Thermal management system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The application discloses a heat management system, in which, in a defrosting mode, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first valve device, a second heat exchanger, a second valve device and a first heat exchange part are communicated, refrigerant in the first heat exchange part exchanges heat with cooling liquid in a second heat exchange part, the first valve device is in a full-through state or a throttling state, the second valve device is in a throttling state, the second heat exchanger is in a heat releasing state, along a flow direction of the refrigerant, the first valve device is connected in series between an outlet of the first heat exchanger and an inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the second valve device is connected in series between an outlet of the second heat exchanger and an inlet of the first heat exchange part. By adjusting the opening degrees of the first valve device and the second valve device, the heat exchange amount at the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can be adjusted, so that the heating effect at the first heat exchanger and the defrosting effect at the second heat exchanger are balanced. The application further provides a control method of the heat management system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention filed on October 19, 2022, entitled "Thermal Management System and Control Method Thereof", with application number 202211278639.7. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a thermal management system and its control method. Background Technology

[0003] The thermal management system of a vehicle (such as an electric vehicle) regulates the ambient temperature inside the passenger compartment and manages the battery's thermal performance. In winter, when temperatures are low, the thermal management system activates heating mode. The indoor heat exchanger releases heat to meet the heating needs of the passenger compartment, while the outdoor heat exchanger absorbs heat from the atmosphere. However, due to the low ambient temperature, after running in heating mode for a period of time, the outdoor heat exchanger will frost over, reducing its heat absorption capacity and thus affecting the heating effect.

[0004] In existing thermal management systems, when the outdoor heat exchanger frosts, the system switches to defrost mode. The outdoor heat exchanger releases heat to improve the frost situation, but at this time, the indoor heat exchanger absorbs heat, causing the passenger cabin temperature to drop and reducing passenger comfort. The inventors believe there is a need for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems in the related technologies, this application provides a thermal management system and its control method that can balance heating effect and defrosting effect.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a thermal management system, comprising: a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve device, a second valve device, and an air conditioning unit; the first heat exchanger is located inside the air conditioning unit, the second heat exchanger is located outside the air conditioning unit, and the third heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that are isolated from each other; the thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system; the refrigerant system includes the first heat exchange section, and the coolant system includes the second heat exchange section; the thermal management system has a defrosting mode, in which... The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, the second heat exchanger, the second valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The first valve device is in a fully open state or a throttling state, the second valve device is in a throttling state, and the second heat exchanger is in a heat release state. Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the second valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchange section.

[0007] In this application, in defrosting mode, the heat exchange at the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can be adjusted by adjusting the opening of the first valve device and the second valve device, thereby balancing the heating effect at the first heat exchanger and the defrosting effect at the second heat exchanger.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a control method for a thermal management system, the thermal management system comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve device, a second valve device, an air conditioning unit, and a controller; the first heat exchanger is located inside the air conditioning unit, the second heat exchanger is located outside the air conditioning unit, and the third heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that are isolated from each other; the thermal management system comprises a refrigerant system and a coolant system, the refrigerant system comprising the first heat exchange section, and the coolant system comprising the second heat exchange section; the controller is used to execute the control method of the thermal management system, the control method of the thermal management system comprising: the controller controlling the thermal management system to enter a defrosting mode. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, the second heat exchanger, the second valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The first valve device is in a fully open state or a throttling state, the second valve device is in a throttling state, and the second heat exchanger is in a heat release state. The controller is electrically connected to the first valve device and the second valve device and adjusts the opening degree of the first valve device and the second valve device. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the second valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchange section.

[0009] In this application, the controller controls the thermal management system to operate in defrosting mode. The controller is electrically connected to the first valve device and the second valve device, and can adjust the opening degree of the first valve device and the second valve device, thereby balancing the heating effect at the first heat exchanger and the defrosting effect at the second heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0013] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the second heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth heating mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a battery heating mode according to an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the heating and dehumidification mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the defrosting mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0020] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the heat storage mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the seventh heating mode of another embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0023] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the eighth heating mode of another embodiment of the thermal management system of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the implementation methods can complement or combine with each other.

[0025] According to a specific embodiment of the thermal management system of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, the thermal management system includes a third heat exchanger 4 and a fifth heat exchanger 3. Both heat exchangers are liquid-cooled heat exchangers. The structure and working principle of liquid-cooled heat exchangers are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The third heat exchanger 4 includes a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42, and the fifth heat exchanger 3 includes a third heat exchange section 31 and a fourth heat exchange section 32. The third heat exchanger 4 and the fifth heat exchanger 3 are used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant, respectively. The third heat exchanger 4 and the fifth heat exchanger 3 may be the same or different.

[0026] The various components of the thermal management system are connected by piping to form two main systems: a refrigerant system and a coolant system. These two systems are isolated and not interconnected. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant system, while coolant flows through the coolant system. The refrigerant can be R134A, carbon dioxide, or other heat exchange media, and the coolant can be a mixture of ethanol and water or other cooling media. Specifically, the flow channels of the first heat exchange section 41 and the third heat exchange section 31 are connected to the refrigerant system, while the flow channels of the second heat exchange section 42 and the fourth heat exchange section 32 are connected to the coolant system.

[0027] It should be explained that "the flow channel of the first heat exchange section 41 is connected to the refrigerant system" means that the refrigerant system includes the first heat exchange section 41, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant system can flow into and out of the flow channel of the first heat exchange section 41. The inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange section 41 can be connected to other components in the refrigerant system through pipelines, forming a loop after being connected through the pipelines when the thermal management system is working. The flow channel of the third heat exchange section 31 is connected to the refrigerant system, and the flow channels of the second heat exchange section 42 and the fourth heat exchange section 32 are connected to the coolant system, as explained above.

[0028] In this embodiment, the refrigerant system includes a compressor 1, a first heat exchange unit 41, a third heat exchange unit 31, a first heat exchanger 101, a second heat exchanger 103, a sixth heat exchanger 102, a first valve device 22, a second valve device 24, a third valve device 21, a fourth valve device 23, a first shut-off valve 25, and a second shut-off valve 26. The components can be indirectly connected to each other through pipelines or valves, or they can be integrated into a single structure.

[0029] The first valve device 22 has four states: shut-off, throttling, full-flow, and flow regulation. When the opening of the first valve device 22 is 0, it is in the shut-off state, and the pipes on both sides of the first valve device 22 are essentially disconnected. When the opening of the first valve device 22 is greater than 0 but less than or equal to a first set value, it is in the throttling state, and the refrigerant flowing through it experiences cooling and pressure reduction. In the throttling state, the opening of the first valve device 22 is adjusted between 0 and the first set value according to heat exchange requirements, thereby regulating the throttling effect. When the opening of the first valve device 22 is greater than the first set value but less than a second set value, it is in the flow regulation state, and the pipes on both sides of the first valve device 22 are open but do not have a throttling function. In the flow regulation state, the opening of the first valve device 22 is adjusted between the first and second set values ​​according to heat exchange requirements, thereby regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first valve device 22. When the opening degree of the first valve device 22 is greater than or equal to the second set value, the first valve device 22 is in a fully open state, and the pipelines on both sides of the first valve device 22 are fully connected. Optionally, the first valve device 22 is a fully open bidirectional throttling valve. It should be understood that the first set value and the second set value are two fixed values ​​set according to product requirements. The first set value and the second set value are between 0 and 100, and the second set value is greater than the first set value. In this embodiment, the second valve device 24, the third valve device 21, and the fourth valve device 23 all have a shut-off state, a throttling state, a fully open state, and a flow regulation state. Their working principle is the same as that of the first valve device 22, and can be referred to the above description. In this application, the first valve device 22 and the third valve device 21 may not have a shut-off state.

[0030] The first shut-off valve 25 has a fully open state and a shut-off state. When the first shut-off valve 25 is in the fully open state, the pipes on both sides of the first shut-off valve 25 are connected; when the first shut-off valve 25 is in the shut-off state, the pipes on both sides of the first shut-off valve 25 are not connected. The second shut-off valve 26 has a fully open state and a shut-off state. The working principle of the second shut-off valve 26 is the same as that of the first shut-off valve 25, as described above.

[0031] In some other embodiments, the first valve device 22, the second valve device 24, the third valve device 21, the fourth valve device 23, the first shut-off valve 25, and the second shut-off valve 26 can be other types of valves, or combinations of at least two valves, as long as they have the above-described working state, and this application does not limit them.

[0032] The outlet of compressor 1 is connected to one port of the third valve device 21. The other port of the third valve device 21 is connected to one port of the first heat exchanger 101. The other port of the first heat exchanger 101 is connected to one port of the first valve device 22. The other port of the first valve device 22, one port of the first shut-off valve 25, and one port of the third heat exchange section 31 are connected. The other port of the third heat exchange section 31 is connected to one port of the second heat exchanger 103. The other port of the second heat exchanger 103, one port of the second shut-off valve 26, one port of the second valve device 24, and one port of the fourth valve device 23 are connected. The other port of the second valve device 24 is connected to one port of the first heat exchange section 41. The other port of the fourth valve device 23 is connected to one port of the sixth heat exchanger 102. The other ports of the first heat exchange section 41, the sixth heat exchanger 102, the first shut-off valve 25, and the second shut-off valve 26 are connected to the inlet of compressor 1.

[0033] In some other embodiments, the refrigerant system is further provided with a gas-liquid separator 6, which is located before the inlet of the compressor 1 to separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid before it enters the compressor 1, thereby reducing the possibility of the compressor 1 being liquid-slugged.

[0034] In some other embodiments, the refrigerant system further includes a seventh heat exchanger 5, which comprises a fifth heat exchange section 51 and a sixth heat exchange section 52. The seventh heat exchanger 5 is used for heat exchange between refrigerants. The seventh heat exchanger 5 is an intermediate heat exchanger, and its structure and working principle are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. One port of the sixth heat exchange section 52 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1, and the other ports of the first heat exchange section 41, the sixth heat exchanger 102, the first shut-off valve 25, the second shut-off valve 26, and the sixth heat exchange section 52 are connected. One port of the fifth heat exchange section 51 is connected to the other port of the second heat exchanger 103, and the other port of the fifth heat exchange section 51, the second shut-off valve 26, the second valve device 24, and the fourth valve device 23 are connected. If the thermal management system also includes a gas-liquid separator 6, the other port of the sixth heat exchange section 52 is connected to the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 6. The inlet of the gas-liquid separator 6, the other port of the first heat exchange section 41, the other port of the sixth heat exchanger 102, the other port of the first shut-off valve 25, and the other port of the second shut-off valve 26 are also connected. The refrigerant in the fifth heat exchange section 51 heats the refrigerant in the sixth heat exchange section 52, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the compressor 1. This can be used to increase the outlet temperature of the compressor 1, further reducing the possibility of liquid slugging in the compressor 1. It can also be used to reduce the refrigerant temperature before throttling in the cooling mode, improving the cooling effect.

[0035] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separator 6 and the seventh heat exchanger 5 can be integrated into a single component, which simultaneously performs gas-liquid separation and intermediate heat exchange functions. For ease of understanding and simplification, the following description assumes that the gas-liquid separator 6 and the seventh heat exchanger 5 are not present.

[0036] In this embodiment, the coolant system includes a first pump 9, a second pump 8, a second heat exchange section 42, a fourth heat exchange section 32, a fourth heat exchanger 104, a battery heat exchange device 105, a motor heat exchange device 107, a heating device 108, a multi-port device 7, and a bypass pipeline 10. The components can be indirectly connected to each other through pipelines or valves, or they can be integrated into a single structure.

[0037] The first pump 9 and the second pump 8 are used to power the flow of coolant in the coolant system. Optionally, the first pump 9 and the second pump 8 are electric water pumps. The two pumps can be the same or different in type and specification, depending on the requirements of the thermal management system.

[0038] The battery heat exchanger 105 is used for thermal management of the battery. Optionally, the battery heat exchanger 105 can be an integrated component with the battery, or it can be a separate component assembled with the battery. The motor heat exchanger 107 is used for thermal management of the motor. Optionally, the motor heat exchanger 107 can be an integrated component with the motor, or it can be a separate component assembled with the motor. The heating device 108 is used to heat the coolant; optionally, the heating device 108 is a PTC heater. The bypass pipes 10 are all hollow pipes and can be used to bypass certain components.

[0039] The coolant system includes a battery branch A, a motor branch B, a cooling branch C, and a multi-port device 7. The battery branch A includes a first pump 9, a heating device 108, and a battery heat exchange device 105. The motor branch B includes a second pump 8, a bypass pipe 10, a motor heat exchange device 107, a fourth heat exchange section 32, and a fourth heat exchanger 104. The cooling branch C includes a second heat exchange section 42.

[0040] The multi-port device 7 includes a first port 71, a second port 72, a third port 73, a fourth port 74, a fifth port 75, a sixth port 76, a seventh port 77, an eighth port 78, and a ninth port 79. Optionally, the multi-port device 7 is a nine-way valve, with the nine ports located in the valve housing and isolated from each other. The connection state between the ports is switched by controlling the valve core assembly inside the housing. In this application, the seventh port 77 and the eighth port 78 are connected. This connection can be achieved by providing a channel inside the multi-port device 7 or by using an external pipeline.

[0041] In this application, the multi-channel device 7 has four operating states: In the first operating state, the first interface 71 is connected to the fifth interface 75, the second interface 72 or the third interface 73 is connected to the fourth interface 74, the ninth interface 79 is connected to the sixth interface 76, and the seventh interface 77 is connected to the eighth interface 78; In the second operating state, the first interface 71 is connected to the second interface 72 or the third interface 73, the fourth interface 74 is connected to the ninth interface 79, the fifth interface 75 is connected to the eighth interface 78, and the seventh interface 77 is connected to the sixth interface 76; In the third operating state, the second interface 72 or the third interface 73 is connected to the sixth interface 76, the fourth interface 74 is connected to the fifth interface 75, the first interface 71 is connected to the seventh interface 77, and the eighth interface 78 is connected to the ninth interface 79; In the fourth operating state, the first interface 71 is connected to the ninth interface 79, the second interface 72 or the third interface 73 is connected to the eighth interface 78, the fourth interface 74 is connected to the seventh interface 77, and the sixth interface 76 is connected to the fifth interface 75.

[0042] In cooling branch C, one port of the second heat exchanger 42 is connected to the first interface 71, and the other port of the second heat exchanger 42 is connected to the ninth interface 79. In battery branch A, the outlet of the first pump 9 is connected to one port of the heating device 108, the other port of the heating device 108 is connected to the fifth interface 75, the inlet of the first pump 9 is connected to one port of the battery heat exchanger 105, and the other port of the battery heat exchanger 105 is connected to the sixth interface 76. In motor branch B, the inlet of the second pump 8 is connected to the fourth interface 74, the outlet of the second pump 8 is connected to one port of the motor heat exchanger 107, the other port of the motor heat exchanger 107, one port of the bypass pipe 10, and one port of the fourth heat exchanger 32 are connected, the other port of the bypass pipe 10 is connected to the third interface 73, the other port of the fourth heat exchanger 32 is connected to one port of the fourth heat exchanger 104, and the other port of the fourth heat exchanger 104 is connected to the second interface 72. The multi-channel device 7 allows for the connection of any two of the cooling branch C, motor branch B, and battery branch A, or for all three branches to remain disconnected. It is understood that when the multi-channel device 7 is in its fourth operating state, battery branch A, motor branch B, and cooling branch C are disconnected, and each can form an independent circuit through the multi-channel device 7.

[0043] The thermal management system provided in this application embodiment can be applied to electric vehicles. The electric vehicle has an air conditioning unit 100 for heat exchange with the air in the passenger compartment. A first heat exchanger 101 and a sixth heat exchanger 102 are disposed within the air conditioning unit 100. The first heat exchanger 101 and the sixth heat exchanger 102 are used for heat exchange with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to regulate the temperature of the passenger compartment. The first heat exchanger 101 is located downstream of the sixth heat exchanger 102 in the airflow. A fan is provided within the air conditioning unit 100 to guide the airflow within the air conditioning unit 100. The air conditioning unit 100 is provided with a damper; by adjusting the damper, the flow of air through the first heat exchanger 101 can be controlled, as can the airflow volume through the first heat exchanger 101. A second heat exchanger 103 and a fourth heat exchanger 104 are arranged side-by-side near the front air intake grille of the vehicle and are equipped with a fan device for guiding airflow. The second heat exchanger 103 and the fourth heat exchanger 104 are used for heat exchange with the atmospheric environment, releasing heat into or absorbing heat from the atmospheric environment. The compressor 1 and the gas-liquid separator 6 are located in the front engine compartment of the cab. The first heat exchanger 101, the second heat exchanger 103, the fourth heat exchanger 104 and the sixth heat exchanger 102 are all air-cooled heat exchangers and are used to exchange heat with air. The structure of air-cooled heat exchangers is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0044] The thermal management system of this embodiment is not only applicable to vehicles, but also to other heat exchange systems that require thermal management. For ease of description, the specification of this application uses vehicles as an example.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 When the ambient temperature is high, the passenger cabin or battery requires cooling, and the thermal management system is in cooling mode. When both the passenger cabin and battery require cooling, compressor 1 is activated, the first valve device 22 and the third valve device 21 are in a fully open state, the second valve device 24 and the fourth valve device 23 are in a throttling state, and the first shut-off valve 25 and the second shut-off valve 26 are in a shut-off state. The first pump 9 and the second pump 8 are activated, the heating device 108 is shut off and used as a pipeline, the multi-way valve is in the first working state, and the second interface 72 is connected to the fourth interface 74. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second valve device 24, the first heat exchange section 41, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the fourth valve device 23, the sixth heat exchanger 102, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected sequentially. The outlet of the first pump 9, the heating device 108, the second heat exchange section 42, the battery heat exchange device 105, and the inlet of the first pump 9 are connected in sequence. The outlet of the second pump 8, the motor heat exchange device 107, the fourth heat exchange section 32, the fourth heat exchanger 104, and the inlet of the second pump 8 are connected in sequence.

[0046] Specifically, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 1 flows through the first heat exchanger 101 and enters the third heat exchange section 31. At this time, the damper of the air conditioning unit 100 is closed, and the first heat exchanger 101 is used as a pipeline and does not participate in heat exchange. In the fifth heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section 31 releases heat to the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section 32. The second pump 8 drives the coolant to circulate, releasing the heat to the atmospheric environment at the fourth heat exchanger 104. Then, the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 103, where it exchanges heat with the atmospheric environment. The refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger 103 is divided into two paths: one path flows through the fourth valve device 23 in a throttling state, where the cooled and depressurized refrigerant flows into the sixth heat exchanger 102, where it exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 to cool the passenger compartment; the other path flows through the second valve device 24 in a throttling state, where the cooled and depressurized refrigerant flows into the first heat exchange section 41. In the third heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 41 absorbs heat from the coolant in the second heat exchange section 42, and the first pump 9 drives the coolant to circulate, thereby cooling the battery. The refrigerant flowing from the sixth heat exchanger 102 and the first heat exchange section 41 flows into the compressor 1 and is compressed again, thus completing the cycle. When the second pump 8 drives the coolant to circulate, it also carries the heat from the motor to the fourth heat exchanger 104, thereby cooling the motor.

[0047] When only the battery requires cooling, the thermal management system connection status is similar to the connection status described above, except that the fourth valve device 23 is in the off state.

[0048] When only the passenger cabin has a cooling requirement, the thermal management system connection status is similar to the connection status described above, except that the second valve device 24 is in the off state and the first pump 9 is closed.

[0049] When the battery temperature is too high and no one is in the vehicle, such as during fast charging when no one is in the car, the thermal management system can activate a rapid battery cooling mode. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically the same as that of the connection status where only the battery needs cooling, except that the air vent of the air conditioning unit 100 is open, and the first heat exchanger 101 releases heat. In some cases, the first valve device 22 can also be switched to a throttling state to adjust the heat exchange effect of the first heat exchanger 101 and prevent the temperature inside the vehicle from becoming too high.

[0050] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, when the ambient temperature is low, the passenger cabin has a heating requirement, and the thermal management system is in heating mode. Depending on the status of the battery, motor, and atmospheric environment, heat can be obtained from at least one of the compressor 1, the atmospheric environment, the heating device 108, the motor, and the battery.

[0051] When there is sufficient heat in the atmospheric environment, the thermal management system can operate in the first heating mode, referring to... Figure 3 When compressor 1 is turned on, the first valve device 22 is in a throttling state, the third valve device 21 and the second shut-off valve 26 are in a fully open state, and the second valve device 24, the fourth valve device 23 and the first shut-off valve 25 are in a shut-off state. The first pump 9 and the second pump 8 are turned off. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second shut-off valve 26, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 through the first heat exchanger 101 to achieve passenger cabin heating, and obtains heat from the atmospheric environment through the second heat exchanger 103. In the current mode, when the motor needs cooling, the multi-way valve can be put into the first working state, the second interface 72 and the fourth interface 74 are connected, the second pump 8 is turned on, and the outlet of the second pump 8, the motor heat exchange device 107, the fourth heat exchange section 32, the fourth heat exchanger 104, and the inlet of the second pump 8 are sequentially connected, and the motor is cooled through the fourth heat exchanger 104.

[0052] When the motor has residual heat, the thermal management system can operate in a second heating mode, as per [reference needed]. Figure 4 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the first heating mode, except that: the second shut-off valve 26 is in the shut-off state, the second valve device 24 is in the fully open state, the second pump 8 is open, the multi-way valve is in the second working state, and the third interface 73 and the fourth interface 74 are connected. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second valve device 24, the first heat exchange section 41, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of second pump 8, the motor heat exchange device 107, the second heat exchange section 42, and the inlet of second pump 8 are connected in sequence. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 through the first heat exchanger 101 to achieve passenger cabin heating, and obtains heat from the motor through the third heat exchanger 4.

[0053] When the battery has residual heat or requires auxiliary heating, the thermal management system can operate in a third heating mode, as described above. Figure 5 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the second heating mode, except that the first pump 9 is on, the second pump 8 is off, and the multi-way valve is in the first working state. The outlet of the first pump 9, the heating device 108, the second heat exchange section 42, the battery heat exchange device 105, and the inlet of the first pump 9 are connected in sequence. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 through the first heat exchanger 101 to achieve passenger cabin heating. When the battery has residual heat, the heating device 108 is turned off and used as a pipeline, and heat is obtained from the battery through the third heat exchanger 4; when auxiliary heating is required, the heating device 108 is turned on, and heat is obtained from the heating device 108 through the third heat exchanger 4.

[0054] In the second and third heating modes, if the ambient temperature is suitable, heat can be obtained from the ambient temperature through the second heat exchanger 103. If the ambient temperature is not suitable, the second heat exchanger 103 is used as a pipeline and does not participate in heat exchange.

[0055] In some situations, when the ambient temperature is low and heat cannot be obtained from the atmosphere, and the coolant system also cannot provide heat, compressor 1 heats the refrigerant to provide heat. The thermal management system can then operate in a fourth heating mode, as described above. Figure 6 When compressor 1 is turned on, at least one of the third valve device 21 and the first valve device 22 is in a throttling state, the first shut-off valve 25 is in a fully open state, and the second valve device 24, the fourth valve device 23, and the second shut-off valve 26 are in a shut-off state. The first pump 9 and the second pump 8 are closed. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the first shut-off valve 25, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. When compressor 1 performs work, the temperature of the refrigerant increases. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 through the first heat exchanger 101, thereby heating the passenger compartment. After being throttled by the first valve device 22 or the third valve device 21, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant decrease. By adjusting the opening of the valve device in the throttling state, the intake temperature of compressor 1 is adjusted. The intake temperature of compressor 1 is controllable, which makes the exhaust temperature of compressor 1 controllable and relatively stable, resulting in a relatively stable heating effect.

[0056] If both the first valve device 22 and the third valve device 21 are in a throttling state, under the same condensing pressure, the enthalpy difference of the refrigerant at the inlet and outlet of the first heat exchanger 101 is greater, resulting in greater heat exchange at the first heat exchanger 101 and better heating effect.

[0057] Because the vehicle is constantly moving or running, the motor continuously generates heat. If the motor temperature is high enough and has residual heat, the thermal management system can operate in the fifth heating mode, as described above. Figure 7The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the fourth heating mode, except that: the second valve device 24 is in the fully open state, the second pump 8 is on, the multi-way device 7 is in the second working state, and the third interface 73 is connected to the fourth interface 74. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the first shut-off valve 25, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second valve device 24, the first heat exchange section 41, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of the second pump 8, the motor heat exchange device 107, the second heat exchange section 42, and the inlet of the second pump 8 are connected in sequence. Compared to the fourth heating mode, the refrigerant, after passing through the first valve device 22 in a throttling state, splits into two paths: one path flows through the first shut-off valve 25 and returns to the compressor 1; the other path flows sequentially through the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second valve device 24, and the first heat exchange section 41 before returning to the compressor 1, where it obtains heat from the motor through the third heat exchanger 4. In some other embodiments, when the motor has no residual heat but the battery has residual heat, the multi-channel device 7 can be switched to the first operating state, the first pump 9 is turned on, and heat is obtained from the battery through the third heat exchanger 4.

[0058] When there is no thermal management requirement in the passenger cabin but a heating requirement in the battery, the thermal management system operates in battery heating mode, referring to... Figure 8 Compressor 1 is turned off, second pump 8 is turned off, multi-channel device 7 is in the second working state, and heating device 108 is turned on to heat the coolant. The outlet of first pump 9, heating device 108, battery heat exchange device 105, and inlet of first pump 9 are connected in sequence.

[0059] When the ambient temperature is low and the humidity is high, the windshield is prone to fogging, posing a safety hazard. The passenger cabin requires heating and dehumidification; the thermal management system can operate in heating and dehumidification mode. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the passenger cabin-only cooling mode, with the difference being that the damper of the air conditioning unit 100 is open, the first heat exchanger 101 releases heat, and one of the first valve device 22 and the fourth valve device 23 is in a throttling state, while the other is in a fully open state. Both the first heat exchanger 101 and the sixth heat exchanger 102 exchange heat with the air in the passenger cabin. Since the first heat exchanger 101 is located on the leeward side of the sixth heat exchanger 102, the humid air first flows through the sixth heat exchanger 102, where it encounters the cold air and the water in the air is precipitated out, thus drying the air. The dried air then flows through the first heat exchanger 101, where it is heated, and the heated, dry air enters the passenger cabin to achieve the effect of heating and dehumidification.

[0060] When the heating demand of the passenger cabin is low, the first valve device 22 is in the fully open state, the fourth valve device 23 is in the throttling state, the first heat exchanger 101, the second heat exchanger 103 and the third heat exchange section 31 are all used as condensers, and the second heat exchanger 103 and the fifth heat exchanger 3 release heat, reducing the heat exchange effect at the first heat exchanger 101.

[0061] When the heating demand in the passenger cabin is high, the first valve device 22 is in a throttling state, the fourth valve device 23 is in a fully open state, the first heat exchanger 101 is used as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 103, the first heat exchange section 41 and the third heat exchange section 31 are all used as evaporators. The second heat exchanger 103 is used to obtain heat from the atmospheric environment, and the fifth heat exchanger 3 is used to obtain heat from the motor or the atmospheric environment, thereby improving the heat exchange effect at the first heat exchanger 101.

[0062] After the vehicle has been operating in heating mode for a period of time, due to the low ambient temperature and high humidity, frost may form on the second heat exchanger 103. In this case, defrosting mode needs to be activated to prevent or delay frost formation on the second heat exchanger 103, or to defrost it. However, since the ambient temperature is low, it is crucial to ensure the heating effect in the passenger compartment. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the third heating mode, except that the first valve device 22 is in a throttling or full-open state, and the second valve device 24 is in a throttling state. The second heat exchanger 103 is in a heat release state to prevent or delay frost formation on the second heat exchanger 103, or to defrost the second heat exchanger 103. The operating status of the multi-pass device 7 is adjusted to obtain heat from the battery, motor, or heating device 108 through the third heat exchanger 4. In defrosting mode, the opening of the first valve device 22 and the second valve device 24 is adjusted to balance the heating effect at the first heat exchanger 101 and the defrosting effect at the second heat exchanger 103, ensuring heating effect while completing the defrosting process and improving comfort. When both the first valve device 22 and the second valve device 24 are in a throttling state, the high pressure can be increased, causing the exhaust temperature of the compressor 1 to rise, thereby improving the heating effect.

[0063] When the passenger cabin has no thermal management requirements, but the motor and battery both require heat dissipation, the thermal management system operates in cooling mode. (Refer to...) Figure 11 Compressor 1 is off, the refrigerant system is not running, first pump 9 and second pump 8 are on, multi-port device 7 is in its third operating state, second interface 72 is connected to sixth interface 76, and heating device 108 is off. The outlet of first pump 9, heating device 108, second pump 8, motor heat exchange device 107, fourth heat exchange section 32, fourth heat exchanger 104, battery heat exchange device 105, and inlet of first pump 9 are connected sequentially. Through heat exchange with the atmospheric environment via fourth heat exchanger 104, the coolant temperature decreases, and the coolant circulates to dissipate heat from the battery and motor.

[0064] When the ambient temperature is low and there are passengers in the vehicle, the heating mode needs to be activated to meet their heating needs. After passengers exit the vehicle, ventilation is required, and the heat inside the vehicle will be wasted. Therefore, the heat storage mode can be activated before ventilation to recover heat from the passenger compartment and store it in the battery. When the vehicle starts moving again, the heating mode absorbs heat from the battery, reducing the use of the heating device 108, saving electricity, and improving energy efficiency. (Refer to...) Figure 12 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the passenger cabin-only cooling mode, with the difference being that the multi-port device 7 is in the third operating state, the second interface 72 and the sixth interface 76 are connected, and the outlet of the first pump 9, the heating device 108, the second pump 8, the motor heat exchange device 107, the fourth heat exchange section 32, the fourth heat exchanger 104, the battery heat exchange device 105, and the inlet of the first pump 9 are connected in sequence. In the fifth heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant heats the coolant, and the coolant circulates, using the battery to store heat.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the refrigerant flows through the second heat exchanger 103 and the coolant flows through the fourth heat exchanger 104, but heat exchange is not desired between the second heat exchanger 103 and the fourth heat exchanger 104, the fan device can be turned off, or a pipeline can be used to bypass it.

[0066] In some other embodiments, battery branch A further includes an autonomous driving module heat exchange device 106 and a proportional valve 27. A sixth interface 76, another port of the battery heat exchange device 105, and another port of the proportional valve 27 are connected. One port of the proportional valve 27 is connected to another port of the autonomous driving module heat exchange device 106. The inlet of the first pump 9, one port of the battery heat exchange device 105, and one port of the autonomous driving module heat exchange device 106 are also connected. The proportional valve 27 has a shut-off state and a proportional adjustment state. When the proportional valve 27 is in the proportional adjustment state, it can adjust the ratio of coolant flowing through the battery heat exchange device 105 and the autonomous driving module heat exchange device 106.

[0067] In cooling mode and heat dissipation mode, when the autonomous driving module needs cooling; or in the third heating mode and defrost mode, when the autonomous driving module has residual heat; or in battery heating mode, when the autonomous driving module needs heating, the proportional valve 27 can be in a proportional adjustment state, and at least a portion of the coolant can flow through the autonomous driving module heat exchange device 106.

[0068] In some other embodiments, the proportional valve 27 may also be a shut-off valve, which can only control whether coolant flows through the heat exchange device 106 of the autonomous driving module.

[0069] According to another specific embodiment of the thermal management system of this application, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, this embodiment is basically the same as the above embodiment, except that the refrigeration system is different. Specifically, the first shut-off valve 25 is replaced by the fifth valve device 28, the position of the first valve device 22 in the system is different, and a third shut-off valve 29 is added. The connection status of the thermal management system in this embodiment under various operating conditions is basically the same as that in the above specific embodiment. The differences are illustrated below, and the similarities are referred to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments.

[0070] The refrigerant system differs in that: the other port of the first heat exchanger 101, one port of the first valve device 22, and one port of the fifth valve device 28 are connected; the other port of the first valve device 22 is connected to one port of the third heat exchange section 31. The other port of the fifth valve device 28, the other port of the sixth heat exchanger 102, the other port of the third heat exchange section 31, and one port of the third shut-off valve 29 are connected; the other port of the third shut-off valve 29, the other port of the second shut-off valve 26, and the inlet of the compressor 1 are connected.

[0071] The fifth valve device 28 has a shut-off state, a throttling state, a full-open state, and a flow regulation state. Its working principle is the same as that of the first valve device 22, as described above. The third shut-off valve 29 has a full-open state and a shut-off state. When the third shut-off valve 29 is in the full-open state, the pipes on both sides of the third shut-off valve 29 are connected; when the third shut-off valve 29 is in the shut-off state, the pipes on both sides of the third shut-off valve 29 are not connected. In the previous embodiment, the first shut-off valve 25 needed to be in the shut-off state; in this embodiment, the fifth valve device 28 is in the shut-off state. In any operating condition of the previous embodiment, the third shut-off valve 29 in this embodiment is in the full-open state.

[0072] Due to the change in the position of the first valve device 22 and the replacement of the first shut-off valve 25 with the fifth valve device 28, the heating mode of this embodiment differs from that of the previous embodiment. Specifically, the first, second, and third heating modes of this embodiment have the same system connections as those of the previous embodiment. This embodiment cannot implement the fourth and fifth heating modes of the previous embodiment, but the thermal management system of this embodiment has a sixth, seventh, and eighth heating modes.

[0073] The thermal management system operates in the sixth heating mode, referencing Figure 13When compressor 1 is turned on, at least one of the third valve device 21 and the fifth valve device 28 is in a throttling state, the first valve device 22, the second valve device 24, the fourth valve device 23 and the second shut-off valve 26 are in a shut-off state, the third shut-off valve 29 is in a fully open state, and the first pump 9 and the second pump 8 are closed. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the fifth valve device 28, the third shut-off valve 29, and the inlet of compressor 1 are sequentially connected. The work done by compressor 1 raises the temperature of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the air conditioning unit 100 through the first heat exchanger 101 to achieve heating of the passenger compartment.

[0074] The thermal management system operates in the seventh heating mode, refer to Figure 13 The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the sixth heating mode, with the following differences: the first valve device 22 is in a throttling state, a full-open state, or a flow regulation state; the fifth valve device 28 is in a throttling state, a full-open state, or a flow regulation state; at least one of the third valve device 21 and the first valve device 22 is in a throttling state; at least one of the third valve device 21 and the fifth valve device 28 is in a throttling state; the second valve device 24 is in a full-open state; the second pump 8 is turned on; the multi-port device 7 is in the second working state; and the third interface 73 is connected to the fourth interface 74. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the fifth valve device 28, the third shut-off valve 29, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second valve device 24, the first heat exchange section 41, the third shut-off valve 29, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of the second pump 8, the motor heat exchange device 107, the second heat exchange section 42, and the inlet of the second pump 8 are connected in sequence. After the refrigerant flows out of the first heat exchanger 101, it is divided into two paths: one path flows through the fifth valve device 28 and returns to the compressor 1; the other path flows through the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second valve device 24, and the first heat exchange section 41 in sequence and returns to the compressor 1, where it obtains heat from the motor through the third heat exchanger 4.

[0075] It is understandable that when the third valve device 21 is in the fully open state, both the first valve device 22 and the fifth valve device 28 are in a throttling state; when the third valve device 21 is in a throttling state, the first valve device 22 can be in a throttling state, a fully open state, or a flow regulating state, and the fifth valve device 28 can be in a throttling state, a fully open state, or a flow regulating state. By adjusting the opening degree of the first valve device 22 and the fifth valve device 28, the refrigerant flow ratio of the two branches can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the heat exchange effect.

[0076] The thermal management system operates in the eighth heating mode, refer to Figure 14The connection status of the thermal management system is basically similar to that of the first heating mode, with the following differences: the fifth valve device 28 is in a throttling state, the second valve device 24 is in a fully open state, the third shut-off valve 29 is in a shut-off state, the second pump 8 is open, the multi-way device 7 is in the second working state, and the third interface 73 and the fourth interface 74 are connected. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the fifth valve device 28, the first heat exchange section 41, the second valve device 24, the second shut-off valve 26, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of compressor 1, the third valve device 21, the first heat exchanger 101, the first valve device 22, the third heat exchange section 31, the second heat exchanger 103, the second shut-off valve 26, and the inlet of compressor 1 are connected in sequence. The outlet of the second pump 8, the motor heat exchange device 107, the second heat exchange section 42, and the inlet of the second pump 8 are connected in sequence. After the refrigerant flows out of the first heat exchanger 101, it splits into two paths: one path flows through the fifth valve device 28, which is in a throttling state, and then flows into the first heat exchange section 41, and then returns to the compressor 1, where it obtains heat from the motor through the third heat exchanger 4; the other path flows through the first valve device 22, which is in a throttling state, and then flows through the third heat exchange section 31 and the second heat exchanger 103 in sequence, and then returns to the compressor 1, where it obtains heat from the atmospheric environment through the second heat exchanger 103.

[0077] In this application, the "connection" between two components can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline between them, or they may have valves or other components in addition to a pipeline. Similarly, the "connection" between two components in this application can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline connection, or they may have valves or other components in addition to a pipeline connection.

[0078] This application also provides a control method for a thermal management system. The control method in this application is applied to the thermal management system of the above-described embodiments. The thermal management system also includes a control system 200, which can be used to control the working state of the refrigerant system and the working state of the coolant system.

[0079] Reference Figure 1The control system 200 includes a controller and several sensors. These sensors can acquire operational information from the first heat exchanger 101, second heat exchanger 103, third heat exchanger 4, fourth heat exchanger 104, fifth heat exchanger 3, sixth heat exchanger 102, seventh heat exchanger 5, motor, and battery. Optionally, the operational information includes temperature and pressure. The controller is electrically connected to components such as the compressor 1, the fan inside the air conditioning unit 100, the fan assembly at the air intake grille, several shut-off valves, several proportional valves 27, several valve assemblies, several pumps, several multi-way devices 7, and several sensors. The controller can acquire the operational information obtained from the sensors. The controller can adjust the operational states of the components of the thermal management system, including at least one of opening components, closing components, speed adjustment, opening degree adjustment, and power adjustment. The controller can execute the control methods of the thermal management system.

[0080] The control methods of the thermal management system include:

[0081] Acquire passenger needs and operational information obtained from sensors;

[0082] Based on passenger demand and operational information obtained from sensors, the controller adjusts the operating status of various components in the thermal management system, enabling the thermal management system to execute appropriate air conditioning operation modes, thereby achieving thermal management of the passenger cabin, motors, and batteries.

[0083] The thermal management system also includes an interactive device. The controller is electrically connected to the interactive device, and the controller can obtain passenger needs through the interactive device, such as the passenger's desired target temperature or operating mode. Optionally, the interactive device can be the electric vehicle's control panel. The air conditioning operating modes described above refer to the connection status of the thermal management system under these operating modes, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has disclosed the preferred embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, and an air conditioning unit. The first heat exchanger is located inside the air conditioning unit, the second heat exchanger is located outside the air conditioning unit, and the third heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that are isolated from each other. The thermal management system includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system that are isolated from each other. The refrigerant system includes the first heat exchange section, and the coolant system includes the second heat exchange section. The thermal management system has a defrosting mode. In the defrosting mode, the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, the second heat exchanger, the second valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the coolant in the second heat exchange section. The first valve device is in a fully open state or a throttling state, the second valve device is in a throttling state, and the second heat exchanger is in a heat release state. Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the second valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchange section.

2. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coolant system includes a first pump, a heating device, and a battery heat exchange device; In the defrosting mode, the first pump and the second heat exchange section are connected to the battery heat exchange device, or the first pump and the second heat exchange section are connected to the heating device, which is used to heat the coolant.

3. A thermal management system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The coolant system includes a second pump, a fourth heat exchanger, and a fifth heat exchanger. The fourth heat exchanger is located outside the air conditioning unit. The fifth heat exchanger includes a third heat exchange section and a fourth heat exchange section that are isolated from each other. The refrigerant system includes the third heat exchange section, and the coolant system includes the fourth heat exchange section. The thermal management system has a rapid battery cooling mode. In this mode, the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, the third heat exchange section, the second valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected. The first pump, the second heat exchange section, and the battery heat exchange device are connected. The second pump, the fourth heat exchange section, and the fourth heat exchanger are connected. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section cools the coolant in the second heat exchange section, and the refrigerant in the third heat exchange section heats the coolant in the fourth heat exchange section. The first valve device is in a fully open or throttling state, and the second valve device is in a throttling state. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the third heat exchange section, and the second valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the third heat exchange section and the inlet of the first heat exchange section.

4. A thermal management system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the rapid heat dissipation mode of the battery, the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, the third heat exchange section, the second heat exchanger, the second valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected together. Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the second heat exchanger is connected in series between the outlet of the third heat exchange section and the inlet of the second valve device, and the second heat exchanger is in a heat release state.

5. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a third valve device and has several heating modes. In a heating mode, the compressor, the third valve device, the first heat exchanger, and the first valve device are connected in series along the refrigerant flow direction. The third valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. There is no heat exchanger between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the third valve device. The first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the compressor. The first valve device and / or the third valve device are in a throttling state. or, In another heating mode, the compressor, the third valve device, the first heat exchanger, and the first valve device are connected. The compressor, the third valve device, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the third valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. There is no heat exchanger between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the third valve device. The outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first valve device. The outlet of the first valve device is connected to both the inlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first heat exchange section. The outlet of the first heat exchange section is connected to the inlet of the compressor. The first valve device and / or the third valve device are in a throttling state.

6. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a third valve device and a fifth valve device, and the thermal management system has several heating modes; In one heating mode, the compressor, the third valve device, the first heat exchanger, and the fifth valve device are connected in series. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the third valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. There is no heat exchanger between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the third valve device. The fifth valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the compressor. The fifth valve device and / or the third valve device are in a throttling state. or, In another heating mode, the compressor, the third valve device, the first heat exchanger, and the fifth valve device are connected. The compressor, the third valve device, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the coolant in the second heat exchange section. Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the third valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. There is no heat exchanger between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the third valve device. The outlet of the first heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first valve device and the inlet of the fifth valve device. The outlet of the first valve device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange section. The outlet of the first heat exchange section and the outlet of the fifth valve device are connected to the inlet of the compressor. At least one of the first valve device and the third valve device is in a throttling state. At least one of the fifth valve device and the third valve device is in a throttling state. or, In another heating mode, the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the fifth valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, and the second heat exchanger are connected. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the coolant in the second heat exchange section. Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the fifth valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchange section. The fifth valve device and the first valve device are in a throttling state.

7. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a first pump, a fourth valve device, a sixth heat exchanger, and a battery heat exchange device, wherein the sixth heat exchanger is located inside the air conditioning unit; The thermal management system has a cooling mode. In the cooling mode, the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the fourth valve device, and the sixth heat exchanger are connected. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the fourth valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the sixth heat exchanger, and the fourth valve device is in a throttling state. Alternatively, the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the second valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected, as are the first pump, the second heat exchange section, and the battery heat exchange device. The second valve device is in a throttling state, and the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the coolant in the second heat exchange section. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the second valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchange section. The thermal management system has a heating and dehumidification mode. In this mode, the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, the second heat exchanger, the fourth valve device, and the sixth heat exchanger are connected. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the fourth valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the sixth heat exchanger. The first valve device is in a fully open state, the fourth valve device is in a throttling state, and the second heat exchanger is in a heat release state; or, the first valve device is in a throttling state, the fourth valve device is in a fully open state, and the second heat exchanger is in a heat absorption state.

8. A thermal management system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The coolant system includes a battery branch, a motor branch, and a cooling branch. The battery branch includes a first pump, a heating device, and a battery heat exchange device. The motor branch includes a motor heat exchange device, a bypass pipe, a second pump, a fourth heat exchange section, and a fourth heat exchanger. The cooling branch includes a second heat exchange section. The coolant system includes a multi-port device, which includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, a sixth interface, a seventh interface, an eighth interface, and a ninth interface, with the seventh interface connected to the eighth interface. The cooling branch has two ports, which are respectively connected to the first interface and the ninth interface. The battery branch has two ports, which are respectively connected to the fifth interface and the sixth interface. The motor branch has three ports, which are respectively connected to the second interface, the third interface, and the fourth interface.

9. A thermal management system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The multi-pass device has at least three operating states: In the first working state, the first interface is connected to the fifth interface, the second interface or the third interface is connected to the fourth interface, and the ninth interface is connected to the sixth interface; In the second working state, the first interface is connected to the second interface or the third interface, the fourth interface is connected to the ninth interface, and the fifth interface is connected to the sixth interface; In the third working state, the second interface or the third interface is connected to the sixth interface, and the fourth interface is connected to the fifth interface.

10. A control method for a thermal management system, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first valve device, a second valve device, an air conditioning unit, and a controller. The first heat exchanger is located inside the air conditioning unit, the second heat exchanger is located outside the air conditioning unit, and the third heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that are isolated from each other. The thermal management system also includes a refrigerant system and a coolant system. The refrigerant system includes the first heat exchange section, and the coolant system includes the second heat exchange section. The controller is used to execute the control method of the thermal management system. The control method of the thermal management system includes: the controller controls the thermal management system to enter a defrosting mode; the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the first valve device, the second heat exchanger, the second valve device, and the first heat exchange section are connected; the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the coolant in the second heat exchange section; the first valve device is in a fully open state or a throttling state; the controller is electrically connected to the first valve device and the second valve device and adjusts the opening degree of the first valve device and the second valve device; the second valve device is in a throttling state; the second heat exchanger is in a heat release state; along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the first valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger; and the second valve device is connected in series between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchange section.

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