Automobile thermal management system with flash tank and automobile

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of hot vehicle heat management, in particular to an automobile heat management system with a flash tank and an automobile. The automobile thermal management system with the flash tank comprises a compressor, a condenser, an economizer, the flash tank and an evaporator which are communicated in sequence, and an outlet of the evaporator is communicated with the suction end of the compressor. The flash tank is provided with a first inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, the first inlet is communicated with the outlet of the economizer, the first outlet is communicated with the inlet of the evaporator, and the second outlet is communicated with the outlet of the evaporator. The flash tank is configured to perform gas-liquid separation on a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the flash tank and form a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant, the liquid refrigerant flows out of the first outlet to the inlet of the evaporator, and the gas refrigerant flows out of the second outlet to the suction end of the compressor. According to the automobile thermal management system with the flash tank, energy consumption can be reduced, the cruising ability of the whole automobile is improved, and cost is saved; liquid impact faults of the compressor are prevented, and the service life is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hot vehicle thermal management technology, and in particular to a vehicle thermal management system with a flash tank and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, against the backdrop of the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the high energy consumption of automotive thermal management systems has become a key bottleneck restricting the improvement of driving range. Existing new energy vehicle air conditioning systems have significant shortcomings in providing cooling / heating to the vehicle interior:

[0003] When the refrigerant enters the evaporator after being throttled, it remains in a two-phase state (gas and liquid). This mixing of the liquid and gas phases reduces heat exchange efficiency, forcing the system to increase compressor power to maintain the target temperature. This directly increases the energy consumption of the automotive thermal management system, reduces vehicle range, and increases costs. Furthermore, compressors in existing automotive thermal management systems are prone to liquid slugging, reducing their lifespan.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a vehicle thermal management system and vehicle with a flash tank to solve the above technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The primary objective of this invention is to propose an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, which saves energy, improves the vehicle's range, reduces costs, prevents compressor liquid slugging, and extends its service life.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This utility model provides an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, comprising a compressor, a condenser, an economizer, a flash tank, and an evaporator connected in sequence, wherein the outlet of the evaporator is connected to the suction end of the compressor;

[0008] The flash tank has a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected to the outlet of the economizer, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the evaporator, and the second outlet is connected to the outlet end of the evaporator.

[0009] The flash tank is configured to separate the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the flash tank into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outlet to the inlet of the evaporator, and the gaseous refrigerant flows out from the second outlet and mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the evaporator outlet before flowing together to the suction end of the compressor.

[0010] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, the height of the second outlet is higher than the height of the first outlet.

[0011] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, the height of the first inlet is higher than the height of the first outlet.

[0012] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, a first electromagnetic expansion valve is provided between the economizer and the first inlet of the flash tank.

[0013] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, the economizer has port a, port b, port c, and port d; port a is connected to the outlet of the condenser, and port b is connected to the first electromagnetic expansion valve;

[0014] The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank further includes a throttling branch and a gas injection enthalpy-increasing branch. One end of the throttling branch is connected to the pipeline between port a and the condenser, and the other end of the throttling branch is connected to port c.

[0015] One end of the gas replenishment and enthalpy-increasing branch is connected to port d, and the other end of the gas replenishment and enthalpy-increasing branch is connected to the gas replenishment end of the compressor.

[0016] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, a second electromagnetic expansion valve is provided on the throttling branch.

[0017] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank further includes a gas-liquid separator, a third electromagnetic expansion valve, and a hot gas bypass branch.

[0018] One end of the hot gas bypass branch is connected to the discharge end of the compressor; the inlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the other end of the hot gas bypass branch, the outlet of the evaporator, and the second outlet of the flash tank; the outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the suction end of the compressor.

[0019] The third electromagnetic expansion valve is installed on the hot gas bypass branch.

[0020] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank includes a conventional mode, a hot gas bypass mode, and a gas replenishment and enthalpy enhancement mode.

[0021] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank further includes a first temperature and pressure sensor, a second temperature and pressure sensor, a third temperature and pressure sensor, a fourth temperature and pressure sensor, and a fifth temperature and pressure sensor; the first temperature and pressure sensor is disposed on the pipeline between the discharge end of the compressor and the condenser, the second temperature and pressure sensor is disposed on the pipeline between the economizer and the flash tank, the third temperature and pressure sensor is disposed on the pipeline between the evaporator and the suction end of the compressor, the fourth temperature and pressure sensor is disposed on the gas injection and enthalpy enhancement branch, and the fifth temperature and pressure sensor is disposed on the hot gas bypass branch.

[0022] As an optional technical solution for an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, the first temperature and pressure sensor, the second temperature and pressure sensor, the third temperature and pressure sensor, and the fourth temperature and pressure sensor are all configured as multiple.

[0023] The second objective of this invention is to provide a car that has low energy consumption, improves the vehicle's range, and saves costs.

[0024] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0025] This utility model provides an automobile, which includes the automobile thermal management system with a flash tank as described in any of the above optional technical solutions.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this utility model include at least the following:

[0027] This invention provides an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank. The system includes a compressor, a condenser, an economizer, a flash tank, and an evaporator connected in sequence. The outlet of the evaporator is connected to the suction end of the compressor. The flash tank has a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected to the outlet of the economizer, the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the evaporator, and the second outlet is connected to the outlet of the evaporator. The flash tank is configured to separate the gaseous and liquid refrigerant within it, forming liquid and gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outlet to the inlet of the evaporator, while the gaseous refrigerant flows out from the second outlet and mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator outlet before flowing together to the suction end of the compressor. The evaporator exchanges heat with the liquid refrigerant and converts it into gaseous refrigerant. This gaseous refrigerant then mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the second outlet of the flash tank and flows to the suction end of the compressor.

[0028] Compared to existing technologies, this invention, through the inclusion of a flash tank, ensures that all refrigerant entering the evaporator is in liquid form, thereby improving the evaporator's heat exchange efficiency, increasing the system's cooling capacity, and saving energy. Simultaneously, the gaseous refrigerant separated in the flash tank mixes directly with the gaseous refrigerant at the evaporator outlet and enters the compressor. This process significantly reduces the dryness of the refrigerant entering the evaporator, allowing its latent heat of vaporization to be fully utilized, improving the heat exchange efficiency within the evaporator, further enhancing system performance, and ultimately increasing the vehicle's range. Furthermore, it prevents liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor and causing liquid slugging, protecting the compressor, extending its service life, and improving the COP (coefficient of performance) of this automotive thermal management system with a flash tank.

[0029] This utility model also provides a car with low energy consumption, which can improve the vehicle's range and save costs. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank provided in this embodiment of the present invention in conventional mode;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank provided in the embodiment of the present invention in the gas injection and enthalpy enhancement mode;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank provided in the embodiment of the present invention in the hot gas bypass mode.

[0035] Figure Labels

[0036] 10. Compressor; 20. Condenser; 30. Economizer; 40. Flash tank; 401. First inlet; 402. First outlet; 403. Second outlet; 50. Evaporator; 60. First electromagnetic expansion valve; 70. Throttling branch; 71. Second electromagnetic expansion valve; 80. Gas replenishment and enthalpy increase branch; 90. Hot gas bypass branch; 91. Gas-liquid separator; 92. Third electromagnetic expansion valve;

[0037] 100, First temperature and pressure sensor; 200, Second temperature and pressure sensor; 300, Third temperature and pressure sensor; 400, Fourth temperature and pressure sensor; 500, Fifth temperature and pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0039] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0045] This embodiment provides an automotive thermal management system with a flash tank, which saves energy, improves the vehicle's range, and reduces costs; it also prevents compressor liquid slugging and extends its service life.

[0046] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank mainly includes a compressor 10, a condenser 20, an economizer 30, a flash tank 40, and an evaporator 50 connected in sequence. The outlet of the evaporator 50 is connected to the suction end of the compressor 10. The flash tank 40 has a first inlet 401, a first outlet 402, and a second outlet 403. The first inlet 401 is connected to the outlet of the economizer 30, the first outlet 402 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 50, and the second outlet 403 is connected to the outlet of the evaporator 50. The flash tank 40 is configured to separate the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant within the flash tank 40 to form liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outlet 402 to the inlet of the evaporator 50, and the gaseous refrigerant flows out from the second outlet 403 and mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the outlet of the evaporator 50 before flowing together to the suction end of the compressor 10. Evaporator 50 can exchange heat with liquid refrigerant and convert it into gaseous refrigerant. This gaseous refrigerant is then mixed with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the second outlet 403 of flash tank 40 and flows to the suction end of compressor 10.

[0047] Compared with existing technologies, this embodiment, through the flash tank 40, ensures that all refrigerant entering the evaporator 50 is in liquid form, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 50, increasing the system's cooling capacity, and saving energy. Simultaneously, the gaseous refrigerant separated by the flash tank 40 mixes directly with the gaseous refrigerant at the evaporator 50 outlet and enters the compressor 10. This process significantly reduces the dryness of the refrigerant entering the evaporator 50, allowing the latent heat of vaporization of the refrigerant to be fully utilized, improving the heat exchange efficiency within the evaporator 50, further enhancing system performance, and ultimately improving the vehicle's range. Furthermore, it prevents liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 10 and causing liquid slugging failure, protecting the compressor 10, extending its service life, and improving the COP (coefficient of performance) of this automotive thermal management system with a flash tank.

[0048] It is understood that in this embodiment, the compressor 10, condenser 20, economizer 30, flash tank 40 and evaporator 50 are connected sequentially by several pipelines.

[0049] Optionally, the volume of the flash tank 40 in this embodiment can be set to 0.1 liters to 5 liters. For example, the volume of the flash tank 40 can be set to 0.1 liters, 0.5 liters, 1 liter, 5 liters, etc.

[0050] Optionally, the flash tank 40 in this embodiment is made of metal to improve mechanical strength and extend service life.

[0051] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the heights of the second outlet 403 and the first inlet 401 of the flash tank 40 are both higher than the height of the first outlet 402. In this embodiment, the heights of the first inlet 401 and the second outlet 403 are not limited. For example, the height of the first inlet 401 may be higher or lower than the height of the second outlet 403.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments, the height of the first inlet 401 is higher than the height of the second outlet 403. In other words, the heights of the first inlet 401, the second outlet 403, and the first outlet 402 of the flash tank 40 decrease sequentially. Thus, when the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the flash tank 40 from the higher first inlet 401, the liquid refrigerant, due to its higher density, naturally sinks, while the gaseous refrigerant, due to its lower density, gradually rises. This gravitational stratification effect requires the first outlet 402 (liquid outlet) to be located at the bottom of the flash tank 40 to facilitate the smooth discharge of the liquid refrigerant; the second outlet 403 (gas outlet) is located at an intermediate height to avoid the influence of liquid surface fluctuations and ensure the purity of the gaseous refrigerant.

[0053] In this embodiment, a first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 is provided between the economizer 30 and the first inlet 401 of the flash tank 40. The first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 throttles and reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the economizer 30 to form a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0054] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the economizer 30 in this embodiment has ports a, b, c, and d; port a is connected to the outlet of the condenser 20, and port b is connected to the first electromagnetic expansion valve 60. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank also includes a throttling branch 70 and a gas injection enthalpy-increasing branch 80. One end of the throttling branch 70 is connected to the pipeline between port a and the condenser 20, and the other end is connected to port c; one end of the gas injection enthalpy-increasing branch 80 is connected to port d, and the other end is connected to the gas injection end of the compressor 10. A second electromagnetic expansion valve 71 is installed on the throttling branch 70.

[0055] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank in this embodiment also includes a gas-liquid separator 91, a third electromagnetic expansion valve 92, and a hot gas bypass branch 90. One end of the hot gas bypass branch 90 is connected to the discharge end of the compressor 10, and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 91 is connected to the other end of the hot gas bypass branch 90, the outlet of the evaporator 50, and the second outlet 403 of the flash tank 40; the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 91 is connected to the suction end of the compressor 10. The third electromagnetic expansion valve 92 is disposed on the hot gas bypass branch 90.

[0056] The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank in this embodiment has a conventional mode, a gas injection and enthalpy enhancement mode, and a hot gas bypass mode.

[0057] like Figure 2As shown, in the normal mode, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 10 to form a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then flows out from the discharge end of the compressor 10 into the condenser 20. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is condensed and releases heat in the condenser 20, and then flows into the economizer 30. At this time, the second electromagnetic expansion valve 71 of the throttling branch 70 is closed, and the refrigerant cannot flow in the throttling branch 70. In other words, the refrigerant can only flow in through port a of the economizer 30 and out through port b, flowing to the first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 for throttling and pressure reduction to form a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. Then, the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the flash tank 40 and is separated into liquid and gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outlet 402 to the evaporator 50. The evaporator 50 can exchange heat with the liquid refrigerant and convert it into gaseous refrigerant. Then, this part of the gaseous refrigerant mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the second outlet 403 of the flash tank 40, and then flows into the gas-liquid separator 91. Finally, it flows out from the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 91 and flows to the suction end of the compressor 10, thus completing the cycle.

[0058] It should be noted that in normal mode, the second electromagnetic expansion valve 71 and the third electromagnetic expansion valve 92 are both in the closed state, while the first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 is in the open state.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, in the gas-injection enthalpy-increasing mode, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 10 to form a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then flows out from the discharge end of the compressor 10 into the condenser 20. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant condenses and releases heat in the condenser 20, and then the refrigerant splits into two paths: one path enters the throttling branch 70, and the other path enters the economizer 30 through port a. The refrigerant entering the throttling branch 70 is throttled and depressurized by the second electromagnetic expansion valve 71, and then flows through port c of the economizer 30 into the economizer 30 to exchange heat with the other path of refrigerant in the economizer 30. After heat exchange, the refrigerant splits into two paths again: one path enters the gas-injection enthalpy-increasing branch 80 through port d of the economizer 30, and finally flows from the gas injection end of the compressor 10 into the compressor 10; the other path flows out from port b of the economizer 30 and flows to the first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 for throttling and depressurization to form a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Then, the two-phase refrigerant flows into the flash tank 40 and is separated into liquid and gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outlet 402 to the evaporator 50, where it exchanges heat with the liquid refrigerant and converts it into gaseous refrigerant. This gaseous refrigerant then mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the second outlet 403 of the flash tank 40 and flows into the gas-liquid separator 91. Finally, it flows out from the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 91 and flows to the suction end of the compressor 10, thus completing the cycle.

[0060] It should be noted that in the gas replenishment and enthalpy increase mode, the third electromagnetic expansion valve 92 is in the closed state, while the first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 and the second electromagnetic expansion valve 71 are both in the open state.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, in the hot gas bypass mode, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 10 to form a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This gaseous refrigerant then flows out from the discharge end of the compressor 10 and is divided into two streams. One stream flows into the condenser 20, where the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant condenses and releases heat before flowing into the economizer 30. At this time, the second electromagnetic expansion valve 71 of the throttling branch 70 is closed, preventing refrigerant from flowing through it. In other words, there is only one stream of refrigerant, flowing in through port a and out through port b of the economizer 30, and flowing to the first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 for throttling and pressure reduction to form a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. This two-phase refrigerant then flows into the flash tank 40 where it separates into liquid and gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outlet 402 to the evaporator 50, where it exchanges heat with the liquid refrigerant and converts it into a gaseous refrigerant.

[0062] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows to the third electromagnetic expansion valve 92 for throttling and pressure reduction. Then, the throttled and depressurized refrigerant mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing from the evaporator 50 and the gaseous refrigerant flowing from the second outlet 403 of the flash tank 40. Finally, the mixed refrigerant flows to the gas-liquid separator 91 for gas-liquid separation, and then flows from the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 91 back to the suction end of the compressor 10, thus completing the cycle. The hot gas bypass branch 90 increases the enthalpy of the compressor 10's suction, further preventing liquid slugging, improving protection of the compressor 10, and saving costs. Simultaneously, the gas-liquid separator 91 balances the refrigerant in the system, storing it and preventing liquid slugging in the compressor 10.

[0063] It should be noted that in the hot gas bypass mode, the second electromagnetic expansion valve 71 is in the closed state, while the first electromagnetic expansion valve 60 and the third electromagnetic expansion valve 92 are both in the open state.

[0064] In some alternative implementations, operators can use a liquid receiver (not shown in the figure) instead of the gas-liquid separator 91. Specifically, operators can eliminate the gas-liquid separator 91 and instead install a liquid receiver between the condenser 20 and the economizer 30. Through the buffering and storage function of the liquid receiver, the refrigerant balance of the system is achieved. At the same time, it also has an oil return function, allowing the separated lubricating oil to slowly return to the compressor 10, ensuring the lubrication of the compressor 10, and preventing liquid slugging in the compressor 10.

[0065] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the automotive thermal management system with a flash tank further includes a first temperature and pressure sensor 100, a second temperature and pressure sensor 200, a third temperature and pressure sensor 300, a fourth temperature and pressure sensor 400, and a fifth temperature and pressure sensor 500. The first temperature and pressure sensor 100 is installed on the pipeline between the discharge end of the compressor 10 and the condenser 20, and is used to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the discharge end of the compressor 10. The second temperature and pressure sensor 200 is installed on the pipeline between the economizer 30 and the flash tank 40, and is used to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the economizer 30b port. The third temperature and pressure sensor 300 is installed on the pipeline between the evaporator 50 and the suction end of the compressor 10, and is used to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing to the suction end of the compressor 10. The fourth temperature and pressure sensor 400 is installed on the gas injection enthalpy-increasing branch 80, and is used to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the gas injection enthalpy-increasing branch 80. The fifth temperature and pressure sensor 500 is installed on the hot gas bypass branch 90 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant after it has been throttled and depressurized by the third electromagnetic expansion valve 92.

[0066] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first temperature and pressure sensor 100, the second temperature and pressure sensor 200, the third temperature and pressure sensor 300, and the fourth temperature and pressure sensor 400 are all configured as multiple.

[0067] Optionally, the models of the first temperature and pressure sensor 100, the second temperature and pressure sensor 200, the third temperature and pressure sensor 300, the fourth temperature and pressure sensor 400, and the fifth temperature and pressure sensor 500 in this embodiment can all be set to common types such as PT131, PT133, PTB706, and 50CPT-506.

[0068] Of course, operators can flexibly set the number and specific location of temperature and pressure sensors according to actual needs, which will not be elaborated on here.

[0069] Optionally, the type of refrigerant in this embodiment can be set to commonly available refrigerants such as R134a, R1234yf, CO2, and R290.

[0070] This embodiment also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned vehicle thermal management system with a flash tank. Because the vehicle includes the aforementioned vehicle thermal management system with a flash tank, the vehicle has lower energy consumption, which improves the vehicle's range and saves costs.

[0071] Obviously, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

[0072] Note that in the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A vehicle thermal management system with a flash tank, characterized in that, It includes a compressor (10), a condenser (20), an economizer (30), a flash tank (40) and an evaporator (50) connected in sequence, with the outlet of the evaporator (50) connected to the suction end of the compressor (10); The flash tank (40) has a first inlet (401), a first outlet (402) and a second outlet (403). The first inlet (401) is connected to the outlet of the economizer (30), the first outlet (402) is connected to the inlet of the evaporator (50), and the second outlet (403) is connected to the outlet of the evaporator (50). The flash tank (40) is configured to perform gas-liquid separation of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the flash tank (40) to form a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the first outlet (402) to the inlet of the evaporator (50), and the gaseous refrigerant flows out from the second outlet (403) and mixes with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the outlet of the evaporator (50) before flowing together to the suction end of the compressor (10).

2. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the second outlet (403) is higher than the height of the first outlet (402).

3. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the first inlet (401) is higher than the height of the first outlet (402).

4. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first electromagnetic expansion valve (60) is provided between the economizer (30) and the first inlet (401) of the flash tank (40).

5. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The economizer (30) has port a, port b, port c and port d; port a is connected to the outlet of the condenser (20), and port b is connected to the first electromagnetic expansion valve (60); The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank also includes a throttling branch (70) and a gas replenishment and enthalpy-increasing branch (80). One end of the throttling branch (70) is connected to the pipeline between port a and the condenser (20), and the other end of the throttling branch (70) is connected to port c. One end of the gas replenishment and enthalpy increase branch (80) is connected to the d port, and the other end of the gas replenishment and enthalpy increase branch (80) is connected to the gas replenishment end of the compressor (10).

6. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second electromagnetic expansion valve (71) is provided on the throttling branch (70).

7. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automotive thermal management system with flash tank also includes a gas-liquid separator (91), a third electromagnetic expansion valve (92), and a hot gas bypass branch (90); One end of the hot gas bypass branch (90) is connected to the discharge end of the compressor (10), and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator (91) is connected to the other end of the hot gas bypass branch (90), the outlet of the evaporator (50), and the second outlet (403) of the flash tank (40); the outlet of the gas-liquid separator (91) is connected to the suction end of the compressor (10). The third electromagnetic expansion valve (92) is installed on the hot gas bypass branch (90).

8. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank includes a conventional mode, a hot gas bypass mode, and a gas replenishment and enthalpy enhancement mode.

9. The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automotive thermal management system with a flash tank further includes a first temperature and pressure sensor (100), a second temperature and pressure sensor (200), a third temperature and pressure sensor (300), a fourth temperature and pressure sensor (400), and a fifth temperature and pressure sensor (500); the first temperature and pressure sensor (100) is installed on the pipeline between the discharge end of the compressor (10) and the condenser (20), the second temperature and pressure sensor (200) is installed on the pipeline between the economizer (30) and the flash tank (40), the third temperature and pressure sensor (300) is installed on the pipeline between the evaporator (50) and the suction end of the compressor (10), the fourth temperature and pressure sensor (400) is installed on the gas injection enthalpy-increasing branch (80), and the fifth temperature and pressure sensor (500) is installed on the hot gas bypass branch (90).

10. An automobile, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the vehicle thermal management system with a flash tank as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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