Thermal management system for vehicle and vehicle
By sharing control circuits and power modules, multiple water pumps and electronic expansion valves share a control unit, driving the integrated control unit on the backplane, thus solving the problem of large space occupation in traditional thermal management systems and achieving high integration and lightweight design.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520417116.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-11
AI Technical Summary
In traditional thermal management systems, components such as water pumps, water valves, and EXVs have their own drive backplates, which occupy a large amount of space in the vehicle's front compartment, resulting in low integration and making it difficult to meet users' needs for available space.
By sharing control circuitry and power modules, multiple water pumps and electronic expansion valves share a control unit, and the backplane integrates control units and other components, reducing redundant components and wiring, thus achieving a compact design.
It improves the integration of the thermal management system, reduces system size and complexity, lowers material costs, and enhances space utilization and vehicle lightweight design.
Smart Images

Figure CN223835352U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to a thermal management system for vehicles and a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of vehicle applications, users are increasingly seeking more effective usable space during vehicle use. For example, the front compartment (or front trunk) has become a desirable area for users. However, vehicle components such as the engine and thermal management system are mainly located in the front compartment, occupying a significant amount of space. In traditional thermal management systems, components such as water pumps, water valves, and EXVs all have their own drive backplates and even communication chips. How to improve the integration of the thermal management system is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides a thermal management system and a vehicle for use in vehicles, which improves the integration of the thermal management system.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted in this application include:
[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a thermal management system for a vehicle, including a water pump, a first control unit, an electronic expansion valve, and a second control unit; there are multiple water pumps; the first control unit is connected to the multiple water pumps to control any one of the water pumps; there are multiple electronic expansion valves; the second control unit is connected to the multiple electronic expansion valves to control any one of the electronic expansion valves.
[0006] The thermal management system proposed in this application allows multiple water pumps to share a first control unit and multiple electronic expansion valves to share a second control unit. By sharing control circuits and power modules, the number of repetitive components such as drive chips and communication interfaces is reduced, significantly reducing the number of independent modules and wiring harnesses required for distributed control, thereby reducing the overall size, helping to adapt to the limited installation space of vehicles, and also reducing material costs.
[0007] Optionally, the thermal management system also includes a drive backplane, on which both the first control unit and the second control unit are disposed.
[0008] In the above scheme, the two control units are integrated on the drive back panel, which reduces the wiring and connection points in the system and makes the structure of the entire thermal management system simpler. This not only reduces the complexity of the system, but also facilitates the overall layout planning of the vehicle and improves the space utilization rate.
[0009] Optionally, the thermal management system also includes a water valve and a third control unit connected to the water valve to control the water valve. The third control unit is located on the drive backplane.
[0010] In the above scheme, the third control unit is installed on the drive back panel, so there is no need to arrange space for it separately, which realizes the compact design of the thermal management system, reduces the complex wiring and additional connecting parts caused by decentralized installation, frees up more space for other systems in the vehicle, and is conducive to the overall miniaturization and lightweight design of the vehicle. At the same time, the drive back panel integrates the third control unit that controls the water valve, further improving the integration of the drive back panel.
[0011] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a first sensor and a fourth control unit, the fourth control unit being connected to the first sensor and disposed on the drive backplane.
[0012] In the above scheme, the fourth control unit is installed on the drive back panel, so there is no need to arrange space for it separately, which realizes the compact design of the thermal management system, reduces the complex wiring and additional connecting parts caused by decentralized installation, frees up more space for other systems in the vehicle, and is conducive to the overall miniaturization and lightweight design of the vehicle. At the same time, the drive back panel can realize data acquisition from the first sensor, further improving the integration of the drive back panel.
[0013] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a first functional component and a fifth control unit, the fifth control unit being connected to the first functional component and disposed on the drive backplate.
[0014] In the above scheme, the fifth control unit is installed on the drive back panel, so there is no need to arrange space for it separately, which realizes the compact design of the thermal management system, reduces the complex wiring and additional connecting parts caused by decentralized installation, frees up more space for other systems in the vehicle, and is conducive to the overall miniaturization and lightweight design of the vehicle. At the same time, the drive back panel integrates control units that control more functional components, further improving the integration of the drive back panel.
[0015] Optionally, the first functional component is at least one of an AGS, an electric fan, and a compressor.
[0016] In the above solution, the drive backplane integrates the control unit of at least one of the AGS, electric fan and compressor, further improving the integration of the drive backplane.
[0017] Optionally, the thermal management system also includes a housing, in which the first control unit, the second control unit, and the drive backplate are disposed.
[0018] In the above solution, the housing provides a robust physical barrier for the first control unit, the second control unit, and the drive backplate, effectively resisting these external impacts and preventing damage to the internal electronic components and circuits of the control unit and drive backplate due to mechanical collisions, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the thermal management system.
[0019] Optionally, the thermal management system also includes a heat-conducting layer located in the housing, between the drive backplate and the housing along the thickness direction of the drive backplate.
[0020] In the above solution, the heat-conducting layer has good thermal conductivity, which can quickly conduct the heat generated on the drive backplane to the housing, which is conducive to the heat dissipation to the surrounding environment, thereby effectively reducing the temperature of the drive backplane and electronic components and ensuring that they work within a suitable temperature range.
[0021] Optionally, the drive backplate is provided with an input interface and an output interface, which are located on the same side of the housing along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the drive backplate.
[0022] In the above scheme, the input interface and the output interface are located on the same side of the housing. The lines connecting external devices to these interfaces can be arranged in a centralized manner. Compared with the situation where the interfaces are scattered in different locations, this design reduces the crossing and tangling of the lines, making the wiring more neat and orderly.
[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including the thermal management system described in the above embodiments.
[0024] The vehicle proposed in this application embodiment has a thermal management system as described in the above embodiment, which improves the integration of the thermal management system, reduces the overall volume of the thermal management system, and helps to improve the utilization rate of the vehicle's interior space. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from another angle of an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall internal structure of the shell in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of the circuit connection of the driving backplane in the embodiments of this application.
[0030] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]
[0031] 100: Drive backplate; 110: Housing; 120: Thermal conductive layer; 130: Input interface; 140: Output interface;
[0032] 200: Water pump; 201: First control unit;
[0033] 300: Water valve; 301: Third control unit;
[0034] 400: Electronic expansion valve; 401: Second control unit;
[0035] 500: First sensor; 501: Fourth control unit;
[0036] 600: First functional component; 601: Fifth control unit;
[0037] X: First direction. Detailed Implementation
[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.
[0040] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.
[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0042] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0043] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more (including two), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two).
[0044] With the continuous development of vehicle applications, users are increasingly seeking more effective usable space during vehicle use. For example, the front compartment (or front trunk) has become a desirable area for users. However, vehicle components such as the engine and thermal management system are mainly located in the front compartment, occupying a significant amount of space. In traditional thermal management systems, components such as water pumps, water valves, and EXVs all have their own drive backplates and even communication chips. How to improve the integration of the thermal management system is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.
[0045] Therefore, in order to improve the integration of the thermal management system, this application provides a thermal management system for vehicles. Please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It includes a water pump 200, a first control unit 201, an electronic expansion valve 400, and a second control unit 401.
[0046] Among them, there are multiple water pumps 200; the first control unit 201 is connected to multiple water pumps 200 to control any one of the water pumps 200; there are multiple electronic expansion valves 400; the second control unit 401 is connected to multiple electronic expansion valves 400 to control any one of the electronic expansion valves 400.
[0047] In the above scheme, multiple water pumps 200 can share a first control unit 201, and multiple electronic expansion valves 400 can share a second control unit 401. By sharing control circuits and power modules, the number of repetitive components such as drive chips and communication interfaces is reduced, and the independent modules and wiring harness layout required for distributed control are greatly reduced, thereby reducing the system size, which helps to adapt to the limited installation space of vehicles, and also reduces material costs.
[0048] Understandably, the thermal management system, which includes multiple water pumps 200, electronic expansion valves 400, and corresponding control units, achieves a high degree of integration of the thermal management system, reduces the number of system components and connecting pipelines, and lowers the complexity and size of the system, which is beneficial to the vehicle's spatial layout and lightweight design.
[0049] As an example, the first control unit 201 includes a control chip and a communication chip for the water pump 200, with only the motor part of the water pump 200 retained. The second control unit 401 includes a control chip and a communication chip for the electronic expansion valve 400, with only the motor part of the electronic expansion valve 400 retained. This improves the chip sharing rate and reduces the cost of the wiring harness.
[0050] As an example, pump 200 includes at least one of centrifugal pump, axial flow pump or peristaltic pump, and this application does not limit it.
[0051] Centrifugal water pumps consist of components such as an impeller, pump casing, and pump shaft. Driven by a motor, the impeller rotates at high speed, causing liquid to be thrown from the center of the impeller to its edge under centrifugal force. This process generates energy, increasing the pressure and flow rate of the coolant, thus achieving coolant circulation in the thermal management system. Centrifugal water pumps are commonly used in automotive engine cooling systems to meet the engine's coolant flow and pressure requirements under different operating conditions, ensuring the engine operates within a suitable temperature range.
[0052] An axial flow pump is a type of pump that uses the axial thrust generated by a rotating impeller to propel the liquid along the axial direction. The internal coolant flows parallel to the pump shaft under the impeller's thrust, thus achieving liquid delivery.
[0053] Axial flow water pumps can achieve high-flow, low-head coolant circulation, which can ensure efficient circulation of battery coolant and maintain battery temperature uniformity in the battery thermal management system of new energy vehicles.
[0054] A peristaltic pump is a water pump that causes liquid inside the pump tube to move forward like an earthworm by alternately squeezing and releasing the pump tube. It includes components such as a motor, rollers, and pump tube. The rollers roll under the drive of the motor, squeezing the pump tube in sequence to form a unidirectional flow of liquid.
[0055] In electronic component cooling systems, peristaltic pumps can be used to precisely control the delivery of small amounts of coolant to dissipate heat from specific high-heat electronic components.
[0056] As an example, the electronic expansion valve includes at least one of the following: electromagnetic electronic expansion valve, electric electronic expansion valve, or thermodynamic electronic expansion valve, and this application does not limit it.
[0057] An electromagnetic electronic expansion valve is a valve that uses electromagnetic force to control the opening of the valve core. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it generates a magnetic field that attracts or repels the valve core, thereby changing the gap between the valve core and the valve seat, and thus controlling the refrigerant flow. By controlling the magnitude and duration of the current in the electromagnetic coil, the opening of the valve core can be precisely adjusted, thereby precisely controlling the refrigerant flow.
[0058] Electromagnetic electronic expansion valves can be used to quickly and accurately regulate refrigerant flow, thereby helping to improve refrigeration efficiency and temperature control accuracy.
[0059] An electric electronic expansion valve includes components such as a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a valve core. The motor drives the valve core to move through the transmission mechanism, such as gears or screws, thereby changing the valve opening. The rotation angle and speed of the motor can be precisely controlled by an electronic control unit, which in turn precisely adjusts the valve core opening to achieve precise control of the refrigerant flow.
[0060] In some new energy vehicles' heat pump thermal management systems, the electric electronic expansion valve 400 can flexibly adjust the refrigerant flow according to the heating and cooling needs of different components such as batteries, motors, and their controllers, thereby achieving multiple functions such as cooling, heating, and energy recovery.
[0061] A thermostatic electronic expansion valve is a valve that senses the superheat of the refrigerant at the evaporator outlet through a temperature sensing bulb, converts the temperature signal into a pressure signal, and then controls the valve core opening through an electronic control unit based on a preset superheat value. When the superheat of the refrigerant at the evaporator outlet changes, the electronic control unit will adjust the valve core opening accordingly to keep the superheat within a suitable range, thereby achieving precise control of the refrigerant flow.
[0062] In some vehicle thermal management systems that have high requirements for the stability and energy efficiency of the refrigeration system, such as the refrigeration systems of some high-end commercial vehicles or special vehicles, the thermostatic electronic expansion valve can automatically adjust the refrigerant flow according to different operating conditions and loads to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the refrigeration system.
[0063] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The thermal management system also includes a drive backplate 100, and the first control unit 201 and the second control unit 401 are both disposed on the drive backplate 100.
[0064] In the above scheme, the two control units are integrated on the drive backplate 100, which reduces the wiring and connection points in the system and makes the structure of the entire thermal management system simpler. This not only reduces the complexity of the system, but also facilitates the overall layout planning of the vehicle and improves the space utilization rate.
[0065] Understandably, the drive backplate 100 provides a centralized mounting platform for the control unit, integrating the first control unit 201 and the second control unit 401 together. This avoids the additional wiring and connection points required when the two control units are installed separately, helps to reduce installation space, facilitates the miniaturization of the thermal management system, and leaves more space for the arrangement of other vehicle components.
[0066] As an example, the drive backplane 100 can be a PCBA assembly, and at least two of the first control unit 201, the second control unit 401, the third control unit 301, the fourth control unit 501, and the fifth control unit 601 are integrated into the PCBA assembly. Figure 4 The dashed line represents the communication connection between the control unit and the corresponding component. At the same time, the drive backplane 100 can communicate with the vehicle controller via LIN or CAN.
[0067] PCBA assembly refers to printed circuit boards, also known as printed circuit boards or printed circuit boards. Specifically, it refers to the circuit board on which electronic components (such as integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, etc.) are installed on the printed circuit board (PCB) through soldering and other methods to form a complete circuit system.
[0068] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The thermal management system also includes a water valve 300 and a third control unit 301. The third control unit 301 is connected to the water valve 300 to control the water valve 300. The third control unit 301 is located on the drive back plate 100.
[0069] In the above scheme, the third control unit 301 is installed on the drive back plate 100, so there is no need to arrange space for it separately, realizing the compact design of the thermal management system, freeing up more space for other systems in the vehicle, which is conducive to the overall miniaturization and lightweight design of the vehicle.
[0070] Understandably, the third control unit 301 is mounted on the drive backplate 100 together with the first control unit 201 and the second control unit 401, which makes the thermal management system more integrated, reduces the complex wiring and additional connecting parts caused by decentralized installation, reduces the complexity of the system, and facilitates the overall design and layout planning of the vehicle.
[0071] As an example, water valve 300 includes at least one of solenoid valve, electric ball valve, thermostat and three-way water valve 300, which is not limited in this application.
[0072] A solenoid valve is a water valve that uses electromagnetic force to control the movement of the valve core, thereby opening and closing the valve. When the solenoid coil is energized, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the valve core to move, causing the water valve 300 to open; when the power is off, the valve core returns to its original position under the action of spring force, and the water valve 300 closes.
[0073] Solenoid valves can precisely adjust the opening degree of water valves by controlling the current of the solenoid coil. They have a relatively simple structure, small size, and are easy to install in the limited space of a vehicle.
[0074] Solenoid valves are commonly used in scenarios requiring rapid response and precise control, such as switching between the small and large circulation of engine coolant. When the engine is in the cold start phase, the solenoid valve is closed, and the coolant circulates in a small loop to quickly warm up the engine. Once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, the solenoid valve opens, and the coolant circulates in a large loop to enhance heat dissipation.
[0075] An electric ball valve is a water valve 300 that uses an electric actuator to drive the ball to rotate. By aligning or offsetting the through hole on the ball with the pipeline, it controls the flow and shut-off of coolant. The electric actuator can precisely control the rotation angle of the ball, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the water valve 300.
[0076] Electric ball valves can achieve a wide range of coolant flow regulation by precisely controlling the rotation angle of the ball; they have a long service life, minimal wear on the ball and valve seat, and can withstand high pressure and temperature.
[0077] Electric ball valves are widely used in the battery thermal management system of new energy vehicles to control the flow of coolant in the battery cooling circuit and ensure that the battery can maintain a suitable operating temperature under different operating conditions.
[0078] As an example, thermostats include mechanical thermostats and electronic thermostats, and this application does not limit them.
[0079] A mechanical thermostat is a component that typically works based on the thermal expansion characteristics of temperature-sensitive materials such as paraffin or shape memory alloys. When the coolant temperature is low, the temperature-sensitive material contracts, the thermostat closes, and the coolant circulates in a small loop. When the coolant temperature rises to a certain level, the temperature-sensitive material expands, pushing the valve core to open, and the coolant circulates in a large loop.
[0080] Mechanical thermostats are most common in the cooling systems of traditional gasoline-powered vehicle engines and are a basic component that controls the circulation mode and temperature of engine coolant.
[0081] An electronic thermostat combines electronic control technology with a mechanical actuator. It monitors the coolant temperature in real time using a temperature sensor and transmits the signal to a control unit. The control unit then controls the electric actuator to adjust the thermostat's opening based on a preset temperature strategy, achieving precise control of coolant flow and temperature.
[0082] Electronic thermostats are widely used in modern high-performance and new energy vehicles, and can better meet the thermal management needs of engines and other components under complex operating conditions.
[0083] A three-way water valve is a component with three ports that changes the flow direction of coolant by moving or rotating the valve core, enabling connection and switching between different pipes. For example, the valve core can guide coolant from one inlet to one of the outlets, or distribute it to two outlets simultaneously.
[0084] In vehicle thermal management systems, three-way water valves are commonly used in scenarios where coolant needs to be distributed to different components or circuits, such as simultaneously supplying coolant to the engine and transmission, or switching the flow of coolant between different heat exchangers.
[0085] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The thermal management system also includes a first sensor 500 and a fourth control unit 501. The fourth control unit 501 is connected to the first sensor 500 and is disposed on the drive backplate 100.
[0086] In the above scheme, the fourth control unit 501 is installed on the drive back plate 100, so there is no need to arrange space for it separately, realizing the compact design of the thermal management system, freeing up more space for other systems in the vehicle, which is conducive to the overall miniaturization and lightweight design of the vehicle.
[0087] It is understandable that the fourth control unit 501 is mounted on the drive backplate 100 together with the first control unit 201, the second control unit 401 and the third control unit 301, which makes the thermal management system more integrated, reduces the complex wiring and additional connecting parts caused by decentralized installation, reduces the complexity of the system, and facilitates the overall design and layout planning of the vehicle.
[0088] As an example, the first sensor 500 includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow sensor.
[0089] Temperature sensors include at least one of thermocouple sensors and thermistor sensors, but this application does not limit the types of sensors.
[0090] A thermocouple sensor is a sensor that uses two metal conductors of different materials to form a closed circuit based on the thermoelectric effect. When the temperatures at the two junctions are different, a thermoelectric potential is generated in the circuit. By measuring the magnitude of the thermoelectric potential, the temperature value can be calculated.
[0091] Thermocouple sensors are commonly used for monitoring engine coolant temperature. During vehicle operation, the coolant temperature is measured in real time so that the thermal management system can adjust the speed of the water pump 200 and the coolant circulation path accordingly, ensuring the engine operates at an appropriate temperature. For example, when the coolant temperature is too high, the system can increase the flow rate of the water pump 200 or activate additional cooling devices.
[0092] In thermistor sensors, the resistance of the thermistor changes significantly with temperature. Thermistor sensors are divided into two types: positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC). The resistance of NTC thermistors decreases as the temperature increases, while the resistance of PTC thermistors decreases as the temperature decreases. By measuring the change in the resistance of the thermistor, the corresponding temperature value can be obtained.
[0093] In new energy vehicles, thermistor sensors are widely used in battery thermal management systems to monitor battery temperature. Since battery performance and lifespan are closely related to temperature, accurate battery temperature measurement helps the system take appropriate thermal management measures, such as heating or cooling the battery, to ensure that the battery operates within a safe and efficient temperature range.
[0094] The pressure sensor includes at least one of piezoelectric pressure sensors and piezoresistive pressure sensors, and this application does not limit the type of pressure sensor.
[0095] A piezoelectric pressure sensor is a sensor that utilizes the piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials. When subjected to pressure, the piezoelectric material generates an electric charge, the magnitude of which is proportional to the applied pressure. By measuring the change in charge, the magnitude of the pressure can be determined.
[0096] In air conditioning systems, piezoelectric pressure sensors are used to monitor refrigerant pressure. The normal operation of an air conditioning system requires the refrigerant to operate within a specific pressure range. The pressure sensor can provide real-time feedback on refrigerant pressure information. Based on this information, the thermal management system adjusts the compressor's operating status and the opening of the electronic expansion valve 400 to ensure the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioning system.
[0097] A piezoresistive sensor is a sensor that uses the piezoresistive effect of semiconductor materials. When a semiconductor material is subjected to pressure, its resistance changes. The magnitude of the pressure is determined by measuring the change in resistance.
[0098] Piezoresistive sensors can be used to monitor the pressure of coolant systems. During coolant circulation, they can detect pressure anomalies such as leaks or blockages in a timely manner.
[0099] The flow sensor includes at least one of electromagnetic flow sensors and turbine flow sensors, but this application does not limit the scope of the flow sensor.
[0100] An electromagnetic flow sensor is a sensor that, according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, when a conductive liquid flows in a magnetic field, it cuts magnetic lines of force, thereby generating an induced electromotive force in a direction perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the flow direction. The magnitude of the induced electromotive force is proportional to the flow velocity of the liquid, and the flow rate of the liquid can be calculated by measuring the induced electromotive force.
[0101] In the coolant circulation loop of the thermal management system, an electromagnetic flow sensor is used to measure the coolant flow rate. Accurately determining the coolant flow rate helps to assess the system's heat dissipation capacity and operating efficiency. The thermal management system can adjust the speed of the water pump 200 based on the flow rate data to meet the heat dissipation requirements under different operating conditions.
[0102] A turbine flow sensor is a sensor that uses the impact force of fluid as it passes through the turbine to rotate the turbine. The rotational speed of the turbine is proportional to the flow rate of the fluid. By measuring the rotational speed of the turbine, such as by using magneto-electric induction to convert the rotational signal into an electrical signal, the flow rate of the fluid can be obtained.
[0103] Turbine flow sensors can also be used to monitor the flow rate of coolant or refrigerant. In some thermal management systems that require high accuracy in flow measurement, turbine flow sensors can provide accurate flow data to help the system achieve precise flow control.
[0104] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The thermal management system also includes a first functional component and a fifth control unit 601. The fifth control unit 601 is connected to the first functional component and is disposed on the drive backplate 100.
[0105] In the above scheme, the fifth control unit 601 is installed on the drive backplate 100, so there is no need to arrange space for it separately, realizing the compact design of the thermal management system, reducing the complex wiring and additional connecting parts caused by decentralized installation, freeing up more space for other systems in the vehicle, which is conducive to the overall miniaturization and lightweight design of the vehicle. At the same time, the drive backplate 100 integrates control units that control more functional components, further improving the integration of the drive backplate 100.
[0106] In other embodiments, the first functional component is at least one of an AGS, an electric fan, and a compressor.
[0107] In the above scheme, the drive backplane 100 integrates the control unit of at least one of the AGS, electric fan and compressor, further improving the integration of the drive backplane 100.
[0108] As an example, AGS refers to Active Grille Controller, which automatically adjusts the opening of the grille based on vehicle driving conditions and engine temperature. At high speeds, closing the grille effectively reduces the vehicle's drag coefficient, minimizing the impact of air resistance, thereby reducing engine load and fuel consumption, and improving fuel economy. For new energy vehicles, this also helps increase driving range.
[0109] The electric fan can adjust its speed and airflow in real time based on engine coolant temperature, air conditioning system requirements, and other factors. When the vehicle is driving at low speed, idling, or in high-temperature environments, and the engine's cooling demand increases, the electric fan can provide additional cooling airflow to enhance the radiator's heat dissipation effect and ensure the normal operating temperature of the engine and other thermal management components.
[0110] The compressor is the core component of an automotive air conditioning system. It compresses low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature, high-pressure gas to power the refrigeration cycle. By controlling the compressor's operating status, the thermal management system can realize the vehicle's cooling function, creating a comfortable driving environment for passengers.
[0111] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The thermal management system also includes a housing 110, and a first control unit 201, a second control unit 401 and a drive backplate 100 are disposed inside the housing 110.
[0112] In the above scheme, the housing 110 provides a robust physical barrier for the first control unit 201, the second control unit 401 and the drive backplate 100, which can effectively resist these external impacts, prevent the control unit and drive backplate 100 from being damaged by mechanical collisions, and ensure the stability and reliability of the thermal management system.
[0113] In addition, the first control unit 201, the second control unit 401 and the drive backplane 100 are integrated into the housing 110 to form a modular component, reducing the complexity of wiring.
[0114] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The thermal management system also includes a heat-conducting layer 120, which is located in the housing 110 and between the drive back plate 100 and the housing 110 along the thickness direction of the drive back plate 100.
[0115] In the above scheme, the heat-conducting layer 120 has good thermal conductivity, which can quickly conduct the heat generated on the drive backplate 100 to the housing 110, which is conducive to the heat dissipation to the surrounding environment, thereby effectively reducing the temperature of the drive backplate 100 and electronic components, and ensuring that they work within a suitable temperature range.
[0116] As an example, the thermal conductive layer 120 includes, but is not limited to, thermal grease, and this application does not limit it.
[0117] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The drive backplate 100 is provided with an input interface 130 and an output interface 140. Along the first direction X, the input interface 130 and the output interface 140 are located on the same side of the housing 110. The first direction X is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the drive backplate 100.
[0118] In the above scheme, the input interface 130 and the output interface 140 are located on the same side of the housing 110. The lines connecting external devices to these interfaces can be arranged in a centralized manner. Compared with the situation where the interfaces are scattered in different locations, this design reduces the crossing and tangling of the lines, making the wiring more neat and orderly.
[0119] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including the thermal management system described in any of the above embodiments.
[0120] The vehicle proposed in this application embodiment has a thermal management system as described in the above embodiment, which improves the integration of the thermal management system, reduces the overall volume of the thermal management system, and helps to improve the utilization rate of the vehicle's interior space.
[0121] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0122] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.
[0123] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.
[0124] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A thermal management system for vehicles, characterized in that, include: Water pumps, wherein there are multiple water pumps; A first control unit is connected to the plurality of water pumps to control any one of the water pumps; Multiple electronic expansion valves are included. A second control unit is connected to the plurality of said electronic expansion valves to control any one of said electronic expansion valves.
2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a drive backplate, on which both the first control unit and the second control unit are disposed.
3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a water valve and a third control unit. The third control unit is connected to the water valve to control the water valve and is disposed on the drive backplate.
4. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a first sensor and a fourth control unit, the fourth control unit being connected to the first sensor and disposed on the drive backplate.
5. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a first functional component and a fifth control unit, the fifth control unit being connected to the first functional component and disposed on the drive backplate.
6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first functional component is at least one of AGS, electric fan and compressor.
7. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a housing, in which the first control unit, the second control unit, and the drive backplate are disposed.
8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a heat-conducting layer located in the housing, along the thickness direction of the drive back plate, and between the drive back plate and the housing.
9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive backplate is provided with an input interface and an output interface. Along a first direction, the input interface and the output interface are located on the same side of the housing. The first direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the drive backplate.
10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes any one of claims 1-9.