A vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control method and control system

By optimizing the control strategies of the PCM cold storage module and compressor, the problem of insufficient PCM utilization in the vehicle refrigerator refrigeration system was solved, achieving stable temperature control and energy-saving effects.

CN122149143APending Publication Date: 2026-06-05GUANGDONG INDELB ENTERPRISE CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG INDELB ENTERPRISE CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-02-06
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing vehicle refrigerator refrigeration systems, the PCM cold storage module is underutilized, leading to frequent compressor start-stop, energy consumption fluctuations, and worsened NVH, resulting in unstable temperature control inside the vehicle refrigerator.

Method used

By setting the cooling conditions, insufficient cooling conditions, and liquid supply constraints of the PCM cold storage module, the operating status of the PCM cold storage module and the compressor can be controlled, and the liquid supply of the electronic expansion valve can be optimized to achieve precise cooling capacity control.

Benefits of technology

It improves the cooling efficiency of the vehicle refrigerator, avoids frequent compressor start-stop and energy consumption fluctuations, and stabilizes the temperature control inside the vehicle refrigerator.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of vehicle-mounted refrigerator cold quantity control method and control system are provided with, control method is through setting PCM cold accumulation module cooling condition, PCM cold accumulation module cooling insufficient condition and liquid supply constraint condition, when being cooled to vehicle-mounted refrigerator, the real-time state of each module is detected, when satisfying PCM cold accumulation module cooling condition, control PCM cold accumulation module carries out cooling operation, when satisfying PCM cold accumulation module cooling insufficient condition, according to the cold quantity demand of vehicle-mounted refrigerator, generate cold quantity request, control compressor starts and according to the operating state of cold quantity request control compressor, control electronic expansion valve carries out refrigerant liquid supply under liquid supply constraint condition, while improving the refrigeration efficiency of vehicle-mounted refrigerator, avoid the problem of insufficient PCM cold accumulation utilization rate, and without causing compressor frequent start-stop, energy consumption fluctuation and NVH deterioration phenomenon, effectively improve the control effect of temperature in vehicle-mounted refrigerator.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent control technology, and more specifically to a method and control system for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] To improve the comfort of car travel, car designers install car refrigerators inside the car and use them to cool food and beverages.

[0003] Existing vehicle refrigerator refrigeration systems share a compressor with the vehicle's overall refrigeration system. In this system, the vehicle refrigerator is connected to the vehicle's refrigeration system via an electronic expansion valve, and the vehicle's thermal management controller centrally manages the compressor and condenser capacity.

[0004] In existing technologies, shared compressor refrigeration solutions incorporate PCM (Polymerized Module) cold storage modules as a cold capacity buffer. However, these solutions suffer from insufficient PCM cold storage utilization. The refrigerator requests compressor cooling even when the internal temperature slightly exceeds the limit, leading to frequent compressor start-stop cycles, energy consumption fluctuations, and deterioration of NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). Furthermore, the cold capacity requests output from the refrigerator's nodes are poorly expressed, resulting in inadequate temperature control within the refrigerator compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and control system for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve the problem is: A method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes the following steps: The parameter setting steps involve collecting the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module, setting the target temperature, and setting the cooling conditions, insufficient cooling conditions, and liquid supply constraint conditions of the PCM cold storage module. The temperature difference calculation steps are as follows: calculate the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The cooling demand generation step generates the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator based on the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. PCM cooling process: When the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module are met, control the PCM cold storage module to perform cooling operation. In the compressor refrigeration process, when the PCM cold storage module fails to release enough cold, a cold capacity request is generated based on the cold capacity demand of the vehicle refrigerator. The compressor is then started and its operating status is controlled according to the cold capacity request. The electronic expansion valve is controlled to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraints.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module include the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than zero, the PCM cold storage module being in an available state, and the compressor being in a disabled state or in a high-priority occupied state.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting step also includes setting a temperature switching threshold, a maximum cooling time, a cooling rate threshold, and a door opening jump threshold. The conditions for insufficient cooling by the PCM cold storage module include: the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module being greater than or equal to the difference between the target temperature and the temperature switching threshold; or, the duration of the cooling operation of the PCM cold storage module being greater than the maximum cooling duration and the rate of change of the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator being less than the cooling rate threshold; or, the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than the door opening jump threshold.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting step also includes setting an upper limit for the slope and a first minimum holding time; The cooling capacity request includes detecting the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, calculating the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, wherein the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module is less than the upper limit of the slope, and the duration for which the PCM cold storage module maintains its rate of change of cooling power less than the upper limit of the slope is greater than the first minimum holding duration.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting step further includes setting a first liquid hammer threshold, a second liquid hammer threshold, and a second minimum holding time; The liquid supply constraint conditions include detecting the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve, the superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a first liquid hammer threshold, or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a second liquid hammer threshold, the duration for which the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the first liquid hammer threshold or the duration for which the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the second liquid hammer threshold being greater than a second minimum holding time.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting step also includes setting a safety opening value; The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator also includes the following steps: Liquid slugging protection steps: When the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the first liquid slugging threshold, or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the second liquid slugging threshold, liquid slugging protection linkage operation is executed. Executing liquid slugging protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to decrease to a safe opening value and reducing the cooling demand.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting step also includes setting an upper limit value for the opening degree, an evaporation temperature threshold value, and a duration threshold value. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator also includes the following steps: The freeze protection step detects the evaporation temperature of the evaporator. When the evaporation temperature is greater than the evaporation temperature threshold and the duration of this state is greater than the duration threshold, the freeze protection linkage operation is executed. The freeze protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be maintained within the upper limit of the opening degree and reducing the cooling demand.

[0013] This application also discloses a vehicle refrigerator cooling capacity control system. In its first embodiment, it includes a thermal management controller, a compressor, a vehicle refrigerator slave node ECU, an electronic expansion valve, a PCM cold storage module, a cabinet temperature sensor, and a PCM temperature sensor. The thermal management controller is connected to the compressor, the vehicle refrigerator slave node ECU, the electronic expansion valve, the PCM cold storage module, the cabinet temperature sensor, and the PCM temperature sensor, respectively. The thermal management controller includes: The parameter setting module is used to collect the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator through the cabinet temperature sensor, collect the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module through the PCM temperature sensor, set the target temperature, set the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module, the insufficient cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module, and the liquid supply constraint conditions. The temperature difference calculation module is used to calculate the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The cooling demand generation module is used to generate the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator based on the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The PCM cooling module is used to control the PCM cooling module to perform cooling operation when the cooling conditions of the PCM cooling module are met. The compressor refrigeration module is used to generate a cooling request based on the cooling capacity demand of the vehicle refrigerator when the PCM cold storage module fails to release enough cooling capacity. It controls the compressor to start and controls the compressor's operating status according to the cooling capacity request. It also controls the electronic expansion valve to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraints.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module include the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than zero, the PCM cold storage module being in an available state, and the compressor being in a disabled state or in a high-priority occupied state.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting module is also used to set the temperature switching threshold, the maximum cooling time, the cooling rate threshold, and the door opening jump threshold. The conditions for insufficient cooling by the PCM cold storage module include: the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module being greater than or equal to the difference between the target temperature and the temperature switching threshold; or, the duration of the cooling operation of the PCM cold storage module being greater than the maximum cooling duration and the rate of change of the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator being less than the cooling rate threshold; or, the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than the door opening jump threshold.

[0016] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting module is also used to set the upper limit of the slope and the first minimum holding time; The cooling capacity request includes detecting the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, calculating the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, wherein the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module is less than the upper limit of the slope, and the duration for which the PCM cold storage module maintains its rate of change of cooling power less than the upper limit of the slope is greater than the first minimum holding duration.

[0017] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting module is also used to set a first liquid hammer threshold, a second liquid hammer threshold, and a second minimum holding time; The liquid supply constraint conditions include detecting the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve, the superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a first liquid hammer threshold, or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a second liquid hammer threshold, the duration for which the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the first liquid hammer threshold or the duration for which the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the second liquid hammer threshold being greater than a second minimum holding time.

[0018] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting module is also used to set the safety opening value; The thermal management controller also includes: The liquid slugging protection module performs a liquid slugging protection linkage operation when the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the first liquid slugging threshold, or when the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the second liquid slugging threshold. The liquid slugging protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to decrease to a safe opening value and reducing the cooling demand.

[0019] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the parameter setting module is also used to set the upper limit of the opening degree, the evaporation temperature threshold, and the duration threshold. The thermal management controller also includes: The freeze protection module is used to detect the evaporation temperature of the evaporator. When the evaporation temperature is greater than the evaporation temperature threshold and the duration of this state is greater than the duration threshold, the freeze protection linkage operation is executed. The freeze protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be maintained within the upper limit of the opening degree and reducing the cooling demand.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This technical solution sets up cooling conditions for the PCM cold storage module, insufficient cooling conditions for the PCM cold storage module, and liquid supply constraint conditions. When cooling the vehicle refrigerator, the real-time status of multiple modules is detected. When the cooling conditions for the PCM cold storage module are met, the PCM cold storage module is controlled to perform cooling operation. When the insufficient cooling conditions for the PCM cold storage module are met, a cooling request is generated according to the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator. The compressor is controlled to start and its operating status is controlled according to the cooling request. The electronic expansion valve is controlled to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraint conditions. This improves the cooling efficiency of the vehicle refrigerator while avoiding the problem of insufficient PCM cold storage utilization. It also avoids frequent compressor start-stop, energy consumption fluctuations, and NVH deterioration, effectively improving the control effect of the temperature inside the vehicle refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the control method of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control system structure of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0026] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 This application discloses a method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator. Its first embodiment includes the following steps: The parameter setting steps involve collecting the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module, setting the target temperature, and setting the cooling conditions, insufficient cooling conditions, and liquid supply constraint conditions of the PCM cold storage module. The temperature difference calculation steps are as follows: calculate the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The cooling demand generation step generates the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator based on the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. PCM cooling process: When the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module are met, control the PCM cold storage module to perform cooling operation. In the compressor refrigeration process, when the PCM cold storage module fails to release enough cold, a cold capacity request is generated based on the cold capacity demand of the vehicle refrigerator. The compressor is then started and its operating status is controlled according to the cold capacity request. The electronic expansion valve is controlled to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraints.

[0028] Specifically, this embodiment includes conditions for the PCM cold storage module to release cold, conditions for insufficient PCM cold storage module release, and liquid supply constraint conditions. When cooling the vehicle refrigerator, the real-time status of multiple modules is monitored. When the PCM cold storage module release condition is met, the PCM cold storage module is controlled to release cold. When the PCM cold storage module release condition is met, a cooling request is generated based on the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator. The compressor is then started, and its operating status is controlled according to the cooling request. The electronic expansion valve is controlled to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraint conditions. This improves the cooling efficiency of the vehicle refrigerator while avoiding insufficient PCM cold storage utilization. It also avoids frequent compressor start-stop, energy consumption fluctuations, and NVH deterioration, effectively improving the temperature control effect inside the vehicle refrigerator.

[0029] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module include the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than zero, the PCM cold storage module being in an available state, and the compressor being in a disabled state or in a high-priority occupied state.

[0030] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting step also includes setting a temperature switching threshold, a maximum cooling time, a cooling rate threshold, and a door opening jump threshold. The conditions for insufficient cooling by the PCM cold storage module include: the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module being greater than or equal to the difference between the target temperature and the temperature switching threshold; or, the duration of the cooling operation of the PCM cold storage module being greater than the maximum cooling duration and the rate of change of the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator being less than the cooling rate threshold; or, the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than the door opening jump threshold.

[0031] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting step also includes setting the exit hysteresis value and the cooling duration; In the compressor refrigeration step, when the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator is less than the difference between the target temperature and the exit hysteresis value, and the duration of this state is greater than the duration of refrigeration, the compressor is controlled to stop refrigerating the vehicle refrigerator.

[0032] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting step further includes setting an upper limit for the slope and a first minimum holding time; The cooling request includes detecting the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, calculating the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module being less than the upper limit of the slope, the duration for which the PCM cold storage module maintains its rate of change of cooling power being less than the upper limit of the slope being greater than the first minimum hold duration, and when the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator is less than the difference between the target temperature and the exit hysteresis value, and the duration of this state is greater than the cooling duration, the cooling request is reduced to zero.

[0033] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting step further includes setting a first liquid hammer threshold, a second liquid hammer threshold, and a second minimum holding time; The liquid supply constraint conditions include detecting the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve; the superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a first liquid slugging threshold; or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a second liquid slugging threshold; and the duration for which the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the first liquid slugging threshold or the duration for which the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the second liquid slugging threshold being greater than a second minimum holding time. In the compressor refrigeration step, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is controlled in a closed loop based on the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve. When the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is too high, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is increased; when the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is too low, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is decreased.

[0034] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting step also includes setting a safety opening value; The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator also includes the following steps: Liquid slugging protection steps: When the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the first liquid slugging threshold, or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the second liquid slugging threshold, liquid slugging protection linkage operation is executed. Executing liquid slugging protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to decrease to a safe opening value and reducing the cooling demand.

[0035] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting step also includes setting an upper limit value for the opening degree, an evaporation temperature threshold, and a duration threshold; The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator also includes the following steps: The freeze protection step detects the evaporation temperature of the evaporator. When the evaporation temperature is greater than the evaporation temperature threshold and the duration of this state is greater than the duration threshold, the freeze protection linkage operation is executed. The freeze protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be maintained within the upper limit of the opening degree and reducing the cooling demand.

[0036] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting step further includes setting PCM pre-charge cooling conditions; The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator also includes the following steps: In the PCM pre-charge cooling step, when the PCM pre-charge cooling conditions are met, the compressor is controlled to perform a charging and cooling operation on the PCM cold storage module.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pre-charging conditions of the PCM include the compressor being in operation and the PCM cold storage module being in a state where the charging is not yet completed.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 This application also discloses a vehicle refrigerator cooling capacity control system. Its first embodiment includes a thermal management controller, a compressor, a vehicle refrigerator slave node ECU, an electronic expansion valve, a PCM cold storage module, a cabinet temperature sensor, and a PCM temperature sensor. The thermal management controller is connected to the compressor, the vehicle refrigerator slave node ECU, the electronic expansion valve, the PCM cold storage module, the cabinet temperature sensor, and the PCM temperature sensor, respectively. The thermal management controller includes: The parameter setting module is used to collect the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator through the cabinet temperature sensor, collect the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module through the PCM temperature sensor, set the target temperature, set the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module, the insufficient cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module, and the liquid supply constraint conditions. The temperature difference calculation module is used to calculate the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The cooling demand generation module is used to generate the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator based on the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The PCM cooling module is used to control the PCM cooling module to perform cooling operation when the cooling conditions of the PCM cooling module are met. The compressor refrigeration module is used to generate a cooling request based on the cooling capacity demand of the vehicle refrigerator when the PCM cold storage module fails to release enough cooling capacity. It controls the compressor to start and controls the compressor's operating status according to the cooling capacity request. It also controls the electronic expansion valve to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraints.

[0039] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module include the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than zero, the PCM cold storage module being in an available state, and the compressor being in a disabled state or in a high-priority occupied state.

[0040] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting module is also used to set the temperature switching threshold, the maximum cooling time, the cooling rate threshold, and the door opening jump threshold. The conditions for insufficient cooling by the PCM cold storage module include: the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module being greater than or equal to the difference between the target temperature and the temperature switching threshold; or, the duration of the cooling operation of the PCM cold storage module being greater than the maximum cooling duration and the rate of change of the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator being less than the cooling rate threshold; or, the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than the door opening jump threshold.

[0041] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting module is also used to set the exit hysteresis value and the cooling duration; In the compressor refrigeration module, when the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator is less than the difference between the target temperature and the exit hysteresis value, and the duration of this state is greater than the duration of refrigeration, the compressor is controlled to stop refrigerating the vehicle refrigerator.

[0042] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting module is also used to set the upper limit of the slope and the first minimum holding time; The cooling request includes detecting the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, calculating the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module being less than the upper limit of the slope, the duration for which the PCM cold storage module maintains its rate of change of cooling power being less than the upper limit of the slope being greater than the first minimum hold duration, and when the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator is less than the difference between the target temperature and the exit hysteresis value, and the duration of this state is greater than the cooling duration, the cooling request is reduced to zero.

[0043] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting module is also used to set a first liquid hammer threshold, a second liquid hammer threshold, and a second minimum holding time; The liquid supply constraint conditions include detecting the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve; the superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a first liquid slugging threshold; or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a second liquid slugging threshold; and the duration for which the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the first liquid slugging threshold or the duration for which the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the second liquid slugging threshold being greater than a second minimum holding time. In the compressor refrigeration module, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is controlled in a closed loop based on the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve. When the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is too high, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is increased; when the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is too low, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is decreased.

[0044] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting module is also used to set the safety opening value; The thermal management controller also includes: The liquid slugging protection module performs a liquid slugging protection linkage operation when the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the first liquid slugging threshold, or when the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the second liquid slugging threshold. The liquid slugging protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to decrease to a safe opening value and reducing the cooling demand.

[0045] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting module is also used to set the upper limit of the opening degree, the evaporation temperature threshold, and the duration threshold. The thermal management controller also includes: The freeze protection module is used to detect the evaporation temperature of the evaporator. When the evaporation temperature is greater than the evaporation temperature threshold and the duration of this state is greater than the duration threshold, the freeze protection linkage operation is executed. The freeze protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be maintained within the upper limit of the opening degree and reducing the cooling demand.

[0046] As a further preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the parameter setting module is also used to set the PCM pre-charge cooling conditions; The thermal management controller also includes: The PCM pre-charge cooling module is used to control the compressor to charge the PCM cold storage module when the PCM pre-charge cooling conditions are met.

[0047] In this embodiment, the pre-charging conditions of the PCM include the compressor being in operation and the PCM cold storage module being in a state where the charging is not yet completed.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present invention using the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The parameter setting steps involve collecting the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module, setting the target temperature, and setting the cooling conditions, insufficient cooling conditions, and liquid supply constraint conditions of the PCM cold storage module. The temperature difference calculation steps are as follows: calculate the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The cooling demand generation step generates the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator based on the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. PCM cooling process: When the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module are met, control the PCM cold storage module to perform cooling operation. In the compressor refrigeration process, when the PCM cold storage module fails to release enough cold, a cold capacity request is generated based on the cold capacity demand of the vehicle refrigerator. The compressor is then started and its operating status is controlled according to the cold capacity request. The electronic expansion valve is controlled to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraints.

2. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling conditions for the PCM cold storage module include the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than zero, the PCM cold storage module being in an available state, and the compressor being in a disabled state or in a high-priority occupied state.

3. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The parameter setting steps also include setting the temperature switching threshold, the maximum cooling time, the cooling rate threshold, and the door opening jump threshold. The conditions for insufficient cooling of the PCM cold storage module include: the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module being greater than or equal to the difference between the target temperature and the temperature switching threshold; or, the duration of the cooling operation of the PCM cold storage module being greater than the maximum cooling duration and the rate of change of the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator being less than the cooling rate threshold; or, the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than the door opening jump threshold.

4. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The parameter setting steps also include setting an upper limit for the slope and a first minimum hold time; The cooling capacity request includes detecting the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, calculating the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, wherein the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module is less than the upper limit of the slope, and the duration for which the PCM cold storage module maintains its rate of change of cooling power less than the upper limit of the slope is greater than the first minimum holding time.

5. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The parameter setting steps also include setting a first liquid hammer threshold, a second liquid hammer threshold, and a second minimum holding time; The liquid supply constraint conditions include detecting the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve, the superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a first liquid hammer threshold, or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a second liquid hammer threshold, the duration for which the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the first liquid hammer threshold or the duration for which the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the second liquid hammer threshold being greater than a second minimum holding time.

6. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The parameter setting steps also include setting a safety opening value; The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator also includes the following steps: Liquid slugging protection steps: When the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the first liquid slugging threshold, or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the second liquid slugging threshold, liquid slugging protection linkage operation is executed. Executing liquid slugging protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to decrease to a safe opening value and reducing the cooling demand.

7. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The parameter setting steps also include setting the upper limit of the opening degree, the threshold of the evaporation temperature, and the threshold of the duration. The method for controlling the cooling capacity of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator also includes the following steps: The freeze protection step detects the evaporation temperature of the evaporator. When the evaporation temperature is greater than the evaporation temperature threshold and the duration of this state is greater than the duration threshold, the freeze protection linkage operation is executed. The freeze protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be maintained within the upper limit of the opening degree and reducing the cooling demand.

8. A vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control system, characterized in that: It includes a thermal management controller, a compressor, an on-board refrigerator slave node ECU, an electronic expansion valve, a PCM cold storage module, a cabinet temperature sensor, and a PCM temperature sensor. The thermal management controller is connected to the compressor, the on-board refrigerator slave node ECU, the electronic expansion valve, the PCM cold storage module, the cabinet temperature sensor, and the PCM temperature sensor, respectively. The thermal management controller includes: The parameter setting module is used to collect the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator through the cabinet temperature sensor, collect the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module through the PCM temperature sensor, set the target temperature, set the cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module, the insufficient cooling conditions of the PCM cold storage module, and the liquid supply constraint conditions. The temperature difference calculation module is used to calculate the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The cooling demand generation module is used to generate the cooling demand of the vehicle refrigerator based on the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature. The PCM cooling module is used to control the PCM cooling module to perform cooling operation when the cooling conditions of the PCM cooling module are met. The compressor refrigeration module is used to generate a cooling request based on the cooling capacity demand of the vehicle refrigerator when the PCM cold storage module fails to release enough cooling capacity. It controls the compressor to start and controls the compressor's operating status according to the cooling capacity request. It also controls the electronic expansion valve to supply refrigerant under liquid supply constraints.

9. A vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cooling conditions for the PCM cold storage module include the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than zero, the PCM cold storage module being in an available state, and the compressor being in a disabled state or in a high-priority occupied state.

10. A vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The parameter setting module is also used to set the temperature switching threshold, the maximum cooling time, the cooling rate threshold, and the door opening jump threshold. The conditions for insufficient cooling by the PCM cold storage module include: the module temperature of the PCM cold storage module being greater than or equal to the difference between the target temperature and the temperature switching threshold; or, the duration of the cooling operation of the PCM cold storage module being greater than the maximum cooling duration and the rate of change of the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator being less than the cooling rate threshold; or, the difference between the internal temperature of the vehicle refrigerator and the target temperature being greater than the door opening jump threshold.

11. A vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The parameter setting module is also used to set the upper limit of the slope and the first minimum holding time; The cooling capacity request includes detecting the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, calculating the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module, wherein the rate of change of the cooling power of the PCM cold storage module is less than the upper limit of the slope, and the duration for which the PCM cold storage module maintains its rate of change of cooling power less than the upper limit of the slope is greater than the first minimum holding duration.

12. The vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The parameter setting module is also used to set a first liquid hammer threshold, a second liquid hammer threshold, and a second minimum holding time; The liquid supply constraint conditions include detecting the superheat or equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve, the superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a first liquid hammer threshold, or the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve being greater than a second liquid hammer threshold, the duration for which the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the first liquid hammer threshold or the duration for which the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the second liquid hammer threshold being greater than a second minimum holding time.

13. A vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The parameter setting module is also used to set the safety opening value; The thermal management controller also includes: The liquid slugging protection module performs a liquid slugging protection linkage operation when the superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the first liquid slugging threshold, or when the equivalent superheat of the electronic expansion valve is less than the second liquid slugging threshold. The liquid slugging protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to decrease to a safe opening value and reducing the cooling demand.

14. A vehicle-mounted refrigerator cooling capacity control system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The parameter setting module is also used to set the upper limit of the opening degree, the threshold of the evaporation temperature, and the threshold of the duration. The thermal management controller also includes: The freeze protection module is used to detect the evaporation temperature of the evaporator. When the evaporation temperature is greater than the evaporation temperature threshold and the duration of this state is greater than the duration threshold, the freeze protection linkage operation is executed. The freeze protection linkage operation includes controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be maintained within the upper limit of the opening degree and reducing the cooling demand.