Vehicle thermal management system
By designing a zoned heat exchange system for refrigerant and cooling water in the chiller, the problem of low heating efficiency of the rear seat air conditioning unit was solved, and the cooling water was fully cooled, thus improving passenger satisfaction with air conditioning.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HANON SYST CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
Smart Images
Figure CN122094844A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a thermal management system for vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] The thermal management system has a loop where liquid refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, absorbs heat from the surroundings to become a gas, and then re-liquefies by releasing heat to the surroundings through the condenser. When applied to electric or hybrid vehicles, it has the advantage of ensuring a sufficient heat source compared to conventional air conditioning systems.
[0003] Conventional thermal management systems deliver refrigerant to the front seat air conditioning units located in the front seat area and the rear seat air conditioning units located in the rear seat area of the vehicle. In other words, in the case of conventional thermal management systems, wiring needs to be installed in the vehicle to deliver refrigerant to the rear seats.
[0004] Here, the front and rear air conditioning units can each be equipped with heaters for heating the vehicle. Therefore, in the vehicle's cooling mode, both the front and rear air conditioning units cool the air using refrigerant, and in the vehicle's heating mode, both the front and rear air conditioning units heat the air using heaters.
[0005] However, in conventional thermal management systems, only the front-seat air conditioning unit has a condenser for supplying refrigerant flow in the vehicle's heating mode. Thus, the front-seat air conditioning unit minimizes the energy consumption of the heater to heat the air by using the condenser, while the rear-seat air conditioning unit needs to heat the air solely through the heater. Consequently, the heater is overused, leading to decreased energy efficiency and reduced heating efficiency.
[0006] Therefore, to improve the heating efficiency of the rear seat air conditioning system, cooling water is used as the heat exchange medium. Furthermore, a cooling water circulation loop is constructed for this purpose, passing through the rear seat air conditioning system. In addition, conventional thermal management systems use cooling water to cool the vehicle's battery. Thus, conventional thermal management systems utilize multiple cooling water circulation loops to achieve both rear seat cooling and battery cooling.
[0007] In this conventional thermal management system, cooling water is achieved through a chiller, which includes a refrigerant area for storing refrigerant, a first cooling water area for storing cooling water from the battery, and a second cooling water area for storing cooling water from the rear-seat air conditioning unit. In this case, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant area moves overlapping with the first cooling water area and then overlapping with the second cooling water area. Therefore, the cooling water flowing into the first cooling water area exchanges heat with the refrigerant and then exchanges heat with the cooling water flowing into the second cooling water area.
[0008] However, in conventional thermal management systems, the refrigerant flowing into the chiller exchanges heat with the cooling water flowing into the first cooling water zone, and then, while still warm, exchanges heat again with the cooling water flowing into the second cooling water zone. Consequently, the cooling water flowing into the second cooling water zone does not reach the level of cooling intended in the design process before flowing to the rear seat air conditioning unit. Therefore, the air that exchanges heat with the cooling water flowing through the rear seat air conditioning unit cannot meet the air conditioning satisfaction requirements of passengers in the rear seats of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention
[0009] Technical issues
[0010] The present invention was proposed to solve the problems described above. The object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved vehicle thermal management system that can adequately cool the cooling water flowing to the rear seat air conditioning unit.
[0011] Methods for solving problems
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises: a refrigerant line connected to a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, for guiding a first heat exchange medium to cool and heat a first area of the vehicle; a first cooling water line connected to a cabin cooler and a chiller, for guiding a second heat exchange medium to cool a second area of the vehicle; and a second cooling water line connected to a battery and the chiller, for guiding the second heat exchange medium to heat the second area of the vehicle and cool the battery, wherein the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium exchange heat in the chiller, the first heat exchange medium flowing into the chiller first exchanging heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing into the chiller from the first cooling water line and then exchanging heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing into the chiller from the second cooling water line.
[0013] The device is characterized by including: a first air conditioning module disposed in a first area of the vehicle; a second air conditioning module disposed in a second area of the vehicle; and a chiller comprising a plate unit having a first movable area for the movement of the second heat exchange medium flowing to the second air conditioning module, a second movable area for the movement of the second heat exchange medium flowing to the battery, and a third movable area for the movement of the first heat exchange medium, wherein the first heat exchange medium flows through the first movable area of the plate unit of the chiller and then through the second movable area.
[0014] The feature is that, after the first heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing through the first moving area of the plate unit of the chiller, it exchanges heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing through the second moving area of the plate unit of the chiller.
[0015] The chiller is characterized in that it includes: a first inlet disposed in the first moving area of the plate unit for allowing the first heat exchange medium flowing along the refrigerant line to flow into the interior of the plate unit; and a first outlet disposed in the second moving area of the plate unit for discharging the first heat exchange medium to the exterior of the plate unit.
[0016] The chiller is characterized in that it includes: a second inlet disposed in the first moving area of the plate unit for allowing the second heat exchange medium flowing along the first cooling water line to flow into the interior of the plate unit; and a second outlet disposed in the first moving area of the plate unit for discharging the second heat exchange medium to the exterior of the plate unit.
[0017] The chiller is characterized in that it includes: a third inlet disposed in the second moving area of the plate unit for allowing the second heat exchange medium flowing along the second cooling water line to flow into the interior of the plate unit; and a third outlet disposed in the second moving area of the plate unit for discharging the second heat exchange medium to the exterior of the plate unit.
[0018] The feature is that the first cooling water line and the second cooling water line have a shared area where the second heat exchange medium can move according to the vehicle's air conditioning mode.
[0019] The feature is that, in the vehicle's cooling mode, the first cooling water line and the second cooling water line constitute independent lines.
[0020] The feature is that it includes: a coolant heater that houses the second heat exchange medium and heats the second heat exchange medium; the first cooling water line includes: a first-1 cooling water line that forms the path for the second heat exchange medium through the chiller and the cabin cooler in the vehicle's cooling mode; and a first-2 cooling water line that forms the path for the second heat exchange medium through the coolant heater and the cabin cooler in the vehicle's heating mode.
[0021] The feature is that the first-1 cooling water line and the first-2 cooling water line have a shared area where the second heat exchange medium can move according to the vehicle's air conditioning mode.
[0022] The feature is that the first and second cooling water lines mentioned above are connected to each other when the dehumidification mode is activated in the vehicle's heating mode.
[0023] The feature is that the first and second cooling water lines mentioned above are connected to each other when the battery preheating mode is added to the vehicle's heating mode.
[0024] The feature is that, in the vehicle's cooling mode, the second heat exchange medium flowing along the first-1 cooling water line flows through the chiller and exchanges heat with the first heat exchange medium before flowing to the passenger compartment cooler.
[0025] The feature is that, in the vehicle's heating mode, the second heat exchange medium flowing along the first and second cooling water lines is heated by the coolant heater and then flows to the passenger compartment cooler.
[0026] The feature is that, in the vehicle's dehumidification mode, the second heat exchange medium flowing along the first and second cooling water lines and the second cooling water line flows sequentially through the coolant heater, the battery, and the chiller before reaching the cabin cooler.
[0027] Invention Effects
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling water flowing to the second air conditioning module can be cooled before the cooling water flowing to the battery. Therefore, the air is sufficiently cooled by the second air conditioning module, thereby improving the air conditioning satisfaction of passengers sitting in the rear seat area of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a chiller for a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the flow paths of the first and second heat exchange media inside the chiller.
[0032] Figure 4 It is a table that records the temperature readings of the cooling water flowing through the first inlet and the first outlet of the chiller.
[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium in the vehicle's cooling mode.
[0034] Figure 6This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium when the cooling mode of the starting battery is added to the vehicle's cooling mode.
[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium in the vehicle's heating mode.
[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium when the dehumidification mode is activated in the vehicle's heating mode.
[0037] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium when the battery preheating mode is added to the vehicle's heating mode. Detailed Implementation
[0038] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the partial embodiments described below, but can be implemented in various other embodiments, and one or more components of the embodiments can be selectively combined and substituted within the technical concept of the present invention.
[0040] Furthermore, where the context does not explicitly define or specifically limit the meaning, the terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted as meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and the meaning of common terms such as those defined in dictionaries may be interpreted in light of the context of the relevant art.
[0041] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention.
[0042] In this specification, unless explicitly stated in the context, the singular form includes the plural form, and in the case of describing "at least one (or one or more) of A, B and C", this may include at least one of all possible combinations of A, B and C.
[0043] In addition, in the description of the components of the present invention, terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)" and "(b)" may be used.
[0044] These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, without limiting the nature, order, etc. of the element.
[0045] In addition, when describing an element as being "connected", "linked", or "accessed" to another element, it includes both cases where the element is directly connected, linked, or accessed to another element, and cases where the element is connected, linked, or accessed to another element through other elements.
[0046] Furthermore, when described as a single element formed or disposed on the "upper part (above)" or "lower part (below)" of a certain element, this includes both cases where two elements are formed or arranged in direct contact with each other, and cases where one or more other elements are inserted between the two elements. Additionally, when described as a single element formed on the "upper part (above) or lower part (below)" of a certain element, this includes cases where it is formed on the upper or lower side based on a single element.
[0047] The thermal management system for vehicles will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions will be omitted.
[0048] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] Reference Figure 1 In the vehicle thermal management system 1 of this invention, a first heat exchange medium or a second heat exchange medium can be used in conjunction with a third heat exchange medium to regulate the air in the vehicle cabin. The vehicle thermal management system 1 may include a compressor 100, a first air conditioning module 200, a second air conditioning module 300, a second condenser 400, a chiller 500, a coolant heater 600, an accumulator 700, and a circulation circuit 800. In this embodiment, the first heat exchange medium is referred to as the first heat exchange medium or refrigerant, and the second heat exchange medium is referred to as the second heat exchange medium or cooling water.
[0050] Compressor 100 can compress refrigerant. Compressor 100 can discharge the refrigerant, which has been compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state, to the condenser. Here, compressor 100 can be referred to as a compressor.
[0051] The first air conditioning module 200 may be configured in the front seat area of the vehicle (or "first area"). Additionally, the first air conditioning module 200 is connected to and discharges conditioned air into the front seat area of the vehicle via an air vent. The first air conditioning module 200 may include a first housing 210, an evaporator 220, a first condenser 230, and a PTC heater 240.
[0052] The first housing 210 may internally house the evaporator 220, the first condenser 230, and the PTC heater 240. The first housing 210 may have an outlet for discharging cooled or heated air.
[0053] The evaporator 220 can be disposed inside the first housing 210. The evaporator 220 can hold the refrigerant in liquid state after it has flowed through the outdoor heat exchanger. The air flowing through the evaporator 220 exchanges heat with the refrigerant held in the evaporator 220.
[0054] The first condenser 230 may be disposed inside the first housing 210. The first condenser 230 can convert the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 into a liquid refrigerant.
[0055] A mode door may be provided between the evaporator 220 and the first condenser 230. The mode door may rotate or not rotate depending on the vehicle's air conditioning mode.
[0056] The PTC heater 240 is positioned in front of the first condenser 230 in the direction of air flow from the inside to the outside of the first housing 210. The PTC heater 240 operates in the vehicle's heating mode and performs heat exchange of air by heating the air flowing through the first condenser 230.
[0057] The second air conditioning module 300 may be configured in the rear seat area of the vehicle (or "second area"). Additionally, the second air conditioning module 300 is connected to and discharges conditioned air into the rear seat area of the vehicle. The second air conditioning module 300 may include a second housing 310 and a cabin cooler 320.
[0058] The second housing 310 can internally house the compartment cooler 320. The second housing 310 can have an outlet for discharging cooled or heated air.
[0059] A cabin cooler 320 may be disposed inside the second housing 310. The cabin cooler 320 may contain cooling water, which serves as a second heat exchange medium. More specifically, the cabin cooler 320 may contain either cooled or heated cooling water. Therefore, depending on the vehicle's air conditioning mode, the air flowing through the cabin cooler 320 may be cooled or heated.
[0060] The second condenser 400 can be located on the front side of the vehicle. The second condenser 400 can internally store the refrigerant that flows through the first condenser 230 of the first air conditioning module 200. Air flowing into the vehicle (outdoor air) can exchange heat with the refrigerant stored inside the second condenser 400. Here, the second condenser 400 can be referred to as an outdoor heat exchanger.
[0061] The first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium can move inside the chiller 500. Therefore, the chiller 500 can cool the first air conditioning module 200 located in the front seat area of the vehicle, the second air conditioning module 300 located in the rear seat area of the vehicle, and the second heat exchange medium (cooling water) circulating in the battery B.
[0062] A coolant heater 600 can be configured on the circulation line 800. The coolant heater 600 can operate in the vehicle's heating mode or battery preheating mode. The coolant heater 600 internally houses the coolant. The coolant heater 600 heats the coolant flowing through the circulation line 800.
[0063] Accumulator 700 can be configured on circulation line 800. Accumulator 700 can collect refrigerant flowing through chiller 500. Additionally, accumulator 700 can collect refrigerant flowing through evaporator 220 of first air conditioning module 200. Accumulator 700 can separate liquid (liquid state) and gaseous (gas state) refrigerant and discharge them. Accumulator 700 can be referred to as a gas-liquid separator.
[0064] The circulation line 800 can be a line for the movement of a first heat exchange medium or a second heat exchange medium. Therefore, the circulation line 800 can be a piping. The circulation line 800 may include a first line 810 for the movement of the first heat exchange medium and connected to the first air conditioning module 200, a second line 820 for the movement of the second heat exchange medium and connected to the second air conditioning module 300, and a third line 830 for the movement of the second heat exchange medium and connected to the battery B. In this embodiment, the first line 810 can be referred to as the refrigerant line 810, the second line 820 can be referred to as the first cooling water line 820, and the third line 830 can be referred to as the second cooling water line 830.
[0065] Additionally, the vehicle thermal management system may include: multiple expansion valves configured on the circulation line 800 to expand the refrigerant, which serves as the first heat exchange medium; a water pump W configured in front of the cabin cooler 320 of the second air conditioning module 300 and the battery B, along the flow direction of the cooling water, which serves as the second heat exchange medium; and multiple diversion valves configured on the circulation line 800 to guide the movement path of the refrigerant or cooling water.
[0066] The vehicle thermal management system 1 with this structure can improve the cooling efficiency of the cooling water flowing through the second air conditioning module 300 as the second heat exchange medium by using a chiller 500. The chiller 500 will be described in detail below.
[0067] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a chiller for a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the flow paths of the first and second heat exchange media inside the chiller.
[0068] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The chiller 500 may include a plate unit 510, a first inlet 520, a first outlet 530, a second inlet 540, a second outlet 550, a third inlet 560, and a third outlet 570.
[0069] The plate unit 510 is composed of multiple plates that can be stacked. Multiple protrusions for guiding refrigerant and cooling water can be arranged on each plate constituting the plate unit 510. The plate unit 510 can internally house a first heat exchange medium and a second heat exchange medium.
[0070] The board unit 510 may have a first moving area 512 for the second heat exchange medium (cooling water) flowing to the second air conditioning module 300, a second moving area 514 for the second heat exchange medium (cooling water) flowing to the battery B, and a third moving area 516 for the first heat exchange medium (refrigerant) to move.
[0071] The first moving region 512 and the second moving region 514 can be plates that correspond to an odd number of layers or an even number of layers in a stacked arrangement of plates, and the third moving region 516 can be the remaining plates other than those that serve as the first moving region 512 and the second moving region 514. For example, if the first moving region 512 and the second moving region 514 through which the second heat exchange medium passes are plates that correspond to an odd number of layers in a stack, then the third moving region 516 through which the first heat exchange medium passes can be a plate that corresponds to an even number of layers in a stack.
[0072] Furthermore, the first moving region 512 and the second moving region 514 can be composed of multiple plates in a non-intersecting arrangement, equivalent to either an odd-numbered layer or an even-numbered layer. For example, with... Figure 2 Based on this, the first moving region 512 can be the left side region of the board unit 510, and the second moving region 514 can be the right side region. However, the position of the moving region is not limited to this and can be changed according to the configuration position of the first flow inlet 520, the first discharge outlet 530, the second flow inlet 540, and the second flow outlet 540.
[0073] The first inlet 520 may be configured in the first moving area 512 of the plate unit 510 and connected to the first line 810 of the circulation line 800. The first inlet 520 allows refrigerant, which serves as the first heat exchange medium, to flow into the interior of the plate unit 510.
[0074] The first outlet 530 can be configured in the second moving area 514 and connected to the first line 810 of the circulation line 800. The first outlet 530 allows the refrigerant, which is the first heat exchange medium and has exchanged heat with the cooling water, which is the second heat exchange medium, as it flows through the plate unit 510, to be discharged to the outside of the plate unit 510.
[0075] The second inlet 540 may be configured in the first moving area 512 of the plate unit 510 and connected to the second line 820 of the circulation line 800. The second inlet 540 allows cooling water, which serves as the second heat exchange medium, flowing along the second line 820, to flow into the interior of the plate unit 510.
[0076] The second outlet 550 may be configured in the first moving area 512 of the plate unit 510 and connected to the second line 820 of the circulation line 800. The second outlet 550 allows cooling water, which has exchanged heat with the refrigerant as the first heat exchange medium as it flows through the plate unit 510, and serves as the second heat exchange medium, to be discharged to the outside of the plate unit 510.
[0077] The third inlet 560 can be configured in the second moving area 514 of the plate unit 510 and connected to the third line 830 of the circulation line 800. The third inlet 560 allows cooling water, which serves as the second heat exchange medium, to flow into the interior of the plate unit 510.
[0078] The third outlet 570 can be configured in the second moving area 514 of the plate unit 510 and connected to the third line 830 of the circulation line 800. The third outlet 570 allows cooling water, which has exchanged heat with the refrigerant as the first heat exchange medium as it flows through the plate unit 510, to be discharged to the outside of the plate unit 510.
[0079] Here, the first heat exchange medium can flow through the first moving region 512 of the plate unit 510 of the chiller 500 and then through the second moving region 514. Thus, the first heat exchange medium can exchange heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing through the first moving region 512 of the plate unit 510 of the chiller 500, and then exchange heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing through the second moving region 514. Therefore, in the vehicle thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, where the second air conditioning module 300 and the battery B can be cooled by cooling water, a decrease in the heat exchange performance of the second air conditioning module 300 can be prevented.
[0080] If the refrigerant, serving as the first heat exchange medium, flows through the second moving region 514 of the plate unit 510 of the chiller 500 and then through the first moving region 512, the cooling water, serving as the second heat exchange medium, passing through the first moving region 512, exchanges heat with the first heat exchange medium, whose temperature has risen after exchanging heat with the cooling water while flowing through the second moving region 514. This can lead to a problem where the cooling water flowing to the second air conditioning module 300 cannot adequately cool the air flowing through the cabin cooler 320 of the second air conditioning module 300.
[0081] Therefore, the cooling water flowing to the second air conditioning module 300 exchanges heat with the refrigerant before the cooling water flowing to the battery B, thereby fully cooling the air discharged from the second air conditioning module 300.
[0082] Thus, as Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle thermal management system 1 of this embodiment of the invention includes a structure in which a first heat exchange medium (refrigerant) flowing into a chiller 500 first exchanges heat with a second heat exchange medium (cooling water) flowing into the chiller 500 from a first cooling water line 820, and then exchanges heat with a second heat exchange medium (cooling water) flowing into the chiller 500 from a second cooling water line 830. Therefore, compared to the chiller in a conventional thermal management system, the temperature of the cooling water flowing to the second air conditioning module 300 can be reduced. This improves the air conditioning satisfaction of passengers in the rear seat area of the vehicle.
[0083] Figure 4 It is a table that records the temperature readings of the cooling water flowing through the first inlet and the first outlet of the chiller.
[0084] Figure 4 For the purposes of this example, the comparative example is an instance where, after the refrigerant moves to a position overlapping with the second moving region 514 of the chiller 500 and then moves to a position overlapping with the first moving region 512, the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first inlet 520 of the chiller and the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first outlet 530 are detected. The embodiment, as the opposite example, is an instance where, after the refrigerant moves to a position overlapping with the first moving region 512 of the chiller 500 and then moves to a position overlapping with the second moving region 514, the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first inlet 520 of the chiller 500 and the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the first outlet 530 are detected.
[0085] Reference Figure 4 As can be seen from the table, the temperature detection value of the first outlet 530 in the embodiment is lower than that in the comparative example. Therefore, compared with the case of the comparative example, in the case of the embodiment, the cooling water flowing to the cabin cooler 320 of the second air conditioning module 300 flows to the second air conditioning module 300 at a lower temperature.
[0086] Thus, the vehicle thermal management system 1 of this embodiment of the invention has a structure in which the cooling water flowing to the second air conditioning module 300 undergoes heat exchange before the cooling water flowing to the battery B, which improves the cooling performance of the air exhausted to the rear seat area of the vehicle compared to conventional heat pump systems. Therefore, the air conditioning satisfaction of passengers sitting in the rear seat area of the vehicle can be improved.
[0087] The following describes the circulation path of the second heat exchange medium (cooling water) within the vehicle thermal management system 1.
[0088] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium in the vehicle's cooling mode.
[0089] Reference Figure 5 In the vehicle's cooling mode, the second heat exchange medium (hereinafter referred to as "cooling water") flows along the first-1 cooling water line 822. More specifically, in the vehicle's cooling mode, the cooling water flowing along the first-1 cooling water line 822 flows sequentially through the water pump W, the chiller 500, and the cabin cooler 320 before flowing back to the water pump W. Here, the cooling water flowing through the chiller 500 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the chiller 500, which serves as the first heat exchange medium, and moves towards the cabin cooler 320 in a cooled state.
[0090] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium when the battery cooling mode is added to the vehicle's cooling mode.
[0091] Reference Figure 6 When the battery cooling mode is activated in the vehicle's cooling mode, the cooling water can flow along the first-1 cooling water line 822 and the second cooling water line 830.
[0092] First, when the battery cooling mode is activated in the vehicle's cooling mode, the cooling water flowing along the first-1 cooling water line 822 flows sequentially through the water pump W, the chiller 500, and the cabin cooler 320 before flowing back to the water pump W. Here, the cooling water flowing through the chiller 500 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the chiller 500 and moves towards the cabin cooler 320 in a cooled state.
[0093] Next, when the battery cooling mode is activated in the vehicle's cooling mode, the cooling water flowing along the second cooling water line 830 flows sequentially through the water pump W, the chiller 500, and the battery B before flowing back to the water pump W. Here, the cooling water flowing through the chiller 500 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the chiller 500 and moves towards the battery B in a cooled state.
[0094] Figure 7This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium in the vehicle's heating mode.
[0095] Reference Figure 7 In the vehicle's heating mode, coolant flows along the first-second coolant line 824. More specifically, in the vehicle's heating mode, the coolant flowing along the first-second coolant line 824 sequentially passes through the water pump W, the coolant heater 600, and the cabin cooler 320 before returning to the water pump W. Here, the coolant is heated as it flows through the coolant heater 600 and moves towards the cabin cooler 320 in a heated state.
[0096] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium when the dehumidification mode is activated in the vehicle's heating mode.
[0097] Reference Figure 8 When the dehumidification mode is activated in addition to the vehicle's heating mode, the cooling water can flow along the first-second cooling water line 824 and the second cooling water line 830. (Here, the first-second cooling water line 824 and the second cooling water line 830 can be connected via a diverter valve configured on the circulation line 800.)
[0098] More specifically, when the dehumidification mode is activated in the vehicle's heating mode, the cooling water flowing along the first-second cooling water line 824 and the second cooling water line 830 flows sequentially through the water pump W located in front of the cabin cooler 320, the cabin cooler 320, the coolant heater 600, the water pump W located in front of the battery B, the battery B, and the chiller 500, and then flows back to the water pump W located in front of the cabin cooler 320.
[0099] Here, the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant path expands to a low-temperature, low-pressure state after passing through the first condenser 230 and expansion valve of the first air conditioning module 200. Figure 8 The refrigerant flows into the evaporator 220 of the first air conditioning module 200 via a diversion valve positioned above the expansion valve. The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 220 through this path crosses with the air flowing through it. At this time, the air can be dried. When this dried air flows into the vehicle's interior from the first air conditioning module 200, it can dehumidify the vehicle's interior while it is being heated.
[0100] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the flow path of the second heat exchange medium when the battery preheating mode is added to the vehicle's heating mode.
[0101] Reference Figure 9When the battery preheating mode is activated in the vehicle's heating mode, the cooling water can flow along the first-second cooling water line 824 and the second cooling water line 830. (Here, the first-second cooling water line 824 and the second cooling water line 830 can be connected by a diverter valve configured on the circulation line 800).
[0102] More specifically, when the battery preheating mode is activated in the vehicle's heating mode, the cooling water flowing along the first-second cooling water line 824 and the second cooling water line 830 flows sequentially through the water pump W located in front of the cabin cooler 320, the cabin cooler 320, the coolant heater 600, the water pump W located in front of the battery B, the battery B, and the chiller 500, and then flows back to the water pump W located in front of the cabin cooler 320.
[0103] That is, when the battery preheating mode is added to the vehicle's heating mode, the flow path of the cooling water, which serves as the second heat exchange medium, is... Figure 8 The cooling water flows along the same path. Here, it is the same as... Figure 8 The difference between the two modes is that the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve will not pass through the... Figure 9 The fluid flows to the evaporator 220 of the first air conditioning module 200 via a diversion valve positioned above the expansion valve.
[0104] Thus, the vehicle thermal management system 1 of the present invention can realize various cooling water flow paths for realizing various air conditioning modes.
[0105] The invention has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof; however, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Furthermore, any distinctions relating to such modifications and alterations should be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0106] Label Explanation
[0107] 1: Vehicle thermal management system; 100: Compressor; 200: First air conditioning module; 210: First housing; 220: Evaporator; 230: First condenser; 240: PTC heater; 300: Second air conditioning module; 310: Second housing; 320: Cabin cooler; 400: Second condenser; 500: Chiller; 510: Plate unit; 512: First moving area; 514: Second moving area; 516: Third moving area; 520: First inlet. 530: First outlet; 540: Second inlet; 550: Second outlet; 560: Third inlet; 570: Third outlet; 600: Coolant heater; 700: Accumulator; 800: Circulation circuit; 810: First circuit, refrigerant circuit; 820: Second circuit, first cooling water circuit; 822: First-1 cooling water circuit; 824: First-2 cooling water circuit; 830: Third circuit, second cooling water circuit; B: Battery; W: Water pump.
Claims
1. A thermal management system for vehicles, characterized in that, The vehicle's thermal management system includes: The refrigerant circuit, which is connected to the compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator, is used to guide the first heat exchange medium to cool and heat the first area of the vehicle. The first cooling water line, connected to the cabin cooler and chiller, guides the second heat exchange medium to cool the second area of the vehicle; and The second cooling water line, connected to the battery and the aforementioned chiller, guides the second heat exchange medium to heat the second area of the vehicle and cool the battery. In the aforementioned chiller, the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium exchange heat. The first heat exchange medium flowing into the chiller first exchanges heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing into the chiller from the first cooling water line, and then exchanges heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing into the chiller from the second cooling water line.
2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle's thermal management system includes: The first air conditioning module is located in the first area of the aforementioned vehicle; A second air conditioning module, which is configured in the second area of the aforementioned vehicle; and A chiller includes a board unit comprising a first moving area for the movement of the second heat exchange medium flowing to the second air conditioning module, a second moving area for the movement of the second heat exchange medium flowing to the battery, and a third moving area for the movement of the first heat exchange medium. The first heat exchange medium flows through the first moving area of the plate unit of the chiller and then through the second moving area.
3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, After exchanging heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing through the first moving area of the plate unit of the chiller, the first heat exchange medium then exchanges heat with the second heat exchange medium flowing through the second moving area of the plate unit of the chiller.
4. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned chillers include: A first inlet, disposed in the first moving area of the plate unit, is used to allow the first heat exchange medium flowing along the refrigerant line to flow into the interior of the plate unit; and a first outlet, disposed in the second moving area of the plate unit, is used to discharge the first heat exchange medium to the outside of the plate unit.
5. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned chillers include: A second inlet, disposed in the first moving area of the plate unit, is used to allow the second heat exchange medium flowing along the first cooling water line to flow into the interior of the plate unit; and a second outlet, disposed in the first moving area of the plate unit, is used to discharge the second heat exchange medium to the outside of the plate unit.
6. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned chillers include: A third inlet, disposed in the second moving area of the plate unit, is used to allow the second heat exchange medium flowing along the second cooling water line to flow into the interior of the plate unit; and a third outlet, disposed in the second moving area of the plate unit, is used to discharge the second heat exchange medium to the outside of the plate unit.
7. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cooling water line and the second cooling water line have a shared area where the second heat exchange medium can be moved according to the vehicle's air conditioning mode.
8. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vehicle is in cooling mode, The first cooling water line and the second cooling water line mentioned above constitute independent lines.
9. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle's thermal management system includes: A coolant heater that houses the second heat exchange medium internally and heats the second heat exchange medium. The aforementioned first cooling water line includes: The first-1 cooling water line constitutes the path for the second heat exchange medium to pass through the chiller and the cabin cooler in the vehicle's cooling mode; and The first and second cooling water lines form the path through which the second heat exchange medium passes through the coolant heater and the cabin cooler in the vehicle's heating mode.
10. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The aforementioned first-1 cooling water line and the aforementioned first-2 cooling water line have a shared area where the aforementioned second heat exchange medium can be moved according to the vehicle's air conditioning mode.
11. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first and second cooling water lines mentioned above are connected to each other when the dehumidification mode is activated in the vehicle's heating mode.
12. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first and second cooling water lines mentioned above are connected to each other when the battery preheating mode is added to the vehicle's heating mode.
13. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the vehicle is in cooling mode, The second heat exchange medium, which flows along the first-1 cooling water line, flows through the chiller and exchanges heat with the first heat exchange medium before flowing to the compartment cooler.
14. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the vehicle's heating mode, the second heat exchange medium, which flows along the first and second cooling water lines, is heated by the coolant heater and then flows to the passenger compartment cooler.
15. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the vehicle's dehumidification mode, the second heat exchange medium, flowing along the first and second cooling water lines and the second cooling water line, flows sequentially through the coolant heater, the battery, and the chiller before reaching the cabin cooler.