Thermal management system for a vehicle

Abstract

Thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: a cooling device (10) comprising: a first radiator (12), a first pump (14) and a valve (V) connected by a coolant line (11) to circulate a coolant in the coolant line (11) to cool at least one electrical component (15) provided on the coolant line (11); a battery cooling device (20) comprising: a battery coolant line (21) connected to the valve (V), a second radiator (22), a second pump (23) and a battery module (24) connected by the battery coolant line (21) to circulate the coolant in the battery module (24); a cooler (30) connected to a first connecting line (32) which is connected to the battery coolant line (21) at a point between the second radiator (22) and the battery module (24).and with a second connecting line (34) which is connected to the valve (V) and which is connected by a refrigerant connecting line (61) to a refrigerant line (51) of an air conditioning system (50) in order to adjust the temperature of the coolant by carrying out a heat exchange between the coolant which is introduced therein and a refrigerant which is selectively supplied by the air conditioning system (50), a heater (40) which is provided on the coolant line (11) between the at least one electrical component (15) and the first radiator (12) in order to heat a vehicle interior by using a coolant which is supplied by the cooling device (10), and a branch line (18) which has: a first end section which is connected to the coolant line (11) between the first radiator (12) and the heater (40), and a second end section which is connected to the valve (V), wherein a condenser (53),which is contained in the air conditioning system (50) and is connected to the refrigerant line (11) to allow the refrigerant circulating through the cooling device (10) to flow through it.

Description

Background of the inventionField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle that adjusts a temperature of a battery module by using a radiator that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant, and improves heating efficiency by utilizing waste heat generated from an electrical component. Description of related technology

[0002] Due to increasingly serious environmental and energy resource concerns, electric vehicles have become popular as a mode of transportation of the future in recent years. As their primary power source, an electric vehicle uses a battery module composed of multiple rechargeable cells, thus producing no exhaust fumes and very little noise.

[0003] Such an electric vehicle is powered by a drive motor (electric motor), which is driven by electrical power supplied to the battery module. Furthermore, the electric vehicle contains electronic components to control and manage both the drive motor and various electrical convenience devices, as well as the charging of the battery module.

[0004] Since a lot of heat is generated in the battery, electrical components and the drive motor used as the main power source of the electric vehicle, efficient cooling is required, so efficient temperature management of the electrical components and the battery module can be a very important issue.

[0005] Traditionally, separate cooling systems are used to regulate the temperature of the electrical components and the battery module, but this requires increasing the cooling system capacity, resulting in space constraints. Furthermore, increasing the cooling system capacity also increases the power required to operate the cooling systems.

[0006] Consequently, it is necessary to develop efficient technologies for both utilizing waste heat generated by the electrical components and adjusting the temperature of the electrical components and the battery in order to maximize energy efficiency while ensuring the lifetime of the electrical components and the battery module in the electric vehicle.

[0007] The information contained in this Background of the Invention section is provided merely to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment or any form of indication that this information constitutes prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Brief overview

[0008] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a thermal management system for a vehicle that adjusts a temperature of a battery module by using a radiator that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant, and improves heating efficiency by using waste heat generated from an electrical component.

[0009] Different aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: a cooling device configured to comprise a radiator, a first water pump, and a valve connected by a coolant line for circulating a coolant in the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component provided in or on the coolant line; a battery cooling device configured to comprise a battery coolant line connected to the valve; a second radiator, a second water pump, and a battery module connected by the battery coolant line to circulate the coolant in or through the battery module; a cooler (or heat exchanger device), which (orwhich) is connected to: a first connection line connected to the battery coolant line at a location between the second radiator and the battery module, a second connection line connected to the valve, and a refrigerant line of an air conditioner through a refrigerant connection line to adjust a temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the radiator and a refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioner, a heater which is provided in orprovided on the coolant line at a location between the electrical component and the first radiator to heat a vehicle interior by using a coolant provided from the cooling device, and a branch line having: a first end portion connected to the coolant line at a location between the first radiator and the heater, and a second end portion connected to the valve, and wherein a condenser included in the air conditioner is connected to the coolant line to pass the coolant circulating through the cooling device.

[0010] The air conditioner may include: an evaporator connected to the refrigerant line, a condenser provided in the refrigerant line at a location between the first radiator and the heater for circulating a refrigerant therein to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and a refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant line, a compressor connected between the evaporator and the condenser through the refrigerant line, a sub-condenser provided in the refrigerant line at a location between the condenser and the evaporator, a first expansion valve provided in the refrigerant line at a location between the sub-condenser and the evaporator, and a second expansion valve provided in the refrigerant connection line.

[0011] The second expansion valve may be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection line to flow to the cooler when the battery module is cooled by the refrigerant.

[0012] A first end portion of the refrigerant connection line may be connected to the refrigerant line at a location between the sub-condenser and the first expansion valve, and a second end portion of the refrigerant connection line may be connected to the refrigerant line at a location between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0013] The cooler may be a water-cooled heat exchanger and / or the condenser may be a water-cooled heat exchanger and / or the sub-condenser may be an air-cooled heat exchanger.

[0014] Further, an air heater may be included, which is arranged on a side of the heater facing away from the evaporator in order to selectively heat outside air flowing through the heater.

[0015] The air heater may be operated to increase a temperature of outside air flowing through the heater when a temperature of a coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature for internal heating.

[0016] When the battery module is cooled in a cooling mode of the vehicle, in the cooling device, the coolant can be circulated in the coolant line by operating the first water pump, the branch line can be closed by operating the valve, the first connecting line can be opened and the second connecting line can be opened by operating the valve, a portion of the battery coolant line connected to the second radiator can be closed by operating the valve, in the battery cooling device, the coolant flowing through the radiator along the first and second connecting lines can be supplied to the battery module along the opened portion of the battery coolant line by operating the second water pump, in the air conditioning system, the refrigerant line connecting the sub-condenser and the evaporator can be opened by operating the first expansion valve,the refrigerant connection line may be opened by operating the second expansion valve, and the first and second expansion valves may expand a refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant line and the refrigerant connection line, respectively, and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator and the cooler, respectively.

[0017] The condenser may be configured to condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant, and the sub-condenser may be configured to further condense the refrigerant introduced from the condenser by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0018] When a dehumidification mode of the vehicle is performed, the branch line may be opened by operating the valve, the first connecting line may be closed, the second connecting line may be closed by operating the valve, in the cooling device, due to the branch line, the coolant line connected to the first radiator and the valve may be closed, the coolant whose temperature has increased while flowing through the electrical component by operating the first water pump may be supplied to the heater along the opened coolant line without flowing through the first radiator, the coolant discharged from the heater may be introduced into the valve along the opened coolant line and the opened branch line, the coolant introduced into the valve may be supplied to the electrical component along the opened coolant line,In the air conditioning system, the refrigerant can be circulated in the open refrigerant line by operating the first expansion valve, the first expansion valve can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator, and the refrigerant connection line can be closed by operating the second expansion valve.

[0019] When the electrical component and the battery module are cooled by using the coolant, the branch line may be closed by operating the valve, the first connecting line may be closed, and the second connecting line may be closed by operating the valve, the cooling device and the battery cooling device may each form an independent closed circuit by operating the valve, the coolant cooled in the first radiator may be supplied to the electrical component along the coolant line from the valve by operating the first water pump, and the coolant cooled in the second radiator may be supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line from the valve by operating the second water pump.

[0020] When the waste heat of the electrical component is used in the heating mode of the vehicle, the branch line may be opened by operating the valve, the first connecting line may be closed, the second connecting line may be closed by operating the valve, in the cooling device, due to the branch line, the coolant line connected to the first radiator and the valve may be closed, the coolant whose temperature has increased while flowing through the electrical component by operating the first water pump is supplied to the heater along the opened coolant line without flowing through the first radiator, the coolant discharged from the heater may be introduced into the valve along the opened coolant line and the opened branch line, and the coolant introduced into the valve mayalong the open coolant line to the electrical component.

[0021] When the battery module is heated, the cooling device may be deactivated, the branch line may be closed by operating the valve, the first connection line may be opened, and the second connection line may be opened by operating the valve, the battery coolant line connected to the second radiator and the battery coolant line connecting the second radiator and the valve may be closed due to the first connection line, and the coolant flowing through the battery module may be circulated along the open first and second connection lines and the opened battery coolant line by operating the second water pump without flowing through the second radiator.

[0022] A first end portion of the first connecting line may be connected to the battery coolant line at a location between the second radiator and the battery module, and a second end portion of the first connecting line may be connected to the radiator.

[0023] A first end portion of the second connecting line may be connected to the valve and a second end portion of the second connecting line may be connected to the cooler.

[0024] The electrical component may include an electrical power control unit (EPCU) or a motor or an inverter or an autonomous driving control unit or an on-board charger (OBC).

[0025] The valve can be a 6-way valve.

[0026] The battery cooling device may further include a first coolant heater provided in or on the battery coolant line at a location between the battery module and the second radiator.

[0027] When the battery module is heated, the first coolant heater may be operated to heat a coolant supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line.

[0028] A second coolant heater may be provided in or on the coolant line (or heating line) at a location between the first water pump and the heater, and the second coolant heater may be operated to heat a coolant supplied to the heater along the coolant line (or heating line) when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than the target temperature.

[0029] A first reservoir may be provided in or on the coolant line at a location between the first radiator and the valve, and a second reservoir may be provided in or on the battery coolant line at a location between the second radiator and the valve.

[0030] As described above, according to the thermal management system for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the battery module can be adjusted depending on the mode of the vehicle by using a radiator to perform heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and the vehicle interior can be heated by using the coolant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0031] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to improve heating efficiency by recovering waste heat of the electrical component and using it for internal heating.

[0032] Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to optimize the performance of the battery module by efficiently controlling the temperature of the battery module and to increase an overall range of the vehicle by efficiently managing the battery module.

[0033] Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by improving the performance of condensing the refrigerant by using a condenser and a sub-condenser, the cooling performance can be improved and the power consumption of a compressor can be reduced.

[0034] Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by simplifying the entire system, the manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced and the space utilization can be improved.

[0035] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have additional features and advantages which will be apparent from and more particularly set forth in the accompanying drawings incorporated herein, together with the following detailed description, both of which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. Character list Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows an operating state diagram for cooling electrical components and a battery module by using a coolant in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an operating state diagram for cooling a battery module by using a refrigerant in a cooling mode of a vehicle in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows an operating state diagram for performing a heating mode using the waste heat generated by an electrical component in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5 shows an operating state diagram according to a dehumidification mode in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows a detailed perspective view for heating a battery module in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and present a simplified representation of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present invention. The specific embodiments of the present invention contained herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular application and use environment.

[0037] In the drawings, like reference numerals in different drawings and views refer to like or equivalent parts of the present invention. Detailed description

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the present invention(s) will be described in connection with exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention, it will be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the present invention(s) to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention(s) is(are) intended to include not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments which are included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0039] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The exemplary embodiments included in the present specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be substituted for them at the time of filing this application.

[0041] In order to clearly explain the present invention, mention of parts not related to the description will be omitted, and like elements or equivalents will be referred to throughout the description by using like reference numerals.

[0042] The size and thickness of each element are shown arbitrarily in the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and in the drawings, the thickness of layers, sheets, plates, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity.

[0043] In the following description and in the claims that follow, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is to be understood as implying the inclusion of the recited elements but not the exclusion of other elements.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms "...-unit", "...-mechanism", "...-section", "...-element", etc. as used herein mean a unit of included components that perform at least one or more functions or operations.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system for a vehicle can adjust a temperature of a battery module 24 by using a radiator 30 in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat, and recover waste heat generated from an electrical component 15 to use it for internal heating.

[0047] Such a thermal management system can be used for electric vehicles.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 1, the thermal management system may include a cooling device 10, a battery cooling device 20, a cooler 30, and a heater 40.

[0049] The cooling device 10 comprises: a first radiator 12, a first water pump or pump 14, a valve V and a first reservoir 16, which are connected to a coolant line 11.

[0050] The first radiator 12 is mounted at the front of the vehicle, and a cooling fan 13 is mounted behind the first radiator 12, so that the coolant is cooled by operating the cooling fan 13 and heat is exchanged with the outside air.

[0051] Furthermore, the electrical component 15 may comprise an electrical power control unit (EPCU) or a motor or an inverter or an autonomous driving control unit or an on-board charger (OBC).

[0052] The electrical component 15 configured as described above may be provided in or on the coolant line 11 to be cooled in a water-cooled manner.

[0053] Accordingly, when the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is recovered in the heating mode of the vehicle, the heat generated by the electrical power control unit (EPCU) or the motor or the inverter or the autonomous driving control unit or the on-board charger (OBC) can be recovered.

[0054] Furthermore, the first reservoir 16 is provided in or on the coolant line 11 at a location between the first radiator 12 and the first water pump 14. The coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be stored in the first reservoir 16.

[0055] This cooling device 10 can circulate the coolant in the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14, so that the coolant is supplied to the electrical component 15 provided in or on the coolant line 11.

[0056] Furthermore, the cooling device 10 can have a branch line 18.

[0057] A first end portion of the branch line 18 is connected to the coolant line 11 at a location between the first radiator 12 and the electrical component 15. A second end portion of the branch line 18 may be connected to the valve V.

[0058] When the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is recovered, the branch line 18 may be selectively opened or closed by operating the valve V, so that the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 15 is supplied again to the electrical component 15 without flowing through the first radiator 12.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery cooling device 20 includes: a battery coolant line 21 connected to the valve V and a second radiator 22, a second water pump 23, and a battery module 24 connected to the battery coolant line 21.

[0060] The battery cooling device 20 can selectively circulate the coolant in / through the battery module 24 by operating the second water pump 23.

[0061] The first and second water pumps 14 and 23 can be electric water pumps.

[0062] Meanwhile, the battery cooling device 20 may further include a first coolant heater 26 provided in or on the battery coolant line 21 at a location between the battery module 24 and the second radiator 22.

[0063] When it is necessary to increase the temperature of the battery module 24, the first coolant heater 26 is turned on to heat the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 so that the coolant whose temperature is increased can be supplied to the battery module 24.

[0064] The first coolant heater 26 may be an electric heater operated according to an electric power supply.

[0065] That is, the first coolant heater 26 is operated when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 is lower than the target temperature, so that the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 can be heated.

[0066] Accordingly, the coolant having an elevated temperature while flowing through the first coolant heater 26 may be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0067] That is, the first coolant heater 26 can be selectively operated when the temperature of the battery module 24 is increased.

[0068] Meanwhile, a second reservoir 27 is provided in the battery coolant line 21 at a location between the second radiator 22 and the valve V. The coolant cooled in the second radiator 22 can be stored in the second reservoir 27.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cooler 30 is connected to a first connecting line 32 which is connected to the battery coolant line 21 at a location between the second radiator 22 and the battery module 24, and to a second connecting line 34 which is connected to the valve V.

[0070] The cooler 30 is connected to a refrigerant line 51 of an air conditioning system 50 through a refrigerant connection line 61.

[0071] Thus, the radiator 30 can regulate or control the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the radiator 30 and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioner 50. That is, the radiator 30 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which a coolant flows.

[0072] Here, a first end portion of the first connecting line 32 is connected to the battery coolant line 21 at a location between the second radiator 22 and the battery module 24. Furthermore, a second end portion of the first connecting line 32 may be connected to the cooler 30.

[0073] A first end portion of the second connecting line 34 is connected to the valve V. A second end portion of the second connecting line 34 is connected to the cooler 30.

[0074] The first connecting line 32 and the second connecting line 34 can be selectively opened so that the coolant that has flowed through the battery module 24 circulates through the battery coolant line 21 through the cooler 30 or the valve V without flowing through the second radiator 22.

[0075] Consequently, the radiator 30 can control the temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant selectively supplied through the first connection line 32 and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioner 50.

[0076] The heater 40 is provided in or on the coolant pipe 11 at a location between the electrical component 15 and the first radiator 12 to heat a vehicle interior by using the coolant.

[0077] Accordingly, when a vehicle interior is heated, the coolant having a high temperature and having flowed through the electrical component 15 can be supplied to the heater 40.

[0078] That is, the coolant having a high temperature and flowing through the electric component 15 is supplied to the heater 40 by operating the first water pump 14 in the heating mode of the vehicle, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0079] The heater 40 may be included in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module in the air conditioning system 50.

[0080] Here, a second coolant heater 43 may be provided in or on the coolant line 11 at a location between the electrical component 15 and the heater 40 to selectively heat the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11.

[0081] The second coolant heater 43 is turned on when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 40 is lower than a target temperature in the heating mode of the vehicle, to heat the coolant circulating in the coolant pipe 11 and to allow the coolant whose temperature is increased to flow into the heater 40.

[0082] The second coolant heater 43 may be an electric heater operating according to a power supply.

[0083] On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is described that the second coolant heater 43 is provided in the coolant pipe 11, but it is not limited thereto, and an air heater 45 for increasing the temperature of the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior may be used instead of the second coolant heater 43.

[0084] The air heater 45 may be mounted behind the heater 40 toward the vehicle interior within the HVAC module to selectively heat the outside air flowing through the heater 40.

[0085] That is, the second coolant heater 43 and / or the air heater 45 may be attached / provided to the heater 40.

[0086] The heater 40 configured as described above is supplied with the coolant whose temperature has risen while flowing through the electric component 15 in the heating mode of the vehicle by operating the first water pump 14, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner 50 includes the HVAC module, a condenser 53, a sub-condenser (or second condenser or heat exchanger) 54, a first expansion valve 55, an evaporator 56, and a compressor 59, which are connected by the refrigerant line 51.

[0088] First, the HVAC module (not shown) includes the evaporator 56, to which it is connected by the refrigerant line 51, and an opening and closing door, such as a damper, to control the outside air flowing through the evaporator 56 to selectively introduce it into the heater 40 depending on a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a heating and dehumidification mode of the vehicle.

[0089] That is, the opening and closing door is opened to allow the outside air flowing through the evaporator 56 to be introduced into the heater 40 in the vehicle's heating mode. In contrast, in the vehicle's cooling mode, the opening and closing door blocks the heater 40, allowing the outside air, which is cooled by flowing through the evaporator 56, to flow directly into the vehicle.

[0090] Here, if the second coolant heater 43 is not provided in or on the coolant line 11, the air heater 45 included in the HVAC module may be arranged on a side of the heater 40 facing away from the evaporator 56.

[0091] The air heater 45 can be operated to increase the temperature of the outside air flowing into the heater 40 when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 40 is lower than a target temperature for internal heating.

[0092] In contrast, the air heater 45 may be arranged within the HVAC module if the second coolant heater 43 is not provided in or on the coolant line 11.

[0093] That is, in the thermal management system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, either the second coolant heater 43 or the air heater 45 may be used.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the condenser 53 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 to allow the refrigerant to flow therethrough. The condenser 53 is provided in the refrigerant line 11 at a location between the heater 40 and the first radiator 12, so that the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11 flows therethrough.

[0095] The condenser 53 may condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11. That is, the condenser 53 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0096] The condenser 53 configured as described above can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 59 and the coolant supplied from the cooling device 10 to condense the refrigerant.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sub-condenser 54 may be provided in or on the refrigerant line 51 at a location between the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56.

[0098] Here, the sub-condenser 54 can further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 by exchanging heat with the outside air. In other words, the sub-condenser 54 is mounted on the front side of the first radiator 12 to perform mutual heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing therein and the outside air.

[0099] Consequently, the sub-condenser 54 may be an air-cooled heat exchanger to condense the refrigerant by using the outside air.

[0100] Accordingly, the sub-condenser 54 can further condense the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 to enhance the subcooling of the coolant, thereby improving a coefficient of performance (COP), which is a coefficient of cooling capacity relative to the power required by the compressor 59.

[0101] The first expansion valve 55 is provided in the refrigerant line 51 at a location between the sub-condenser 54 and the evaporator 56. The first expansion valve 55 receives the refrigerant flowing through the sub-condenser 54 to expand it.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first end portion of the refrigerant connection line 61 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 at a location between the sub-condenser 54 and the first expansion valve 55. A second end portion of the refrigerant connection line 61 may be connected to the refrigerant line 51 at a location between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 59.

[0103] Here, a second expansion valve 63 is provided in or on the refrigerant connection line 61. The second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant connection line 61 to introduce it into the radiator 30 when the battery module 24 is cooled by heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant.

[0104] Further, the second expansion valve 63 is operated to expand the refrigerant when the battery module 24 is cooled by using the refrigerant in the cooling mode of the vehicle.

[0105] That is, the second expansion valve 63 can introduce the refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 into the radiator 30 in a state where the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced by the expansion of the refrigerant to further reduce the temperature of the coolant flowing through the interior of the radiator 30.

[0106] Consequently, the coolant, which assumes a reduced temperature as it flows through the radiator 30, is introduced into the battery module 24, which is thereby cooled more efficiently.

[0107] The compressor 59 is connected at a location between the evaporator 56 and the condenser 53 through the refrigerant line 51. The present compressor 59 can compress the gaseous refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 53.

[0108] Here, the first and second expansion valves 55 and 63 may be electric and electronic expansion valves, respectively, which selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling a flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant line 51 or the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0109] Furthermore, valve V can be a 6-way valve.

[0110] Hereinafter, an operation and function of the thermal management system for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described by reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6 described in detail.

[0111] First, an operation for cooling the electric component 15 and the battery module 24 using the coolant cooled in the first and second radiators 12 and 22 in the thermal management system for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described by reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0112] Fig. 2 shows an operating state diagram for cooling electrical components and a battery module by using a coolant in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 2, the branch line 18 is closed by operating the valve V. The first connecting line 32 is closed and the second connecting line 34 is closed by operating the valve V.

[0114] Here, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 may each form an independent closed circuit through which the coolant circulates separately by operating the valve V.

[0115] In the present state, the first water pump 14 is operated in the cooling device 10 to cool the electrical component 15.

[0116] Accordingly, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 and stored in the first reservoir 16 is supplied to the electrical component 15 while circulating through the coolant line 11 by operating the valve V and the first water pump 14.

[0117] In the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 is operated to cool the battery module 24.

[0118] Accordingly, the coolant cooled in the second radiator 22 and stored in the second reservoir 27 is supplied to the battery module 24 while circulating through the battery coolant line 21 by operating the valve V and the second water pump 23.

[0119] That is, each coolant cooled in the first and second radiators 12 and 22 and stored in the first and second reservoirs 16 and 27 is circulated through the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 by operating the first and second water pumps 14 and 23, respectively, to efficiently cool the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24.

[0120] The air conditioning system 50 is not operating because the vehicle's cooling mode is deactivated.

[0121] Although it has been described in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention that the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 are cooled by the coolant cooled in the first and second radiators 12 and 22, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when the electrical component 15 and / or the battery module 24 are separately cooled, the first and second water pumps 14 and 23 and the valve V can be selectively operated.

[0122] An operation for cooling the battery module 24 by using the refrigerant in the cooling mode of the vehicle is described by reference to Fig. 3 described.

[0123] Fig. 3 shows an operating state diagram for cooling a battery module by using a refrigerant in a cooling mode of a vehicle in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to Fig. 3, the coolant circulates in the cooling device 10 by operating the first water pump 14 in the coolant line 11.

[0125] Here, the branch line 18 is closed by operating the valve V. The first connecting line 32 is open. The second connecting line 34 is opened by operating the valve V.

[0126] Furthermore, a portion of the battery coolant line 21 connected to the second radiator 22 is closed by operating the valve V.

[0127] In the present state, the second water pump 23 is operated in the battery cooling device 20 to cool the battery module 24.

[0128] Accordingly, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant flowing through the radiator 30 along the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 is supplied to the battery module 24 along the opened portion of the battery coolant line 21 by operating the second water pump 23.

[0129] Here, the cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 may each form an independent closed circuit through which each coolant circulates separately by operating the valve V.

[0130] That is, the battery cooling device 20 is not connected to the coolant line 11 by operating the valve V.

[0131] In the present state, the battery cooling device 20 can form a closed circuit through which the coolant circulates independently in the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the opened battery coolant line 21 by operating the second water pump 23.

[0132] That is, the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 each form an independent closed circuit by operating the valve V.

[0133] Accordingly, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant flowing through the radiator 30 can be supplied to the battery module 24 along the first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the battery coolant line 21 by operating the second water pump 23.

[0134] The coolant introduced into the battery coolant line 21 flows through the battery module 24 and is then introduced into the cooler 30 along the first connecting line 32.

[0135] That is, the coolant flowing through the battery module 24 is introduced from the radiator 30 along the opened second connection line 34 into the valve V. Thereafter, the coolant can be supplied to the battery module 24 by operating the second water pump 23 while flowing along the battery coolant line 21.

[0136] Meanwhile, in the cooling device 10, the coolant is circulated in the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14.

[0137] Accordingly, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be provided to the condenser 53 by operating the first water pump 14 after flowing through the electrical component 15 and the heater 40.

[0138] In the air conditioning system 50, each individual element operates to cool the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant line 51.

[0139] Here, the refrigerant line 51 connecting the subcondenser 54 and the evaporator 56 is opened by operating the first expansion valve 55. The refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by operating the second expansion valve 63.

[0140] Accordingly, the refrigerant that has flowed through the sub-condenser 54 can be circulated along the refrigerant line 51 and the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0141] Here, the first and second expansion valves 55 and 63 can expand the refrigerant, so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 and the cooler 30, respectively.

[0142] The condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant by using the coolant flowing along the refrigerant line 11. Furthermore, the sub-condenser 54 can further condense the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 53 by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0143] Meanwhile, the coolant flowing through the radiator 30 is introduced into the valve V along the opened second connecting line 34.

[0144] Thereafter, the refrigerant is circulated in the opened battery coolant line 21 by operating the second water pump 23 to cool the battery module 24.

[0145] The coolant flowing through the cooler 30 is cooled by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant supplied to the cooler 30. The coolant cooled in the cooler 30 is supplied to the battery module 24. Accordingly, the battery module 24 is cooled by the cooled coolant.

[0146] That is, the second expansion valve 63 expands a part of the refrigerant flowing through the sub-condenser 54 to supply the expanded refrigerant to the radiator 30 and opens the refrigerant communication line 61.

[0147] Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 is expanded by operating the second expansion valve 63 to enter a low-temperature and low-pressure state and flows into the cooler 30 connected to the refrigerant communication line 61.

[0148] Thereafter, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing into the cooler 30 and the coolant, and the refrigerant is then introduced into the compressor 59 through the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0149] In other words, the coolant, which has an elevated temperature due to cooling the battery module 24, is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant, which has a low temperature and low pressure, within the cooler 30. The cooled coolant is supplied again to the battery module 24 through the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the battery coolant line 21.

[0150] That is, the coolant can efficiently cool the battery module 24 while repeating the previously described operation.

[0151] On the other hand, the remaining refrigerant discharged from the sub-condenser 54 flows through the refrigerant line 51 to cool the vehicle interior and flows sequentially through the first expansion valve 55, the evaporator 56, the compressor 59, and the condenser 53.

[0152] Here, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module while flowing through the evaporator 56 is cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56.

[0153] In this case, a portion of the heater 40 through which the cooled outside air flows is closed by the opening and closing door, so that the outside air does not flow through the heater 40. Accordingly, the cooled outside air flows directly into the vehicle interior, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0154] On the other hand, the refrigerant whose degree of condensation increases as it successively flows through the condenser 53 and the sub-condenser 54 can expand and be supplied to the evaporator 56, whereby the refrigerant can be evaporated to a lower temperature.

[0155] Consequently, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant and the sub-condenser 54 further condenses the refrigerant, which is advantageous for the generation of subcooling of the refrigerant.

[0156] Furthermore, the temperature of the outside air flowing through the evaporator 56 can be further reduced because the subcooled refrigerant can be evaporated to a lower temperature in the evaporator 56, thereby improving the cooling performance and the cooling efficiency.

[0157] The refrigerant can cool the vehicle interior in the vehicle cooling mode while repeating the process described above and can simultaneously cool the coolant by heat exchange as it flows through the radiator 30.

[0158] The low-temperature coolant cooled in the radiator 30 is introduced into the battery module 24. Accordingly, the battery module 24 can be efficiently cooled by the low-temperature coolant.

[0159] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by reference to Fig. 4 describes an operation for using waste heat of the electrical component 15 without operating the air conditioning system 50 in the heating mode of the vehicle.

[0160] Fig. 4 shows an operating state diagram for performing a heating mode using the waste heat generated by an electrical component in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0161] Referring to Fig. 4, the thermal management system can heat the vehicle interior by using the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 without operating the air conditioner 50.

[0162] First, the first water pump 14 in the cooling device 10 is operated to circulate the coolant. In this case, the air conditioning system 50 is deactivated.

[0163] Here, branch line 18 is opened by operating valve V.

[0164] Furthermore, the first connecting line 32 is closed and the second connecting line 34 is closed by operating the valve V.

[0165] Accordingly, due to the branch line 18, a portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 and a portion of the coolant line 11 connecting the first radiator 12 and the first reservoir tank 16 are closed by operating the valve V.

[0166] That is, due to the branch line 18, the section of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12, the first reservoir 16 and the valve V can be closed.

[0167] In the present state, the coolant flowing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along an opened portion of the coolant pipe 11 without flowing through the first radiator 12 after flowing along the branch pipe 18 by operating the first water pump 14.

[0168] Meanwhile, the second water pump 23 in the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0169] That is, the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second water pump 23 and the battery module 24 is closed and the operation of the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0170] Therefore, the coolant flowing through the electrical component 15 continuously circulates along the open coolant line 11 and the branch line 18 without flowing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat of the electrical component 15, so that the temperature is increased.

[0171] While such operation is repeatedly performed, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and may increase the temperature.

[0172] The coolant whose temperature has increased while flowing through the electrical component 15 by operating the first water pump 14 is supplied to the heater 40 along the opened coolant line 11 without flowing through the first radiator 12.

[0173] The coolant discharged from the heater 40 is introduced into the valve V along the opened coolant line 11 and the opened branch line 18.

[0174] The coolant introduced into the valve V is supplied to the electrical component 15 along the opened coolant line 11.

[0175] That is, the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 15 continues to circulate along the opened coolant line 11 and the branch line 18 without flowing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, so that its temperature is increased.

[0176] The coolant whose temperature has been increased is introduced into the heater 40 along the coolant line 11 without flowing through the first radiator 12.

[0177] Here, the second coolant heater 43 is operated when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the coolant line 11 is lower than the target temperature, so that the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11 can be heated.

[0178] On the other hand, when the air heater 45 is used instead of the second coolant heater 43, the air heater 45 can be selectively operated depending on the temperature of the outside air flowing through the heater 40.

[0179] That is, the air heater 45 can be operated when the temperature of the outside air flowing through the heater 40 is lower than a target temperature, thereby heating the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0180] The air heater 45 is operated when the temperature of the outside air, which has exchanged heat with the coolant having a high temperature while flowing through the heater 40, is lower than a predetermined temperature or a target heating temperature.

[0181] When the air heater 45 is operated, the outside air can be heated while passing through the air heater 45 to be introduced into the vehicle interior in a state where the temperature is increased.

[0182] Meanwhile, the coolant having a high temperature supplied to the heater 40 exchanges heat with the outside air and is then introduced into the coolant pipe 11.

[0183] Thereafter, the coolant is introduced into the valve V along the opened branch line 18 without flowing through the first radiator 12.

[0184] The coolant introduced into the valve V is reintroduced into the coolant line 11, which is connected to the electrical component 15.

[0185] Meanwhile, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module flows through the heater 40.

[0186] Consequently, the outside air flows into the interior in an uncooled state as it passes through the evaporator 56, to which the refrigerant is not supplied. The introduced outside air is converted into a high-temperature state as it passes through the heater 40 to be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0187] In other words, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to recover the waste heat generated in the electrical component 15 while repeating the above-described process and use the waste heat for internal heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving the overall heating efficiency.

[0188] Meanwhile, when the electrical component 15 is overheated, by operating the valve V, the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 is opened and the branch line 18 is closed.

[0189] Consequently, the coolant whose temperature has been increased while flowing through the electric component 15 by operating the first water pump 14 is cooled while flowing through the first radiator 12 after flowing through the heater 40 provided in the coolant pipe 11, and is reintroduced into the electric component 15 by operating the first water pump 14.

[0190] That is, the coolant flowing through the electrical component 15 absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, so that its temperature is increased, and is supplied to the heater 40.

[0191] Thereafter, the coolant flowing through the heater 40 is cooled while flowing through the first radiator 12 by operating the first water pump 14.

[0192] The coolant which has been completely cooled can recover the waste heat while flowing through the electrical component 15 and can, at the same time, efficiently cool the electrical component 15.

[0193] Consequently, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be supplied to the electrical component 15, thereby preventing the electrical component 15 from overheating.

[0194] An operation according to a dehumidification mode of the vehicle in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be explained by reference to Fig. 5 described.

[0195] Fig. 5 shows an operating state diagram according to a dehumidification mode in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0196] Here, the dehumidification mode is a mode that is operated when dehumidification of the vehicle interior is required in the vehicle's heating mode.

[0197] Referring to Fig. 5, if the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is sufficient, the thermal management system can recover the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and use it for internal heating of the vehicle.

[0198] First, in the cooling device 10, the first water pump 14 is operated to circulate the coolant. Here, the branch line 18 is opened by operating the valve V.

[0199] Furthermore, the first connecting line 32 is closed and the second connecting line 34 is closed by operating the valve V.

[0200] Accordingly, due to the branch line 18, a portion of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 and a portion of the coolant line 11 connecting the first radiator 12 and the first reservoir 16 are closed by operating the valve V.

[0201] This means that due to the branch line 18, the section of the coolant line 11 which is connected to the first radiator 12, the first storage tank 16 and the valve V can be closed.

[0202] In the present state, the coolant flowing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along an opened portion of the coolant pipe 11 without flowing through the first radiator 12 after flowing along the branch pipe 18 by operating the first water pump 14.

[0203] Meanwhile, the second water pump 23 in the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0204] That is, the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second water pump 23 and the battery module 24 is closed and the operation of the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0205] Consequently, the coolant flowing through the electrical component 15 continuously circulates along the opened coolant pipe 11 and the branch pipe 18 without flowing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat of the electrical component 15, so that the temperature is increased.

[0206] While such operation is repeatedly performed, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and may increase the temperature.

[0207] The coolant whose temperature has increased while flowing through the electrical component 15 by operating the first water pump 14 is supplied to the heater 40 along the opened coolant line 11 without flowing through the first radiator 12.

[0208] The coolant discharged from the heater 40 is introduced into the valve V along the opened coolant line 11 and the opened branch line 18.

[0209] The coolant introduced into the valve V is supplied to the electrical component 15 along the opened coolant line 11.

[0210] That is, the coolant that has flowed through the electrical component 15 continues to circulate along the opened coolant line 11 and the opened branch line 18 without flowing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, so that its temperature is increased.

[0211] The coolant whose temperature has been increased is introduced into the heater 40 along the coolant line 11 without flowing through the first radiator 12.

[0212] Here, the second coolant heater 43 is operated when the temperature of the coolant circulating along the coolant line 11 is lower than the target temperature, so that the coolant circulating in the coolant line 11 is heated.

[0213] On the other hand, when the air heater 45 is used instead of the second coolant heater 43, the air heater 45 can be selectively operated depending on the temperature of the outside air flowing through the heater 40.

[0214] That is, the air heater 45 can be operated when the temperature of the outside air flowing through the heater 40 is lower than a target temperature, thereby heating the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0215] The air heater 45 is operated when the temperature of the outside air, which exchanges heat with the coolant having a high temperature while flowing through the heater 40, is lower than a predetermined temperature or a target heating temperature.

[0216] When the air heater 45 is operated, the outside air can be heated while passing through the air heater 45 to be introduced into the vehicle interior in a state where the temperature is increased.

[0217] Meanwhile, the coolant having a high temperature supplied to the heater 40 exchanges heat with the outside air and is then introduced into the coolant pipe 11.

[0218] Consequently, the coolant is introduced into the valve V along the opened branch line 18 without flowing through the first radiator 12.

[0219] The coolant introduced into the valve V is reintroduced into the coolant line 11, which is connected to the electrical component 15.

[0220] Meanwhile, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module flows through the heater 40.

[0221] The introduced outside air is brought into a high-temperature state while passing through the heater 40 to be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0222] In other words, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to recover the waste heat generated in the electrical component 15 while repeating the above-described process and use the waste heat for internal heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving overall heating efficiency.

[0223] Meanwhile, in the air conditioning system 50, each element operates to dehumidify the vehicle interior. Consequently, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0224] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56, is opened by operating the first expansion valve 55.

[0225] The refrigerant connection line 61 is closed by operating the second expansion valve 63.

[0226] Here, the first expansion valve 55 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the sub-condenser 54 into the refrigerant line 51, so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56.

[0227] Accordingly, the expanded refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 56 by operating the first expansion valve 55 is supplied to the compressor 59 along the refrigerant line 51 after exchanging heat with the outside air flowing through the evaporator 56.

[0228] That is, the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 56 can be supplied to the compressor 59. The refrigerant, compressed by the compressor 59 at high temperature and high pressure, is then introduced into the condenser 53.

[0229] Here, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air, which is introduced into the HVAC module and flows through the evaporator 56, flows through the heater 40.

[0230] That is, the outside air introduced into the HVAC module is dehumidified by the refrigerant, which is in a low-temperature state and introduced into the evaporator 56, while flowing through the evaporator 56. Consequently, the outside air is converted into a high-temperature state while flowing through the heater 40 and introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0231] An operation for heating the battery module 24 is described by reference to Fig. 6 described.

[0232] Fig. 6 shows a detailed perspective view for heating a battery module in a thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0233] Referring to Fig. 6, the cooling device 10 and the air conditioning system 50 are deactivated.

[0234] The branch line 18 is closed by operating the valve V. The first connecting line 32 is opened and the second connecting line 34 is opened by operating the valve V.

[0235] Furthermore, a portion of the battery coolant line 21 connected to the second radiator 22 is closed by operating the valve V.

[0236] That is, due to the first connecting line 32, the battery coolant line 21 connected to the second radiator 22 and the battery coolant line 21 connecting the second radiator 22 and the valve V are closed.

[0237] In the present state, the second water pump 23 is operated to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0238] Consequently, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant flowing through the radiator 30 along the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 is supplied to the battery module 24 by operating the second water pump 23 along the opened portion of the battery coolant line 21.

[0239] Here, by operating the second water pump 23, the coolant flowing through the battery module 24 can be circulated along the opened first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the battery coolant line 21 without flowing through the second radiator 22.

[0240] The first coolant heater 26 is operated to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 along the opened battery coolant line 21.

[0241] Accordingly, the temperature of the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 increases as it flows through the first coolant heater 26. Accordingly, the coolant having an elevated temperature as it flows through the first coolant heater 26 can be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0242] Consequently, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to quickly increase the temperature of the battery module 24 while repeating the above-described operation, thereby efficiently managing (or controlling) the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0243] Consequently, when the thermal management system for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention as described above is employed, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be adjusted depending on the vehicle mode by using a radiator 30 to perform heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and the vehicle interior can be heated by using the coolant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0244] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is additionally possible to improve the heating efficiency by recovering the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and using it for internal heating.

[0245] Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to optimize the performance of the battery module 24 by efficiently controlling the temperature of the battery module 24 and to increase the overall range of the vehicle by efficiently managing the battery module 24.

[0246] The present invention further improves the condensing or evaporating performance of the refrigerant by using the condenser 53 and the sub-condenser 54, thereby improving the cooling performance and reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59.

[0247] Furthermore, the entire system can be simplified to reduce manufacturing costs and weight and to improve space utilization.

[0248] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a control unit is connected to at least one element of the thermal management system to control its operation.

[0249] Furthermore, the term "controller," "control unit," or "control device" refers to a hardware device comprising a memory and a processor configured to execute one or more steps configured as an algorithm structure. The memory stores steps of the algorithm, and the processor executes the steps of the algorithm to perform one or more processes of a method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.The control unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by a non-volatile memory configured to store algorithms for controlling various parts of a vehicle or data via software instructions for executing the algorithms, and a processor configured to perform an operation described above by using the data stored in the memory. The memory and the processor may be individual chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be integrated into a single chip. The processor may be implemented by a single processor or multiple processors.

[0250] The controller or control unit may be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program which may contain a sequence of instructions for executing the method included in the aforementioned different exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0251] The above-mentioned invention may also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is a data storage device capable of storing data that can then be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable storage medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk (SDD), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., and implementation as carrier waves (e.g., transmission over the Internet).

[0252] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each operation described above may be performed by a control unit, and the control unit may be implemented by multiple control units or by a single integrated control unit.

[0253] For ease of explanation and accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," "upward," "downward," "front," "rear," "back," "inside," "outside," "inside," "outside," "internal," "external," "inner," "outer," "forward," and "backward" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments by reference to the positions of such features as shown in the figures. Furthermore, it will be understood that the term "connect," or terms derived therefrom, refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0254] The above description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments, and obviously numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the present invention and their practical applications in order to enable others skilled in the art to make and use different exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Thermal management system for a vehicle, comprising: a cooling device (10) comprising: a first radiator (12), a first pump (14) and a valve (V) connected by a coolant line (11) for circulating a coolant in the coolant line (11) to cool at least one electrical component (15) provided on the coolant line (11), a battery cooling device (20) comprising: a battery coolant line (21) connected to the valve (V), a second radiator (22), a second pump (23) and a battery module (24) connected by the battery coolant line (21) to circulate the coolant in the battery module (24), a radiator (30) connected to a first connecting line (32) connected to the battery coolant line (21) between the second radiator (22) and the battery module (24), and to a second connecting line (34) connected to the valve (V), and connected through a refrigerant connecting line (61) to a refrigerant line (51) of an air conditioner (50) to adjust a temperature of the coolant by performing heat exchange between the coolant introduced therein and a refrigerant selectively supplied from the air conditioner (50), a heater (40) provided on the coolant line (11) between the at least one electrical component (15) and the first radiator (12) for heating a vehicle interior by using a coolant supplied from the cooling device (10), and a branch line (18) having: a first end portion connected to the coolant line (11) between the first radiator (12) and the heater (40), and a second end portion connected to the valve (V), wherein a condenser (53) included in the air conditioner (50) is connected to the coolant line (11) to allow the coolant circulating through the cooling device (10) to flow therethrough. [2] Thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system (50) comprises: an evaporator (56) which is connected to the refrigerant line (51), the condenser (53) provided on the coolant line (11) between the first radiator (12) and the heater (40) to circulate a coolant therein to perform heat exchange between the coolant and a refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant line (51), a compressor (59) which is connected between the evaporator (56) and the condenser (53) by the refrigerant line (51), a sub-condenser (54) provided on the refrigerant line (51) between the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56), a first expansion valve (55) provided on the refrigerant line (51) between the sub-condenser (54) and the evaporator (56) and a second expansion valve (63) provided on the refrigerant connection line (61). [3] The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein the second expansion valve (63) expands the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection line (61) to flow to the radiator (30) when the battery module (24) is cooled by the refrigerant. [4] Thermal management system according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein a first end portion of the refrigerant connection line (61) is connected to the refrigerant line (51) between the sub-condenser (54) and the first expansion valve (55) and wherein a second end portion of the refrigerant connection line (61) is connected to the refrigerant line (51) between the evaporator (56) and the compressor (59). [5] Thermal management system according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cooler (30) is a water-cooled heat exchanger and / or the condenser (53) is a water-cooled heat exchanger and / or the sub-condenser (54) is an air-cooled heat exchanger. [6] Thermal management system according to one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: an air heater (45) arranged on a side of the heater (40) facing away from the evaporator (56) for selectively heating outside air flowing through the heater (40). [7] The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein the air heater (45) is operated to increase a temperature of the outside air flowing through the heater (40) when a temperature of a coolant supplied to the heater (40) is lower than a target temperature for internal heating. [8] Thermal management system according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, when the battery module (24) is cooled in a cooling mode of the vehicle, the coolant is circulated in the cooling device (10) by operating the first pump (14) in the coolant line (11), the branch line (18) is closed by operating the valve (V), the first connecting line (32) is opened and the second connecting line (34) is opened by operating the valve (V), a section of the battery coolant line (21) connected to the second radiator (22) is closed by operating the valve (V), in the battery cooling device (20), the coolant flowing through the cooler (30) along the first (32) and second (34) connecting lines is supplied to the battery module (24) along the opened portion of the battery coolant line (21) by operating the second pump (23), in the air conditioning system (50), the refrigerant line (51) connecting the sub-condenser (54) and the evaporator (56) is opened by operating the first expansion valve (55), the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by operating the second expansion valve (63) and the first and second expansion valves (55, 63) expand a refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant line (51) and the refrigerant connection line (61), respectively, and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator (56) and the cooler (30). [9] A thermal management system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the condenser (53) condenses the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant and the sub-condenser (54) further condenses the refrigerant introduced from the condenser (53) by heat exchange with the outside air. [10] Thermal management system according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, when a dehumidification mode of the vehicle is carried out, the branch line (18) is opened by operating the valve (V), the first connecting line (32) is closed, the second connecting line (34) is closed by operating the valve (V), in the cooling device (10), due to the branch line (18), the sections of the coolant line (11) which are connected to the first radiator (12) and the valve (V) are closed, the coolant, the temperature of which has increased while flowing through the at least one electrical component (15) by operating the first pump (14), is supplied to the heater (40) along the opened coolant line (11) without flowing through the first radiator (12), the coolant discharged from the heater (40) is introduced into the valve (V) along the opened coolant line (11) and the opened branch line (18), the coolant which is introduced into the valve (V) is supplied to the at least one electrical component (15) along the open coolant line (11), in the air conditioning system (50) the refrigerant is circulated in the open refrigerant line (51) by operating the first expansion valve (55), the first expansion valve (55) expands the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is fed to the evaporator (56) and the second expansion valve (63) closes the refrigerant connection line (61). [11] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, when the at least one electrical component (15) and the battery module (24) are cooled by using the coolant, the branch line (18) is closed by operating the valve (V), the first connecting line (32) is closed and the second connecting line (34) is closed by operating the valve (V), the cooling device (10) and the battery cooling device (20) each form an independent closed circuit by operating the valve (V), the coolant, which is cooled in the first radiator (12), is supplied by operating the first pump (14) from the valve (V) to the at least one electrical component (15) along the coolant line (11) and the coolant which is cooled in the second radiator (22) is supplied by operating the second pump (23) from the valve (V) to the battery module (24) along the battery coolant line (21). [12] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, when waste heat from at least one electrical component (15) is used in a heating mode of the vehicle, the branch line (18) is opened by operating the valve (V), the first connecting line (32) is closed, the second connecting line (34) is closed by operating the valve (V), in the cooling device (10), due to the branch line (18), the sections of the coolant line (11) which are connected to the first radiator (12) and the valve (V) are closed, the coolant, the temperature of which has increased while flowing through the at least one electrical component (15) by operating the first pump (14), is supplied to the heater (40) along the opened coolant line (11) without flowing through the first radiator (12), the coolant discharged from the heater (40) is introduced into the valve (V) along the opened coolant line (11) and the opened branch line (18) and the coolant which is introduced into the valve (V) is supplied to the at least one electrical component (15) along the opened coolant line (11). [13] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, when the battery module (24) is heated, the cooling device (10) is deactivated, the branch line (18) is closed by operating the valve (V), the first connecting line (32) is opened and the second connecting line (34) is opened by operating the valve (V), due to the first connecting line (32), the battery coolant line (21) which is connected to the second radiator (22) and the battery coolant line (21) which connects the second radiator (22) and the valve (V) are closed and the coolant flowing through the battery module (24) is circulated by operating the second pump (23) along the opened first and second connecting lines (32, 34) and the opened battery coolant line (21) without flowing through the second radiator (22). [14] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a first end portion of the first connecting line (32) is connected to the battery coolant line (21) between the second radiator (22) and the battery module (24) and a second end portion of the first connecting line (32) is connected to the cooler (30). [15] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a first end portion of the second connecting line (34) is connected to the valve (V) and a second end portion of the second connecting line (34) is connected to the cooler (30). [16] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one electrical component (15) comprises a motor or an electrical power control unit or an inverter or an autonomous driving control unit or an on-board charger. [17] The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the battery cooling device (20) further comprises a first coolant heater (26) provided on the battery coolant line (21) between the battery module (24) and the second radiator (22). [18] Thermal management system according to claim 17, wherein, when the battery module (24) is heated, the first coolant heater (26) is operated to heat a coolant which is supplied to the battery module (24) along the battery coolant line (21). [19] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a second coolant heater (43) is provided on the coolant line (11) between the at least one electrical component (15) and the heater (40) and wherein the second coolant heater (43) is operated to heat the coolant supplied to the heater (40) along the coolant line (11) when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater (40) is lower than a target temperature. [20] Thermal management system according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a first reservoir (16) is provided on the coolant line (11) between the first radiator (12) and the valve (V) and wherein a second reservoir (27) is provided on the battery coolant line (21) between the second radiator (22) and the valve (V).

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