Cooling system for a hybrid vehicle and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a cooling system for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and electrical components. The system includes a cooling module having a cooling fan; an engine cooling device having a first line connected to the cooling module and the engine, a first coolant flowing through the first line; an intercooler; an electrical component cooling device having a water pump and a second line connected to the cooling module, the electrical components, and the water pump, a second coolant flowing through the second line; and a controller for controlling operation of the cooling fan and the water pump. The intercooler circulates the second coolant and is disposed in series with the electrical components. Based on a flow direction of the second coolant, the electrical component cooling device includes a bypass line connected to the second line downstream of the cooling module and the second line upstream of the intercooler.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0180999, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a cooling system for hybrid vehicles, and more specifically, to a cooling system for hybrid vehicles having an engine and an electric motor as power sources. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, with continued focus on energy efficiency and reducing environmental pollution, there is a desire to develop environmentally friendly vehicles that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Such environmentally friendly vehicles can be divided into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as a power source, and hybrid vehicles that use both an engine and a battery.

[0005] Electric vehicles have been developed that use fuel cells to generate power by converting the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy. During this process, the chemical reaction within the fuel cell produces heat. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the fuel cell, the generated heat must be effectively removed.

[0006] Furthermore, hybrid vehicles generate drive torque by using electricity supplied by fuel cells or batteries to power an electric motor along with an engine that typically runs on fossil fuels. Electric motor performance is ensured by effectively removing heat generated by electrical components such as the hybrid power control unit (HPCU), oil pump control unit (OPU), hybrid starter-generator (HSG), and inverter.

[0007] In other words, in hybrid vehicles, separate cooling systems must be used to effectively cool the engine, motor, and multiple electrical components that generate a lot of heat.

[0008] In addition, hybrid vehicle engines are equipped with intercoolers to cool the supplied air. Furthermore, a separate cooling system must be used to cool the intercooler.

[0009] Therefore, hybrid vehicles typically use water-cooled cooling systems consisting of individual cooling units that use cooled refrigerant to cool the engine, intercooler, and electrical components. Each of these cooling units generally requires components such as a radiator, reservoir, and / or water pump.

[0010] However, traditional hybrid vehicles have a drawback: in addition to separate cooling systems for the engine, motor, electrical components, and battery to prevent overheating, and an air conditioning system for cooling or heating the vehicle interior, they essentially require a separate cooling system for the intercooler. This increases the vehicle's manufacturing cost and weight, and makes it difficult to secure space for installing the cooling system.

[0011] Furthermore, a radiator for cooling the coolant must be included in each cooling system. This leads to a drawback: the size and weight of the cooling module mounted at the front of the vehicle may increase. Additionally, the layout of the connecting pipes or lines used to supply refrigerant or coolant to the various devices becomes complex in a narrow or small engine compartment.

[0012] The information disclosed in this Background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure. Therefore, the Background section may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This disclosure provides a cooling system and control method for a hybrid vehicle. The system and method can cool the intercooler by using an electrical component cooling device configured to cool electrical components, reducing the number of overall components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and reducing weight.

[0014] This disclosure provides a cooling system for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and electrical components. The cooling system may include a cooling module disposed upstream (i.e., at the front end) of the vehicle. The cooling module may include a cooling fan. The cooling system may include an engine cooling device having a first line connected to the cooling module and the engine, through which a first coolant flows. The cooling system may also include an intercooler disposed in the engine. The cooling system may further include an electrical component cooling device having a water pump and a second line connected to the cooling module, the electrical components, and the water pump, through which a second coolant flows. The cooling system may also include a controller electrically connected to the cooling fan and the water pump to control the operation of the cooling fan and the pump. The intercooler may be connected to the second line to circulate a second coolant and may be disposed in series with the electrical components. Based on the flow direction of the second coolant, the electrical component cooling device may further include a bypass line, a first end of which is connected to a second line downstream of the cooling module, and a second end of which is connected to a second line upstream of the intercooler.

[0015] The second pipeline can be configured to have a different inner diameter than the bypass pipeline.

[0016] An air temperature sensor can be associated with the intercooler and can be electrically connected to the controller and configured to measure the temperature of the air in the intercooler.

[0017] Electrical component temperature sensors can be associated with electrical components and can be electrically connected to a controller and configured to measure the temperature of electrical components.

[0018] A coolant temperature sensor can be associated with the second pipeline and electrically connected to the controller, and configured to measure the temperature of the second coolant flowing through the second pipeline.

[0019] The cooling module may also include a first radiator connected to a first pipeline and cooling the first coolant through heat exchange with ambient air, and may include a second radiator connected to a second pipeline and cooling the second coolant through heat exchange with ambient air.

[0020] Based on the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the second radiator can be positioned in front of the first radiator, and the cooling fan can be positioned behind the first radiator.

[0021] The water pump can be an electric water pump, which can operate within the range of revolutions per minute (RPM) according to the control signal of the controller.

[0022] The storage tank can be connected to a second pipeline.

[0023] This disclosure provides a control method for a cooling system of a hybrid vehicle having an engine and electrical components. The cooling system of the hybrid vehicle includes an engine cooling device having a first line connected to the engine through which a first coolant flows. The cooling system of the hybrid vehicle also includes an electrical component cooling device having a water pump and a second line connected to the water pump and the electrical components through which a second coolant flows. The cooling system of the hybrid vehicle also includes an intercooler coupled to the engine, connected to the second line, and arranged in series with the electrical components. The control method includes step A): determining an appropriate RPM for the water pump and an appropriate duty cycle for the cooling fan by a controller based on data detected from a data detector during vehicle startup and operation. The method further includes step B): driving the water pump and the cooling fan by selecting the maximum appropriate RPM and the maximum appropriate duty cycle from the range of RPMs for the water pump and the range of duty cycles for the cooling fan determined in step A). The method also includes step C): the controller determines whether the air temperature and the temperature of the electrical components are within the allowable temperature range of the upper and lower limit allowable temperatures based on data detected in real time from the data detector, and then controls the RPM of the water pump and the duty cycle of the cooling fan.

[0024] Step A) may include starting and driving the vehicle. Step A) may also include the controller detecting the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components based on data detected from the data detector. Step A) may also include the controller determining the appropriate RPM of the water pump and the appropriate duty cycle of the cooling fan based on the detected air temperature or the detected temperature of the second coolant and the detected temperature of the electrical components.

[0025] Step B) may include the step of the controller selecting the maximum appropriate RPM and the maximum appropriate duty cycle from the RPM range of the water pump and the duty cycle range of the cooling fan, respectively. Step B) may also include the step of the controller driving the water pump at the maximum appropriate RPM and driving the cooling fan at the maximum appropriate duty cycle.

[0026] The control method may further include determining, based on data detected in real time from a data detector, whether the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are within the permissible temperature range. The method may also include, based on determining that the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are within the permissible temperature range of the upper and lower limits (i.e., conditions are met), maintaining the RPM of the water pump and the duty cycle of the cooling fan by the controller.

[0027] The method may further include, in the step of determining whether the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are within the permissible temperature range, returning to step A) of determining the appropriate RPM of the water pump and the appropriate duty cycle of the cooling fan, i.e., repeating the step, based on the determination that the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are not within the permissible temperature range of the upper and lower limits of the permissible temperature (i.e., when the conditions are not met).

[0028] The permissible temperature range, i.e. the range of upper and lower permissible temperatures, can be set such that when within this range, the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum reference temperature and less than a predetermined maximum reference temperature.

[0029] The data detector may include an air temperature sensor associated with the intercooler and configured to measure the temperature of the air introduced into the intercooler, an electrical component temperature sensor associated with the electrical component and configured to measure the temperature of the electrical component, and a coolant temperature sensor associated with the second pipeline and configured to measure the temperature of the second coolant.

[0030] As described above, according to the embodiment of the cooling system and control method for hybrid vehicles, by using an electrical component cooling device configured to cool electrical components to cool the intercooler, the total number of system components can be reduced and the entire system can be simplified.

[0031] Furthermore, the systems and methods disclosed herein can facilitate ensuring space for installing the cooling system by simplifying the entire system, and can improve space utilization by reducing the size and weight of the cooling module installed at the front of the vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, the systems and methods disclosed herein can simplify the layout of connecting pipes or lines used for flowing coolant in narrow or compact engine compartments. Additionally, the flow resistance of the coolant can be used to control the coolant flow rate without using valves to control the flow direction and velocity of the coolant.

[0033] Furthermore, by driving the water pump and cooling fan at the maximum appropriate RPM and maximum appropriate duty cycle within the RPM range of the water pump and the operating duty cycle range of the cooling fan, based on the detected air temperature and the temperature of the electrical components, the system and method of this disclosure can cool the electrical components and intercooler more effectively, and can improve the performance and efficiency of the entire system. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a cooling system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a cooling system control device that applies a control method for a cooling system of a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooling system of a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 3: Engine

[0039] 4: Intercooler

[0040] 5: Electrical components

[0041] 7: Cooling module

[0042] 9: Cooling fan

[0043] 10: Engine cooling equipment

[0044] 11: First Pipeline

[0045] 12: First radiator

[0046] 20: Cooling equipment for electrical components

[0047] 21: Second pipeline

[0048] 22: Second radiator

[0049] 23: Water pump

[0050] 24: Bypass pipeline

[0051] 27: Liquid Storage Tank

[0052] 100: Controller

[0053] 110: Data Detector

[0054] 112: Air temperature sensor

[0055] 114: Temperature sensor for electrical components

[0056] 116: Coolant Temperature Sensor Detailed Implementation

[0057] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the structures depicted in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not cover the full scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent and modified embodiments may exist when applying the technical concepts of this specification.

[0059] To make this disclosure clear, parts unrelated to the description may be omitted. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same elements or equivalents are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0060] Furthermore, the dimensions and thickness of each element may be shown arbitrarily in the accompanying drawings, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For clarity, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated in the drawings.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Furthermore, each term described in the specification, such as “…unit,” “…device,” “…part,” “…section,” and “…component,” refers to a unit of integrated elements that performs at least one function or operation. When a component, device, unit, module, controller, detector, element, etc., of this disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., it is hereby considered as “configured” to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function. This disclosure describes a controller and data detector for a cooling system. Controllers, detectors, or other such components may be embodied separately or contained in a processor and memory, such as a non-transient computer-readable medium, as part of the controller or component.

[0063] Figure 1This is a block diagram of a hybrid vehicle cooling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] The cooling system for hybrid vehicles according to the embodiment can reduce the number of system components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and system weight. This can be achieved by using an electrical component cooling device 20 configured to cool the electrical components 5 to cool the intercooler 4.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 The cooling system may include an intercooler 4, a cooling module 7, an engine cooling device 10, an electrical component cooling device 20, and a controller 100.

[0066] First, the cooling module 7 can be located at the upstream end, i.e., the front of the vehicle (relative to the normal driving or moving direction), and can include a cooling fan 9.

[0067] The engine cooling device 10 may include a first pipeline 11 connected to the cooling module 7 and through which a first coolant flows, and connected to the engine 3. The engine 3 may be connected to or along the first pipeline 11. The engine 3 may be considered as being cooled by the cooling system and / or as part of the cooling system.

[0068] The engine cooling device 10 may also include a mechanical water pump (not shown) disposed in the engine 3 or on the first pipeline 11 for causing the first coolant to flow along the first pipeline 11.

[0069] The mechanical water pump can be operated by the drive torque of engine 3.

[0070] The engine cooling system 10 configured in this way can regulate or control the temperature of the engine 3 by operating a mechanical water pump (not shown) to circulate the first coolant along the first pipeline 11.

[0071] In the implementation, the intercooler 4 may be located in, above, or near the engine 3, or may be part of the engine 3.

[0072] Intercooler 4 can cool air supplied from a forced intake device (not shown), such as a turbocharger or supercharger, and supply the cooled air to engine 3.

[0073] Here, the intercooler 4 can be configured as a water-cooled intercooler, which is configured to cool the air supplied from the forced intake device by using a coolant. The intercooler 4 can also be considered as being cooled by the cooling system and / or as part of the cooling system.

[0074] In one embodiment, the electrical component cooling device 20 may include a second pipeline 21 through which a second coolant flows, connected to the cooling module 7 and to the electrical component 5 and the water pump 23. The water pump 23 may be connected to or along the second pipeline 21.

[0075] Here, electrical component 5 may include a hybrid power control unit (HPCU), an oil pump control unit (OPU), a hybrid power starter generator (HSG), an inverter, etc.

[0076] In addition, electrical component 5 may also include an electric power control unit (EPCU), an on-board charger (OBC), an autonomous driving controller, etc.

[0077] In addition, a liquid storage tank 27 can be installed on the second pipeline 21, that is, along the second pipeline 21.

[0078] Although the embodiment describes the reservoir 27 being mounted on the second line 21, the system configuration is not limited thereto. The reservoir 27 may be connected to the second line 21 via an additional separate line through which the second coolant flows.

[0079] The electrical component cooling device 20 configured in this way can regulate or control the temperature of the electrical component 5 by circulating the second coolant along the second pipeline 21 through the operation of the water pump 23.

[0080] Here, the cooling module 7 may also include a first radiator 12 and a second radiator 22.

[0081] First, the first radiator 12 can be connected to the first pipeline 11 and can cool the first coolant by exchanging heat with the ambient air.

[0082] Here, the first radiator 12 can be located at the front of the vehicle. The cooling fan 9 can be located downstream of the first radiator 12, i.e., at the rear. Therefore, the first radiator 12 can cool the first coolant through the operation of the cooling fan 9 and heat exchange with the ambient air.

[0083] In addition, the second radiator 22 can be connected to the second pipeline 21 and can cool the second coolant by heat exchange with the ambient air.

[0084] Depending on the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the second radiator 22 can be located on the upstream side, i.e., in front of or in front of the first radiator 12. The second radiator 22 can cool the second coolant through the operation of the cooling fan 9 and heat exchange with the ambient air.

[0085] In this embodiment, the intercooler 4 may be installed on the second pipeline 21 to circulate the second coolant. The intercooler 4 may be installed in series with the electrical component 5. The electrical component 5 may also be considered as being cooled by the cooling system and / or as part of the cooling system.

[0086] Meanwhile, the electrical component cooling device 20 may also include a bypass line 24.

[0087] Based on the flow direction of the second coolant, the first end of the bypass line 24 can be connected to the second line 21 downstream of the cooling module 7. More specifically, the first end of the bypass line 24 can be connected to the second line 21 downstream of the second radiator 22.

[0088] Based on the flow direction of the second coolant, the second end of the bypass line 24 can be connected to the second line 21 upstream of the intercooler 4.

[0089] Electrical component 5 may be disposed on or along a second conduit 21 between the first and second ends of the bypass conduit 24 configured in this manner.

[0090] In an implementation, the second pipeline 21 may have a different inner diameter than the bypass pipeline 24.

[0091] Therefore, in the electrical component cooling device 20, when the second coolant flows through the second pipeline 21 and the bypass pipeline 24 with different inner diameters, the flow rate of the second coolant flowing through these pipelines can be controlled by utilizing the fluid resistance of the second pipeline 21 and the bypass pipeline 24.

[0092] In other words, in the implementation, the intercooler 4 can be cooled by a second coolant in conjunction with or integrated with the electrical component cooling device 20, which has an operating temperature similar to that of the supplied coolant.

[0093] Therefore, in the implementation, the conventional and separately used cooling equipment for cooling the intercooler 4, which includes a radiator, coolant lines and a water pump, can be omitted.

[0094] Meanwhile, in the embodiments, the electrical component 5 is disposed on or along the second pipeline 21 between the first and second ends of the bypass pipeline 24, but the structure and arrangement of the disclosed system are not limited thereto.

[0095] In other words, as described above, any one of the electrical components 5 (selected from the hybrid power control unit (HPCU), oil pump control unit (OPU), hybrid starter generator (HSG), inverter, electric power control unit (EPCU), on-board charger (OBC), autopilot controller, etc.) may be disposed between the second radiator 22 and the first end of the bypass line 24, or on or along the second line 21 between the second end of the bypass line 24 and the intercooler 4, depending on the coolant flow resistance or heat generation.

[0096] In addition, the controller 100 can be electrically connected to the cooling fan 9 and the water pump 23 to control the operation of the cooling fan 9 and the water pump 23.

[0097] Here, the water pump 23 can be an electric water pump whose speed or revolutions per minute (RPM) can be controlled according to the control signal of the controller 100.

[0098] In addition, the air temperature sensor 112 can be electrically connected to the controller 100 and configured to measure the temperature of the air, and can be located in, on, or as part of the intercooler 4.

[0099] In addition, the electrical component temperature sensor 114 can be electrically connected to the controller 100 and configured to measure the temperature of the electrical component 5, and can be located in, on, or as part of the electrical component 5.

[0100] In addition, the coolant temperature sensor 116 can be electrically connected to the controller 100 and configured to measure the temperature of the second coolant flowing through the second pipeline 21, and can be located in the second pipeline 21 upstream of the intercooler 4, on the second pipeline 21, or along the second pipeline 21.

[0101] Therefore, the controller 100 can control the operation of the cooling fan 9 and the water pump 23 based on the signals output from the air temperature sensor 112, the electrical component temperature sensor 114 and the coolant temperature sensor 116.

[0102] The following is for reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A control method for a heat pump system for a vehicle configured as described above is described.

[0103] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a cooling system control device that applies a control method for a cooling system of a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is a control flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooling system of a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0104] like Figure 2As shown, in the cooling system of the hybrid vehicle configured as described above, the cooling fan 9 and water pump 23 included in the electrical component cooling device 20 can be controlled by a cooling system control device. The cooling system control device may include a controller 100 and a data detector 110.

[0105] In this embodiment, the data detector 110 can detect data for the controller 100 to control the operation of the cooling fan 9 and the water pump 23.

[0106] The data detected by the data detector 110 can be transmitted or sent to the controller 100. The data detector 110 may include an air temperature sensor 112, an electrical component temperature sensor 114, a coolant temperature sensor 116, etc.

[0107] Air temperature sensor 112 can measure the temperature of the air supplied to intercooler 4. Air temperature sensor 112 can measure the temperature of the air supplied to intercooler 4 and can transmit or send relevant signals or data to controller 100.

[0108] The electrical component temperature sensor 114 can measure the temperature of the electrical component 5 while the vehicle is in motion. The electrical component temperature sensor 114 can measure the temperature of the electrical component 5 and can transmit or send relevant signals or data to the controller 100.

[0109] In addition, the coolant temperature sensor 116 can measure the temperature of the second coolant introduced into the intercooler 4.

[0110] The coolant temperature sensor 116 can measure the temperature of the second coolant introduced into the intercooler 4 through the second pipeline 21, and can transmit or send relevant signals or data to the controller 100.

[0111] Here, the controller 100 may be implemented as one or more processors operated by a predetermined program. The predetermined program may include a set of instructions for performing the various steps included in the control method of the cooling system according to the embodiments described below.

[0112] Therefore, in the control method for the cooling system of a hybrid vehicle according to the embodiment, the controller 100 can control the cooling fan 9 and the water pump 23 based on data detected by the data detector 110. The intercooler 4 and electrical components 5 can thus be effectively cooled.

[0113] Furthermore, the cooling fan 9 and water pump 23 can be driven according to the detected air temperature and the temperature of the electrical components 5, with the water pump 23 driven at its maximum RPM and the cooling fan 9 operating at its maximum duty cycle and maximum RPM, respectively. By driving the cooling fan 9 and water pump 23 in this way, the control method of the cooling system of the hybrid vehicle according to the embodiment can more effectively cool the electrical components 5 and the intercooler 4, and can improve the performance and efficiency of the entire system.

[0114] To achieve this objective, a control method for a hybrid vehicle cooling system according to an embodiment is used to cool or control the cooling system of a hybrid vehicle (see [link]). Figure 1 As described above, a hybrid vehicle may include an engine cooling system 10 and an electrical component cooling system 20. Furthermore, in the hybrid vehicle, the intercooler 4 of the engine 3 is mounted on the second pipeline 21 and arranged in series with the electrical components 5. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the method may include operation or step A), operation or process B), and operation or step C.

[0115] In an implementation, in step A), the controller 100 may convert (i.e. determine or calculate) the demand (i.e., appropriate) RPM of the water pump 23 and the appropriate duty cycle of the cooling fan 9 based on the data detected by the data detector 110 during vehicle startup and operation.

[0116] Step A) may include the following steps.

[0117] First, in step S1, with the vehicle started (e.g., turned on), the user can begin driving the vehicle.

[0118] In this state, in step S2, the controller 100 can detect the temperature of the air supplied to the intercooler 4 or the temperature of the second coolant introduced into the intercooler 4 based on the data detected by the data detector 110, and can also detect the temperature of the electrical components 5.

[0119] In step S3, the controller 100 can determine the appropriate or required RPM of the water pump 23 and the appropriate or required duty cycle of the cooling fan 9 based on the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant detected by the data detector 110 and the temperature of the electrical components 5.

[0120] In the implementation, in step B), the maximum required (i.e., appropriate or necessary) RPM and maximum duty cycle can be selected from the RPM operating range of the water pump 23 and the duty cycle range of the cooling fan 9 determined in step A). ​​The controller 100 can then drive the water pump 23 and the cooling fan 9 accordingly.

[0121] Step B) may include the following steps.

[0122] When step A) is completed, the controller 100 can compare the data determined or calculated in step S3 with a mapping of the operating duty cycle of the cooling fan 9 and the RPM range of the water pump 23 according to the predetermined temperature. In step S4, an appropriate RPM and a maximum appropriate operating duty cycle can be selected in the RPM range of the water pump 23 and the operating duty cycle range of the cooling fan 9, respectively.

[0123] In step S5, the controller 100 can drive the water pump 23 at the maximum appropriate RPM selected in step S4, and can drive the cooling fan 9 at the maximum appropriate duty cycle selected in step S4.

[0124] Furthermore, in step C), the controller 100 can determine, based on data detected in real time by the data detector 110, whether the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant, as well as the temperature of the electrical components 5, are within the permissible upper and lower temperature ranges. Consequently, the RPM of the water pump 23 and the duty cycle of the cooling fan 9 can be controlled accordingly.

[0125] Procedure C) may include the following steps.

[0126] When step B) is completed, in step S6, the controller 100 can determine, based on the data detected in real time by the data detector 110, whether the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical component 5 are within the permissible upper and lower temperature ranges.

[0127] Here, the permissible upper and lower temperature ranges can be set such that the temperature detected by the air temperature sensor 112, the electrical component temperature sensor 114, and the coolant temperature sensor 116, or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical component 5, is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum reference temperature and less than a predetermined maximum reference temperature.

[0128] The upper and lower allowable temperature ranges can be set based on the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant detected from the predetermined data mapping and the temperature of the electrical component 5.

[0129] In step S6, when it is determined that the air temperature, the temperature of the second coolant, and the temperature of the electrical component 5 are within the allowable upper and lower temperature ranges (i.e., the condition is met; yes), in step S7, the controller 100 can maintain the RPM of the currently driven water pump 23 and the duty cycle of the currently driven cooling fan 9, respectively, and terminate the control.

[0130] On the other hand, if in step S6, which determines whether the air temperature, the temperature of the second coolant, and the temperature of the electrical component 5 are within the permissible upper and lower temperature ranges, it is determined that the air temperature, the temperature of the second coolant, and the temperature of the electrical component 5 are not within the permissible upper and lower temperature ranges (i.e., when the conditions are not met; no), the controller 100 can return to step S3 to determine the appropriate RPM of the water pump 23 and the appropriate duty cycle of the cooling fan 9 based on the detected air temperature, the temperature of the second coolant, and the temperature of the electronic component 5.

[0131] While performing the above steps, the controller 100 can effectively control the duty cycle of the cooling fan 9 and the RPM of the water pump 23 based on the temperature of the air supplied to the intercooler 4, the temperature of the second coolant, and the temperature of the electrical components 5.

[0132] Therefore, as described above, according to the embodiment of the cooling system and control method for hybrid vehicles, by using the electrical component cooling device 20 configured to cool the electrical component 5 to cool the intercooler 4, the total number of system components can be reduced and the entire system can be simplified.

[0133] Furthermore, this disclosure facilitates ensuring sufficient space for installing the cooling system by simplifying the entire system. Additionally, space utilization can be improved by reducing the size and weight of the cooling module 7 mounted at the front of the vehicle.

[0134] Furthermore, this disclosure simplifies the layout of connecting pipes or lines used for flowing coolant within a confined engine compartment.

[0135] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, by setting the inner diameters of the second pipeline 21 and the bypass pipeline 24 to be different from each other, without using valves for controlling the flow direction and flow rate of the coolant, the flow resistance of the coolant can be used to control the flow rate of the coolant.

[0136] Furthermore, this disclosure allows for more effective cooling of the intercooler 4 and electrical components 5 by driving the water pump 23 and the cooling fan 9 at the maximum appropriate RPM and maximum appropriate duty cycle within the range of the driving RPM of the water pump 23 and the operating duty cycle of the cooling fan 9, based on the detected air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components 5, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the entire system.

[0137] While the technical concepts of this disclosure have been described in conjunction with embodiments currently considered practical, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling system for a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle having an engine and electrical components, the cooling system comprising: A cooling module, which includes a cooling fan; An engine cooling device includes a first line connected to the cooling module and the engine, through which a first coolant flows; Intercooler; An electrical component cooling device includes a water pump and a second pipeline connected to the cooling module, the electrical component, and the water pump, through which a second coolant flows; and A controller, electrically connected to the cooling fan and the water pump, controls the operation of the cooling fan and the water pump. The intercooler is connected to the second pipeline to circulate the second coolant and is connected in series with the electrical components. The electrical component cooling device further includes a bypass pipeline, which, based on the flow direction of the second coolant, has a first end connected to the second pipeline at the downstream end of the cooling module and a second end connected to the second pipeline at the upstream end of the intercooler.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The inner diameter of the second pipeline is different from that of the bypass pipeline.

3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, An air temperature sensor associated with the intercooler is electrically connected to the controller and is configured to measure the temperature of the air in the intercooler.

4. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, An electrical component temperature sensor associated with the electrical component is electrically connected to the controller and is configured to measure the temperature of the electrical component.

5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, A coolant temperature sensor associated with the second pipeline is electrically connected to the controller and is configured to measure the temperature of the second coolant flowing through the second pipeline.

6. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The cooling module also includes: A first radiator, connected to the first conduit, is configured to cool the first coolant by heat exchange with ambient air; and A second radiator is connected to the second pipeline and configured to cool the second coolant by heat exchange with ambient air.

7. The cooling system according to claim 6, wherein: Based on the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the second radiator is positioned in front of the first radiator; and The cooling fan is located behind the first heat sink.

8. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The water pump is an electric water pump that can operate within the range of revolutions per minute (RPM) according to the control signal from the controller.

9. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The storage tank is connected to the second pipeline.

10. A control method for a cooling system of a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle comprising an engine, electrical components, an engine cooling device, an electrical component cooling device, and an intercooler, the engine cooling device having a first line connected to the engine through which a first coolant flows; the electrical component cooling device having a water pump connected to a second line through which a second coolant flows; and the intercooler being connected to the second line and connected in series with the electrical components. The control method includes the following steps: A) Based on data detected from the data detector during the start-up and operation of the vehicle, determine the appropriate revolutions per minute (RPM) of the water pump and the appropriate duty cycle of the cooling fan; B) Drive the water pump and the cooling fan by selecting the maximum appropriate RPM and the maximum appropriate duty cycle from the RPM range of the water pump and the duty cycle range of the cooling fan determined in step A); as well as C) Based on the data detected in real time from the data detector, determine whether the air temperature and the temperature of the electrical components are within the allowable temperature range, and then control the RPM of the water pump and the duty cycle of the cooling fan.

11. The control method according to claim 10, wherein Step A) includes: Start and drive the vehicle; Based on the data detected by the data detector, the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are detected; and Based on the detected air temperature or the detected temperature of the second coolant and the detected temperature of the electrical components, determine the appropriate RPM of the water pump and the appropriate duty cycle of the cooling fan.

12. The control method according to claim 10, wherein Step B) includes: Select the maximum appropriate RPM and the maximum appropriate duty cycle from the RPM range of the water pump and the duty cycle range of the cooling fan, respectively; and The water pump is driven at the maximum appropriate RPM, and the cooling fan is driven at the maximum appropriate duty cycle.

13. The control method according to claim 10 further includes the following steps: Based on data detected in real time from the data detector, it is determined whether the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are within the allowable temperature range; as well as Based on the determination that the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are within the allowable temperature range, the RPM of the water pump and the duty cycle of the cooling fan are maintained.

14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein Based on the determination that the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical component are not within the permissible temperature range, repeat step A).

15. The control method according to claim 13, wherein The permissible temperature range is set such that the air temperature or the temperature of the second coolant and the temperature of the electrical components are greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum reference temperature and less than a predetermined maximum reference temperature.

16. The control method according to claim 10, wherein, The data detector includes: An air temperature sensor, associated with the intercooler, is configured to measure the temperature of the air introduced into the intercooler; An electrical component temperature sensor, associated with the electrical component and configured to measure the temperature of the electrical component; and A coolant temperature sensor, associated with the second pipeline, is configured to measure the temperature of the second coolant.

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