Heat pump loop, heat management system and vehicle
By controlling the refrigerant flow path through a flow switching valve, the problems of energy waste and unstable outlet air temperature in the heat pump circuit under high-temperature conditions are solved, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520264433.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-18
AI Technical Summary
When the heat pump circuit of an existing vehicle is used for cooling in a high-temperature environment, the refrigerant flows through the internal condenser, resulting in energy waste and unstable air outlet temperature, and increased compressor power consumption.
A flow switching valve is used to control the refrigerant flow path, preventing the refrigerant from flowing through the internal condenser in a high-temperature environment. This is combined with the operation of the internal evaporator and the external heat exchanger, and the internal condenser is used to provide heat during charging, thereby reducing the refrigerant pressure requirement.
To ensure stable outlet air temperature in high-temperature environments, avoid energy waste, reduce compressor power consumption, and improve the energy efficiency of the heat pump circuit.
Smart Images

Figure CN223835350U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a heat pump circuit, a thermal management system, and a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] Vehicle air conditioning systems typically include a heat pump circuit, which consists of an internal condenser and an internal evaporator. The internal condenser and evaporator work in conjunction with an external heat exchanger to perform either cooling or heating. In heating mode, the internal condenser releases heat while the external heat exchanger absorbs heat. In cooling mode, the internal evaporator absorbs heat while the external heat exchanger releases heat.
[0003] However, in high-temperature environments, when the air conditioner needs the internal evaporator to work in conjunction with the external heat exchanger, the refrigerant must continue to flow through the internal condenser, resulting in energy waste. It is impossible to guarantee the outlet air temperature, and the refrigerant circuit needs to provide higher refrigerant pressure, which leads to more power consumption of the compressor. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat pump circuit, a thermal management system, and a vehicle that can prevent refrigerant from continuing to flow through the internal condenser during cooling.
[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] The heat pump circuit includes:
[0007] Internal condenser;
[0008] An internal evaporator, the fluid outlet of which is connected to the fluid inlet of an internal condenser, and the fluid inlet of which is connected to the fluid outlet of an internal condenser;
[0009] A flow switching valve is installed between the internal condenser and the internal evaporator. The flow switching valve has a first valve body interface, a second valve body interface and a third valve body interface. The first valve body interface is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal evaporator, the second valve body interface is connected to the fluid inlet of the internal condenser and the third valve body interface is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser.
[0010] Preferably, the device also includes a first heat exchanger, wherein the fluid outlet of the internal condenser is connected to the fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger, and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser is connected to the fluid outlet of the first heat exchanger.
[0011] Preferably, a fluorine pump is also included, and the fluid outlet of the internal condenser is connected to the fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger via the fluorine pump.
[0012] Preferably, a liquid storage tank is also included, through which the fluorine pump is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser.
[0013] Preferably, a compressor is also included, with the fluid inlet of the internal condenser connected to the fluid outlet of the internal evaporator via the compressor.
[0014] Preferably, it also includes a first check valve, which is connected in parallel with the compressor.
[0015] Preferably, the device also includes a second heat exchanger, wherein the fluid outlet of the internal condenser is connected to the fluid inlet of the second heat exchanger, and the fluid inlet of the internal evaporator is connected to the fluid outlet of the second heat exchanger.
[0016] Preferably, the system also includes a first throttling valve and a second throttling valve, wherein the fluid outlet of the internal condenser is connected to the first heat exchanger through the first throttling valve, and the fluid outlet of the internal condenser is connected to the second heat exchanger through the second throttling valve.
[0017] Preferably, a third heat exchanger is also included, wherein the fluid outlet of the internal condenser is connected to the fluid inlet of the third heat exchanger, and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser is connected to the fluid outlet of the third heat exchanger.
[0018] The thermal management system includes the heat pump circuit mentioned above.
[0019] Preferably, a battery circuit is also included, with the heat pump circuit coupled to the battery circuit via a first heat exchanger.
[0020] Preferably, an engine circuit is also included, with the heat pump circuit coupled to the engine circuit via a third heat exchanger.
[0021] Vehicles, including the aforementioned thermal management system.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0023] By setting a flow switching valve, when the heat pump circuit is in a high-temperature environment and the air conditioning requires the internal evaporator to work in conjunction with the external heat exchanger, the flow switching valve can be adjusted to prevent the refrigerant from flowing through the internal condenser, thus ensuring the outlet air temperature. Furthermore, during charging, the flow switching valve can be adjusted to allow some of the refrigerant to flow through the internal condenser, enabling the internal condenser to provide heat at a certain flow rate, avoiding energy waste, eliminating the need for the refrigerant circuit to provide higher refrigerant pressure, and reducing the compressor's power consumption. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat pump circuit described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the heat pump circuit described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the heat pump circuit described in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.
[0027] In the picture:
[0028] 1. Internal condenser;
[0029] 2. Internal evaporator;
[0030] 3. Flow switching valve; 31. First valve body interface; 32. Second valve body interface; 33. Third valve body interface;
[0031] 4. First heat exchanger;
[0032] 5. Fluorine pump;
[0033] 6. Liquid storage tank;
[0034] 7. Compressor;
[0035] 8. Second heat exchanger;
[0036] 9. Third heat exchanger;
[0037] 101. First check valve; 102. Second check valve; 103. Third check valve; 104. Fourth check valve; 105. Fifth check valve;
[0038] 201. First throttle valve; 202. Second throttle valve; 203. Third throttle valve. Detailed Implementation
[0039] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts or parts having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0040] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0041] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly 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.
[0042] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0043] Example 1
[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a heat pump circuit, including an internal condenser 1, an internal evaporator 2, and a flow switching valve 3. The fluid outlet of the internal evaporator 2 is connected to the fluid inlet of the internal condenser 1, and the fluid inlet of the internal evaporator 2 is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1. The flow switching valve 3 is disposed between the internal condenser 1 and the internal evaporator 2, and has a first valve body interface 31, a second valve body interface 32, and a third valve body interface 33. The first valve body interface 31 is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal evaporator 2, the second valve body interface 32 is connected to the fluid inlet of the internal condenser 1, and the third valve body interface 33 is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1.
[0045] In this invention, by setting a flow switching valve 3, when the heat pump circuit is in a high-temperature environment and the air conditioning requires the internal evaporator 2 to work in conjunction with the external heat exchanger, the flow switching valve 3 can be adjusted to prevent the refrigerant from flowing through the internal condenser 1, thus ensuring the outlet air temperature. Furthermore, during charging, the flow switching valve 3 can be adjusted to allow part of the refrigerant to flow through the internal condenser 1, enabling the internal condenser 1 to provide heat at a certain flow rate, avoiding energy waste, eliminating the need for the refrigerant circuit to provide higher refrigerant pressure, and reducing the power consumption of the compressor 7.
[0046] Specifically, the heat pump circuit also includes a first heat exchanger 4, with the fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1 connected to the fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger 4, and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser 1 connected to the fluid outlet of the first heat exchanger 4. This arrangement ensures that, during heating operation, the internal condenser 1 works in conjunction with the first heat exchanger 4, with the internal condenser 1 releasing heat and the external heat exchanger absorbing heat.
[0047] More specifically, the heat pump circuit is coupled to the battery circuit, engine circuit or electric drive circuit in the vehicle through the first heat exchanger 4, which can make full use of the waste heat of other components in the vehicle.
[0048] In this invention, the first heat exchanger 4 is a battery thermal management cold plate, namely a BMS chiller. The internal condenser 1 is connected in series with the first heat exchanger 4. The heat pump circuit is coupled to the battery circuit through the first heat exchanger 4, and can exchange heat with the battery circuit through the first heat exchanger 4. Thus, during heating, the heat in the battery circuit can be fully utilized, reducing costs.
[0049] Specifically, the heat pump circuit also includes a refrigerant pump 5, and the fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger 4 via the refrigerant pump 5. This configuration solves the problem of high energy consumption when the heat pump circuit absorbs waste heat from other components in the vehicle through the first heat exchanger 4.
[0050] More specifically, the heat pump circuit also includes a liquid receiver 6, through which the refrigerant pump 5 is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1. This configuration ensures that liquid refrigerant enters the refrigerant pump 5, preventing it from running dry.
[0051] Specifically, the heat pump circuit also includes a compressor 7, and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal evaporator 2 through the compressor 7. This arrangement allows the heat pump circuit to circulate normally through the compressor 7 during cooling or heating operations.
[0052] More specifically, the heat pump circuit also includes a first one-way valve 101, which is connected in parallel with the compressor 7. This arrangement ensures that when the refrigerant pump 5 is operating and the compressor 7 has difficulty passing refrigerant, the gaseous refrigerant can pass through the first one-way valve 101, guaranteeing efficient and reliable refrigerant circulation.
[0053] In this embodiment, the refrigerant pump 5 is a pump that works on the same principle as a water pump but transports liquid refrigerant. It can withstand high-pressure refrigerant and has much higher sealing requirements than a water pump. Typically, the flow rate is <5L / min, the power is <100W, the COP can reach 50, and the efficiency is extremely high. It is located upstream of the first heat exchanger 4, while the compressor 7 and the first one-way valve 101 connected in parallel are located downstream of the first heat exchanger 4.
[0054] Specifically, the heat pump circuit also includes a second heat exchanger 8. The fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the fluid inlet of the second heat exchanger 8, and the fluid inlet of the internal evaporator 2 is connected to the fluid outlet of the second heat exchanger 8. This arrangement allows the internal evaporator 2 to operate in conjunction with the second heat exchanger 8 during cooling operations. At this time, the internal evaporator 2 absorbs heat, and the second heat exchanger 8 releases heat. Furthermore, by adjusting the flow switching valve 3, refrigerant flow through the internal condenser 1 can be prevented, ensuring the outlet air temperature and reducing the power consumption of the compressor 7.
[0055] More specifically, the fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the first heat exchanger 4 through the first throttle valve 201, and the fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the second heat exchanger 8 through the second throttle valve 202. This configuration allows the heat pump circuit to reliably switch between cooling and heating modes.
[0056] In this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 8 is an evaporative condenser, serving as an external heat exchanger in conjunction with the internal condenser 1. Furthermore, the fluid outlet of the second heat exchanger 8 is connected to the fluid inlet of the internal evaporator 2 via a second one-way valve 102. The fluid outlet of the internal evaporator 2 is connected to the compressor 7 via a third one-way valve 103. The fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the third valve body interface 33 via a fourth one-way valve 104. An electronic expansion valve is also provided between the second one-way valve 102 and the internal evaporator 2. This configuration prevents refrigerant backflow, ensuring the normal operation of refrigeration or heating.
[0057] In this embodiment, the flow switching valve 3 is a three-way valve. The first valve body port 31 can be connected to the second valve body port 32 or the third valve body port 33. The proportion of fluid flowing out from the second valve body port 32 and the third valve body port 33 can be distributed by adjusting the opening degree.
[0058] In other embodiments, the flow switching valve 3 may also be composed of two throttle valves. The compressor 7 is connected to the internal condenser 1 through one throttle valve. A branch pipe is connected in parallel to the internal condenser 1 and its adjacent throttle valve, and another throttle valve is installed on the branch pipe.
[0059] This embodiment also provides a thermal management system, including the heat pump circuit described above.
[0060] Specifically, the thermal management system also includes a battery circuit. The heat pump circuit is coupled to the battery circuit through the first heat exchanger 4 and exchanges heat with the battery circuit through the first heat exchanger 4. The battery circuit is a conventional circuit in the thermal management system. The circuit is equipped with a battery and a water pump. Driven by the water pump, the fluid can circulate through the battery and the first heat exchanger 4. Its specific circulation structure and working principle are conventional and will not be described in detail here.
[0061] More specifically, the thermal management system also includes an electric drive circuit, which is coupled to the battery circuit through the first heat exchanger 4. The electric drive circuit exchanges heat with the battery circuit and the heat pump circuit through the first heat exchanger 4. The electric drive circuit is a conventional circuit in the thermal management system. The circuit is equipped with an electric drive component, an electric drive radiator and a water pump. Driven by the water pump, the fluid can circulate through the electric drive component and the first heat exchanger 4. Its specific circulation structure and working principle are conventional and will not be described in detail here.
[0062] Understandably, temperature and pressure detection components are also installed in each circuit as needed to better control and monitor the operation of each circuit. Other expansion valves and throttle valves can also be installed in the heat pump circuit as needed.
[0063] This embodiment also provides a vehicle including the thermal management system described above.
[0064] Example 2
[0065] This embodiment provides a heat pump circuit, a thermal management system, and a vehicle. Components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are referred to using the same or corresponding reference numerals as in Embodiment 1. For simplicity, only the differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 are described below.
[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the difference between the heat pump circuit in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 1 is that the heat pump circuit further includes a third heat exchanger 9. The fluid outlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the fluid inlet of the third heat exchanger 9, and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser 1 is connected to the fluid outlet of the third heat exchanger 9. By configuring the first heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 9 to cooperate, the heat pump circuit can be coupled to two of the vehicle's battery circuit, engine circuit, and electric drive circuit, thus making full use of the waste heat from other components in the vehicle.
[0067] More specifically, the heat pump circuit also includes a third throttling valve 203, which is disposed between the third heat exchanger 9 and the first heat exchanger 4.
[0068] In this embodiment, the third heat exchanger 9 is disposed between the refrigerant pump 5 and the first heat exchanger 4. The heat pump circuit is coupled to the engine circuit through the third heat exchanger 9, and can exchange heat with the engine circuit through the third heat exchanger 9. Thus, during heating, the heat in the engine circuit can be fully utilized, reducing costs.
[0069] The difference between the thermal management system in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 1 is that the thermal management system also includes an engine circuit. The heat pump circuit is coupled to the engine circuit through a third heat exchanger 9 and exchanges heat with the engine circuit through the third heat exchanger 9. The engine circuit is a conventional circuit in the thermal management system. The circuit is equipped with an engine and a water pump. Driven by the water pump, the fluid can circulate through the engine and the third heat exchanger 9. Its specific circulation structure and working principle are conventional and will not be described in detail here.
[0070] Example 3
[0071] This embodiment provides a heat pump circuit, a thermal management system, and a vehicle. Components identical or corresponding to those in Embodiment 2 are referenced using the same or corresponding reference numerals as in Embodiment 2. For simplicity, only the differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 are described below.
[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the difference between the heat pump circuit in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 2 is that in the heat pump circuit, the third heat exchanger 9 is located downstream of the first heat exchanger 4. This arrangement ensures that in range-extended heating mode, after the third heat exchanger 9 transfers the engine's waste heat to the heat pump circuit, the heat is first transferred to the internal condenser 1 within the heat pump circuit, and then transferred to the battery circuit via the first heat exchanger 4, resulting in better heating performance.
[0073] In the above configuration, in the heat pump circuit, the first heat exchanger 4 is located downstream of the liquid storage tank 6, the third throttle valve 203 is located between the liquid storage tank 6 and the first heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant pump 5 is located between the first heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 9, and the refrigerant pump 5 is also connected in parallel with a fifth check valve 105 between the first heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 9.
[0074] It is understood that the above embodiments can be selectively combined as needed, provided that the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. These embodiments not explicitly written should also be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0075] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A heat pump circuit, characterized in that, include: Internal condenser (1); An internal evaporator (2) has its fluid outlet connected to the fluid inlet of an internal condenser (1), and the fluid inlet of the internal evaporator (2) is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1). A flow switching valve (3) is provided between the internal condenser (1) and the internal evaporator (2). The flow switching valve (3) is provided with a first valve body interface (31), a second valve body interface (32) and a third valve body interface (33). The first valve body interface (31) is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal evaporator (2), the second valve body interface (32) is connected to the fluid inlet of the internal condenser (1), and the third valve body interface (33) is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1).
2. The heat pump circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first heat exchanger (4), the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger (4), and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the fluid outlet of the first heat exchanger (4).
3. The heat pump circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fluorine pump (5), and the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger (4) via the fluorine pump (5).
4. The heat pump circuit according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid storage tank (6), and a fluorine pump (5) is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1) through the liquid storage tank (6).
5. The heat pump circuit according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a compressor (7), and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the fluid outlet of the internal evaporator (2) through the compressor (7).
6. The heat pump circuit according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a first check valve (101), which is connected in parallel with the compressor (7).
7. The heat pump circuit according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It also includes a second heat exchanger (8), the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the fluid inlet of the second heat exchanger (8), and the fluid inlet of the internal evaporator (2) is connected to the fluid outlet of the second heat exchanger (8).
8. The heat pump circuit according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a first throttle valve (201) and a second throttle valve (202). The fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the first heat exchanger (4) through the first throttle valve (201), and the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the second heat exchanger (8) through the second throttle valve (202).
9. The heat pump circuit according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a third heat exchanger (9), the fluid outlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the fluid inlet of the third heat exchanger (9), and the fluid inlet of the internal condenser (1) is connected to the fluid outlet of the third heat exchanger (9).
10. A thermal management system, characterized in that, Includes the heat pump circuit described in any one of claims 1-9.
11. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a battery circuit, and the heat pump circuit is coupled to the battery circuit through the first heat exchanger (4).
12. The thermal management system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, It also includes the engine circuit, and the heat pump circuit is coupled to the engine circuit through the third heat exchanger (9).
13. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the thermal management system described in any one of claims 10-12.