Thermal management system

Abstract

The utility model provides a heat management system which comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve and at least one throttling valve, and the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve and the at least one throttling valve are selectively controlled; the heat management system at least comprises a refrigeration mode, a heating mode, a hot water mode, a defrosting mode and a heat recovery mode. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger communicate with the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve and the at least one throttling valve correspondingly, and different communicating loops are formed, so that the heat management system is switched among a refrigeration mode, a heating mode, a hot water mode, a defrosting mode and a heat recovery mode. According to the thermal management system, switching among multiple modes can be achieved by using few valve assemblies, different requirements of users are met, the user experience is improved, and the system is simple in structure and low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management system technology, and more particularly to a thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of industry and people's increasing demand for low energy consumption, high efficiency, and environmental protection, thermal management technology is constantly innovating and developing. Thermal management systems are extremely important in the automotive, electronic equipment, energy storage, and industrial sectors. Existing thermal management systems often fail to meet user needs, limiting their use, and are characterized by complex structures and high costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an improved thermal management system.

[0004] This application provides a thermal management system, including: a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and a valve assembly; the valve assembly includes a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve, and at least one throttle valve, wherein the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled; wherein the thermal management system includes at least a cooling mode, a heating mode, a hot water mode, a defrosting mode, and a heat recovery mode; the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger are respectively connected to the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve, forming different connection loops, thereby enabling the thermal management system to switch between the cooling mode, the heating mode, the hot water mode, the defrosting mode, and the heat recovery mode.

[0005] Preferably, the at least one throttle valve includes a first throttle valve, a second throttle valve, and a third throttle valve; the first four-way valve includes a first connecting port, a second connecting port, a third connecting port, and a fourth connecting port; the second four-way valve includes a fifth connecting port, a sixth connecting port, a seventh connecting port, and an eighth connecting port.

[0006] The first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttling valve are selectively controlled to open or close one of the first, second, and third throttling valves, thereby connecting or disconnecting at least two of the first, second, third, and fourth connecting ports, and connecting or disconnecting at least two of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth connecting ports, respectively, to connect with the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger, forming different connection loops, thereby allowing the thermal management system to switch between at least two of the cooling mode, the heating mode, the hot water mode, the defrosting mode, and the heat recovery mode.

[0007] Preferably, the defrosting mode includes a heating defrosting mode; the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled, such that the first throttle valve is open, and the first connecting port is connected to the second connecting port, the fifth connecting port is connected to the second connecting port and the sixth connecting port respectively, and the seventh connecting port is connected to the eighth connecting port, so that the outlet of the compressor is connected to the first connecting port, the second connecting port, the fifth connecting port, the sixth connecting port, the first heat exchanger, the first throttle valve, the second heat exchanger, the seventh connecting port, the eighth connecting port, and the inlet of the compressor, forming a first connecting loop, so that the thermal management system is in the cooling mode and the heating defrosting mode.

[0008] Preferably, the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are also selectively controlled so that the first connection port is also connected to the third connection port and the fourth connection port respectively, and the fourth connection port is connected to the eighth connection port, so that the compressor is also connected to the first connection port, the third connection port and the third heat exchanger, forming a second connection loop, so that the thermal management system is in the cooling mode or the heat recovery mode.

[0009] Preferably, the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled to open the second throttle valve and connect the first connection port to the third connection port, and the sixth connection port to the eighth connection port, so that the outlet of the compressor is connected to the first connection port, the third connection port, the third heat exchanger, the second throttle valve, the first heat exchanger, the sixth connection port, the eighth connection port, and the inlet of the compressor, forming a third connection loop, so that the thermal management system is in the hot water mode.

[0010] Preferably, the defrosting mode includes a hot water defrosting mode; the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled to open the third throttle valve and connect the first connection port to the second connection port, the fourth connection port to the third connection port and the eighth connection port respectively, and the fifth connection port to the second connection port and the sixth connection port respectively, so that the outlet of the compressor is connected to the first connection port, the second connection port, the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the first heat exchanger, the third throttle valve, the third heat exchanger, the third connection port, the fourth connection port, the eighth connection port, and the inlet of the compressor, forming a fourth connection loop, so that the thermal management system is in the hot water defrosting mode.

[0011] Preferably, the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled, such that the second throttle valve is open, and the first connecting port is connected to the second connecting port, the fifth connecting port is connected to the second connecting port and the seventh connecting port, and the sixth connecting port is connected to the eighth connecting port, so that the outlet of the compressor is connected to the first connecting port, the second connecting port, the fifth connecting port, the seventh connecting port, the second heat exchanger, the second throttle valve, the first heat exchanger, the sixth connecting port, the eighth connecting port, and the inlet of the compressor, forming a fifth connecting loop, so that the thermal management system is in the heating mode.

[0012] Preferably, the thermal management system further includes a liquid storage tank connected to the first heat exchanger and the at least one throttling valve.

[0013] Preferably, the thermal management system further includes a first heat dissipation component connected to the first heat exchanger.

[0014] Preferably, the thermal management system further includes a second heat dissipation component located on one side of the first heat exchanger.

[0015] Preferably, the compressor includes a variable frequency compressor.

[0016] Preferably, the thermal management system further includes an oil separator connected to the outlet of the compressor.

[0017] Preferably, the thermal management system further includes a gas separator connected to the inlet of the compressor.

[0018] The thermal management system of this application embodiment includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve, and at least one throttle valve. These valves are selectively controlled, allowing the compressor, first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger, and third heat exchanger to connect to the first four-way valve, second four-way valve, and at least one throttle valve, respectively, forming different connection loops. This enables the thermal management system to switch between cooling mode, heating mode, defrosting mode, and heat recovery mode. With this configuration, the thermal management system of this application can achieve switching between multiple modes using fewer valve assemblies, meeting different user needs, increasing the competitiveness of the thermal management system, enriching product types, improving user experience, and has a simple system structure and low cost.

[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system in both cooling and heating / defrosting modes.

[0023] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system in either cooling or heat recovery mode.

[0024] Figure 4 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the thermal management system in hot water mode.

[0025] Figure 5 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system in hot water defrosting mode.

[0026] Figure 6 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the thermal management system in heating mode. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The thermal management system provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the various embodiments and implementation methods described below can be combined arbitrarily with each other.

[0028] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the thermal management system 1 of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management system 1 includes a compressor 11, a first heat exchanger 12, a second heat exchanger 13, a third heat exchanger 14, and a valve assembly 15. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 12 can be a finned radiator. The second heat exchanger 13 can be a plate heat exchanger. The third heat exchanger 14 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger. The valve assembly 15 includes a first four-way valve 151, a second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153, which are selectively controlled. In this embodiment, both the first four-way valve 151 and the second four-way valve 152 can be four-way valves. In this embodiment, the throttle valve 153 can be a one-way valve. The first four-way valve 151, the second four-way valve 152, and the throttle valve 153 can all be electrically controlled valves, and the opening and closing of the valve's port is controlled by an external controller, allowing for selective control of opening or closing.

[0029] The thermal management system 1 of this embodiment includes at least a cooling mode, a heating mode, a hot water mode, a defrosting mode, and a heat recovery mode. The compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 13, and the third heat exchanger 14 are respectively connected to the first four-way valve 151, the second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153, forming different connection loops, enabling the thermal management system 1 to switch between the cooling mode, heating mode, hot water mode, defrosting mode, and heat recovery mode. The thermal management system 1 of this embodiment achieves at least one or more combinations of the cooling mode, heating mode, hot water mode, defrosting mode, and heat recovery mode through the coordinated operation of the compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 13, the third heat exchanger 14, the first four-way valve 151, the second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153. Please refer to the following for details. Figures 2 to 6 As shown in the embodiments.

[0030] The thermal management system 1 of this application can utilize fewer valve components to achieve switching between multiple modes, meet different user needs, increase the competitiveness of the thermal management system, enrich product types, improve user experience, and has a simple system structure and low cost.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, compressor 11 includes a variable frequency compressor. The variable frequency compressor can adjust its cooling or heating capacity by changing its rotational speed, adapting to different operating conditions and meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, because the variable frequency compressor can automatically adjust its speed according to actual cooling or heating demands, it avoids frequent start-stop cycles, reduces mechanical and electrical stress on compressor components, extends compressor lifespan, and reduces energy consumption. On the other hand, since the variable frequency compressor's speed is continuously adjustable, it can more precisely control the cooling or heating output power, thereby keeping the temperature within a smaller fluctuation range, ensuring accurate temperature control and providing a more comfortable environment for users.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system 1 further includes a gas separator 16 connected to the inlet 112 of the compressor 11. Before the gas enters the compressor 11, it may contain a certain amount of liquid components, such as a gas-liquid mixture. By connecting the gas separator 16 to the inlet 112 of the compressor 11, the gas separator 16 can separate the liquid components from the gas-liquid mixture using principles such as gravity settling, centrifugal separation, or filtration. For example, during gravity settling, the liquid portion settles to the bottom of the gas separator 16 due to gravity, while the gaseous portion continues to flow upward. This configuration makes the gas entering the compressor 11 purer, improving the compression efficiency of the compressor 11.

[0033] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system 1 further includes an oil separator 17 connected to the outlet 111 of the compressor 11. During the operation of the compressor 11, lubricating oil is typically used to reduce friction, wear, and cooling between moving parts. During the compression of gas, the lubricating oil is discharged from the outlet 111 of the compressor 11 along with the gas. By connecting the oil separator 17 to the outlet 111 of the compressor 11, the oil separator 17 can separate the lubricating oil and compressed gas using principles such as centrifugal force, inertial impaction, and filtration. For example, in a centrifugal oil separator, the high-speed rotating airflow causes oil droplets to be thrown against the separator wall under centrifugal force, and then collect at the bottom of the separator under gravity. This configuration ensures that the pure gas after the separation of lubricating oil enters the downstream equipment for normal operation, guaranteeing stable equipment operation.

[0034] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system 1 further includes a liquid receiver 18 connected to the first heat exchanger 12 and at least one throttling valve 153. During operation of the thermal management system 1, the refrigerant circulation volume varies depending on operating conditions. For example, when the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger changes, or the compressor speed changes, the distribution of refrigerant in the system will also change. The liquid receiver 18 can act as a buffer container to store excess refrigerant in the system. When the refrigerant circulation volume in the system temporarily exceeds the actual demand, the excess refrigerant flows into the liquid receiver 18. In this embodiment, the liquid receiver 18 is located on the high-pressure side before throttling, and all modes pass through the liquid receiver 18, ensuring that low-pressure problems are avoided during mode switching and making the refrigerant piping during mode switching more efficient.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system 1 further includes a first heat dissipation component 19 connected to the first heat exchanger 12. In this embodiment, the first heat dissipation component 19 may be a drive heat dissipation component connected to the compressor 11, and the first heat dissipation component 19 is used to ensure heat dissipation performance in various modes. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system 1 further includes a second heat dissipation component 20, located on one side of the first heat exchanger 12. In this embodiment, the second heat dissipation component 20 may be a fan, disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger 12. The second heat dissipation component 20 is used to dissipate heat from the first heat exchanger 12.

[0036] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, at least one throttle valve 153 includes a first throttle valve 1531, a second throttle valve 1532, and a third throttle valve 1533. Each of these valves can be a combination of a throttle valve and a check valve, and can be an electronic expansion valve, resulting in low cost. The first four-way valve 151 can be a four-way valve, including a first connecting port 1511, a second connecting port 1512, a third connecting port 1513, and a fourth connecting port 1514. The second four-way valve 152 can be a four-way valve, including a fifth connecting port 1521, a sixth connecting port 1522, a seventh connecting port 1523, and an eighth connecting port 1524. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first four-way valve 151, the second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153 are selectively controlled, such that one of the first throttle valve 1531, the second throttle valve 1532, and the third throttle valve 1533 is controlled to be open or closed, such that at least two of the first connecting port 1511, the second connecting port 1512, the third connecting port 1513, and the fourth connecting port 1514 are controlled to be connected or closed, and at least two of the fifth connecting port 1521, the sixth connecting port 1522, the seventh connecting port 1523, and the eighth connecting port 1524 are controlled to be connected or closed, so as to be connected to the compressor 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 13, and the third heat exchanger 14 respectively, and to form different connecting loops, thereby allowing the thermal management system 1 to switch between at least two of the following modes: cooling mode, heating mode, hot water mode, defrosting mode, and heat recovery mode. With this configuration, the thermal management system 1 can utilize fewer valve components, such as the combined action of two four-way valves and three throttle valves, to achieve switching between multiple modes and meet different user needs. Compared to related technologies, it is more cost-effective. No additional components are required when operating in at least one of the following modes: cooling mode, heating mode, hot water production and heat recovery mode, and defrosting mode, further reducing costs. Furthermore, the three throttle valves are positioned as close as possible to the heat exchanger, preventing capacity loss due to evaporation caused by excessively long liquid paths.

[0037] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system 1 in both cooling and heating / defrosting modes. Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the defrosting mode includes a heating defrosting mode. A first four-way valve 151, a second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153 are selectively controlled, causing the first throttle valve 1531 to open and connecting the first connection port 1511 to the second connection port 1512. A fifth connection port 1521 connects to the second connection port 1512 and the sixth connection port 1522, respectively, and a seventh connection port 1523 connects to the eighth connection port 1524. This connects the compressor 11 outlet 111 to the first connection port 1511, the second connection port 1512, the fifth connection port 1521, the sixth connection port 1522, the first heat exchanger 12, the first throttle valve 1531, the second heat exchanger 13, the seventh connection port 1523, the eighth connection port 1524, and the compressor 11 inlet 112, forming a first connection loop S1, so that the thermal management system 1 is in both cooling mode and heating defrosting mode.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 12 can be a condenser. The second heat exchanger 13 can be an evaporator. The first throttling valve 1531 is open, while the second throttling valve 1532 and the third throttling valve 1533 are both closed. Figure 2 As shown by the arrow, when a user needs cooling, the compressor 11 starts, compressing the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This is because the compressor does work on the refrigerant, increasing its internal energy and raising its temperature and pressure. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas enters the first heat exchanger 12, which acts as a condenser to condense and dissipate heat from the refrigerant. Since the temperature of the condenser is lower than that of the refrigerant gas, the refrigerant releases heat to the surrounding environment (usually air or water), undergoing a phase change from gaseous to liquid, thus outputting a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. Next, the liquid refrigerant enters the second heat exchanger 13, which acts as an evaporator to absorb heat and vaporize the refrigerant. Because the temperature inside the evaporator is relatively high, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (such as indoor air), changing from liquid to gaseous, outputting a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. Finally, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant returns from the second heat exchanger 13 to the compressor 11, completing the refrigeration cycle and thus achieving the cooling function.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 12 is an air-cooled heat exchanger, which is susceptible to frost formation due to external temperature fluctuations. When the first heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser, it condenses and dissipates heat from the refrigerant. The first heat exchanger 12 not only performs condensation and heat dissipation but also provides its own heating and defrosting functions. This allows for the use of fewer valve components to achieve both cooling and heating / defrosting modes, meeting user needs and improving the user experience.

[0040] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system 1 in either cooling or heat recovery mode. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 2 The embodiments shown are similar, the main difference being that, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first four-way valve 151 and the second four-way valve 152 are also selectively controlled so that the first connection port 1511 is also connected to the third connection port 1513 and the fourth connection port 1514 respectively, and the fourth connection port 1514 is connected to the eighth connection port 1524, so that the compressor 11 is also connected to the first connection port 1511, the third connection port 1513 and the third heat exchanger 14, forming a second connection loop S2, so that the thermal management system 1 is in the cooling mode or the heat recovery mode.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first throttle valve 1531 is open, while the second throttle valve 1532 and the third throttle valve 1533 are not open. Figure 3 As shown by the arrows, when a user needs both cooling and hot water, the compressor 11 connects to the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 to form a first connecting loop S1, enabling the thermal management system 1 to achieve cooling mode. The compressor 11 also connects to the third heat exchanger 14 to form a second connecting loop S2. The second connecting loop S2 is connected in parallel with the first connecting loop S1. The thermal management system 1 can achieve either cooling mode or heat recovery mode. During the startup process of the compressor 11, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant also enters the third heat exchanger 14. At this time, the third heat exchanger 14 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger. When the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the third heat exchanger 14, the heat from the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 14 is carried away by the water, raising the water temperature and producing hot water. By recovering the heat from the refrigerant, a hot water mode can be achieved, satisfying either the user's cooling or hot water needs, providing rich functionality and enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, the recovered heat is effectively integrated into the refrigerant circulation system, improving the system's overall heat utilization efficiency. When the ambient temperature is low, the first throttle valve 1531 can prevent refrigerant migration. At the same time, the first throttle valve 1531 can also be replaced by a solenoid valve or an electric ball valve.

[0042] Figure 4 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system 1 in hot water mode. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first four-way valve 151, the second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153 are selectively controlled, causing the second throttle valve 1532 to be open, and connecting the first connection port 1511 to the third connection port 1513, and the sixth connection port 1522 to the eighth connection port 1524, so that the outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the first connection port 1511, the third connection port 1513, the third heat exchanger 14, the second throttle valve 1532, the first heat exchanger 12, the sixth connection port 1522, the eighth connection port 1524, and the inlet 112 of the compressor 11, forming a third connection loop S3, so that the thermal management system 1 is in hot water mode.

[0043] In this embodiment, the third heat exchanger 14 can be a water-cooled condenser, and the first heat exchanger 12 can be an evaporator. The second throttling valve 1532 is open, while the first throttling valve 1531 and the third throttling valve 1533 are both closed. Figure 4 As shown by the arrow, when a user needs hot water, the compressor 11 is also started, outputting high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas first passes through the third heat exchanger 14, where it condenses and dissipates heat from the refrigerant, outputting a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. Since the third heat exchanger 14 acts as a condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the surrounding water, transferring heat to the water and lowering its own temperature, undergoing a phase change to become a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. This allows the heat from the refrigerant to be used to heat the water. Next, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid passes through the first heat exchanger 12, where it absorbs heat and cools the refrigerant, outputting a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. Finally, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas returns from the first heat exchanger 12 to the compressor 11. In this process, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid heats the water, raising its temperature and producing hot water. This process, through the rational arrangement of the heat exchanger functions, effectively utilizes the heat from the refrigerant to produce hot water, meeting the user's hot water needs.

[0044] Figure 5 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system 1 in hot water defrosting mode. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the defrosting mode includes a hot water defrosting mode. The first four-way valve 151, the second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153 are selectively controlled, causing the third throttle valve 1533 to open and connecting the first connection port 1511 to the second connection port 1512. The fourth connection port 1514 is connected to the third connection port 1513 and the eighth connection port 1524, respectively. The fifth connection port 1521 is connected to the second connection port 1512 and the sixth connection port 1522, respectively. This connects the compressor 11 outlet 111 to the first connection port 1511, the second connection port 1512, the fifth connection port 1521, the sixth connection port 1522, the first heat exchanger 12, the third throttle valve 1533, the third heat exchanger 14, the third connection port 1513, the fourth connection port 1514, the eighth connection port 1524, and the compressor 11 inlet 112, forming a fourth connection loop S4, thereby putting the thermal management system 1 in hot water defrosting mode.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 12 is an air-cooled heat exchanger and can be used as a condenser. The third heat exchanger 14 is a water-cooled heat exchanger and can be used as an evaporator. The third throttling valve 1533 is open, while the first throttling valve 1531 and the second throttling valve 1532 are both closed. Figure 5As shown by the arrow, when a user needs hot water, the compressor 11 is also activated, outputting high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas first passes through the first heat exchanger 12, where it undergoes condensation and heat dissipation, outputting a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. Then it passes through the third heat exchanger 14, where it absorbs heat and cools down. The refrigerant liquid inside absorbs heat from the water and vaporizes, outputting a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. Finally, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas returns to the compressor 11 from the third heat exchanger 14.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 12 is an air-cooled heat exchanger, which is susceptible to frost formation due to external temperature variations. When the first heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser, it not only performs condensation and heat dissipation but also defrosts itself. This configuration allows for hot water defrosting with fewer valve components, meeting user needs and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the recovered heat is effectively integrated into the refrigerant circulation system, improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0047] Figure 6 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of the thermal management system 1 in heating mode. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first four-way valve 151, the second four-way valve 152, and at least one throttle valve 153 are selectively controlled, causing the second throttle valve 1532 to be open, and connecting the first connection port 1511 to the second connection port 1512. The fifth connection port 1521 is connected to the second connection port 1512 and the seventh connection port 1523, respectively, and the sixth connection port 1522 is connected to the eighth connection port 1524. This connects the outlet 111 of the compressor 11 to the first connection port 1511, the second connection port 1512, the fifth connection port 1521, the seventh connection port 1523, the second heat exchanger 13, the second throttle valve 1532, the first heat exchanger 12, the sixth connection port 1522, the eighth connection port 1524, and the inlet 112 of the compressor 11, forming a fifth connection loop S5, which puts the thermal management system 1 in heating mode.

[0048] In this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 13 can be a condenser, and the first heat exchanger 12 can be an evaporator. The second throttling valve 1532 is open, while the first throttling valve 1531 and the third throttling valve 1533 are both closed. Figure 6As shown by the arrow, when a user has a heating need, the compressor 11 is also started, outputting high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas first passes through the second heat exchanger 13, which acts as a condenser, condensing and dissipating heat from the refrigerant, releasing heat to the surrounding environment (such as indoor air), causing the ambient temperature to rise. The refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state, outputting a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. Then, it passes through the first heat exchanger 12, which acts as an evaporator, absorbing heat and cooling the refrigerant. It absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (possibly outside air), changing from a liquid state to a gaseous state, outputting a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. Finally, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant returns from the first heat exchanger 12 to the compressor 11, completing the heating cycle and achieving the heating function. Figure 6 The heating process shown is similar to Figure 2 The cooling process shown is the opposite; by changing the function of the heat exchanger in the refrigerant circulation path—that is, the condenser and evaporator interchange roles—the switching between cooling and heating modes is achieved. This allows for the use of fewer valve components while still achieving heating mode, meeting user needs and improving the user experience.

[0049] It should be noted that, in the above Figures 2 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, some heat exchangers may be deactivated. The refrigerant in the deactivated heat exchangers is returned to the system for circulation, which can effectively avoid the possibility of the deactivated heat exchangers freezing on the water side, reduce the number of liquid storage tanks and pipelines in the system, and save costs.

[0050] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and a valve assembly; the valve assembly includes a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve, and at least one throttle valve, wherein the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled; wherein the thermal management system includes at least a cooling mode, a heating mode, a hot water mode, a defrosting mode, and a heat recovery mode; the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger are respectively connected to the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve, forming different connection loops, thereby enabling the thermal management system to switch between the cooling mode, the heating mode, the hot water mode, the defrosting mode, and the heat recovery mode.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one throttle valve includes a first throttle valve, a second throttle valve, and a third throttle valve; the first four-way valve includes a first connecting port, a second connecting port, a third connecting port, and a fourth connecting port; the second four-way valve includes a fifth connecting port, a sixth connecting port, a seventh connecting port, and an eighth connecting port; The first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttling valve are selectively controlled to open or close one of the first, second, and third throttling valves, thereby connecting or disconnecting at least two of the first, second, third, and fourth connecting ports, and connecting or disconnecting at least two of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth connecting ports, respectively, to connect with the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger, forming different connection loops, thereby allowing the thermal management system to switch between at least two of the cooling mode, the heating mode, the hot water mode, the defrosting mode, and the heat recovery mode.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The defrosting mode includes a heating defrosting mode; the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled, so that the first throttle valve is open and the first connecting port is connected to the second connecting port, the fifth connecting port is connected to the second connecting port and the sixth connecting port respectively, and the seventh connecting port is connected to the eighth connecting port, so that the outlet of the compressor is connected to the first connecting port, the second connecting port, the fifth connecting port, the sixth connecting port, the first heat exchanger, the first throttle valve, the second heat exchanger, the seventh connecting port, the eighth connecting port and the inlet of the compressor, forming a first connecting loop, so that the thermal management system is in the cooling mode and the heating defrosting mode.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are also selectively controlled so that the first connection port is also connected to the third connection port and the fourth connection port respectively, and the fourth connection port is connected to the eighth connection port, so that the compressor is also connected to the first connection port, the third connection port and the third heat exchanger, forming a second connection loop, so that the thermal management system is in the cooling mode or the heat recovery mode.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled to open the second throttle valve and connect the first connection port to the third connection port, and the sixth connection port to the eighth connection port, so that the outlet of the compressor is connected to the first connection port, the third connection port, the third heat exchanger, the second throttle valve, the first heat exchanger, the sixth connection port, the eighth connection port, and the inlet of the compressor, forming a third connection loop, so that the thermal management system is in the hot water mode.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The defrosting mode includes a hot water defrosting mode; the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled to open the third throttle valve and connect the first connection port to the second connection port, the fourth connection port to the third connection port and the eighth connection port respectively, and the fifth connection port to the second connection port and the sixth connection port respectively, so that the outlet of the compressor is connected to the first connection port, the second connection port, the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the first heat exchanger, the third throttle valve, the third heat exchanger, the third connection port, the fourth connection port, the eighth connection port, and the inlet of the compressor, forming a fourth connection loop, so that the thermal management system is in the hot water defrosting mode.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the at least one throttle valve are selectively controlled, causing the second throttle valve to open and connecting the first connection port to the second connection port. The fifth connection port is connected to the second connection port and the seventh connection port, and the sixth connection port is connected to the eighth connection port. This connects the compressor outlet to the first connection port, the second connection port, the fifth connection port, the seventh connection port, the second heat exchanger, the second throttle valve, the first heat exchanger, the sixth connection port, the eighth connection port, and the compressor inlet, forming a fifth connection loop, so that the thermal management system is in the heating mode.

8. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The thermal management system also includes a liquid storage tank connected to the first heat exchanger and the at least one throttling valve.

9. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a first heat dissipation component connected to the first heat exchanger; and / or The thermal management system also includes a second heat dissipation component located on one side of the first heat exchanger.

10. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The compressor includes a variable frequency compressor; and / or The thermal management system further includes an oil separator connected to the outlet of the compressor; and / or The thermal management system also includes a gas separator connected to the inlet of the compressor.

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