Thermal management system

Abstract

This invention provides a thermal management system that can suppress occupant discomfort and prevent malfunctions. The thermal management system includes: a cooling mode in which the heat transfer medium circulates independently in heat transfer medium flow paths (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) and heat transfer medium flow paths (40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, 30f); and a cooling-and-battery-cooling mode in which the heat transfer medium flows in and out between heat transfer medium flow paths (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) and heat transfer medium flow paths (40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, 30f) via heat transfer medium flow path (30e) and heat transfer medium flow path (30h). When switching from cooling mode to cooling and battery cooling mode, the flow of heat medium from the heat medium flow path (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) to the heat medium flow path (40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, 30f) is limited based on the temperature information of the battery (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, technologies for controlling outlet air temperature were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that controls the entry and exit of the heat medium in a first circulation loop and a second circulation loop to circulate the heat medium in different temperature zones. Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that, when performing air conditioning control during battery cooling, suppresses or suspends battery cooling, thereby suppressing the rise in outlet air temperature.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-032565

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-195059 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management system that can suppress occupant discomfort and prevent malfunctions.

[0009] means of solving technical problems

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a thermal management system includes: a first circulation loop through which a heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit flows through a cooling core for heat exchange with air supplied to a vehicle compartment; a second circulation loop through which a heat medium that undergoes heat exchange with a temperature-regulated device circulates; and a connection portion that allows the heat medium to flow in and out between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop. The thermal management system has: a cooling mode in which the heat medium circulates independently in both the first and second circulation loops; and a cooling / temperature-regulated device cooling mode in which the heat medium can flow in and out between the first and second circulation loops via the connection portion. When switching from the cooling mode to the cooling / temperature-regulated device cooling mode, the inflow of the heat medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop is limited based on temperature information of the temperature-regulated device.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, a thermal management system is provided that can suppress occupant discomfort while preventing malfunctions. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a loop diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a thermal management system in cooling mode.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a loop diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a thermal management system in a combined cooling and battery cooling mode.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the execution process in a cooling and battery cooling mode. Detailed Implementation

[0016] [System Architecture]

[0017] <System Overview>

[0018] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing a general structural example of the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment. The thermal management system 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a vehicle equipped with a driving battery. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

[0019] The thermal management system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured for refrigerant circulation. The refrigerant may be, for example, hydrofluoroolefins, but is not limited to this.

[0020] In addition, the thermal management system 1 includes a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, a low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, a battery temperature regulation circuit 40, a motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and an outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, which are configured to circulate a fluid heat medium such as coolant.

[0021] Among these circuits, the low-temperature heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to the flow path switching device 70, such as the eight-way valve. The flow path switching device 70 can connect these flow paths to each other, forming a circulation path for these circuits to cooperate in circulating the heat medium, or it can disconnect one or more circuits from other circuits to make the one or more circuits independent.

[0022] In addition, the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to flow path switching devices such as a four-way valve V20 for connecting or disconnecting their respective flow paths. The four-way valve V20 can form a circulation path for the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to cooperate in order to circulate the heat medium, or it can disconnect these circuits from each other.

[0023] In addition, the thermal management system 1 includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 100, which is an air conditioning unit.

[0024] In addition, the thermal management system 1 includes a control device 200 that controls the operation of each part of the thermal management system 1. The control device 200 controls the switching of the operating mode of the thermal management system 1 and the corresponding flow path switching based on the detection values ​​of various sensors and various requirements. The sensors included in the thermal management system 1 include sensors for detecting refrigerant pressure and temperature, sensors for detecting the temperature of the heat medium in various parts, and sensors for detecting the temperature of the battery 41 and the motor 51.

[0025] <Refrigerant Circuit>

[0026] The refrigerant circuit 10 includes: a compressor 11 that compresses gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and pressure before discharging it; a high-temperature heat exchanger 12 that condenses and dissipates heat from the compressed gaseous refrigerant; a pressure-reducing device 13, such as an expansion valve, that expands liquid refrigerant to a low pressure; and a low-temperature heat exchanger 14 that evaporates the liquid refrigerant to a low temperature and pressure and absorbs heat. The high-temperature heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser that heats the heat medium. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to circulate the refrigerant and functions as a heat pump that repeatedly performs compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

[0027] In the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. Furthermore, in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30.

[0028] In one example shown in the figure, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 includes a refrigerant passage 12a through which refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 12b through which heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 passes. The low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant passage 14a through which refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 14b through which heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 passes.

[0029] The various elements of the refrigerant circuit 10 are connected through refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0030] The discharge side of compressor 11 is connected to the inlet of refrigerant passage 12a of high-temperature heat exchanger 12 via refrigerant flow path 10a. The outlet of refrigerant passage 12a of high-temperature heat exchanger 12 is connected to the inlet of refrigerant passage 14a of low-temperature heat exchanger 14 via refrigerant flow path 10b, and a pressure reducing device 13, such as an expansion valve, is installed along the path of refrigerant flow path 10b. The outlet of refrigerant passage 14a of low-temperature heat exchanger 14 is connected to the suction side of compressor 11 via refrigerant flow path 10c. A receiver 15 is installed along the path of refrigerant flow path 10c.

[0031] <High-temperature side heat medium circuit>

[0032] The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 includes a heat medium passage 12b of a high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and a heating core 21 for heating the air supplied to the passenger compartment. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 is a circuit through which the heat medium, heated by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 via the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, circulates. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 can be used to enable the heating core 21 to function and provide heating to the passenger compartment.

[0033] The various elements of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 are connected through heat medium flow paths 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0034] The inlet side 21a of the heating core 21 is connected to the outlet of the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 via the heat medium flow path 20a. The outlet side 21b of the heating core 21 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via the heat medium flow path 20b. The inlet of the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via the heat medium flow path 20c.

[0035] A circulating pump P20 is installed along the path of the heat medium flow path 20c for the flow of the heat medium. The heat medium is pumped out by the circulating pump P20 and circulates in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. The heat medium, which receives heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 and is heated when passing through the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is supplied from the inlet side 21a to the heating core 21 and passes through the heating core 21. At this time, the heat medium releases heat at the heating core 21, and the heating core 21 performs its function. The heat medium discharged from the outlet side 21b after passing through the heating core 21 flows back to the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0036] <Low-temperature side heat medium circuit>

[0037] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 includes a heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, a cooling core 31 for cooling the air supplied to the compartment, and a three-way valve V30. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is a circuit for circulating the heat medium cooled by transferring heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 via the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 can be used to enable the cooling core 31 to function, providing cooling or dehumidification to the compartment.

[0038] The various elements of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected through heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, and 30i.

[0039] The outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 is connected to the inlet side 31a of the cooling core 31 via a three-way valve V30 through the heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b.

[0040] The outlet side 31b of the cooling core 31 is connected to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 via the heat medium flow path 30c, the confluence section C30, and the downstream heat medium flow path 30d. A circulation pump P30 for flowing heat medium is installed along the path of the heat medium flow path 30d.

[0041] Within the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, the circulating pump P30 pressurizes the heat medium, thus circulating it. As the heat medium passes through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, it releases heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 and is cooled. The cooled heat medium is supplied from the inlet side 31a to the cooling core 31 and passes through it. At this time, the heat medium absorbs heat at the cooling core 31, and the cooling core 31 performs its function. After passing through the cooling core 31, the heat medium discharged from the outlet side 31b flows back to the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0042] Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are used as the first circulation loop, wherein the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange at the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 of the refrigerant circuit 10 flows through the cooling core 31, which exchanges heat with the air supplied to the compartment.

[0043] In addition, the three-way valve V30 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 through the hot medium flow path 30e, the confluence section C31 and the hot medium flow path 30f downstream of the confluence section.

[0044] Then, the connection with the cooling core 31 is disconnected by the three-way valve V30, and the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30e, and 30f, thus forming a flow path that bypasses the cooling core 31 and reaches the flow path switching device 70.

[0045] In addition, the flow path switching device 70 is connected to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 through the heat medium flow path 30g, the three-way valve V31, the heat medium flow path 30h, the confluence section C30 and the heat medium flow path 30d downstream of the confluence section.

[0046] Then, the flow path switching device 70 is connected to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 through the heat medium flow paths 30g, 30h, and 30d via the three-way valve V31, thus forming a path from the flow path switching device 70 to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14.

[0047] Then, by setting the path as described above, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 bypasses the cooling core 31 and passes through at least one of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 connected by the flow path switching device 70, and then flows back into the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14.

[0048] Furthermore, when the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 are connected via the flow path switching device 70, a path consisting of heat medium flow paths 30g, 30i, and 30f can be formed through the connection of the three-way valve V31. When the path consisting of heat medium flow paths 30g, 30i, and 30f is set, the heat medium returning to the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 via the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 will not flow into the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, but will instead flow back into the battery temperature regulation circuit 40.

[0049] <Battery Temperature Regulation Circuit>

[0050] The battery temperature regulation circuit 40 includes a battery 41, which is a device for temperature regulation. The battery 41 is equipped with a battery temperature regulation unit for regulating the temperature of the battery 41. The battery temperature regulation circuit 40 can be used to regulate the temperature of the battery 41.

[0051] Furthermore, while this embodiment uses a storage battery 41 as an example of a temperature-regulating device, the temperature-regulating device is not limited to the storage battery 41. For example, the temperature-regulating device could also be an electric motor 51.

[0052] The various components of the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 are connected through heat transfer medium flow paths 40a and 40b. The inlet side 41a of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 through heat transfer medium flow path 40a. The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 through heat transfer medium flow path 40b.

[0053] Along the path of the heat medium flow path 40a, a circulation pump P40 and a heat medium heating device 42 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side. Regardless of whether the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 forms a circulation path independent of other circuits, or whether the opposing circuit forming the circulation path does not have a circulation pump, the heat medium can circulate through the circulation pump P40, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery 41.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 are connected through the flow path switching device 70, the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f function as a second circulation loop for the heat medium to circulate and exchange heat with the battery 41.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 are connected via the flow path switching device 70, the heat transfer medium flow path 30e and the heat transfer medium flow path 30h function as a connecting part. This connecting part allows the heat transfer medium to flow in and out between the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which serve as the first circulation loop, and the heat transfer medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which serve as the second circulation loop. Specifically, the heat transfer medium flows from the first circulation loop into the second circulation loop via the heat transfer medium flow path 30e, and the heat transfer medium flows out from the second circulation loop into the first circulation loop via the heat transfer medium flow path 30h.

[0056] <Motor Temperature Regulation Circuit>

[0057] The motor temperature regulation circuit 50 includes a motor 51, which is an on-board device. The motor 51 is equipped with a motor temperature regulation unit for regulating the temperature of the motor 51. The motor temperature regulation circuit 50 can be used to circulate a heat transfer medium to regulate the temperature of the motor 51. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 can utilize the motor 51, which continuously generates heat during operation, as a heat source via the motor temperature regulation circuit 50.

[0058] In one example shown in the attached figure, the elements of the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 are connected via heat medium flow paths 50a and 50b. The inlet side 51a of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via heat medium flow path 50a. The outlet side 51b of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via heat medium flow path 50b.

[0059] <Outdoor heat exchange circuit>

[0060] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 includes a radiator 61 that functions as an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be used to circulate a heat medium, allowing the heat medium to exchange heat with the outside air.

[0061] In one example shown in the attached diagram, the elements of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected via heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c. The inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via heat medium flow path 60a. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via heat medium flow path 60b. The flow path switching device 70 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via heat medium flow path 60c. When the four-way valve V20 is connected to heat medium flow paths 60a and 60c, the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70.

[0062] <HVAC Unit>

[0063] The heating element 21 of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the cooling element 31 of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are housed within the housing 110 of the HVAC unit 100. The housing 110 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 100 and also forms an airflow path 120 inside.

[0064] In addition, the HVAC unit 100 includes an intake unit 130. The intake unit 130 closes either the external air intake for introducing air from outside the vehicle compartment or the internal air intake for introducing air from inside the vehicle compartment, switching the air introduced into the housing 110 to either external air (external air introduction) or internal air (internal air recirculation). Furthermore, the HVAC unit 100 includes a blower 140 disposed adjacent to the intake unit 130 to deliver the air introduced into the housing 110 to the airflow path 120.

[0065] A cooling core 31 is provided on the upstream side of the airflow path 120. A heating core passage 121 and a bypass passage 122 are formed in parallel on the downstream side of the airflow path 120. A heating core 21 is provided in the heating core passage 121. Therefore, when air to be introduced into the housing 110 is guided to the heating core passage 121, the air first vents to the cooling core 31 and then to the heating core 21. On the other hand, when air to be introduced into the housing 110 is guided to the bypass passage 122, the air vents to the cooling core 31 and then bypasses the heating core 21. The ratio between the air passing through the heating core passage 121 and the air passing through the bypass passage 122 is adjusted by the air mixing damper 150.

[0066] [System Actions]

[0067] The following reference Figures 1 to 2 The operating mode of the thermal management system 1 involved in this embodiment will be described.

[0068] <Cooling Mode>

[0069] use Figure 1 The operation of the thermal management system 1 when executing the cooling mode is explained.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the low-temperature heat medium circuit 30 through which the heat medium for heat exchange in the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 flows is configured as follows: The flow path switching device 70 disconnects the low-temperature heat medium circuit 30 from the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. On the other hand, the flow path switching device 70 connects the low-temperature heat medium circuit 30 to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40.

[0071] Furthermore, the three-way valve V30 forms hot medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d as the first circulation loop. As a result, the circulation pump P30 pumps out hot medium, causing the hot medium to circulate between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the cooling core 31. Therefore, the hot medium that has been cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows into the cooling core 31.

[0072] At this time, the air mixing damper 150 closes the heating core passage 121. Therefore, the air cooled by the cooling core 31 passes through the bypass passage 122 to cool the interior of the carriage.

[0073] In addition, the three-way valve V31 disconnects the hot medium flow paths 30e and 30h to prevent the hot medium from flowing in or out between the hot medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which serve as the first circulation loop, and the hot medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which serve as the second circulation loop.

[0074] As a result, in cooling mode, the heat medium circulates independently in heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which serve as the first circulation loop, and in heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which serve as the second circulation loop.

[0075] Therefore, in cooling mode, the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not circulate in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40. Instead, the heat medium circulates in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 to reduce the temperature deviation of the battery cells 41.

[0076] Furthermore, the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 for heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is configured as follows: a four-way valve V20 connects the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 to the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, forming a circulation path in which the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 work together to circulate the heat medium.

[0077] Furthermore, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 through which the motor 51 passes is configured as follows: the flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the motor temperature regulation circuit 50, forming a circulation path in which the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the motor temperature regulation circuit 50 work together to circulate the heat medium.

[0078] Therefore, the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 circulates through the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. As a result, the heat released by the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is dissipated to the outside air through the radiator 61. Furthermore, with the help of the heat medium that has dissipated heat to the outside air in the radiator 61, the refrigerant circuit 10 operates, and the air conditioner in the passenger compartment performs cooling operation.

[0079] Furthermore, the heat transfer medium that dissipates heat to the outside air in the radiator 61 circulates in the motor temperature regulation circuit 50. As a result, the heat released by the motor 51 is recovered by the heat transfer medium that dissipates heat in the radiator 61, and the motor 51 is cooled.

[0081] <Cooling and Battery Cooling Mode>

[0082] When the temperature of battery 41 exceeds the target temperature and a cooling request for battery 41 is required, use Figure 2 The operation of the thermal management system 1 when simultaneously executing cooling mode and battery cooling mode is explained. The operating mode that simultaneously executes cooling mode and battery cooling mode is referred to as the cooling-battery-cooling mode.

[0083] Furthermore, the connection status of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 is the same as in the cooling mode, so descriptions are omitted. Additionally, the circulation paths and functions of the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, the motor temperature regulation circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are also the same as in the cooling mode, so descriptions are omitted.

[0084] like Figure 2As shown, the three-way valve V30 forms hot medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d as the first circulation loop. As a result, the hot medium circulates between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the cooling core 31 due to the pressure from the circulation pump P30. Therefore, the hot medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooling core 31.

[0085] At this time, the air mixing damper 150 closes the heating core passage 121. As a result, the air cooled by the cooling core 31 passes through the bypass passage 122 to cool the interior of the carriage.

[0086] Furthermore, the three-way valve V30 is connected to the hot medium flow path 30e, so that the hot medium flows from the hot medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are the first circulation loop, into the hot medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which are the second circulation loop. On the other hand, the three-way valve V31 is connected to the hot medium flow path 30h, so that the hot medium flows from the hot medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which are the second circulation loop, to the hot medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are the first circulation loop.

[0087] Therefore, in the cooling and battery cooling mode, the heat medium can flow in and out between the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are the first circulation loop, and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which are the second circulation loop, via the heat medium flow path 30e and the heat medium flow path 30h.

[0088] As a result, in the cooling and battery cooling mode, in addition to the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d as the first circulation loop and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f as the second circulation loop, a circulation path for the heat medium consisting of heat medium flow paths 30a, 30e, 30f, 40a, 40b, 30g, 30h, and 30d is also formed. Therefore, in the cooling and battery cooling mode, the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows not only to the cooling core 31 but also into the battery temperature regulation circuit 40.

[0089] Therefore, the heat transfer medium circulates in the battery temperature regulation circuit 40. This heat transfer medium is a mixture of the heat transfer medium that circulates in the heat transfer medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f (which are the second circulation loops) but has not been cooled in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, and the heat transfer medium that circulates in the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30e, 30f, 40a, 40b, 30g, 30h, and 30d and has been cooled in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. At this time, the heat transfer medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 recovers the heat released from the battery 41, thus cooling the battery 41.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode, the flow rate of the heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are the first circulation loops, into the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which are the second circulation loops, is limited based on the temperature information of the battery 41.

[0091] Specifically, when the inlet temperature of the battery 41, which serves as temperature information for the battery 41, exceeds the target inlet temperature, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing to the cooling core 31 is set by the three-way valve V30 based on the target outlet temperature of the cooling core 31. This sets the flow rate distribution between the heat medium flowing to the cooling core 31 and the heat medium flowing to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, thereby limiting the flow rate of the heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d in the first circulation loop to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f in the second circulation loop.

[0092] Furthermore, the inlet temperature of the battery 41 is the temperature of the heat transfer medium upstream of the battery 41. Additionally, the target outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 refers, for example, to the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 after switching to cooling and battery cooling mode, and to the temperature difference between the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 in cooling mode and the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 in cooling mode, which is below a specified value.

[0093] On the other hand, when switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode, while limiting the inflow of heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d (which are the first circulation loops) to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f (which are the second circulation loops), the outflow of heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f (which are the second circulation loops) to the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d (which are the first circulation loops) is also limited.

[0094] Specifically, based on the flow distribution of the heat medium at the three-way valve V30, the flow distribution between the inflow of the heat medium to the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 and the inflow of the heat medium to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 is set by the three-way valve V31, thereby limiting the outflow of the heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which are the second circulation loops, to the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are the first circulation loops.

[0095] At this time, the more the three-way valve V30 increases the flow of hot medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop, the more the three-way valve V31 increases the flow of hot medium from the second circulation loop to the first circulation loop; the more the three-way valve V30 decreases the flow of hot medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop, the more the three-way valve V31 decreases the flow of hot medium from the second circulation loop to the first circulation loop.

[0096] Then, for example, the three-way valve V30 sets the flow rate distribution between the heat medium flow path 30b flowing to the cooling core 31 side and the heat medium flow path 30e flowing to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 side to a ratio of 9:1. On the other hand, the three-way valve V31 sets the flow rate distribution between the heat medium flow path 30h flowing to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 side and the heat medium flow path 30i flowing to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 side to a ratio of 1:9.

[0097] Here, immediately after switching from cooling mode to cooling and battery cooling mode, the cooling of the battery 41, which has become high-temperature (e.g., 40°C), is prioritized. The flow of the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 into the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 increases, while the flow into the cooling core 31 decreases. As a result, the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 rises sharply.

[0098] However, in this embodiment, when the inlet temperature of the battery 41 exceeds the target inlet temperature, the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 is set based on the target outlet temperature to control the flow rate of the heat medium at the three-way valve V30, thereby limiting the inflow of heat medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop. Thus, while allowing the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 to flow to the battery temperature regulation loop 40, the reduction in the inflow of heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 to the cooling core 31 is suppressed. Therefore, while cooling the battery 41, the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 can be maintained at the target outlet temperature.

[0099] Therefore, it can prevent the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 from rising sharply after switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode, thus suppressing the discomfort of the occupants.

[0100] In addition, when switching from cooling mode to cooling and battery cooling mode, it can prevent a large amount of low-temperature heat medium from flowing into the battery temperature regulation section, and can suppress faults such as uneven temperature and condensation between battery cells.

[0101] On the other hand, while setting the flow distribution of the three-way valve V30, the flow distribution of the three-way valve V31 is also set, thereby limiting the outflow of the heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which are the second circulation loop, to the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are the first circulation loop. This suppresses the inflow of the high-temperature heat medium heated by the battery 41 to the low-temperature heat exchanger 14. Thus, while maintaining the balance of the heat medium circulation volume between the first and second circulation loops, the inflow of the high-temperature heat medium heated by the battery 41 to the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 is suppressed, maintaining the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 at the target outlet air temperature.

[0102] Therefore, it can prevent the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 from rising sharply after switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode, thus suppressing the discomfort of the occupants.

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, the coordinated operation of the three-way valve V30 and the three-way valve V31 can effectively prevent the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 from rising after switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode.

[0105] Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium at the inlet of the battery 41 is below the target inlet temperature, there is no need for a large amount of heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 to flow to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40, and the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 will not be too high. Therefore, excessive fluctuations in the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 can be suppressed. Thus, in this case, the flow distribution setting of the three-way valve V30 and the three-way valve V31 based on the target outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 is terminated, and the flow distribution of the heat medium at the three-way valve V30 and the three-way valve V31 can be varied according to the inlet temperature of the battery 41, switching between prioritizing the cooling of the battery 41 and prioritizing the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 according to the inlet temperature of the battery 41.

[0106] [Execution of cooling and battery cooling mode]

[0107] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the execution process of the cooling and battery cooling mode performed by the control device 200.

[0108] like Figure 3As shown, the control device 200 determines whether it is in cooling mode (S1). In cooling mode, the three-way valves V30 and V31 are fully closed. If it is not in cooling mode (S1: No), the control device 200 terminates the process.

[0109] When the control device 200 is in cooling mode (S1: Yes), it acquires the operating information of the thermal management system 1 (S2).

[0110] Operating information can be obtained from the operational status of each part of the refrigerant circuit 10, sensor detection information, the operational status of each part in each circuit of the heating medium circulation, and sensor detection information. Operating information includes, for example, the temperature of the battery 41, the target temperature of the battery 41 (e.g., 20°C to 40°C), the inlet temperature serving as the upstream temperature of the heat medium of the battery 41, the inlet target temperature serving as the target temperature of the battery 41 (e.g., 20°C to 40°C), the heat medium temperature at the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14, the heat medium temperature at the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14, the temperature of the cooling core 31, and the rotational speed of the compressor 11. Furthermore, the target inlet temperature of the battery 41 is preferably a temperature higher than the dew point temperature of the outside air and lower than the temperature of the battery 41 (e.g., 20°C to 40°C).

[0111] Based on the operating information obtained in step S3, the control device 200 determines whether the temperature of the battery 41 is below the target temperature (S3). When the temperature of the battery 41 is below the target temperature (S3: Yes), the control device 200 terminates the process. That is, when the temperature of the battery 41 is below the target temperature, the control device 200 continues the cooling mode.

[0112] When the temperature of the battery 41 is not below the target temperature (S3: No), the control device 200 switches to the cooling and battery cooling mode (S4).

[0113] After switching to the cooling and battery cooling mode, the control device 200 first calculates the flow distribution between the three-way valve V30 and the three-way valve V31 (S5).

[0114] At this point, in order to maintain the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 at the target outlet air temperature, the flow distribution of the three-way valves V30 and V31 is calculated based on the target outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31. For example, the target outlet air temperature is defined as the temperature at which the temperature difference between the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 after switching to the cooling and battery cooling mode and the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 in the cooling mode is below a specified value, and the flow distribution of the three-way valve V30 is calculated accordingly. Furthermore, the flow distribution of the three-way valve V31 is calculated based on the flow distribution of the three-way valve V30.

[0115] In addition, the target air outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 can be set appropriately, for example, the target air outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 can be maintained in the cooling mode as well as in the cooling mode of the battery cooling mode.

[0116] The control device 200 fixes the flow distribution of the heat medium at the three-way valve V30 and the three-way valve V31 to the flow distribution calculated in step S5 (S6). That is, it sets the flow distribution based on the target outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 so that the flow distribution does not change according to the inlet temperature of the battery 41.

[0117] The control device 200 determines whether the inlet temperature of the battery 41 is below the target inlet temperature (S7). If the inlet temperature of the battery 41 is not below the target inlet temperature (S7: NO), the control device 200 returns to step S5.

[0118] When the inlet temperature of the battery 41 is below the target inlet temperature (S7: Yes), the control device 200 executes the normal control mode (S8).

[0119] Normal control refers to cooling the battery 41 while preventing uneven temperature of the battery cells and condensation in the battery 41, and maintaining the cooling operation at the target temperature.

[0120] As a general control measure, for example, the rotational speed of compressor 11 is controlled to ensure that the outlet temperature of cooling core 31 reaches a target temperature (e.g., 5°C). Furthermore, as a general control measure, the flow distribution of the heat medium at three-way valves V30 and V31 is controlled to ensure that the inlet temperature of battery 41 reaches a target inlet temperature.

[0121] For example, when the inlet temperature of the battery 41 exceeds the target inlet temperature, the flow distribution between the three-way valves V30 and V31 is adjusted to increase the inflow and outflow of the heat medium between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

[0122] That is, the flow distribution between three-way valve V30 and three-way valve V31 is adjusted to increase the inflow of the heat medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop and the outflow of the heat medium from the second circulation loop to the first circulation loop. Therefore, the inflow of the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 to the cooling core 31 decreases, while the inflow to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 increases. This results in priority control of battery 41 cooling.

[0123] On the other hand, when the inlet temperature of the battery 41 is below the target inlet temperature, the flow distribution between the three-way valve V30 and the three-way valve V31 is adjusted to reduce the inflow and outflow of the heat medium in the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

[0124] That is, the flow distribution between three-way valve V30 and three-way valve V31 is adjusted to reduce the inflow of heat medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop and reduce the outflow of heat medium from the second circulation loop to the first circulation loop. Therefore, the inflow of heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 to the cooling core 31 increases, while the inflow to the battery temperature regulation circuit 40 decreases. This results in priority control of the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31.

[0125] Therefore, in normal control, the flow distribution between the three-way valve V30 and the three-way valve V31 is not fixed, but a variable control is performed based on the inlet temperature of the battery 41.

[0126] Furthermore, immediately after switching to the cooling and battery cooling mode, the inlet temperature of battery 41 exceeds the target inlet temperature, becoming high. Therefore, if, immediately after switching to the cooling and battery cooling mode, the flow distribution between three-way valves V30 and V31 is adjusted according to the inlet temperature of battery 41 as described above, battery 41 will be cooled preferentially, resulting in a decrease in the flow of heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 to the cooling core 31. Consequently, the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 may rise. Therefore, in this embodiment, immediately after switching to the cooling and battery cooling mode, the flow distribution between three-way valves V30 and V31 is calculated in a way that maintains the target outlet temperature of the cooling core 31, and no flow distribution corresponding to the inlet temperature of battery 41 is performed, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 during mode switching.

[0127] The control device 200 determines whether the temperature of the battery 41 is below the target temperature (S9). If the temperature of the battery 41 is not below the target temperature (S9: No), the control device 200 returns to step S8.

[0128] If the temperature of the battery 41 is below the target temperature (S9: Yes), the control device 200 sets the three-way valves V30 and V31 to fully closed and switches to the cooling mode (S10).

[0129] As described above, in steps S5 and S6, when the inlet temperature of the battery 41, which serves as temperature information for the battery 41, exceeds the target inlet temperature, the flow distribution of the heat medium at the three-way valve V30 is set based on the target outlet temperature of the cooling core 31. This limits the inflow of the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop. On the other hand, by setting the flow distribution of the heat medium at the three-way valve V31 according to the flow distribution of the heat medium at the three-way valve V30, the outflow of the heat medium heated by the heat released from the battery 41 from the second circulation loop to the first circulation loop can be limited.

[0130] Therefore, it can prevent the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 from rising sharply after switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode, thus suppressing the discomfort of the occupants.

[0131] In particular, in this embodiment, in order to keep the temperature difference between the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 after switching to the cooling and battery cooling mode and the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 in the cooling mode below a specified value, the inflow of heat medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop is limited, thereby further suppressing the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31.

[0132] In addition, when switching from cooling mode to cooling and battery cooling mode, it can prevent a large amount of low-temperature heat medium from flowing into the battery temperature regulation section, and can suppress faults such as uneven temperature and condensation between battery cells.

[0133] In addition, this embodiment uses the inlet temperature of the battery 41 as an example to illustrate the temperature information of the battery 41. However, as long as it is a temperature related to the battery 41, such as the temperature of the battery 41 or the outlet temperature of the battery 41, any temperature other than the inlet temperature of the battery 41 can be used as the temperature information of the battery 41.

[0134] [Effects of this implementation method]

[0135] (1) A thermal management system 1, comprising: heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are first circulation loops for the heat medium after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 of the evaporator as a refrigerant loop 10 to flow in the cooling core 31, wherein the cooling core 31 exchanges heat with the air supplied to the compartment. The heat transfer medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f constitute a second circulation loop for the heat transfer medium circulating with the battery 41, which is a device subject to temperature regulation; and The heat medium flow paths 30e and 30h, which serve as connecting parts, allow the heat medium to flow in and out of the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which serve as first circulation loops, and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which serve as second circulation loops. The thermal management system 1 has: In a cooling mode, the heat medium circulates independently in heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d (serving as a first circulation loop) and heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f (serving as a second circulation loop); and In the cooling and battery cooling mode, the heat transfer medium can flow in and out through heat transfer medium flow paths 30e and 30h between heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d (which serve as the first circulation loop) and heat transfer medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f (which serve as the second circulation loop). When switching from cooling mode to cooling and battery cooling mode, the flow rate of heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d (which serve as the first circulation loop) to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f (which serve as the second circulation loop) is limited based on the temperature information of the battery 41, i.e., the inlet temperature of the battery 41.

[0136] Therefore, it can prevent the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 from rising sharply after switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode, thus suppressing the discomfort of the occupants.

[0137] In addition, when switching from cooling mode to cooling and battery cooling mode, it can prevent a large amount of low-temperature heat medium from flowing into the battery temperature regulation section, and can suppress faults such as uneven temperature and condensation between battery cells.

[0138] (2) Limit the flow of heat medium from heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are the first circulation loop, to heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 30g, 30i, and 30f, which are the second circulation loop, so that the temperature difference between the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 after switching to the cooling and battery cooling mode and the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 31 in the cooling mode is below a specified value.

[0139] Therefore, the change in the outlet temperature of the cooling core 31 after switching from the cooling mode to the cooling and battery cooling mode can be further suppressed.

[0140] The present invention has been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0141] Label Explanation

[0142] 1: Thermal Management System

[0143] 10: Refrigerant Circuit

[0144] 14: Low-temperature side heat exchanger

[0145] 31: Cooling core

[0146] 40: Battery temperature regulation circuit

[0147] 41: Storage battery

[0148] V30, V31: Three-way valve

[0149] 200: Control device.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, comprising: A first circulation loop is provided for the hot medium, after heat exchange in the evaporator of the refrigerant loop, to flow through a cooling core, which is used to exchange heat with the air supplied to the vehicle compartment. A second circulation loop, wherein the heat medium for heat exchange with the temperature-regulated equipment is circulated; and A connecting portion that allows the heat medium to flow in and out between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop. The thermal management system is characterized by having: In a cooling mode, the heat transfer medium circulates independently in the first and second circulation loops; and In the cooling mode of the device that also functions as a refrigeration and temperature regulation system, the heat transfer medium can flow in and out between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop via the connecting portion. When switching from the cooling mode to the cooling mode of the device that also regulates temperature, the inflow of heat medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop is limited based on the temperature information of the device that regulates temperature.

2. The thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow rate of the heat medium from the first circulation loop to the second circulation loop is limited so that the temperature difference between the outlet air temperature of the cooling core after switching to the cooling mode of the cooling and temperature regulating device and the outlet air temperature of the cooling core in the cooling mode is below a specified value.

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