Thermal management system, operation method of thermal management system and vehicle applying thermal management system

Abstract

The invention discloses a thermal management system, an operation method of the thermal management system and a vehicle applying the thermal management system. The thermal management system comprises a refrigerant medium circulation module, a cab liquid medium circulation module and a battery pack liquid medium circulation module. The refrigerant medium circulation module can selectively exchange heat with the air in the cab and / or the battery pack liquid medium circulation module so as to cool the air in the cab and / or a liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module; the refrigerant medium circulation module can selectively exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module so as to heat the liquid medium of the cab liquid medium circulation module. The invention mainly solves the problem of how to provide a thermal management system capable of simultaneously meeting thermal management requirements of a plurality of temperature zones. The system has the advantages of being high in integration degree, rich in function, multiple in operation mode, high in reliability, good in controllability, high in power utilization efficiency and good in economical efficiency, and therefore the performance, stability and comfort of the vehicle are improved, and the service life of the vehicle is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management system technology, specifically to a thermal management system, a method for operating the thermal management system, and a vehicle using the same. Background Technology

[0002] New energy vehicles that use electric motors as one of their driving forces generate a lot of heat in their battery packs during operation. In high-temperature environments, heat dissipation is required, otherwise it will affect the performance, safety and lifespan of the new energy vehicle. Low-temperature environments can also easily affect the range of the battery pack. Therefore, in low-temperature environments, the battery pack of new energy vehicles needs to be insulated / heated. At the same time, the driver's cab of new energy vehicles also has temperature control requirements (i.e., air conditioning cooling, heating, dehumidification and defrosting, etc.).

[0003] Based on the above considerations, new energy vehicles are usually equipped with thermal management systems to achieve temperature control in the aforementioned areas. Among them, liquid-cooled thermal management systems are a widely used thermal management system solution in the field of new energy vehicles.

[0004] Existing thermal management systems for new energy vehicles typically include a compressor-driven refrigeration module that provides cooling for the battery pack and passenger compartment. In addition, these thermal management systems usually also include an auxiliary heating device (such as a WaterPositive Temperature Coefficient Heater, or WPTC) at the battery pack's liquid medium circulation module to provide insulation / heating for the battery pack.

[0005] The aforementioned thermal management system applied to new energy vehicles still has certain technical problems: 1. Different temperature zones of new energy vehicles may have conflicting thermal management requirements (for example, the cab needs to be heated, while the battery pack needs to be cooled). Therefore, how to meet the conflicting thermal management requirements between different temperature zones without interfering with each other is one of the technical problems that the thermal management system needs to solve.

[0006] 2. The battery packs of new energy vehicles generate a lot of heat during operation. In addition, the thermal management system of new energy vehicles also generates a lot of heat during operation. How to collect and utilize the above heat to improve the energy efficiency of new energy vehicles is one of the technical problems that the thermal management system needs to solve.

[0007] 3. The auxiliary heating devices in new energy vehicles (such as Water Positive Temperature Coefficient Heater, i.e., WPTC) have relatively low energy efficiency. How to improve the energy efficiency of the thermal management system during heating is also one of the technical problems that the thermal management system needs to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management system, a method for operating the thermal management system, and a vehicle using the same, which has the excellent characteristics of high energy efficiency and the ability to simultaneously meet the thermal management needs of multiple temperature zones.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a thermal management system applied in a vehicle, the vehicle including at least a cab and a battery pack; the thermal management system includes a cold medium circulation module, a cab liquid medium circulation module, and a battery pack liquid medium circulation module; the cab liquid medium circulation module is capable of heat exchange with the air in the cab; the battery pack liquid medium circulation module is capable of heat exchange with the battery pack; the cold medium circulation module is capable of selectively exchanging heat with the air in the cab and / or the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the air in the cab and / or the liquid medium in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module; the cold medium circulation module is also capable of selectively exchanging heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the refrigerant circulation module includes a compressor, a first refrigerant solenoid valve, a condenser, an active throttling device, a battery pack heat exchanger, a second refrigerant solenoid valve, a cab heat exchanger, a third refrigerant solenoid valve, a passive throttling device, and a cab air conditioning evaporator; the liquid medium flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger is connected to the battery pack liquid medium circulation module; the liquid medium flow channel of the cab heat exchanger is connected to the cab liquid medium circulation module; the compressor, the first refrigerant solenoid valve, the condenser, the active throttling device, and the refrigerant flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger are sequentially and cyclically connected. A cooling refrigerant circulation channel is formed by the battery pack; the compressor, the first refrigerant solenoid valve, the condenser, the third refrigerant solenoid valve, the passive throttling device, and the cab air conditioning evaporator are sequentially and circulated in a loop to form a cooling refrigerant circulation channel for the cab; the compressor, the second refrigerant solenoid valve, the refrigerant circulation channel of the cab heat exchanger, the condenser, the active throttling device, and the refrigerant circulation channel of the battery pack heat exchanger are sequentially and circulated in a loop to form a heating refrigerant circulation channel for the cab; the cab air conditioning evaporator is capable of exchanging heat with the air in the cab.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the cab liquid medium circulation module includes a cab water pump, a cab liquid medium heating device, and a cab liquid-air heat exchanger; the cab water pump, the liquid medium flow channel of the cab heat exchanger, the cab liquid medium heating device, and the cab liquid-air heat exchanger are sequentially and circulated in connection; the cab liquid-air heat exchanger can exchange heat with the air in the cab.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the battery pack liquid medium circulation module includes a battery pack water pump and a battery pack liquid medium heating device; the battery pack water pump, the battery pack liquid medium flow channel, the battery pack liquid medium heating device, and the battery pack heat exchanger liquid medium flow channel are sequentially circulated and connected.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the thermal management system of the present invention further includes an expansion tank; the expansion tank is connected to any node of the cab liquid medium circulation module and / or the battery pack liquid medium circulation module.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the condenser of the refrigerant circulation module is equipped with a condenser fan.

[0015] In the above technical solution, a cab fan is provided in the cab; the cab fan is used to provide forced convection for the cab air conditioning evaporator of the refrigerant circulation module and / or the cab liquid-air heat exchanger of the cab liquid medium circulation module.

[0016] A method for operating a thermal management system, which applies the aforementioned thermal management system; The method includes selectively entering one of the following operating modes based on at least one operating condition signal from the vehicle and / or the thermal management system: Cab cooling mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, put the first and third refrigerant solenoid valves of the refrigerant circulation module into the open state, and put the second refrigerant solenoid valve and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module into the closed state, so that the cab air conditioning evaporator of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the air in the cab to cool the air in the cab. Battery pack cooling mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, put the first refrigerant solenoid valve and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module into the open state, and put the second refrigerant solenoid valve and the third refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module into the closed state, so that the battery pack heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Start the battery pack water pump of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to allow the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack. Cab and battery pack cooling mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, open the first refrigerant solenoid valve, the third refrigerant solenoid valve and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module, and close the second refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module. This allows the cab air conditioning evaporator of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the air in the cab to cool the air in the cab. It also allows the battery pack heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Start the battery pack water pump of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack. Battery pack heating mode: The battery pack water pump and battery pack liquid medium heating device of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module are activated, so that the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack. Cab heating mode: Start the cab water pump and cab liquid medium heating device of the cab liquid medium circulation module, so that the cab liquid-air heat exchanger can exchange heat with the air in the cab to heat the air in the cab; Battery pack cooling and cab heating modes: The compressor of the refrigerant circulation module is activated, and the second and third refrigerant solenoid valves and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module are opened, while the first refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module is closed. This allows the cab heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module, heating the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module. The cab water pump of the cab liquid medium circulation module is activated, allowing the cab liquid-air heat exchanger to exchange heat with the air in the cab, heating the air in the cab. Simultaneously, the battery pack heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module exchanges heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module, cooling the liquid medium in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Finally, the battery pack water pump of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module is activated, allowing the liquid medium in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack. Cab dehumidification and defrosting mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, open the second and third refrigerant solenoid valves and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module, and close the first refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module. This allows the cab heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module. Start the cab water pump of the cab liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the air in the cab to heat the air in the cab.

[0017] In the above technical solution, during the battery pack cooling and cab heating modes and the cab dehumidification and defrosting modes, the cab liquid medium heating device of the cab liquid medium circulation module is selectively started or stopped.

[0018] A vehicle that includes the aforementioned thermal management system.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the thermal management system, the operating method of the thermal management system, and the vehicle using the present invention, wherein the liquid medium circulation module in the driver's cab can exchange heat with the air in the driver's cab, the liquid medium circulation module in the battery pack can exchange heat with the battery pack, the refrigerant circulation module can selectively exchange heat with the air in the driver's cab and / or the liquid medium circulation module in the battery pack to cool the air in the driver's cab and / or the liquid medium in the liquid medium circulation module in the battery pack, and the refrigerant circulation module can also selectively exchange heat with the liquid medium circulation module in the driver's cab to heat the liquid medium in the liquid medium circulation module in the driver's cab, thereby realizing a driver's cab cooling mode, a battery pack cooling mode, a driver's cab and battery pack cooling mode, a battery pack heating mode, and a driver's cab cooling mode. The system offers at least seven operating modes: cab heating mode, battery pack cooling and cab heating mode, and cab dehumidification and defrosting mode. This allows for simultaneous cooling / cooling and heating / insulation of both the vehicle's battery pack and cab. It features high integration, rich functionality, multiple operating modes, high reliability, excellent controllability, high power efficiency, and good economy, thereby improving the performance, stability, comfort, and lifespan of vehicles (especially new energy vehicles or new energy construction machinery vehicles that use battery packs for energy storage and electric motors as one of their driving forces). Furthermore, in the battery pack cooling and cab heating mode, it can provide both cooling and heating to the cab, while fully utilizing the waste heat from the battery pack and the refrigerant circulation module, exhibiting high power efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a system structure view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a system structure view of the present invention in the cab cooling mode.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a system structure view of the present invention in battery pack cooling mode.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a system structure view of the present invention in the cooling mode of the driver's cab and battery pack.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a system structure view of the present invention in battery pack heating mode.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a system structure view of the present invention in the cab heating mode.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a system structure view of the present invention in battery pack cooling and cab heating modes.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a system structure view of the present invention in the dehumidification and defrosting mode of the driver's cab.

[0028] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Compressor; 2. First refrigerant solenoid valve; 3. Condenser; 31. Condenser fan; 4. Active throttling device; 5. Battery pack heat exchanger; 6. Second refrigerant solenoid valve; 7. Cab heat exchanger; 8. Third refrigerant solenoid valve; 9. Passive throttling device; 10. Cab air conditioning evaporator; 11. Cab water pump; 12. Cab liquid medium heating device; 13. Cab liquid-air heat exchanger; 14. Battery pack water pump; 15. Battery pack liquid medium heating device; 16. Expansion tank; 100. Cab; 100a. Cab fan; 200. Battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] This embodiment provides a thermal management system that is applied to vehicles (especially new energy vehicles or new energy construction machinery vehicles that use battery packs for energy storage and electric motors as one of the driving forces).

[0031] The vehicle includes at least a cab 100 and a battery pack 200, which is typically a lithium-ion battery pack.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 The thermal management system in this embodiment includes a cold medium circulation module, a cab liquid medium circulation module, and a battery pack liquid medium circulation module.

[0033] The liquid medium circulation module in the cab is capable of exchanging heat with the air in the cab 100.

[0034] The battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack 200.

[0035] The cold medium circulation module can selectively exchange heat with the air and / or battery pack liquid medium circulation module of the cab 100 to cool the liquid medium of the air and / or battery pack liquid medium circulation module of the cab 100.

[0036] The cold medium circulation module can also selectively exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module.

[0037] Specifically, the refrigerant circulation module includes a compressor 1, a first refrigerant solenoid valve 2, a condenser 3, an active throttling device 4, a battery pack heat exchanger 5, a second refrigerant solenoid valve 6, a cab heat exchanger 7, a third refrigerant solenoid valve 8, a passive throttling device 9, and a cab air conditioning evaporator 10. The compressor 1 is the compressor used to compress the refrigerant in the refrigeration system, preferably a variable frequency compressor. The condenser 3 and the cab heat exchanger 7 are both condensers in the refrigeration system. Fans, blowers, and other air convection devices are optional configurations for the condenser 3. The cab heat exchanger 7 has a liquid medium passage, enabling heat exchange with the liquid medium flowing through it. The battery pack heat exchanger 5 and the cab air conditioning evaporator 10 are both used as a control unit. The evaporator in the refrigeration system includes a battery pack heat exchanger 5 with a liquid medium channel, capable of heat exchange with the liquid medium flowing through it, and a cab air conditioning evaporator 10 capable of heat exchange with air. The first refrigerant solenoid valve 2, the second refrigerant solenoid valve 6, and the third refrigerant solenoid valve 8 are all electrically operated or magnetically controlled refrigerant-specific control valves, and all three can be opened / closed by a host computer (e.g., a thermal management system controller, vehicle controller, programmable controller, or embedded system). The active throttling device 4 and the passive throttling device 9 are both throttling devices in the refrigeration system, and the active throttling device... Component 4 can be opened / closed and its opening degree adjusted by a host computer (such as a dedicated controller for the thermal management system, a vehicle controller, a programmable controller, and an embedded system). The passive throttling device 9 is passively opened / closed and its opening degree adjusted by the state of the refrigerant, condenser 3, and cab air conditioning evaporator 10. In this embodiment, the active throttling device 4 is an electronic expansion valve, and the passive throttling device 9 is a thermostatic expansion valve. The liquid medium flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger 5 is connected to the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. The liquid medium flow channel of the cab heat exchanger 7 is connected to the cab liquid medium circulation module. The compressor 1, the first refrigerant solenoid valve 2, the condenser 3, the active throttling device 4, and the refrigerant medium flow channels of the battery pack heat exchanger 5 are connected sequentially. The following components are connected in a loop to form a refrigerant circulation channel for the battery pack cooling system: compressor 1, first refrigerant solenoid valve 2, condenser 3, third refrigerant solenoid valve 8, passive throttling device 9, and cab air conditioning evaporator 10 are sequentially connected in a loop to form a refrigerant circulation channel for the cab cooling system; compressor 1, second refrigerant solenoid valve 6, the refrigerant circulation channel of the cab heat exchanger 7, condenser 3, active throttling device 4, and the refrigerant circulation channel of the battery pack heat exchanger 5 are sequentially connected in a loop to form a refrigerant circulation channel for the cab heating system. It can be understood that the refrigerant circulation channels for the battery pack cooling system, the cab cooling system, and the cab heating system are all connected in a loop via dedicated refrigerant pipelines.The cab air conditioner evaporator 10 can exchange heat with the air in the cab 100. Specifically, the fins of the cab air conditioner evaporator 10 exchange heat with the air in the cab 100 through forced convection or natural convection.

[0038] Specifically, the cab liquid medium circulation module includes a cab water pump 11, a cab liquid medium heating device 12, and a cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13; wherein, the cab water pump 11 is a dedicated liquid medium circulation pump, such as an electric water pump; the cab liquid medium heating device 12 is a vehicle water heater (WPTC) capable of heating the liquid medium; the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 is a metal heat exchange core with liquid medium flow channels and fins installed at the liquid medium flow channels, and the fins of the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 can be heated by forced convection or... Through natural convection, the heat it gains is radiated into the air; the cab water pump 11, the liquid medium flow channel of the cab heat exchanger 7, the cab liquid medium heating device 12, and the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 are sequentially and circulated in a continuous loop; it can be understood that the cab water pump 11, the liquid medium flow channel of the cab heat exchanger 7, the cab liquid medium heating device 12, and the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 are circulated in a continuous loop through a dedicated liquid medium pipeline; the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 can exchange heat with the air in the cab 100.

[0039] Specifically, the battery pack liquid medium circulation module includes a battery pack water pump 14 and a battery pack liquid medium heating device 15; wherein, the battery pack water pump 14 is a dedicated liquid medium circulation pump, such as an electronic water pump; the battery pack liquid medium heating device 15 is a vehicle water heater (WPTC) capable of heating the liquid medium; the battery pack water pump 14, the liquid medium flow channel of the battery pack 200, the battery pack liquid medium heating device 15, and the liquid medium flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger 5 are sequentially circulated and connected; it can be understood that the battery pack water pump 14, the liquid medium flow channel of the battery pack 200, the battery pack liquid medium heating device 15, and the liquid medium flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger 5 are circulated and connected through a dedicated liquid medium pipeline.

[0040] Furthermore, the thermal management system of this embodiment also includes an expansion tank 16, which is used to provide evaporation expansion space and replenish liquid for the liquid medium circulation system; the expansion tank 16 is connected to any node of the cab liquid medium circulation module and / or the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. In this embodiment, the expansion tank 16 is connected before the water inlet of the cab water pump 11 of the cab liquid medium circulation module and before the water inlet of the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module.

[0041] Furthermore, the condenser 3 of the refrigerant circulation module is equipped with a condenser fan 31, which is preferably a precision electronic fan, used to provide forced convection for the condenser 3 of the refrigerant circulation module.

[0042] Furthermore, a cab fan 100a is provided in the cab 100. The cab fan 100a is a DC-powered axial flow fan. The cab fan 100a is used to provide forced convection for the cab air conditioning evaporator 10 of the refrigerant circulation module and / or the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 of the cab liquid medium circulation module. In this embodiment, the cab air conditioning evaporator 10 of the refrigerant circulation module and the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 of the cab liquid medium circulation module share the same cab fan 100a.

[0043] It is understood that the thermal management system in this embodiment is equipped with a host computer (e.g., a vehicle control unit (VCU) or a dedicated controller for the thermal management system); the compressor 1, the first refrigerant solenoid valve 2, the condenser fan 31, the active throttling device 4, the second refrigerant solenoid valve 6, the third refrigerant solenoid valve 8 of the refrigerant circulation module, the cab water pump 11 and the cab liquid medium heating device 12 of the cab liquid medium circulation module, and the battery pack water pump 14 and the battery pack liquid medium heating device 15 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module are all connected to the host computer for signal control.

[0044] Understandably, the host computer can also connect to the battery management system (BMS) of the battery pack 200, for example, via a CAN bus, to obtain information such as the cell temperature, remaining charge, and charging / discharging mode of the battery pack 200.

[0045] This embodiment also provides a method for operating a thermal management system, which is applied to the aforementioned thermal management system.

[0046] The method includes selectively entering one of the following operating modes based on at least one operating condition signal from the vehicle and / or thermal management system: Cab cooling mode (e.g.) Figure 2 (As shown): Start the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circulation module, put the first refrigerant solenoid valve 2 and the third refrigerant solenoid valve 8 of the refrigerant circulation module into the open state, and put the second refrigerant solenoid valve 6 and the active throttling device 4 of the refrigerant circulation module into the closed state, so that the cab air conditioning evaporator 10 of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the air in the cab 100 to cool the air in the cab 100.

[0047] The cab cooling mode can be used to cool the air in the cab 100. At this time, the cab fan 100a of the cab 100 can also be turned on to provide forced convection function for the cab air conditioning evaporator 10 of the refrigerant circulation module. In the cab cooling mode, the opening degree of the passive throttling device 9 of the refrigerant circulation module is passively adjusted according to the surface temperature of the cab air conditioning evaporator 10.

[0048] Battery pack cooling mode (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown): Start the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circulation module, put the first refrigerant solenoid valve 2 and the active throttling device 4 of the refrigerant circulation module into the open state, and put the second refrigerant solenoid valve 6 and the third refrigerant solenoid valve 8 of the refrigerant circulation module into the closed state, so that the battery pack heat exchanger 5 of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Start the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module so that the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack 200.

[0049] The battery pack cooling mode can be used to provide heat dissipation for the battery pack 200. Specifically, after the battery pack cooling type cold medium circulation channel is started, it can cool the battery pack heat exchanger 5. After the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module is started, it can drive the liquid medium to circulate in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. When the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium channel of the battery pack 200, it can absorb the heat generated by the battery pack 200. When the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium channel of the battery pack heat exchanger 5, it can be cooled. In this way, heat dissipation is provided for the battery pack 200. In the battery pack cooling mode, the opening degree of the active throttling device 4 of the cold medium circulation module is actively adjusted according to the superheat of the battery pack heat exchanger 5.

[0050] Cab and battery pack cooling modes (such as) Figure 4 (As shown): Start the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circulation module, put the first refrigerant solenoid valve 2, the third refrigerant solenoid valve 8 and the active throttling device 4 of the refrigerant circulation module into the open state, and put the second refrigerant solenoid valve 6 of the refrigerant circulation module into the closed state, so that the cab air conditioning evaporator 10 of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the air in the cab 100 to cool the air in the cab 100, and the battery pack heat exchanger 5 of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Start the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module so that the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack 200.

[0051] The cab and battery pack cooling mode can be used to cool the air in the cab 100. In this mode, the cab fan 100a can also be turned on to provide forced convection to the cab air conditioning evaporator 10 of the refrigerant circulation module. In the cab and battery pack cooling mode, the opening of the passive throttling device 9 of the refrigerant circulation module is passively adjusted according to the surface temperature of the cab air conditioning evaporator 10. The cab and battery pack cooling mode can also be used to provide heat dissipation for the battery pack 200. Specifically, after the battery pack cooling refrigerant circulation channel is activated, it can provide heat dissipation to the battery pack 200. Cooling is achieved at heat exchanger 5. After the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module is started, it can drive the liquid medium to circulate in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. When the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium channel of the battery pack 200, it can absorb the heat generated by the battery pack 200. When the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium channel of the battery pack heat exchanger 5, it can be cooled. In this way, heat dissipation performance can be provided for the battery pack 200. In the cab and battery pack cooling mode, the opening degree of the active throttling device 4 of the cold medium circulation module is actively adjusted according to the superheat of the battery pack heat exchanger 5.

[0052] Battery pack heating mode (e.g.) Figure 5 As shown): The battery pack water pump 14 and the battery pack liquid medium heating device 15 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module are started, so that the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack 200.

[0053] The battery pack heating mode can provide heating performance for the battery pack 200. Specifically, after the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module is started, it can drive the liquid medium to circulate in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. When the liquid medium flows through the battery pack liquid medium heating device 15, it can be heated. When the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium channel of the battery pack 200, it can release heat to the battery pack 200. In this way, the battery pack 200 can be heated, so that the battery pack 200 can still operate in the optimal temperature range in low temperature environment.

[0054] Cab heating mode (e.g.) Figure 6 (As shown): Start the cab water pump 11 and cab liquid medium heating device 12 of the cab liquid medium circulation module to enable the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 to exchange heat with the air in the cab 100 to heat the air in the cab 100.

[0055] The cab heating mode can heat the cab 100. Specifically, after the cab water pump 11 of the cab liquid medium circulation module is started, it can drive the liquid medium to circulate in the cab liquid medium circulation module. When the liquid medium flows through the cab liquid medium heating device 12, it can be heated. When the liquid medium flows through the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13, it can release heat to the air in the cab 100 through convection. At this time, the cab fan 100a of the cab 100 can also be turned on to provide forced convection function for the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 of the cab liquid medium circulation module.

[0056] Battery pack cooling and cab heating modes (such as) Figure 7 (As shown): Start the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circulation module, open the second refrigerant solenoid valve 6, the third refrigerant solenoid valve 8 and the active throttling device 4 of the refrigerant circulation module, and close the first refrigerant solenoid valve 2 of the refrigerant circulation module, so that the cab heat exchanger 7 of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium of the cab liquid medium circulation module. Start the cab water pump 11 of the cab liquid medium circulation module, so that the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 can exchange heat with the air of the cab 100 to heat the air of the cab 100. Also, enable the battery pack heat exchanger 5 of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Start the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module, so that the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack 200.

[0057] The battery pack cooling and cab heating modes can provide heat dissipation for the battery pack 200. Specifically, after the battery pack cooling refrigerant circulation channel is activated, it can cool the battery pack heat exchanger 5. After the battery pack water pump 14 of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module is activated, it can drive the liquid medium to circulate in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. When the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium channel of the battery pack 200, it can absorb the heat generated by the battery pack 200. When the liquid medium flows through the liquid medium channel of the battery pack heat exchanger 5, it can be cooled. In this way, heat dissipation is provided for the battery pack 200. In the battery pack cooling and cab heating modes, the opening degree of the active throttling device 4 of the refrigerant circulation module is based on the electric current. The superheat of the battery pack heat exchanger 5 is actively adjusted; the battery pack cooling and cab heating modes can also heat the cab 100. Specifically, after the cab water pump 11 of the cab liquid medium circulation module is started, it can drive the liquid medium to circulate in the cab liquid medium circulation module. When the liquid medium flows through the cab heat exchanger 7 (at this time, the cab heat exchanger 7 acts as the condenser in the refrigeration system), it can be heated. When the liquid medium flows through the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13, it can release heat to the air in the cab 100 through convection. At this time, the cab fan 100a of the cab 100 can also be turned on to provide forced convection function for the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 of the cab liquid medium circulation module.

[0058] Cab dehumidification and defrosting mode: Start the compressor 1 of the refrigerant circulation module, open the second refrigerant solenoid valve 6, the third refrigerant solenoid valve 8 and the active throttling device 4 of the refrigerant circulation module, and close the first refrigerant solenoid valve 2 of the refrigerant circulation module. This allows the cab heat exchanger 7 of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module. Start the cab water pump 11 of the cab liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the air in the cab 100 through the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 to heat the air in the cab 100.

[0059] The cab dehumidification and defrosting mode can heat the cab 100. Specifically, after the cab water pump 11 of the cab liquid medium circulation module is started, it can drive the liquid medium to circulate in the cab liquid medium circulation module. When the liquid medium flows through the cab heat exchanger 7 (at this time, the cab heat exchanger 7 acts as the condenser in the refrigeration system), it can be heated. When the liquid medium flows through the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13, it can release heat to the air in the cab 100 through convection. At this time, the cab fan 100a of the cab 100 can also be turned on to provide forced convection function for the cab liquid-air heat exchanger 13 of the cab liquid medium circulation module.

[0060] Furthermore, in the battery pack cooling and cab heating modes and the cab dehumidification and defrosting modes, the cab liquid medium heating device 12 of the cab liquid medium circulation module is selectively started or stopped; if the cab liquid medium heating device 12 of the cab liquid medium circulation module is started in the battery pack cooling and cab heating modes and the cab dehumidification and defrosting modes, it is equivalent to providing electric auxiliary heating function for the cab 100.

[0061] This embodiment also provides a vehicle that includes the thermal management system described above.

[0062] The thermal management system, its operation method, and the vehicle using it in this embodiment include a cab liquid medium circulation module capable of heat exchange with the air in the cab, a battery pack liquid medium circulation module capable of heat exchange with the battery pack 200, and a refrigerant circulation module capable of selectively exchanging heat with the air in the cab 100 and / or the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the air in the cab 100 and / or the liquid medium in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. The refrigerant circulation module can also selectively exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module, thereby achieving cab cooling mode, battery pack cooling mode, cab and battery pack cooling mode, battery pack heating mode, cab heating mode, and battery pack cooling and... The vehicle features at least seven operating modes, including a cab heating mode and a cab dehumidification / defrosting mode, to simultaneously meet the cooling / cooling and heating / insulation needs of both the battery pack 200 and the cab 100. It boasts high integration, rich functionality, multiple operating modes, high reliability, excellent controllability, high power efficiency, and good economy, thereby improving the performance, stability, comfort, and lifespan of vehicles (especially new energy vehicles or new energy construction machinery vehicles that use the battery pack 200 for energy storage and the electric motor as one of their driving forces). Furthermore, in both battery pack cooling and cab heating modes, it can provide cooling for the battery pack 200 while simultaneously heating for the cab 100, and it can fully utilize the waste heat from the battery pack 200 and the refrigerant circulation module, exhibiting high power efficiency.

[0063] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thermal management system applied in a vehicle, said vehicle including at least a driver's cab and a battery pack; Its features are, The thermal management system includes a cold medium circulation module, a cab liquid medium circulation module, and a battery pack liquid medium circulation module. The liquid medium circulation module in the cab is capable of exchanging heat with the air in the cab; The battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack. The cooling medium circulation module can selectively exchange heat with the air in the cab and / or the liquid medium circulation module of the battery pack to cool the air in the cab and / or the liquid medium of the liquid medium circulation module of the battery pack. The cold medium circulation module can also selectively exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circulation module includes a compressor, a first refrigerant solenoid valve, a condenser, an active throttling device, a battery pack heat exchanger, a second refrigerant solenoid valve, a cab heat exchanger, a third refrigerant solenoid valve, a passive throttling device, and a cab air conditioning evaporator. The liquid medium flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger is connected to the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. The liquid medium flow channel of the cab heat exchanger is connected to the cab liquid medium circulation module; The compressor, the first refrigerant solenoid valve, the condenser, the active throttling device, and the refrigerant flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger are sequentially and circulated together to form a battery pack refrigeration type refrigerant flow channel. The compressor, the first refrigerant solenoid valve, the condenser, the third refrigerant solenoid valve, the passive throttling device, and the cab air conditioning evaporator are sequentially connected in a loop to form a cab refrigeration refrigerant circulation channel. The compressor, the second refrigerant solenoid valve, the refrigerant flow channel of the cab heat exchanger, the condenser, the active throttling device, and the refrigerant flow channel of the battery pack heat exchanger are sequentially and circulated together to form a cab heating type refrigerant flow channel. The evaporator of the cab air conditioner can exchange heat with the air in the cab.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cab liquid medium circulation module includes a cab water pump, a cab liquid medium heating device, and a cab liquid-air heat exchanger. The cab water pump, the liquid medium flow channel of the cab heat exchanger, the cab liquid medium heating device, and the cab liquid-air heat exchanger are sequentially and circulated in connection. The liquid-air heat exchanger in the cab is capable of exchanging heat with the air in the cab.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery pack liquid medium circulation module includes a battery pack water pump and a battery pack liquid medium heating device. The battery pack water pump, the battery pack liquid medium flow channel, the battery pack liquid medium heating device, and the battery pack heat exchanger liquid medium flow channel are sequentially circulated and connected.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes expansion kettles; The expansion tank is connected to any node of the cab liquid medium circulation module and / or the battery pack liquid medium circulation module.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The condenser of the refrigerant circulation module is equipped with a condenser fan.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cab is equipped with a cab fan; The cab fan is used to provide forced convection for the cab air conditioning evaporator of the refrigerant circulation module and / or the cab liquid-air heat exchanger of the cab liquid circulation module.

8. A method for operating a thermal management system, characterized in that, Its application is in the thermal management system described in any one of claims 4-7; The method includes selectively entering one of the following operating modes based on at least one operating condition signal from the vehicle and / or the thermal management system: Cab cooling mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, put the first and third refrigerant solenoid valves of the refrigerant circulation module into the open state, and put the second refrigerant solenoid valve and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module into the closed state, so that the cab air conditioning evaporator of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the air in the cab to cool the air in the cab. Battery pack cooling mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, put the first refrigerant solenoid valve and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module into the open state, and put the second refrigerant solenoid valve and the third refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module into the closed state, so that the battery pack heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Start the battery pack water pump of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to allow the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack. Cab and battery pack cooling mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, open the first refrigerant solenoid valve, the third refrigerant solenoid valve and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module, and close the second refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module. This allows the cab air conditioning evaporator of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the air in the cab to cool the air in the cab. It also allows the battery pack heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to cool the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Start the battery pack water pump of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack. Battery pack heating mode: The battery pack water pump and battery pack liquid medium heating device of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module are activated, so that the liquid medium of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module can exchange heat with the battery pack. Cab heating mode: Start the cab water pump and cab liquid medium heating device of the cab liquid medium circulation module, so that the cab liquid-air heat exchanger can exchange heat with the air in the cab to heat the air in the cab; Battery pack cooling and cab heating modes: The compressor of the refrigerant circulation module is activated, and the second and third refrigerant solenoid valves and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module are opened, while the first refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module is closed. This allows the cab heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module, heating the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module. The cab water pump of the cab liquid medium circulation module is activated, allowing the cab liquid-air heat exchanger to exchange heat with the air in the cab, heating the air in the cab. Simultaneously, the battery pack heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module exchanges heat with the battery pack liquid medium circulation module, cooling the liquid medium in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module. Finally, the battery pack water pump of the battery pack liquid medium circulation module is activated, allowing the liquid medium in the battery pack liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the battery pack. Cab dehumidification and defrosting mode: Start the compressor of the refrigerant circulation module, open the second and third refrigerant solenoid valves and the active throttling device of the refrigerant circulation module, and close the first refrigerant solenoid valve of the refrigerant circulation module. This allows the cab heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulation module to exchange heat with the cab liquid medium circulation module to heat the liquid medium in the cab liquid medium circulation module. Start the cab water pump of the cab liquid medium circulation module to exchange heat with the air in the cab to heat the air in the cab.

9. The method for operating the thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the battery pack cooling and cab heating modes and the cab dehumidification and defrosting modes, the cab liquid medium heating device of the cab liquid medium circulation module is selectively activated or deactivated.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the thermal management system described in any one of claims 1-7.

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