Heat management system

Abstract

Provided is a heat management system capable of independently adjusting the flow rate of a heat medium circulating in a high-temperature-side heat medium circuit and the flow rate of a heat medium circulating in a vehicle-mounted heat-generating equipment temperature adjustment circuit. The high-temperature-side heat medium circuit (20) is provided with: a circulation pump (P20) for extruding a heat medium; a heat medium heating device (22) capable of heating the heat medium; a path through which a heat medium flows sequentially through the circulation pump (P20), the high-temperature-side heat exchanger (12), the heat medium heating device (22), and the heater core; a proportional control three-way valve (V22) that diverges the heat medium passing through the heat medium heating device (22) to the battery temperature control circuit (40) in a path downstream of the heat medium heating device (22); and a convergence point (C20) for converging the heat medium, which has flowed through the battery temperature control circuit (40) and then flowed to the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit (20), to a path between the circulation pump (P20) and the high-temperature-side heat exchanger (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heat management system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the use of electric vehicles has been increasing. In electric vehicles, battery power can be used for temperature control in the vehicle interior and various onboard devices. To ensure sufficient driving range for a fully charged battery, efficient use of electricity is necessary. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a thermal management system using a heat pump.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-052534 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat management system that can independently adjust the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the high-temperature side heat carrier circuit and the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the temperature regulation circuit of the vehicle-mounted heating device.

[0008] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a thermal management system includes: a refrigerant circuit configured for refrigerant circulation and having a compressor, a high-temperature side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger; a high-temperature side heat transfer circuit having a heater core for heating air supplied to the vehicle interior and configured for circulating a heat transfer fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant via the high-temperature side heat exchanger; an on-board heating device temperature regulation circuit having a temperature regulating unit for regulating the temperature of the on-board heating device and configured for circulating a heat transfer fluid; and a flow path switching device configured to switch between the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit and the on-board heating device. The temperature regulation circuit is designed for interconnection and independent switching. The high-temperature side heat transfer circuit includes: a circulation pump that pumps out the heat transfer fluid; a heat transfer fluid heating device that heats the heat transfer fluid; a path through which the heat transfer fluid flows sequentially from the circulation pump, the high-temperature side heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid heating device, and the heater core; a branching device that branches the heat transfer fluid passing through the heat transfer fluid heating device onto a path further downstream of the heating device towards the vehicle-mounted heating device temperature regulation circuit; and a confluence section that merges the heat transfer fluid flowing in the vehicle-mounted heating device temperature regulation circuit into a path between the circulation pump and the high-temperature side heat exchanger.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the present invention, a heat management system is provided that can independently adjust the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the high-temperature side heat carrier circuit and the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the temperature regulation circuit of the vehicle-mounted heating device. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal management system, showing an example of the state of the thermal management system during battery preheating and vehicle interior heating operation. Detailed Implementation

[0013] [System Structure]

[0014] <System Overview>

[0015] This embodiment relates to a thermal management system having a refrigerant circuit and a heat transfer fluid circuit. The thermal management system of this embodiment is installed in an electric vehicle and is configured to independently regulate the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid flowing in the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit and the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid flowing in the on-board heating device temperature regulation circuit.

[0016] Figure 1This is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the configuration example of the heat management system 1 according to this embodiment. The heat management system 1 is configured to switch loops according to various operations. Figure 1 The circuit structure is shown for a portion of the actions described above.

[0017] The thermal management system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured for refrigerant circulation. The refrigerant is not limited to this; for example, hydrofluoroolefins (HFCs) can be used. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 includes, for example, a high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20, a low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30, a battery temperature regulation circuit 40, a motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and an outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 configured for circulating a heat transfer fluid such as a coolant. The low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30, battery temperature regulation circuit 40, motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device 70, such as an eight-way valve. The flow path switching device 70 can connect these flow paths to each other, allowing them to cooperate in forming a circulation path for heat transfer fluid circulation, or it can disconnect one or more circuits from other circuits and make them independent.

[0018] Furthermore, the flow paths of the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device such as a four-way valve V20, which connects or disconnects the flow paths between them. The four-way valve V20 can enable the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer fluid, or it can separate these circuits from each other.

[0019] In addition, the flow paths of the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 are connected to a flow path switching device such as a four-way valve V21, which connects or disconnects the flow paths between them. The four-way valve V21 can enable the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 to cooperate in forming a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer fluid, or to disconnect these circuits from each other.

[0020] Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 includes an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit 100. Additionally, the thermal management system 1 includes control devices that control the operation of various sensors (not shown) and other parts of the thermal management system 1. The thermal management system 1 controls its operation based on the detection values ​​of various sensors, various requirements, etc.

[0021] <Refrigerant Circuit>

[0022] The refrigerant circuit 10 includes: a compressor 11 that compresses gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and pressure before discharging it; a high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 that condenses and dissipates heat from the compressed gaseous refrigerant; a pressure-reducing device 13, such as an expansion valve, that expands the liquid refrigerant to a low pressure; and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 that evaporates and absorbs heat from the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to function as a heat pump that circulates the refrigerant and repeatedly compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates it.

[0023] In the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat carrier circulating in the high-temperature side heat carrier circuit 20. Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat carrier circulating in the low-temperature side heat carrier circuit 30.

[0024] In one illustrated example, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 includes a refrigerant passage 12a through which refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes and a heat carrier passage 12b through which heat carrier circulating in the high-temperature side heat carrier circuit 20 passes. The low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant passage 14a through which refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes and a heat carrier passage 14b through which heat carrier circulating in the low-temperature side heat carrier circuit 30 passes.

[0025] The components of the refrigerant circuit 10 are connected via refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, and 10c. The compressor 11 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant passage 12a of the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 via refrigerant flow path 10a. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 12a of the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 via refrigerant flow path 10b. A pressure-reducing device 13, such as an expansion valve, is installed along the path of refrigerant flow path 10b. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 is connected to the compressor 11 via refrigerant flow path 10c. A storage tank 15 is installed along the path of refrigerant flow path 10c.

[0026] <High-Temperature Side-Carrier Heat Transfer Circuit>

[0027] The high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 includes: a heat transfer passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12; and a heater core 21, which is housed within the housing 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and heats the air supplied to the vehicle interior. The high-temperature side heat exchanger circuit 20 is a circuit for circulating the heat transfer fluid, which receives heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 via the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and is warmed by the heat transfer fluid. The high-temperature side heat exchanger circuit 20 can be used to heat the vehicle interior to enable the heater core 21 to function.

[0028] In one example illustrated, the elements of the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 are connected by heat transfer flow paths 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, and 20g.

[0029] The outlet of the heat transfer fluid passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the inlet side 21a of the heater core 21 are connected via a proportional control three-way valve V22, which serves as a branching device, through heat transfer fluid flow paths 20a and 20b. A heat transfer fluid heating device 22 is provided along the path of the heat transfer fluid flow path 20a.

[0030] The inlet of the heat transfer medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via the heat transfer medium flow path 20c, the junction point C20, and the upstream heat transfer medium flow path 20d. A circulating pump P20 is installed along the path of the heat transfer medium flow path 20d to expel the heat transfer medium. The outlet side 21b of the heater core 21 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via the heat transfer medium flow path 20e.

[0031] By employing the above structure, the heat transfer medium is forced out by the circulating pump P20 and circulates in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20. The heat transfer medium, warmed by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 while passing through the heat transfer medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is supplied from the inlet side 21a to the heater core 21 and passes through the heater core 21. At this time, the heater core 21 functions as the heat transfer medium releases heat within it. The heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet side 21b after passing through the heater core 21 flows back to the heat transfer medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0032] Furthermore, the inlet of the heat exchange passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the four-way valve V21 via the heat exchange passage 20c connected thereto, the junction point C20, and the upstream heat exchange passage 20g. Additionally, the outlet of the heat exchange passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the four-way valve V21 are connected via the proportional control three-way valve V22 through the heat exchange passages 20a and 20f.

[0033] In addition, the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 can be connected to the flow path of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 through the four-way valve V21 to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer fluid in cooperation with the battery temperature regulation circuit 40.

[0034] <Low-temperature side heat transfer circuit>

[0035] The low-temperature side heat exchanger circuit 30 includes: a heat transfer passage 14b of the aforementioned low-temperature side heat exchanger 14; a cooler core 31, which is housed within the housing 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and cools the air supplied to the vehicle interior; a proportional control three-way valve V30; and a three-way valve V31. The low-temperature side heat exchanger circuit 30 is a circuit for circulating the cooled heat transfer medium that has been transferred to the refrigerant circuit 10 via the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The low-temperature side heat exchanger circuit 30 can be used to enable the cooler core 31 to function for cooling or dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0036] Furthermore, the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 30, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, and the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 can be interconnected via the flow path switching device 70. The low-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 30 can also cooperate with the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 and the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer fluid, for use in the temperature regulation of the battery 41 and the motor 51. In other words, under the above conditions, the heat dissipation from the battery 41 and the motor 51 can be used as a heat absorption source for the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0037] In one illustrated example, the elements of the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30 are connected by heat transfer flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, and 30i. The outlet of the heat transfer passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 are connected via proportional control three-way valve V30 through heat transfer flow paths 30a and 30b. Furthermore, the proportional control three-way valve V30 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via heat transfer flow path 30c.

[0038] The outlet side 31b of the cooler core 31 is connected to the inlet of the heat transfer medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 via a heat transfer medium flow path 30d connected thereto, a heat transfer medium flow path 30e downstream of the confluence point C30, and a heat transfer medium flow path 30f downstream of the confluence point C31. A circulation pump P30 is provided along the path of the heat transfer medium flow path 30e to expel the heat transfer medium.

[0039] Three-way valve V31 is connected to flow path switching device 70 via heat transfer fluid flow path 30h. Furthermore, three-way valve V31 is connected to the inlet of heat transfer fluid passage 14b of low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via heat transfer fluid flow path 30i, the junction point C31, and its downstream heat transfer fluid flow path 30f. Additionally, three-way valve V31 is connected to heat transfer fluid flow path 30e via heat transfer fluid flow path 30g.

[0040] The low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30 can be connected to the flow path of at least one of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 through the flow path switching device 70, and cooperate with at least one of these circuits to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer fluid.

[0041] A circulation pump P30, installed along the path of the heat transfer fluid flow path 30e, circulates the heat transfer fluid in the low-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 30. The heat transfer fluid is cooled by discharging heat into the refrigerant circuit 10 as it passes through the heat transfer fluid passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The cooled heat transfer fluid can be supplied from the inlet side 31a to the cooler core 31 and passes through it. At this time, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat in the cooler core 31, thereby enabling the cooler core 31 to function. The heat transfer fluid discharged from the outlet side 31b after passing through the cooler core 31, or the heat transfer fluid bypassing the cooler core 31, then flows again to the heat transfer fluid passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 after passing through at least one of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, which are connected via the flow path switching device 70.

[0042] <Battery Temperature Regulation Circuit>

[0043] The battery temperature regulation circuit 40, which serves as a temperature regulation circuit for an on-board heating device, includes the heat carrier passage 14b of the aforementioned low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the battery 41, which serves as an on-board heating device. A battery temperature regulation unit for regulating the temperature of the battery 41 is provided in the battery 41. The battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can be used to regulate the temperature of the battery 41.

[0044] In addition, the same structure as the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can also be applied to other vehicle equipment temperature regulation circuits, which have a vehicle equipment temperature regulation unit for regulating the temperature of other vehicle equipment that also requires temperature regulation, not limited to the battery.

[0045] In one illustrated example, the elements of the battery temperature regulation loop 40 are connected by heat transfer fluid flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c. The inlet side 41a of the battery 41 is connected to the four-way valve V21 via heat transfer fluid flow path 40a. The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via heat transfer fluid flow path 40b. The flow path switching device 70 and the four-way valve V21 are connected via heat transfer fluid flow path 40c.

[0046] The battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can independently form a circulation path for circulating the heat carrier through the four-way valve V21 and the flow path switching device 70.

[0047] Furthermore, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can be connected to the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 via the flow path switching device 70, and cooperate with at least one of these circuits to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer medium.

[0048] In addition, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can connect the flow paths between itself and the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 via the four-way valve V21, and cooperate with the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer medium.

[0049] A circulation pump P40 is installed along the path of the heat carrier flow path 40a to expel the heat carrier. Even when the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 forms a circulation path independent of other circuits and the other circuit that forms the circulation path does not have a circulation pump, the heat carrier can still circulate through the circulation pump P40, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery 41.

[0050] <Motor Temperature Regulation Circuit>

[0051] The motor temperature regulation circuit 50, which serves as a temperature regulation circuit for an on-board heating device, includes a motor 51, which is an on-board heating device. A motor temperature regulation section is provided in the motor 51 for regulating the temperature of the motor 51. The motor temperature regulation circuit 50 can circulate the heat carrier and regulate the temperature of the motor 51. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 can use the motor 51, which frequently generates heat during driving, as a heat source via the motor temperature regulation circuit 50.

[0052] In one illustrated example, the elements of the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 are connected by heat transfer fluid flow paths 50a and 50b. The inlet side 51a of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via the heat transfer fluid flow path 50a. The outlet side 51b of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via the heat transfer fluid flow path 50b. The motor temperature regulation circuit 50 can connect to at least one of the low-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 30, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 via the flow path switching device 70, and cooperate with at least one of these circuits to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer fluid.

[0053] <Outdoor heat exchange circuit>

[0054] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 includes a radiator 61 that serves as an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be used to circulate the heat carrier and exchange heat between the heat carrier and the external gas.

[0055] In one illustrated example, the elements of the outdoor heat transfer circuit 60 are connected by heat transfer flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c. The inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via heat transfer flow path 60a. The flow path switching device 70 and the four-way valve V20 are connected via heat transfer flow path 60c. When the four-way valve V20 connects the two heat transfer flow paths 60a and 60c, the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via heat transfer flow path 60b.

[0056] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be disconnected from other circuits and become independent via the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be connected to the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat carrier circuit 30, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 and the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 via the flow path switching device 70, and cooperate with at least one of these circuits to form a circulation path for circulating the heat carrier.

[0057] <HVAC Unit>

[0058] As previously described, the heater core 21 of the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 and the cooler core 31 of the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30 are housed within the housing 110 of the HVAC unit 100. The housing 110 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 100 and forms an airflow path 120 inside.

[0059] In addition, the HVAC unit 100 has an air intake unit 130. The air intake unit 130 closes either the external air intake for introducing outside air or the internal air intake for introducing inside air, thereby switching the air introduced into the housing 110 to either outside air (external air intake) or inside air (internal air recirculation). Furthermore, the HVAC unit 100 has a blower 140, which is disposed adjacent to the air intake unit 130 to deliver the air introduced into the housing 110 to the airflow path 120.

[0060] A cooler core 31 is provided on the upstream side of the airflow path 120. Additionally, a heater core passage 121 and a bypass passage 122 are formed side-by-side on the downstream side of the airflow path 120. A heater core 21 is provided in the heater core passage 121. Therefore, if air introduced into the housing 110 is guided to the heater core passage 121, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 31 and then to the heater core 21. On the other hand, if air introduced into the housing 110 is guided to the bypass passage 122, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 31 and then bypasses the heater core 21. The ratio of air passing through the heater core passage 121 to air passing through the bypass passage 122 is adjusted by an air mixing baffle 150.

[0061] [System Actions]

[0062] Reference Figure 1 The specific operation of the thermal energy management system 1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0063] <Heating Operation (At Startup / Battery Temperature Below Suitable Range)>

[0064] Figure 1 This shows the state of the thermal management system 1 during startup when the external gas temperature is low. At this time, the vehicle interior is heated, and the battery 41 is preheated.

[0065] The high-temperature side heat carrier circuit 20, which supplies heat carrier for heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is configured as follows.

[0066] The proportional control three-way valve V22 forms heat carrier flow paths 20a and 20b to allow the heat carrier that is heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and simultaneously heated by the heat carrier heating device 22 to flow in the heater core 21.

[0067] The four-way valve V20 connects the heat transfer fluid flow paths 20d and 20e, so that the heat transfer fluid is pumped out by the circulation pump P20 to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20, which is disconnected from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60.

[0068] Thus, the heat carrier flows sequentially through the circulating pump P20, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the heat carrier heating device 22, and the heater core 21 via heat carrier flow paths 20d, 20c, 20a, 20b, and 20e. As a result, the heat from the heat carrier, which absorbs heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and is simultaneously heated by the heat carrier heating device 22, heats the vehicle interior.

[0069] The low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30, which supplies heat transfer fluid for heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, is configured as described below.

[0070] The proportional control three-way valve V30 forms heat carrier flow paths 30a and 30c so that the heat carrier cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not pass through the cooler core 31 but flows around it.

[0071] The three-way valve V31 forms heat transfer flow paths 30h and 30g in the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30, so that the heat transfer fluid flowing from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 via the flow path switching device 70 converges into the heat transfer flow path 30e.

[0072] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, which cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer medium. Thus, the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30c, 30h, 30g, 30e, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat transfer circuit 30 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c passing through the radiator 61, so that the heat transfer medium is circulated in these circulation paths by being pumped out by the circulation pump P30. As a result, the heat transfer medium that has exchanged heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the radiator 61 and exchanges heat with the external gas. As described above, the heat absorbed by the heat transfer medium from the external gas in the radiator 61 is used as a heat absorption source to activate the refrigerant circuit 10, and the air conditioning in the vehicle interior operates by absorbing heat from the external gas to generate heat.

[0073] Furthermore, the flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 and the motor temperature regulation circuit 50. That is, the heat carrier flow paths 50a and 50b passing through the motor 51 are connected to the heat carrier flow paths 40a, 40b and 40c passing through the battery 41.

[0074] Furthermore, in the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20, the proportional control three-way valve V22 forms heat transfer flow paths 20a and 20f, so that the heat transfer fluid that is heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and simultaneously heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22 can flow in the four-way valve V21.

[0075] Furthermore, the four-way valve V21 connects the flow paths of the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, allowing the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 to cooperate in forming a circulation path for circulating the heat transfer fluid. That is, the heat transfer fluid flow paths 20a, 20f, 20g, and 20c of the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 are connected to the heat transfer fluid flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40.

[0076] In summary, the heat transfer fluid flow paths 20a, 20f, 20g, and 20c of the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20, the heat transfer fluid flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, and the heat transfer fluid flow paths 50a and 50b of the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 are connected, and the heat transfer fluid is pumped out by the circulating pump P40 to circulate in these circulation paths. As a result, the heat transfer fluid heated in the heat transfer fluid heating device 22 branches off from the path further downstream of the proportional control three-way valve V22 towards the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, thus preheating the battery 41 using the heat from the heat transfer fluid heated in the heat transfer fluid heating device 22.

[0077] Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid flowing in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 passes through the heat transfer fluid flow path 20g and converges at the confluence point C20 between the circulation pump P20 and the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12. In other words, the heat transfer fluid that branches off from the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20 to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 and preheats the battery 41 flows downstream of the circulation pump P20 when returning to the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20. Therefore, during heating operation, when preheating the battery 41, the circulation pumps P20 and P40 are not connected in series. As a result, the flow rates of the heat transfer fluid flowing in the heater core 21 and the heat transfer fluid flowing in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can be independently adjusted.

[0078] Furthermore, by using the proportional control three-way valve V22 to branch the heat carrier, the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the heater core 21 and the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can be easily adjusted.

[0079] In addition, since a proportional control three-way valve V22 is arranged in the path between the heat carrier heating device 22 and the heater core 21, the high-temperature heat carrier that flows through the heater core 21 can be used to preheat the battery 41, and the battery 41 can be heated to the target temperature in an early stage.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the temperature rise of the heat carrier passing through the heater core 21 and the preheating of the battery 41 can be achieved solely through the heat carrier heating device 22, heating and preheating can be performed while suppressing cost increases. Moreover, by branching the heat carrier downstream of the heat carrier heating device 22, the heated heat carrier can be supplied efficiently. Furthermore, by proportionally controlling the three-way valve V22 to distribute the heat carrier between 0% and 100% according to the requirements of the battery 41 side and the heater core 21 side, the heated heat carrier can be used without waste. Furthermore, by reducing the flow rate to the battery 41 side according to the requirements of the heater core 21 side, the heat carrier can be heated without being limited by the temperature of the battery 41. For example, even when the battery 41 is managed at around 25 degrees Celsius, the temperature of the heat carrier can be heated to a temperature above that (e.g., 60 degrees Celsius).

[0081] [About the System]

[0082] The heat management system 1 of this embodiment switches between connections and independence with other circuits via four-way valves V20 and V21, flow path switching device 70, and three-way valve V31. Furthermore, it regulates the flow rate of the heat carrier by using proportional control three-way valves V22 and V30. In addition to switching to… Figure 1 In addition to the heating operation shown during startup, it can also be switched to cooling operation, dehumidifying heating operation, heating operation utilizing the heat dissipation of the motor 51, heating operation utilizing the heat dissipation of the motor 51 while cooling the battery 41, motor cooling operation, and heating operation accompanied by defrosting.

[0083] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which the heat carrier branches off to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 via a proportional control three-way valve V22 upstream of the heater core 21, the location where the heat carrier branches off to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 via the proportional control three-way valve V22, for example, at the downstream side of the heater core 21, can be set to a different location than in this embodiment, as long as it is a path further downstream than the heat carrier heating device 22.

[0084] Furthermore, although this embodiment has described an example of preheating the battery 41 by using a heat carrier heated in the heat carrier heating device 22, it is also possible to preheat vehicle-mounted heating devices other than the battery 41 by using a proportional control three-way valve V22 to branch the heat carrier heated in the heat carrier heating device 22, for example, by using a heat carrier heated in the heat carrier heating device 22 to preheat the motor 51.

[0085] The heat management system 1 of this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0086] (1) A thermal management system, comprising: a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to supply refrigerant circulation and having a compressor 11, a high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, a pressure reducing device 13, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14; a high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 having a heater core 21 for heating air supplied to the vehicle interior and configured to supply heat transfer circuit for heat exchange with refrigerant via the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12; a battery temperature regulation circuit 40 serving as a temperature regulation circuit for on-board heating equipment, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 having a temperature regulating section for regulating the temperature of a battery 41 serving as an on-board heating equipment and configured to supply heat transfer circuit circulation; and a four-way valve V21 serving as a flow path switching device, the four-way valve V21 being configured to switch the connection and independence between the high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 serving as a temperature regulation circuit for on-board heating equipment. The high-temperature side heat transfer circuit 20 includes: a circulation pump P20 that pumps out the heat transfer fluid; a heat transfer fluid heating device 22 that heats the heat transfer fluid; a path through which the heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the circulation pump P20, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the heat transfer fluid heating device 22, and the heater core; a proportional control three-way valve V22 as a branching device that causes the heat transfer fluid passing through the heat transfer fluid heating device 22 to branch off into the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, which is a temperature regulation circuit for on-board heating equipment, in a path further downstream of the heat transfer fluid heating device 22; and a confluence point C20 as a junction point that allows the heat transfer fluid flowing in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, which is a temperature regulation circuit for on-board heating equipment, to converge into the path between the circulation pump P20 and the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0087] Therefore, when the battery 41 is preheated during heating operation, the circulation pump P20 and circulation pump P40 are not connected in series.

[0088] Therefore, the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the heater core 21 and the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can be adjusted independently.

[0089] (2) The bifurcation device is a proportional control three-way valve V22.

[0090] Therefore, it is easy to adjust the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the heater core 21 and the flow rate of the heat carrier flowing in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40.

[0091] (3) The proportional control three-way valve V22, which serves as a bifurcation device, is positioned in the path between the heat carrier heating device 22 and the heater core 21.

[0092] Therefore, the high-temperature heat carrier that flows through the heater core 21 can be used to preheat the battery 41, and the temperature of the battery 41 can be heated to the target temperature in an early stage.

[0093] The preferred embodiments have been shown above and the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the present invention, which goes without saying.

[0094] Symbol Explanation

[0095] 1. Thermal Management System; 10. Refrigerant Circuit; 11. Compressor; 12. High-Temperature Heat Exchanger; 13. Pressure Reducing Device; 14. Low-Temperature Heat Exchanger; 15. Storage Tank; 20. High-Temperature Heat Transfer Circuit; 21. Heater Core; P20. Circulation Pump; V20, V21. Four-Way Valves; V22. Proportional Control Three-Way Valve; 30. Low-Temperature Heat Transfer Circuit; 31. Cooler Core; P30. Circulation Pump; 40. Battery Temperature Control Circuit; 41. Battery; P40. Circulation Pump; 50. Motor Temperature Control Circuit; 51. Motor; 60. Outdoor Heat Exchange Circuit; 61. Radiator; 70. Flow Path Switching Device; 100. HVAC Unit; 110. Housing; 120. Air Flow Path; 121. Heater Core Passage; 122. Bypass Passage; 150. Air Mixing Baffle.

Claims

1. A heat management system, comprising: A refrigerant circuit configured to supply refrigerant circulation, and comprising a compressor, a high-temperature heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a low-temperature heat exchanger; A high-temperature side heat transfer circuit has a heater core for heating air supplied to the vehicle interior and is configured to provide energy for heat transfer circulation via the high-temperature side heat exchanger and the refrigerant. A temperature regulation circuit for an on-board heating device, comprising a temperature regulation unit for regulating the temperature of the on-board heating device and configured to circulate a heat transfer medium; and A flow path switching device is configured to switch the connection between the high-temperature side heat carrier circuit and the temperature regulation circuit of the vehicle-mounted heating equipment independently. Its features are, The high-temperature side heat carrier circuit includes: A circulation pump that forces the heat transfer fluid out; A heat carrier heating device, wherein the heat carrier heating device is capable of heating the heat carrier; The path through which the heat transfer medium flows sequentially through the circulating pump, the high-temperature side heat exchanger, the heat transfer medium heating device, and the heater core; A branching device, wherein the heat carrier passing through the heat carrier heating device branches off from a path further downstream of the heat carrier heating device toward the temperature regulation circuit of the vehicle-mounted heating equipment; and The confluence section allows the heat carrier flowing in the temperature regulation circuit of the vehicle-mounted heating device to converge into the path between the circulating pump and the high-temperature side heat exchanger.

2. The heat management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bifurcation device is a proportional control three-way valve.

3. The heat management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bifurcation device is positioned in the path between the heat carrier heating device and the heater core.

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