Combined heat exchanger and heat exchange system

Abstract

A combined heat exchanger (20) exchanges heat between a refrigerant circulating through a refrigeration circuit (10) of a vapor compression design, a first heat medium flowing through a first heat medium circuit (60) comprising a first heat generating element (64), and a second heat medium flowing through a second heat medium circuit (70) comprising a second heat generating element (73). The combined heat exchanger has a refrigerant flow channel section (21) through which the refrigerant flows, a first heat medium flow channel section (22) through which the first heat medium flows, and a second heat medium flow channel section (23) through which the second heat medium flows.The refrigerant flow channel section, the first heat medium flow channel section, and the second heat medium flow channel section are arranged to transfer heat from the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a combined heat exchanger and heat exchange system. State of the art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle cooling system involves connecting a cooling circuit for an electric drive system to a vapor-compression type refrigeration cycle via a heat exchanger. In this system, a cooling medium in the cooling circuit is cooled by a refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). State of the art literaturePatent literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP 2005-273998 A Summary of the invention

[0004] The present inventors considered exchanging heat between a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle with a first heat medium and a second heat medium flowing through different heat medium circuits. Such a configuration can be realized by adding a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the first heat medium and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the second heat medium to the refrigeration cycle, but this would complicate the circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle. Complicating the circuit configuration is not preferred because it may result in increased costs and heat loss.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a combined heat exchanger and heat exchange system capable of supplying heat of a refrigerant to a first heat medium and a second heat medium while reducing complication of a cycle configuration.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a combined heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant circulating through a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle, a first heat medium flowing through a first heat medium circuit having a first heat generating element, and a second heat medium flowing through a second heat medium circuit having a second heat generating element.The combined heat exchanger includes a refrigerant flow channel section configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant flow channel section, a first heat medium flow channel section configured to allow the first heat medium to flow through the first heat medium flow channel section, and a second heat medium flow channel section configured to allow the second heat medium to flow through the second heat medium flow channel section. The refrigerant flow channel section, the first heat medium flow channel section, and the second heat medium flow channel section are arranged to transfer heat of the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0007] Accordingly, heat can be exchanged between three types of fluids—namely, the refrigerant, the first heat medium, and the second heat medium—in the single heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat of the refrigerant can be supplied to the first heat medium and the second heat medium while reducing the complexity of the refrigeration cycle configuration.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heat exchange system is configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant circulating through a vapor-compression type refrigeration cycle, a first heat medium flowing through a first heat medium circuit having a first heat generating element, and a second heat medium flowing through a second heat medium circuit having a second heat generating element. The heat exchanger includes a combined heat exchanger and a flow rate adjustment unit.The combined heat exchanger includes a refrigerant flow channel portion configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant flow channel portion, a first heat medium flow channel portion configured to allow the first heat medium to flow through the first heat medium flow channel portion, and a second heat medium flow channel portion configured to allow the second heat medium to flow through the second heat medium flow channel portion. The flow rate adjustment unit is configured to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion, a flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion, and a flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel portion.The refrigerant flow channel section, the first heat medium flow channel section, and the second heat medium flow channel section are arranged to transfer heat of the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0009] Accordingly, heat can be mutually exchanged between three types of fluids—namely, the refrigerant, the first heat medium, and the second heat medium—in the single heat exchanger while adjusting the flow rates of the three types of fluids. Therefore, the heat of the refrigerant can be supplied to the first heat medium and the second heat medium while reducing the complexity of the refrigeration cycle configuration.

[0010] A reference numeral in parentheses attached to each component and the like indicates an example of a correspondence relationship between the component and the like and a specific component and the like described in the following embodiment. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat exchange system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of a combined heat exchanger according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining flow patterns of a refrigerant, a first heat medium, and a second heat medium in the combined heat exchanger. Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing battery cooling by the refrigerant. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating battery heating with heat of the first heat medium. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating battery heating without using heat of the first heat medium. Embodiments for carrying out the invention

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure is described with respect to Fig. 1 to 6. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a combined heat exchanger 20 according to the present disclosure is applied to a heat exchange system 1 for a vehicle. The heat exchange system 1 for a vehicle is mounted, for example, in an electric vehicle that obtains driving power for traveling the vehicle from an electric traction motor. The electric vehicle is capable of charging a large-capacity battery BT mounted in the vehicle with electric power supplied from an external power source while the vehicle is stopped. The battery BT is a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery BT includes, for example, a lithium-ion battery that has a high energy density, is lightweight, and is compact.

[0012] The heat exchange system 1 includes a vapor-compression type refrigeration cycle 10, a high-temperature side circuit 50, a first heat-generating medium circuit 60 including a first heat-generating element 64, a second heat-generating medium circuit 70 including a second heat-generating element 73, and a control unit 100. The heat exchange system 1 exchanges heat among a refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle 10, a high-temperature side heat-generating medium flowing through the high-temperature side circuit 50, a first heat-generating medium flowing through the first heat-generating medium circuit 60, and a second heat-generating medium flowing through the second heat-generating medium circuit 70.

[0013] The refrigeration circuit 10 has a compressor 11, a condenser 12, a liquid receiving unit 13, a subcooling unit 14, a first pressure reducing valve 15, an air conditioning evaporator 16, an evaporation pressure regulating valve 17, a second pressure reducing valve 18 and the combined heat exchanger 20.

[0014] A refrigerant used in the refrigeration circuit 10 is one with a low global warming coefficient, such as HFO-1234yf. The refrigerant includes a refrigeration oil for lubricating the compressor 11. The refrigeration oil used is, for example, one compatible with a liquid-phase refrigerant, such as a PAG oil. A portion of the refrigeration oil circulates along with the refrigerant in the circuit of the refrigeration circuit 10.

[0015] Compressor 11 is a device that compresses and discharges the refrigerant. Compressor 11 comprises an electric compressor driven by electric power supplied from battery BT. Operation of compressor 11 is controlled by a control signal output from control unit 100.

[0016] The condenser 12 is connected to a refrigerant discharge side of the compressor 11. The condenser 12 is a heat release device that exchanges heat between the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant (hereinafter also referred to as high-pressure refrigerant) discharged from the compressor 11 and the high-temperature side heat medium flowing through the high-temperature side circuit 50, and releases heat of the high-pressure refrigerant to the high-temperature side heat medium. Passing through the condenser 12, the high-pressure refrigerant dissipates heat to the high-temperature side heat medium and is condensed.

[0017] The high-temperature-side heat medium is a fluid that flows through the high-temperature-side circuit 50. The high-temperature-side heat medium is a liquid-phase fluid that does not change phase when flowing through the high-temperature-side circuit 50. The high-temperature-side heat medium used is, for example, a liquid containing ethylene glycol or an antifreeze liquid.

[0018] Here, the high-temperature side circuit 50 is a circuit for dissipating heat from the high-temperature side heat medium to an outside and heating an inside of the passenger compartment using the high-temperature side heat medium. The high-temperature side circuit 50 is provided with a high-temperature side pump 51, an electric heater 52, a high-temperature side radiator 53, a heater core 54, a high-temperature side switching valve 55, and a high-temperature side storage tank 56.

[0019] The high-temperature-side pump 51 draws in the high-temperature-side heat medium and discharges the high-temperature-side heat medium to the condenser 12, thereby circulating the high-temperature-side heat medium within the high-temperature-side circuit 50. The high-temperature-side pump 51 is an electric pump driven by electric power supplied from the battery BT. The high-temperature-side pump 51 also functions as an adjusting means that adjusts a flow rate of the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing through the high-temperature-side circuit 50.

[0020] The electric heater 52 heats the high-temperature side heat medium. The electric heater 52 is an auxiliary heat source that heats the high-temperature side heat medium in a situation where the high-temperature side heat medium cannot be sufficiently heated, for example, by the condenser 12. An energization state of the electric heater 52 is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 100.

[0021] The high-temperature-side radiator 53 exchanges heat between the high-temperature-side heat medium heated by the condenser 12 and the outside air outside the passenger compartment, thereby dissipating heat from the high-temperature-side heat medium. The high-temperature-side radiator 53 is arranged, for example, on a front side in a traveling direction of the vehicle, and wind flows into it during vehicle travel.

[0022] The heater core 54 is arranged in parallel with the high-temperature-side radiator 53 in the high-temperature-side circuit 50. The heater core 54 is arranged within a casing 41 of an air conditioning unit 40. The heater core 54 exchanges heat between the high-temperature-side heat medium heated by the condenser 12 and air blown into the passenger compartment, thereby generating an air-conditioning wind at a desired temperature.

[0023] The high-temperature-side switching valve 55 is arranged at a branching portion where a flow channel of the high-temperature-side heat medium branches into the high-temperature-side radiator 53 and the heater core 54. The high-temperature-side switching valve 55 functions as a flow channel switching unit that switches the flow channel of the high-temperature-side heat medium. The high-temperature-side circuit 50 can switch the flow channel between a flow channel in which the high-temperature-side heat medium heated by the condenser 12 flows to the heater core 54 and a flow channel in which the high-temperature-side heat medium heated by the condenser 12 flows to the high-temperature-side radiator 53 through a high-temperature-side switching valve 55.The high-temperature-side switching valve 55 comprises an electromagnetic valve, and its operation is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 100. The high-temperature-side circuit 50 may be provided with a flow rate regulating valve instead of the high-temperature-side switching valve 55. In this case, the flow rate of the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing to the heater core 54 and the flow rate of the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing to the high-temperature-side radiator 53 can be appropriately adjusted by the flow rate regulating valve.

[0024] The high-temperature-side storage tank 56 is a tank for storing an excess high-temperature-side heat medium. The high-temperature-side storage tank 56 is arranged on a high-temperature-side heat medium inlet side of the high-temperature-side pump 51.

[0025] The liquid storage unit 13 is connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the condenser 12. The liquid storage unit 13 stores excess refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 10. The liquid storage unit 13 separates the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 12 into a gas phase and a liquid phase, and causes the separated liquid-phase refrigerant to flow out downstream. The liquid storage unit 13 may comprise either a receiver tank having a refrigerant inlet and outlet provided at a top side, or a modulator tank having a refrigerant inlet and outlet provided at a bottom side.

[0026] The subcooling unit 14 is connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the liquid receiving unit 13. The subcooling unit 14 exchanges heat between the liquid-phase refrigerant discharged from the liquid receiving unit 13 and the high-temperature-side heat medium before the high-temperature-side heat medium flows into the condenser 12, thereby subcooling the liquid-phase refrigerant. In the present embodiment, the condenser 12 and the subcooling unit 14 constitute a "heat release device" that dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11.

[0027] The refrigerant flow channel is branched into two at one refrigerant outlet side of the subcooling unit 14. The first pressure reducing valve 15 is connected to one of the flow channels on the refrigerant outlet side of the subcooling unit 14, and the second pressure reducing valve 18 is connected to the other flow channel.

[0028] The first pressure-reducing valve 15 is a first pressure-reducing section that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14. The first pressure-reducing valve 15 is an electric variable throttle whose operation is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 100 and includes a valve body and an electric actuator. The first pressure-reducing valve 15 is configured as a variable throttle with a full-closing function that can substantially stop the flow of refrigerant.

[0029] An air conditioning evaporator 16 is connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the first pressure-reducing valve 15. The air conditioning evaporator 16 is arranged together with a heater core 54 within the casing 41 of the air conditioning unit 40. The air conditioning evaporator 16 evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the first pressure-reducing valve 15 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air blown into the passenger compartment. At the air conditioning evaporator 16, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air blown into the passenger compartment and evaporates, thereby cooling the air. The air that has passed through the air conditioning evaporator 16 passes through the heater core 54 and is then supplied to the passenger compartment as an air-conditioning wind.

[0030] The evaporation pressure regulating valve 17 is connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the air conditioning evaporator 16. The evaporation pressure regulating valve 17 is a pressure adjustment unit that maintains an evaporation pressure of the refrigerant in the air conditioning evaporator 16 at or above a predetermined reference pressure. The evaporation pressure regulating valve 17 is configured to adjust the evaporation pressure of the refrigerant in the air conditioning evaporator 16 so that a temperature of the air conditioning evaporator 16 becomes a temperature (for example, 1°C) at which frost on the air conditioning evaporator 16 is reduced.

[0031] The second pressure-reducing valve 18 is a second pressure-reducing section that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14. The second pressure-reducing valve 18 is connected downstream of the subcooling unit 14 such that the second pressure-reducing valve is arranged in parallel with the first pressure-reducing valve 15. The second pressure-reducing valve 18 is an electric variable throttle whose operation is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 100 and includes a valve body and an electric actuator. The second pressure-reducing valve 18 is configured as a variable throttle with a full-closing function that can substantially stop the flow of refrigerant.

[0032] The combined heat exchanger 20 is connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the second pressure reducing valve 18. The combined heat exchanger 20 is a chiller that evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the second pressure reducing valve 18 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and at least one of the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0033] The combined heat exchanger 20 includes a refrigerant flow channel section 21 through which the refrigerant flows, a first heat medium flow channel section 22 through which the first heat medium flows, and a second heat medium flow channel section 23 through which a second heat medium flows. The refrigerant flow channel section 21, the first heat medium flow channel section 22, and the second heat medium flow channel section 23 are arranged so that the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium. The refrigerant flow channel section 21 is an evaporation section that evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the second pressure-reducing valve 18. The refrigerant flow channel section 21 transfers cooling energy of the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0034] The first heat-medium flow channel section 22 is arranged adjacent to the refrigerant flow channel section 21 to directly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the first heat medium. The second heat-medium flow channel section 23 is arranged adjacent to the first heat-medium flow channel section 22 to indirectly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the second heat medium via the first heat medium. The first heat-medium flow channel section 22 and the second heat-medium flow channel section 23 are arranged adjacent to each other to transfer heat from the first heat-generating element 64 to the second heat medium via the first heat medium. The combined heat exchanger 20 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The first heat medium is a fluid that flows through the first heat medium circuit 60. The first heat medium is a liquid-phase fluid that does not change phase when flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60. The first heat medium used is, for example, the same liquid as the high-temperature side heat medium or an antifreeze liquid.

[0036] The first heat medium circuit 60 includes in-vehicle devices, such as an inverter (INV) and a final drive (T / A), as the first heat generating element 64. The first heat medium circuit 60 is a circuit for adjusting a temperature of the in-vehicle devices using the first heat medium and absorbing heat from the outside using the first heat medium. The first heat medium circuit 60 is provided with a first circulation pump 61, a first storage tank 62, a low-temperature side radiator 63, and the first heat generating element 64.

[0037] The first circulation pump 61 draws in the first heat medium and discharges the first heat medium to the combined heat exchanger 20, thereby circulating the first heat medium within the first heat medium circuit 60. The first circulation pump 61 is an electric pump driven by electric power supplied from the battery BT. The first circulation pump 61 also functions as an adjusting means that adjusts a flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60.

[0038] The first storage tank 62 is a tank for storing an excess first heat medium. The first storage tank 62 is arranged between the first circulation pump 61 and the first heat generating element 64.

[0039] The low-temperature side radiator 63 is connected to an outlet side of the first heat medium in the combined heat exchanger 20. The low-temperature side radiator 63 exchanges heat between the first heat medium that has passed through the combined heat exchanger 20 and the outside air outside the passenger compartment, thereby absorbing heat from the outside air. The low-temperature side radiator 63 is arranged, for example, together with the high-temperature side radiator 53 on the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The high-temperature side radiator 53 and the low-temperature side radiator 63 are arranged serially in an outside air flow direction in this order. The high-temperature side radiator 53 and the low-temperature side radiator 63 are connected to each other via a common heat transfer fin (not shown) to be able to transfer heat therebetween.

[0040] The first heat-generating element 64 is a heat-generating device, such as the inverter INV and the final drive T / A. The first heat-generating element 64 is maintained at an appropriate temperature by dissipating heat to the first heat medium. In other words, the first heat-medium circuit 60 absorbs heat from the first heat-generating element 64 via the first heat medium. The in-vehicle device constituting the first heat-generating element 64 may be different from that described above.

[0041] The second heat medium is a fluid that flows through the second heat medium circuit 70. The second heat medium is a liquid-phase fluid that does not change phase when flowing through the second heat medium circuit 70. The second heat medium used is, for example, a liquid (e.g., oil) that has higher electrical insulation properties than the first heat medium. Depending on the type of battery BT, there is a concern that current leakage to the second heat medium may occur. However, since the second heat medium is a liquid that has high electrical insulation properties, current leakage via the second heat medium is reduced.

[0042] The second heat medium circuit 70 is configured as a circuit independent of the first heat medium circuit 60. The second heat medium circuit 70 includes a plurality of heat generating bodies, such as the battery BT and a motor generator MG, as the second heat generating element 73. The second heat medium circuit 70 is a circuit for adjusting temperatures of the battery BT and the motor generator MG, which are heat generating bodies, using the second heat medium. The second heat medium circuit 70 is provided with a second circulation pump 71, a second storage tank 72, the second heat generating element 73, and a flow channel switching valve 74.

[0043] The second circulation pump 71 draws in the second heat medium and pumps the second heat medium out to the battery BT, thereby circulating the first heat medium within the second heat medium circuit 70. The second circulation pump 71 is an electric pump driven by electric power supplied from the battery BT. The second circulation pump 71 also functions as an adjusting means that adjusts a flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium circuit 70.

[0044] The second storage tank 72 is a tank for storing an excess second heat medium. The second storage tank 72 is arranged between the second circulation pump 71 and the flow channel switching valve 74.

[0045] The second heat-generating element 73 is a heat-generating device such as the battery BT and the motor generator MG. The second heat-generating element 73 is maintained at an appropriate temperature by dissipating heat to the second heat medium and absorbing heat from the second heat medium. The motor generator MG is arranged parallel to the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 in the second heat medium circuit 70. The in-vehicle device constituting the second heat-generating element 73 may be different from that described above.

[0046] The flow channel switching valve 74 is a three-way valve that switches a flow channel of the second heat medium. The flow channel switching valve 74 switches the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 between a flow channel through which the second heat medium flows in an order from the battery BT → the second heat medium flow channel section 23 of the combined heat exchanger 20 and a flow channel through which the second heat medium flows in an order from the battery BT → the motor generator MG. The operation of the flow channel switching valve 74 is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 100. The second heat medium circuit 70 is provided with a flow channel switching valve 74, thereby being configured to transfer heat from the motor generator MG to the battery BT via the second heat medium.The second heat medium circuit 70 may be provided with a flow channel regulating valve instead of the flow channel switching valve 74. In this case, a flow rate of the second heat medium flowing to the motor generator MG and a flow rate of the second heat medium flowing to the combined heat exchanger 20 can be appropriately adjusted by the flow rate regulating valve.

[0047] Next, the details of the combined heat exchanger 20 with respect to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The arrows in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 Upward and downward indicate a vertical direction Dg when the combined heat exchanger 20 is mounted in a vehicle.

[0048] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the combined heat exchanger 20 is configured as a stacked plate-type heat exchanger. The combined heat exchanger 20 is formed by stacking and joining numerous plate-shaped elements 24. The combined heat exchanger 20 is mounted in the vehicle in such a position that a stacking direction Dst of the numerous plate-shaped elements 24 crosses the vertical direction Dg.

[0049] The numerous plate-shaped elements 24 are elongated, substantially rectangular plate materials. The plate-shaped element 24 is formed by applying a brazing material to both sides of a metallic core material comprising an aluminum alloy or the like. The core material of the plate-shaped element 24 has a sacrificial layer formed on at least one surface. The sacrificial layer comprises an aluminum alloy containing a predetermined amount of a material (for example, Zn) having a lower electrical potential than the core material. With this configuration, the sacrificial layer corrodes preferentially before the core material, so corrosion of the core material is less likely to progress. As a result, corrosion resistance of the combined heat exchanger 20 is improved.

[0050] The plate-shaped member 24 has a protrusion portion protruding toward one side of the combined heat exchanger 20 in the stacking direction Dst at an edge portion, which is an outer periphery thereof. The numerous plate-shaped members 24 are stacked one on top of the other with their protrusion portions joined by brazing.

[0051] By stacking and joining the numerous plate-shaped members 24, the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 through which the refrigerant flows, the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 through which the first heat medium flows, and the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 through which the second heat medium flows are formed.

[0052] The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 includes a plurality of refrigerant flow channels 211 formed between adjacent plate-shaped members 24, a refrigerant distribution portion 212 that distributes the refrigerant to the plurality of refrigerant flow channels 211, and a refrigerant collection portion 213 that collects the refrigerant that has passed through the plurality of refrigerant flow channels 211. The plurality of refrigerant flow channels 211 are heat exchange parts that exchange heat between the refrigerant and the first heat medium, and extend along plate surfaces of the plate-shaped members 24. The refrigerant distribution portion 212 and the refrigerant collection portion 213 are formed by joining cylinder portions, each having a substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the plate-shaped members 24.The refrigerant distribution section 212 and the refrigerant collection section 213 extend in the stacking direction Dst.

[0053] In the refrigerant flow channel portion 21, the refrigerant distribution portion 212 is formed above the refrigerant flow channels 211, and the refrigerant collection portion 213 is formed below the refrigerant flow channels 211. In this way, the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is configured so that the refrigerant flows downward.

[0054] Specifically, the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is formed by plate-shaped elements 24 in a part of the combined heat exchanger 20 that is on the other side in the stacking direction Dst, from the numerous plate-shaped elements 24. The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is arranged adjacent to the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 to directly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the first heat medium. The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is arranged so that the entire refrigerant flow channel 211, which is the exchange part, is in thermal contact with the first heat medium flow channel portion 22.

[0055] The second heat medium flow channel portion 23 has a plurality of second heat medium flow channels 231 formed between adjacent plate-shaped members 24, a second heat medium distribution portion 232 that distributes the second heat medium to the second heat medium flow channels 231, and a second heat medium collection portion 233 that collects the second heat medium that has passed through the second heat medium flow channels 231.

[0056] The second heat medium flow channels 231 are heat exchange parts that exchange heat between the second heat medium and the first heat medium, and extend along the plate surfaces of the plate-shaped members 24. The second heat medium distribution portion 232 and the second heat medium collection portion 233 are formed by joining cylinder portions, each having a substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the plate-shaped members 24. The second heat medium distribution portion 232 and the second heat medium collection portion 233 extend in the stacking direction Dst.

[0057] In the second heat medium flow channel portion 23, the second heat medium distribution portion 232 is formed below the second heat medium flow channels 231, and the second heat medium collection portion 233 is formed above the second heat medium flow channels 231. In this way, the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 is configured so that the second heat medium flows upward.

[0058] Specifically, the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 is formed by plate-shaped elements 24 in a part of the combined heat exchanger 20 that is on one side in the stacking direction Dst, made up of the numerous plate-shaped elements 24. The second heat medium flow channel portion 23 is arranged adjacent to the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 to indirectly transfer the heat of the refrigerant via the first heat medium. The second heat medium flow channel portion 23 is arranged so that the entire second heat medium flow channel 231, which is a heat exchange part, is in thermal contact with the first heat medium flow channel portion 22.

[0059] The first heat medium flow channel section 22 has a plurality of first heat medium flow channels 221 formed between adjacent plate-shaped members 24, and a tank unit 222 that distributes the first heat medium to the plurality of first heat medium flow channels 221 and collects the refrigerant that has passed through the plurality of first heat medium flow channels 221.

[0060] The first heat medium flow channels 221 are heat exchange parts that exchange heat between the first heat medium and the refrigerant or the second heat medium, and extend along the plate surfaces of the plate-shaped members 24. The tank unit 222 is formed by joining cylinder portions, each having a substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the plate-shaped members 24. The tank unit 222 extends in the stacking direction Dst.

[0061] The first heat medium flow channel section 22 includes a first heat exchange unit 22A that exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the refrigerant, and a second heat exchange unit 22B that exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. The first heat medium flow channel section 22 is configured so that the first heat medium flows through the first heat exchange unit 22A and then the second heat exchange unit 22B.

[0062] In the first heat exchange unit 22A, first heat medium flow channels 221 and refrigerant flow channels 211 are arranged alternately. The first heat medium flow channel 221 constituting the first heat exchange unit 22A is configured so that the first heat medium flows upward. Accordingly, the refrigerant and the first heat medium flow countercurrently in the refrigerant flow channel section 21 and the first heat medium flow channel section 22.

[0063] In the second heat exchange unit 22B, the first heat medium flow channels 221 and the second heat medium flow channels 231 are arranged alternately. The first heat medium flow channel 221 constituting the second heat exchange unit 22B is configured so that the first heat medium flows downward. Accordingly, the first heat medium and the second heat medium flow countercurrently in the first heat medium flow channel section 22 and the second heat medium flow channel section 23.

[0064] In the first heat medium flow channel portion 22, a flow direction of the first heat medium in the first heat exchange unit 22A is opposite to a flow direction of the first heat medium in the second heat exchange unit 22B. That is, the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 has a structure in which the flow of the first heat medium makes a U-turn.

[0065] In the combined heat exchanger 20 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant flows downward through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21, and the second heat medium flows upward through the second heat medium flow channel portion 23. Accordingly, the refrigerant and the second heat medium flow countercurrently in the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 and the second heat medium flow channel portion 23.

[0066] The heat exchange system 1 having the combined heat exchanger 20 configured as above has the control unit 100 for controlling various component devices as shown in Fig. 1. The control unit 100 includes a microcomputer having a processor and a memory, and its surrounding circuitry. The control unit 100 executes various calculations and operations based on a control program stored in the memory. A non-volatile physical storage medium forms the memory of the control unit 100.

[0067] The compressor 11, the first pressure reducing valve 15, the second pressure reducing valve 18, the high-temperature side pump 51, the electric heater 52, the high-temperature side switching valve 55, the first circulation pump 61, the second circulation pump 71, the flow channel switching valve 74, and the like are connected to an output side of the control unit 100.

[0068] The heat exchange system 1 can change the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel section 21, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section 22, and the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel section 23 by changing operations of the second pressure reducing valve 18, each of the circulation pumps 61 and 71, and the flow channel switching valve 74.In the present embodiment, the second pressure reducing valve 18, each of the circulation pumps 61 and 71, and the flow channel switching valve 74 constitute a flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22, and the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel portion 23.

[0069] Although not shown, an air conditioning control sensor group and a device temperature control sensor group are connected to an input side of the control unit 100. Various operation switches are connected to the input side of the control unit 100, and operation signals from the various operation switches are input.

[0070] The various control switches include an air conditioning switch, a room temperature adjustment switch, and the like. The air conditioning switch is a switch for setting whether the air conditioning unit 40 cools the air. The room temperature adjustment switch is a switch for setting a set temperature within the passenger compartment.

[0071] The control unit 100 switches an operation mode of the heat exchange system 1 based on a sensor output of the air conditioning control sensor group and the device temperature control sensor group, the operation signals of the various operation switches, and the like.

[0072] The control unit 100 calculates, for example, a target blowing temperature of the air-conditioning wind blown from the air-conditioning unit 40 into the passenger compartment, and switches the operation mode of the heat exchange system 1 to any one of a cooling mode, a heating mode, or a dehumidifying / heating mode based on the target blowing temperature and the like.

[0073] Operation of cooling mode, heating mode and dehumidification / heating mode is described below. [Cooling mode]

[0074] When a condition for executing the cooling mode is satisfied, the control unit 100 determines control signals to be output to the various devices connected to the control unit 100 based on the target blowing temperature, the sensor output of the various sensor groups, and the like.

[0075] For example, the control unit 100 drives the compressor 11, controls the first pressure-reducing valve 15 to a throttled state, and controls the second pressure-reducing valve 18 to a fully closed state. The control unit 100 determines the control signal to be output to the first pressure-reducing valve 15 so that a superheat degree on the refrigerant outlet side of the air-conditioning evaporator 16 becomes a predetermined first target superheat degree. The control unit 100 drives the high-temperature-side pump 51 and controls the high-temperature-side switching valve 55 so that the high-temperature-side heat medium flows to the high-temperature-side radiator 53.

[0076] With the refrigeration cycle 10 in the cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. The refrigerant that has flowed into the condenser 12 dissipates heat to the high-temperature side heat medium flowing through the high-temperature side circuit 50. Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 12 is cooled and condensed. The high-temperature side heat medium dissipates heat to the outside air while passing through the high-temperature side radiator 53.

[0077] The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 12 is separated into the gas and liquid phases in the liquid receiving unit 13, and the excess liquid-phase refrigerant in the cycle is stored within the liquid receiving unit 13. The liquid-phase refrigerant stored in the liquid receiving unit 13 is subcooled in the subcooling unit 14 by exchanging heat with the high-temperature side heat medium before passing through the condenser 12.

[0078] The liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14 is expanded at the first pressure-reducing valve 15. The refrigerant that is expanded at the first pressure-reducing valve 15 flows into the air conditioning evaporator 16, absorbs heat from the air blown into the passenger compartment, and evaporates. Accordingly, the air blown into the passenger compartment is cooled to a desired temperature. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the air conditioning evaporator 16 flows to a suction side of the compressor 11 and is further compressed by the compressor 11.

[0079] As described above, in the air conditioning evaporator 16, in the cooling mode, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the air blown into the passenger compartment, thereby cooling the air blown into the passenger compartment. Accordingly, the interior of the passenger compartment is cooled. [Device cooling in cooling mode]

[0080] In the cooling mode, when conditions for cooling at least some of the heat generating elements 64 and 73 are satisfied, the control unit 100 drives at least one of the first circulation pump 61 and the second circulation pump 71 and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to a throttle state.

[0081] For example, when the condition for cooling the first heat-generating element 64 is met, the control unit 100 drives the first circulation pump 61 in a state where the second circulation pump 71 is stopped and controls the second pressure-reducing valve 18 to the throttle state. In this case, a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14 flows into the second pressure-reducing valve 18 and is expanded. The refrigerant expanded by the second pressure-reducing valve 18 absorbs heat from the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section 22 in the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 and evaporates. Accordingly, the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60 is cooled.The first heat medium cooled by the combined heat exchanger 20 circulates through the first heat medium circuit 60, thereby cooling the first heat generating element 64. [Battery cooling in cooling mode]

[0082] For example, when a battery cooling condition for cooling the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73 is met, the control unit 100 drives each of the circulation pumps 61 and 71 and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to the throttle state. Furthermore, the control unit 100, as shown in Fig. 4, the flow channel switching valve 74 is configured so that the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 flows in an order from the battery BT → the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 of the combined heat exchanger 20. The control unit 100 controls the first circulation pump 61 so that the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the combined heat exchanger 20 is increased compared to the flow rate before the battery cooling condition is satisfied.

[0083] In this case, a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14 flows into the second pressure-reducing valve 18 and is expanded. The refrigerant expanded by the second pressure-reducing valve 18 absorbs heat from the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section 22 in the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 and evaporates. In the combined heat exchanger 20, the second heat medium is cooled by heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. Accordingly, the second heat medium cooled by the combined heat exchanger 20 circulates through the second heat medium circuit 70, thereby cooling the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73. [Battery heating in cooling mode]

[0084] On the other hand, in the cooling mode, when a battery heating condition for heating the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73 is met, the control unit 100 heats the battery BT by using the heat of the first heat medium. The control unit 100 drives, for example, each of the circulation pumps 61 and 71 and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to a small throttle opening degree or to the fully closed state, so that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 is reduced. In addition, the control unit 100 controls, as shown in Fig. 5, the flow channel switching valve 74 so that the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 flows in the order of the battery BT → the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 of the combined heat exchanger 20.

[0085] In this case, the first heat medium, which is received by the first heat generating element 64 and has been heated, flows into the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 of the combined heat exchanger 20. Since the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is low in the combined heat exchanger 20, heat exchange is predominantly between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. Therefore, the first heat medium that has flowed into the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 dissipates heat by heat exchange with the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel portion 23. In other words, the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 absorbs heat from the first heat medium and is heated.Accordingly, the second heat medium heated in the combined heat exchanger 20 circulates through the second heat medium circuit 70, thereby heating the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73. [Heating mode]

[0086] When a condition for executing the heating mode is satisfied, the control unit 100 determines control signals to be output to the various devices connected to the control unit 100 based on the target blowing temperature, the sensor output of the various sensor groups, and the like.

[0087] For example, the control unit 100 drives the compressor 11, controls the first pressure-reducing valve 15 to a fully closed state, and controls the second pressure-reducing valve 18 to the throttled state. The control unit 100 determines the control signal to be output to the second pressure-reducing valve 18 so that a superheat degree on the refrigerant outlet side of the combined heat exchanger 20 becomes a predetermined second target superheat degree. The control unit 100 drives the high-temperature-side pump 51 and controls the high-temperature-side switching valve 55 so that the high-temperature-side heat medium flows through the heater core 54. The control unit 100 drives the first circulation pump 61 so that the first heat medium flows through the low-temperature-side radiator 63.

[0088] With the refrigeration cycle 10 in the heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. The refrigerant that has flowed into the condenser 12 transfers heat to the high-temperature side heat medium flowing through the high-temperature side circuit 50. Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 12 is cooled and condensed. The high-temperature side heat medium transfers heat to the air blown into the passenger compartment through the heater core 54. Accordingly, the air blown into the passenger compartment is heated.

[0089] The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 12 is separated into the gas and liquid phases in the liquid receiving unit 13, and the excess liquid-phase refrigerant in the cycle is stored within the liquid receiving unit 13. The liquid-phase refrigerant stored in the liquid receiving unit 13 is subcooled in the subcooling unit 14 by exchanging heat with the high-temperature side heat medium before passing through the condenser 12.

[0090] The liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14 is expanded in the second pressure-reducing valve 18. The refrigerant that is expanded in the second pressure-reducing valve 18 flows into the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 and absorbs heat from the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section 22 and evaporates. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the combined heat exchanger 20 flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is recompressed by the compressor 11.

[0091] The first heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow channel section 22 of the combined heat exchanger 20 absorbs heat from the outside air while passing through the low-temperature side radiator 63. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 absorbs heat from the outside air via the first heat medium.

[0092] The first heat medium also absorbs heat from the first heat generating element 64 as it passes through the first heat generating element 64. In this case, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 also absorbs heat from the first heat generating element 64 via the first heat medium.

[0093] As described above, in the heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is caused to dissipate heat to the high-temperature side heat medium through the condenser 12 and the subcooling unit 14, and the high-temperature side heat medium of the high-temperature side circuit 50 is caused to dissipate heat to the air blown into the passenger compartment through the heater core 54, thereby heating the air blown into the passenger compartment. Accordingly, the interior of the passenger compartment is heated.

[0094] In the heating mode, the first heat medium flowing through the low-temperature side radiator 63 absorbs heat from the outside air, so that frost may form on the low-temperature side radiator 63. When frost forms on the low-temperature side radiator 63, heat exchange between the first heat medium and the outside air is limited.

[0095] In contrast, the low-temperature-side radiator 63 of the present embodiment is connected to the high-temperature-side radiator 53 via the common heat exchange fin to enable heat transfer. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle is stopped after the warm-up mode is completed, the heat remaining in the high-temperature-side heat medium in the high-temperature-side circuit 50 can be used to defrost the low-temperature-side radiator 63. [Battery cooling in warming mode]

[0096] In the heating mode, when the battery cooling condition for cooling the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73 is satisfied, the control unit 100 drives the second circulation pump 71. The control unit 100 controls the flow channel switching valve 74 so that the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 flows in the order of the battery BT → the second heat medium flow channel section 23 of the combined heat exchanger 20. The control unit 100 controls the first circulation pump 61 so that the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the combined heat exchanger 20 is increased compared to the flow rate before the battery cooling condition is satisfied. In this case, the refrigerant passing through the second

[0097] The pressure reducing valve 18 is released, and in the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20, the first heat medium absorbs heat from the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section 22 and evaporates. In the combined heat exchanger 20, the second heat medium is cooled by heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. Accordingly, the second heat medium cooled by the combined heat exchanger 20 circulates through the second heat medium circuit 70, thereby cooling the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73. [Battery heating in heating mode]

[0098] On the other hand, in the heating mode, when the battery heating condition for heating the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73 is met, the control unit 100 heats the battery BT. As described above, in the heating mode, the first heat medium is caused to dissipate heat to the refrigerant through the combined heat exchanger 20. For this reason, in the heating mode, it may be difficult to sufficiently heat the battery BT using the heat of the first heat medium.

[0099] In view of this, in the heating mode, the control unit 100 heats the battery BT without using the heat of the first heat medium. For example, the control unit 100 drives each of the circulation pumps 61 and 71 and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to the throttle state. As shown in Fig.6, the control unit 100 controls the flow channel switching valve 74 so that the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 flows in the order of the battery BT → the motor generator MG.

[0100] In this case, the second heat medium, which has absorbed heat from the motor generator MG and has been heated, can be caused to dissipate heat through the battery BT. That is, the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73 is heated by the second heat medium, which has absorbed heat from the motor generator MG and has been heated.

[0101] When the temperature of the first heat medium after heat exchange with the refrigerant in the combined heat exchanger 20 is higher than the temperature of the battery BT, it is possible to heat the battery by utilizing the heat of the first heat medium. In this case, the battery can be heated by utilizing the heat of the first heat medium, as in the cooling mode. However, when the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the combined heat exchanger 20 is reduced in the heating mode, the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the combined heat exchanger 20 is reduced. Therefore, in the heating mode, it is desirable to control the second pressure reducing valve 18 so that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the combined heat exchanger 20 is not reduced. [Dehumidification / Heating Mode]

[0102] When a condition for executing the dehumidification / heating mode is satisfied, the control unit 100 determines control signals to be output to the various devices connected to the control unit 100 based on the target blowing temperature, the sensor output of the various sensor groups, and the like.

[0103] For example, the control unit 100 drives the compressor 11, controls the first pressure-reducing valve 15 to a throttled state, and controls the second pressure-reducing valve 18 to the fully closed state. The control unit 100 determines the control signal to be output to the first pressure-reducing valve 15 so that a superheat degree on the refrigerant outlet side of the air-conditioning evaporator 16 becomes a predetermined third target superheat degree. The control unit 100 drives the high-temperature-side pump 51 and controls the high-temperature-side switching valve 55 so that the high-temperature-side heat medium flows through the heater core 54.

[0104] With the refrigeration cycle 10 in the dehumidification / heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. The refrigerant that has flowed into the condenser 12 transfers heat to the high-temperature side heat medium flowing through the high-temperature side circuit 50. Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 12 is cooled and condensed. The high-temperature side heat medium transfers heat to the air blown into the passenger compartment through the heater core 54. Accordingly, the air blown into the passenger compartment is heated.

[0105] The refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 12 is separated into the gas and liquid phases in the liquid receiving unit 13, and the excess liquid-phase refrigerant in the cycle is stored within the liquid receiving unit 13. The liquid-phase refrigerant stored in the liquid receiving unit 13 is subcooled in the subcooling unit 14 by exchanging heat with the high-temperature side heat medium before passing through the condenser 12.

[0106] The liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14 is expanded in the second pressure-reducing valve 18. The refrigerant that is expanded in the first pressure-reducing valve 15 flows into the air conditioning evaporator 16 and absorbs heat from the air before being heated by the heater core 54 and evaporated. Accordingly, the air blown into the passenger compartment is dehumidified. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through the air conditioning evaporator 16 flows to a suction side of the compressor 11 and is recompressed by the compressor 11.

[0107] As described above, in the dehumidification / heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is caused to dissipate heat to the high-temperature side heat medium through the condenser 12 and the subcooling unit 14, and the high-temperature side heat medium of the high-temperature side circuit 50 is caused to dissipate heat to the air blown into the passenger compartment through the heater core 54. In the dehumidification / heating mode, the refrigerant expanded in the first pressure reducing valve 15 is evaporated by the air conditioning evaporator 16 through heat exchange with the air blown into the passenger compartment. Accordingly, the air dehumidified by the air conditioning evaporator 16 can be heated by the heater core 54 and blown into the passenger compartment. [Device cooling in dehumidification / heating mode]

[0108] In the dehumidification / heating mode, when a condition for cooling at least some of the heat generating elements 64 and 73 is satisfied, the control unit 100 drives at least one of the first circulation pump 61 and the second circulation pump 71 and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to the throttle state. For example, if the condition for cooling the first

[0109] When the condition of the heat generating element 64 is satisfied, the control unit 100 drives the first circulation pump 61 in a state where the second circulation pump 71 is stopped, and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to the throttle state. In this case, a part of the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14 flows into the second pressure reducing valve 18 and is expanded. The refrigerant expanded by the second pressure reducing valve 18 absorbs heat from the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section 22 in the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 and evaporates. Accordingly, the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60 is cooled. The first heat medium cooled by the combined heat exchanger 20 circulates through the first heat medium circuit 60, thereby cooling the first heat generating element 64.

[0110] For example, when the battery cooling condition for cooling the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73 is satisfied, the control unit 100 drives each of the circulation pumps 61 and 71 and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to the throttle state. The control unit 100 controls the flow channel switching valve 74 so that the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 flows in the order of the battery BT → the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 of the combined heat exchanger 20. The control unit 100 controls the first circulation pump 61 so that the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the combined heat exchanger 20 is increased compared to the flow rate before the battery cooling condition is satisfied.

[0111] In this case, a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14 flows into the second pressure-reducing valve 18 and is expanded. The refrigerant expanded by the second pressure-reducing valve 18 absorbs heat from the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section 22 in the refrigerant flow channel section 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 and evaporates. In the combined heat exchanger 20, the second heat medium is cooled by heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. Accordingly, the second heat medium cooled by the combined heat exchanger 20 circulates through the second heat medium circuit 70, thereby cooling the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73. [Battery heating in dehumidification / heating mode]

[0112] On the other hand, in the dehumidification / heating mode, when the battery heating condition for heating the battery BT of the second heat generating element 73 is met, the control unit 100 heats the battery BT using the heat of the first heat medium, as in the cooling mode. For example, the control unit 100 drives each of the circulation pumps 61 and 71 and controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to a small throttle opening degree or a fully closed state, thereby reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow passage portion 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20. The control unit 100 controls the flow channel switching valve 74 so that the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 flows in the order of the battery BT → the second heat medium flow channel section 23 of the combined heat exchanger 20.

[0113] In this case, the first heat medium, which has absorbed heat from the first heat-generating element 64 and been heated, flows into the first heat-medium flow channel section 22 of the combined heat exchanger 20. The first heat medium flowing into the first heat-medium flow channel section 22 dissipates heat by heat exchange with the second heat medium flowing through the second heat-medium flow channel section 23. Accordingly, the second heat medium flowing through the second heat-medium flow channel section 23 absorbs heat from the first heat medium and is heated. The second heat medium heated by the combined heat exchanger 20 circulates through the second heat-medium circuit 70, thereby heating the battery BT of the second heat-generating element 73.

[0114] The above-described heat exchange system 1 includes the combined heat exchanger 20, which exchanges heat between a refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle 10, the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60 having the first heat generating element 64, and the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium circuit 70 having the second heat generating element 73. The combined heat exchanger 20 includes the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 through which the refrigerant flows, the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 through which the first heat medium flows, and the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 through which the second heat medium flows.The refrigerant flow channel section 21, the first heat medium flow channel section 22 and the second heat medium flow channel section 23 are arranged so that the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0115] According to the combined heat exchanger 20 of the present disclosure, heat can be exchanged between three types of fluids—namely, the refrigerant, the first heat medium, and the second heat medium—in the single heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat of the refrigerant can be supplied to the first heat medium and the second heat medium while reducing the complexity of the circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle 10. The combined heat exchanger 20 of the present disclosure enables cost reduction and downsizing. The circuit configuration and a loop configuration are compact, which makes it possible to reduce heat loss.

[0116] The combined heat exchanger 20 of the present embodiment has the following features.

[0117] (1) The first heat medium is a liquid-phase fluid that does not change phase when flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60. The first heat medium flow channel portion 22 is disposed adjacent to the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 to directly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the first heat medium. The second heat medium flow channel portion 23 is disposed adjacent to the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 to indirectly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the second heat medium via the first heat medium. In this way, by structuring the heat of the refrigerant to the first heat medium, which is a liquid-phase fluid with a large heat capacity, and the heat of the refrigerant to the second heat medium via the first heat medium, the heat of the refrigerant can be adequately supplied to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium.

[0118] (2) The first heat-medium flow channel portion 22 and the second heat-medium flow channel portion 23 are arranged side by side to transfer heat of the first heat-generating element 64 to the second heat-medium via the first heat-medium. In this way, it is possible to adjust a temperature of the second heat-generating element 73 by utilizing not only the heat of the refrigerant but also the heat of the first heat-generating element 64. This effect is unique to the present invention and cannot be achieved by adding a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the first heat-medium and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the second heat-medium to the refrigeration cycle 10.

[0119] (3) The refrigeration cycle 10 includes the compressor 11 that compresses and discharges the refrigerant, the condenser 12 and the subcooling unit 14 that dissipate heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11, and the second pressure-reducing valve 18 that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the subcooling unit 14. The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 forms an evaporation portion that evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the second pressure-reducing valve 18. The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 transfers the cooling energy of the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately cool the first heat generating element 64 or the second heat generating element 73 by absorbing heat from the first heat medium through latent heat of vaporization of the refrigerant.

[0120] (4) The first heat medium circuit 60 is provided with the low-temperature side radiator 63, which exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the outside air. Accordingly, it is possible to transfer the heat of the outside air and the heat of the first heat generating element 64 to the refrigerant via the first heat medium, and it is possible to make the refrigeration cycle 10 function as a heat pump cycle that absorbs heat from the outside air or the like.

[0121] (5) The second heat generating element 73 includes the battery BT as a heat generating body. This makes it possible to adjust the temperature of the battery BT by utilizing the heat of the refrigerant and the heat of the first heat medium.

[0122] (6) The second heat-generating element 73 includes a plurality of heat-generating bodies, such as the battery BT and the motor generator MG. The second heat-generating medium circuit 70 is configured to transfer heat from one heat-generating body among the plurality of heat-generating bodies to another heat-generating body different from the heat-generating body via the second heat medium. This makes it possible to adjust the temperature of the other heat-generating body by utilizing the heat of the heat-generating body among the plurality of heat-generating bodies in the second heat-generating medium circuit 70.

[0123] Specifically, the second heat medium circuit 70 is provided with the flow channel switching valve 74 for switching the second heat medium pumped out by the second circulation pump 71 between the flow channel through which the second heat medium flows in the order of the battery BT → the second heat medium flow channel section 23 and the flow channel through which the second heat medium flows in the order of the battery BT → the motor generator MG. Accordingly, the second heat medium circuit 70 is capable of adjusting the temperature of the battery BT by utilizing not only the heat of the refrigerant or the heat of the first heat medium, but also the heat of the heat generating body such as the motor generator MG.

[0124] (7) The second heat medium has a higher electrical insulation property than the first heat medium. Accordingly, current leakage from the second heat generating element via the second heat medium is reduced, thereby making it possible to safely adjust the temperature of the battery BT or the like contained in the second heat generating element 73 via the second heat medium.

[0125] (8) The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is adjacent to the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 to directly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the first heat medium, and is arranged so that an entire heat exchange part in the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is in thermal contact with the first heat medium flow channel portion 22. This makes it possible to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 and the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22.

[0126] The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 of the present embodiment is configured as an evaporation portion that evaporates the refrigerant, and is therefore structured to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the first heat medium, which facilitates evaporation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow channel portion 21. As a result, liquid backflow to the compressor 11 is reduced, and the compressor 11 can be protected.

[0127] (9) The first heat medium flow channel portion 22 includes the first heat exchange unit 22A that exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the refrigerant, and the second heat exchange unit 22B that exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, and is configured so that the first heat medium flows in order from the first heat exchange unit 22A and the second heat exchange unit 22B. Accordingly, a total amount of the first heat medium flows through each of the first heat exchange unit 22A and the second heat exchange unit 22B. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the first heat medium in the first heat exchange unit 22A and a sufficient amount of heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium of the second heat exchange unit 22B.

[0128] (10) The refrigerant comprises refrigerating oil. The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is configured so that the refrigerant flows downward. This makes it possible to reduce the accumulation of refrigerating oil in the combined heat exchanger 20. As a result, a sliding part of the compressor 11 is lubricated by the refrigerating oil, thereby making it possible to protect the compressor 11.

[0129] (11) The refrigerant flow channel section 21 and the first heat medium flow channel section 22 are arranged so that the refrigerant and the first heat medium flow in countercurrent. The first heat medium flow channel section 22 and the second heat medium flow channel section 23 are arranged so that the first heat medium and the second heat medium flow in countercurrent. This makes it possible to ensure a temperature difference between the refrigerant and the first heat medium and a temperature difference between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, and to adequately exchange heat between the refrigerant, the first heat medium, and the second heat medium.

[0130] (12) In addition to the combined heat exchanger 20, the heat exchange system 1 includes a flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22, and the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel portion 23. The refrigerant flow channel portion 21, the first heat medium flow channel portion 22, and the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 are arranged so that the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium.Accordingly, in the single heat exchanger, heat can be mutually exchanged between three types of fluids, namely the refrigerant, the first heat medium, and the second heat medium, while adjusting the flow rates of the three types of fluids. Therefore, the heat of the refrigerant can be supplied to the first heat medium and the second heat medium while reducing the complexity of the circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle 10.

[0131] (13) The first heat medium flow channel portion 22 is disposed adjacent to the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 to directly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the first heat medium. The second heat medium flow channel portion 23 is disposed adjacent to the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 to indirectly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the second heat medium via the first heat medium. The flow rate adjusting unit increases the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 when the operation mode is switched to the operation mode in which heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the second heat medium via the first heat medium. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the first heat medium and a sufficient amount of heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium.This contributes to improving heat transfer efficiency in the combined heat exchanger 20.

[0132] When the heat exchange system 1 enters the operation mode in which the second heat generating element 73 is cooled using the cooling energy of the refrigerant, the control unit 100, for example, increases a discharge capacity of the first heat medium at the first circulation pump 61, thereby increasing the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22. Accordingly, it is easier to transfer the cooling energy of the refrigerant to the second heat generating element 73 via the first heat medium and the second heat medium, so that the second heat generating element 73 can be appropriately cooled.

[0133] (14) The first heat-medium flow channel portion 22 and the second heat-medium flow channel portion 23 are arranged side by side to transfer the heat of the first heat-generating element 64 to the second heat medium via the first heat medium. The flow rate adjusting unit reduces the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 when the operation mode is switched to the operation mode in which the heat of the first heat-generating element 64 is transferred to the second heat medium. In this way, it is possible to appropriately transfer the heat of the first heat-generating element 64 to the second heat medium while reducing the heat exchange between the first heat medium and the refrigerant. This contributes to improving the heat transfer efficiency in the combined heat exchanger 20.

[0134] When the heat exchange system 1 enters the operation mode in which the second heat generating element 73 is heated using the heat of the first heat medium, the controller 100, for example, controls the second pressure reducing valve 18 to the small throttle opening degree or the fully closed state, thereby reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21. Accordingly, it is easier for the heat of the first heat medium to be transferred to the second heat medium instead of the refrigerant, so that the second heat generating element 73 can be appropriately heated. (Other embodiments)

[0135] Although the representative embodiment of the present disclosure is described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made, for example, as follows.

[0136] The air conditioning evaporator 16 of the refrigeration cycle 10 described above is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the air blown into the passenger compartment, but is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioning evaporator 16 may be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and a low-temperature side heat medium that exchanges heat with the air blown into the passenger compartment in a radiator core. The refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 10 may be a refrigerant other than HFO-1234yf. The first pressure reducing valve 15 and the air conditioning evaporator 16 are not essential in the refrigeration cycle 10. The liquid receiving unit 13 and the subcooling unit 14 of the refrigeration cycle 10 are not essential. The refrigeration cycle 10 may have an accumulator arranged on the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 11 to store the liquid-phase refrigerant.Each of the pressure reducing valves 15 and 18 may comprise, for example, a thermal expansion valve capable of adjusting the degree of superheat of the refrigerant at an outlet of the evaporator, instead of an electric variable throttle having a complete closing function.

[0137] In the above-mentioned high-temperature-side circuit 50, the high-temperature-side radiator 53 and the heater core 54 are connected in parallel in the flow of the high-temperature-side heat medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the high-temperature-side radiator 53 and the heater core 54 may be connected in series in the flow of the high-temperature-side heat medium.

[0138] The high-temperature-side heat medium flowing through the high-temperature-side circuit 50 may comprise a fluid other than the liquid comprising ethylene glycol or the antifreeze liquid. The electric heater 52 of the high-temperature-side circuit 50 is not essential.

[0139] The above-described first heat medium circuit 60 is exemplified as including the inverter INV and the final drive T / A as the first heat generating element 64, but may include a heat generating device other than these (for example, an ECU). The first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60 may include a fluid other than the liquid including ethylene glycol or the antifreeze liquid. For example, the first heat medium may be the same as the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle 10, or may be the same as the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium circuit 70.

[0140] It is desirable that the high-temperature-side radiator 53 and the low-temperature-side radiator 63 be connected to each other via the common heat exchange fin to enable heat transfer therebetween, but this is not essential. The low-temperature-side radiator 63 of the first heat medium circuit 60 is not essential.

[0141] The second heat medium circuit 70 described above is exemplified as including the battery BT and the motor generator MG as the second heat generating element 73, but may include a heat generating device other than these (for example, an ECU). The second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium circuit 70 is desirably one with high electrical insulation properties, but is not limited thereto. The second heat medium may be, for example, the same as the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle 10 or the same as the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium circuit 60.

[0142] The combined heat exchanger 20 described above is illustrated by way of example as being configured as a stacked plate type heat exchanger formed by stacking the numerous plate-shaped elements 24, but is not limited thereto. For example, the combined heat exchanger 20 may be configured as a multi-tube type heat exchanger having a shell and numerous heat transfer tubes.

[0143] As in the above-described embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 desirably has a structure in which the first heat medium and the refrigerant directly exchange heat, the first heat medium and the second heat medium directly exchange heat, and the refrigerant and the second heat medium indirectly exchange heat via the first heat medium, but is not limited thereto. The combined heat exchanger 20 may have a structure in which, for example, the first heat medium and the second heat medium directly exchange heat, the second heat medium and the refrigerant directly exchange heat, and the first heat medium and the refrigerant indirectly exchange heat via the second heat medium.

[0144] The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 of the combined heat exchanger 20 is configured as, but is not limited to, the evaporation portion that evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the second pressure-reducing valve 18, and may also be configured as a condensation portion that condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11. It is desirable for the combined heat exchanger 20 to be arranged so that the entire heat exchange part in the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is in thermal contact with the first heat medium flow channel portion 22, but this is not essential. The refrigerant flow channel portion 21 is desirably configured so that the refrigerant flows downward, but is not limited to this.The refrigerant flow channel section 21 may be configured so that the refrigerant flows downward at least in a portion connected to a refrigerant outlet. The refrigerant flow channel section 21 may be configured so that the refrigerant flows upward or sideways.

[0145] The combined heat exchanger 20 is desirably configured such that the refrigerant and the first heat medium flow in countercurrent, but is not limited thereto and may be configured such that the refrigerant and the first heat medium flow in parallel or crosscurrent. Furthermore, the combined heat exchanger 20 is desirably configured such that the first heat medium and the second heat medium flow in countercurrent, but is not limited thereto and may be configured such that the first heat medium and the second heat medium flow in parallel or crosscurrent.

[0146] As in the embodiment described above, the heat exchange system 1 is desirably configured so that each of the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22, and the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 can be freely adjusted, but is not limited thereto. The heat exchange system 1 may be configured such that at least one of the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22, and the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel portion 23 cannot be freely adjusted.

[0147] As in the above-described embodiment, the heat exchange system 1 is desirably configured to increase the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion 22 when the heat exchange system 1 enters the operating mode in which heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the second heat medium via the first heat medium, but this is not essential. The heat exchange system 1 is desirably configured to decrease the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion 21 when the heat exchange system 1 enters the operating mode in which the heat of the first heat generating element 64 is transferred to the second heat medium, but this is not essential.

[0148] In the above-described embodiment, the combined heat exchanger 20 is exemplified as being applied to the heat exchange system 1 for a vehicle. However, the combined heat exchanger 20 is not limited to a system for a mobile object and can also be applied to, for example, a stationary system or a portable system.

[0149] In the embodiments described above, it is a matter of course that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential except in a case where those elements are particularly clearly indicated as essential, a case where those elements are in principle believed to be obviously essential, and the like.

[0150] In the embodiments described above, when referring to the number, numerical value, amount, range, and the like of the components of the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific number of components of the embodiments except in a case where it is particularly noted as essential, a case where it is limited to a specific number in principle, and the like.

[0151] In the above-described embodiments, when reference is made to the shape, positional relationship, and the like of the component, the present disclosure is not limited to the shape, positional relationship, and the like except in a case where it is particularly noted, a case where it is limited in principle to a specific shape, a specific positional relationship, and the like.

[0152] The control unit and method thereof of the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by having a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions executed by a computer program. The control unit and method thereof of the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by having a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. The control unit and method thereof of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers comprising a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions, and a processor comprising one or more hardware logic circuits.The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory, physical storage medium as a set of instructions to be executed by the computer. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2005-273998 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] A combined heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant circulating through a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle (10), a first heat medium flowing through a first heat medium circuit (60) having a first heat generating element (64), and a second heat medium flowing through a second heat medium circuit (70) having a second heat generating element (73), the combined heat exchanger comprising: a refrigerant flow channel portion (21) configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant flow channel portion; a first heat medium flow channel portion (22) configured to allow the first heat medium to flow through the first heat medium flow channel portion; and a second heat medium flow channel section (23) configured to allow the second heat medium to flow through the second heat medium flow channel section, wherein the refrigerant flow channel section, the first heat medium flow channel section, and the second heat medium flow channel section are arranged to transfer heat of the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium. [2] Combined heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first heat medium is a liquid-phase fluid that flows through the first heat medium circuit without a phase change, the first heat medium flow channel section is arranged next to the refrigerant flow channel section to transfer the heat of the refrigerant directly to the first heat medium, and the second heat medium flow channel section is arranged adjacent to the first heat medium flow channel section to transfer the heat of the refrigerant indirectly to the second heat medium via the first heat medium. [3] A combined heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heat medium flow channel portion and the second heat medium flow channel portion are arranged side by side to transfer heat of the first heat generating element to the second heat medium via the first heat medium. [4] Combined heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refrigeration cycle comprises a compressor (11) configured to compress and discharge the refrigerant, a heat release device (12, 14) configured to release the heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and a pressure reduction section (18) that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the heat release device, and the refrigerant flow channel portion forms an evaporation portion configured to evaporate the refrigerant expanded in the pressure reducing portion to transfer a cooling energy of the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium. [5] A combined heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first heat medium circuit is provided with a radiator (63) configured to exchange heat between the first heat medium and outside air. [6] Combined heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second heat generating element comprises a battery (BT). [7] Combined heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second heat generating element comprises heat generating bodies (BT, MG) and the second heat medium circuit is configured to transfer heat of one heat generating body to another heat generating body of the heat generating bodies via the second heat medium. [8] A combined heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second heat medium is higher than the first heat medium in an electrical insulation property. [9] A combined heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the refrigerant flow channel portion is adjacent to the first heat medium flow channel portion to directly transfer the heat of the refrigerant to the first heat medium, and an entire heat exchange part in the refrigerant flow channel portion is in thermal contact with the first heat medium flow channel portion. [10] The combined heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first heat medium flow channel portion includes a first heat exchange unit (22A) that exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the refrigerant, and a second heat exchange unit (22B) that exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the second heat medium, and is configured to allow the first heat medium to flow through the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit in this order. [11] A combined heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the refrigerant comprises a refrigerating machine oil and the refrigerant flow channel portion is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow downward. [12] Combined heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the refrigerant flow channel section and the first heat medium flow channel section are arranged to allow the refrigerant and the first heat medium to flow in countercurrent, and the first heat medium flow channel section and the second heat medium flow channel section are arranged to allow the first heat medium and the second heat medium to flow in countercurrent. [13] A heat exchange system configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant circulating through a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle (10), a first heat medium flowing through a first heat medium circuit (60) having a first heat generating element (64), and a second heat medium flowing through a second heat medium circuit (70) having a second heat generating element (73), the heat exchange system comprising: a combined heat exchanger (20) which a refrigerant flow channel section (21) configured to allow the refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant flow channel section, a first heat medium flow channel section (22) configured to allow the first heat medium to flow through the first heat medium flow channel section, and a second heat medium flow channel portion (23) configured to allow the second heat medium to flow through the second heat medium flow channel portion; and a flow rate adjustment unit (18, 61, 71, 74) configured to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel section, a flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel section, and a flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow channel section, wherein the refrigerant flow channel section, the first heat medium flow channel section, and the second heat medium flow channel section are arranged to transfer heat of the refrigerant to both the first heat medium and the second heat medium. [14] Heat exchange system according to claim 13, wherein the first heat medium flow channel section is arranged next to the refrigerant flow channel section to transfer the heat of the refrigerant directly to the first heat medium, the second heat medium flow channel section is arranged next to the first heat medium flow channel section to transfer the heat of the refrigerant indirectly to the second heat medium via the first heat medium, and the flow rate adjusting unit is configured to increase the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow channel portion in an operation mode in which heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the second heat medium via the first heat medium. [15] Heat exchange system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first heat medium flow channel section and the second heat medium flow channel section are arranged side by side to transfer heat of the first heat generating element to the second heat medium via the first heat medium, and the flow rate adjusting unit reduces the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel portion in an operation mode in which the heat of the first heat generating element is transferred to the second heat medium.

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