Heat pump system for a vehicle

Abstract

Heat pump system for a vehicle, wherein the system features: a cooling device (10) comprising a radiator (12), a first water pump (14) and a first valve (V1) which are connected to each other via a coolant line (11), and which circulates a coolant through the coolant line (11) to cool at least one electrical component (15) which is mounted on the coolant line (11); a battery cooling device (20) comprising a battery radiator (22), a second water pump (24) and a second valve (V2) which are connected to each other via a battery coolant line (21), and which circulates a coolant through a battery module (26) which is mounted on the battery coolant line (21); a heating device (40) comprising a heating line (41) connected to the coolant line (11) via a third valve (V3) for heating a vehicle interior using a coolant, a third water pump (42) mounted on the heating line (41), and a heater (52a); and a cooler (30) mounted on a branch line (31) connecting a first connecting line (17) and a second connecting line (18), which are connected via the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2) to allow either a coolant supplied from the cooling device (10) or the battery cooling device (20) to pass through to the branch line (31), is connected via a refrigerant connecting line (61) to a refrigerant line (51) of an air conditioning system (50), and optionally exchanges heat between incoming coolant and a refrigerant supplied by the air conditioning system (50) to set a coolant temperature, wherein a condenser (53) of the air conditioning system (50) is connected to the refrigerant line (51) of the air conditioning system (50) to allow the refrigerant supplied by the air conditioning system (50) to pass through the condenser (53), and to the heating line (41) to allow the coolant circulating through the heating device (40) to pass through the condenser (53).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle, and in particular a heat pump system for a vehicle for heating or cooling a battery module by means of a cooler in which a refrigerant and a coolant are heat exchanged, to improve thermal efficiency by using waste heat from an electrical component and a battery module.

[0002] A vehicle climate control system has an air conditioning unit that circulates a refrigerant to heat or cool the vehicle's interior.

[0003] The air conditioning system, which is designed to keep the interior of the vehicle at a suitable temperature regardless of changes in the outside temperature in order to maintain a comfortable interior environment, is configured to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle by means of heat exchange via an evaporator in a process in which a refrigerant, which is carried away by driving a compressor, is circulated via a condenser, a receiver-drier, an expansion valve and the evaporator to the compressor.

[0004] This means that the air conditioning device reduces the temperature and humidity of the interior by condensing a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase refrigerant, which is compressed by the compressor, through the condenser, passing the refrigerant through the receiver-drier and the expansion valve, and subsequently evaporating the refrigerant in the evaporator in a cooling mode in summer.

[0005] Recently, as the importance of energy efficiency and the problem of environmental pollution have increased, there has been a need to develop an environmentally friendly vehicle that essentially replaces an internal combustion engine vehicle, and the environmentally friendly vehicle is usually divided into an electric vehicle, which is powered by a fuel cell or electricity as an energy source, and a hybrid vehicle, which is powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric battery.

[0006] In contrast to the air conditioning system of a general vehicle, the electric or hybrid vehicle among these environmentally friendly vehicles does not use a separate heating system, and the air conditioning system in the environmentally friendly vehicle is known as a heat pump system.

[0007] Meanwhile, the electric vehicle generates propulsion by converting the energy from a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy. In this process, heat energy is generated by a chemical reaction in a fuel cell. Therefore, to ensure the fuel cell's performance, it is necessary to effectively remove the generated heat.

[0008] Furthermore, the hybrid vehicle generates propulsion by driving an electric motor using electricity supplied by the fuel cell or electric battery described above, together with an internal combustion engine powered by conventional fuel. Therefore, the heat generated by the fuel cell or battery and the electric motor can be effectively dissipated to ensure the electric motor's performance.

[0009] Therefore, in the hybrid vehicle or the electric vehicle, according to the technology used, a cooling device, a heat pump system and a battery cooling system can each be designed using separate closed circuits in order to prevent heat generation in the electric motor, an electrical component and the battery with the fuel cells.

[0010] Accordingly, the size and weight of a cooling module mounted at the front of the vehicle are increased, and the arrangement of connecting pipes that supply a coolant or refrigerant to the heat pump system, cooling device and battery cooling system in an engine compartment is complicated.

[0011] Furthermore, since the battery cooling system, which heats or cools the battery depending on the vehicle's condition, is provided separately so that the battery offers optimal performance, a multiple of valves are used to connect the respective connecting pipes, and the noise and vibrations resulting from the frequent opening or closing of these valves are transmitted to the interior of the vehicle, thus deteriorating driving comfort.

[0012] DE 10 2019 112 443 A1 describes a heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising a cooling device with a radiator, a first water pump and a first valve connected to each other via a coolant line, and circulating a coolant through the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component mounted on the coolant line; a battery cooling device with a battery radiator, a second water pump and a second valve connected to each other via a battery coolant line, and circulating a coolant through a battery module mounted on the battery coolant line; a heating device with a heating line connected to the coolant line via a third valve to heat a vehicle interior using a coolant; a third water pump mounted on the heating line; and a heater.and a radiator mounted on a branch line connecting a first connecting line and a second connecting line, which are connected via the first and second valves to selectively allow a refrigerant supplied from the cooling device or the battery cooling device to pass through to the branch line, is connected via a refrigerant connecting line to a refrigerant line of an air conditioning system, and selectively exchanges incoming refrigerant with refrigerant supplied from the air conditioning system to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0013] Further heat pump systems are known from DE 10 2018 112 968 A1, DE 11 2019 004 190 T5 and EP 3 480 040 A1.

[0014] The invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle for heating or cooling a battery module by means of a cooler in which a refrigerant and a coolant are heat exchanged, in order to simplify a system.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle for the selective use of waste heat from an external heat source, an electrical component and a battery module in a heating mode of the vehicle in order to improve heating efficiency.

[0016] According to the invention, a heat pump system for a vehicle comprises: a cooling device comprising a radiator (or a cooler), a first water pump and a first valve, which are connected (to each other) via a coolant line, and which circulates a coolant through the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component provided on the coolant line; a battery cooling device comprising a battery radiator (or a cooler); and a first water pump and a first valve, which circulates a coolant through the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component provided on the coolant line.a battery cooler), a second water pump and a second valve, which are connected (to each other) via a battery coolant line, and which circulates a coolant through a battery module provided on the battery coolant line, a heating device comprising a heating line connected to the coolant line via a third valve to heat a vehicle interior using a coolant, a third water pump provided on the heating line, and a heater, and a cooler (ora heat exchanger or a chiller), which is provided on a branch line connecting a first connecting line and a second connecting line, which are connected via the first valve and the second valve (to each other) to selectively allow a refrigerant supplied / fed from the cooling device or the battery cooling device to pass through to the branch line, is connected via a refrigerant connecting line to a refrigerant line of an air conditioning system, and selectively heat-exchanges incoming refrigerant with a refrigerant supplied by the air conditioning system to set a temperature of the refrigerant, wherein a condenser of the air conditioning system is connected to the heating line to allow the refrigerant circulating through the heating device to pass through the condenser.

[0017] The air conditioning system may include: a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module equipped with an evaporator connected to the refrigerant line and a damper whose operation is adjustable so that outside air passing through the evaporator flows selectively into the heating system, depending on a cooling, heating and dehumidification mode; a compressor connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the condenser; a heat exchanger provided on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator; a first expansion valve provided on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the evaporator; a second expansion valve provided on the refrigerant connection line; a storage tank (or...a collector or accumulator), which is provided on the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor and is connected to the refrigerant connection line, and a third expansion valve, which is provided on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the heat exchanger.

[0018] The heat exchanger can also condense or evaporate the refrigerant condensed in the condenser by exchanging heat with the outside air, depending on the optional operation of the third expansion valve.

[0019] The second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant connection line to flow into the radiator when the battery module is cooled by the refrigerant.

[0020] The third expansion valve can selectively expand the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger in a heating mode and a heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle.

[0021] The HVAC module may also include an air heater mounted on the rear of the heater facing the interior of the vehicle, in order to selectively heat the outside air passing through the heater.

[0022] One end section of the refrigerant connection line can be connected to the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and the other end section of the refrigerant connection line can be connected to the storage tank.

[0023] The battery radiator can be mounted on the front of the radiator at the front of the vehicle, and the heat exchanger can be mounted on the front of the battery radiator.

[0024] One end section of the first connecting line can be connected to the coolant line via the first valve, and the other end section of the first connecting line can be connected to the battery coolant line via the second valve; the second connecting line can connect the coolant line and the battery coolant line in a position separate from the first connecting line via the radiator and the battery radiator (to each other); and the first and second connecting lines can be optionally connected (to each other) via the coolant line or the battery coolant line and the branch line, depending on the operation of the first and second valves.

[0025] When cooling the electrical component and the battery module using any coolant that is cooled in the radiator and the battery coolant line, the first and second connecting lines and the branch line can be closed by the operation of the first and second valves, and the cooling device and the battery cooling device can each form an independent closed circuit and each circulate the coolant through the electrical component and the battery module by the operation of the first and second water pumps.

[0026] When the battery module is being cooled in a vehicle cooling mode, the connection between the coolant line and the first connecting line in the cooling device can be closed by the operation of the first valve, and the coolant cooled in the radiator circulates through the electrical component by the operation of the first water pump. In the battery cooling device, the battery coolant line, the first connecting line, the second connecting line, and the branch line can be connected (to each other) by the operation of the second valve, and the coolant passing through the radiator can be supplied to the battery module by the operation of the second water pump without passing through the battery radiator. In the heating device, the coolant line and the heating line can be connected (to each other) by the operation of the third valve, so that the coolant is supplied from the cooling device.In the air conditioning system, when the refrigerant connection line is open through the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line and the refrigerant connection line; the first and second expansion valves can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator and the condenser respectively; and the third expansion valve can direct the refrigerant supplied from the condenser into the heat exchanger.

[0027] The heating device can direct the coolant supplied by the cooling device to the condenser by operating the third water pump; the condenser condenses the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant; and the heat exchanger can also condense the refrigerant flowing from the condenser by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0028] When recovering waste heat from the external heat source and the electrical component in a vehicle heating mode, in the cooling device the coolant line, the first connecting line, the second connecting line and the branch line can be connected (to each other) by the operation of the first valve, and the coolant passing through the electrical component can be supplied to the radiator by the operation of the first water pump without passing through the radiator, the coolant line and the heating line can each form an independent closed circuit by the operation of the third valve, in the heating device the coolant can circulate along the heating line by the operation of the third water pump, in the air conditioning system the refrigerant line that connects the condenser and the evaporator (to each other) can be closed by the operation of the first expansion valve.The refrigerant connection line can be opened by the operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line to be supplied to the cooler; and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to be supplied to the heat exchanger.

[0029] When recovering waste heat from the external heat source and the battery module in the vehicle's heating mode, in the battery cooling device the battery coolant line, the first connecting line, the second connecting line, and the branch line can be connected (to each other) by the operation of the second valve, and the coolant passing through the battery module can be supplied to the radiator by the operation of the second water pump without passing through the battery radiator; in the heating device the connection between the coolant line and the heating line can be closed by the operation of the third valve, and the coolant can circulate through the heating line by the operation of the third water pump; in the air conditioning system the refrigerant line connecting the condenser and the evaporator (to each other) can be closed by the operation of the first expansion valve.The refrigerant connection line can be opened by the operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line to be supplied to the cooler; and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to be supplied to the heat exchanger.

[0030] When the vehicle's heating mode is activated using waste heat from the electrical component, in the cooling system the coolant line, the first connecting line, the second connecting line, and the branch line can be connected by the operation of the first valve, and the coolant passing through the electrical component can circulate through the coolant line, the first connecting line, the second connecting line, and the branch line by the operation of the first water pump without passing through the radiator. In the heating system, the coolant line and the heating line can be connected by the operation of the third valve. In the cooling system, the coolant, at a temperature increased by the waste heat from the electrical component, can circulate through the heating line by the operation of the third water pump.and the operation of the battery cooling device and the air conditioning system may be stopped.

[0031] In the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode, the coolant line, the first connecting line, the second connecting line, and the branch line in the cooling system can be connected to each other by operating the first valve, and the coolant passing through the electrical component can be supplied to the radiator by operating the first water pump without passing through the radiator. The coolant line and the heating line can each form an independent closed circuit by operating the third valve. In the heating system, the coolant can circulate along the heating line by operating the third water pump.In the heating device, the coolant line and the heating line can be connected (to each other) by the operation of the third valve, so that the coolant is supplied from the cooling device; in the air conditioning system, when the refrigerant connection line is open by the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line and the refrigerant connection line, and the first and second expansion valves can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator and the condenser, respectively.

[0032] The third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied by the condenser to flow into the heat exchanger when the temperature of the vehicle interior is low, and when the temperature of the vehicle interior is high, the refrigerant supplied by the condenser can flow into the heat exchanger without being in the expanded state.

[0033] When the battery module temperature increases, the coolant line and the battery coolant line can be connected to the first and second connecting lines by the operation of the first and second valves, and the branch line can be closed. In a state where the operation of the second water pump is stopped, the coolant passing through the electrical component by the operation of the first water pump can be supplied to the battery module without passing through the radiator and the battery radiator. In the heating device, the coolant line and the heating line can be connected (to each other) by the operation of the third valve. In the cooling device, the coolant, at a temperature increased by waste heat from the electrical component, can circulate through the heating line by the operation of the third water pump, and the operation of the air conditioning system can be stopped.

[0034] The first, second, and third expansion valves can be electric expansion valves that selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of refrigerant passing through the refrigerant line or refrigerant connecting line.

[0035] A coolant heater can be provided in the heating line between the third water pump and the heater to selectively heat the coolant.

[0036] As described above, in the heat pump system for the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the system can be simplified by heating or cooling the battery module according to the mode of the vehicle using a single radiator which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the coolant, and by performing the heating mode of the vehicle using the coolant.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention can efficiently optimize the performance of the battery module by efficiently heating and cooling the battery module to be suitable for the vehicle's mode, and increase the overall range of the vehicle through efficient battery module management.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention can improve heating efficiency by selectively using external heat and waste heat from the electrical component and battery module in the vehicle's heating mode.

[0039] The invention also improves cooling performance by increasing the condensation or evaporation capacity of the refrigerant using the condenser and heat exchanger, thereby improving cooling performance and reducing the energy consumption of the compressor.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention can reduce manufacturing costs and weight by simplifying the entire system and improve space utilization.

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 an operating state diagram when an electrical component and a battery module are cooled by a coolant in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 an operating state diagram for cooling a battery module depending on a cooling mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 an operating state diagram for waste heat recovery of an external heat and an electrical component depending on a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 an operating state diagram for the waste heat recovery of an external heat source and a battery module depending on a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 an operating state diagram for a heating mode of a vehicle using waste heat from an electrical component in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 an operating state diagram for a heating / dehumidifying mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 8 an operating state diagram for heating a battery module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0042] It is understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various features that illustrate the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, which include, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes as disclosed herein, are partly determined by the intended application and environment of use.

[0043] In the figures, the reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention across the individual figures of the drawing.

[0044] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0045] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments shown in the exemplary embodiment and configurations in the drawings are only the most preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention and do not limit the meaning and scope of the invention. It is therefore understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications configured for interchangeability upon filing of the present application.

[0047] To clarify the present invention, sections not related to the description are omitted, and the same elements or equivalents are referred to by the same reference numerals throughout the description.

[0048] The size and thickness of each element are shown arbitrarily in the drawings, however the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and in the drawings the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, areas, etc. are exaggerated for clarity.

[0049] Throughout the description and the claims that follow, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "have" or variations such as "has" or "having" shall be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements mentioned, but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms “unit”, “mechanism”, “section”, “element”, etc., used herein mean a unit of enclosed elements that perform at least one function or process.

[0051] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0052] The heat pump system for the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention heats or cools a battery module 26 by means of a cooler 30 in which a refrigerant and a coolant are heat exchanged, and uses waste heat from an electrical component 15 and the battery module 26 to improve heating efficiency.

[0053] In the heat pump system for the electric vehicle, a cooling device 10 for cooling the electrical component 15, a battery cooling device 20 for cooling the battery module 26, a heating device 40 that heats an interior using a coolant, and an air conditioning system 50, which is an air conditioning device for cooling the interior, can be connected together.

[0054] That is, with regard to Fig. 1 The heat pump system includes the cooling device 10, the battery cooling device 20, the cooler 30 and the heating device 40.

[0055] The cooling device 10 initially comprises a radiator 12, a first water pump 14, and a first valve V1, which are connected to each other via a coolant line 11. The cooling device 10 circulates the coolant through the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14 in order to cool the electrical component 15.

[0056] The radiator 12 is mounted at the front of the vehicle, and a cooling fan 13 is provided at the rear of the radiator 12, and the radiator 12 cools the coolant by operating the cooling fan 13 and by exchanging heat with outside air.

[0057] Here, the electrical component 15 can include an electric motor, a power control device, an inverter or a charger (onboard charger (OBC)).

[0058] The power control device or inverter can be heated while driving, and the charger can be heated when the battery module 26 is being charged.

[0059] Likewise, a reservoir 16 is provided in the coolant line 11 between the radiator 12 and the first water pump 14. The coolant cooled in the radiator 12 can be stored in the reservoir 16.

[0060] The cooling device 10, configured in this way, circulates the coolant cooled in the radiator 12 along the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14 in such a way that the electrical component 15 is cooled to prevent it from overheating.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the battery cooling device 20 comprises a battery radiator 22, a second water pump 24 and a second valve V2, which are connected to each other via a battery coolant line 21, and the coolant is circulated through the battery coolant line 21.

[0062] The battery cooling device 20 can selectively supply the coolant cooled in the battery radiator 22 to the battery module 26. Here, the battery module 26 is provided in the battery coolant line 21.

[0063] The battery module 26 can be designed as a water-cooled type, supplies current to the electrical component 15 and the electric motor, and is cooled by a coolant flowing along the battery coolant line 21.

[0064] On the other hand, the battery radiator 22 is mounted on the front of the radiator 12 and cools the coolant by operating the cooling fan 13 and by exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0065] The battery cooling device 20, configured in this way, can circulate the coolant cooled in the battery radiator 22 along the battery coolant line 21 by operating the second water pump 24.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cooler 30 is provided in a branch line 31, which connects a first connecting line 17, which connects the first valve V1 with the second valve V2, and a second connecting line 18.

[0067] The radiator 30 allows the coolant to pass through, which is supplied by the cooling device 10 or the battery cooling device 20, and is connected to a refrigerant line 51 of the air conditioning system 50 via a refrigerant connection line 61.

[0068] Accordingly, the radiator 30 exchanges heat between the coolant, which flows in either from the cooling device 10 or the battery cooling device 20, and the refrigerant supplied by the air conditioning system 50, thereby controlling the coolant temperature. Here, the radiator 30 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger through which a coolant flows.

[0069] One end section of the first connecting line 17 can be connected to the coolant line 11 via the first valve V1. The other end section of the first connecting line 17 can be connected to the battery coolant line 21 via the second valve V2.

[0070] The second connecting line 18 can connect the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 at a distance separate from the first connecting line 17 via the radiator 12 and the battery radiator 22.

[0071] The second connecting line 18 can be selectively opened or closed depending on the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2 and the first and second water pumps 14 and 24.

[0072] On the other hand, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 can be optionally connected to each other via the coolant line 11 or the battery coolant line 21 and the branch line 31, depending on the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0073] Here, when the branch line 31 is closed, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 can connect the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21, so that the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 are connected to each other.

[0074] That is, the first and second valves V1 and V2 connect the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 to each other or separate the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 from each other via the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 to control the flow of coolant.

[0075] Therefore, the first valve V1 can close the first connecting line 17 when the electrical component 15 is cooled by the coolant cooled in the radiator 12. At this time, the second connecting line 18 and the branch line 31 can be closed.

[0076] Therefore, the coolant cooled in the radiator 12 can cool the electrical component 15 as it flows along the coolant line 11, which is connected by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0077] On the other hand, the second valve V2 can close the first connecting line 17 when the battery module 26 is cooled by the coolant cooled in the battery radiator 22. At this time, the second connecting line 18 and the branch line 31 can be closed.

[0078] Therefore, the coolant cooled in the battery radiator 22 can cool the battery module 26 as it flows along the battery coolant line 21, which is connected by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0079] Likewise, the second valve V2 can open the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31 and close the connection between the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 when the battery module 26 is cooled by the coolant, which is subject to heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0080] Accordingly, the coolant at the low temperature, which is fully heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the cooler 30, flows along the battery coolant line 21, which is connected via the branch line 31 to the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18, to the battery module 26, thereby efficiently cooling the battery module 26.

[0081] Likewise, the heating device 40 can have a heating line 41, which is connected to the coolant line 11 via a third valve V3, and a third water pump 42 and a heater 52a, which are provided in the heating line 41 to cool a vehicle interior by means of the coolant.

[0082] The heater 52a can be provided in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module 52, which is included in the air conditioning unit 50.

[0083] Here, a coolant heater 43 can be provided for the optional heating of the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 in the heating line 41 between the third water pump 42 and the heater 52a.

[0084] The coolant heater 43 is operated when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 52a in the vehicle's heating mode is lower than a target temperature in order to heat the coolant circulating in the heating line 41, causing the coolant, whose temperature is increased, to flow into the heater 52a.

[0085] The coolant heater 43 can be an electric heater that operates according to the energy supply.

[0086] On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention it is described that the coolant heater 43 is provided in the heating line 41, however the invention is not limited to this, and an air heater 45 for increasing the temperature of the outside air flowing into the interior of the vehicle can be used instead of the coolant heater 43.

[0087] The air heater 45 can be mounted facing the interior of the vehicle at the rear of the heater 52a in the HVAC module 52 in order to optionally heat the outside air passing through the heater 52a.

[0088] This means that the heating device 40 can be used with both the coolant heater 43 and the air heater 45.

[0089] The heating device 40, which is constructed as described above, directs the high-temperature coolant or the coolant whose temperature is increased as it circulates through the heating line 41 from the cooling device 10 in the heating mode of the vehicle to the heater 52a by means of the operation of the third water pump 42, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0090] Here, the first, second, and third water pumps can be 14, 24, and 42 electric water pumps.

[0091] On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the air conditioning system 50 comprises the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module 52, a condenser 53, a heat exchanger 54, a first expansion valve 55, an evaporator 56, a storage tank 57 and a compressor 59, which are connected to each other via the refrigerant line 51.

[0092] First, the HVAC module 52 includes the evaporator 56, which is connected to the refrigerant line 51, and a flap 52b, which controls the outside air passing through the evaporator 56 in such a way that it flows into the heater 52a depending on the heating, cooling and heating / dehumidifying modes of the vehicle.

[0093] This means that in the vehicle's heating mode, flap 52b is open, allowing outside air passing through the evaporator 56 to flow into the heater 52a. Conversely, in the vehicle's cooling mode, flap 52b closes the side of the heater 52a, allowing outside air, which is cooled as it passes through the evaporator 56, to flow directly into the vehicle's interior.

[0094] The condenser 53 is connected to the refrigerant line 51, so that the refrigerant passes through the condenser 53, and is connected to the heating line 41 to allow the coolant circulating through the heating device 40 to pass through it.

[0095] The condenser 53 can condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant supplied via the heating line 41. In other words, the condenser 53 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0096] The condenser 53, configured as described above, can exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied by the compressor 59 and the coolant supplied by the heating device 40 in order to condense the refrigerant.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger 54 can be provided in the refrigerant line 51 between the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56.

[0098] The first expansion valve 55 is located in the refrigerant line 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the evaporator 56. The first expansion valve 55 receives the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 and expands it.

[0099] The storage unit 57 is provided in the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 59 and is connected to the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0100] Such a storage unit 57 improves the efficiency and durability of the compressor 59 by supplying only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 59.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, one end section of the refrigerant connection line 61 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the first expansion valve 55. The other end section of the refrigerant connection line 61 can be connected to the storage tank 57.

[0102] Here, the storage unit 57 can direct the gaseous refrigerant supplied via the refrigerant connection line 61 to the compressor 59.

[0103] On the other hand, the refrigerant connection line 61 is equipped with a second expansion valve 63, and the refrigerant line 51 can be equipped with a third expansion valve 58 between the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54.

[0104] The second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant connection line 61 to flow into the radiator 30 when the battery module 26 is cooled with the refrigerant.

[0105] Here, when the battery module 26 is cooled with the refrigerant in the vehicle's cooling mode, the second expansion valve 63 is operated in the vehicle's heating mode and heating / dehumidifying mode when the waste heat from the electrical component 15 or the battery module 26 is recovered.

[0106] The second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant connection line 61 to flow into the cooler 30.

[0107] This means that the second expansion valve 63 expands the refrigerant that is discharged from the heat exchanger 54 and flows into the cooler 30, while the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced, so that the temperature of the coolant can be further reduced.

[0108] As a result, the battery module 26 can be cooled more efficiently by the flow of the coolant, which has the lower temperature, as it passes through the cooler 30.

[0109] The third expansion valve 58 can selectively expand the coolant flowing into the heat exchanger 54 in the heating mode and the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle.

[0110] Here, depending on the optional operation of the third expansion valve 58, the heat exchanger 54 can further condense or evaporate the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 53 through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0111] In other words, the heat exchanger 54 is mounted on the front of the battery radiator 22 to exchange heat between the coolant flowing into it and the outside air.

[0112] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 can increase the secondary cooling of the refrigerant by further condensing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53, thereby improving the efficiency (COP), which is a coefficient of cooling capacity versus the energy required by the compressor.

[0113] The compressor 59 is connected via the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 56 and the condenser 53. The compressor 59 can compress the refrigerant in its gaseous state and supply the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 53.

[0114] The first, second and third expansion valves 55, 63 and 58 can be electronic expansion valves that selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant line 51 or the refrigerant connecting line 61.

[0115] Similarly, the first and second valves V1 and V2 can be three-way valves that can distribute the flow, and the third valve V3 can be a four-way valve.

[0116] The following will refer to the Fig. Sections 2 to 8 describe in detail the operation and mode of action of the heat pump system for the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0117] First, with reference to Fig. 2 the operation of the heat pump system for the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described when the electrical component 15 and the battery module 26 are cooled by the coolant.

[0118] Fig. Figure 2 is an operating state diagram when an electrical component and a battery module are cooled by a coolant in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0119] With reference to Fig. 2. The first water pump 14 in the cooling device 10 is operated to cool the electrical component 15. Therefore, the coolant cooled in the radiator 12 is circulated in the electrical component 15.

[0120] In the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 24 is operated to cool the battery module 26. Therefore, the coolant cooled by the battery radiator 22 is circulated in the battery module 26.

[0121] Here, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31 are closed by the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0122] Accordingly, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form a closed circuit independently of each other via the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21, respectively.

[0123] In other words, the coolant cooled in the radiator 12 can flow into the electrical component 15 via the coolant line 11 and, after the electrical component 15 has been cooled, flow into the radiator 12.

[0124] Likewise, the coolant cooled in the battery radiator 22 can flow into the battery module 26 via the battery coolant line 21 and, after the battery module 26 has been cooled, flow into the battery radiator 22.

[0125] This means that the coolant at low temperature, cooled by the radiator 12 and the battery radiator 22, can cool only the electrical component 15 and the battery module 26 individually, thus efficiently cooling the electrical component 15 and the battery module 26.

[0126] The air conditioning system 50 is not working here because the vehicle's cooling mode is not activated.

[0127] On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is described that both the electrical component 15 and the battery module 26 are cooled by the coolant; however, the invention is not limited to this, and the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can be operated selectively, with one of the electrical component 15 and the battery module 26 being cooled separately.

[0128] The operation of the cooling of the battery module 26 depending on the cooling mode of the vehicle is described with reference to Fig. 3 described.

[0129] Fig. Figure 3 is an operating state diagram for cooling a battery module depending on a cooling mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0130] With reference to Fig. 3. In the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 is operated to cool the electrical component 15. Accordingly, the coolant cooled by the radiator 12 is circulated to the electrical component 15.

[0131] Here, the coolant line 11 and the first connecting line 17 are not connected to each other due to the operation of the first valve V1.

[0132] In the heating device 40, the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 are connected to each other by the operation of the third valve V3 in such a way that the coolant supplied by the cooling device 10 is circulated.

[0133] Therefore, the coolant cooled by the radiator 12 can be supplied to the condenser 53 by operating the first and third water pumps 14 and 42.

[0134] In the battery cooling device 20, the operation of the second valve V2 connects the battery coolant line 21, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18, and the branch line 31. In this state, the coolant passing through the cooler 30 can be supplied to the battery module 26 by the operation of the second water pump 24 without passing through the battery radiator 22.

[0135] This means that in the battery cooling device 20 the open branch line 31 and the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 are connected to the battery coolant line 21 to form the closed circuit in which the coolant circulates independently.

[0136] In the air conditioning system 50, each component works to cool the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0137] In the state in which the refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 63, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51 and the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0138] The first and second expansion valves 55 and 63 expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 and the cooler 30, respectively. The third expansion valve 58 can allow the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53 to flow into the heat exchanger 54 without expanding.

[0139] Accordingly, the heating device 40 directs the coolant supplied by the cooling device 10 to the condenser 53 by operating the third water pump 42.

[0140] The condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant by means of the refrigerant flowing along the heating line 41. Likewise, the heat exchanger 54 can additionally condense the refrigerant flowing from the condenser 53 through heat exchange with the outside air by means of the operation of the third expansion valve 58.

[0141] On the other hand, the coolant passing through the radiator 30 circulates through the battery coolant line 21, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31 to cool the battery module 26 by operating the second water pump 24.

[0142] The coolant passing through the cooler 30 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 30. The coolant cooled by the cooler 30 is then supplied to the battery module 26. Accordingly, the battery module 26 is cooled by the cooled coolant.

[0143] This means that the second expansion valve 63 expands some of the refrigerant in the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger 54 in order to supply the expanded refrigerant to the cooler 30, and opens the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0144] Therefore, some of the refrigerant released from the heat exchanger 54 is expanded into a low-temperature and low-pressure state by the operation of the second expansion valve 63 and flows into the cooler 30, which is connected to the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0145] The refrigerant flowing into the cooler 30 is then subjected to heat exchange with the coolant and subsequently flows into the compressor 59, after passing through the storage tank 57 via the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0146] In other words, the coolant with the elevated temperature from cooling the battery module 26 is cooled by heat exchange within the radiator 30 with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. The cooled coolant is then returned to the battery module 26 via the battery coolant line 21, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18, and the branch line 31.

[0147] This means that the coolant can efficiently cool the battery module 26 while the operation described above is repeated.

[0148] Meanwhile, the remaining refrigerant, which is released from the heat exchanger 54, flows through the refrigerant line 51 to cool the interior of the vehicle, and continuously passes through the first expansion valve 55, the evaporator 56, the accumulator 57, the compressor 59 and the condenser 53.

[0149] Here, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 is cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56 as it passes through the evaporator 56.

[0150] At this point, flap 52b reduces the amount of cooled outside air passing through heater 52a, preventing it from passing through heater 52a. Therefore, the cooled outside air can be directed directly into the vehicle's interior, thus cooling the interior.

[0151] On the other hand, in the evaporator 56 the refrigerant, the amount of which condenses is increased as it continuously passes through the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54, is expanded and supplied, causing the refrigerant to evaporate at a further reduced temperature.

[0152] That is, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant, and the heat exchanger 54 further condenses the refrigerant, thereby promoting the formation of secondary cooling of the refrigerant.

[0153] While the secondary cooled refrigerant evaporates at the low temperature in the evaporator 56, the temperature of the coolant, which is heat exchanged in the evaporator 56, can be further reduced, thereby improving the cooling capacity and cooling efficiency.

[0154] This means that while the process described above is repeated, the refrigerant in cooling mode can cool the interior of the vehicle and at the same time cool the coolant through heat exchange as it passes through the radiator 30.

[0155] The coolant, cooled by the cooler 30 and operating at a low temperature, flows into the battery module 26. Accordingly, the battery module 26 can be efficiently cooled by the supplied low-temperature coolant.

[0156] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operation in the case of the recovery of waste heat from the external heat source and the electrical component 15 in the heating mode of the vehicle is described with reference to Fig. 4 described.

[0157] Fig. Figure 4 is an operating state diagram for the waste heat recovery of an external heat source and an electrical component as a function of a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0158] With reference to Fig. 4. The heat pump system can absorb the external heat from the outside air together with the waste heat of the electrical component 15 in an initial start-idle state (IDLE) of the vehicle, in which the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is insufficient.

[0159] Initially, in the cooling device 10, the coolant line 11, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18, and the branch line 31 are connected to each other by the operation of the first valve V1. In this state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can be supplied to the radiator 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14 without passing through the radiator 12.

[0160] That is, in the cooling device 10 the open branch line 31 and the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 are connected to the coolant line 11.

[0161] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 circulates continuously along the coolant line 11, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31, without passing through the radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 in such a way that the temperature is increased.

[0162] The coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the radiator 30. This means that the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 increases the temperature of the coolant circulating through the coolant line 11.

[0163] Meanwhile, the operation of battery cooling device 20 is switched off.

[0164] In the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0165] On the other hand, the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 can form the independent closed circuit by operating the third valve V3.

[0166] Therefore, the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after it has passed through the heater 52a by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0167] Here, the coolant heater 43 is operated when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating line 41 is lower than the target temperature, so that the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 can be heated.

[0168] On the other hand, if the air heater 45 is used instead of the coolant heater 43, the air heater 45 operates when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than the target temperature, and the outside air flowing into the interior of the vehicle can be heated.

[0169] In the air conditioning system 50, each component works to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0170] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 to the evaporator 56, is closed by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0171] The refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0172] Here, the second expansion valve 63 can supply the refrigerant to the cooler 30 by expanding the refrigerant that is routed from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0173] The third expansion valve 58 can also supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54 by expanding the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53.

[0174] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat, while the expanded refrigerant evaporates through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0175] The coolant, which absorbs the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and is increased in temperature, is recovered by increasing the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 30, while it passes through the cooler 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0176] This means that the cooler 30 receives the refrigerant, which is supplied by the heat exchanger 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63, via the refrigerant connection line 61 and evaporates the supplied refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant, whose temperature is increased as it passes through the electrical component 15, thereby recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15.

[0177] Next, the refrigerant passing through the cooler 30 is fed to the storage tank 57 along the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0178] The refrigerant supplied to the storage unit 57 is separated into gas and liquid, and the gaseous refrigerant separated into gas and liquid is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0179] The refrigerant, which is compressed at high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 59, flows into the condenser 53.

[0180] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 can increase the temperature of the coolant through heat exchange with the coolant circulating through the heating line 41. The coolant with the increased temperature is supplied to the heater 52a.

[0181] Meanwhile, the flap 52b is open, so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 52a.

[0182] Consequently, the outside air flowing in from the outside enters the interior at an uncooled temperature when it passes through the evaporator 56, which is not supplied with refrigerant. The incoming outside air is heated to a high temperature as it passes through the heater 52a to flow into the vehicle interior, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0183] That is, the heat pump system according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention absorbs the external heat from the heat exchanger 54 when cooling is required in the initial start-idle state (IDLE) of the vehicle and is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant by the waste heat of the electrical component 15, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the compressor 59 and improving the cooling efficiency.

[0184] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operation in the case of the recovery of external heat and the waste heat of the battery module 26 in the heating mode of the vehicle is described with reference to Fig. 5 described.

[0185] Fig. Figure 5 is an operating state diagram for waste heat recovery from external heat and a battery module depending on a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0186] With reference to Fig. 5. The heat pump system can absorb the waste heat from the battery module 26 together with the external heat from the outside air during the initial driving of the vehicle.

[0187] First, the operation of cooling device 10 is switched off.

[0188] In the battery cooling device 20, the battery coolant line 21, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31 are connected to each other by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0189] In this state, the coolant passing through the battery module 26 can be supplied to the radiator 30 by operating the second water pump 24 without passing through the battery radiator 22.

[0190] That is, in the battery cooling device 20, the branch line 31 and the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 are connected to the battery coolant line 21.

[0191] Therefore, the coolant passing through the battery module 26 circulates continuously along the battery coolant line 21, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31, without passing through the battery radiator 22, and the temperature is increased by absorbing the waste heat from the battery module 26.

[0192] The coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the radiator 30. This means that the waste heat generated by the battery module 26 increases the temperature of the coolant circulating through the battery coolant line 21.

[0193] In the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0194] Here, in the heating device 40, the connection between the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 can be closed by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0195] Therefore, the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after it has passed through the heater 52a by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0196] Here, the coolant heater 43 is operated when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating line 41 is lower than the target temperature, so that the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 can be heated.

[0197] On the other hand, if the air heater 45 is used instead of the coolant heater 43, the air heater 45 is operated when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than the target temperature, so that the outside air flowing into the interior of the vehicle can be heated.

[0198] In the air conditioning system 50, each component works to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0199] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 to the evaporator 56, is closed by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0200] The refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0201] Here, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant, which is supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection line 61, in order to be supplied to the cooler 30.

[0202] Likewise, the third expansion valve 58 can expand the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53 to be supplied to the heat exchanger 54.

[0203] Accordingly, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat, while the expanded refrigerant evaporates through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0204] Likewise, the coolant, whose temperature is increased by absorbing the waste heat from the battery module 26, is recovered, whereby the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the radiator 30 increases as it passes through the radiator 30 by the operation of the second water pump 24.

[0205] This means that the cooler 30 receives the refrigerant, which is supplied by the heat exchanger 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63, via the refrigerant connection line 61 and evaporates the supplied refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant, whose temperature is increased as it passes through the battery module 26, thereby recovering the waste heat of the battery module 26.

[0206] Next, the refrigerant passing through the cooler 30 is fed to the storage tank 57 along the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0207] The refrigerant supplied to the storage unit 57 is separated into gas and liquid, and the gaseous refrigerant separated into gas and liquid is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0208] The refrigerant, compressed by the compressor 59 in a state of high temperature and high pressure, flows into the condenser 53.

[0209] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 can increase the temperature of the coolant while exchanging heat with the coolant circulating through the heating line 41. The coolant with the increased temperature is supplied to the heater 52a.

[0210] Meanwhile, the flap 52b is open, so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 52a.

[0211] As a result, the outside air flowing in from the outside enters the interior at an uncooled temperature when it passes through the evaporator 56, which is not supplied with refrigerant. The incoming outside air is heated to a high temperature as it passes through the heater 52a and flows into the vehicle interior, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0212] This means that the heat pump system according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention absorbs the external heat together with the waste heat of the battery module 26 when heating is required during the initial driving of the vehicle, whereby the use of the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is insufficient to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the compressor 59 and improving the heating efficiency.

[0213] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operation for the case of carrying out the heating mode of the vehicle using the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is described with reference to Fig. 6 described.

[0214] Fig. Figure 6 is an operating state diagram for a heating mode of a vehicle using waste heat from an electrical component in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0215] With reference to Fig. 6. The heat pump system can recover the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and the electric motor used for interior heating if the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and the electric motor is insufficient.

[0216] First, in the cooling device 10, the coolant line 11, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31 are connected to each other by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0217] In this state, the coolant that has passed through the electrical component 15 can be continuously circulated along the coolant line 11, the first connecting line 17, the second connecting line 18 and the branch line 31 by the operation of the first water pump 14, without passing through the radiator 12.

[0218] This operation can allow the coolant to absorb the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and increase the temperature.

[0219] In the heating device 40, the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 are connected to each other by the operation of the third valve V3.

[0220] Therefore, in the cooling device 10, the coolant, whose temperature is increased by the waste heat of the electrical component 15, is supplied to the heater 52a by the operation of the third water pump 42, while it circulates through the heating line 41.

[0221] On the other hand, in the battery cooling device 20, since the operation of the second water pump 24 has stopped, the circulation of the coolant is stopped. At the same time, in the air conditioning system 50, the circulation of the refrigerant stops, since the operation of the compressor 59 has stopped.

[0222] Here, the coolant heater 43 is operated when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating line 41 is lower than the target temperature, so that the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 can be heated.

[0223] Furthermore, if the air heater 45 is used instead of the coolant heater 43, the air heater 45 is operated when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than the target temperature, so that the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0224] As a result, outside air enters the interior at an uncooled temperature when it passes through the evaporator 56, which is not supplied with refrigerant. The incoming outside air is heated to a high temperature as it passes through the heater 52a and flows into the vehicle interior, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0225] This means that in the state where the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is insufficient when heating is required, the heat pump system according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention can increase the temperature of the coolant by means of the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and heat the vehicle interior with the coolant at the increased temperature.

[0226] On the other hand, the exemplary embodiment of the invention describes an exemplary embodiment in which the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 does not pass through the radiator 12, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0227] This means that if the electrical component 15 overheats, some of the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can pass through the radiator 12 by the operation of the first valve V1, thus preventing the electrical component 15 from overheating.

[0228] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operation in the case of the recovery of waste heat from the electrical component 15, depending on the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle, is described with reference to Fig. 7 described.

[0229] Fig. Figure 7 is an operating state diagram for a heating / dehumidifying mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0230] With reference to Fig. 7. The heat pump system can recover the waste heat from the electrical component 15 in the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode to use for interior heating.

[0231] Here, if the temperature of the vehicle interior is low, the heat pump system can recover the external heat along with the waste heat from the electrical component 15, whereas if the temperature of the vehicle interior is high, the heat pump system can only recover the waste heat from the electrical component 15 for use in heating the vehicle interior.

[0232] Initially, in the cooling device 10, the coolant line 11, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18, and the branch line 31 are connected to each other by the operation of the first valve V1. In this state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can be supplied to the cooler 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14 without passing through the radiator 12.

[0233] That is, in the cooling device 10 the open branch line 31 and the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 are connected to the coolant line 11.

[0234] Accordingly, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 is continuously circulated along the coolant line 11, the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 and the branch line 31 without passing through the radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 in such a way that the temperature is increased.

[0235] The coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the radiator 30. This means that the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 increases the temperature of the coolant circulating through the coolant line 11.

[0236] Meanwhile, the battery cooling device 20 is switched off.

[0237] In the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0238] On the other hand, the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 can form the independent closed circuit by operating the third valve V3.

[0239] Therefore, the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after it has passed through the heater 52a by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0240] Here, the coolant heater 43 is operated when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the heating line 41 is lower than the target temperature, so that the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 can be heated.

[0241] On the other hand, if the air heater 45 is used instead of the coolant heater 43, the air heater 45 is operated when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 52a is lower than the target temperature, and the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0242] In the air conditioning system 50, each component works to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0243] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 to the evaporator 56, is opened by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0244] The refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0245] Here, the first and second expansion valves 55 and 63 can expand the refrigerant that is supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection line 61 and the refrigerant line 51, so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 and the cooler 30.

[0246] Furthermore, if the temperature of the vehicle interior is low, the third expansion valve 58 can expand the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53 to flow into the heat exchanger 54.

[0247] Accordingly, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat, while the expanded coolant evaporates through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0248] Conversely, the third expansion valve 58 can allow the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53 to flow into the heat exchanger 54 without expanding if the temperature of the vehicle interior is high.

[0249] Accordingly, the heat exchanger 54 can condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0250] Likewise, the coolant, whose temperature is increased by absorbing the waste heat of the electrical component 15, is recovered, while the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 30 increases as it passes through the cooler 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0251] This means that the cooler 30 receives the refrigerant, which is supplied by the heat exchanger 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63, via the refrigerant connection line 61 and evaporates the supplied refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant, whose temperature is increased as it passes through the electrical component 15, thereby recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15.

[0252] Next, the refrigerant passing through the cooler 30 is fed to the storage tank 57 along the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0253] The refrigerant supplied to the storage unit 57 is separated into gas and liquid, and the gaseous refrigerant separated into gas and liquid is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0254] The refrigerant, compressed at high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 59, flows into the condenser 53.

[0255] Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 53 can increase the temperature of the coolant through heat exchange with the coolant circulating through the heating line 41. The coolant with the increased temperature is supplied to the heater 52a.

[0256] On the other hand, the expanded refrigerant, which is supplied to the evaporator 56 by the operation of the first expansion valve 55, exchanges heat with the outside air that passes through the evaporator 56 and is then supplied along the refrigerant line 51 via the storage tank 57 to the compressor 59.

[0257] This means that the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 56 can be supplied to the compressor 59 together with the refrigerant flowing into the storage tank 57 via the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0258] The refrigerant, which is compressed by the compressor 59 at high temperature and high pressure, then flows into the condenser 53.

[0259] Here, the flap 52b is open, so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 52a.

[0260] This means that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module 52 is dehumidified by the refrigerant in its low-temperature state as it passes through the evaporator 56. Next, the outside air is converted to a high-temperature state as it passes through the heater 52a and flows into the vehicle interior, thus heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0261] This means that the heat pump system according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention selectively absorbs the external heat depending on the interior temperature of the vehicle together with the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 in the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle in order to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the compressor 59 and improving the heating efficiency.

[0262] Next, the operation will be described in the event of an increase in the temperature of battery module 26 with reference to Fig. 8 described.

[0263] Fig. Figure 8 is an operating state diagram for heating a battery module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0264] With reference to Fig. 8 The heat pump system can heat the battery module 26 by recovering the waste heat from the electrical component 15.

[0265] First, coolant line 11 and battery coolant line 21 are connected to the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18 by the operation of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2. Here, branch line 31 is closed.

[0266] Therefore, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form an independent closed circuit in which the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 are connected to each other via the first and second connecting lines 17 and 18.

[0267] Here the second water pump 24 is deactivated, and the coolant that passes through the electrical component 15 by the operation of the first water pump 14 can be supplied to the battery module 26 without passing through the radiator 12 and the battery radiator 22.

[0268] In the heating device 40, the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 are connected by the operation of the third valve V3. Accordingly, the coolant, at an increased temperature due to the waste heat from the electrical component 15 in the cooling device 10, can circulate through the heating line 41 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0269] The air conditioning unit 50 is switched off.

[0270] This means that the coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the battery module 26 while passing through the electrical component 15, without passing through the radiator 12 and the battery radiator 22, causing the temperature of the battery module 26 to rise rapidly.

[0271] If the waste heat from the electrical component 15 is insufficient, the coolant heater 43 can heat the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 to increase the temperature.

[0272] The coolant, which has the increased temperature in the heating device 40, is supplied to the battery module 26 by continuously passing through the heating line 41, the coolant line 11, the first connecting line 17 and the battery coolant line 21, thereby further rapidly increasing the temperature of the battery module 26.

[0273] Therefore, when the heat pump system described above is used for the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heating device 40 is realized by using a cooler 30 (e.g. a single (battery) cooler 30) in which the refrigerant and the coolant are heat exchanged to heat or cool the battery module 26 depending on the mode of the vehicle, thus simplifying the system.

[0274] Likewise, efficient heating and cooling of the battery module 26 in such a way that it is suitable for the mode of the vehicle in an exemplary embodiment of the invention enables optimal performance of the battery module 26, and the overall range of the vehicle can be increased by the efficient management of the battery module 26.

[0275] Furthermore, the invention optionally uses the external heat and the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and the battery module 26 in the vehicle's heating mode, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0276] The invention also improves the condensation or evaporation capacity of the refrigerant through the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54, thereby improving the cooling performance and reducing the energy consumption of the compressor 59.

[0277] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a control device is connected to the heat pump system, e.g., the first valve V1, the second valve V2, and the third valve V3, to operate the heat pump system. The control device can be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program comprising a series of instructions for controlling the heat pump system according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0278] Furthermore, the invention can reduce manufacturing costs and weight and improve space utilization by simplifying the entire system.

[0279] To simplify the explanation and precise definition of the attached claims, the terms "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "front", "back", etc., are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments with respect to the positions of these features, as shown in the figures. It is further understood that the term "connect" or its variations denote both a direct and an indirect connection.

Claims

[1] Heat pump system for a vehicle, wherein the system comprises: a cooling device (10) comprising a radiator (12), a first water pump (14) and a first valve (V1) which are connected to each other via a coolant line (11), and which circulates a coolant through the coolant line (11) to cool at least one electrical component (15) which is mounted on the coolant line (11); a battery cooling device (20) comprising a battery radiator (22), a second water pump (24) and a second valve (V2) which are connected to each other via a battery coolant line (21), and which circulates a coolant through a battery module (26) which is mounted on the battery coolant line (21); a heating device (40) comprising a heating line (41) connected to the coolant line (11) via a third valve (V3) for heating a vehicle interior using a coolant, a third water pump (42) mounted on the heating line (41), and a heater (52a); and a cooler (30) mounted on a branch line (31) connecting a first connecting line (17) and a second connecting line (18), which are connected via the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2) to allow either a coolant supplied from the cooling device (10) or the battery cooling device (20) to pass through to the branch line (31), is connected via a refrigerant connecting line (61) to a refrigerant line (51) of an air conditioning system (50), and optionally exchanges heat between incoming coolant and a refrigerant supplied by the air conditioning system (50) to set a coolant temperature, wherein a condenser (53) of the air conditioning system (50) is connected to the refrigerant line (51) of the air conditioning system (50) to allow the refrigerant supplied by the air conditioning system (50) to pass through the condenser (53), and to the heating line (41) to allow the coolant circulating through the heating device (40) to pass through the condenser (53). [2] Heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system (50) further comprises: a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module (52) comprising an evaporator (56) connected to the refrigerant line (51) and a damper (52b) whose operation is adjustable so that outside air passing through the evaporator (56) flows selectively into the heater (52a) depending on a cooling, heating and dehumidification mode; a compressor (59) which is connected to the refrigerant line (51) between the evaporator (56) and the condenser (53); a heat exchanger (54) which is mounted on the refrigerant line (51) between the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56); a first expansion valve (55) which is mounted on the refrigerant line (51) between the heat exchanger (54) and the evaporator (56); a second expansion valve (63) which is mounted on the refrigerant connection line (61); a storage unit (57) which is mounted on the refrigerant line (51) between the evaporator (56) and the compressor (59) and is connected to the refrigerant connection line (61); and a third expansion valve (58) which is mounted on the refrigerant line (51) between the condenser (53) and the heat exchanger (54). [3] Heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger (54) condenses or evaporates the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (53) by heat exchange with the outside air depending on an optional operation of the third expansion valve (58). [4] Heat pump system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second expansion valve (63) expands the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant connection line (61) to flow into the cooler (30) when the battery module (26) is cooled by the refrigerant. [5] Heat pump system according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the third expansion valve (58) selectively expands the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger (54) in the heating mode and the heating / dehumidifying mode of the vehicle. [6] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the HVAC module (52) further comprises an air heater (45) which is mounted on a rear side of the heater (52a) facing towards an interior of the vehicle in order to selectively heat the outside air passing through the heater (52a). [7] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a first end section of the refrigerant connection line (61) is connected to the refrigerant line (51) between the heat exchanger (54) and the first expansion valve (55), and wherein a second end section of the refrigerant connection line (61) is connected to the storage tank (57). [8] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the battery radiator (22) is mounted on a front of the radiator (12) on a front of the vehicle, and wherein the heat exchanger (54) is mounted on a front side of the battery radiator (22). [9] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein a first end section of the first connecting line (17) is connected to the coolant line (11) via the first valve (V1), and a second end section of the first connecting line (17) is connected to the battery coolant line (21) via the second valve (V2), wherein the second connecting line (18) connects the coolant line (11) and the battery coolant line (21) in a position separate from the first connecting line (17) via the radiator (12) and the battery radiator (22), and wherein the first and second connecting lines (17, 18) can be optionally connected to each other via the coolant line (11) or the battery coolant line (21) and the branch line (31) according to the operation of the first and second valves (V1, V2). [10] Heat pump system according to claim 9, wherein when cooling the at least one electrical component (15) and the battery module (26) using any coolant that is cooled in the radiator (12) and the battery coolant line (21), the first and second connecting lines (17, 18) and the branch line (31) are closed by the operation of the first and second valves (V1, V2), and the cooling device (10) and the battery cooling device (20) each form an independent closed circuit and each circulate the coolant through the at least one electrical component (15) and the battery module (26) by the operation of the first and second water pumps (14, 24). [11] Heat pump system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when cooling the battery module (26) in the vehicle's cooling mode in the cooling device (10) the connection of the coolant line (11) and the first connecting line (17) is closed by the operation of the first valve (V1), and the coolant cooled in the radiator (12) circulates through the at least one electrical component (15) by the operation of the first water pump (14), in the battery cooling device (20) the battery coolant line (21), the first connecting line (17), the second connecting line (18) and the branch line (31) are connected to each other by the operation of the second valve (V2), and the coolant passing through the cooler (30) is supplied to the battery module (26) by the operation of the second water pump (24) without passing through the battery radiator (22), in the heating device (40) the coolant line (11) and the heating line (41) are connected to each other by the operation of the third valve (V3), so that the coolant is supplied from the cooling device (10), in the air conditioning system (50) in a state in which the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve (63), the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line (51) and the refrigerant connection line (61), The first and second expansion valves (55, 63) expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator (56) and the condenser (30) respectively, and the third expansion valve (58) allows the refrigerant supplied from the condenser (53) to flow into the heat exchanger (54). [12] Heat pump system according to claim 11, wherein the heating device (40) directs the coolant supplied by the cooling device (10) to the condenser (53) by means of the operation of the third water pump (42), and wherein the condenser (53) condenses the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant, and the heat exchanger (54) condenses the refrigerant flowing from the condenser (53) by heat exchange with the outside air. [13] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein during the recovery of waste heat from an external heat source and the at least one electrical component (15) in the vehicle's heating mode in the cooling device (10) the coolant line (11), the first connecting line (17), the second connecting line (18) and the branch line (31) are connected to each other by the operation of the first valve (V1), and the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component (15) is supplied to the cooler (30) by the operation of the first water pump (14) without passing through the radiator (12), the coolant line (11) and the heating line (41) each form an independent closed circuit through the operation of the third valve (V3), in the heating device (40) the coolant circulates along the heating line (41) by the operation of the third water pump (42), in the air conditioning system (50) the refrigerant line (51) which connects the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56) is closed by the operation of the first expansion valve (55), the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve (63), the second expansion valve (63) expands the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line (61) in order to be supplied to the cooler (30), and the third expansion valve (58) expands the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) to be supplied to the heat exchanger (54). [14] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein during the recovery of waste heat from an external heat source and the battery module (26) in the vehicle's heating mode in the battery cooling device (20) the battery coolant line (21), the first connecting line (17), the second connecting line (18) and the branch line (31) are connected to each other by the operation of the second valve (V2), and the coolant passing through the battery module (26) is supplied to the radiator (30) by the operation of the second water pump (24) without passing through the battery radiator (22), in the heating device (40) the connection of the coolant line (11) and the heating line (41) is closed by the operation of the third valve (V3), and the coolant circulates through the heating line (41) by the operation of the third water pump (42), in the air conditioning system (50) the refrigerant line (51) which connects the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56) is closed by the operation of the first expansion valve (55), the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve (63), the second expansion valve (63) expands the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line (61) in order to be supplied to the cooler (30), and the third expansion valve (58) expands the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) to be supplied to the heat exchanger (54). [15] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein when performing the vehicle's heating mode using waste heat from the electrical component (15) in the cooling device (10) the coolant line (11), the first connecting line (17), the second connecting line (18) and the branch line (31) are connected to each other by the operation of the first valve (V1), and the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component (15) circulates through the coolant line (11), the first connecting line (17), the second connecting line (18) and the branch line (31) by the operation of the first water pump (14), without passing through the radiator (12), in the heating device (40) the coolant line (11) and the heating line (41) are connected to each other by the operation of the third valve (V3), in the cooling device (10) the coolant at a temperature increased by the waste heat of the at least one electrical component (15) circulates through the heating line (41) by the operation of the third water pump (42), and The operation of the battery cooling device (20) and the air conditioning system (50) has been stopped. [16] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein in the vehicle's heating / dehumidifying mode in the cooling device (10) the coolant line (11), the first connecting line (17), the second connecting line (18) and the branch line (31) are connected to each other by the operation of the first valve (V1), and the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component (15) is supplied to the cooler (30) by the operation of the first water pump (14) without passing through the radiator (12), the coolant line (11) and the heating line (41) each form an independent closed circuit through the operation of the third valve (V3), in the heating device (40) the coolant circulates along the heating line (41) by the operation of the third water pump (42), in the air conditioning system (50) in a state in which the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve (63), the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line (51) and the refrigerant connection line (61), and the first and second expansion valves (55, 63) expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator (56) and the cooler (30) respectively. [17] Heat pump system according to claim 16, wherein When the temperature of the vehicle interior is lower than a predetermined value, the third expansion valve (58) expands the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) to flow into the heat exchanger (54), and If the temperature of the vehicle interior is higher than the predetermined value, the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) flows into the heat exchanger (54) without being in an expanded state. [18] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein when increasing the temperature of the battery module (26) the coolant line (11) and the battery coolant line (21) are connected to the first and second connecting lines (17, 18) by the operation of the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2), and the branch line (31) is closed, in a state in which the operation of the second water pump (24) is stopped, the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component (15) by the operation of the first water pump (14) is supplied to the battery module (26) without passing through the radiator (12) and the battery radiator (22), in the heating device (40) the coolant line (11) and the heating line (41) are connected to each other by the operation of the third valve (V3), in the cooling device (10) the coolant at a temperature increased by waste heat from the at least one electrical component (15) circulates through the heating line (41) by the operation of the third water pump (42), and The operation of the air conditioning system (50) has been stopped. [19] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the first, second and third expansion valves (55, 63, 58) are electric expansion valves which selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling a flow of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant line (51) or the refrigerant connecting line (61). [20] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a coolant heater (43) is provided in the heating line (41) between the third water pump (42) and the heater (52a) to selectively heat the coolant.

Images