Heat pump system for a vehicle

Abstract

Heat pump system for a vehicle, wherein the heat pump system has: a cooling device (10) comprising: a first radiator (12), a first pump (14), a first valve (V1) and a second valve (V2) 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 first valve (V1), 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) connected to the battery coolant line (21) between the battery module (24) and the second radiator (22), a second connecting line (34) connected to the first valve (V1), and a refrigerant line (51) of an air conditioning system (50) via a refrigerant connecting line (61) to adjust the temperature of the coolant by carrying out a heat exchange between the coolant introduced into it and a refrigerant selectively supplied by the air conditioning system (50), a heating device (40) comprising: a heating line (41) connected to the coolant line (11) through the second valve (V2) for heating a vehicle interior by using a coolant, a third pump (42) and a heater (43) provided on the heating line (41), a third connecting line (36), comprising: a first end section connected to the battery coolant line (21) between the battery module (24) and the first connecting line (32), and a second end section connected to the first valve (V1), and a fourth connecting line (38) comprising: a first end section connected to the cooler (30) and a second end section connected to the second valve (V2), so that the coolant which has passed through the at least one electrical component (15) or the heating device (40) is selectively supplied to the cooler (30) by operation of the second valve (V2).

Description

Background of the invention; Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle. More precisely, the present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle which regulates the temperature of a battery module by using a cooler which performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant, and improves heating efficiency by using waste heat generated by an electrical component. Description of the related technique

[0002] In general, an air conditioning system for a vehicle has an air conditioning system for circulating a refrigerant to heat or cool a vehicle interior.

[0003] Such an air conditioning system maintains a comfortable interior environment by keeping the vehicle's interior temperature at a reasonable level, regardless of external temperature changes, so that the vehicle's interior is heated or cooled by heat exchange through a condenser and an evaporator during a process in which a refrigerant, discharged by driving a compressor, circulates back to the compressor after passing through a condenser, receiver-dryer, expansion valve and an evaporator.

[0004] This means that the air conditioning system uses a gaseous refrigerant with a high temperature and high pressure, which is compressed by the compressor in a cooling mode in summer, to condense in order to reduce the temperature and humidity of the interior of the vehicle by evaporation in the evaporator through the collector-dryer and the expansion valve.

[0005] Meanwhile, in recent years, with the increasing interest in energy efficiency and environmental impact, there has been a demand for the development of environmentally friendly vehicles that are designed / suitable for, or have the potential to, replace vehicles with internal combustion engines. These environmentally friendly vehicles are generally fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles powered by electricity, or hybrid vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine and a battery or electric motor.

[0006] Among environmentally friendly vehicles, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles do not use a separate heater, unlike the air conditioning system of a general vehicle, with the air conditioning system used in the environmentally friendly vehicle being referred to as a heat pump system.

[0007] In contrast, in the case of an electric vehicle, energy from a chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen is converted into electrical energy to generate propulsion. In this process, since thermal energy is generated by the chemical reaction in the fuel cell, effective dissipation of the generated heat is essential to ensuring the fuel cell's performance.

[0008] Furthermore, even in a hybrid vehicle, a motor or electric motor is driven by the use of electricity or electrical energy supplied by the fuel cell or an electric battery, together with an internal combustion engine which operates on conventional fuel to generate the driving force, and as a result, the performance of the engine can only be ensured by effectively dissipating the heat generated by the fuel cell or battery and the engine.

[0009] As a result, a separate battery cooling system with a separate sealing circuit, together with a radiator and heat pump system, must be formed in the hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle to prevent heat generation in the engine and electrical components, and the battery containing the fuel cell.

[0010] Accordingly, the size and weight of a cooling module located in the front of the vehicle increase, and the arrangement of connecting pipes that supply the refrigerant and coolant to the heat pump system, radiator, and battery cooling system is complicated in an engine compartment.

[0011] Furthermore, the battery cooling system, which heats or cools the battery according to the vehicle's status to ensure optimal battery performance, is provided separately, resulting in the use of multiple valves connecting to the respective connecting pipes and the transmission of noise and vibrations to the vehicle interior due to frequent opening and closing of the valves, thus impairing driving comfort.

[0012] The information contained in this background-of-invention section is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment or any form of indication that this information represents prior art already known to those skilled in the art.

[0013] DE 10 2019 130 748 A1 discloses a heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising a cooling device with a radiator, a first water pump, a first valve and an expansion tank, which are connected by a coolant line and are arranged such that a coolant circulates in the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component provided in the coolant line; a battery cooling device, which is arranged to have a battery coolant line connected to the expansion tank via a second valve, and a second water pump and a battery module, which are connected via the battery coolant line to circulate the coolant into the battery module; and a heating device, which has a heating line connected to the coolant line via a third valve to heat a vehicle interior using a coolant and a third water pump.which are provided in the heating line, and which has a heating device.

[0014] DE 10 2020 105 801 A1 discloses a thermal management system and an integrated thermal management module for a vehicle, wherein the thermal management system comprises: a battery line connected to a high-voltage battery core, equipped with a first radiator, and through which coolant is transferred by a first pump; an interior heating line connected to a heating core for interior air conditioning, equipped therein with a hydrothermal heating device, equipped with a second pump for fluid transfer of the coolant, and equipped with a first valve at a downstream point of the heating core; a first and a second battery heating line branched off or connected at the downstream point of the heating core in the interior heating line to connect with the upstream point, respectively.to be connected to the downstream point of the high-voltage battery core, and a refrigerant line equipped with an expansion valve, a cooling core for interior air conditioning, a compressor and a condenser.

[0015] DE 10 2020 119 339 A1 discloses a heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising: a cooling device having a radiator, a first water pump, a first valve and a reservoir, which are connected to each other via a coolant line, wherein the cooling device is configured to circulate a coolant in the coolant line to cool at least one electrical component; a battery cooling device having a battery coolant line, which is connected to the coolant line via a second valve, and a second water pump and a battery module, which are connected to each other via the battery coolant line; a heating device having a heating line, which is connected to the coolant line via a third valve, a third water pump, which is provided in the heating line; an air conditioning system having a condenser, which is connected to the heating line, and a radiator.which is provided in the battery coolant line between the second valve and the battery module. Summary

[0016] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a heat pump system for a vehicle which regulates the temperature of a battery module by using a cooler that performs a heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant, and improves heating efficiency by using waste heat generated by an electrical component.

[0017] To solve this problem, the invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0018] In other words, the present invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising: a cooling device configured to include, or comprising: a first radiator, a first water pump, a first valve, and a second valve connected by a coolant line to circulate 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 include, or comprising: a battery coolant line connected to the first valve, a second radiator, a second water pump, and a battery module connected by the battery coolant line to circulate the coolant in the battery module; a cooler (or a cooling unit or refrigeration machine).a heat exchanger device), which is connected to: a first connecting line connected to the battery coolant line between the battery module and the second radiator, a second connecting line connected to the first valve, and a refrigerant line of an air conditioning system via a refrigerant connecting line to adjust the temperature of the coolant by performing a heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the radiator and a refrigerant selectively supplied by the air conditioning system, a heating device comprising: a heating line connected to the coolant line via the second valve to heat a vehicle interior by using a coolant, a third water pump ora third pump and a heater provided on the heating line, a third connecting line comprising: a first end section connected to the battery coolant line between the battery module and the first connecting line, and a second end section connected to the first valve, and a fourth connecting line comprising: a first end section connected to the radiator, and a second end section connected to the second valve, so that the coolant that has passed through the electrical component or the heating device is selectively supplied to the radiator by the operation of the second valve.

[0019] The air conditioning system may include: an evaporator mounted on the refrigerant line; a condenser provided in or on the heating line between the heater and the second valve, such that the refrigerant circulating through the heater passes through it and circulates the refrigerant within it to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant and a refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant line connected to the condenser; a compressor connected between the evaporator and the condenser via the refrigerant line; a heat exchanger provided on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator; a first expansion valve provided in or on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the evaporator; a second expansion valve provided in or on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the evaporator.a refrigerant connection line, an accumulator provided in or on the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor and connected to the refrigerant connection line, and a third expansion valve provided in or on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the heat exchanger.

[0020] Depending on the selective operation of the third expansion valve, the heat exchanger can further condense or evaporate the refrigerant condensed in the condenser through heat exchange with outside air.

[0021] The second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection line to flow to the radiator when the battery module is cooled by the refrigerant, and the third expansion valve can selectively expand the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger in a heating mode and a low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle.

[0022] A first end section of the refrigerant connection line can be connected to the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and a second end section of the refrigerant connection line can be connected to the accumulator.

[0023] Both the cooler and the condenser can be water-cooled heat exchangers, and the heat exchanger can be air-cooled heat exchangers.

[0024] The heating device may further include an air heater, which is provided on a side of the heater facing away from the evaporator and which is arranged between the air heater and the evaporator, in order to selectively heat outside air passing through the heater.

[0025] The air heater can be operated in such a way that it increases the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater when the temperature of a coolant supplied to the heater is lower than a target temperature for internal heating or for indoor heating.

[0026] When the battery module is cooled in a vehicle cooling mode, the coolant in the cooling device can be circulated in the coolant line by the operation of the first water pump, the first connecting line can be open, and the second connecting line can be opened by the operation of the first valve, the fourth connecting line can be closed by the operation of the second valve, a section of the battery coolant line connected to the second radiator and the third connecting line can be closed by the operation of the first valve, and the coolant flowing through the radiator along the first and second connecting lines in the battery cooling device can be supplied to the battery module along the open section of the battery coolant line by the operation of the second water pump.In the heating device, the coolant line and the heating line can be connected by the operation of the second valve, so that the coolant is supplied from the cooling device; in the air conditioning system, in a state in which the refrigerant connection line can be opened by the operation of the second expansion valve, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line and the refrigerant connection line; the first and second expansion valves can expand the refrigerant in such a way that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator and the condenser respectively; and the third expansion valve can allow the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to flow into the heat exchanger.

[0027] The heating device can supply the coolant, which is supplied by the cooling device, to the condenser by operating the third water pump, and the condenser can condense the refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant, and the heat exchanger can additionally condense the refrigerant introduced by the condenser through heat exchange with outside air.

[0028] When waste heat from an external heat source and the electrical component is recovered in a vehicle heating mode, the first connecting line may be closed, and the second connecting line may be opened by operation of the first valve. The third connecting line may be closed by operation of the first valve, and the fourth connecting line may be open by operation of the second valve. In the cooling device, the coolant or coolant line connected to the first radiator may be closed by operation of the first and second valves. The coolant passing through the electrical component may circulate along an open section of the coolant line without passing through the first radiator, after passing through the radiator along the second and fourth connecting lines by operation of the first water pump.The battery cooling device can be deactivated; the cooling device and the heating device can each form an independent closed circuit through the operation of the second valve; in the heating device, the coolant can circulate along the heating line through the operation of the third water pump; in the air conditioning system, the refrigerant line connecting the condenser and the evaporator can be closed through the operation of the first expansion valve; the refrigerant connection line can be opened through the operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand a refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line and supply the expanded refrigerant to the radiator; and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied by the condenser to supply it to the heat exchanger.

[0029] When waste heat from an external heat source and the battery module is recovered in a vehicle heating mode, the first connecting line may be open, the second connecting line may be open through operation of the first valve, the third connecting line may be closed through operation of the first valve, the fourth connecting line may be closed through operation of the second valve, the cooling device may be deactivated, a section of the battery coolant line connected to the second radiator may be closed through operation of the first valve, and the coolant passing through the battery module may circulate along an open section of the battery coolant line without passing through the second radiator, after having passed through the radiator along the first and second connecting lines through operation of the second water pump.In the heating system, the coolant can circulate along the heating line through the operation of the third water pump; in the air conditioning system, the refrigerant line connecting the condenser and the evaporator can be closed through the operation of the first expansion valve; the refrigerant connection line can be opened through the operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line and supply the expanded refrigerant to the radiator; and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, which is to be supplied to the heat exchanger.

[0030] When the vehicle is in low-temperature dehumidification mode, the first connecting line may be closed and the second connecting line may be open due to operation of the first valve; the third connecting line may be closed due to operation of the first valve; the fourth connecting line may be open due to operation of the second valve; in the cooling device, the coolant line connected to the first radiator may be closed due to operation of the first and second valves; the coolant passing through the electrical component may circulate along an open section of the coolant line without passing through the first radiator, after passing through the radiator along the second and fourth connecting lines due to operation of the first water pump; the battery cooling device may be deactivated.The cooling device and the heating device can each form an independent closed circuit through the operation of the second valve; in the heating device, the coolant can circulate along the heating line through the operation of the third water pump; in the air conditioning system, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line and the refrigerant connecting line, which are opened by the operation of the first and second expansion valves, respectively; 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 expand the refrigerant supplied by the condenser, which is to be supplied to the heat exchanger.

[0031] When the waste heat from the electrical component is recovered and the temperature of the battery module is increased in the vehicle's heating mode, the first connecting line may be closed and the second connecting line may be open through operation of the first valve; the third connecting line may be open through operation of the first valve; the fourth connecting line may be open through operation of the second valve; in the cooling device, the coolant line connected to the first radiator may be closed through operation of the first and second valves; the coolant passing through the electrical component may circulate along an open section of the coolant line without passing through the first radiator, after passing through the radiator along the second and fourth connecting lines through operation of the first water pump.In the battery cooling device, the coolant can be circulated along a section of the battery coolant line connected to the battery module and the open third connecting line by the operation of the second water pump; the cooling device and the heating device can each form an independent closed circuit by the operation of the second valve; in heating mode, the coolant can be circulated along 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 can be closed by the operation of the first expansion valve; the refrigerant connecting line can be opened by the operation of the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connecting line and supply the expanded refrigerant to the radiator.and the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, which is to be fed to the heat exchanger.

[0032] If the electrical component and the battery module are cooled by the use of the refrigerant, the first connecting line can be closed, the second and third connecting lines can be closed by operation of the first valve, the fourth connecting line can be closed by operation of the second valve, the cooling device and the battery cooling device can each form an independent closed circuit by operation of the first valve, the refrigerant cooled in the first radiator can be supplied from the first valve to the electrical component along the refrigerant line by operation of the first water pump, and the refrigerant cooled in the second radiator can be supplied from the first valve to the battery module along the battery refrigerant line by operation of the second water pump.

[0033] When the waste heat from the electrical component is used without operating the air conditioning in the vehicle's heating mode, the first connecting line may be closed, the second connecting line may be opened by operation of the first valve, the third connecting line may be closed by operation of the first valve, the fourth connecting line may be open by operation of the second valve, in the cooling device the coolant line connected to the first radiator may be closed by operation of the first and second valves, in the heating device the heating line may be connected to the coolant line by operation of the second valve, the coolant, which has a temperature that has increased due to its passage through the electrical component by operation of the first water pump, may be supplied to the heating line connected to the open coolant line.Without passing through the first radiator, the coolant introduced into the heating line can be supplied to the heater by operating the third water pump; the coolant drained from the heater can be supplied from the second valve to the cooler along the open fourth connecting line; the coolant drained from the cooler can be supplied to the first valve along the open second connecting line; and the coolant reintroduced into the first valve can be supplied to the electrical component along the open coolant line.

[0034] A first end section of the first connecting line can be connected to the battery coolant line between the battery module and the second radiator, and a second end section of the first connecting line can be connected to the cooler via the fourth connecting line.

[0035] A first end section of the second connecting line can be connected to the first valve and a second end section of the second connecting line can be connected to the cooler.

[0036] In other modes, with the exception of a mode in which the first connecting line and the fourth connecting line are connected together, the first connecting line can be opened or closed in the opposite direction to the opening and closing operation of the fourth connecting line.

[0037] The first valve can be a 6-way valve and / or the second valve can be a 5-way valve.

[0038] The electrical component may include: an Electrical Power Control Unit (EPCU), a motor, an inverter, an Autonomous Driving Control Unit, or an On-Board Charging Device (OBC).

[0039] The battery cooling device may further comprise: a first coolant heater, which is provided in or on the battery coolant line between the battery module and the second radiator.

[0040] When the battery module is heated, the first coolant heater can be operated to heat a coolant that is supplied to the battery module along the battery coolant line.

[0041] A second coolant heater can be provided in or on the heating line between the third water pump and the heater.

[0042] The second coolant heater can be operated to heat the coolant supplied to the heater along the heating line when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater is lower than the target temperature.

[0043] A first reservoir tank can be provided in the coolant line between the first radiator and the first valve, and a second reservoir tank can be provided in the battery coolant line between the second radiator and the first valve.

[0044] As described above, according to the heat pump system for the vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments 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 carry out a heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the coolant, thereby simplifying the entire system.

[0045] According to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to improve heating efficiency by recovering waste heat from the electrical component and waste heat from the battery module and using it for interior heating.

[0046] Furthermore, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, waste heat from the electrical component can be reused in a heating mode of the vehicle and at the same time the temperature of the battery module can be increased.

[0047] Furthermore, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to optimize the performance of the battery module by efficiently controlling or regulating the temperature of the battery module and to increase the overall driving distance or range of the vehicle by efficiently managing the battery module.

[0048] Furthermore, numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention can utilize the coolant heater or an air heater used in the heating device to heat the battery module or to assist with interior heating of the vehicle, thereby reducing costs and weight.

[0049] Furthermore, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, heat from outside air and waste heat from an electrical component and a battery module are selectively used in a heating mode of the vehicle, thereby increasing heating efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cooling performance can be improved and the power consumption of a compressor can be reduced by increasing the condensation or evaporation performance of the refrigerant using a condenser and a heat exchanger.

[0051] Furthermore, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, manufacturing costs can be reduced and weight can be reduced by simplifying the entire system, and space utilization can be improved.

[0052] The methods and devices of the present invention have other features and advantages, which become more apparent and are set out in more detail in the following accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an operating state diagram for cooling electrical components and a battery module by using a coolant in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an operating state diagram for cooling a battery module using a coolant in a cooling mode of a vehicle in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an operating state diagram for the recovery of waste heat from external heat and an electrical component as a function of a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates 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 numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an operating state diagram for waste heat recovery of an electrical component and for heating a battery module depending on a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an operating state diagram for performing the heating mode using waste heat from an electrical component in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an operating state diagram according to a low-temperature dehumidification mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather represent a simplified depiction of numerous features illustrating the fundamental principles of the present invention. The specific embodiments of the present invention shown here, which include, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, are partly determined by the intended application and environment of use.

[0054] In the figures, identical reference numerals refer to identical or equivalent sections of the present invention. Detailed description

[0055] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will below be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] For the sake of clarity of the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted and the same elements or equivalents are provided throughout the description by the same reference numerals.

[0057] The size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily represented in the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the thickness of layers, layers, plates, areas, etc. may be exaggerated in the drawings for clarity.

[0058] In the present description and the following drawings, unless otherwise stated, the term "have" and variations such as "has" or "having" shall be understood to mean the presence of the element mentioned, but not the exclusion of other elements.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms “...unit”, “...mechanism”, “...section”, “...element”, etc., used here mean a unit of contained components that perform at least one function or operation.

[0060] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] The heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention can adjust the temperature of a battery module 24 using a cooler 30 in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat, and can recover waste heat generated by an electrical component 15 and a battery module 24 for use in interior heating.

[0062] Such a heat pump system can be used in electric vehicles.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 1 The heat pump system can include: a cooling device 10, a battery cooling device 20, a cooler (a heat exchanger device) 30 and a heating device 40.

[0064] The cooling device 10 comprises: a first radiator 12 connected to a coolant line 11, a first water pump 14, a first valve V1, a second valve V2 and a first reservoir tank 16.

[0065] The first radiator 12 is located in front of the vehicle or at the front of the vehicle and a cooling fan 13 is located behind the first radiator 12, so that the coolant is cooled by operation of the cooling fan 13 and by heat exchange with outside air.

[0066] In addition, the electrical component 15 may include: an Electrical Power Control Unit (EPCU) or a motor or an inverter or an Autonomous Driving Control Unit or an On-Board Charging Device (OBC).

[0067] The electrical component 15, which is configured as described above, can be provided in or on the coolant line 11 in order to be cooled by coolant cooling, such as water cooling.

[0068] Accordingly, if the waste heat of the electrical component 15 is recovered in the vehicle's heating mode, the heat generated by the EPCU or the motor or the inverter or the autonomous driving control unit or the OBC can be recovered.

[0069] The first reservoir tank 16 is provided on the coolant line 11 between the first radiator 12 and the first valve V1. The coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be stored in the first reservoir tank 16.

[0070] This cooling device 10 can circulate the coolant in the coolant line 11 by operating the first water pump 14 in such a way that the coolant is supplied to the electrical component 15 provided in / on the coolant line 11.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery cooling device 20 comprises: a battery coolant line 21 which is connected to the first valve V1 and a second radiator 22, a second water pump 23 and a battery module 24 which is connected to the battery coolant line 21.

[0072] The battery cooling device 20 can selectively circulate the coolant in the battery module 24 by operating the second water pump 23.

[0073] The first and second water pumps 14 and 23 can be electric water pumps here.

[0074] The battery cooling device 20 can further comprise a first coolant heater 26, which is provided in or on the battery coolant line 21 between the battery module 24 and the second radiator 22.

[0075] If it is necessary to increase the temperature of the battery module 24, the first coolant heater 26 is switched on to heat the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 so that the coolant, whose temperature is being increased, can be supplied to the battery module 24.

[0076] The first coolant heater 26 can be an electric heater which operates according to a supply of electrical power.

[0077] This means that 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.

[0078] Accordingly, the coolant, which has an increased temperature as it passes through the first coolant heater 26, can be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0079] This means that the first coolant heater 26 can operate selectively when the temperature of the battery module 24 is increased or is to be increased.

[0080] A second reservoir 27 is provided in the battery coolant line 21 between the second radiator 22 and the first valve V1. The coolant cooled in the second radiator 22 can be stored in the second reservoir 27.

[0081] 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 between the battery module 24 and the second radiator 22, and a second connecting line 34, which is connected to the first valve V1.

[0082] The cooler 30 is connected to a refrigerant line 51 of an air conditioning system 50 by a refrigerant connection line 61.

[0083] As a result, the cooler 30 can regulate or control the temperature of the coolant by performing a heat exchange between the coolant introduced into the cooler 30 and the refrigerant selectively supplied by the air conditioning system 50. This means that the cooler 30 can be a water-cooled or liquid-cooled heat exchanger into which a coolant flows.

[0084] The heat pump system can also have a third connecting line 36 and a fourth connecting line 38.

[0085] A first end section of the third connecting line 36 is connected to the battery coolant line 21 between the battery module 24 and the first connecting line 32. A second end section of the third connecting line 36 is connected to the first valve V1.

[0086] The third connecting line 36 can be opened by operating the first valve V1 when it is necessary to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0087] A first end section of the fourth connecting line 38 is connected to the cooler 30. Furthermore, a second end section of the fourth connecting line 38 is connected to the second valve V2.

[0088] The fourth connecting line 38 can selectively supply the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 or the coolant passing through the heating device 40 to the radiator 30 by operating the second valve V2.

[0089] A first end section of the first connecting line 32 is connected to the battery coolant line 21 between the battery module 24 and the second radiator 22. Furthermore, a second end section of the first connecting line 32 can be connected to the cooler 30 via the fourth connecting line 38.

[0090] A first end section of the second connecting line 34 is connected to the first valve V1; a second end section of the second connecting line 34 is connected to the cooler 30.

[0091] In the cooling mode, the heating mode and the dehumidifying mode of the vehicle, with the exception of the mode for cooling the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 using the coolant, the first connecting line 32 can be opened or closed in the opposite direction to an opening and closing operation of the fourth connecting line 38.

[0092] This means that if the first connecting line 32 is open, the fourth connecting line 38 is closed. Conversely, if the fourth connecting line 38 is open, the first connecting line 32 can remain closed.

[0093] The first connecting line 32 and the third connecting line 36 can be selectively opened in such a way that the coolant which has passed through the battery module 24 circulates through the battery coolant line 21 through the cooler 30 or the first valve V1, without passing through the second radiator 22.

[0094] As a result, the cooler 30 can regulate or control the temperature of the coolant by carrying out a heat exchange between the coolant, which is selectively supplied through the first connecting line 32 or the fourth connecting line 38, and the refrigerant, which is selectively supplied by the air conditioning system 50.

[0095] The heating device 40 can include: a heating line 41 which can be selectively connected to the coolant line 11 by a second valve V2 to heat a vehicle interior using the coolant, a third water pump 42 and a heater 43 provided on the heating line 41.

[0096] When a vehicle interior is heated without the operation of the air conditioning system 50, the heating device 40 can connect the coolant line 11 and the heating line 41, which is connected to the electrical component 15, by operating the second valve V2, so that the high-temperature coolant which has passed through the electrical component 15 is supplied to the heating line 41.

[0097] Accordingly, the high-temperature coolant can be supplied to the heater 43 along the heating line 41.

[0098] This means that the heating device 40, which is constructed as described above, supplies the high-temperature coolant introduced by the cooling device 10 to the heating line 41 in the vehicle's heating mode, or the coolant, whose temperature is increased as it circulates through the heating line 41, is supplied to the heater 43 by the operation of the third water pump 42, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0099] The third water pump 42 can be an electric water pump.

[0100] The heater 43 can be provided within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning module (HVAC module).

[0101] A second coolant heater 45 for selectively heating the coolant circulating in the heating line 41 can be provided here in the heating line 41 or on the heating line 41 between the third water pump 42 and the heater 43.

[0102] The second coolant heater 45 is switched on when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 43 in the vehicle's heating mode is lower than a target temperature for heating the coolant circulating in the heating line 41, thereby supplying the coolant, whose temperature is increased, to the heater 43.

[0103] The second coolant heater 45 can be an electric heater, which operates according to the power supply or the supplied power.

[0104] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second coolant heater 45 is provided in / on the heating line 41. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and a heater 47 for increasing the temperature of outside air flowing into the vehicle interior can be used instead of or in addition to the second coolant heater 45.

[0105] The air heater 47 can be positioned behind the heater 43 towards the vehicle interior within the HVAC module to selectively heat the outside air passing through the heater 43.

[0106] This means that the second coolant heater 45 and / or the air heater 47 can be used in the heating device 40.

[0107] The heating device 40, which is constructed as described above, supplies the high-temperature coolant introduced by the cooling device 10 to the heating line 41 in the vehicle's heating mode, or supplies the coolant, whose temperature is increased as it circulates through the heating line 41, to the heater 43 by operating the third water pump 42, thereby heating the vehicle interior or the vehicle interior.

[0108] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning system 50 comprises: the HVAC module, a condenser 53, a heat exchanger 54, a first expansion valve 55, an evaporator 56, an accumulator 57 and a compressor 59, which are connected by a refrigerant line 51.

[0109] The HVAC module, not shown, includes: the evaporator 56, which is connected to it by the refrigerant line 51, and an opening and closing door, such as a flap, for controlling the passage of outside air through the evaporator 56, so that it can be selectively introduced into the heater 43 depending on a cooling mode, heating mode, and a heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle.

[0110] This means that the opening and closing door is opened to allow outside air, which passes through the evaporator 56, to enter the heater 43 in the vehicle's heating mode. Conversely, in the vehicle's cooling mode, the opening and closing door closes the heater 43 in such a way that the outside air, which is cooled as it passes through the evaporator 56, flows directly into the vehicle.

[0111] If the second coolant heater 45 is not provided in the heating device 40, the air heater 47, which is provided in the HVAC module, can be provided on the opposite side of the evaporator 56 with the heater 43 arranged in between.

[0112] The air heater 47 can be operated in such a way that it increases the temperature of the outside air flowing into the heater 43 when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater 43 is lower than a target temperature for interior heating.

[0113] In contrast, the air heater 47 can be provided within the HVAC module if the second coolant heater 45 is not provided in the heating line 41.

[0114] This means that in the heat pump system according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, only one of the second coolant heater 45 and the air heater 47 can be provided.

[0115] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the condenser 53 is connected to the refrigerant line 51 to allow the refrigerant to flow through it. The condenser 53 is provided on the heating line 41 between the heater 43 and the second valve V2, so that the coolant circulating through the heating device 40 passes through it.

[0116] This condenser 53 can condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant circulating in the heating line 41. This means that the condenser 53 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the coolant flows.

[0117] The condenser 53, which is configured as described above, can perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied to the compressor 59 and the coolant supplied by the heating device 40 in order to condense or liquefy the refrigerant.

[0118] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 54 can be provided in / on the refrigerant line 51 between the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56.

[0119] The first expansion valve 55 is located in or on the refrigerant line 51 between the heat exchanger 54 and the evaporator 56. The first expansion valve 55 receives the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 54 in order to expand it.

[0120] The accumulator 57 is provided in / on the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 56 and the compressor 59 and is connected to the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0121] As a result, the accumulator 57 improves the efficiency and service life of the compressor 59 by supplying only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 59.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the 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; the second end section of the refrigerant connection line 61 can be connected to the accumulator 57.

[0123] The accumulator 57 can supply the gaseous refrigerant of the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant connection line 61 to the compressor 59.

[0124] In contrast, the refrigerant connection line 61 is provided with a second expansion valve 63 and the refrigerant line 51 between the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54 may be provided with a third expansion valve 65.

[0125] The second expansion valve 63 can expand the coolant flowing in through the refrigerant connection line 61 to supply it to the radiator 30 when the battery module 24 is cooled with the refrigerant.

[0126] The second expansion valve 63 is operated here when the waste heat from the electrical component 15 or the battery module 24 is recovered in the heating mode and the heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle.

[0127] The second expansion valve 63 can selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection line 61 to allow it to flow into the cooler 30.

[0128] This means that the second expansion valve 63 can introduce the refrigerant drained from the heat exchanger 54 into the cooler 30 in a state in which the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced by expanding the refrigerant in order to further reduce the temperature of the coolant passing through the interior of the cooler 30.

[0129] As a result, the coolant, which has a temperature that is reduced as the coolant passes through the radiator 30, is introduced into the battery module 24, which is thereby cooled more efficiently.

[0130] The third expansion valve 65 can selectively expand the refrigerant which flows into the heat exchanger 54 in the heating mode and a low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle.

[0131] The heat exchanger 54 can further condense or evaporate the refrigerant, which has been compressed by the condenser 53, through heat exchange with the outside air, depending on the selective operation of the third expansion valve 65.

[0132] In other words, the heat exchanger 54 is positioned upstream of the first radiator 12 so that the incoming refrigerant can exchange heat with the outside air. The heat exchanger 54 can be an air-cooled heat exchanger for condensing the refrigerant using outside air.

[0133] When the heat exchanger 54 condenses the refrigerant, the heat exchanger 54 can further condense the refrigerant that has condensed in the condenser 53 to increase subcooling of the refrigerant, thereby improving the coefficient of performance (COP), which is a coefficient of cooling capacity relative to the power required by the compressor.

[0134] The compressor 59 is thus connected between the evaporator 56 and the condenser 53 via the refrigerant line 51. The compressor 59 can compress the gaseous refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 53.

[0135] The first, second and third expansion valves 55, 63 and 65 can be electronic expansion valves which selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling or regulating a flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant line 51 or the refrigerant connecting line 61.

[0136] Furthermore, the first valve V1 can be a 6-way valve and / or the second valve V2 can be a 5-way valve.

[0137] The operation and function of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which is configured as described above, are described in detail below by reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 described.

[0138] First, operation in the case of cooling of the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 using the first and second radiators 12 and 22 in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described by reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0139] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an operating state diagram for cooling electrical components and a battery module by using a coolant in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to Fig. 2 the first connecting line 32 is closed and the second and the third connecting lines 34 and 36 are closed by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0141] The fourth connecting line 38 is closed by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0142] The cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can each form an independent closed circuit, through which coolant circulates separately, by operating the first valve V1.

[0143] In the present state, the first water pump 14 is operated in the cooling device 10 to cool the electrical component 15.

[0144] Accordingly, the coolant, which is cooled in the first radiator 12 and stored in the first reservoir tank 16, is supplied to the electrical component 15, while it circulates through the coolant line 11 by operation of the first valve V1 and the first water pump 14.

[0145] In the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 is operated to cool the battery module 24.

[0146] Accordingly, the coolant, which is cooled in the second radiator 22 and stored in the second reservoir tank 27, is supplied to the battery module 24, while it circulates through the battery coolant line 21 by operation of the first valve V1 and the second water pump 23.

[0147] This means that each coolant which is cooled in the first and second radiators 12 and 22 and stored in the first and second reservoir tanks 16 and 27 circulates through the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the first and second water pumps 14 and 23 respectively, in order to efficiently cool the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24.

[0148] The air conditioning system 50 is not operating because the vehicle's cooling mode is deactivated.

[0149] Although the present embodiment of the present invention specifies that both 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 to this and, if the electrical component 15 or the battery module 24 is cooled separately, the first and second water pumps 14 and 23 and the first valve V1 can be operated selectively.

[0150] Operation in the event of cooling the battery module 24 using the refrigerant in the vehicle's cooling mode is described by reference to Fig. 3 described.

[0151] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an operating state diagram for cooling a battery module using a refrigerant in a cooling mode of a vehicle in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to Fig. 3 In the cooling device 10, the coolant is circulated in the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0153] Here, the first connecting line 32 is open. The second connecting line 34 is opened by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0154] Furthermore, the fourth connecting line 38 is closed by the operation of the second valve V2. A section of the battery coolant line 21, which is connected to the second radiator 22 and the third connecting line 36, is closed by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0155] In the battery cooling device 20, the second water pump 23 is operated to cool the battery module 24.

[0156] Accordingly, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant passing through the radiator 30 is supplied to the battery module 24 along the open section of the battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 23 via the open first and second connecting lines 32 and 34.

[0157] The cooling device 10 and the battery cooling device 20 can form an independent closed section through which each coolant circulates separately by operating the first valve V1.

[0158] This means that the battery cooling device 20 is not connected to the coolant line 11 through the operation of the first valve V1.

[0159] In the present state, the battery cooling device 20 can form a closed circuit through which the coolant circulates independently in the open first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the open battery coolant line 21 by the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0160] This means that the coolant line 11 and the battery coolant line 21 each form an independent closed circuit through the operation of the first valve V1.

[0161] Accordingly, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant passing 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.

[0162] The coolant introduced into the battery coolant line 21 is passed through the battery module 24 and is then introduced into the radiator 30 along the first connecting line 32.

[0163] Accordingly, the coolant passing through the battery module 24 is introduced from the radiator 30 into the first valve V1 along the open second connecting line 34. The coolant can then be supplied to the battery module 24 as it flows along the battery coolant line 21 through the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0164] In the heating device 40, the heating line 41 is connected to the coolant line 11 by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0165] In the present state, the coolant supplied by the cooling device 10 is circulated in the heating line 41 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0166] Accordingly, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be supplied to the condenser 53 by the operation of the first and third water pumps 14 and 42, after it has passed through the electrical component 15.

[0167] In the air conditioning system 50, each component works to cool the interior of the vehicle. Accordingly, the refrigerant is circulated along the refrigerant line 51.

[0168] The refrigerant line 51, which connects the heat exchanger 54 and the evaporator 56, is open due to the operation of the first expansion valve 55. The refrigerant connection line 61 is open due to the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0169] Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 54 can be circulated along the refrigerant line 51 and the refrigerant connecting line 61.

[0170] The first and second expansion valves 55 and 63 can expand the refrigerant in such a way that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 56 and the cooler 30, respectively. The third expansion valve 65 can allow the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53 to flow into the heat exchanger 54 without expanding it.

[0171] The heating device 40 supplies the coolant supplied by the cooling device 10 to the condenser 53 by operating the third water pump 42.

[0172] The condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant using the coolant flowing along the heating line 41. The heat exchanger 54 can further condense the refrigerant introduced by the condenser 53 through the operation of the third expansion valve 65 by means of heat exchange with the outside air.

[0173] The coolant passing through the radiator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connecting line 34.

[0174] Afterwards, the coolant in the open battery coolant line 21 is circulated by the operation of the second water pump 23 to cool the battery module 24.

[0175] The coolant flowing through cooler 30 is cooled by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant supplied to cooler 30. The coolant cooled in cooler 30 is then supplied to battery module 24.

[0176] Accordingly, battery module 24 is cooled by the cooled coolant.

[0177] This means that the second expansion valve 63 expands part of the coolant through or from the heat exchanger 54 in order to supply the expanded coolant to the radiator 30, and opens the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0178] Accordingly, the refrigerant drained from the heat exchanger 54 is expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63 to enter a state of low temperature and low pressure, and flows into the cooler 30, which is connected to the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0179] The refrigerant flowing into the cooler 30 then exchanges heat with the coolant and is subsequently introduced into the compressor 59 after passing through the accumulator 57 via the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0180] In other words, the coolant, at its elevated temperature, is cooled by cooling the battery module 24 through heat exchange with the lower-temperature, lower-pressure refrigerant within the radiator 30. The cooled coolant is then returned to the battery module 24 via the open first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 and the battery coolant line 21.

[0181] This means that the coolant can efficiently cool battery module 24 while the previously described operation is repeated.

[0182] The remaining refrigerant, which is drained from the heat exchanger 54, flows through the refrigerant line 51 to cool the vehicle interior and then passes through the first expansion valve 55, the evaporator 56, the compressor 59 and the condenser 53.

[0183] Here, the outside air flowing into the HVAC module as it passes through the evaporator 56 is cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 56.

[0184] In the present case, a section of the heater 53, through which the cooled outside air passes, is closed by the opening and closing door, so that the outside air does not pass through the heater 43.

[0185] Accordingly, the cooled outside air flows directly into the interior of the vehicle and cools the interior of the vehicle.

[0186] In contrast, the refrigerant, of which a quantity has condensed, which is increased as it passes sequentially through the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54, can be expanded and fed to the evaporator 56, thereby allowing the refrigerant to evaporate at a low temperature.

[0187] As a result, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the condenser 53 condenses the refrigerant and the heat exchanger 54 further condenses the refrigerant, which is advantageous when subcooling the refrigerant.

[0188] Furthermore, the temperature of the outside air flowing through the evaporator 56 can be further reduced, since the subcooled refrigerant can be evaporated to a lower temperature in the evaporator 56, thereby improving the cooling capacity and cooling efficiency.

[0189] The refrigerant can cool the vehicle interior in the vehicle's cooling mode while the previously described processes are repeated, and can at the same time cool the coolant through heat exchange as it passes through the radiator 30.

[0190] The low-temperature coolant, which is cooled in the cooler 30, is introduced into the battery module 24. Accordingly, the battery module 24 can be efficiently cooled by the low-temperature coolant supplied from it.

[0191] In the exemplary embodiment of the present 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 by reference to Fig. 4 described.

[0192] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an operating state diagram for waste heat recovery from external heat and an electrical component as a function of a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0193] Referring to Fig. 4. The heat pump system can absorb the external heat from the outside air together with the waste heat from the electrical component 15 in an initial start-up idle state (IDLE) of the vehicle or in an initial driving state in which the waste heat from the electrical component 15 is insufficient.

[0194] First, the first water pump 14 is operated in the cooling device 10 to circulate the coolant.

[0195] Here the first connecting line 32 is closed and the second connecting line 34 is opened by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0196] The third connecting line 36 is closed by the operation of the first valve V1 and the fourth connecting line 38 is opened by the second valve V2.

[0197] Furthermore, in the cooling device 10, a section of the coolant line 11, which is connected to the first radiator 12, is closed by the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0198] In the present state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along an open section of the coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12, after passing through the cooler 30 along the second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0199] This means that the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 is supplied to the radiator 30 along the open fourth connecting line 38 by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0200] The coolant passing through the radiator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connecting line 34 by the operation of the first valve V1. The coolant is then circulated through the first valve V1 in the coolant line 11, which is connected to the electrical component 15.

[0201] Meanwhile, the second water pump 23 in the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0202] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 circulates continuously along the open coolant line 11 and the open second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38, without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thus increasing the temperature.

[0203] The coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the radiator 30. As a result, the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 increases the temperature of the coolant supplied to the radiator 30.

[0204] This means that, as such operation is repeatedly carried out, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and can increase the temperature.

[0205] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0206] The coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 can each form an independent closed circuit by operating the second valve V2.

[0207] Therefore, the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after it has passed through the heater 43 and the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0208] Here, the second coolant heater 45 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.

[0209] In contrast, if the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, the air heater 47 operates when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0210] In the air conditioning system 50, each element works to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0211] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56, is closed by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0212] The refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0213] Here, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant, which is supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection line 61, and can supply the refrigerant to the cooler 30.

[0214] The third expansion valve 65 can also supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54 by expanding the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53.

[0215] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat, while the expanded refrigerant is evaporated by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0216] The temperature of the coolant, which absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, increases, thereby recovering the waste heat by increasing the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the radiator 30 as it passes through the radiator by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0217] 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, through the refrigerant connection line 61 and the supplied refrigerant evaporates through heat exchange with the coolant, whose temperature increases as it passes through the electrical component 15, thereby recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 15.

[0218] The refrigerant passing through the cooler 30 is then fed to the accumulator 57 along the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0219] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 57 is separated into gas and liquid, with the gaseous refrigerant being supplied to the compressor 59.

[0220] The refrigerant, which is compressed by the compressor 59 at high temperature and high pressure, flows into the condenser 53.

[0221] 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 43.

[0222] The opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air introduced into the HVAC module and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 43.

[0223] As a result, the outside air entering the interior flows in an uncooled state when it passes through the evaporator 56, which is not supplied with refrigerant. The introduced outside air is heated to a high-temperature state as it passes through the heater 43 to be introduced into the vehicle interior, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0224] This means that, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump system absorbs the external heat from the heat exchanger 54 when heating is required in the initial start-up idle (IDLE) state of the vehicle or during an initial driving state and is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant by the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and improving cooling efficiency.

[0225] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the operation in the case of recovery of waste heat from the external heat source and the battery module 24 in the heating mode of the vehicle is described by reference to Fig. 5 described.

[0226] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an operating state diagram for the recovery of waste heat from external heat and a battery module depending on a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0227] Referring to Fig. 5 The heat pump system can recover external heat from outside air together with waste heat from the battery module 24 in an initial idle state of the vehicle or during an initial driving state in which the waste heat from the electrical component 15 is insufficient.

[0228] First, the cooling device 10 is deactivated.

[0229] Here the first connecting line 32 is open and the second connecting line 34 is opened by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0230] Furthermore, the third connecting line 36 is closed by the operation of the first valve V1 and the fourth connecting line 38 is closed by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0231] In the battery cooling device 20, a section of the battery coolant line 21, which is connected to the second radiator 22, is closed by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0232] In the present state, the second water pump 23 is operated to circulate the coolant through the open section of the battery coolant line 21 and the first and second connecting lines 32 and 34.

[0233] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 24 from the first valve V1 can circulate along an open section of the battery coolant line 21 without passing through the second radiator 22, after passing through the cooler 30 along the open first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 by the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0234] This means that the coolant passing through the radiator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the second connecting line 34. The coolant is then introduced into the battery coolant line 21, which is connected to the second water pump 23, through the first valve V1.

[0235] The coolant passing through the battery module 24 can circulate through the open section of the battery coolant line 21 and the first and second connecting lines 32 and 34 by the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0236] Accordingly, the coolant circulating along the battery coolant line 21 absorbs the waste heat from the battery module 24 and can increase the temperature.

[0237] The coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to radiator 30, which is connected to the first and second connecting lines 32 and 34. This means that the waste heat generated by the battery module 24 increases the temperature of the coolant supplied to radiator 30.

[0238] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0239] Here, the heating line 41 is not connected to the coolant line 11 through the operation of the second valve V2.

[0240] Therefore, the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after it has passed through the heater 43 and the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0241] Here, the second coolant heater 45 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.

[0242] In contrast, if the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, the air heater 47 is operated when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0243] In the air conditioning system 50, each component is operated to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0244] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56, is closed by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0245] The refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0246] Here, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant which is supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection line 61, and can supply the refrigerant to the cooler 30.

[0247] The third expansion valve 65 can also supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54 by expanding the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53.

[0248] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat, while the expanded refrigerant is evaporated by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0249] The temperature of the coolant, which absorbs the waste heat from the battery module 24, increases, thereby recovering the waste heat by increasing the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the radiator 30 as it passes through the radiator 30 by the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0250] 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, through 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 battery module 24, thereby recovering the waste heat of the battery module 24.

[0251] The refrigerant passing through the cooler 30 is then fed to the accumulator 57 along the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0252] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 57 is separated into gas and liquid, with the gaseous refrigerant being supplied to the compressor 59.

[0253] The refrigerant, which is compressed at high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 59, flows into the condenser 53.

[0254] 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 then supplied to the heater 43.

[0255] Meanwhile, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air, which is introduced into the HVAC module and passes through the evaporator 56, passes through the heater 43.

[0256] As a result, the outside air flowing into the interior at an uncooled temperature when it passes through the evaporator 56, to which no refrigerant is supplied. The introduced outside air is heated to a high temperature as it passes through the heater 43 to be introduced into the vehicle interior, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0257] This means that, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump system absorbs external heat from the heat exchanger 54 when heating is required in the initial start-up idle (IDLE) state of the vehicle or during an initial driving state, and is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant by using the waste heat from the battery module 24, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and increasing the cooling efficiency.

[0258] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, operation in the case of recovery of waste heat from the electrical component 15 and heating of the battery module 24 in the vehicle's heating mode is achieved by reference to Fig. 6 described.

[0259] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an operating state diagram for waste heat recovery of an electrical component and heating of a battery module depending on a heating mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0260] Referring to Fig. 6. The heat pump system can increase the temperature of the battery module 24 while recovering the waste heat from the electrical component 15.

[0261] First, the first water pump 14 is operated in the cooling device 10 to circulate the coolant.

[0262] Here the first connecting line 32 is closed and the second connecting line 34 is opened by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0263] The third connecting line 36 is opened by the operation of the first valve V1 and the fourth connecting line 38 is opened by the second valve V2.

[0264] Furthermore, in the cooling device 10, the coolant line 11, which is connected to the first radiator 12, is closed by the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0265] In the present state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along an open section of the coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12, after passing through the cooler 30 along the second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0266] This means that the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 is supplied to the radiator 30 along the open fourth connecting line 38 by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0267] The coolant passing through the radiator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connecting line 34 by the operation of the first valve V1. The coolant is then circulated through the first valve V1 in the coolant line 11, which is connected to the electrical component 15.

[0268] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 circulates continuously along the open coolant line 11 and the open second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38, without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thus increasing the temperature.

[0269] The coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the radiator 30. As a result, the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 increases the temperature of the coolant supplied to the radiator 30.

[0270] This means that, as such operation is repeatedly carried out, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and can increase the temperature.

[0271] Meanwhile, in the battery cooling device 20, a section of the battery coolant line 21, which is connected to the second radiator 22, is closed by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0272] In the present state, in the battery cooling device 20, the coolant is circulated along a section of the battery coolant line 21, which is connected to the battery module 24, and the open third connecting line 36 by the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0273] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 24 from the first valve V1 can circulate along the open third connecting line 36 and the open section of the battery coolant line 21, without passing through the second radiator 22, by the operation of the second water pump 23.

[0274] Here, the first coolant heater 26 is operated to heat the coolant supplied to the battery module 24 along the open battery coolant line 21 and the third connecting line 36.

[0275] Therefore, the temperature of the coolant circulating in the battery coolant line 21 and the third connecting line 36 is increased as it passes through the first coolant heater 26. The coolant, which has an increased temperature as it passes through the first coolant heater 26, can be supplied to the battery module 24 to increase the temperature of the battery module 24.

[0276] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0277] The coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 can each form an independent closed circuit by operating the second valve V2.

[0278] Therefore, the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after it has passed through the heater 43 and the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0279] Here, the second coolant heater 45 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.

[0280] In contrast, the air heater 47 operates when the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0281] In the air conditioning system 50, each component is operated to heat the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0282] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56, is closed by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0283] The refrigerant connection line 61 is closed by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0284] Here, the second expansion valve 63 can expand the refrigerant which is supplied from the heat exchanger 54 to the refrigerant connection line 61, and can supply the refrigerant to the cooler 30.

[0285] The third expansion valve 65 can also supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54 by expanding the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53.

[0286] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat, while the expanded refrigerant is evaporated by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0287] The temperature of the coolant, which absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, increases, whereby the waste heat is recovered by increasing the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 30 as it passes through the cooler 30 through the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0288] This means that the cooler 30 receives the refrigerant supplied by the heat exchanger 54 and expanded by the operation of the second expansion valve 63 through 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.

[0289] The refrigerant passing through the cooler 30 is then fed to the accumulator 57 along the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0290] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 57 is separated into gas and liquid, and the gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0291] The refrigerant, which is compressed at high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 59, flows into the condenser 53.

[0292] 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 then supplied to the heater 43.

[0293] Meanwhile, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air, which is introduced into the HVAC module and passes through the evaporator 56, passes through the heater 43.

[0294] As a result, the outside air flowing in from the outside enters the interior at an uncooled temperature as it passes through the evaporator 56, which is not supplied with refrigerant. The introduced outside air is heated to a high temperature as it passes through the heater 43 to be introduced into the vehicle interior, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0295] This means that the heat pump system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant by using the waste heat of the electrical component 15 when the temperature of the battery module 24 is increased in the heating mode of the vehicle, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and increasing the cooling efficiency.

[0296] Furthermore, the coolant circulating in the open section of the battery coolant line 21 and the open third connecting line 36 can be heated as it passes through the first coolant heater 26 to be introduced into the battery module 24 at an elevated temperature. As a result, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be rapidly increased, thus ensuring efficient temperature management.

[0297] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, operation in the case of using the waste heat of the electrical component 15 without operating the air conditioning system 50 in the vehicle's heating mode is described by reference to Fig. 7 described.

[0298] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an operating state diagram for performing the heating mode using the waste heat of an electrical component in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0299] Referring to Fig. 7. The heat pump system can heat the vehicle interior by using waste heat from the electrical component 15 without operating the air conditioning system 50.

[0300] First, the first water pump 14 in the cooling device 10 is operated to circulate the coolant. In this case, the air conditioning 50 is deactivated.

[0301] Here the first connecting line 32 is closed and the second connecting line 34 is opened by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0302] The third connecting line 36 is closed by the operation of the first valve V1 and the fourth connecting line 38 is opened by the second valve V2.

[0303] Furthermore, in the cooling device 10, the coolant line 11, which is connected to the first radiator 12, is closed by the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0304] In the present state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along an open section of the coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12, after passing through the cooler 30 along the second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0305] Meanwhile, the second water pump 23 in the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0306] This means that the battery coolant line 21, which connects the second water pump 23 and the battery module 24, is closed and the operation of the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0307] Therefore, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 circulates continuously along the open coolant line 11 and the open second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38, without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thus increasing the temperature.

[0308] During repeated operation of this type, the coolant absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and can increase the temperature.

[0309] In the heating device 40, the heating line 41 is connected to the coolant line 11 by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0310] In the present state, the coolant, which has a temperature that has increased while passing through the electrical component 15 by the operation of the first water pump 14, is supplied to the heating line 41, which is connected to the open coolant line 11, without passing through the first radiator 12.

[0311] The coolant introduced into the heating line 41 can be supplied to the heater 43 by operating the third water pump 42.

[0312] The coolant drained from the heater 43 is introduced into the radiator 30 along the fourth connecting line 38, which is opened by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0313] The coolant introduced into the radiator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connecting line 34. The coolant introduced into the first valve V1 is supplied to the electrical component 15 along the open coolant line 11.

[0314] This means that the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 circulates continuously along the open coolant line 11, the heating line 41 and the second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38 without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs waste heat from the electrical component 15, thus increasing the temperature.

[0315] The coolant, which has a temperature that has increased, is introduced into the heating line 41, which is connected to the coolant line 11, without passing through the first radiator 12.

[0316] The coolant introduced into the heating line 41 can pass through the heater 43 by the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0317] Here, the second coolant heater 45 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.

[0318] In contrast, if the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, the air heater 47 is operated when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0319] This means that the air heater 47 can be operated when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than a target temperature, thereby heating the outside air flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0320] The air heater 47 is operated when the temperature of the outside air, which has completed a heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant while passing through the heater 43, is lower than a predetermined temperature or a target heating temperature.

[0321] When the air heater 47 is operated, the outside air can be heated as it passes through the air heater 47 to be introduced into the vehicle interior in a state where the temperature is increased.

[0322] Meanwhile, the high-temperature coolant supplied to the heater 43 undergoes a heat exchange with the outside air and is then introduced into the fourth connecting line 38, which is connected to the heating line 41 through the second valve V2.

[0323] The coolant is then introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connecting line 34, after passing through the cooler 30, and the coolant can be circulated by repeatedly performing the process described above.

[0324] Meanwhile, the opening and closing door is opened so that the outside air flowing into the HVAC module passes through heater 43.

[0325] As a result, the incoming outside air enters the interior at an unheated 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 43 to be introduced into the vehicle interior, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0326] In other words, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to recover the waste heat generated in the electrical component 15 while the process described above is repeated, and it is possible to use the waste heat for interior heating, thereby reducing power consumption and improving overall heating efficiency.

[0327] Meanwhile, if the electrical component 15 overheats, the coolant line 11, which is connected to the first radiator 12, is opened and the fourth connecting line 38 is closed by the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0328] Therefore, the coolant, which has a temperature that has been increased while the coolant has passed through the electrical component 15 by the operation of the first water pump 14, is supplied to the heating line 41, which is connected to the open coolant line 11.

[0329] The coolant introduced into the heating line 41 can be supplied to the heater 43 by operating the third water pump 42.

[0330] The coolant drained from the heater 43 is introduced into the coolant line 11, which is connected to the heating line 41 through the second valve V2.

[0331] The coolant introduced into the coolant line 11 is then cooled as it passes through the first radiator 12 and is reintroduced into the electrical component 15 along the coolant line 11 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0332] This means that the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, causing its temperature to rise, and is supplied to the heater 43 through the heating line 41, which is connected to the coolant line 11.

[0333] In this operation, the coolant, whose temperature is increased by absorbing the waste heat from the electrical component 15, circulates through the heating device 40. The coolant is then cooled as it passes through the first radiator 12 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0334] The coolant, which is fully cooled, can recover waste heat as it passes through the electrical component 15 and can at the same time efficiently cool the electrical component 15.

[0335] As a result, the coolant cooled in the first radiator 12 can be supplied to the electrical component 15, thus preventing the electrical component 15 from overheating.

[0336] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, operation according to a low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle is described in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention by reference to Fig. 8 described.

[0337] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an operating state diagram according to a low-temperature dehumidification mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0338] Here, the low-temperature dehumidification mode is a mode that is used when dehumidification is required inside the vehicle while the vehicle is in heating mode.

[0339] Referring to Fig. 8. If the waste heat from the electrical component 15 is sufficient, the heat pump system can recover the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and use it for internal heating of the vehicle.

[0340] First, the first water pump 14 is operated in the cooling device 10 to circulate the coolant.

[0341] Here the first connecting line 32 is closed and the second connecting line 34 is opened by the operation of the first valve V1.

[0342] The third connecting line 36 is closed by the operation of the first valve V1 and the fourth connecting line 38 is opened by the second valve V2.

[0343] Furthermore, in the cooling device 10, a section of the coolant line 11 connected to the first radiator 12 is closed by the operation of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0344] In the present state, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 can circulate along an open section of the coolant line 11 without passing through the first radiator 12, after passing through the cooler 30 along the second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0345] This means that the coolant that has passed through the electrical component 15 is supplied to the radiator along the open fourth connecting line 38 by the operation of the second valve V2.

[0346] The coolant passing through the radiator 30 is introduced into the first valve V1 along the open second connecting line 34 by the operation of the first valve V1. The coolant is then circulated through the first valve V1 in the coolant line 11, which is connected to the electrical component 15.

[0347] Meanwhile, the second water pump 23 in the battery cooling device 20 is deactivated.

[0348] Thus, the coolant passing through the electrical component 15 circulates continuously along the open coolant line 11 and the open second and fourth connecting lines 34 and 38, without passing through the first radiator 12, and absorbs the waste heat from the electrical component 15, thereby increasing the temperature.

[0349] The coolant with the increased temperature can be supplied to the radiator 30. As a result, the waste heat generated by the electrical component 15 increases the temperature of the coolant supplied to the radiator 30.

[0350] This means that, during repeated operation of this type, the coolant can absorb the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and increase the temperature.

[0351] Meanwhile, in the heating device 40, the coolant circulates along the heating line 41 through the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0352] The coolant line 11 and the heating line 41 can each form an independent closed circuit by operating the second valve V2.

[0353] Therefore, the coolant circulating through the heating line 41 can be supplied to the condenser 53 after it has passed through the heater 43 and the operation of the third water pump 42.

[0354] Here, the second coolant heater 45 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.

[0355] In contrast, if the air heater 47 is used instead of the second coolant heater 45, the air heater 47 operates when the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater 43 is lower than the target temperature, and the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated.

[0356] Meanwhile, each component in the air conditioning system 50 is operated to heat and dehumidify the vehicle interior. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 51.

[0357] Here, the refrigerant line 51, which connects the condenser 53 and the evaporator 56, is opened by the operation of the first expansion valve 55.

[0358] The refrigerant connection line 61 is opened by the operation of the second expansion valve 63.

[0359] Here, the first and second expansion valves 55 and 63 can expand the refrigerant, which 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 or the cooler 30.

[0360] The third expansion valve 65 can also supply the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 54 by expanding the refrigerant supplied by the condenser 53.

[0361] Therefore, the heat exchanger 54 recovers the external heat, while the expanded refrigerant is evaporated by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0362] The coolant, which absorbs the waste heat of the electrical component 15 and whose temperature rises, is recovered by increasing the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 30 as it passes through the cooler 30 by the operation of the first water pump 14.

[0363] 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, through 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.

[0364] The refrigerant passing through the cooler 30 is then fed to the accumulator 57 along the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0365] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 57 is separated into gas and liquid, and the gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 59.

[0366] The refrigerant, which is compressed at high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 59, flows into the condenser 53.

[0367] 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 then supplied to the heater 43.

[0368] In contrast, the expanded refrigerant, which is supplied to the evaporator 56 by the operation of the first expansion valve 55, is supplied to the compressor 59 via the accumulator 57 along the refrigerant line 51 after a heat exchange with the outside air that passes through the evaporator 56.

[0369] This means that the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 56 can be supplied to the compressor 59 together with the refrigerant that is introduced into the accumulator 57 through the refrigerant connection line 61.

[0370] The refrigerant, compressed by the compressor 59 at high temperature and high pressure, is then introduced into the condenser 53.

[0371] Here the opening and closing door is open, so that the outside air introduced into the HVAC module and passing through the evaporator 56 passes through the heater 43.

[0372] This means that the outside air introduced into the HVAC module is dehumidified by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 56 as it passes through the evaporator 56. Next, the outside air is brought to a high-temperature state as it passes through the heater 43 and is introduced into the vehicle interior, thus heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0373] This means that, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump system 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 low-temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle, in which it is used to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59 and improving heating efficiency.

[0374] Therefore, when the heat pump system for the vehicle is applied according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above, the temperature of the battery module 24 can be adjusted depending on the mode of the vehicle using a cooler 30 to carry out a heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant, and the vehicle interior can be heated by using the coolant, thus simplifying the entire system.

[0375] According to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to improve the heating efficiency by recovering waste heat from the electrical component 15 and waste heat from the battery module 24 and by using the same for interior heating.

[0376] Furthermore, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, waste heat from the electrical component 15 can be recovered in a heating mode of the vehicle and at the same time the temperature of the battery module 24 can be increased.

[0377] Furthermore, according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the performance of the battery module 24 can be optimized by efficiently controlling the temperature of the battery module 24, and the overall driving distance or range of the vehicle can be increased by efficiently managing the battery module 24.

[0378] Furthermore, the present invention allows the second coolant heater 45 of the air heater 47, which is used in the heating device 40, to be used to heat the battery module 24 or to support interior heating of the vehicle, thereby reducing costs and weight.

[0379] Furthermore, the present invention selectively utilizes the external heat and the waste heat from the electrical component 15 and the battery module 24 in the vehicle's heating mode, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0380] The present invention also improves the condensation and evaporation performance of the refrigerant using the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 54, thereby improving the cooling performance and reducing the power consumption of the compressor 59.

[0381] Furthermore, the entire system can be simplified to reduce manufacturing costs and weight, and to improve space utilization.

[0382] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a control unit is connected to at least one of the elements of the heat pump system in order to control its operation.

[0383] Furthermore, the term "control device," "control unit," or "control apparatus" refers to a hardware device comprising a memory and a processor configured to execute one or more steps, which are interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores algorithmic steps, and the processor executes the algorithmic steps to perform one or more processes of a method according to numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.The control unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by a non-volatile memory configured to store algorithms for controlling operations of numerous components of a vehicle or data relating to software instructions for executing the algorithms, and a processor configured to perform the operation described above using the data stored in the memory. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated into a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors.

[0384] The control unit or control device can be at least one microprocessor which is operated by a predetermined program which includes a series of instructions for executing the method which is contained in the preceding numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0385] The aforementioned invention can also be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is any data storage device capable of storing data that can subsequently be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable storage media include: a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a silicon-based storage device (SDD), a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., as well as implementations using carrier waves (e.g., transmission over the internet).

[0386] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each operation described above can be performed by a control unit, and the control unit can be configured by multiple control units or a single integrated control unit.

[0387] For the sake of simplicity and for accurate definition in the accompanying claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "outside", "above", "below", "upwards", "downwards", "front", "backwards", "inside", "outside", "inwards", "outwards", "within", "outside", "internal", "external", "inner", "outer", "forwards", and "backwards" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments by referring to the positions of such features as shown in the figures. It will also be understood that the term "connect" or its variations refers to both a direct and an indirect connection.

Claims

[1] Heat pump system for a vehicle, wherein the heat pump system comprises: a cooling device (10) comprising: a first radiator (12), a first pump (14), a first valve (V1) and a second valve (V2) 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 first valve (V1), 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) connected to the battery coolant line (21) between the battery module (24) and the second radiator (22), a second connecting line (34) connected to the first valve (V1), and a refrigerant line (51) of an air conditioning system (50) via a refrigerant connecting line (61) to adjust the temperature of the coolant by carrying out a heat exchange between the coolant introduced into it and a refrigerant selectively supplied by the air conditioning system (50), a heating device (40) comprising: a heating line (41) connected to the coolant line (11) through the second valve (V2) for heating a vehicle interior by using a coolant, a third pump (42) and a heater (43) provided on the heating line (41), a third connecting line (36), comprising: a first end section connected to the battery coolant line (21) between the battery module (24) and the first connecting line (32), and a second end section connected to the first valve (V1), and a fourth connecting line (38) comprising: a first end section connected to the cooler (30) and a second end section connected to the second valve (V2), so that the coolant which has passed through the at least one electrical component (15) or the heating device (40) is selectively supplied to the cooler (30) by operation of the second valve (V2). [2] Heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system (50) comprises: an evaporator (56) which is mounted on the refrigerant line (51), a condenser (53) which is provided on the heating line (41) between the heater (43) and the second valve (V2), so that the coolant circulating through the heating device (40) passes through it and the coolant circulates in it to carry out a heat exchange between the coolant and a refrigerant which is supplied through the refrigerant line (51) which is connected to the condenser (53), a compressor (59) which is connected between the evaporator (56) and the condenser (53) by the refrigerant line (51), a heat exchanger (54) which is provided on the refrigerant line (51) between the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56), a first expansion valve (55) which is provided on the refrigerant line (51) between the heat exchanger (54) and the evaporator (56), a second expansion valve (63) which is provided on the refrigerant connection line (61), an accumulator (57) which is provided 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 (65) which is provided 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) additionally condenses or evaporates the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (53) by heat exchange with outside air depending on a selective operation of the third expansion valve (65). [4] Heat pump system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second expansion valve (63) expands the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant connection line (61) to allow it to flow to the cooler (30) when the battery module (24) is cooled by the refrigerant, and wherein the third expansion valve (65) selectively expands the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger (54) in a heating mode and a low temperature dehumidification mode of the vehicle. [5] Heat pump system according to one of claims 2 to 4, 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 accumulator (57). [6] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the heating device (40) further comprises an air heater (47) which is provided on a side of the heater (43) facing away from the evaporator (56), which is arranged between the air heater (47) and the evaporator (56), in order to selectively heat outside air passing through the heater (43), and wherein the air heater (47) is operated to increase the temperature of the outside air passing through the heater (43) when the temperature of a coolant supplied to the heater (43) is lower than a target temperature for heating the interior. [7] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, when the battery module (24) is cooled in a cooling mode of the vehicle, in the cooling device (10) the coolant is circulated in the coolant line (11) by operation of the first pump (14), the first connecting line (32) is open and the second connecting line (34) is opened by operation of the first valve (V1), the fourth connecting line (38) is closed by operation of the second valve (V2), a section of the battery coolant line (21) which is connected to the second radiator (22), and the third connecting line (36) are closed by operation of the first valve (V1), in the battery cooling device (20) the coolant passing through the cooler (30) along the first and second connecting lines (32, 34) is supplied to the battery module (24) along the open section of the battery coolant line (21) by operation of the second pump (23), in the heating device (40) the coolant line (11) and the heating line (41) are connected by operation of the second valve (V2), 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 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 (65) allows the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) to flow into the heat exchanger (54). [8] Heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein the heating device (40) supplies the coolant supplied by the cooling device (10) to the condenser (53) by operating the third pump (42) and wherein the condenser (53) condenses the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant and the heat exchanger (54) additionally condenses the refrigerant introduced by the condenser (53) by heat exchange with the outside air. [9] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, when waste heat from an external heat source and at least one electrical component (15) is recovered in a heating mode of the vehicle, the first connecting line (32) is closed and the second connecting line (34) is opened by operation of the first valve (V1), the third connecting line (36) is closed by operation of the first valve (V1), the fourth connecting line (38) is opened by operation of the second valve (V2), in the cooling device (10) a section of the coolant line (11) connected to the first radiator (12) is closed by operation of the first and the second valve (V1, V2), the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component (15) circulates along an open section of the coolant line (11) by operation of the first pump (14) without passing through the first radiator (12) after passing through the cooler (30) along the second and fourth connecting lines (36, 38), the battery cooling device (20) is deactivated, the cooling device (10) and the heating device (40) each form an independent closed circuit by operating the second valve (V2), in the heating device (40) the coolant circulates along the heating line (41) by operation of the third pump (42), in the air conditioning system (50) the refrigerant line (51) which connects the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56) is closed by operation of the first expansion valve (55), the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by operation of the second expansion valve (63), The second expansion valve (63) expands the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant connection line (61) and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the cooler (30), and the third expansion valve (65) expands the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) to supply it to the heat exchanger (54). [10] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, when waste heat from an external heat source and the battery module (24) is recovered in a heating mode of the vehicle, the first connecting line (32) is open and the second connecting line (34) is opened by operation of the first valve (V1), the third connecting line (36) is closed by operation of the first valve (V1), the fourth connecting line (38) is closed by operation of the second valve (V2), the cooling device (10) is deactivated, in the battery cooling device (20) a section of the battery coolant line (21) which is connected to the second radiator (22) is closed by operation of the first valve (V1), The coolant passing through the battery module (24) circulates along an open section of the battery coolant line (21) by operation of the second pump (23) without passing through the second radiator (22) after passing through the cooler (30) along the first and second connecting lines (32, 34), in the heating device (40) the coolant circulates along the heating line (41) by operation of the third pump (42), in the air conditioning system (50) the refrigerant line (51) which connects the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56) is closed by operation of the first expansion valve (55), the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by operation of the second expansion valve (63), the second expansion valve (63) expands a refrigerant which is supplied to the refrigerant connection line (61) and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the cooler (30) and the third expansion valve (65) expands the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) to supply it to the heat exchanger (54). [11] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, when the vehicle's low-temperature dehumidification mode is activated, the first connecting line (32) is closed and the second connecting line (34) is opened by operation of the first valve (V1), the third connecting line (36) is closed by operation of the first valve (V1), the fourth connecting line (38) is opened by operation of the second valve (V2), in the cooling device (10) a section of the coolant line (11) connected to the first radiator (12) is closed by operation of the first and the second valve (V1, V2), the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component (15) circulates along an open section of the coolant line (11) by operation of the first pump (14) without passing through the first radiator (12) after passing through the cooler (30) along the second and fourth connecting lines (34, 38), the battery cooling device (20) is deactivated, the cooling device (10) and the heating device (40) each form an independent closed circuit by operating the second valve (V2), in the heating device (40) the coolant circulates along the heating line (41) by operation of the third pump (42), in the air conditioning system (50) the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line (51) and the refrigerant connecting line (61), which are opened by a respective operation of the first and second expansion valves (55, 63), 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 (65) expands the refrigerant which is supplied from the condenser (53) to be supplied to the heat exchanger (54). [12] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein, when waste heat from at least one electrical component (15) is recovered and the temperature of the battery module (24) is increased in a heating mode of the vehicle, the first connecting line (32) is closed and the second connecting line (34) is opened by operation of the first valve (V1), the third connecting line (36) is opened by operation of the first valve (V1) and the fourth connecting line (38) is opened by operation of the second valve (V2), in the cooling device (10) a section of the coolant line (11) connected to the first radiator (12) is closed by operation of the first and the second valve (V1, V2), the coolant passing through the at least one electrical component (15) circulates along an open section of the coolant line (11) by the operation of the first pump (14) without passing through the first radiator (12) after passing through the cooler (30) along the second and fourth connecting lines (34, 38), in the battery cooling device (20) the coolant circulates along a section of the battery coolant line (21) which is connected to the battery module (24) and the open third connecting line (36) by operation of the second pump (23), the cooling device (10) and the heating device (40) each form an independent closed circuit by operating the second valve (V2), in the heating device (40) the coolant circulates along the heating line (41) by operation of the third pump (42), in the air conditioning system (50) the refrigerant line (51) which connects the condenser (53) and the evaporator (56) is closed by operation of the first expansion valve (55), the refrigerant connection line (61) is opened by operation of the second expansion valve (63), the second expansion valve (63) expands a refrigerant which is supplied to the refrigerant connection line (61), and the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the cooler (30) and the third expansion valve (65) expands the refrigerant supplied by the condenser (53) to supply it to the heat exchanger (54). [13] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, if at least one electrical component (15) and the battery module (24) are cooled using the coolant, the first connecting line (32) is closed, the second and third connecting lines (34, 36) are closed by operation of the first valve (V1), the fourth connecting line (38) is closed by operation of the second valve (V2), the cooling device (10) and the battery cooling device (20) each form an independent closed circuit by operating the first valve (V1), the coolant cooled in the first radiator (12) is supplied by the first valve (V1) to the at least one electrical component (15) along the coolant line (11) by operation of the first pump (14) and The coolant cooled in the second radiator (22) is supplied from the first valve (V1) to the battery module (24) along the battery coolant line (21) by operation of the second pump (23). [14] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, if waste heat from at least one electrical component (15) is recovered in a heating mode of the vehicle without operating the air conditioning system (50), the first connecting line (32) is closed, the second connecting line (34) is opened by operation of the first valve (V1), the third connecting line (36) is closed by operation of the first valve (V1), the fourth connecting line (38) is opened by operation of the second valve (V2), in the cooling device (10) the coolant line (11) connected to the first radiator (12) is closed by operation of the first and the second valve (V1, V2), in the heating device (40) the heating line (41) is connected to the coolant line (11) by operation of the second valve (V2), the coolant, which has a temperature that has increased while passing through at least one electrical component (15) by operation of the first pump (14), is supplied to the heating line (41) which is connected to the open coolant line (11) without passing through the first radiator (12), the coolant introduced into the heating line (41) is supplied to the heater (43) by operation of the third pump (42), the coolant drained from the heater (43) is fed from the second valve (V2) to the radiator (30) along the open fourth connecting line (38), the coolant drained from the radiator (30) is introduced into the first valve (V1) along the open second connecting line (34) and the coolant, which is reintroduced into the first valve (V1), is supplied to at least one electrical component (15) along the open coolant line (11). [15] Heat pump system according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a first end section of the first connecting line (32) is connected to the battery coolant line (21) between the battery module (24) and the second radiator (22) and a second end section of the first connecting line (32) is connected to the cooler (30) by the fourth connecting line (38). [16] Heat pump system according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a first end section of the second connecting line (34) is connected to the first valve (V1) and a second end section of the second connecting line (34) is connected to the cooler (30). [17] Heat pump system according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein in other modes, with the exception of a mode in which the first connecting line (32) and the fourth connecting line (38) are closed together, the first connecting line (32) is open or closed in the opposite direction to an opening and closing operation of the fourth connecting line (38). [18] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first valve (V1) is a 6-way valve and / or the second valve (V2) is a 5-way valve. [19] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the battery cooling device (20) further comprises a first coolant heater (26) which is provided on the battery coolant line (21) between the battery module (24) and the second radiator (22), and 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). [20] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a second coolant heater (45) is provided in the heating line (41) between the third pump (42) and the heater (43) and wherein the second coolant heater (45) is operated to heat the coolant supplied to the heater (43) along the heating line (41) when the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heater (43) is lower than a target temperature.

Images