Vehicle thermal management system

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle thermal management system that can perform all functions of an integrated thermal management system for an electric vehicle while reducing the package of an air conditioning device and reducing manufacturing costs by using only two refrigerant valves. The vehicle thermal management system is configured to include a compressor that compresses and discharges refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger that is provided inside an air conditioning housing and exchanges heat with air discharged to the interior of a vehicle to heat the air; an outdoor heat exchanger that is provided outside the air conditioning housing and exchanges heat with outside air; an expansion valve that expands the refrigerant; an evaporator that is provided upstream of the indoor heat exchanger in the air flow direction inside the air conditioning housing and exchanges heat with air discharged to the interior of the vehicle to cool the air; and a cooler that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and cooling water, wherein a direction switching valve is provided that controls the flow of refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger or the evaporator, the expansion valve is configured with a three-way valve, and two of the three communication ports can change the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant, and bidirectional expansion of the refrigerant is possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a thermal management system for vehicles, and more specifically, to a thermal management system for vehicles installed in electric vehicles and the like to perform air conditioning on the vehicle interior and to integrate thermal management of batteries and electronic components. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a vehicle air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration system for cooling the vehicle's interior and a heating system for heating the vehicle's interior. The refrigeration system is configured to cool the vehicle's interior by exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing in the evaporator and the air passing through the evaporator. Simultaneously, the heating system is configured to heat the vehicle's interior by exchanging heat between cooling water flowing in the heater core and the air passing through the heater core.

[0003] Recently, for battery-powered vehicles such as electric vehicles, a vehicle heat pump system has been used that utilizes a cooler that exchanges heat between cooling water and refrigerant to cool the waste heat from electronic components while simultaneously cooling the battery. As a result, during heat pump operation, heat pump performance is improved by recovering heat from the air passing through the outdoor unit and waste heat from electronic components and the battery passing through the water-refrigerant heat exchanger (cooler).

[0004] Reference Figure 1 The existing vehicle thermal management system 10 is equipped with a refrigerant circulation line 12. The refrigerant circulation line 12 is equipped with a compressor 12a, a high-pressure side indoor heat exchanger 12b, a heat pump expansion valve 12c, a water-cooled heat exchanger 12d, a three-way valve 12e, an outdoor heat exchanger 12f, an air conditioning expansion valve 12g, and a low-pressure side indoor heat exchanger 12h. The refrigerant circulation line 12 is also equipped with a battery cooling expansion valve 14 and a cooler 16.

[0005] In cooling mode, the heat pump expansion valve 12c is fully open, and the three-way valve 12e is controlled to face the outdoor heat exchanger 12f. In heating mode, the heat pump expansion valve 12c is turned on, and refrigerant pressure reduction and expansion are performed, while the three-way valve 12e is controlled to face the compressor 12a. Furthermore, the refrigerant circulation line 12 is equipped with a bypass line 18 connecting the outlet side of the heat pump expansion valve 12c to the inlet side of the low-pressure indoor heat exchanger 12h, as well as an on / off valve 19.

[0006] Existing vehicle thermal management systems require multiple refrigerant valves to manage the cooling, heating, dehumidification, battery, and electronic components within the vehicle interior. To implement such a system, at least five refrigerant valves are needed. This increases the overall system cost and complicates system control. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues In order to solve the existing technical problems as described above, the present invention provides a vehicle thermal management system that can perform all the functions of an integrated thermal management system for electric vehicles while reducing the size of the air conditioning unit and using only two refrigerant valves, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0008] Technical solution The vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention comprises: a compressor for compressing and discharging refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger disposed inside the air conditioning housing and exchanging heat with air discharged into the vehicle interior to heat the air; an outdoor heat exchanger disposed outside the air conditioning housing and exchanging heat with outside air; an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant; an evaporator disposed inside the air conditioning housing upstream of the indoor heat exchanger along the airflow direction and exchanging heat with air discharged into the vehicle interior to cool the air; and a cooler for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and cooling water, wherein a directional valve is provided to control the flow of refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger to direct it toward the outdoor heat exchanger or the evaporator.

[0009] The expansion valve is configured to include multiple ports, and according to a mode, it is capable of allowing refrigerant to flow into one of the multiple ports and to expand to all the remaining ports in different directions.

[0010] The expansion valve expands the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger and selectively delivers it to the evaporator or cooler, or expands the refrigerant passing through the evaporator and selectively delivers it to the outdoor heat exchanger or cooler.

[0011] The expansion valve has a first port connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, a second port connected to the cooler, and a third port connected to the evaporator. Depending on the mode, refrigerant flows into the first port or the third port, and the expanded refrigerant is selectively or simultaneously discharged through the remaining ports.

[0012] The refrigerant flowing into the first connection port after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger can further pass through a double pipe before flowing into the first connection port.

[0013] The directional switching valve is composed of a four-way valve that is connected to the refrigerant lines between the evaporator, indoor heat exchanger, outdoor heat exchanger, cooler and compressor respectively.

[0014] The cooler is equipped with a cooler refrigerant line that branches off from the refrigerant line between the outdoor heat exchanger and the evaporator and connects to the cooler, and the expansion valve is located at the branch point of the cooler refrigerant line.

[0015] In heating mode, the refrigerant first passes through the indoor heat exchanger and then through the evaporator, so that the air supplied to the vehicle interior undergoes a first heat exchange with the evaporator and is heated, and then undergoes a second heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger and is heated.

[0016] In cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and then circulates back to the compressor through the evaporator. In this case, the second port of the expansion valve is closed.

[0017] In cooling and battery cooling modes, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and is expanded in the expansion valve. Part of the refrigerant then circulates to the compressor through the evaporator, and the other part circulates to the compressor through the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the second and third ports of the expansion valve.

[0018] In battery cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and then circulates to the compressor through the cooler. In this case, the third port of the expansion valve is closed.

[0019] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the evaporator. After being expanded in the expansion valve, part of it circulates to the compressor through the outdoor heat exchanger, and the other part circulates to the compressor through the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the first and second ports of the expansion valve.

[0020] In the second heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the evaporator. After being expanded in the expansion valve, it circulates back to the compressor through the outdoor heat exchanger. In this case, the second port of the expansion valve is closed.

[0021] In the third heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the evaporator. After being expanded in the expansion valve, it circulates back to the compressor through the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the first connection port of the expansion valve is closed.

[0022] In the first dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger. It then circulates back to the compressor through the evaporator, and in this case, the second port of the expansion valve is closed.

[0023] In the second dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger. Part of it circulates to the compressor through the evaporator, and another part circulates to the compressor through the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the second and third ports of the expansion valve.

[0024] Invention Effects The vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention optimizes the positions of a directional valve (four-way valve) and an expansion valve (three-way valve) and configures the expansion valve to selectively expand in both directions, thereby enabling a variety of air conditioning modes with a simple configuration.

[0025] This allows for a reduction in the overall packaging of the air conditioning unit. Furthermore, by configuring the refrigerant valve into two components (one directional valve and one expansion valve), it is possible to simultaneously realize the functions of various air conditioning modes such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and battery cooling, as well as the integrated thermal management system of electric vehicles, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs and improving price competitiveness.

[0026] Furthermore, heating performance is improved because the air is first heated by passing through the evaporator and then secondly by passing through the indoor heat exchanger. Since the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger is at a higher temperature than the refrigerant passing through the evaporator, the heating effect is maximized by the air exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger. Simultaneously, the refrigerant condensed during heating mode is stored in the evaporator, thereby reducing the size of the system's receiver. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This illustrates an existing heat pump system for vehicles.

[0028] Figure 2 A vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A directional switching valve for a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 An expansion valve for a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 This is used to illustrate the operating mode of an expansion valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 The cooling mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 The cooling and battery cooling modes of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0034] Figure 8 This illustrates a battery cooling mode for a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 A first heating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 10 This illustrates a second heating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This illustrates a third heating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 12 A first dehumidification and heating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 13 This illustrates a second dehumidification and heating mode of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical concept of the vehicle thermal management system is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Reference Figures 2 to 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system is configured to include a compressor 101 connected to a refrigerant line 191, an indoor heat exchanger 121, an outdoor heat exchanger 102, an expansion valve 200, an evaporator 129, and a cooler 104.

[0042] Furthermore, an air supply device is provided on one side of the air conditioning housing 120 to draw in or exhaust indoor or outdoor air into the vehicle interior. An evaporator 129 and an indoor heat exchanger 121 are sequentially arranged in the airflow direction within the internal air passage of the air conditioning housing 120. An electric heater 123 is located downstream of the indoor heat exchanger 121 in the airflow direction within the air conditioning housing 120.

[0043] The electric heater 123, which generates heat upon the application of a power source, can be constructed using a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater or similar device. As an auxiliary heat source, the electric heater 123 can be configured as a dual PTC heater and operate independently within the left and right divided air passages of the air conditioning housing 120. A temperature gate 122 is provided between the evaporator 129 and the indoor heat exchanger 121 to regulate the exhaust air temperature by adjusting the amount of cold and warm air.

[0044] The compressor 101 draws in and compresses the refrigerant, then discharges it as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The outdoor heat exchanger 102 is located outside the air conditioning housing 120 and exchanges heat with outside air; it can be installed at the front of the vehicle, etc. The indoor heat exchanger 121 is located inside the air conditioning housing 120 and exchanges heat with air exhausted into the vehicle interior.

[0045] In the refrigerant flow direction, a liquid receiver 105 is provided upstream of the compressor 101 to separate the gas and liquid refrigerant passing through it. Simultaneously, a double pipe 103 is formed in the refrigerant pipeline connecting the liquid receiver 105 and the compressor 101. The double pipe 103 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant in the refrigerant line 191 connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 102 and the expansion valve 200 and the refrigerant in the refrigerant line 191 connecting the liquid receiver 105 and the compressor 101.

[0046] The indoor heat exchanger 121 functions as a heating heat exchanger for heating air. The expansion valve 200 expands the refrigerant. The evaporator 129 is located inside the air conditioning housing 120, upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 121, along the airflow direction. The evaporator 129 exchanges heat with the air exhausted into the vehicle interior to cool the air. In other words, the evaporator 129 functions as a cooling heat exchanger for cooling the air. The cooler 104 acts as a refrigerant-cooling water heat exchanger, exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the cooling water circulating in the vehicle's electronic components or battery.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system is equipped with a cooler refrigerant line 192. Furthermore, the vehicle thermal management system is also equipped with a directional valve 110. The cooler refrigerant line 192 branches off from the refrigerant line between the outdoor heat exchanger 102 and the evaporator 129 and connects to the cooler 104. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle thermal management system controls the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 via the directional valve 110 and the expansion valve 200, thereby performing a series of air conditioning functions such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and battery cooling in the vehicle interior.

[0048] The directional control valve 110 controls the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 and passing through the indoor heat exchanger 121, selectively directing it to either the outdoor heat exchanger 102 or the evaporator 129. The directional control valve 110 is constructed using a four-way valve. The directional control valve 110 is connected to the refrigerant lines between the evaporator 129, the indoor heat exchanger 121, the outdoor heat exchanger 102, the cooler 104, and the compressor 101.

[0049] The expansion valve 200 is configured as an electronic expansion valve (EXV), which can be constructed using a three-way valve. The expansion valve 200 is configured such that two of its three ports can change the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant, enabling bidirectional expansion of the refrigerant. That is, the expansion valve 200 is configured to include multiple ports, and depending on the mode, refrigerant can flow into one of the multiple ports and expand to all the remaining ports in different directions.

[0050] Expansion valve 200 expands the refrigerant passing through outdoor heat exchanger 102 and selectively delivers it to evaporator 129 or cooler 104, or expands the refrigerant passing through evaporator 129 and selectively delivers it to outdoor heat exchanger 102 or cooler 104. Expansion valve 200 is located at a branch point of cooler refrigerant line 192.

[0051] The expansion valve 200 not only performs the function of expanding the refrigerant, but also performs the function of changing the direction of refrigerant flow, and can change the inlet and outlet when expanding the refrigerant. That is, the expansion valve 200 allows the three connecting ports to be selectively used as the inlet or outlet of the refrigerant according to the mode.

[0052] More specifically, the expansion valve 200 has a first connection port 210, a second connection port 220, and a third connection port 230. The first connection port 210 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 102, the second connection port 220 is connected to the cooler 104, and the third connection port 230 is connected to the evaporator 129. Refrigerant can flow into the first connection port 210 and expand to be delivered to the second connection port 220 or the third connection port 230, or refrigerant can flow into the third connection port 230 and expand to be delivered to the first connection port 210 or the second connection port 220. That is, depending on the mode, the expansion valve 200 can allow refrigerant to flow into the first connection port or the third connection port, and selectively or simultaneously discharge the expanded refrigerant through the remaining connection ports. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing into the first connection port after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 102 further passes through a double pipe before flowing into the first connection port.

[0053] In heating mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 101 first passes through indoor heat exchanger 121, then through directional valve 110, and finally through evaporator 129. Since evaporator 129 is arranged upstream of indoor heat exchanger 121 in the airflow direction, the air supplied to the vehicle interior is heated by a first heat exchange with evaporator 129, and then heated by a second heat exchange with indoor heat exchanger 121.

[0054] As described above, in the heating mode of the vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the indoor heat exchanger 121, a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows in the evaporator 129. Therefore, the air is heated a first time by passing through the evaporator 129 and a second time by passing through the indoor heat exchanger 121, thereby improving heating performance. Since the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 121 is at a higher temperature than the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129, the air can ultimately maximize the heating effect through heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 121. Simultaneously, by storing the refrigerant condensed in the evaporator 129 during the heating mode, the size of the system's receiver 105 can be reduced.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the expansion valve 200 is not simply a three-way valve that only performs direction switching, nor is it a throttling component that performs one-way expansion. Instead, it is a three-way valve capable of expanding in multiple directions. That is, the three-way valve according to the present invention can be in a state where the second connection port is closed and the refrigerant flows into the first connection port, expands, and then flows to the third connection port (mode one); or in a state where the refrigerant flows into the first connection port, expands, and then flows to both the second and third connection ports (mode two); or in a state where the third connection port is closed and the refrigerant flows into the first connection port, expands, and then flows to the second connection port (mode three); or in a state where the first connection port is closed and the refrigerant flows into the third connection port, expands, and then flows to the second connection port (mode four). As described above, the expansion inlet and outlet of the expansion valve 200 can be changed and configured to perform bidirectional expansion.

[0056] In addition, the vehicle thermal management system is also equipped with a connecting pipe 163. The connecting pipe 163 is formed downstream of the refrigerant flow direction on the refrigerant switching valve 110 so that the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant switching valve 110 can flow to the compressor 101. That is, the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant switching valve 110 flows to the compressor 101 after passing through the connecting pipe 163 and the receiver 105.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system utilizes an evaporator 129 and an interior heat exchanger 121, along with a directional valve 110 and an expansion valve 200, to perform air conditioning functions such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and battery cooling in the vehicle interior. Specifically, by optimizing the positions of the directional valve (four-way valve) and the expansion valve (three-way valve) and configuring the expansion valve 200 to selectively expand bidirectionally, various air conditioning modes can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0058] This allows for a reduction in the overall packaging of the air conditioning unit. Furthermore, by configuring the refrigerant valve into two components (one directional valve and one expansion valve), it is possible to integrate the functions of various air conditioning and electric vehicle thermal management systems, including cooling, heating, dehumidification, and battery cooling. This significantly reduces manufacturing costs and enhances price competitiveness.

[0059] Reference Figure 6 In A / C mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 101 exchanges heat with outdoor air through indoor heat exchanger 121, directional valve 110, and outdoor heat exchanger 102, and then expands in expansion valve 200. The refrigerant expanded in expansion valve 200 circulates back to compressor 101 through evaporator 129, directional valve 110, and receiver 105. The refrigerant passing through evaporator 129 performs cooling by exchanging heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior.

[0060] In this state, the second port 220 of the expansion valve 200 is closed and the refrigerant does not flow to the cooler 104. The refrigerant flowing into the first port 210 of the expansion valve 200 is expanded and discharged from the third port 230 and flows to the evaporator 129. The temperature gate 122 closes the warm air passage through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the electric heater 123.

[0061] Reference Figure 7 In cooling and battery cooling modes (A / C and Battery Cooling Mode), the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 exchanges heat with the outside air through the indoor heat exchanger 121, the directional valve 110, and the outdoor heat exchanger 102, and then expands in the expansion valve 200. A portion of the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve 200 circulates back to the compressor 101 through the evaporator 129, the directional valve 110, and the receiver 105. That is, the refrigerant flowing through the directional valve 110 flows into the connecting pipe 163 and towards the receiver 105. The refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129 exchanges heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior to perform cooling.

[0062] Another portion of the refrigerant expanded in expansion valve 200 circulates to compressor 101 via cooler refrigerant line 192, cooler 104, and cooling water from the circulating battery, then through receiver 105. In this case, the expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the second port 220 and the third port 230 of expansion valve 200. That is, the refrigerant flowing into the first port 210 of expansion valve 200 is expanded, causing a portion to be discharged from the second port 220 and flow to cooler 104, and another portion to be discharged from the third port 230 and flow to evaporator 129. Temperature gate 122 closes the warm air passage through indoor heat exchanger 121 and electric heater 123.

[0063] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in the case where the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129 flows through the directional valve 110 and into the receiver 105, the upper and left sides of the directional valve 110 in the attached figure are marked with black shading.

[0064] Reference Figure 8 In Battery Cooling Mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 101 exchanges heat with outdoor air through indoor heat exchanger 121, directional valve 110, and outdoor heat exchanger 102, and then expands in expansion valve 200. The refrigerant expanded in expansion valve 200 circulates back to compressor 101 through cooler refrigerant line 192, cooler 104, and cooling water for the circulating battery, then through receiver 105. In this case, the third connection port 230 of expansion valve 200 is closed, and refrigerant does not flow to evaporator 129. Temperature gate 122 closes the warm air passage through indoor heat exchanger 121 and electric heater 123.

[0065] Reference Figure 9 In the first heating mode (absorbing heat from outside air and waste heat from electronic components), the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 121, the directional valve 110, and the evaporator 129. The refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129 exchange heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior to perform heating.

[0066] The refrigerant passing through evaporator 129 is expanded in expansion valve 200, and a portion of it circulates to compressor 101 via cooler refrigerant line 192, cooler 104, and receiver 105. Another portion of the refrigerant expanded in expansion valve 200 circulates to compressor 101 via outdoor heat exchanger 102, directional valve 110, and receiver 105. The refrigerant absorbs waste heat from electronic components in cooler 104 and absorbs heat from outside air in outdoor heat exchanger 102.

[0067] In this situation, expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the first connection port 210 and the second connection port 220 of the expansion valve 200. That is, the refrigerant flowing into the third connection port 230 of the expansion valve 200 is expanded, causing a portion to be discharged from the second connection port 220 and flow to the cooler 104, and another portion to be discharged from the first connection port 210 and flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 102. The temperature gate 122 opens the warm air passage through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the electric heater 123.

[0068] Reference Figure 10 In the second heating mode (absorbing heat from outside air), the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 121, the directional valve 110, and the evaporator 129. The refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129 exchange heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior to perform heating.

[0069] The refrigerant, after expanding in the expansion valve 200 via the evaporator 129, circulates to the compressor 101 through the outdoor heat exchanger 102, the directional valve 110, and the receiver 105. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 102. In this state, the second port 220 of the expansion valve 200 is closed, and the refrigerant does not flow to the cooler 104. The temperature gate 122 opens the warm air passage through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the electric heater 123. This mode can be used in environments where there is insufficient waste heat from electronic components during the initial vehicle startup.

[0070] Reference Figure 11 In the third heating mode (absorbing waste heat from electronic components), the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 121, the directional valve 110, and the evaporator 129. The refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129 exchange heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior to perform heating.

[0071] The refrigerant, after expanding in the expansion valve 200 via the evaporator 129, circulates to the compressor 101 through the refrigerant line 192, the cooler 104, and the receiver 105. In this case, the first connection port 210 of the expansion valve 200 is closed, and the refrigerant does not flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 102. The temperature gate 122 opens the warm air passage through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the electric heater 123. This mode can be used in environments with extremely low outdoor air temperatures, etc.

[0072] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, in the case where the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 121 flows through the directional valve 110 and towards the evaporator 129, the upper and right sides of the directional valve 110 in the attached figure are marked with black shading.

[0073] Reference Figure 12 In the first dehumidification and heating mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 exchanges heat with the outdoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 121, the directional valve 110, and the outdoor heat exchanger 102, and then expands in the expansion valve 200. The refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve 200 circulates back to the compressor 101 through the evaporator 129, the directional valve 110, and the receiver 105.

[0074] Dehumidification is achieved by the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129 exchanging heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior. Similarly, cooling is achieved by the refrigerant passing through the interior heat exchanger 121 exchanging heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior. In this case, the second port 220 of the expansion valve 200 is closed, and refrigerant does not flow to the cooler 104. The temperature gate 122 opens the warm air passage through the interior heat exchanger 121 and the electric heater 123.

[0075] Reference Figure 13 In the second dehumidification and heating mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 exchanges heat with the outdoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 121, the directional valve 110, and the outdoor heat exchanger 102, and then expands in the expansion valve 200. A portion of the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve 200 circulates back to the compressor 101 through the evaporator 129, the directional valve 110, and the receiver 105.

[0076] Another portion of the refrigerant expanded in expansion valve 200 circulates to compressor 101 after passing through cooler refrigerant line 192 and cooling the battery coolant in cooler 104, and then through receiver 105. Refrigerant passing through evaporator 129 exchanges heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior to perform dehumidification. Furthermore, refrigerant passing through interior heat exchanger 121 exchanges heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior to achieve heating.

[0077] In this configuration, expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the second connection port 220 and the third connection port 230. Specifically, the refrigerant flowing into the first connection port 210 of the expansion valve 200 expands, causing a portion to be discharged from the second connection port 220 and flow to the cooler 104, while another portion is discharged from the third connection port 230 and flow to the evaporator 129. The temperature gate 122 opens the warm air passage through the indoor heat exchanger 121 and the electric heater 123.

[0078] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, in the case where the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 129 flows through the directional valve 110 and into the receiver 105, the upper and left sides of the directional valve 110 in the attached figure are indicated by black shading.

[0079] The vehicle thermal management system according to the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, this is merely an illustrative description, and those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains should understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments can be made from these embodiments. Therefore, the essential scope of protection should be defined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: The compressor compresses and discharges the refrigerant; An indoor heat exchanger is installed inside the air conditioning housing and exchanges heat with the air exhausted into the vehicle interior to heat the air; An outdoor heat exchanger is installed on the outside of the air conditioner casing and exchanges heat with the outside air; Expansion valve, used to expand the refrigerant; An evaporator is located inside the air conditioning housing, upstream of the indoor heat exchanger along the airflow direction, and exchanges heat with the air exhausted into the vehicle interior to cool the air. as well as The cooler facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water. The device is equipped with a directional switching valve, which controls the flow of refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger to direct it to the outdoor heat exchanger or evaporator.

2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The expansion valve is configured to include multiple ports, and according to a mode, it is capable of allowing refrigerant to flow into one of the multiple ports and to expand to all the remaining ports in different directions.

3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein, The expansion valve expands the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger and selectively delivers it to the evaporator or cooler, or expands the refrigerant passing through the evaporator and selectively delivers it to the outdoor heat exchanger or cooler.

4. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein, The expansion valve has a first port connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, a second port connected to the cooler, and a third port connected to the evaporator. Depending on the mode, refrigerant flows into the first port or the third port, and the expanded refrigerant is selectively or simultaneously discharged through the remaining ports.

5. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigerant flowing into the first connection port after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger can further pass through a double pipe before flowing into the first connection port.

6. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, wherein, The directional switching valve is composed of a four-way valve that is connected to the refrigerant lines between the evaporator, indoor heat exchanger, outdoor heat exchanger, cooler and compressor respectively.

7. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, It is equipped with a refrigerant line that branches off from the refrigerant line between the outdoor heat exchanger and the evaporator and connects to the cooler. The expansion valve is located at a branch point of the refrigerant line of the cooler.

8. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein, In heating mode, The refrigerant first passes through the indoor heat exchanger and then through the evaporator, so that the air supplied to the vehicle interior undergoes a first heat exchange with the evaporator and is heated, and then undergoes a second heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger and is heated.

9. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In cooling mode The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and then circulates back to the compressor through the evaporator. In this case, the second port of the expansion valve is closed.

10. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In cooling and battery cooling modes The refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and is expanded in the expansion valve. Part of it circulates back to the compressor via the evaporator, and the other part circulates back to the compressor via the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the second and third ports of the expansion valve.

11. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In battery cooling mode The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and then circulates back to the compressor through the cooler. In this case, the third port of the expansion valve is closed.

12. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the first heating mode, The refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the evaporator. After being expanded in the expansion valve, a portion of it circulates back to the compressor via the outdoor heat exchanger, while the other portion circulates back to the compressor via the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the first and second ports of the expansion valve.

13. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the second heating mode, The refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the evaporator. After being expanded in the expansion valve, it circulates back to the compressor through the outdoor heat exchanger, and in this case, the second port of the expansion valve is closed.

14. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the third heating mode The refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the evaporator. After being expanded in the expansion valve, it circulates back to the compressor through the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the first port of the expansion valve is closed.

15. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the first dehumidification and heating mode, The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger. It then circulates back to the compressor through the evaporator, and in this case, the second port of the expansion valve is closed.

16. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the second dehumidification and heating mode, The refrigerant discharged from the compressor is expanded in the expansion valve after passing through the indoor heat exchanger, the directional valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger. Part of it circulates back to the compressor through the evaporator, and another part circulates back to the compressor through the cooler refrigerant line and the cooler. In this case, the expanded refrigerant is discharged from both the second and third ports of the expansion valve.

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