An integrated module thermal management system and vehicle
By integrating thermoelectric chips in the modular thermal management system and utilizing the Seebeck effect driven by temperature difference, the problem of frost formation on the cold core of the air conditioning unit in new energy vehicles has been solved. This achieves the effects of cold core frost prevention, extended compressor life, and reduced energy consumption, while simplifying the system structure and reducing the electrical load on the entire vehicle.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521749092.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-18
AI Technical Summary
In existing thermal management systems for new energy vehicles, the air conditioning unit's cooling core is prone to frost buildup, leading to reduced system efficiency and shortened compressor lifespan, while also increasing overall vehicle energy consumption and complexity.
An integrated modular thermal management system is adopted, including a compressor, condenser, first cooler, thermoelectric module, air conditioning unit module and cooling module. The thermoelectric chip uses the Seebeck effect driven by temperature difference to convert heat energy into electrical energy to feed back to the low-voltage battery, and releases heat to the refrigerant through the thermoelectric chip to prevent frost formation on the cold core.
It effectively reduces the risk of cold core frosting, extends compressor life, reduces vehicle energy consumption, simplifies system structure, reduces vehicle electrical load, and alleviates range anxiety.
Smart Images

Figure CN224675844U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to an integrated modular thermal management system and an automobile. Background Technology
[0002] Developing new energy vehicles helps promote the low-carbon transformation of road transportation and makes a positive contribution to the construction and development of a green and low-carbon society. In recent years, the new energy vehicle industry has flourished, with new models emerging one after another, and its thermal management system architecture design has also been continuously iterated and upgraded. However, conventional thermal management systems on the market generally have a technical pain point: even when the compressor is running at its lowest speed, the air conditioning unit's cooling core still has the risk of frosting. This frosting phenomenon not only affects the normal operation of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the passenger compartment, but may also reduce system efficiency and reliability.
[0003] To address the issue of refrigerant core frost formation, two common solutions are intermittent compressor start-stop and mixed heat source heating. However, using intermittent compressor shutdown to raise the refrigerant core temperature and prevent frost formation often significantly increases the mechanical load on the compressor due to frequent start-stop cycles, reducing its lifespan and causing noticeable temperature fluctuations. While mixing waste heat generated by components such as the drive motor and battery (via hot water) with the outlet water of the heat exchanger to raise the refrigerant temperature entering the refrigerant core is effective, it requires additional piping, valves, and control logic, increasing the complexity and energy consumption of the thermal management system and contributing to severe "range anxiety" in new energy vehicles.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose an integrated modular thermal management system and automobile to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an integrated modular thermal management system that can effectively reduce the risk of cold core frosting, extend the service life of the compressor, reduce the energy consumption of the entire thermal management system, and simplify its structure.
[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] An integrated modular thermal management system includes:
[0008] The compressor, condenser, and first cooler are connected. The outlet of the compressor is connected to the first inlet of the condenser, the first outlet of the condenser is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler, and the first outlet of the first cooler is connected to the inlet of the compressor.
[0009] The thermoelectric module includes a first flow channel plate, a second flow channel plate, and a thermoelectric chip. The thermoelectric chip is sandwiched between the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate, and its two sides are thermally connected to the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate, respectively.
[0010] An air conditioning unit module, comprising a cold core, wherein the inlet of the cold core is connected to the outlet of the first flow channel plate, and the outlet of the cold core is connected to the second inlet of the first cooler;
[0011] The cooling module includes a low-temperature water tank and a fan. The outlet of the first flow channel plate is connected to the inlet of the low-temperature water tank, the outlet of the low-temperature water tank is connected to the second inlet of the condenser, and the fan is positioned opposite to the low-temperature water tank.
[0012] The output terminal of the thermoelectric chip is electrically connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage battery.
[0013] Preferably, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a liquid storage tank, the inlet of which is connected to the inlet of the condenser, and the outlet of which is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler.
[0014] Preferably, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a second cooler, which is connected in parallel with the first cooler. The inlet of the second cooler is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the second cooler is connected to the air inlet of the compressor.
[0015] Preferably, the integrated modular thermal management system further includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve. The inlet of the first electronic expansion valve is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the first electronic expansion valve is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler. The inlet of the second electronic expansion valve is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the second electronic expansion valve is connected to the inlet of the second cooler.
[0016] Preferably, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a controller and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being used to detect the temperature of the cold core, and the controller being connected to the temperature sensor signal.
[0017] Preferably, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve. Both the first and second three-way valves are connected to the controller signal. The inlet of the first three-way valve is connected to the second outlet of the first cooler, the first outlet of the first three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel plate, the second outlet of the first three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the cold core, the inlet of the second three-way valve is connected to the second outlet of the condenser, the first outlet of the second three-way valve is connected to the second flow channel plate, and the second outlet of the second three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the low-temperature water tank.
[0018] Preferably, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a first electronic water pump, the inlet of which is connected to the first outlet of the first cooler, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the first three-way valve.
[0019] Preferably, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a second electronic water pump, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the low-temperature water tank, and the outlet of which is connected to the second inlet of the condenser.
[0020] Preferably, the air conditioning unit module also includes a blower, with the cooling core facing the blower.
[0021] Another objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle that can effectively reduce the risk of cold core frosting, extend the service life of the compressor, reduce the energy consumption and simplify the structure of the entire thermal management system, reduce the electrical load of the vehicle, and alleviate users' range anxiety.
[0022] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0023] An automobile includes a body and the aforementioned integrated modular thermal management system. An electric motor assembly is provided within the body. The inlet of the electric motor assembly is connected to the second outlet of the condenser, and the outlet of the electric motor assembly is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel plate.
[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0025] This utility model provides an integrated modular thermal management system, including a compressor, a condenser, a first cooler, a thermoelectric module, an air conditioning unit module, a cooling module, and a low-voltage battery. The thermoelectric module includes a first flow channel plate, a second flow channel plate, and a thermoelectric chip. When low-temperature refrigerant flows from the second outlet of the first cooler through the first flow channel plate, and high-temperature refrigerant flows from the motor outlet through the second flow channel plate, the thermoelectric chip generates a Seebeck effect driven by the temperature difference between the first and second flow channel plates, directly converting heat energy into electrical energy, which is then output to the low-voltage battery, achieving heat recovery. The thermoelectric chip releases heat to the refrigerant through the first flow channel plate, raising the water temperature at the second outlet of the first cooler and increasing the water temperature at the cold core inlet, thereby eliminating the risk of cold core frosting. Furthermore, the thermoelectric chip absorbs heat from the motor assembly through the second flow channel plate, lowering the temperature of the refrigerant entering the low-temperature water tank, thus enabling the fan to maintain good cooling performance even at lower speeds.
[0026] This utility model also provides an automobile, including a body and an integrated module thermal management system. By installing the integrated module thermal management system inside the body, the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric chip is fed back to the low-voltage battery, thereby reducing the electrical load of the entire vehicle, reducing the energy consumption of the entire vehicle, and alleviating range anxiety during the driving process. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated module thermal management system provided in this embodiment;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated module thermal management system provided in this embodiment under cooling mode (thermoelectric module not turned on);
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated module thermal management system (thermoelectric module turned on) under the waste heat recovery mode provided in this embodiment.
[0030] In the picture:
[0031] 101. Compressor; 102. Condenser; 103. First cooler; 104. Motor assembly; 105. Liquid receiver; 106. Second cooler; 107. First electronic expansion valve; 108. Second electronic expansion valve; 109. First three-way valve; 110. Second three-way valve; 111. First electronic water pump; 112. Second electronic water pump; 200. Thermoelectric module; 201. First flow channel plate; 202. Second flow channel plate; 203. Thermoelectric chip; 300. Air conditioning module; 301. Cooling core; 302. Blower; 400. Cooling module; 401. Low-temperature water tank; 402. Fan. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.
[0033] 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, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to 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 based on the specific circumstances.
[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0035] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0036] This embodiment provides an integrated modular thermal management system that can effectively reduce the risk of cold core frosting, extend the service life of the compressor, reduce the energy consumption of the entire thermal management system, and simplify its structure.
[0037] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an integrated modular thermal management system includes a compressor 101, a condenser 102, a first cooler 103, a thermoelectric module 200, an air conditioning unit module, a cooling module 400, a motor assembly 104, and a low-voltage battery. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), the outlet of compressor 101 is connected to the first inlet of condenser 102, the first outlet of condenser 102 is connected to the first inlet of first cooler 103, and the first outlet of first cooler 103 is connected to the inlet of compressor 101; the thermoelectric module 200 includes a first flow channel plate 201, a second flow channel plate 202, and a thermoelectric chip 203. The thermoelectric chip 203 is sandwiched between the first flow channel plate 201 and the second flow channel plate 202, and its two sides are respectively connected to the first flow channel plate 201 and the second flow channel plate 202. Thermally conductive connection; the air conditioning unit module includes a cold core 301, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the first flow channel plate 201, and the outlet of the cold core 301 is connected to the second inlet of the first cooler 103; the cooling module 400 includes a low-temperature water tank 401 and a fan 402, the outlet of the first flow channel plate 201 is connected to the inlet of the low-temperature water tank 401, the outlet of the low-temperature water tank 401 is connected to the second inlet of the condenser 102, and the fan 402 is arranged opposite to the low-temperature water tank 401; the output terminal of the thermoelectric chip 203 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage battery.
[0038] When the low-temperature refrigerant flows from the second outlet of the first cooler 103 through the first flow channel plate 201, and the high-temperature refrigerant flows from the motor outlet through the second flow channel plate 202, the thermoelectric chip 203 generates the Seebeck effect (also known as the first thermoelectric effect, which refers to the thermoelectric phenomenon caused by the temperature difference between two different conductors or semiconductors) under the temperature difference of the first and second flow channel plates 201. This directly converts heat energy into electrical energy, which is then output to the low-voltage battery, thus recovering heat. The thermoelectric chip 203 releases heat to the refrigerant through the first flow channel plate 201, raising the water temperature at the second outlet of the first cooler 103 and increasing the water temperature at the inlet of the cold core 301, thereby eliminating the risk of frost formation on the cold core 301. Furthermore, the thermoelectric chip 203 absorbs heat from the motor assembly 104 through the second flow channel plate 202, lowering the temperature of the refrigerant entering the low-temperature water tank 401. This allows the fan 402 to have a good cooling effect even at a low speed, thereby reducing energy consumption.
[0039] Furthermore, in order to store excess refrigerant and replenish the required flow rate to maintain the normal operation of the thermal management system when the load changes, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a liquid receiver 105. The inlet of the liquid receiver 105 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 102, and the outlet of the liquid receiver 105 is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler 103.
[0040] Optionally, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a second cooler 106, which is connected in parallel with the first cooler 103. The inlet of the second cooler 106 is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank 105, and the outlet of the second cooler 106 is connected to the air inlet of the compressor 101. The second cooler 106 further reduces the temperature of the refrigerant through heat exchange, ensuring the normal operation of the compressor 101.
[0041] Optionally, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a first electronic expansion valve 107. The inlet of the first electronic expansion valve 107 is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank 105, and the outlet of the first electronic expansion valve 107 is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler 103. The first electronic expansion valve 107 precisely controls the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the first cooler 103 according to the operating conditions of the thermal management system, optimizes the heat exchange efficiency, and ensures the stable operation of the first cooler 103.
[0042] Furthermore, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a second electronic expansion valve 108. The inlet of the second electronic expansion valve 108 is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank 105, and the outlet of the second electronic expansion valve 108 is connected to the inlet of the second cooler 106. The second electronic expansion valve 108 precisely controls the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the second cooler 106 according to the operating conditions of the thermal management system, optimizes the heat exchange efficiency, and ensures the stable operation of the second cooler 106.
[0043] Optionally, to ensure that the outlet air temperature of the cooling core 301 is maintained between 2℃ and 4℃, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a controller ( Figure 1 (not shown in the image) and temperature sensor ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the cold core 301. The controller is connected to the temperature sensor signal and can control the opening and closing of the thermoelectric module 200.
[0044] Furthermore, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a first three-way valve 109 and a second three-way valve 110. Both the first three-way valve 109 and the second three-way valve 110 are connected to the controller signal. The inlet of the first three-way valve 109 is connected to the second outlet of the first cooler 103, the first outlet of the first three-way valve 109 is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel plate 201, and the second outlet of the first three-way valve 109 is connected to the inlet of the cold core 301. The inlet of the second three-way valve 110 is connected to the second outlet of the condenser 102, and the first outlet of the second three-way valve 110 is connected to... The second flow channel plate 202 is connected, and the second outlet of the second three-way valve 110 is connected to the inlet of the low-temperature water tank 401. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the cold core 301 is lower than 2°C, the controller controls the passage of the first three-way valve 109 and the second three-way valve 110 to make the thermoelectric module 200 start working. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the cold core 301 is higher than 4°C, the controller controls the other passage of the first three-way valve 109 and the second three-way valve 110 to make the thermoelectric module 200 stop working, thereby realizing the controller's control of the thermoelectric module 200.
[0045] Optionally, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a first electronic water pump 111. The inlet of the first electronic water pump 111 is connected to the first outlet of the first cooler 103, and the outlet of the first electronic water pump 111 is connected to the inlet of the first three-way valve 109. By adjusting the refrigerant flow rate and head as needed, the refrigerant is efficiently delivered to the target equipment after heat exchange, maintaining the stability and adaptability of the thermal management system's cooling cycle.
[0046] Furthermore, the integrated modular thermal management system also includes a second electronic water pump 112. The inlet of the second electronic water pump 112 is connected to the outlet of the low-temperature water tank 401, and the outlet of the second electronic water pump 112 is connected to the second inlet of the condenser 102. The second electronic water pump 112 can dynamically adjust the refrigerant flow rate according to the temperature requirements of the thermal management system to ensure that the refrigerant output from the low-temperature water tank 401 enters the condenser 102 at a suitable flow rate, optimize the condensation efficiency, and maintain stable pressure in the circulation pipeline.
[0047] Optionally, the air conditioning unit module also includes a blower 302, with the cooling core 301 facing the blower 302. The blower 302 forces airflow to accelerate the heat exchange process of the first cooler 103, the second cooler 106, and the condenser 102, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency and maintaining the temperature stability of the thermal management system.
[0048] This embodiment also provides a vehicle that can effectively reduce the risk of frost formation on the cold core 301, extend the service life of the compressor 101, reduce the energy consumption and simplify the structure of the entire thermal management system, reduce the electrical load on the vehicle, and alleviate users' range anxiety.
[0049] Specifically, an automobile includes a body and the aforementioned integrated modular thermal management system. A motor assembly 104 is installed inside the body. The inlet of the motor assembly 104 is connected to the second outlet of the condenser 102, and the outlet of the motor assembly 104 is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel plate 202. The entire integrated modular thermal management system is installed inside the body. The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric chip 203 is fed back to the low-voltage battery, thereby reducing the electrical load of the entire vehicle, reducing the energy consumption of the entire vehicle, and alleviating the user's range anxiety during driving.
[0050] 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 various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments 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. An integrated modular thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The compressor (101), condenser (102), and first cooler (103) are provided. The outlet of the compressor (101) is connected to the first inlet of the condenser (102), the first outlet of the condenser (102) is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler (103), and the first outlet of the first cooler (103) is connected to the inlet of the compressor (101). A thermoelectric module (200) includes a first flow channel plate (201), a second flow channel plate (202), and a thermoelectric chip (203). The thermoelectric chip (203) is sandwiched between the first flow channel plate (201) and the second flow channel plate (202). The two sides of the thermoelectric chip (203) are thermally connected to the first flow channel plate (201) and the second flow channel plate (202), respectively. An air conditioning unit module, the air conditioning unit module includes a cold core (301), the inlet of the cold core (301) is connected to the outlet of the first flow channel plate (201), and the outlet of the cold core (301) is connected to the second inlet of the first cooler (103); A cooling module (400) includes a low-temperature water tank (401) and a fan (402). The outlet of the first flow channel plate (201) is connected to the inlet of the low-temperature water tank (401), and the outlet of the low-temperature water tank (401) is connected to the second inlet of the condenser (102). The fan (402) is arranged opposite to the low-temperature water tank (401). The output terminal of the thermoelectric chip (203) is electrically connected to the input terminal of the low-voltage battery.
2. The integrated modular thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated module thermal management system further includes a liquid storage tank (105), the inlet of which is connected to the inlet of the condenser (102), and the outlet of which is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler (103).
3. The integrated modular thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The integrated module thermal management system further includes a second cooler (106), which is connected in parallel with the first cooler (103). The inlet of the second cooler (106) is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank (105), and the outlet of the second cooler (106) is connected to the air inlet of the compressor (101).
4. The integrated modular thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The integrated module thermal management system further includes a first electronic expansion valve (107) and a second electronic expansion valve (108). The inlet of the first electronic expansion valve (107) is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank (105), the outlet of the first electronic expansion valve (107) is connected to the first inlet of the first cooler (103), the inlet of the second electronic expansion valve (108) is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank (105), and the outlet of the second electronic expansion valve (108) is connected to the inlet of the second cooler (106).
5. The integrated modular thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated module thermal management system also includes a controller and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the cold core (301), and the controller is signal-connected to the temperature sensor.
6. The integrated modular thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The integrated module thermal management system further includes a first three-way valve (109) and a second three-way valve (110). Both the first three-way valve (109) and the second three-way valve (110) are signal-connected to the controller. The inlet of the first three-way valve (109) is connected to the second outlet of the first cooler (103). The first outlet of the first three-way valve (109) is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel plate (201). The second outlet of the first three-way valve (109) is connected to the inlet of the cold core (301). The inlet of the second three-way valve (110) is connected to the second outlet of the condenser (102). The first outlet of the second three-way valve (110) is connected to the second flow channel plate (202). The second outlet of the second three-way valve (110) is connected to the inlet of the low-temperature water tank (401).
7. The integrated modular thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The integrated module thermal management system further includes a first electronic water pump (111), the inlet of which is connected to the first outlet of the first cooler (103), and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the first three-way valve (109).
8. The integrated modular thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The integrated module thermal management system further includes a second electronic water pump (112), the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the low-temperature water tank (401), and the outlet of which is connected to the second inlet of the condenser (102).
9. The integrated modular thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit module also includes a blower (302), and the cooling core (301) is positioned facing the blower (302).
10. A car, characterized in that, The system includes a vehicle body and an integrated modular thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1-9. The vehicle body is provided with a motor assembly (104), the inlet of which is connected to the second outlet of the condenser (102), and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel plate (202).