Heat pump system for a vehicle

Abstract

A heat pump system for a vehicle is provided that improves overall cooling and heating performance and efficiency by significantly increasing the enthalpy difference of an evaporator or chiller when cooling or heating the vehicle interior. The heat pump system improves overall cooling and heating performance further by using a high temperature coolant to heat the vehicle interior and by removing a conventional heat exchanger used to subcool the refrigerant. The heat pump system is also configured to exchange heat between refrigerants having different temperatures and is also configured to employ a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the coolant and the refrigerant.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0181008, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a heat pump system for vehicles, and more specifically, to a heat pump system for vehicles that improves overall cooling and heating performance and efficiency by using a high-temperature coolant to heat the vehicle interior and by reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant when cooling or heating the vehicle interior. Background Technology

[0003] Air conditioning systems for vehicles include air conditioning units that circulate refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0004] The air conditioning unit is used to maintain the interior of the vehicle at an appropriate temperature regardless of changes in the outside temperature to maintain a comfortable interior environment. The air conditioning unit is configured to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle by exchanging heat with the condenser and evaporator as the refrigerant discharged by the compressor is circulated back to the compressor through the condenser, receiver-dryer, expansion valve and evaporator.

[0005] In other words, the air conditioning unit condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed from the compressor through the condenser, and then passes the refrigerant through the receiver-dryer and expansion valve. In summer, the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator in cooling mode, thereby reducing the internal temperature and humidity.

[0006] As people become increasingly interested in energy efficiency and environmental pollution issues, there is a need to develop an environmentally friendly vehicle that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles that use engines and batteries for power.

[0007] In these eco-friendly electric or hybrid vehicles, unlike the air conditioning in ordinary vehicles, a separate heater is not used. The air conditioning used in eco-friendly vehicles is usually called a heat pump system.

[0008] Electric vehicles powered by fuel cells generate propulsion by converting energy into electricity through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen. During this process, the chemical reaction within the fuel cell produces heat. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the fuel cell, it is necessary to effectively remove the generated heat.

[0009] Furthermore, hybrid vehicles generate propulsion by using an electric motor powered by electricity supplied from the aforementioned fuel cell or battery, and an engine operated by conventional fuels (such as gasoline). Therefore, the heat generated by the fuel cell or battery and the motor must be effectively removed to ensure the motor's performance.

[0010] Therefore, in hybrid or electric vehicles according to the prior art, the cooling device, heat pump system and battery cooling system should be configured as separate closed circuits to prevent overheating of the motor, electrical components and the battery including the fuel cell.

[0011] Therefore, the size and weight of the cooling module located at the front of the vehicle increase, and the layout of the connecting pipes supplying refrigerant and coolant to each of the heat pump system, cooling device, and battery cooling system in the engine compartment becomes more complex.

[0012] Furthermore, since the battery cooling system is provided individually for heating or cooling the battery according to the vehicle condition to obtain the battery's optimal performance, multiple valves are used for selectively interconnecting the connecting pipes. Therefore, noise and vibration generated by the frequent opening and closing of the valves may be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the vehicle's ride comfort.

[0013] To improve the condensation rate of the refrigerant, traditional heat pump systems employ a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant supplied from the evaporator and a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant supplied from the condenser.

[0014] However, this heat exchanger causes a pressure drop in the refrigerant introduced into the evaporator, which reduces the compressor's suction pressure and density, resulting in a decrease in the total flow rate of refrigerant in a conventional heat pump system, and a deterioration in cooling and heating performance and efficiency.

[0015] In addition, in order to improve the cooling and heating efficiency inside the vehicle, the compressor needs to be operated excessively, which has the disadvantage of increasing the power required by the compressor and increasing power consumption.

[0016] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0017] This invention provides a heat pump system for vehicles that improves overall cooling and heating performance and efficiency by significantly increasing the enthalpy difference between the evaporator and cooler when cooling or heating the vehicle interior. The heat pump system heats the vehicle interior using a high-temperature coolant and improves overall performance by removing a conventional heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between refrigerants at different temperatures and instead using an additional heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the coolant and refrigerant.

[0018] This invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising a compressor configured to compress refrigerant. The heat pump system also includes an HVAC module comprising a heater core and an evaporator connected to the compressor via a refrigerant line, and includes an on / off valve configured to selectively introduce air already passing through the evaporator into the heater core based on a cooling or heating mode within the vehicle interior. The heat pump system also includes a condenser connected to the compressor via a refrigerant line and configured to condense the refrigerant. The heat pump system also includes a heat exchanger connected to the condenser via a refrigerant line and configured to exchange heat between the coolant and the refrigerant. The heat pump system further includes a first expansion valve disposed between the heat exchanger and the evaporator and connected to both via a refrigerant line. The heat pump system also includes a connecting line having a first end connected to a refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and a second end connected to a refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor. The heat pump system also includes a cooler disposed on the connecting pipeline, configured to regulate the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the coolant and the refrigerant. The heat pump system also includes an electrical component cooling device connected to the condenser via a first coolant line, allowing the first coolant to flow along the first coolant line. The electrical component cooling device can be connected to both the heat exchanger and the cooler via a second coolant line, thereby selectively supplying the first coolant to both the heat exchanger and the cooler.

[0019] The heat exchanger can be constructed as an integral part of the condenser.

[0020] The refrigerant flowing from the compressor along the refrigerant line passes sequentially through the condenser and the heat exchanger.

[0021] The heat pump system may also include a second expansion valve located on a connecting line upstream of the cooler. The heat pump system may also include a battery module connected to the heat exchanger and cooler via a third coolant line, selectively allowing a second coolant to flow through the third coolant line, wherein the heater core is connected to the condenser via a fourth coolant line, selectively allowing the third coolant to flow along the fourth coolant line.

[0022] In the vehicle's cooling mode, sections of the refrigerant lines connecting the compressor, condenser, heat exchanger, first expansion valve, and evaporator can be opened. The connecting lines can be opened via the second expansion valve. The first coolant line can be opened, supplying first coolant to the condenser. The second coolant line can be closed. The third coolant line can be opened, supplying second coolant to the heat exchanger, cooler, and battery module. The fourth coolant line can be closed. The first expansion valve expands the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant lines and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator. The second expansion valve expands the refrigerant introduced through the connecting lines and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the cooler.

[0023] The heat exchanger can exchange heat between the second coolant supplied from the battery module through the third coolant line and the refrigerant, and the cooler can supply the second coolant cooled by the heat exchange with the refrigerant to the battery module through the third coolant line.

[0024] In the vehicle's interior heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, condenser, and heat exchanger can be opened. The portions of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of this connecting line to the evaporator, and the portions connecting the evaporator to the second end of the connecting line, can be closed by a first expansion valve. The connecting line can be opened by a second expansion valve. The first coolant line can be closed. The second coolant line can be opened, allowing first coolant to be supplied to the condenser and cooler. The third coolant line can be closed. The fourth coolant line can be opened. The first expansion valve can be deactivated. The second expansion valve allows the refrigerant introduced through the connecting line to expand, and the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler.

[0025] The condenser can supply the heater core with the third coolant, which has been heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant, through the fourth coolant line.

[0026] The heat exchanger and cooler can recover ambient air heat and waste heat from electrical components while exchanging heat between the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device via the second coolant line and the refrigerant.

[0027] The heat exchanger can exchange heat between the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device via the second coolant line and the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, while additionally condensing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser.

[0028] The cooler can evaporate the refrigerant while exchanging heat with the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device through the second coolant line, and can supply the evaporated refrigerant to the compressor.

[0029] The condenser can be a water-cooled heat exchanger in which a first or third coolant flows.

[0030] The heat exchanger and cooler can be a water-cooled heat exchanger in which a first coolant or a second coolant flows.

[0031] The second expansion valve can be an electronic expansion valve, configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the refrigerant flow.

[0032] A heat pump system may also include a receiver-and-discharge device on the refrigerant line located between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0033] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system for a vehicle can heat the vehicle interior by using a high-temperature coolant, and in order to subcool the refrigerant, a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the coolant and the refrigerant can be used instead of a conventional heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between refrigerants with different temperatures, so as to significantly increase the enthalpy difference of the evaporator or cooler when cooling or heating the vehicle interior, thereby improving the overall cooling and heating performance and efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant during cooling or heating, the total flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the system can be increased, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the system.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the refrigerant condenses, the heat energy generated by the refrigerant can be selectively exchanged with the coolant, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated more effectively by using the high-temperature coolant that exchanges heat.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when heating the interior of a vehicle, the heating efficiency of the vehicle can be improved by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat from electrical components, and waste heat from the battery module, and the optimal performance of the battery module can be achieved by effectively regulating the temperature of the battery module, thereby increasing the overall driving range of the vehicle.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the present invention, due to the simplification of the entire system, the overall manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced by minimizing the number of components, and space utilization can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is an operational diagram of the cooling mode of a vehicle interior for a heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3This is an operational diagram of the heating mode of the vehicle interior of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10: Compressor 11: Refrigerant Piping 12: HVAC Module 12a: Open / Close Door 13: Condenser 14: Heat exchanger 15: First expansion valve 16: Evaporator 17: Liquid reservoir 20: Cooler 21: Connecting pipelines 23: Second expansion valve 100: Electrical component cooling device 102: First coolant line 104: Second coolant line 200: Battery Module 202: Third Coolant Line 300: Heater core 302: Fourth coolant line Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the structures depicted in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and do not cover the full scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of the disclosed embodiments may exist when applying the technical concepts of this specification.

[0043] To clarify the invention, parts irrelevant to the description may have been omitted. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same elements or equivalents are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0044] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element may be shown arbitrarily in the accompanying drawings, but the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0045] Furthermore, unless there is an explicit description to the contrary, "including," "having," "comprising," and variations thereof should be understood as implying the inclusion of the stated element, but not excluding any other element.

[0046] Furthermore, each term described in the specification, such as “…unit,” “…device,” “…part,” “…component,” and “…building,” refers to a unit of a comprehensive element that performs at least one function or operation. When a component, device, unit, module, controller, detector, element, etc., of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., herein, that component, device, unit, module, controller, detector, or element should be considered as “configured to” satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function. The present invention describes a controller and data detector for a cooling system. The controller, detector, or other such components may be embodied separately or contained in a processor and memory, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, as part of the controller or component.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system for a vehicle can heat the vehicle interior by using a high-temperature coolant. A conventional heat exchanger configured to exchange refrigerants at different temperatures for refrigerant subcooling can be removed. Furthermore, by additionally employing a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to exchange both coolant and refrigerant, the enthalpy difference of the evaporator 16 or cooler 20 can be significantly increased when cooling or heating the vehicle interior, thereby improving the overall cooling and heating performance and efficiency of the system.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 The heat pump system may include a compressor 10, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module 12, a condenser 13, a heat exchanger 14, a first expansion valve 15, an evaporator 16, a cooler 20, connecting lines 21 and a second expansion valve 23 (through which refrigerant circulates), as well as an electrical component cooling device 100, a battery module 200 and a heater core 300 (through which refrigerant circulates).

[0050] The compressor 10 can compress the introduced refrigerant and allow the compressed refrigerant to flow along the refrigerant line 11, so that the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 11.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, the HVAC module 12 may internally include an evaporator 16 connected via a refrigerant line 11 and a heater core 300 to which a high-temperature third coolant is selectively supplied at room temperature.

[0052] Inside the HVAC module 12, an on / off door 12a (i.e., a door configured to open and close) can be provided between the evaporator 16 and the heater core 300, which is configured to regulate ambient air that has passed through the evaporator 16 to selectively introduce it into the heater core 300.

[0053] When heating the interior of the vehicle, the door 12a can be opened / closed to allow ambient air that has passed through the evaporator 16 to be introduced into the heater core 300.

[0054] In other words, the high-temperature third coolant supplied to the heater core 300 may increase the temperature of the ambient air passing through the heater core 300. In other words, the introduced ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state as it passes through the heater core 300 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving vehicle interior heating.

[0055] When cooling the vehicle interior, the opening / closing door 12a can close the side facing the heater core 300, allowing ambient air cooled by passing through the evaporator 16 to be directly introduced into the vehicle interior.

[0056] Therefore, the ambient air passing through the evaporator 16 can be cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 16 as it passes through the evaporator 16. The cooled ambient air can then be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the condenser 13 can be connected to the compressor 10 via the refrigerant line 11.

[0058] The electrical component cooling device 100 can be connected to the condenser 13 via a first coolant line 102. The electrical component cooling device 100 allows the first coolant to flow along the first coolant line 102.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical component cooling device 100 may include a heat sink and electrical components. The electrical components may include a power control device, an inverter, or an on-board charger (OBC).

[0060] The electrical component cooling device 100 configured in this way can supply the electrical components with a first coolant cooled in the radiator. In addition, the electrical component cooling device 100 can supply the first coolant to the condenser 13 through the first coolant line 102.

[0061] A water pump (not shown) may be installed on the first coolant line 102. In other words, the first coolant can circulate along the first coolant line 102 according to the operation of the water pump (not shown) (i.e., the water pump causes the coolant to flow through the coolant line).

[0062] Therefore, the condenser 13 can condense the refrigerant by using the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device 100 through the first coolant line 102.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger 14 can be connected to the condenser 13 via a refrigerant line 11. The heat exchanger 14 can be integrally configured with the condenser 13. The heat exchanger 14 can exchange heat between selectively introduced coolant and refrigerant.

[0064] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 10 along the refrigerant line 11 can pass through the condenser 13 and the heat exchanger 14 in sequence.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, a first expansion valve 15 may be provided on the refrigerant line 11 connecting the heat exchanger 14 and the evaporator 16. The first expansion valve 15 can selectively expand the introduced refrigerant.

[0066] The first expansion valve 15 may be a mechanical expansion valve configured to expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11.

[0067] One embodiment of the present invention takes a mechanical expansion valve 15 as an example, but is not limited thereto, and the first expansion valve 15 may be an electronic expansion valve configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow rate of the supplied refrigerant.

[0068] The heat pump system may also include a receiver 17 disposed on the refrigerant line 11 between the evaporator 16 and the compressor 10. The receiver 17 may supply only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 10, thereby improving the efficiency and durability of the compressor 10.

[0069] In addition, the cooler 20 can be installed on the connecting line 21 to regulate the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the selectively introduced coolant and refrigerant.

[0070] The first end of the connecting line 21 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the heat exchanger 14 and the first expansion valve 15. The second end of the connecting line 21 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the evaporator 16 and the compressor 10.

[0071] More specifically, the second end of the connecting line 21 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the evaporator and the receiver 17.

[0072] Furthermore, based on the refrigerant flow direction, the second expansion valve 23 can be installed on the connecting pipeline 21 at the upstream end of the cooler 20.

[0073] The second expansion valve 23 may be an electronic expansion valve, which is configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow rate of the supplied refrigerant.

[0074] Based on the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing along the connecting line 21, the second expansion valve 23 can be located upstream of the cooler 20, so that the cooler 20 can be introduced before the refrigerant is supplied.

[0075] In other words, the upstream end of cooler 20 can be set based on the flow direction of the refrigerant. Based on the direction of refrigerant flow along connecting line 21, the location where refrigerant is introduced into cooler 20 can be defined as the upstream end of cooler 20, and the location where refrigerant is discharged from cooler 20 can be defined as the downstream end of cooler 20.

[0076] The electrical component cooling device 100 can be connected to the heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 via the second coolant line 104, so that the first coolant can be selectively supplied to the heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 respectively.

[0077] A water pump (not shown) may be installed on the second coolant line 104. In other words, the first coolant can circulate along the second coolant line 104 depending on the operation of the water pump (not shown).

[0078] Therefore, heat exchanger 14 can exchange heat between the first coolant selectively introduced through the second coolant line 104 and the supplied refrigerant to additionally condense the refrigerant condensed in condenser 13.

[0079] In addition, the cooler 20 can exchange heat between the first coolant selectively introduced through the second coolant line 104 and the selectively supplied refrigerant to regulate the temperature of the coolant and evaporate the refrigerant.

[0080] In other words, the heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 can recover waste heat from the electrical components while exchanging heat between the first coolant and the refrigerant introduced from the electrical component cooling device 100 through the second coolant line 104, or the electrical components can be cooled by using the first coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant.

[0081] In one embodiment of the invention, the battery module 200 can be connected to the heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 via a third coolant line 202. The battery module 200 can selectively allow a second coolant to flow through the third coolant line 202.

[0082] A water pump (not shown) may be installed on the third coolant line 202. In other words, the second coolant can circulate along the third coolant line 202 depending on the operation of the water pump (not shown).

[0083] In other words, the heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 can exchange heat between the second coolant and the refrigerant introduced from the battery module 200 through the third coolant line 202 to recover the waste heat of the battery module 200, or the battery module 200 can be cooled by using the second refrigerant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant.

[0084] The heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the first coolant selectively introduced into the second coolant line 104 or the second coolant selectively introduced into the third coolant line 202.

[0085] In other words, the heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 can be water-cooled heat exchangers in which a first coolant or a second coolant flows.

[0086] Therefore, the heat exchanger 14 can exchange additional heat between the first or second coolant and the refrigerant to further reduce the temperature of the refrigerant and increase the degree of condensation.

[0087] Therefore, the heat exchanger 14 can further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 13 to increase the subcooling of the refrigerant, thereby increasing the degree of refrigerant condensation.

[0088] In other words, in one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger 14 is configured to exchange heat between the coolant and the refrigerant, rather than a conventional heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerants at different temperatures, thereby reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 16.

[0089] Therefore, when the refrigerant pressure drop decreases, the heat pump system can prevent the suction pressure and density of the compressor 10 from decreasing, and can also prevent the total flow rate of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant line 11 from decreasing.

[0090] In addition, the heat exchanger 14 can subcool the refrigerant and supply the subcooled refrigerant to the evaporator 16 or the cooler 20, thereby reducing the refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the evaporator 16 or the cooler 20.

[0091] When the refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the evaporator 16 or cooler 20 decreases, the heat pump system may significantly increase the enthalpy difference of the evaporator 16 or cooler 20, thereby improving the coefficient of performance (COP), which is the cooling capacity coefficient relative to the required compressor power, and improving overall performance and efficiency compared to conventional solutions.

[0092] In one embodiment of the invention, the heater core 300 can be connected to the condenser 13 via a fourth coolant line 302. The heater core 300 can allow a third coolant to selectively flow along the fourth coolant line 302.

[0093] A water pump (not shown) may be installed on the fourth coolant line 302. In other words, the third coolant can circulate along the fourth coolant line 302 depending on the operation of the water pump (not shown).

[0094] Therefore, in the vehicle's interior heating mode, the condenser 13 can exchange heat between the third coolant flowing along the fourth coolant line 302 and the high-temperature refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 to condense the refrigerant and raise the temperature of the third coolant.

[0095] The third coolant, whose temperature rises as it passes through the condenser 13, can be supplied along the fourth coolant line 302 to the heater core 300, thereby heating the interior of the vehicle.

[0096] The following is for reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The operation and function of a heat pump system for a vehicle configured as described above according to an embodiment of the present invention are described in detail.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the following refers to... Figure 2 Describe in detail the operation of the vehicle's interior cooling mode.

[0098] Figure 2 This is an operation diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, for a cooling mode for the vehicle interior.

[0099] Reference Figure 2 In the vehicle's interior cooling mode, the refrigerant line 11, which interconnects the compressor 10, condenser 13, heat exchanger 14, first expansion valve 15, and evaporator 16, can be opened.

[0100] In this state, when the battery module 200 needs to be cooled, the connecting line 21 can be opened through the second expansion valve 23.

[0101] The electrical component cooling device 100 can open the first coolant line 102 so that the first coolant is supplied to the condenser 13.

[0102] In addition, the second coolant line 104 can be shut off by the electrical component cooling device 100.

[0103] Therefore, the first coolant cooled in the radiator (not shown) can be supplied from the electrical component cooling device 100 to the condenser 13 through the first coolant line 102.

[0104] The third coolant line 202 can be opened to supply the second coolant to the heat exchanger 14, the cooler 20 and the battery module 200.

[0105] Furthermore, the fourth coolant line 302 can be shut off. Therefore, the third coolant may not be supplied to the heater core 300.

[0106] In this state, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be introduced into the condenser 13 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0107] The condenser 13 can condense refrigerant by using a first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device 100 through the first coolant line 102.

[0108] The refrigerant condensed in condenser 13 can be introduced into heat exchanger 14. Heat exchanger 14 can exchange heat between the second coolant supplied from battery module 200 via third coolant line 202 and the refrigerant to further condense the refrigerant.

[0109] A portion of the refrigerant that is additionally condensed in the heat exchanger 14 can be introduced into the second expansion valve 23 along the connecting line 21.

[0110] The second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the connecting line 21 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the cooler 20.

[0111] The refrigerant introduced into the cooler 20 can cool the second coolant while exchanging heat with the second coolant supplied from the battery module 200 through the third coolant line 202.

[0112] The second coolant cooled in the cooler 20 can be supplied to the battery module 200 via the heat exchanger 14 through the third coolant line 202. In other words, the cooler 20 can supply the second coolant, which is cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant, to the battery module 200 via the third coolant line 202.

[0113] Therefore, the battery module 200 can be effectively cooled by a second coolant cooled in the cooler 20.

[0114] In other words, the second coolant circulating through the third coolant line 202 can effectively cool the battery module 200 while repeating the above operations.

[0115] The remaining refrigerant in the additional condensed refrigerant in the heat exchanger 14 can be introduced into the first expansion valve 15 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0116] The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 16.

[0117] In this state, the ambient air introduced into the HVAC module 12 can be cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 16 as it passes through the evaporator 16.

[0118] The opening / closing door 12a can close the portion facing the heater core 300, preventing cooling ambient air from passing through the heater core 300. Therefore, the cooling ambient air can be directly introduced into the vehicle interior to cool the vehicle interior.

[0119] Furthermore, the refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 20 can be introduced into the receiver 17 together with the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 16. Afterward, the refrigerant can be introduced into the compressor 10 through the receiver 17.

[0120] In other words, in a heat pump system, heat exchanger 14 can use a second coolant to additionally condense the refrigerant, thereby reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant discharged from evaporator 16 and cooler 20 compared to a conventional heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerants at different temperatures.

[0121] Therefore, when the refrigerant pressure drop decreases, the heat pump system can prevent the suction pressure and density of the compressor 10 from decreasing, and can also prevent the total flow rate of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant line 11 from decreasing.

[0122] In addition, the heat exchanger 14 can subcool the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 13 by exchanging heat with the second coolant, and supply the subcooled refrigerant to the evaporator 16 and the cooler 20 respectively, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet side of the evaporator 16 or the cooler 20.

[0123] When the refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the evaporator 16 or cooler 20 decreases, the heat pump system may significantly increase the enthalpy difference of the evaporator 16 or cooler 20, thereby improving the coefficient of performance (COP), which is the cooling capacity coefficient relative to the required compressor power, and improving the overall cooling performance and cooling efficiency compared to conventional solutions.

[0124] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made below. Figure 3 Describe in detail the operation of the vehicle's interior heating mode.

[0125] Figure 3 This is an operational diagram of the heating mode of the vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Reference Figure 3 In the vehicle's interior heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 can be opened, allowing the compressor 10, condenser 13, and heat exchanger 14 to be interconnected via the refrigerant line 11.

[0127] The portion of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first end of the connecting line 21 and the evaporator 16, and the portion of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the evaporator 16 and the second end of the connecting line 21, can be closed by the first expansion valve 15.

[0128] The operation of the first expansion valve 15 can be stopped. Therefore, refrigerant may not be supplied to the evaporator 16.

[0129] The connecting line 21 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0130] The electrical component cooling device 100 can shut off the first coolant line 102. At the same time, the electrical component cooling device 100 can open the second coolant line 104, so that the first coolant is supplied to the heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20.

[0131] Therefore, the first coolant, which has passed through the radiator (not shown) and electrical components, can be obtained from the electrical component cooling device 100 through the second coolant line 104 through the cooler 20, and then through the heat exchanger 14.

[0132] The third coolant line 202 can be shut off. Furthermore, the fourth coolant line 302 can be opened, allowing the third coolant to circulate through the condenser 13 and the heater core 300.

[0133] In this state, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be introduced into the condenser 13 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0134] The condenser 13 can condense the refrigerant by using a third coolant supplied from the heater core 300 through the fourth coolant line 302.

[0135] Therefore, the refrigerant introduced into the condenser 13 can condense while exchanging heat with the third refrigerant supplied from the heater core 300 through the fourth refrigerant line 302.

[0136] Coolant that has been heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in condenser 13 can be supplied to heater core 300.

[0137] In other words, the condenser 13 can supply the heater core 300 with the third coolant, whose temperature is raised by exchanging heat with the refrigerant, through the fourth coolant line 302.

[0138] Furthermore, the refrigerant condensed in condenser 13 can be introduced into heat exchanger 14. Heat exchanger 14 can exchange heat between the second coolant supplied from battery module 200 via second coolant line 104 through cooler 20 and the refrigerant to further condense the refrigerant.

[0139] The refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 14 can be introduced into the second expansion valve 23 along the connecting line 21.

[0140] The second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the connecting line 21 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the cooler 20.

[0141] The refrigerant introduced into the cooler 20 can cool the first coolant while exchanging heat with the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device 100 through the second coolant line 104.

[0142] As the first coolant passes through the radiator (not shown) and electrical components, its temperature can be increased by recovering heat from the ambient air and waste heat from the electrical components. The first coolant, heated by this operation, can then be supplied along the second coolant line 104 to the cooler 20 and the heat exchanger 14.

[0143] The heat exchanger 14 and the cooler 20 can exchange heat between the first coolant and the refrigerant supplied from the electrical component cooling device 100 through the second coolant line 104, thereby effectively recovering ambient air heat and waste heat from the electrical components.

[0144] The first coolant that has passed through the cooler 20 can further condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the refrigerant supplied to the heat exchanger 14 as it passes through the heat exchanger 14.

[0145] In other words, the heat exchanger 14 can additionally condense refrigerant while exchanging heat between the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device 100 via the second coolant line 104 and the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 13.

[0146] In addition, the cooler 20 can evaporate the refrigerant while exchanging heat between the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device 100 through the second coolant line 104 and the refrigerant.

[0147] The refrigerant evaporated in the cooler 20 can be introduced into the receiver 17 along the connecting line 21 and the open refrigerant line 11. Afterward, the refrigerant can be introduced into the compressor 10 through the receiver 17.

[0148] Furthermore, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can pass sequentially through the condenser 13 and the heat exchanger 14.

[0149] The heat pump system can repeat the above process.

[0150] The open / close door 12a can be opened to allow ambient air introduced into the HVAC module 12 and already passing through the evaporator 16 to pass through the heater core 300.

[0151] Therefore, when ambient air is introduced from the outside and passes through the evaporator 16, which is not supplied with refrigerant, it can be introduced at room temperature without being cooled. The introduced ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 300, and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0152] Therefore, when the interior of a vehicle needs to be heated, the heat pump system can increase the temperature of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 14 and cooler 20 by using ambient air heat and waste heat from electrical components, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 10 and improving heating efficiency.

[0153] In addition, the heat exchanger 14 can use a first coolant to additionally condense the refrigerant, thereby reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant discharged from the cooler 20 compared to a conventional heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerants at different temperatures.

[0154] Therefore, when the refrigerant pressure drop decreases, the heat pump system can prevent the compressor 10's suction pressure and density from decreasing compared to conventional solutions, and can also prevent the total flow rate of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant line 11 from decreasing.

[0155] In addition, the heat exchanger 14 can subcool the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 13 by exchanging heat with the second coolant, and supply the subcooled refrigerant to the cooler 20, thereby reducing the refrigerant temperature on the inlet side of the cooler 20.

[0156] When the refrigerant temperature at the inlet side of the cooler 20 decreases, the heat pump system may significantly increase the enthalpy difference of the cooler 20, thereby enabling a more stable recovery of ambient air heat and waste heat from electrical components, which can then be used to heat the vehicle interior.

[0157] Therefore, since heat pump systems can fully recover and utilize waste heat, they can improve heating performance and efficiency while minimizing the use of separate electric heaters.

[0158] One embodiment of the present invention takes the example of shutting off the third coolant line 202 connected to the battery module 200 when the vehicle interior is heated, but it is not limited thereto. When the waste heat generated by the battery module 200 also needs to be recovered, the third coolant line 202 can be opened.

[0159] As described above, the heat pump system for vehicles according to one embodiment of the present invention can heat the vehicle interior by using a high-temperature coolant, and in order to cool the refrigerant, an additional heat exchanger 14 configured to exchange heat between a first or second coolant and the refrigerant is used instead of a conventional heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between refrigerants with different temperatures. As a result, the enthalpy difference of the evaporator 16 or the cooler 20 is significantly increased when cooling or heating the vehicle interior, thereby improving the overall cooling and heating performance and efficiency of the system.

[0160] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the pressure drop of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 16 or the cooler 20 during cooling or heating can be reduced, thereby increasing the total flow rate of the refrigerant through the system to improve the efficiency and performance of the system.

[0161] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the heat energy generated by the refrigerant during condensation can be selectively exchanged with a third coolant, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated more effectively by using the high-temperature third coolant for heat exchange.

[0162] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when heating the interior of the vehicle, the heating efficiency of the vehicle can be improved by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat from electrical components, and waste heat from the battery module 200, and the overall driving range of the vehicle can be increased by effectively regulating the temperature of the battery module 200 to achieve the optimal performance of the battery module 200.

[0163] Furthermore, according to the present invention, due to the simplification of the entire system, the overall manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced by minimizing the number of components, and space utilization can be improved.

[0164] While the invention has been described in conjunction with actual embodiments presently believed to be the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, the heat pump system comprising: The compressor is configured to compress the refrigerant; HVAC modules include: The heater core and the evaporator connected to the compressor via refrigerant lines, and The door is configured to regulate the air that has passed through the evaporator based on the vehicle's interior cooling or heating mode, so as to selectively introduce it into the heater core; A condenser, connected to the compressor via a refrigerant line, is configured to condense the refrigerant. A heat exchanger, connected to the condenser via a refrigerant line, is configured to exchange heat between the coolant and the refrigerant. A first expansion valve is disposed between the heat exchanger and the evaporator, and is connected to the heat exchanger and the evaporator via a refrigerant pipeline; Connecting pipelines, including: The first end is connected to the refrigerant pipeline between the heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and The second end is connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor; a cooler is disposed on the connecting line, the cooler being configured to regulate the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the coolant and the refrigerant; and An electrical component cooling device is connected to the condenser via a first coolant line, and the electrical component cooling device is configured to allow the first coolant to flow along the first coolant line. The electrical component cooling device is connected to the heat exchanger and the cooler via a second coolant pipeline, such that the first coolant is configured to be selectively supplied to the heat exchanger and the cooler.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is integrally constructed with the condenser.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, The refrigerant is configured to flow from the compressor along the refrigerant line, and the refrigerant is also configured to pass sequentially through the condenser and the heat exchanger.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 1, further comprising: A second expansion valve is provided on the connecting pipeline at the upstream end of the cooler; as well as The battery module is connected to the heat exchanger and the cooler via a third coolant line, and the battery module is configured to selectively allow a second coolant to flow through the third coolant line. The heater core is connected to the condenser via a fourth coolant line, and the heater core is configured to allow a third coolant to selectively flow along the fourth coolant line.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein in the cooling mode inside the vehicle: A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, the condenser, the heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, and the evaporator is configured to be open; The connecting line is configured to be opened by the second expansion valve; The first coolant line is configured to be open to allow the first coolant to be supplied to the condenser; The second coolant line is configured to be closed; The third coolant line is configured to be open to allow the second coolant to be supplied to the heat exchanger, the cooler, and the battery module; The fourth coolant line is configured to be shut off; The first expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line and supply the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve to the evaporator; as well as The second expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced through the connecting line and supply the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve to the cooler.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 5, wherein: The heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the second coolant supplied from the battery module via the third coolant line and the refrigerant. as well as The cooler is configured to supply the battery module with the second coolant, which is cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant, through the third coolant line.

7. The heat pump system of claim 4, wherein in the vehicle interior heating mode: A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, the condenser, and the heat exchanger is configured to be open; The portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the connecting pipeline and the portion of the refrigerant line connecting the evaporator and the second end of the connecting pipeline is configured to be closed by the first expansion valve; The connecting line is configured to be opened by the second expansion valve; The first coolant line is configured to be closed; The second coolant line is configured to be open to allow the first coolant to be supplied to the condenser and the cooler; The third coolant line is configured to be shut off; The fourth coolant line is configured to be open; The operation of the first expansion valve is configured to stop; as well as The second expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced through the connecting line and supply the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve to the cooler.

8. The heat pump system of claim 7, wherein the condenser is configured to supply the third coolant, having a temperature increased by exchanging heat with the refrigerant, to the heater core via the fourth coolant line.

9. The heat pump system of claim 7, wherein the heat exchanger and the cooler are configured to: recover ambient air heat and waste heat from the electrical component cooling device while exchanging heat between the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device via the second coolant line and the refrigerant.

10. The heat pump system of claim 7, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device via the second coolant line and the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, while simultaneously condensing refrigerant in the condenser.

11. The heat pump system of claim 7, wherein the cooler is configured to: evaporate the refrigerant while exchanging heat between the first coolant supplied from the electrical component cooling device via the second coolant line and the refrigerant, and supply the refrigerant evaporated by the cooler to the compressor.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the condenser is a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the first or third coolant flows in the water-cooled heat exchanger.

13. The heat pump system of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger and the cooler are water-cooled heat exchangers, and the first coolant or the second coolant flows in the water-cooled heat exchanger.

14. The heat pump system of claim 4, wherein the second expansion valve is an electronic expansion valve configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the refrigerant.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid receiver disposed on the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

16. The heat pump system of claim 15, wherein the second end of the connecting line is connected to a refrigerant line between the evaporator and the receiver.

17. The heat pump system of claim 1, wherein the electrical component cooling device comprises a radiator and electrical components.

18. The heat pump system of claim 17, wherein the electrical components include a power control device, an inverter, or an on-board charger.

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