop 20B and the second bypass branch 20E. An electric heating device 15 supplies the heat required for the refrigerant to evaporate.

[0538] The second three-way valve 42 guides the heat transfer liquid discharged by the second pump 22 to the second bypass branch 20E.

[0539] Only the third pump 23 is deactivated. The third heat exchanger 3 does not exchange heat. Similarly, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the fifth heat exchanger 5, and the sixth heat exchanger 6 do not exchange heat.

[0540] Figure 10 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0541] Figure 11 and Figure 19 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a tenth operating mode, known as the passenger compartment dehumidification and transmission system cooling mode.

[0542] In this tenth operating mode:

[0543] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0544] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the heat transfer liquid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger 4, the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0545] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, the eighth exchanger 8, the fourth bypass branch 20G, and the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the fourth circulation pump 24. In the eighth exchanger 8, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat from the second element 26 of the drive system. In the seventh exchanger 7, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the external air flow Fe.

[0546] - The third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the sixth exchanger 6, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 receives heat from the second internal air flow Fi-2.

[0547] The heat transfer liquid circulating in the main loop 20A heats the first internal airflow Fi-1 in the fourth exchanger 4.

[0548] The refrigerant releases heat to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the main loop 20A and receives heat from the heat transfer liquid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C. The heat transfer liquid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C is cooled in the third exchanger 3 by refrigerant evaporation. The second external airflow Fi-2 is cooled in the sixth exchanger 6. Therefore, the internal airflow is cooled in the sixth exchanger 6 and heated in the fourth exchanger 4, and thus dehumidified.

[0549] The fourth circulation pump 24 circulates the heat transfer fluid in the eighth exchanger 8, and then in the fourth bypass branch 20G and the seventh exchanger 7. The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are in the open position.

[0550] The heat transfer fluid is cooled by the external airflow Fe in the seventh exchanger 7 and returns to the eighth exchanger 8 by traveling along the fifth bypass branch 20H. The second element 26 of the drive system is thus cooled.

[0551] Only the second pump 22 is shut down. The second heat exchanger 2 and the fifth heat exchanger 5 are not started. Heat exchangers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 all exchange heat.

[0552] In this operating mode, the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 forms three independent circulation loops. One circulation loop includes a first exchanger 1 and a fourth exchanger 4, and the circulation in this loop is provided by a first pump 21. Another circulation loop includes a third exchanger 3 and a sixth exchanger 6, and the circulation in this loop is provided by a third pump 23. A third circulation loop includes a seventh exchanger 7 and an eighth exchanger 8, and the circulation in this loop is provided by a fourth pump 24.

[0553] Figure 11 This operating mode is shown when the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, and 23 are unidirectional pumps, and Figure 19 This operating mode is shown when pumps 21, 22, and 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with check valves.

[0554] exist Figure 11 In the middle, the third three-way valve 43 guides the heat transfer liquid discharged by the third pump 23 to the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0555] exist Figure 19 In this process, the first bidirectional pump 21 draws in heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 and discharges heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-1. The third bidirectional pump 23 draws in heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-3 and discharges heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-3.

[0556] Figure 12 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in an eleventh operating mode, referred to as the fourth passenger compartment heating mode.

[0557] In this eleventh operating mode:

[0558] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0559] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the heat transfer liquid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger 4, the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0560] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 and the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger 7, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat from the external air flow Fe.

[0561] In the fourth passenger compartment heating mode, the high-pressure refrigerant heats the heat transfer liquid in the main loop 20A, which in turn heats the first internal airflow Fi-1 in the fourth exchanger 4.

[0562] The low-pressure refrigerant evaporates in the third exchanger 3, absorbing heat from the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid, cooled by circulating in the third exchanger 3, subsequently circulates in the third bypass branch 20F and the fourth bypass branch 20G, and is heated by the external airflow Fe in the seventh exchanger 7. The heat transfer liquid heated by the external airflow Fe returns to the third exchanger 3 by circulating in the fifth bypass branch 20H and the fourth pump 24. When the external airflow Fe is at a temperature close to 0°C and a high humidity level, the water vapor contained in the external airflow Fe can frost up and accumulate on the surface of the seventh exchanger 7.

[0563] In this operating mode, the heat extracted from the external airflow Fe helps to heat the passenger compartment.

[0564] The second exchanger 2 and the secondary loop 20B do not participate in heat exchange.

[0565] The third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the third pump 23 to the third bypass branch 20F. The second shut-off valve 29 is in the closed position to prevent the heat transfer fluid from circulating in the eighth exchanger 8. The first shut-off valve 28 is in the open position.

[0566] The second pump 22 is not running. The first pump 21 is running. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are also running.

[0567] When the pump used is of the type that allows the heat transfer fluid to flow through the pump when the pump is not started, only one of the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 may be started. The started pump causes the heat transfer fluid to circulate in a loop formed by the third exchanger 3, junctions C5, C8, C7, the seventh exchanger 7, and junctions C9, C10, C6.

[0568] When the pumps used are of the type that prevent the heat transfer fluid from flowing through the pump when the pump is not running, both the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 must be running in order to circulate the heat transfer fluid.

[0569] Figure 12 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0570] Figure 13 and Figure 20 A method for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a twelfth operating mode, referred to as the first combination of passenger compartment and battery heating mode, is schematically shown.

[0571] In this twelfth operating mode:

[0572] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the first expansion valve 31, the refrigerant stream QR reaches an intermediate pressure below the high pressure. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and reaches a low pressure below the intermediate pressure. In the third heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0573] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger 4, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0574] - Start the electric heating device 15 to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop 20B.

[0575] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, the fifth exchanger 5 and the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2. In the fifth exchanger 5, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat, and in the electric heating device 15, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat.

[0576] - The third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 and the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger 7, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 receives heat from the external air flow Fe.

[0577] The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 can circulate in the second exchanger 2 without exchanging heat with the refrigerant.

[0578] The difference between this operating mode and the fourth passenger compartment heating mode is that the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B is activated. Specifically, the electric heating device 15 is activated to heat the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B.

[0579] The first exchanger 1, the second exchanger 2, and the third exchanger 3 all have refrigerant flow and heat transfer liquid flow passing through them.

[0580] The pressure at the outlet of the first expansion valve 31 is adjusted so that there is no heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid in the second heat exchanger 2. To achieve this, the expansion of the refrigerant is regulated by the first expansion valve 31 so that the saturation temperature of the expanded refrigerant is approximately equal to the temperature of the heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B and returning to the second heat exchanger 2. Therefore, the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 2a and the heat transfer liquid in the second heat exchange section 2b is zero or negligible.

[0581] Then, the heat energy supplied by the electric heating device 15 is used only to heat the battery 25.

[0582] Figure 13 This operating mode is shown when the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps 21, 22, and 23 are unidirectional pumps, and Figure 20 This operating mode is shown when pumps 21, 22, and 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with check valves.

[0583] exist Figure 13 In the middle, the second three-way valve 42 guides the heat transfer liquid discharged by the second pump 22 to the fifth exchanger 5. All four circulation pumps 21, 22, 23, and 24 are started.

[0584] The first shut-off valve 28 is in the open position, and the second shut-off valve 29 is in the closed position.

[0585] exist Figure 20 In this process, the first bidirectional pump 21 draws in heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 and discharges heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-1. The second bidirectional pump 22 draws in heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-2 and discharges heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-2. The third bidirectional pump 23 draws in heat transfer liquid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-3 and discharges heat transfer liquid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-3.

[0586] Figure 14 A method is shown for operating the thermal conditioning system 100 as described above in a thirteenth operating mode, also known as the fifth passenger compartment heating mode.

[0587] In this thirteenth operating mode:

[0588] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0589] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger 4, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0590] - Start the electric heating device 15 to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop 20B.

[0591] The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, the second bypass branch 20E, and the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2. In the second exchanger 2, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the electric heating device 15, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat.

[0592] - The third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 and the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger 7, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 receives heat from the external air flow Fe.

[0593] The difference between this operating mode and the fourth passenger compartment heating mode is that the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B is activated. Unlike the aforementioned operating mode, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second exchanger 2 does not circulate in the fifth exchanger 5, but instead circulates in the second bypass branch 20E.

[0594] Start the electric heating device 15 to heat the heat transfer liquid circulating in the second exchanger 2.

[0595] All three heat exchangers—first heat exchanger 1, second heat exchanger 2, and third heat exchanger 3—exchange heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

[0596] The heat supplied by the electric heating device 15 helps to heat the passenger compartment.

[0597] The fifth switch 5 is not started.

[0598] Figure 14 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0599] Figure 15 A method is shown for operating the thermal regulation system 100 as described above in a fourteenth operating mode, referred to as the second combination of passenger compartment and battery heating mode.

[0600] In this fourteenth operating mode:

[0601] - The refrigerant stream QR circulates in the compressor 11, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant. It then circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1, the first expansion valve 31, the second heat exchanger 2, the second expansion valve 32, and the third heat exchanger 3, before returning to the compressor 11. In the first heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant stream QR releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve 32, the refrigerant stream QR expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant stream QR receives heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0602] - The first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 circulates in the main loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4, and returns to the first exchanger 1. In the first exchanger 1, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 receives heat from the refrigerant. In the fourth exchanger 4, the first heat transfer liquid flow QL1 releases heat to the first internal air flow Fi-1.

[0603] - Electric heating device 15 does not start.

[0604] - The second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5, and returns to the second exchanger 2. In the second exchanger 2, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fifth exchanger 5, the second heat transfer liquid flow QL2 releases heat.

[0605] - The third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 and the seventh exchanger 7, and returns to the third exchanger 3. In the third exchanger 3, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 releases heat to the refrigerant. In the seventh exchanger 7, the third heat transfer liquid flow QL3 receives heat from the external air flow Fe.

[0606] As a variation, the electric heating device 15 can be activated to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop 20B.

[0607] The circulation of the heat transfer fluid in different parts of loop 20 is the same as that in the thirteenth mode, which is called the first passenger compartment and battery heating mode.

[0608] The difference between this operating mode and the twelfth mode lies in the degree of expansion performed by the first expansion valve 1 and the second expansion valve 2, respectively, and in that the electric heating device 15 is not necessarily activated.

[0609] The first expansion valve 31 can be fully opened, so the refrigerant does not expand as it passes through the first expansion valve 31. Therefore, the high-pressure refrigerant releases heat to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B and helps to heat the components 25 of the drive system.

[0610] The first expansion valve 31 can also be in a partially open position. In this case, the refrigerant partially expands as it passes through the expansion valve 31. Therefore, the refrigerant undergoes two successive expansions, one through the first expansion valve 31 and then the second through the second expansion valve 32.

[0611] The refrigerant changes from a high-pressure state to a low-pressure state in the second expansion valve 32.

[0612] Figure 15 This corresponds to the first embodiment. No such operating mode is shown for the second embodiment.

[0613] Other operating modes are also possible by adjusting the circulation of the heat transfer liquid in different parts of the circuit 20, the pressure level of the refrigerant in the first, second and third heat exchangers, or the electrical power supplied by the electric heating device 15.

Claims

1. A thermal regulation system (100), comprising: - Heat transfer liquid circuit (20), said heat transfer liquid circuit being configured to circulate the heat transfer liquid. - A refrigerant circuit (10), the refrigerant circuit being configured to circulate refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising successively in the refrigerant circulation direction: - Compression device (11). - A first heat exchanger (1) is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and the refrigerant circuit (10) to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid. - First expansion valve (31). - A second heat exchanger (2), which is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and the refrigerant circuit (10) to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid. - Second expansion valve (32). - A third heat exchanger (3) is arranged on both the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and the refrigerant circuit (10) to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer liquid.

2. The thermal regulation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: - The first heat exchanger (1) is arranged on the main loop (20A) of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10). The main heat transfer liquid loop (20A) includes a fourth heat exchanger (4) configured to exchange heat with a first airflow (Fi-1) within the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. - The second heat exchanger (2) is arranged on both the secondary loop (20B) of the heat transfer liquid loop (20) and the refrigerant loop (10). The secondary heat transfer liquid loop (20B) includes a fifth heat exchanger (5) configured to exchange heat with a first element (25) of the electric drive system of a motor vehicle. - The third exchanger (3) is arranged on the three-stage loop (20C) of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10). The three-stage heat transfer liquid loop (20C) includes a sixth heat exchanger (6) configured to exchange heat with a second airflow (Fi-2) within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

3. The thermal regulation system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - The main heat transfer liquid loop (20A) includes a first heat transfer liquid circulation pump (21). - The secondary heat transfer liquid loop (20B) includes a second heat transfer liquid circulation pump (22). - The three-stage heat transfer liquid loop (20C) includes a third heat transfer liquid circulation pump (23).

4. The thermal control system (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The secondary heat transfer liquid loop (20B) includes an electric heating device (15) configured to heat the heat transfer liquid.

5. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in conjunction with claim 3, wherein: - The heat transfer liquid circuit (20) includes a first bypass branch (20D) that connects a first junction point (C1) on the main loop (20A) between the first exchanger (1) and the fourth exchanger (4) to a second junction point (C2) on the main loop (20A) between the fourth exchanger (4) and the first exchanger (1). The first bypass branch (20D) includes a seventh heat exchanger (7) configured to exchange heat with the airflow (Fe) outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. - The heat transfer liquid circuit (20) includes a second bypass branch (20E) that connects a third junction (C3) on the secondary loop (20B) between the second pump (22) and the fifth exchanger (5) to a fourth junction (C4) on the secondary loop (20B) between the fifth exchanger (5) and the second exchanger (2). - The heat transfer liquid circuit (20) includes a third bypass branch (20F) that connects the fifth junction (C5) on the tertiary loop (20C) between the third exchanger (3) and the sixth exchanger (6) to the sixth junction (C6) on the tertiary loop (20C) between the third exchanger (3) and the sixth exchanger (6). The third bypass branch (20F) includes an eighth heat exchanger (8) configured to exchange heat with a second element (26) of the electric drive system of the motor vehicle.

6. The thermal regulation system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - The heat transfer liquid circuit (20) includes a fourth bypass branch (20G) that connects the seventh junction (C7) on the first bypass branch (20D) between the seventh exchanger (7) and the first junction (C1) to the eighth junction (C8) on the third bypass branch (20F) between the fifth junction (C5) and the eighth exchanger (8). - The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a fifth bypass branch (20H) that connects a ninth junction (C9) on a first bypass branch (20D) between the seventh exchanger (7) and the second junction (C2) to a tenth junction (C10) on a third bypass branch (20F) between the eighth exchanger (8) and the sixth junction (C6).

7. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in conjunction with claim 3, wherein: - The first heat transfer liquid circulation pump (21) is a unidirectional pump. - The second heat transfer liquid circulation pump (22) is a unidirectional pump. - The third heat transfer liquid circulation pump (23) is a unidirectional pump.

8. The thermal regulation system (100) according to the preceding claim in conjunction with claim 5, wherein, The heat transfer liquid circuit (20) includes: - A first three-way valve (41), positioned on both the main loop (20A) and the first bypass branch (20D), the first three-way valve (41) being configured to selectively: -- Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the main loop (20A) and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the main loop (20A) and the first bypass branch (20D), or -- Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate from the seventh exchanger (7) to the first exchanger (1), and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating from the fourth exchanger (4) to the first exchanger (1), or -- Allowing the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the first exchanger (1), the fourth exchanger (4), and the seventh exchanger (7), - A second three-way valve (42), which is positioned on both the secondary loop (20B) and the second bypass branch (20E). The second three-way valve (42) is configured to selectively: -- Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the secondary loop (20B) and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the secondary loop (20B) and the second bypass branch (20E), or -- The heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate between the secondary loop (20B) and the second bypass branch (20E), and the heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating between the second exchanger (2) and the fifth exchanger (5). - A third three-way valve (43), which is located on both the three-stage loop (20C) and the third bypass branch (20F). The third three-way valve (43) is configured to selectively: -- Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate in the tertiary loop (20°C), and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the tertiary loop (20°C) and the third bypass branch (20°F), or -- Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the third exchanger (3) and the eighth exchanger (8), and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the third exchanger (3) and the sixth exchanger (6), or -- The heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate in the third exchanger (3), the sixth exchanger (6) and the eighth exchanger (8).

9. The thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in conjunction with claim 3, wherein: - The first heat transfer liquid circulation pump (21) is a bidirectional pump. - The second heat transfer liquid circulation pump (22) is a bidirectional pump. - The third heat transfer liquid circulation pump (23) is a bidirectional pump.

10. The thermal regulation system (100) according to the preceding claim in conjunction with claim 5, wherein, The main loop (20A) includes a first check valve (45), and the first bypass branch (20D) includes a second check valve (46), wherein the first check valve (45) and the second check valve (46) are configured as follows: - In the first discharge direction of the first circulating pump (21), heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate from the first heat exchanger (1) to the fourth heat exchanger (4), and heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the first heat exchanger (1) to the seventh heat exchanger (7), and - In the second discharge direction of the first circulating pump (21) opposite to the first discharge direction, the heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate from the first heat exchanger (1) to the seventh heat exchanger (7), and the heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the first heat exchanger (1) to the fourth heat exchanger (4).

11. The thermal regulation system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The secondary loop (20B) includes a third check valve (47), and the second bypass branch (20E) includes a fourth check valve (48), wherein the third check valve (47) and the fourth check valve (48) are configured as follows: - In the first discharge direction of the second circulating pump (22), the heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the second heat exchanger (2) to the fifth heat exchanger (5), and the heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating in the second bypass branch (20E), and - In the second discharge direction of the second circulation pump (22) opposite to the first discharge direction, the heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate in the second bypass branch (20E) and the heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the second heat exchanger (2) to the fifth heat exchanger (5).

12. The thermal control system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The three-stage loop (20C) includes a fifth check valve (49), and the third bypass branch (20F) includes a sixth check valve (50). The fifth check valve (49) and the sixth check valve (50) are configured as follows: - In the first discharge direction of the third circulation pump (23), heat transfer fluid is allowed to circulate from the third heat exchanger (3) to the sixth heat exchanger (6), and heat transfer fluid is prohibited from circulating from the third heat exchanger (3) to the eighth heat exchanger (8), and - In the second discharge direction of the third circulation pump (23) opposite to the first discharge direction, the heat transfer liquid is allowed to circulate from the third heat exchanger (3) to the eighth heat exchanger (8), and the heat transfer liquid is prohibited from circulating from the third heat exchanger (3) to the sixth heat exchanger (6).

13. The thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12 and in conjunction with claims 5 and 6, wherein, The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a three-way valve (44) located on both the third bypass branch (20F) and the fourth bypass branch (20G). The three-way valve (44) is configured to selectively: - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the fourth bypass branch (20G) and the eighth exchanger (8), and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the fourth bypass branch (20G) and the fifth junction (C5), or - Allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate between the fourth bypass branch (20G) and prohibit the heat transfer fluid from circulating between the fourth bypass branch (20G) and the eighth exchanger (8).

14. A method for operating the thermal control system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 13 in a ninth mode, referred to as defrost mode, wherein: - A refrigerant stream (QR) circulates in the compressor (11), where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant and subsequently circulates in the first heat exchanger (1), the first expansion valve (31), the second heat exchanger (2), the second expansion valve (32), and the third heat exchanger (3), before returning to the compressor (11). In the first heat exchanger (1), the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the first expansion valve (31), the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the second heat exchanger (2), the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer liquid. - The first heat transfer liquid flow (QL1) circulates in the seventh exchanger (7) where the first heat transfer liquid flow (QL1) releases heat, and is divided into: -- The second heat transfer fluid flow (QL2) circulates successively in the fourth circulating pump (24), in the eighth exchanger (8) where the second heat transfer fluid flow receives heat, and in the fourth bypass branch (20G), and -- A third heat transfer liquid flow (QL3) circulates in the first exchanger (1) and the first circulation pump (21), in which the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the refrigerant. The second heat transfer fluid flow (QL2) and the third heat transfer fluid flow (QL3) return together to form the first heat transfer fluid flow (QL1). - Activate the electric heating device (15) to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop (20B), -- The fourth heat transfer liquid flow (QL4) circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2), in the second bypass branch (20E) and in the electric heating device (15), and returns to the second exchanger (2), in which the fourth heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the electric heating device (15), the fourth heat transfer liquid flow receives heat.

15. A method for operating the thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 13 in conjunction with claims 4 and 5 in an operating mode known as the fifth passenger compartment heating mode, wherein: - The refrigerant stream (QR) circulates in the compressor (11), where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant and successively circulates in the first heat exchanger (1), the first expansion valve (31), the second heat exchanger (2), the second expansion valve (32), and the third heat exchanger (3), before returning to the compressor (11). In the first heat exchanger (1), the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve (32), the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger (3), the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer liquid. - The first heat transfer liquid flow (QL1) circulates in the main loop (20A), successively in the first exchanger (1) and the fourth exchanger (4), and returns to the first exchanger (1), in which the heat transfer liquid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger (4), the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the first internal air flow (Fi-1). - Activate the electric heating device (15) to heat the heat transfer liquid in the secondary loop (20B), - The second heat transfer fluid flow (QL2) circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2), in the second bypass branch (20E), and in the electric heating device (15), and returns to the second exchanger (2), in which the second heat transfer fluid flow releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the electric heating device (15), the second heat transfer fluid flow receives heat. - The third heat transfer liquid flow (QL3) circulates successively in the third exchanger (3) and the seventh exchanger (7) and returns to the third exchanger (3), in which the third heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the seventh exchanger (7) the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the external air flow (Fe).

16. A method for operating the thermal regulation system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 13 in combination with claims 4 and 5 in an operating mode referred to as a second combination of passenger compartment and battery heating mode, wherein: - The refrigerant stream (QR) circulates in the compressor (11), where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant and successively circulates in the first heat exchanger (1), the first expansion valve (31), the second heat exchanger (2), the second expansion valve (32), and the third heat exchanger (3), before returning to the compressor (11). In the first heat exchanger (1), the refrigerant stream releases heat to the heat transfer liquid. In the second expansion valve (32), the refrigerant stream expands and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant. In the third heat exchanger (3), the refrigerant stream receives heat from the heat transfer liquid. - The first heat transfer liquid flow (QL1) circulates in the main loop (20A), successively in the first exchanger (1) and the fourth exchanger (4), and returns to the first exchanger (1), in which the heat transfer liquid receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fourth exchanger (4), the heat transfer liquid releases heat to the first internal air flow (Fi-1). - The electric heating device (15) is not activated. - The second heat transfer liquid stream (QL2) circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2), the fifth exchanger (5), and the electric heating device (15), and returns to the second exchanger (2), in which the second heat transfer liquid stream receives heat from the refrigerant, and in the fifth exchanger (5), the second heat transfer liquid stream (QL2) releases heat. - The third heat transfer liquid flow (QL3) circulates successively in the third exchanger (3) and the seventh exchanger (7) and returns to the third exchanger (3), in which the third heat transfer liquid flow releases heat to the refrigerant, and in the seventh exchanger (7) the third heat transfer liquid flow receives heat from the external air flow (Fe).

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