Thermal management system for a vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a thermal management system of vehicle. The utility model can solve the problem that the existing motor is difficult to output with high power stably and continuously. The thermal management system of vehicle comprises: a first cooling device comprising at least one electrical component, a first valve, a radiator and a first pump connected through a cooling liquid pipeline for cooling the at least one electrical component; a second cooling device comprising a motor and a second pump connected through a cooling oil pipeline for cooling the motor; an air conditioning device comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and a first heat exchanger connected through a refrigerant pipeline; and an integrated heat exchanger connected to the cooling liquid pipeline, the cooling oil pipeline and the refrigerant pipeline, so that the cooling oil from the second cooling device can selectively exchange heat with at least one of the refrigerant from the air conditioning device and the cooling liquid from the first cooling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a vehicle thermal management system, and more specifically to a vehicle thermal management system that utilizes an integrated heat exchanger to simultaneously achieve heat exchange between the cooling oil circuit containing the motor and the coolant circuit containing the air conditioning unit and electrical components, thereby improving the cooling performance of the motor and enabling the motor to output high power stably and continuously. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles utilize electric motors as their power source. Currently, the primary type of motor used in electric vehicles is the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), which offers advantages such as high efficiency and a wide speed adjustment range. However, permanent magnets are significantly affected by temperature; at high temperatures, they are prone to demagnetization, leading to irreversible performance degradation. Therefore, PMSMs suffer from the drawback of being unable to stably and continuously output high power. Consequently, ensuring the cooling performance of the PMSM (hereinafter referred to as "the motor") is crucial when high-performance output is required.

[0003] As motor power increases, so does the heat generated. To improve motor cooling performance, the cooling medium is replaced by cooling oil, which directly cools the motor's interior, instead of coolant that indirectly cools the motor through the motor housing. Regardless of whether coolant or oil is used, current motor cooling systems either utilize refrigerant from air conditioning systems or employ radiators to cool the motor's cooling medium. When the motor is continuously outputting high power, these cooling methods struggle to meet the motor's cooling requirements, thus affecting its output performance.

[0004] Furthermore, electric vehicles lack the engine found in internal combustion engine vehicles and cannot utilize engine waste heat to heat the vehicle interior in cold environments. To achieve interior heating in cold conditions, electric vehicles typically employ electric heaters (e.g., positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters). However, using electric heaters consumes a significant amount of electrical energy, substantially reducing the vehicle's driving range in winter and diminishing its marketability. Electric motors generate waste heat during operation; utilizing this waste heat to heat the interior could reduce the need for electric heaters, thereby saving energy.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle thermal management system that can improve the cooling performance of the motor to ensure that the motor can output high power stably and continuously, and there is also a need for a vehicle thermal management system that can effectively utilize the waste heat generated during motor operation to ensure the feasibility of electric vehicles in winter.

[0006] The information disclosed in the background section of this utility model is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this utility model, and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention is designed to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of the specification.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle thermal management system that utilizes an integrated heat exchanger to simultaneously achieve heat exchange between the cooling oil circuit containing the motor and the air conditioning unit and the coolant circuit containing the electrical components, thereby solving the problem that the motor is difficult to output high power stably and continuously.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system may include: a first cooling device, a second cooling device, an air conditioning device, and an integrated heat exchanger. The first cooling device includes at least one electrical component, a first valve, a radiator, and a first pump connected via a coolant line for cooling at least one electrical component. The second cooling device includes a motor and a second pump connected via a cooling oil line for cooling the motor. The air conditioning device includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a first heat exchanger connected via a refrigerant line. The integrated heat exchanger is connected to the coolant line, the cooling oil line, and the refrigerant line, such that the cooling oil from the second cooling device can selectively exchange heat with at least one of the refrigerant from the air conditioning device and the coolant from the first cooling device.

[0010] Preferably, the first cooling device may further include: a coolant branch line, a first end of which is connected to a coolant line downstream of at least one electrical component, and a second end of which is connected to a coolant line upstream of the radiator via a first valve.

[0011] Preferably, the air conditioning unit may further include: a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, a first refrigerant branch line, a second refrigerant branch line, a third refrigerant branch line, and a fourth refrigerant branch line; the second valve is located on a refrigerant line downstream of the compressor; the third valve is located on a refrigerant line downstream of the condenser; the fourth valve is located on a refrigerant line downstream of the expansion valve; the fifth valve is located on a refrigerant line downstream of the first heat exchanger; a first end of the first refrigerant branch line is connected to a refrigerant line downstream of the compressor, and a second end of the first refrigerant branch line is connected to the fourth valve; a first end of the second refrigerant branch line is connected to a refrigerant line downstream of the first heat exchanger, and a second end of the second refrigerant branch line is connected to the third valve; a first end of the third refrigerant branch line is connected to the fourth valve, and a second end of the third refrigerant branch line is connected to the fifth valve; a first end of the fourth refrigerant branch line is connected to the fifth valve, and a second end of the fourth refrigerant branch line is connected to a refrigerant line upstream of the compressor.

[0012] Preferably, the first valve is a three-way valve, with its first port connected to the coolant line downstream of the integrated heat exchanger, its second port connected to the coolant line upstream of the radiator, and its third port connected to the second end of a coolant branch line; the second valve is a shut-off valve; the third valve is a three-way valve, with its first port connected to the refrigerant line downstream of the condenser, its second port connected to the second end of a second refrigerant branch line, and its third port connected to the refrigerant line upstream of the expansion valve; the fourth valve is a four-way valve, with its first port connected to the refrigerant line downstream of the expansion valve. The refrigerant pipeline has the second port of the fourth valve connected to the second end of the first refrigerant branch pipeline, the third port of the fourth valve connected to the refrigerant pipeline upstream of the first heat exchanger, and the fourth port of the fourth valve connected to the first end of the third refrigerant branch pipeline; the fifth valve is a four-way valve, with the first port connected to the second end of the third refrigerant branch pipeline, the second port of the fifth valve connected to the refrigerant pipeline downstream of the first heat exchanger, the third port of the fifth valve connected to the refrigerant pipeline upstream of the compressor, and the fourth port of the fifth valve connected to the first end of the fourth refrigerant branch pipeline; the expansion valve is an electronic expansion valve.

[0013] Preferably, the integrated heat exchanger is connected to a coolant line between at least one electrical component and the first valve, a coolant oil line between the motor and the second pump, and a fourth refrigerant branch line.

[0014] Preferably, in the first mode, the second and third ports of the first valve are connected, and the first port of the first valve is closed; the second valve is closed; the second and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the first port of the third valve is closed; the first and fourth ports of the fourth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve are connected; the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed; the expansion valve opens and the refrigerant expands; the first pump, the second pump, and the compressor operate; thus, in the first cooling device, the coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows through the coolant branch line, the first valve, the radiator, and the first pump, and then returns to at least one electrical component; in the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing from the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated... In the integrated heat exchanger, cooling oil exchanges heat with refrigerant from the air conditioning unit. The cooled oil, after heat exchange, returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the first refrigerant branch line and then into the first heat exchanger via the fourth valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the first heat exchanger. The condensed refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant branch line and then into the expansion valve via the third valve. The refrigerant expands as it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the third refrigerant branch line via the fourth valve and then into the integrated heat exchanger on the fourth refrigerant branch line via the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant, after heat exchange, returns to the compressor.

[0015] Preferably, in the second mode, the first and second ports of the first valve are connected, and the third port of the first valve is closed; the second valve is closed; the second and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the first port of the third valve is closed; the first and fourth ports of the fourth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve are connected; the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed; the expansion valve is open and the refrigerant expands; the first pump, the second pump, and the compressor operate; thus, in the first cooling device, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows into an integrated heat exchanger, where the coolant exchanges heat with cooling oil from the second cooling device, and the cooled coolant after heat exchange flows into the radiator via the first valve, and the coolant flowing from the radiator flows through the first pump and then returns to at least one electrical component; in the second cooling device, from Cooling oil flowing from the motor passes through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. In the integrated heat exchanger, the cooling oil exchanges heat with the coolant from the first cooling unit and with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit. The cooled oil, after heat exchange, returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the first refrigerant branch line and then into the first heat exchanger via the fourth valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the first heat exchanger. The condensed refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant branch line and then into the expansion valve via the third valve. The condensed refrigerant expands as it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the third refrigerant branch line via the fourth valve and then into the integrated heat exchanger on the fourth refrigerant branch line via the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant, after heat exchange, returns to the compressor.

[0016] Preferably, in the third mode, the first and second ports of the first valve are connected, and the third port of the first valve is closed; the second valve is open; the first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed; the first and third ports of the fourth valve are connected, and the second and fourth ports of the fourth valve are closed; the second and third ports of the fifth valve are connected, and the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are closed; the expansion valve is open and the refrigerant expands; the first pump, the second pump, and the compressor operate; thus, in the first cooling device, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows into an integrated heat exchanger, where the coolant exchanges heat with cooling oil from the second cooling device, and the cooled liquid after heat exchange passes through... The first valve directs the coolant into the radiator, from which the coolant flows through the first pump and then back to at least one electrical component. In the second cooling unit, the cooling oil from the motor flows through the second pump and an integrated heat exchanger, where it exchanges heat with the coolant from the first cooling unit. The cooled oil, after heat exchange, returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser via the second valve, where it is condensed. The condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve, where it expands. The expanded refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger via the fourth valve, where it evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant returns to the compressor via the fifth valve.

[0017] Preferably, in the fourth mode, the second and third ports of the first valve are connected, and the first port of the first valve is closed; the second valve is open; the first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed; the first and third ports of the fourth valve are connected, and the second and fourth ports of the fourth valve are closed; the second and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, and the first and third ports of the fifth valve are closed; the expansion valve is open and the refrigerant expands; the first pump, the second pump, and the compressor operate; thus, in the first cooling device, the coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows through the coolant branch line, the first valve, the radiator, and the first pump, and then returns to at least one electrical component; in the second cooling device, the coolant flowing from the motor... The cooling oil flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. In the integrated heat exchanger, the cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit. After the heat exchange, the cooling oil returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser through the second valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the condenser. The condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve. The condensed refrigerant expands when it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger through the fourth valve. The expanded refrigerant evaporates in the first heat exchanger. The evaporated refrigerant flows into the integrated heat exchanger through the fifth valve. In the integrated heat exchanger, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit. After the heat exchange, the refrigerant returns to the compressor.

[0018] Preferably, in the fifth mode, the second and third ports of the first valve are connected, and the first port of the first valve is closed; the second valve is open; the first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed; the first and fourth ports of the fourth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve are closed; the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed; the expansion valve is open and the refrigerant expands; the first pump, the second pump, and the compressor operate; thus, in the first cooling device, the coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows through the coolant branch line, the first valve, the radiator, and the first pump, and then returns to at least one electrical component. In the second cooling unit, cooling oil flowing from the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. The cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil returns to the motor after heat exchange. In the air conditioning unit, refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser through the second valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the condenser. The condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve. The condensed refrigerant expands when it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the integrated heat exchanger through the fourth valve and the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the refrigerant returns to the compressor after heat exchange.

[0019] Preferably, in the sixth mode, the first, second, and third ports of the first valve are closed; the second valve is open; the first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed; the first and fourth ports of the fourth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve are closed; the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed; the expansion valve is open and the refrigerant expands; the second pump and compressor operate, and the first pump does not operate; thus, in the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing from the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil after heat exchange returns to the motor; in the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser through the second valve, the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser, the condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve, the condensed refrigerant expands when passing through the expansion valve, the expanded refrigerant flows into the integrated heat exchanger through the fourth and fifth valves, the expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling device in the integrated heat exchanger, and the refrigerant after heat exchange returns to the compressor.

[0020] Preferably, in the seventh mode, the first, second, and third ports of the first valve are closed; the second valve is closed; the second and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the first port of the third valve is closed; the first and fourth ports of the fourth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve are connected; the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed; the expansion valve is open and the refrigerant expands; the second pump and compressor operate, and the first pump does not operate; thus, in the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing from the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooling oil reacts with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger. Heat exchange occurs, and the cooled oil from the heat exchange returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the first refrigerant branch line and then into the first heat exchanger via the fourth valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the first heat exchanger, and the condensed refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant branch line and then into the expansion valve via the third valve. The refrigerant expands as it passes through the expansion valve, and the expanded refrigerant flows into the third refrigerant branch line via the fourth valve and then into the integrated heat exchanger on the fourth refrigerant branch line via the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooled oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange returns to the compressor.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, a vehicle thermal management system proposes an integrated heat exchanger capable of heat exchange between at least one of the cooling oil circuit containing the motor and the coolant circuit containing the air conditioning unit and electrical components. This allows heat generated by the motor to be transferred to the air conditioning unit and / or the coolant circuit containing the electrical components, improving the motor's cooling performance and enabling stable and continuous high-power output. Simultaneously, the air conditioning unit can utilize waste heat recovered from the motor to heat the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the use of electric heaters and saving energy.

[0023] The vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can still ensure the normal operation of the motor even if the coolant and / or refrigerant leaks due to a collision at the front of the vehicle, thereby improving vehicle safety. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this utility model will become clearer from the following detailed description presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a first mode;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a second mode;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a third mode;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a fourth mode;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a fifth mode;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a sixth mode;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a seventh mode.

[0033] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, but rather illustrate various features that are presented in a slightly simplified manner to explain the basic principles of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings of this invention, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0035] In the following description, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a thermal management system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a first cooling device 10, a second cooling device 20, an air conditioning device 30, and an integrated heat exchanger 40.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cooling device 10 may include at least one electrical component 12, a first valve V1, a radiator 13, a first pump 14, and a reservoir 15 connected via a coolant line 11. Furthermore, the first cooling device 10 may include a coolant branch line 16 and a fan 17. The first cooling device 10 can be used to cool at least one electrical component 12.

[0039] At least one electrical component 12 may include a power distribution unit (PDU), a controller (ECU), an on-board charger (OBC), a low-voltage DC-DC converter (LDC), etc.

[0040] A first valve V1 may be located on a coolant line 11 downstream of at least one electrical component 12. The first valve V1 may be a three-way valve. A first port of the first valve V1 may be connected to the coolant line 11 downstream of the integrated heat exchanger 40, a second port of the first valve V1 may be connected to the coolant line 11 upstream of the radiator, and a third port of the first valve V1 may be connected to a coolant branch line 16. Operation of the first valve V1 allows coolant flowing from at least one electrical component 12 to selectively flow into the integrated heat exchanger 40 or the coolant branch line 16.

[0041] The radiator 13 may be located downstream of the first valve V1 and at the front of the vehicle. Coolant that has heated up as it flows over at least one electrical component 12 may flow into the radiator 13 and exchange heat with outside air blown in from the fan 17, thereby cooling the coolant. When at least one electrical component 12 requires cooling, the radiator 13 can be used to cool the coolant, which in turn cools the at least one electrical component 12 as it passes over it.

[0042] The first pump 14 can be located on the coolant line 11 downstream of the radiator 13. The first pump 14 can be an electric pump used to circulate the coolant in the first cooling device 10.

[0043] The reservoir 15 can be installed on the coolant line 11 downstream of the first pump 14. The reservoir 15 can be used to store and replenish the coolant in the first cooling device 10.

[0044] The first end of the coolant branch line 16 can be connected to the coolant line 11 downstream of at least one electrical component 12, and the second end of the coolant branch line 16 can be connected to the third port of the first valve V1 to connect to the coolant line 11 upstream of the radiator 13 via the first valve V1.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the second cooling device 20 may include a motor 22 and a second pump 23 connected via a cooling oil line 21. The second cooling device 20 may be used to cool the motor 22.

[0046] Motor 22 can provide driving force for electric vehicles to move.

[0047] The second pump 23 can be installed on the cooling oil line 21 downstream of the motor 22. The second pump 23 can be an electric pump used to circulate the coolant in the second cooling device 20.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning unit 30 may include a compressor 32, a second valve V2, a condenser 33, a third valve V3, a receiver and drier 34, an expansion valve EXV, a fourth valve V4, a first heat exchanger 35, and a fifth valve V5 connected via a refrigerant line 31. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 30 may include a first refrigerant branch line 36, a second refrigerant branch line 37, a third refrigerant branch line 38, and a fourth refrigerant branch line 39.

[0049] The compressor 32 can compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state and circulate the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit 30.

[0050] The second valve V2 can be installed on the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the compressor 32. The second valve V2 can be a shut-off valve. By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can selectively flow into the condenser 33.

[0051] The condenser 33 can be located downstream of the refrigerant line 31 of the second valve V2 and at the front of the vehicle. The condenser 33 can also be located behind the radiator 13. Here, "front-rear direction" refers to the vehicle's forward and backward direction. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the outside air and be condensed as it passes through the condenser 33.

[0052] The third valve V3 can be installed on the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the condenser 33. The third valve V3 can be a three-way valve. The first port of the third valve V3 can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the condenser 33, the second port of the third valve V3 can be connected to the second refrigerant branch line 37, and the third port of the third valve V3 can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 upstream of the receiving dryer 34. By operating the third valve V3, the second refrigerant branch line 37 can be selectively connected.

[0053] The receiving dryer 34 can be installed on the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the third valve V3. The receiving dryer 34 can be used to store refrigerant and remove moisture from the condensed refrigerant, allowing only liquid refrigerant to flow into the downstream expansion valve EXV.

[0054] An expansion valve EXV can be installed on the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the receiving dryer 34. The expansion valve EXV can be an electronic expansion valve used to expand the refrigerant.

[0055] The fourth valve V4 can be installed on the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the expansion valve EXV. The first port of the fourth valve V4 can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the expansion valve EXV, the second port of the fourth valve V4 can be connected to the first refrigerant branch line 36, the third port of the fourth valve V4 can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 upstream of the first heat exchanger 35, and the fourth port of the fourth valve V4 can be connected to the third refrigerant branch line 38. By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be selectively connected.

[0056] The first heat exchanger 35 can be located on the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the fourth valve V4 and inside the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module (not shown) of the air conditioning unit 30. Air introduced into the vehicle can exchange heat with the refrigerant as it passes through the first heat exchanger 35.

[0057] The first heat exchanger 35 can selectively operate as a condenser or an evaporator depending on whether the incoming refrigerant is in an expanded state. Specifically, when the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 35 is in an expanded state, the first heat exchanger 35 can operate as an evaporator. When the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 35 is in a non-expanded state, the first heat exchanger 35 can operate as a condenser.

[0058] The fifth valve V5 can be installed on the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the first heat exchanger 35. The fifth valve V5 can be a four-way valve. The first port of the fifth valve V5 can be connected to the third refrigerant branch line 38, the second port can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 downstream of the first heat exchanger 35, the third port can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 upstream of the compressor 32, and the fourth port can be connected to the fourth refrigerant branch line 39. By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be selectively connected.

[0059] The first end of the first refrigerant branch line 36 can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 between the compressor 32 and the second valve V2, and the second end of the first refrigerant branch line 36 can be connected to the second port of the fourth valve V4.

[0060] The first end of the second refrigerant branch line 37 can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 between the first heat exchanger 35 and the fifth valve V5, and the second end of the second refrigerant branch line 37 can be connected to the second port of the third valve V3.

[0061] The first end of the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be connected to the fourth port of the fourth valve V4, and the second end of the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be connected to the first port of the fifth valve V5.

[0062] The first end of the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected to the fourth port of the fifth valve V5, and the second end of the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected to the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the integrated heat exchanger 40 may be simultaneously connected to the coolant line 11 of the first cooling device 10, the cooling oil line 21 of the second cooling device 20, and the refrigerant line 31 of the air conditioning device 30. The integrated heat exchanger 40 may be used to thermally connect the second cooling device 20 to at least one of the first cooling device 10 and the air conditioning device 30.

[0064] Specifically, the integrated heat exchanger 40 can be connected to the coolant line 11 between at least one electrical component 12 and the first valve V1, and to the cooling oil line 21 between the motor 22 and the second pump 23, and to the fourth refrigerant branch line 39. Thus, the integrated heat exchanger 40 allows the cooling oil from the second cooling unit 20 to selectively exchange heat with at least one of the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 30 and the coolant from the first cooling unit 10.

[0065] Therefore, the integrated heat exchanger 40 has internal cooling oil passages for cooling oil to flow through, cooling liquid passages for cooling fluid to flow through, and refrigerant passages for refrigerant to flow through. Furthermore, these passages of the integrated heat exchanger 40 are designed such that the cooling oil passages can exchange heat with the cooling liquid passages and the refrigerant passages separately, while the cooling liquid passages and the refrigerant passages cannot exchange heat with each other.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a first mode. Here, the first mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is heated.

[0067] like Figure 2As shown, in the first mode, the second and third ports of the first valve V1 can be connected, and the first port of the first valve V1 can be closed. The second valve V2 can be closed. The second and third ports of the third valve V3 can be connected, and the first port of the third valve V3 can be closed. The first and fourth ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected. The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve V5 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve V5 can be closed.

[0068] In addition, the expansion valve EXV opens and causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0069] In addition, the first pump 14, fan 17, second pump 23 and compressor 32 can operate.

[0070] By operating the first valve V1, the coolant line 11 connected to the integrated heat exchanger 40 can be shut off, and the coolant branch line 16 can be connected.

[0071] By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 can be shut off.

[0072] By operating the third valve V3, the second refrigerant branch line 37 can be connected.

[0073] By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be connected.

[0074] By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected, and a portion of the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32 can be shut off.

[0075] By operating the expansion valve EXV, the refrigerant can flow into the integrated heat exchanger 40 in an expanded state.

[0076] Thus, in the first cooling device 10, the coolant flowing from at least one electrical component 12 can flow through the coolant branch line 16, the first valve V1, and the radiator 13. The coolant can be cooled in the radiator 13. The cooled coolant can flow through the first pump 14 and the reservoir 15, and then return to at least one electrical component 12. Thus, at least one electrical component 12 can be cooled.

[0077] Furthermore, in the second cooling device 20, the cooling oil flowing from the motor 22 can pass through the second pump 23 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The cooling oil can be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 30, and the cooled oil can return to the motor 22, thereby cooling the motor 22. Thus, the heat generated by the motor 22 can be transferred to the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit 30 using the integrated heat exchanger 40. The heat transferred to the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit 30 can be used for vehicle interior heating.

[0078] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 30, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can flow into the connected first refrigerant branch line 36 and then into the first heat exchanger 35 via the fourth valve V4. The refrigerant can be condensed in the first heat exchanger 35 through heat exchange with the air introduced into the vehicle. The condensed refrigerant can flow into the connected second refrigerant branch line 37 and then through the receiving dryer 34 and expansion valve EXV via the third valve V3. The refrigerant can expand as it passes through the expansion valve EXV. The expanded refrigerant can flow into the connected third refrigerant branch line 38 via the fourth valve V4 and then into the integrated heat exchanger 40 on the connected fourth refrigerant branch line 39 via the fifth valve V5. The expanded refrigerant can be evaporated in the integrated heat exchanger 40 through heat exchange with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit 20, and the evaporated refrigerant can be returned to the compressor 32. Thus, the waste heat generated by the motor 22 of the second cooling unit 20 can be recovered using the integrated heat exchanger 40 for vehicle interior heating.

[0079] Therefore, in the first mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated.

[0080] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the second mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is heated and the motor is cooled.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, in the second mode, the first and second ports of the first valve V1 can be connected, and the third port of the first valve V1 can be closed. The second valve V2 can be closed. The second and third ports of the third valve V3 can be connected, and the first port of the third valve V3 can be closed. The first and fourth ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected. The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve V5 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve V5 can be closed.

[0082] In addition, the expansion valve EXV opens and causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0083] In addition, the first pump 14, fan 17, second pump 23 and compressor 32 can operate.

[0084] By operating the first valve V1, the coolant line 11 connected to the integrated heat exchanger 40 can be turned on, and the coolant branch line 16 can be turned off.

[0085] By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 can be shut off.

[0086] By operating the third valve V3, the second refrigerant branch line 37 can be connected.

[0087] By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be connected.

[0088] By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected, and a portion of the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32 can be shut off.

[0089] By operating the expansion valve EXV, the refrigerant can flow into the integrated heat exchanger 40 in an expanded state.

[0090] Thus, in the first cooling device 10, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component 12 can flow into an integrated heat exchanger 40, where its temperature is raised by heat exchange with cooling oil from the second cooling device 20. The heated coolant can then flow into a radiator 13 via a first valve V1. The coolant can be cooled in the radiator 13. The cooled coolant can then flow through a first pump 14 and a reservoir 15, and then return to the at least one electrical component 12.

[0091] Furthermore, in the second cooling device 20, the cooling oil flowing from the motor 22 can flow through the second pump 23 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The cooling oil can be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the coolant from the first cooling device 10. Additionally, the cooling oil can also be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 30. The cooled oil can be returned to the motor 22 to cool it. Thus, the heat generated by the motor 22 can be transferred to the coolant in the first cooling device 10 and the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit 30 using the integrated heat exchanger 40. The heat transferred to the coolant in the first cooling device 10 can be dissipated through the radiator 13, and the heat transferred to the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit 30 can be used for vehicle interior heating.

[0092] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 30, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can flow into the connected first refrigerant branch line 36 and then into the first heat exchanger 35 via the fourth valve V4. The refrigerant can be condensed in the first heat exchanger 35 through heat exchange with the air introduced into the vehicle. The condensed refrigerant can flow into the connected second refrigerant branch line 37 and then through the receiving dryer 34 and expansion valve EXV via the third valve V3. The refrigerant can expand as it passes through the expansion valve EXV. The expanded refrigerant can flow into the connected third refrigerant branch line 38 via the fourth valve V4 and then into the integrated heat exchanger 40 on the connected fourth refrigerant branch line 39 via the fifth valve V5. The expanded refrigerant can be evaporated in the integrated heat exchanger 40 through heat exchange with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit 20, and the evaporated refrigerant can be returned to the compressor 32. Thus, the waste heat generated by the motor 22 of the second cooling unit 20 can be recovered using the integrated heat exchanger 40 for vehicle interior heating.

[0093] Therefore, in the second mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated and the motor can be cooled.

[0094] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a third mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the third mode refers to a mode where the vehicle interior is cooled and the cooling requirements of the motor are low.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, in the third mode, the first and second ports of the first valve V1 can be connected, and the third port of the first valve V1 can be closed. The second valve V2 can be opened. The first and third ports of the third valve V3 can be connected, and the second port of the third valve V3 can be closed. The first and third ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected, and the second and fourth ports of the fourth valve V4 can be closed. The second and third ports of the fifth valve V5 can be connected, and the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve V5 can be closed.

[0096] In addition, the expansion valve EXV opens and causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0097] In addition, the first pump 14, fan 17, second pump 23 and compressor 32 can operate.

[0098] By operating the first valve V1, the coolant line 11 connected to the integrated heat exchanger 40 can be turned on, and the coolant branch line 16 can be turned off.

[0099] By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 can be switched on.

[0100] The second refrigerant branch line 37 can be shut off by operating the third valve V3.

[0101] By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be shut off.

[0102] By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be shut off, and the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32 can be connected.

[0103] By operating the expansion valve EXV, the refrigerant can flow into the first heat exchanger 35 in an expanded state.

[0104] Thus, in the first cooling device 10, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component 12 can flow into an integrated heat exchanger 40, where its temperature is raised by heat exchange with cooling oil from the second cooling device 20. The heated coolant can then flow into a radiator 13 via a first valve V1. The coolant can be cooled in the radiator 13. The cooled coolant can then flow through a first pump 14 and a reservoir 15, and then return to the at least one electrical component 12.

[0105] Furthermore, in the second cooling device 20, the cooling oil flowing from the motor 22 can flow through the second pump 23 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The cooling oil can be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the coolant from the first cooling device 10. The cooled oil can be returned to the motor 22 to cool the motor 22. Thus, the heat generated by the motor 22 can be transferred to the coolant in the first cooling device 10 using the integrated heat exchanger 40. The heat transferred to the coolant in the first cooling device 10 can be dissipated by the radiator 13.

[0106] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 30, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can flow into the condenser 33, where it can be condensed. The condensed refrigerant can flow through the third valve V3, the receiving dryer 34, and the expansion valve EXV. The refrigerant can expand as it passes through the expansion valve EXV. The expanded refrigerant can flow through the fourth valve V4 and the first heat exchanger 35. The expanded refrigerant can evaporate in the first heat exchanger 35 by exchanging heat with the air introduced into the vehicle. The evaporated refrigerant can flow through the fifth valve V5 and then return to the compressor 32. Thus, the air conditioning unit 30 can cool the vehicle interior.

[0107] Therefore, in the third mode, the vehicle interior can be cooled, and the lower cooling requirements of the motor 22 can be met by utilizing the integrated heat exchanger 40 and the heat exchange between the second cooling device 20 and the first cooling device 10.

[0108] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a fourth mode. Here, the fourth mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle interior is cooled and the cooling requirements of the motor are moderate.

[0109] like Figure 5 As shown, in the fourth mode, the second and third ports of the first valve V1 can be connected, and the first port of the first valve V1 can be closed. The second valve V2 can be opened. The first and third ports of the third valve V3 can be connected, and the second port of the third valve V3 can be closed. The first and third ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected, and the second and fourth ports of the fourth valve V4 can be closed. The second and fourth ports of the fifth valve V5 can be connected, and the first and third ports of the fifth valve V5 can be closed.

[0110] In addition, the expansion valve EXV opens and causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0111] In addition, the first pump 14, fan 17, second pump 23 and compressor 32 can operate.

[0112] By operating the first valve V1, the coolant line 11 connected to the integrated heat exchanger 40 can be shut off, and the coolant branch line 16 can be connected.

[0113] By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 can be switched on.

[0114] The second refrigerant branch line 37 can be shut off by operating the third valve V3.

[0115] By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be shut off.

[0116] By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected, and a portion of the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32 can be shut off.

[0117] By operating the expansion valve EXV, the refrigerant can flow into the first heat exchanger 35 in an expanded state.

[0118] Thus, in the first cooling device 10, the coolant flowing from at least one electrical component 12 can flow through the coolant branch line 16, the first valve V1, and the radiator 13. The coolant can be cooled in the radiator 13. The cooled coolant can flow through the first pump 14 and the reservoir 15, and then return to at least one electrical component 12. Thus, at least one electrical component 12 can be cooled.

[0119] Furthermore, in the second cooling device 20, the cooling oil flowing from the motor 22 can flow through the second pump 23 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The cooling oil can be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 30, and the cooled oil can return to the motor 22, thereby cooling the motor 22. Thus, the heat generated by the motor 22 can be transferred to the refrigerant of the air conditioning unit 30 using the integrated heat exchanger 40.

[0120] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 30, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can flow into the condenser 33, where it can be condensed. The condensed refrigerant can flow through the third valve V3, the receiving dryer 34, and the expansion valve EXV. The refrigerant can expand as it passes through the expansion valve EXV. The expanded refrigerant can flow through the fourth valve V4 and the first heat exchanger 35. The expanded refrigerant can be evaporated in the first heat exchanger 35 by exchanging heat with the air introduced into the vehicle. The evaporated refrigerant can flow through the fifth valve V5 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The refrigerant can be evaporated a second time in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit 20, and the evaporated refrigerant can return to the compressor 32. Thus, the air conditioning unit 30 can cool the vehicle interior.

[0121] Therefore, in the fourth mode, the vehicle interior can be cooled, and the appropriate cooling requirements of the motor 22 can be met by utilizing the integrated heat exchanger 40 and the heat exchange between the second cooling device 20 and the air conditioning device 30.

[0122] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a fifth mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the fifth mode refers to a mode in which only the motor is cooled.

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown, in the fifth mode, the second and third ports of the first valve V1 can be connected, and the first port of the first valve V1 can be closed. The second valve V2 can be opened. The first and third ports of the third valve V3 can be connected, and the second port of the third valve V3 can be closed. The first and fourth ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve V4 can be closed. The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve V5 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve V5 can be closed.

[0124] In addition, the expansion valve EXV opens and causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0125] In addition, the first pump 14, fan 17, second pump 23 and compressor 32 can operate.

[0126] By operating the first valve V1, the coolant line 11 connected to the integrated heat exchanger 40 can be shut off, and the coolant branch line 16 can be connected.

[0127] By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 can be switched on.

[0128] The second refrigerant branch line 37 can be shut off by operating the third valve V3.

[0129] By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 can be shut off, and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be connected.

[0130] By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected, and a portion of the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32 can be shut off.

[0131] By operating the expansion valve EXV, the refrigerant can flow into the integrated heat exchanger 40 in an expanded state.

[0132] Thus, in the first cooling device 10, the coolant flowing from at least one electrical component 12 can flow through the coolant branch line 16, the first valve V1, and the radiator 13. The coolant can be cooled in the radiator 13. The cooled coolant can flow through the first pump 14 and the reservoir 15, and then return to at least one electrical component 12. Thus, at least one electrical component 12 can be cooled.

[0133] Furthermore, in the second cooling device 20, the cooling oil flowing from the motor 22 can flow through the second pump 23 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The cooling oil can be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 30, and the cooled oil can return to the motor 22, thereby cooling the motor 22. Thus, the heat generated by the motor 22 can be transferred to the refrigerant of the air conditioning unit 30 using the integrated heat exchanger 40.

[0134] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 30, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can flow into the condenser 33, where it can be condensed. The condensed refrigerant can flow through the third valve V3, the receiving dryer 34, and the expansion valve EXV. The refrigerant can expand as it passes through the expansion valve EXV. The expanded refrigerant can flow through the fourth valve V4, the connected third refrigerant branch line 38, the fifth valve V5, and the connected fourth refrigerant branch line 39. The expanded refrigerant flowing into the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be evaporated in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit 20, and the evaporated refrigerant can return to the compressor 32.

[0135] Therefore, in the fifth mode, only the motor needs to be cooled.

[0136] The vehicle's thermal management system considers ambient temperature, motor temperature, and the depth of the accelerator pedal being depressed to determine the start-up time. In the fifth mode, the ambient temperature, motor temperature, and accelerator pedal depth used to determine the start-up time can be adjusted according to the vehicle's driving mode. For example, when the vehicle is in Sport mode, the ambient temperature, motor temperature, and accelerator pedal depth used to determine the start-up time can be adjusted to be lower compared to other driving modes.

[0137] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a sixth mode. Here, the sixth mode refers to the mode used to ensure normal operation of the motor in the event of a frontal collision and coolant leakage from the radiator located at the front of the vehicle.

[0138] like Figure 7 As shown, in the sixth mode, the first, second, and third ports of the first valve V1 can all be closed. The second valve V2 can be opened. The first and third ports of the third valve V3 can be connected, and the second port of the third valve V3 can be closed. The first and fourth ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve V4 can be closed. The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve V5 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve V5 can be closed.

[0139] In addition, the expansion valve EXV opens and causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0140] In addition, fan 17, second pump 23 and compressor 32 can operate, while first pump 14 can be deactivated.

[0141] By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 can be switched on.

[0142] The second refrigerant branch line 37 can be shut off by operating the third valve V3.

[0143] By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 can be shut off, and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be connected.

[0144] By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected, and a portion of the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32 can be shut off.

[0145] By operating the expansion valve EXV, the refrigerant can flow into the integrated heat exchanger 40 in an expanded state.

[0146] Thus, in the second cooling device 20, the cooling oil flowing from the motor 22 can flow through the second pump 23 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The cooling oil can be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 30, and the cooled oil can return to the motor 22, thereby cooling the motor 22. Thus, the heat generated by the motor 22 can be transferred to the refrigerant of the air conditioning unit 30 using the integrated heat exchanger 40.

[0147] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 30, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can flow into the condenser 33, where it can be condensed. The condensed refrigerant can flow through the third valve V3, the receiving dryer 34, and the expansion valve EXV. The refrigerant can expand as it passes through the expansion valve EXV. The expanded refrigerant can flow through the fourth valve V4, the connected third refrigerant branch line 38, the fifth valve V5, and the connected fourth refrigerant branch line 39. The expanded refrigerant flowing into the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be evaporated in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit 20, and the evaporated refrigerant can return to the compressor 32.

[0148] Therefore, in the sixth mode, if the coolant leaks due to a collision at the front of the vehicle, the first cooling device 10 stops operating, and the motor 22 can be kept running normally by utilizing the integrated heat exchanger 40 and the heat exchange between the second cooling device 20 and the air conditioning device 30, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the vehicle.

[0149] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a seventh mode of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, the seventh mode refers to a mode used to ensure normal operation of the motor in the event of a frontal collision where coolant leaks from the radiator at the front of the vehicle and refrigerant leaks from the condenser.

[0150] like Figure 8 As shown, in the seventh mode, the first, second, and third ports of the first valve V1 can all be closed. The second valve V2 can be closed. The second and third ports of the third valve V3 can be connected, and the first port of the third valve V3 can be closed. The first and fourth ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fourth valve V4 can be connected. The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve V5 can be connected, and the second and third ports of the fifth valve V5 can be closed.

[0151] In addition, the expansion valve EXV opens and causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0152] In addition, the second pump 23 and compressor 32 can operate, while the first pump 14 and fan 17 can be deactivated.

[0153] By operating the second valve V2, the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 can be shut off.

[0154] By operating the third valve V3, the second refrigerant branch line 37 can be connected.

[0155] By operating the fourth valve V4, the first refrigerant branch line 36 and the third refrigerant branch line 38 can be connected.

[0156] By operating the fifth valve V5, the fourth refrigerant branch line 39 can be connected, and a portion of the refrigerant line 31 between the fifth valve V5 and the compressor 32 can be shut off.

[0157] By operating the expansion valve EXV, the refrigerant can flow into the integrated heat exchanger 40 in an expanded state.

[0158] Thus, in the second cooling device 20, the cooling oil flowing from the motor 22 can flow through the second pump 23 and the integrated heat exchanger 40. The cooling oil can be cooled in the integrated heat exchanger 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 30, and the cooled oil can return to the motor 22, thereby cooling the motor 22. Thus, the heat generated by the motor 22 can be transferred to the refrigerant of the air conditioning unit 30 using the integrated heat exchanger 40.

[0159] Furthermore, in the air conditioning unit 30, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 32 can flow into the connected first refrigerant branch line 36 and then into the first heat exchanger 35 via the fourth valve V4. The refrigerant can be condensed in the first heat exchanger 35 through heat exchange with the air introduced into the vehicle. The condensed refrigerant can flow into the connected second refrigerant branch line 37 and then through the receiving dryer 34 and expansion valve EXV via the third valve V3. The refrigerant can expand as it passes through the expansion valve EXV. The expanded refrigerant can flow into the connected third refrigerant branch line 38 via the fourth valve V4 and then into the integrated heat exchanger 40 on the connected fourth refrigerant branch line 39 via the fifth valve V5. The expanded refrigerant can be evaporated in the integrated heat exchanger 40 through heat exchange with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit 20, and the evaporated refrigerant can return to the compressor 32.

[0160] Therefore, in the seventh mode, in the event of a coolant and refrigerant leak due to a frontal collision, the first cooling unit 10 stops operating, and the refrigerant line 31 connected to the condenser 33 is shut off. The motor 22 can be kept running safely by utilizing the integrated heat exchanger 40, solely through heat exchange between the second cooling unit 20 and the air conditioning unit 30.

[0161] According to an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, a vehicle thermal management system proposes an integrated heat exchanger capable of heat exchange between at least one of the cooling oil circuit containing the motor and the coolant circuit containing the air conditioning unit and electrical components. This allows heat generated by the motor to be transferred to the air conditioning unit and / or the coolant circuit containing the electrical components, improving the motor's cooling performance and enabling stable and continuous high-power output. Simultaneously, the air conditioning unit can utilize waste heat recovered from the motor to heat the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the use of electric heaters and saving energy.

[0162] The vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can still ensure the normal operation of the motor even if the coolant and / or refrigerant leaks due to a collision at the front of the vehicle, thereby improving vehicle safety.

[0163] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations can be made in light of the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as their different alternatives and modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a vehicle, characterized in that, include: A first cooling device includes at least one electrical component, a first valve, a radiator, and a first pump connected via a coolant line for cooling at least one electrical component; The second cooling device includes a motor and a second pump connected via a cooling oil line for cooling the motor; An air conditioning unit, comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a first heat exchanger connected via refrigerant lines; as well as An integrated heat exchanger connected to coolant lines, cooling oil lines, and refrigerant lines allows cooling oil from a second cooling unit to selectively exchange heat with at least one of the refrigerant from an air conditioning unit and the coolant from a first cooling unit.

2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cooling device further includes: A coolant branch line, wherein a first end of the coolant branch line is connected to a coolant line downstream of at least one electrical component, and a second end of the coolant branch line is connected to a coolant line upstream of the radiator via a first valve.

3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit further includes: The second valve is located on the refrigerant line downstream of the compressor; The third valve is located on the refrigerant line downstream of the condenser; The fourth valve is located on the refrigerant line downstream of the expansion valve; The fifth valve is located on the refrigerant line downstream of the first heat exchanger; The first refrigerant branch line has a first end connected to the refrigerant line downstream of the compressor, and a second end connected to the fourth valve. The second refrigerant branch line has a first end connected to the refrigerant line downstream of the first heat exchanger and a second end connected to the third valve. A third refrigerant branch line, wherein the first end of the third refrigerant branch line is connected to a fourth valve, and the second end of the third refrigerant branch line is connected to a fifth valve; and The fourth refrigerant branch line has its first end connected to the fifth valve and its second end connected to the refrigerant line upstream of the compressor.

4. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, in, The first valve is a three-way valve. The first port of the first valve is connected to the coolant line downstream of the integrated heat exchanger, the second port of the first valve is connected to the coolant line upstream of the radiator, and the third port of the first valve is connected to the second end of the coolant branch line. The second valve is a shut-off valve; The third valve is a three-way valve. The first port of the third valve is connected to the refrigerant line downstream of the condenser, the second port of the third valve is connected to the second end of the second refrigerant branch line, and the third port of the third valve is connected to the refrigerant line upstream of the expansion valve. The fourth valve is a four-way valve. The first port of the fourth valve is connected to the refrigerant pipeline downstream of the expansion valve, the second port of the fourth valve is connected to the second end of the first refrigerant branch pipeline, the third port of the fourth valve is connected to the refrigerant pipeline upstream of the first heat exchanger, and the fourth port of the fourth valve is connected to the first end of the third refrigerant branch pipeline. The fifth valve is a four-way valve. The first port of the fifth valve is connected to the second end of the third refrigerant branch line, the second port of the fifth valve is connected to the refrigerant line downstream of the first heat exchanger, the third port of the fifth valve is connected to the refrigerant line upstream of the compressor, and the fourth port of the fifth valve is connected to the first end of the fourth refrigerant branch line. The expansion valve is an electronic expansion valve.

5. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, in, The integrated heat exchanger is connected to a coolant line between at least one electrical component and the first valve, and to a coolant oil line between the motor and the second pump, and to a fourth refrigerant branch line.

6. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, In the first mode, The second and third ports of the first valve are connected, and the first port of the first valve is closed. The second valve is closed; The second and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the first port of the third valve is closed. The first port and the fourth port of the fourth valve are connected, and the second port and the third port of the fourth valve are connected; The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, while the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed. The expansion valve opens, causing the refrigerant to expand. The first pump, the second pump, and the compressor are operating; Thus, in the first cooling device, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows through a coolant branch line, a first valve, a radiator, and a first pump, and then returns to at least one electrical component; In the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing out of the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. The cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil that has undergone heat exchange returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the first refrigerant branch line and then into the first heat exchanger via the fourth valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the first heat exchanger. The condensed refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant branch line and then into the expansion valve via the third valve. The refrigerant expands as it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the third refrigerant branch line via the fourth valve and then into the integrated heat exchanger on the fourth refrigerant branch line via the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange returns to the compressor.

7. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, In the second mode, The first port and the second port of the first valve are connected, and the third port of the first valve is closed; The second valve is closed; The second and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the first port of the third valve is closed. The first port and the fourth port of the fourth valve are connected, and the second port and the third port of the fourth valve are connected; The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, while the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed. The expansion valve opens, causing the refrigerant to expand. The first pump, the second pump, and the compressor are operating; Thus, in the first cooling device, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows into an integrated heat exchanger, where the coolant exchanges heat with cooling oil from the second cooling device. The coolant that has undergone heat exchange flows into a radiator via a first valve, and the coolant flowing out of the radiator flows through a first pump and then returns to at least one electrical component. In the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing out of the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. In the integrated heat exchanger, the cooling oil exchanges heat with the coolant from the first cooling device and with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit. The cooled oil that has undergone heat exchange returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the first refrigerant branch line and then into the first heat exchanger via the fourth valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the first heat exchanger. The condensed refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant branch line and then into the expansion valve via the third valve. The condensed refrigerant expands as it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the third refrigerant branch line via the fourth valve and then into the integrated heat exchanger on the fourth refrigerant branch line via the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange returns to the compressor.

8. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, In the third mode, The first port and the second port of the first valve are connected, and the third port of the first valve is closed; The second valve opens; The first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed. The first and third ports of the fourth valve are connected, while the second and fourth ports of the fourth valve are closed. The second and third ports of the fifth valve are connected, while the first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are closed. The expansion valve opens, causing the refrigerant to expand. The first pump, the second pump, and the compressor are operating; Thus, in the first cooling device, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows into an integrated heat exchanger, where the coolant exchanges heat with cooling oil from the second cooling device. The coolant that has undergone heat exchange flows into a radiator via a first valve, and the coolant flowing out of the radiator flows through a first pump and then returns to at least one electrical component. In the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing out of the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. The cooling oil exchanges heat with the coolant from the first cooling device in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil that has undergone heat exchange returns to the motor. In an air conditioning unit, refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser through the second valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the condenser. The condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve. The condensed refrigerant expands when it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger through the fourth valve. The expanded refrigerant is evaporated in the first heat exchanger. The evaporated refrigerant returns to the compressor through the fifth valve.

9. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, In the fourth mode, The second and third ports of the first valve are connected, and the first port of the first valve is closed. The second valve opens; The first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed. The first and third ports of the fourth valve are connected, while the second and fourth ports of the fourth valve are closed. The second and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, while the first and third ports of the fifth valve are closed. The expansion valve opens, causing the refrigerant to expand. The first pump, the second pump, and the compressor are operating; Thus, in the first cooling device, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows through a coolant branch line, a first valve, a radiator, and a first pump, and then returns to at least one electrical component; In the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing out of the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. The cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil that has undergone heat exchange returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser through the second valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the condenser. The condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve. The condensed refrigerant expands when it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger through the fourth valve. The expanded refrigerant is evaporated in the first heat exchanger. The evaporated refrigerant flows into the integrated heat exchanger through the fifth valve. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange returns to the compressor.

10. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, In the fifth mode, The second and third ports of the first valve are connected, and the first port of the first valve is closed. The second valve opens; The first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed. The first and fourth ports of the fourth valve are connected, while the second and third ports of the fourth valve are closed. The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, while the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed. The expansion valve opens, causing the refrigerant to expand. The first pump, the second pump, and the compressor are operating; Thus, in the first cooling device, coolant flowing from at least one electrical component flows through a coolant branch line, a first valve, a radiator, and a first pump, and then returns to at least one electrical component; In the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing out of the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. The cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil that has undergone heat exchange returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser through the second valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the condenser. The condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve. The condensed refrigerant expands when it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the integrated heat exchanger through the fourth valve and the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange returns to the compressor.

11. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, In the sixth mode, The first, second, and third ports of the first valve are closed; The second valve opens; The first and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the second port of the third valve is closed. The first and fourth ports of the fourth valve are connected, while the second and third ports of the fourth valve are closed. The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, while the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed. The expansion valve opens, causing the refrigerant to expand. The second pump and compressor are running, but the first pump is not running. Thus, in the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing from the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. The cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil that has undergone heat exchange returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the condenser through the second valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the condenser. The condensed refrigerant flows through the third valve and the expansion valve. The condensed refrigerant expands when it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the integrated heat exchanger through the fourth valve and the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange returns to the compressor.

12. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, In the seventh mode The first, second, and third ports of the first valve are closed; The second valve is closed; The second and third ports of the third valve are connected, and the first port of the third valve is closed. The first port and the fourth port of the fourth valve are connected, and the second port and the third port of the fourth valve are connected; The first and fourth ports of the fifth valve are connected, while the second and third ports of the fifth valve are closed. The expansion valve opens, causing the refrigerant to expand. The second pump and compressor are running, but the first pump is not running. Thus, in the second cooling device, the cooling oil flowing from the motor flows through the second pump and the integrated heat exchanger. The cooling oil exchanges heat with the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit in the integrated heat exchanger, and the cooled oil that has undergone heat exchange returns to the motor. In the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the first refrigerant branch line and then into the first heat exchanger via the fourth valve. The refrigerant is condensed in the first heat exchanger. The condensed refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant branch line and then into the expansion valve via the third valve. The refrigerant expands as it passes through the expansion valve. The expanded refrigerant flows into the third refrigerant branch line via the fourth valve and then into the integrated heat exchanger on the fourth refrigerant branch line via the fifth valve. The expanded refrigerant exchanges heat with the cooling oil from the second cooling unit in the integrated heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange returns to the compressor.

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