Battery cooling system for a vehicle

Abstract

Battery cooling system (100) for a vehicle for heating or cooling a battery (B) installed in a vehicle by selectively using a refrigerant and a coolant depending on the cooling mode, heating mode, heating / dehumidifying mode and standby mode of a heat pump system (20) of the vehicle, wherein the battery cooling system (100) comprises: a heat exchanger (120) for the battery (B), which is connected to a refrigerant line (21) of the heat pump system (20) via a first and a second connecting line (143, 147), to a cooling line (11) of a cooling system (10) for an electrical device (13), which is connected via a battery cooling line (110), and is configured for selective heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger (120), two first valves (130) each arranged in the battery cooling line (110), with the heat exchanger (120) arranged between them, and selectively connecting the cooling line (11) and the battery cooling line (110); a first branch line (149) which is connected to the refrigerant line (21) via a second valve (141) in the first connecting line (143), and a second branch line (153) that selectively connects the refrigerant line (21) and the second connecting line (147) via a third valve (145) in the second connecting line (147) and a fourth valve (151) in the refrigerant line (21), wherein the heat pump system (20) has: a climate control module (22) which is connected via the refrigerant line (21) and equipped with a flap (29) which regulates the selective introduction of outside air flowing through an evaporator (27) to an internal condenser (23) and a heater (25) depending on the cooling mode, heating mode and heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle; a compressor (31) connected via the refrigerant line (21) between the evaporator (27) and the internal condenser (23); a storage unit (33) in the refrigerant line (21) between the compressor (31) and the evaporator (27); an external condenser (35) connected to the internal condenser (23) via the refrigerant line (21), which is located in a front section of the vehicle; a first expansion valve (37) in the refrigerant line (21) that connects the external condenser (35) and the evaporator (27); a third branch line (155) which is connected to the refrigerant line (21) between the evaporator (27) and the storage tank (33) via a fifth valve (154) between the external condenser (35) and the first expansion valve (37); and a dehumidification line (159) whose first end is connected to the refrigerant line (21) between the internal condenser (23) and the external condenser (35) and whose second end is connected between the evaporator (27) and the first expansion valve (37) and which includes a sixth valve (157), wherein the second valve (141), the third valve (145), the fourth valve (151) and the fifth valve (154) are 3-way valves which are selectively opened / closed to cool or heat the battery (B) according to a cooling mode, a heating mode, a heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle and a standstill mode of the heat pump system (20).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] The present application claims priority from Korean patent application No. 10-2015-0145630, filed on October 19, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cooling system for a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a battery cooling system that forms a heat pump system and a cooling system for an electrical device by circulating a coolant to an electrical device that includes an electric motor integrated with it into an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and which heats or cools a battery by means of a refrigerant and a coolant according to the mode of the vehicle. Description of the related technique

[0003] Generally, a vehicle climate control system includes an air conditioning unit that circulates a refrigerant to heat or cool the vehicle's interior.

[0004] Such an air conditioning system serves to maintain a comfortable atmosphere inside the vehicle by keeping the interior temperature at a desired level, regardless of fluctuations in the outside temperature, and is configured to heat or cool the vehicle interior by means of heat exchange through an evaporator, whereby a refrigerant exiting from a compressor is returned to the compressor through a condenser, a receiver-drier, an expansion valve and the evaporator.

[0005] This means that a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant, compressed in the compressor, condenses in the condenser and then evaporates in the evaporator through the receiver-drier and expansion valve, thereby reducing the internal temperature and humidity.

[0006] In light of the increased awareness regarding energy efficiency and environmental pollution, research and development of an environmentally friendly vehicle that can replace a vehicle with an internal combustion engine is required, and such an environmentally friendly vehicle can either be an electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell or electrical energy as a power source, or a hybrid vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine or a battery.

[0007] In contrast to the air conditioning system of a typical vehicle, no additional heating device is used in the electric or hybrid vehicle among environmentally friendly vehicles, and the air conditioning system of an environmentally friendly vehicle is typically referred to as a heat pump system.

[0008] In the case of the electric vehicle that uses fuel cells, the energy of the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen is converted into electrical energy for propulsion, and during this process heat is generated by the chemical reaction in the fuel cell, which must be effectively dissipated to ensure the performance of the fuel cell.

[0009] In hybrid vehicles, the driving force is also generated by the electric motor using the electrical energy supplied by the fuel cell or the electric battery together with the combustion engine, which is operated with conventional fuel, and the performance of the combustion engine can only be ensured if the heat generated is effectively dissipated by the fuel cell or the battery and the electric motor.

[0010] Accordingly, a cooling device for an electrical device, a heat pump system and a battery cooling system must each be configured as individual closed-loop systems to prevent the heat generation of an electric motor, an electrical device and a battery including a fuel cell in a conventional hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle.

[0011] This increases the size and weight of a cooling module located in a front section of the vehicle, and complicates the routing of the connecting lines through which a refrigerant or coolant is supplied to the heat pump system, the cooling unit and the battery cooling system from inside the engine compartment.

[0012] Furthermore, to ensure optimal battery performance, a separate battery cooling system is provided, which heats or cools the battery depending on the vehicle's condition. This system requires multiple valves for connection to the respective connecting lines. Noise and vibrations transmitted into the vehicle interior through frequent opening / closing of the valves reduce the vehicle's driving comfort.

[0013] The publication DE 11 2013 003 304 T5 describes a vehicle air conditioning unit.

[0014] The publication DE 11 2013 001 410 T5 describes a refrigeration circuit device.

[0015] Document US 2012 / 0 183 815 A1 describes a thermal management system with dual-mode coolant circuits.

[0016] The information disclosed in this background section of the invention is provided only for a better understanding of the general background of the invention and is not to be understood as confirmation or any form of indication that it represents the prior art known to those skilled in the art. QUICK OVERVIEW

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a battery cooling system for a vehicle which is operated between a heat pump system and a cooling system for an electrical device, wherein it circulates a coolant to the electrical device which contains an electric motor in an electric vehicle and in a hybrid vehicle, and heats or cools a battery depending on the mode of the vehicle by selectively using a coolant and a refrigerant.

[0018] The problem is solved by a battery cooling system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0019] According to the present invention, a battery cooling system for a vehicle for heating or cooling a battery installed in the vehicle by selectively using a refrigerant and a coolant depending on the cooling mode, heating mode, heating / dehumidifying mode and standby mode of a heat pump system of the vehicle comprises: a heat exchanger for the battery, which is connected to a refrigerant line of the heat pump system via a first and a second connecting line, to a cooling line of a cooling system for an electrical device, which is connected via a battery cooling line, and is configured for selective heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger, two first valves, each arranged in the battery cooling line, with the heat exchanger arranged between them, and which selectively connect the cooling line and the battery cooling line, a first branch line,which is connected to the refrigerant line via a second valve in the first connecting line, and a second branch line that selectively connects the refrigerant line and the second connecting line via a third valve in the second connecting line and a fourth valve in the refrigerant line.

[0020] According to the invention, the heat pump system comprises a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module connected via the refrigerant line and equipped with a damper that regulates the selective introduction of outside air flowing through an evaporator to an internal condenser and a heater, depending on the vehicle's cooling, heating and heating / dehumidifying mode; a compressor connected via the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the internal condenser; a storage tank in the refrigerant line between the compressor and the evaporator; an external condenser connected to the internal condenser via the refrigerant line, located in a front section of the vehicle; a first expansion valve in the refrigerant line connecting the external condenser and the evaporator; and a third branch line.which is connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the storage tank via a fifth valve between the external condenser and the first expansion valve, and a dehumidification line, the first end of which is connected to the refrigerant line between the internal condenser and the external condenser and the second end of which is connected between the evaporator and the expansion valve and contains a sixth valve.

[0021] The first connecting line can contain a second expansion valve.

[0022] A throttle valve may be provided in the refrigerant line between the internal condenser and the external condenser.

[0023] The throttle can selectively open / close the refrigerant line or selectively expand the passing refrigerant.

[0024] The first branch line can be connected to the refrigerant line between the fourth valve and the throttle.

[0025] When the battery is cooled in the vehicle's cooling mode, the first, second and third branch lines can be closed by operations of the second, third, fourth and fifth valves, and the external condenser can be connected in parallel with the heat exchanger and the evaporator.

[0026] When the battery cools down in the vehicle's heating mode, the first, second and third branch lines can be closed by operations of the second, third, fourth and fifth valves, and the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator can be closed.

[0027] When the battery is heated in the vehicle's heating mode, the second and third branch lines can be opened by operating the second, third, fourth and fifth valves, and the refrigerant line connecting the evaporator and the fifth valve and the second connecting line can be closed.

[0028] When the battery is heated in the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode, the first, second and third branch lines and the dehumidifying line can be opened by operating the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth valves, and the refrigerant line connecting the evaporator and the fifth valve and the second connecting line can be closed.

[0029] In heating mode and in heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle, the internal condenser can be connected in series with the heat exchanger and the external condenser.

[0030] According to the invention, the second, third, fourth and fifth valves are 3-way valves that are selectively opened / closed when the battery is cooling or heating, depending on the cooling mode, heating mode, heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle and standby mode of the heat pump system.

[0031] The first valve can be actuated to selectively introduce coolant into the heat exchanger when the battery needs to be heated or cooled according to the vehicle mode, and can be a 4-way valve.

[0032] The cooling system may include an electrical device comprising an electric motor, a radiator located in a front section of the vehicle, and a first water pump provided in the cooling line connecting the electrical device and the radiator for the circulation of the coolant.

[0033] A second water pump may be provided in the battery cooling line between the battery and the heat exchanger.

[0034] When the battery is cooled in the vehicle's cooling and heating modes, the battery cooling line can be opened by actuating the first valve to establish a connection between the battery and the heat exchanger. The cooling line can be selectively opened / closed by actuating the first valve according to a cooling requirement of the electrical equipment and the coolant temperature. The cooling line and the battery cooling line can communicate with each other when the cooling line is opened.

[0035] When the battery is heated in the vehicle's heating mode, the cooling line can be closed by actuating the first valve and the battery cooling line can be opened to establish a connection between the battery and the heat exchanger.

[0036] When the battery is heated in the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode, the battery cooling line can be opened by actuating the first valve to establish a connection between the battery and the heat exchanger, and the cooling line can be selectively opened / closed by actuating the first valve according to a cooling requirement of the electrical equipment and the coolant temperature.

[0037] When the battery is cooled down in the standstill mode of the heat pump system, the cooling line can be opened by actuating the first valve to establish a connection between the electrical device and the cooler, and the cooling line and the battery cooling line can communicate with each other, while the battery cooling line connecting the battery and the heat exchanger is closed.

[0038] When the battery is heated in standby mode of the heat pump system, the cooling line connecting the electrical device and the cooler can be closed by actuating the first valve, and the cooling line and the battery cooling line can communicate with each other, with the battery and the heat exchanger being connected via the battery cooling line.

[0039] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the battery cooling system for the vehicle enables cooperation between the heat pump system and the cooling system for the electrical equipment, the circulation of the coolant to the electrical equipment, which includes an electric motor in the electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, and the heating or cooling of the battery depending on the vehicle mode by means of the coolant and the refrigerant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0040] Furthermore, the battery can be effectively heated and cooled according to the vehicle mode, so that the battery can deliver optimal performance and the overall driving range of the vehicle can be increased.

[0041] Furthermore, the manufacturing costs and weight of the system can be reduced by simplifying the overall system and improving space utilization.

[0042] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-related" or other similar terms used herein generally refer to motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, personal watercraft including various boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and also includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (rechargeable from an electrical outlet), hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As used herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more sources of propulsion, e.g., vehicles powered by both gasoline and electric motors.

[0043] The methods and devices of the present invention have further features and advantages, which are evident from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description or are specified in more detail therein, which together are intended to clarify certain principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary battery cooling system for a vehicle according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows an operating state of a battery that is cooled in the exemplary battery cooling system in the cooling mode of the vehicle according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows an operating state of a battery that is cooled in the exemplary battery cooling system in the heating mode of the vehicle according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows an operating state of a battery that is heated in the exemplary battery cooling system in the heating mode of the vehicle according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 shows an operating state of a battery that is heated in the exemplary battery cooling system in the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows an operating state of a battery that is cooled in standstill mode of a heat pump system in the exemplary battery cooling system according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 shows an operating state of a battery which is heated in standstill mode of the heat pump system in the exemplary battery cooling system according to the present invention.

[0044] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, as they show a somewhat simplified representation of the various preferred features that are exemplary for the fundamentals of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention disclosed herein, which include, for example, certain dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, are partly determined by the specific intended application and the environmental conditions at the place of use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Various embodiments of the present invention(s) will now be discussed in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention(s) is / are described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention(s) is / are intended to encompass not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that are consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a battery cooling system for a vehicle according to various embodiments of the present invention. A battery cooling system 100 for a vehicle according to various embodiments of the present invention can be used in an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a cooling system 10 for an electrical device and a heat pump system 20. Such a battery cooling system 100 selectively uses a refrigerant and a coolant to heat or cool a battery B installed in a vehicle according to a cooling mode, a heating mode, a heating / dehumidifying mode, and a standby mode of the heat pump system 20.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the battery cooling system 100 includes a heat exchanger for a battery (hereinafter referred to as heat exchanger 120), a first valve 130, a first branch line 149, and a second branch line 153. The heat exchanger 120 is connected to the refrigerant line 21 of the heat pump system 20 via the first and second connecting lines 143 and 147, and to the cooling line 11 of the cooling system 10 via a battery cooling line 110. The heat exchanger 120 performs the heat exchange between a coolant supplied via the battery cooling line 110 and a refrigerant that is selectively supplied via the first and second connecting lines 143 and 147.

[0048] The cooling system 10 includes an electrical device 13 with an electric motor, a radiator 15 for an electrical device located in a front section of the vehicle, a cooling fan 17 installed on a rear section of the radiator 15, and a first water pump P1 in the cooling line 11, which connects the electrical device 13 and the radiator 15 and circulates the coolant. A second water pump P2 may be provided in the battery cooling line 110 between the battery B and the heat exchanger 120. The second water pump P2 circulates the coolant through the battery cooling line 110.

[0049] In various embodiments, the first valve 130 is provided in each of two positions where the cooling line 11 and the battery cooling line 110 intersect, with the heat exchanger 120 located between them. Thus, the first valve 130 allows selective communication between the cooling line 11 and the battery cooling line 110 or regulates the flow of coolant through the cooling line 11 and the battery cooling line 110. The first valve 130 is actuated such that the coolant flows selectively to the heat exchanger 120 when the battery needs to be heated or cooled according to a vehicle mode, and can be configured as a 4-way valve.

[0050] In various embodiments, the first branch line 149 is connected to the refrigerant line 21 via the second valve 141 in the first connecting line 143. Furthermore, the second branch line 153 selectively connects a third valve 145 in the second connecting line 147 to the refrigerant line 21 and the second connecting line 147 via a fourth valve 151 in the refrigerant line 21.

[0051] In various embodiments, the heat pump system 20 includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module 22, which is connected via the refrigerant line 21 to a compressor 31, a storage tank 33, an external condenser 35, a first expansion valve 37, a third branch line 155, and a dehumidification line 159. The HVAC module 22 is connected via the refrigerant line 21 to an open / close damper 29, which selectively controls the introduction of outside air from an evaporator 27 to an internal condenser 23 and a heater 25 according to a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle. That is, the open / close damper 29 is opened to introduce outside air from the evaporator 27 to the internal condenser 23 and the heater 25 in the vehicle's heating mode.In the opposite case, the open / close flap 29 is closed to lock the internal condenser 23 and the heater 25, so that the outside air cooled by the evaporator 27 is directed into the interior of the vehicle in cooling mode.

[0052] The compressor 31 is connected via the refrigerant line 21 between the evaporator 27 and the internal condenser 23. This compressor 31 compresses a refrigerant in a gaseous state. The accumulator 33 is located in the refrigerant line 21 between the compressor 31 and the evaporator 27. This accumulator 33 supplies only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 31, thereby improving its efficiency and service life. In various embodiments, the external condenser 35 is connected to the internal condenser 23 via the refrigerant line 21. The external condenser 35 is located in the front of the cooler 15 for heat exchange between the introduced refrigerant and the outside air.

[0053] The first expansion valve 37 is provided in the refrigerant line 21, which connects the external condenser 35 and the evaporator 27, and receives the refrigerant passing through the external condenser 35 and expands it. The third branch line 155 is connected to the refrigerant line 21 between the evaporator 27 and the storage tank 33 via a fifth valve 154 between the external condenser 35 and the first expansion valve 37. The second, third, fourth, and fifth valves 141, 145, 151, and 154 are, according to the invention, 3-way valves that are selectively opened and closed to cool or heat the battery B according to the cooling mode, the heating mode, and the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle, as well as the standby mode of the heat pump system.Furthermore, a dehumidification line 159 is connected to the refrigerant line 21 at one end between the internal condenser 23 and the external condenser 35, and the other end of the dehumidification line 159 is connected between the evaporator 27 and the expansion valve 37. The dehumidification line 159 is equipped with a sixth valve 157.

[0054] In various embodiments, the refrigerant line 21 can be provided with a restrictor 39 between the internal condenser 23 and the external condenser 35. The restrictor 39 serves to expand the refrigerant exiting the internal condenser 23. Furthermore, the restrictor 39 can function as a valve that selectively circulates the refrigerant without expansion, according to the cooling mode, heating mode, and heating / dehumidifying mode. That is, the restrictor 39 can selectively open / close the refrigerant line 21 or selectively expand the refrigerant flowing through it. One end of the first branch line 149 is connected to the refrigerant line 21 between the fourth valve 151 and the restrictor 39, and the other end is connected to the first connecting line 143 via the second valve 141. The fourth valve 151 can also be arranged between the internal condenser 23 and the restrictor 39.

[0055] In various embodiments, the first connecting line 143 is provided with a second expansion valve 41. The second expansion valve 41 expands the refrigerant for low-temperature introduction when the refrigerant exiting the external condenser 35 is introduced into the heat exchanger 120. The second valve 141 can be arranged between the heat exchanger 120 and the second expansion valve 41. The operation of the battery cooling system 100 configured as described above, according to various embodiments of the present invention, is described below for each vehicle mode. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 described in detail.

[0056] First, the battery cooling operation of the battery cooling system 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention in the vehicle's cooling mode is demonstrated using Fig. 2 described. Fig. Figure 2 shows an operating state of the battery cooling system according to various embodiments of the present invention in the vehicle's cooling mode. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, when the battery B is cooled in the vehicle's cooling mode, the cooling line 11 is selectively opened / closed by the first valve 130 according to a cooling requirement of the electrical device 13 and a coolant temperature in the cooling system 10.

[0057] Simultaneously, the battery cooling line 110 is opened by actuating the first valve 130, connecting it to battery B and the heat exchanger 120. When cooling line 11 is open, cooling line 11 and battery cooling line 110 communicate with each other. In this case, the refrigerant cooled in the radiator 15 circulates through cooling line 11 to cool the electrical equipment 13 by operating the first water pump P1, and circulates through battery cooling line 110 by operating the second water pump P2. The refrigerant circulating through battery cooling line 110 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 120 and then supplied to battery B. Accordingly, battery B is cooled by the cooled refrigerant.

[0058] In the heat pump system 20, the first, second, and third branch lines 149, 153, and 155 are closed by actuating the second, third, fourth, and fifth valves 141, 145, 151, and 154, respectively. The external condenser 35 can then be connected in parallel to the heat exchanger 120 and the evaporator 27 via the refrigerant line 21. A portion of the refrigerant from the external condenser 35 expands and, by actuating the second expansion valve 41, enters a state of low temperature and low pressure, where it is introduced into the heat exchanger 120, which is connected to the first connecting line 143. A heat exchange then takes place between the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 120 and the coolant, and the refrigerant is then routed via the second connecting line 147 into the refrigerant line 21 between the evaporator 27 and the storage tank 33.

[0059] Accordingly, the coolant, whose temperature rises as battery B cools, is cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in the heat exchanger 120. The cooled refrigerant is returned to battery B via the battery cooling line 110. This means the refrigerant can effectively cool battery B by repeating the above process. The remaining refrigerant discharged from the external condenser 35 flows through the refrigerant line to cool the side of the vehicle, passing sequentially through the first expansion valve 37, the evaporator 27, the reservoir 33, the compressor 31, and the internal condenser 23. As it flows through the evaporator 27, the outside air introduced into the HVAC module 22 is cooled by the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 27.

[0060] In this case, the open / close flap 29 closes a section through which the cooled outside air passes to the internal condenser 23, preventing the cooled outside air from flowing through the internal condenser 23 and the heater 25. Thus, the cooled outside air is directed into the vehicle interior, cooling it. The refrigerant is then introduced into the external condenser 35 through the throttle 39 and condenses through heat exchange with the outside air as it passes through the external condenser 35. In this case, the throttle 39 can function as a valve. That is, by repeating the above process, the refrigerant cools the vehicle interior in the vehicle's cooling mode, and simultaneously, the refrigerant is cooled through heat exchange as it passes through the heat exchanger 120.

[0061] For the various embodiments, the operation of the battery cooling system to cool the battery according to the vehicle's heating mode is determined by means of Fig. 3 described. Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of an operating state for cooling the battery in the battery cooling system in the heating mode of the vehicle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] If, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, when battery B is cooled in the vehicle's heating mode, cooling line 11 is selectively closed / opened by actuating the first valve 130, according to a cooling requirement of the electrical device 13 and the coolant temperature in the cooling system 10. Simultaneously, the battery cooling line 110 is opened by actuating the first valve 130, thus connecting battery B and the heat exchanger 120. Therefore, when cooling line 11 is open, cooling line 11 and battery cooling line 110 communicate with each other. In this case, the coolant cooled in the radiator 15 circulates through cooling line 11 to cool the electrical device 13 by actuating the first water pump P1, and through battery cooling line 110 by actuating the second water pump P2.The coolant circulating through the battery cooling line 110 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 120 and then routed to battery B. Battery B is thus cooled by the cooled coolant. In the heat pump system 20, the first, second, and third branch lines 149, 153, and 155 are closed by actuating the second, third, fourth, and fifth valves 141, 145, 151, and 154, respectively. The refrigerant line 21 connected to the evaporator 27 is closed by actuating the fifth valve 154.

[0063] The internal condenser 23 can then be connected in series with the heat exchanger 120 and the external condenser 35 via the refrigerant line 21. The refrigerant discharged from the external condenser 35 is thus expanded and, through the actuation of the second expansion valve 41, enters a low-temperature and low-pressure state. It is then introduced into the heat exchanger 120, which is connected to the first connecting line 143. A heat exchange then takes place between the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 120 and the coolant. The refrigerant is then introduced into the refrigerant line 21 between the evaporator 27 and the storage tank 33 via the second connecting line 147. Consequently, the coolant, whose temperature rises as battery B cools, is cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in the heat exchanger 120.The cooled refrigerant is returned to battery B via battery cooling line 110. This means that the refrigerant can effectively cool battery B by repeating the above operation.

[0064] The refrigerant line 21, connected to the first expansion valve 37 and the evaporator 27, is closed by actuating the fifth valve 154. Consequently, the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger 120 via the second expansion valve 41. The refrigerant is not introduced into the first expansion valve 37 and the evaporator 27. In this state, the open / close damper 29 is open, allowing the outside air, which was introduced into the HVAC module 22 and then passed through the evaporator 27, to flow through the internal condenser 23. Thus, the outside air is introduced at room temperature without cooling as it passes through the evaporator 27, and no refrigerant is supplied.The temperature of the introduced outside air increases as it passes through the internal condenser 23, and the high-temperature outside air is introduced into the vehicle interior as it flows through the heater 25, so that the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0065] The refrigerant then passes through the throttle 39 and is introduced into the external condenser 35, where it condenses through heat exchange with the outside air as it passes through the external condenser 35. In this case, the throttle 39 can function as a valve. That is, by repeating the above operation, the refrigerant heats the vehicle interior in heating mode, while simultaneously, the lower-temperature refrigerant cools the coolant through heat exchange as it passes through the heat exchanger 120.

[0066] For various embodiments, the operation of the battery cooling system when the battery heats up in the vehicle's heating mode is determined by means of Fig. 4 described. Fig. Figure 4 shows an operating state when the battery is heated in the vehicle's battery cooling system according to various embodiments of the present invention in the vehicle's heating mode.

[0067] If, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when battery B is heated in the vehicle's heating mode, the cooling line 11 is closed by actuating the first valve 130 in the cooling system 10. Simultaneously, the battery cooling line 110 is opened by actuating the first valve 130, thus connecting battery B and the heat exchanger 120. The coolant then circulates through battery cooling line 110 by actuating the second water pump P2, causing the coolant temperature to rise through heat exchange with a high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger 120. Consequently, battery B is heated by the coolant at the increased temperature.

[0068] In the heat pump system 20, the first, second, and third branch lines 149, 153, and 155 are opened by actuating the second, third, fourth, and fifth valves 141, 145, 151, and 154. The refrigerant line 21, which connects the evaporator 27 and the fifth valve 154, and the second connecting line 147 are closed. The internal condenser 23 can then be connected in series with the heat exchanger 120 and the external condenser 35 via the refrigerant line 21. Thus, the refrigerant exiting the external condenser 35 flows through the refrigerant line 21 to heat the vehicle interior and then sequentially passes through the storage tank 33, the compressor 31, and the internal condenser 23 via the third branch line 155. During this process, the refrigerant line 21 connecting the first expansion valve 37 and the evaporator 27 is closed by actuating the fifth valve 154.This prevents refrigerant from entering the first expansion valve 37 and the evaporator 27. In this state, the open / closed flap 29 is open so that the outside air introduced into the HVAC module 22 and flowing through the evaporator 27 passes through the internal condenser 23.

[0069] Accordingly, ambient air at room temperature is introduced without cooling as it passes through the evaporator 27, without the addition of refrigerant. The temperature of the introduced ambient air rises as it passes through the internal condenser 23, and the ambient air is then introduced into the vehicle interior after passing through the selectively actuated heater 25, thus heating the vehicle interior. Subsequently, the refrigerant is introduced into the second branch line 153 by actuating the third and fourth valves 145 and 151 and, at a high temperature, is routed to the heat exchanger 120. During this process, the temperature of the coolant rises through heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 120. The coolant at an elevated temperature is then returned to the battery B via the battery cooling line 110.

[0070] This means that the coolant can effectively heat battery B by repeating the above operation. The refrigerant passing through heat exchanger 120 is discharged through the first connecting line 143 and then circulates to the first branch line 149, which is opened by actuating the second valve 141. The refrigerant flowing through the first branch line 149 expands as it passes through throttle 39 and is introduced into the external condenser 35, where it then condenses through heat exchange with the outside air as it passes through the external condenser 35. In this case, throttle 39 can function as an expansion valve. Similarly, the external condenser 35 can be used to evaporate the refrigerant.

[0071] The refrigerant line 21, which connects the throttle 39 and the fourth valve 151, is closed by actuating the fourth valve 151. This means that the refrigerant heats the vehicle interior by repeating the above operation, and simultaneously, the refrigerant, at a high temperature, flows through the heat exchanger 120, thus increasing the coolant temperature. The coolant at the higher temperature can quickly heat the battery B as it circulates through the battery cooling line 110 by actuating the second water pump P2. When the battery B is being cooled or heated in the vehicle's heating mode, the cooling line 11 is closed in various embodiments, but this is not a limiting factor. Depending on a cooling requirement of the electrical system 13 and the coolant temperature, the cooling line 11 can be selectively opened by actuating the first valve 130.

[0072] For different embodiments, the operation of the battery cooling system to heat the battery according to the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode is determined by... Fig. 5 described. Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating the operating state during the heating of the battery cooling system according to the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode, as described in various embodiments of the present invention. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when battery B is heated in the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode, the cooling line 11 can be selectively opened / closed by actuating the first valve 130 according to a cooling requirement of the electrical device 13 and the coolant temperature in the cooling system 10. The example of a closed cooling line 11 is described for various embodiments.

[0073] Simultaneously, the battery cooling line 110 is opened to connect battery B and the heat exchanger 120 by actuating the first valve 130. The coolant then circulates through the battery cooling line 110 by actuating the second water pump P2, and the coolant temperature rises through heat exchange with the higher-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger 120. Consequently, battery B is heated by the coolant with the increased temperature. Meanwhile, in the heat pump system 20, the first, second, and third branch lines 149, 153, and 155 are opened by actuating the second, third, fourth, and fifth valves 141, 145, 151, and 154, respectively. Furthermore, the dehumidification line 159 is opened by actuating the sixth valve 157 to introduce the partially circulated refrigerant into the external condenser 35.

[0074] The refrigerant line 21, which connects the evaporator 27 and the fifth valve 154, and the second connecting line 147 can be closed. Then the internal condenser 23 can be connected in series with the heat exchanger 120 and the external condenser 35 via the refrigerant line 21. Thus, the refrigerant exiting the external condenser 35 flows through the refrigerant line 21 to heat the vehicle interior and sequentially passes through the accumulator 33, the compressor 31, and the internal condenser 23 via the third branch line 155.

[0075] The refrigerant line 21 connecting the first expansion valve 37 and the evaporator 27 is closed by actuating the fifth valve 154. However, some of the refrigerant, which expands as it passes through the throttle 39, is introduced into the evaporator 27 via the dehumidification line 159. In this state, the open / close damper 29 opens so that the outside air, which has been introduced into the HVAC module 22 and thus flowed through the evaporator 27, passes through the internal condenser 23.

[0076] The outside air introduced into the HVAC module 22 is dehumidified by the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant as it flows through the evaporator 27. The refrigerant then transitions to a high-temperature state as it passes through the internal condenser 23 and, after passing through the selective heater 25, is introduced into the vehicle interior, thus heating and dehumidifying the interior.

[0077] Then, by actuating the third and fourth valves 145 and 151, the refrigerant is introduced into the second branch line 153, thus supplying the high-temperature refrigerant to the heat exchanger 120. Here, the temperature of the coolant increases through heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 120. The coolant with the increased temperature is returned to battery B via the battery cooling line 110. That is, battery B can be effectively heated by repeating the above operation.

[0078] The refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 120 is discharged through the first connecting line 143 and circulates to the first branch line 149, which is opened by actuating the second valve 141. The refrigerant that has passed through the first branch line 149 expands through the throttle 39. A portion of the expanded refrigerant circulates to the dehumidification line 159. The remainder of the expanded refrigerant is introduced into the external condenser 35 and then condenses through heat exchange with the outside air as it flows through the external condenser 35.

[0079] The throttle 39 can therefore function as an expansion valve, expanding the refrigerant. The refrigerant line 21 connecting the throttle 39 and the fourth valve 151 is closed by actuating the fourth valve 151. This means that the refrigerant heats and dehumidifies the vehicle interior through the repeated execution of the above operation. Simultaneously, the high-temperature refrigerant increases the temperature of the coolant through heat exchange with the coolant as it passes through the heat exchanger 120. The coolant with the increased temperature is supplied to battery B, while the second water pump P2 circulates it through the battery cooling line 110, allowing battery B to be heated quickly.

[0080] In the description of the operation for cooling or heating battery B in the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode, the cooling line 11 is shown closed as an example, but this is not a limiting factor. The cooling line 11 can be selectively opened by actuating the first valve 130 according to a cooling requirement of the electrical device 13 and the coolant temperature.

[0081] For various embodiments, the operation of the battery cooling system for cooling the battery in the standstill mode of the heat pump system 20 is described by means of Fig. 6 described. Fig. Figure 6 shows a view of an operating state illustrating the operation of the battery cooling system for cooling the battery in the standstill mode of the heat pump system according to various embodiments of the present invention. If, as Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when battery B is cooled in the standby mode of the heat pump system 20, cooling line 11 is opened to connect the electrical device 13 and the radiator 15 by actuating the first valve 130 in the cooling system 10. Simultaneously, battery cooling line 110, which connects battery B and the heat exchanger 120, is closed by actuating the first valve 130. In this state, cooling line 11 communicates with battery cooling line 110.

[0082] The coolant, cooled in radiator 15, then circulates through cooling line 11 to cool the electrical equipment 13 by actuating the first water pump P1, and through battery cooling line 110 by actuating the second water pump P2. Thus, the coolant cooled in radiator 15 is supplied to battery B. Accordingly, battery B is cooled by the cooled coolant. That is, when battery B is cooled in the standstill mode of the heat pump system 20, the coolant is supplied to battery B, where it is already cooled by heat exchange with the outside air in radiator 15 of the cooling system 10, without heat exchange with the refrigerant itself taking place. Consequently, battery B can be effectively cooled.

[0083] For various embodiments, the operation of the heat pump system 20 for heating the battery in the standby mode of the heat pump system 20 is described by means of Fig. 7 described. Fig. Figure 7 is a view of an operating state illustrating the operation for heating the battery in the battery cooling system according to the standstill mode of the heat pump system according to various embodiments of the present invention. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, when battery B is heated in the standby mode of the heat pump system 20, the cooling line 11, which connects the electrical device 13 and the radiator 15, is closed by actuating the first valve 130 in the cooling system 10. Simultaneously, the battery cooling line 110, which connects battery B and the heat exchanger 120, is also closed by actuating the first valve 130. In this state, cooling line 11 communicates with battery cooling line 110.

[0084] The coolant then flows through cooling line 11 and battery cooling line 110, actuated by the first water pump P1 and the second water pump P2, and passes through the electrical unit 13, battery B, and heat exchanger 120. In this process, the temperature of the coolant circulating in cooling line 11 rises, thus cooling the electrical unit 13. The coolant, now at an increased temperature, then flows through battery cooling line 110, which is connected to heat exchanger 120, passes through heat exchanger 120, and is then introduced into battery B. Therefore, as the coolant flows through the electrical unit 13, it passes through battery B, allowing battery B to heat up rapidly.

[0085] This means that when battery B is heated in the standby mode of the heat pump system 20, the temperature of the coolant in the cooling system 10 rises due to a heat source from the electrical device 13, without any heat exchange with the refrigerant, and is then supplied to battery B, thus effectively heating the battery B. Therefore, when the battery cooling system 100 is used in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle according to various embodiments of the present invention, the heat pump system 20 works in conjunction with the cooling system 10, which circulates a refrigerant to the electrical device 13, which contains an electric motor, and heats or cools battery B using the coolant and the refrigerant according to a mode of the vehicle, thus simplifying the system.Since battery B can also be effectively heated and cooled according to the vehicle's operating mode, it can provide optimal performance and the vehicle's overall driving range can be increased. Furthermore, the simplified overall system reduces manufacturing costs, lowers the vehicle's weight, and improves space utilization.

Claims

[1] Battery cooling system (100) for a vehicle for heating or cooling a battery (B) installed in a vehicle by selectively using a refrigerant and a coolant depending on the cooling mode, heating mode, heating / dehumidifying mode and standby mode of a heat pump system (20) of the vehicle, wherein the battery cooling system (100) comprises: a heat exchanger (120) for the battery (B), which is connected to a refrigerant line (21) of the heat pump system (20) via a first and a second connecting line (143, 147), to a cooling line (11) of a cooling system (10) for an electrical device (13), which is connected via a battery cooling line (110), and is configured for selective heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger (120), two first valves (130) each arranged in the battery cooling line (110), with the heat exchanger (120) arranged between them, and selectively connecting the cooling line (11) and the battery cooling line (110); a first branch line (149) which is connected to the refrigerant line (21) via a second valve (141) in the first connecting line (143), and a second branch line (153) that selectively connects the refrigerant line (21) and the second connecting line (147) via a third valve (145) in the second connecting line (147) and a fourth valve (151) in the refrigerant line (21), wherein the heat pump system (20) has: a climate control module (22) which is connected via the refrigerant line (21) and equipped with a flap (29) which regulates the selective introduction of outside air flowing through an evaporator (27) to an internal condenser (23) and a heater (25) depending on the cooling mode, heating mode and heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle; a compressor (31) connected via the refrigerant line (21) between the evaporator (27) and the internal condenser (23); a storage unit (33) in the refrigerant line (21) between the compressor (31) and the evaporator (27); an external condenser (35) connected to the internal condenser (23) via the refrigerant line (21), which is located in a front section of the vehicle; a first expansion valve (37) in the refrigerant line (21) that connects the external condenser (35) and the evaporator (27); a third branch line (155) which is connected to the refrigerant line (21) between the evaporator (27) and the storage tank (33) via a fifth valve (154) between the external condenser (35) and the first expansion valve (37); and a dehumidification line (159) whose first end is connected to the refrigerant line (21) between the internal condenser (23) and the external condenser (35) and whose second end is connected between the evaporator (27) and the first expansion valve (37) and which includes a sixth valve (157), wherein the second valve (141), the third valve (145), the fourth valve (151) and the fifth valve (154) are 3-way valves which are selectively opened / closed to cool or heat the battery (B) according to a cooling mode, a heating mode, a heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle and a standstill mode of the heat pump system (20). [2] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting line (143) includes a second expansion valve (41). [3] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein a throttle (39) is arranged in the refrigerant line (21) between the internal condenser (23) and the external condenser (35). [4] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the throttle (39) selectively opens / closes the refrigerant line (21) or selectively expands the refrigerant passing through. [5] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first branch line (149) is connected to the refrigerant line (21) between the fourth valve (151) and the throttle (39). [6] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to cool the battery (B) when the vehicle is in cooling mode: to close the first branch line (149), the second branch line (153) and the third branch line (155) by actuating the second valve (141), the third valve (145), the fourth valve (151) and the fifth valve (154); and to connect the external condenser (35) in parallel with the heat exchanger (120) and the evaporator (27). [7] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to cool the battery (B) when the vehicle is in heating mode: to close the first branch line (149), the second branch line (153) and the third branch line (155) by actuating the second valve (141), the third valve (145), the fourth valve (151) and the fifth valve (154); and to close the refrigerant line (21) connected to the evaporator (27). [8] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to: when the battery (B) is heated in the vehicle's heating mode: to open the first branch line (149), the second branch line (153) and the third branch line (155) by actuating the second valve (141), the third valve (145), the fourth valve (151) and the fifth valve (154); and to close the refrigerant line (21) connecting the evaporator (27) and the fifth valve (154) and the second connecting line (147). [9] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to: when the battery (B) is heated in the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle: to open the first branch line (149), the second branch line (153), the third branch line (155), and the dehumidification line (159) by actuating the second valve (141), the third valve (145), the fourth valve (151), the fifth valve (154), and the sixth valve (157); and to close the refrigerant line (21) which connects the evaporator (27) and the fifth valve (154), and the second connecting line (147). [10] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to connect the internal capacitor (23) in series with the heat exchanger (120) and the external capacitor (35) in the heating mode and in the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle. [11] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to actuate the first valve (130) to selectively introduce the coolant into the heat exchanger (120) when the battery (B) needs to be heated or cooled according to a mode of the vehicle, and the first valve (130) is a 4-way valve. [12] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cooling system (10) comprises: an electrical device (13) which includes an electric motor; a radiator (15) located in a front section of the vehicle; and a first water pump (P1) which is provided in the cooling line (11) which connects the electrical device (13) and the radiator (15) for circulating the coolant. [13] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 12, wherein a second water pump (P2) is arranged in the battery cooling line (110) between the battery (B) and the heat exchanger (120). [14] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to cool the battery (B) when the vehicle is in cooling and heating mode: to open the battery cooling line (110) to connect the battery (B) and the heat exchanger (120) by actuating the first valve (130); to selectively open / close the cooling line (11) by actuating the first valve (130) according to a cooling requirement of the electrical device (13) and the coolant temperature; and to allow the cooling line (11) and the battery cooling line (110) to communicate with each other when the cooling line (11) is open. [15] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to close the cooling line (11) by actuating the first valve (130) and to open the battery cooling line (110) to connect the battery (B) and the heat exchanger (120) when the battery (B) is heated in the heating mode of the vehicle. [16] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to: when the battery (B) is heated in the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle: to open the battery cooling line (110) to connect the battery (B) and the heat exchanger (120) by actuating the first valve (130); and to selectively open / close the cooling line (11) by actuating the first valve (130) according to the cooling requirement of the electrical device (13) and the coolant temperature. [17] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to cool the battery (B) when the heat pump system (20) is in standby mode: to open the cooling line (11) connecting the electrical device (13) and the radiator (15) by actuating the first valve (130); and to allow the cooling line (11) and the battery cooling line (110) to communicate with each other, with the battery cooling line (110) connecting the battery (B) and the heat exchanger (120) being closed. [18] Battery cooling system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the battery cooling system (100) is configured to heat the battery (B) when the heat pump system (20) is in standby mode: to close the cooling line (11) that connects the electrical device (13) and the radiator (15) by actuating the first valve (130); and to allow the cooling line (11) and the battery cooling line (110) to communicate with each other, wherein the battery (B) and the heat exchanger (120) are connected to each other via the battery cooling line (110).

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