Vehicle and thermal management control method and device therefor, and storage medium

Abstract

A vehicle and a thermal management control method and device therefor, and a storage medium are provided. The vehicle includes an engine and a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a water pump. The engine and the water pump are connected to form a first cooling circulation. The thermal management control method includes: when a current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, a total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and a current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, controlling the water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state. In the thermal management control method provided in the the present disclosure, when the engine is in a warm-up mode of high power and low vehicle speed, by controlling the water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, the local overheat of the engine is avoided and the thermal management system is allowed to be in a minimum power consumption state.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical filed of vehicles, and specifically to a vehicle and a thermal management control method and device therefor, and a storage medium.BACKGROUND

[0002] In related art, a thermal management control method for an engine of a vehicle adjusts the opening of a thermostat, the rotating speed of an electronic water pump, and the rotating speed of a radiator fan according to the priority from high to low, so as to meet the heat dissipation requirements under various working conditions. However, the problem of how to make the thermal management system have the minimum power consumption while the engine is ensured not to suffer from local overheat during a warm-up process of the engine is not considered. US 2016 / 0333768 A1 discloses a method for operating a cooling system with a coolant pump for an internal combustion engine. The coolant pump is operated for a preset period of time after a starting of the internal combustion engine. The cooling system is switched over into a first warming-up operating mode, in which the coolant pump is not operated, in the case that a first warming-up condition is fulfilled. In an embodiment, the cooling system further comprises a radiator connected via a temperature sensor and a rotary control valve to the engine.SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the above technical problems, the present invention according to the independent claims is provided. A first object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management control method for a vehicle, which avoids the local overheat of an engine and allows a thermal management system to be in a minimum power consumption state by controlling a water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, when the engine is in a warm-up mode of high power, and low vehicle speed.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] A third object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management control device for a vehicle.

[0006] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0007] To achieve the above objects, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management control method for a vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine and a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a water pump. The engine and the water pump are connected to form a first cooling circulation. The control method includes: when a current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, a total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and a current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, controlling a water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state.

[0008] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, the engine is considered to be in a warm-up state of high power and low vehicle speed. By controlling the water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, the local overheat of the engine is avoided and the thermal management system is allowed to be in a minimum power consumption state.

[0009] To achieve the above objects, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which is executable by a processor to implement the thermal management control method according to the embodiment in the first aspect.

[0010] To achieve the above objects, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management control device for a vehicle. The thermal management control device includes a processor, and a storage connected to the processor, where the storage stores a computer program including program instructions, and the processor is configured to call the program instructions to implement the thermal management control method according to the embodiment in the first aspect.

[0011] To achieve the above objects, in a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine and a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a water pump, an air-cooling radiator, a thermostat, and a thermal management control device according to the embodiment in the third aspect.

[0012] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be partly given in the following description, some of which will become apparent from the following description, or may be learned from practices of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart of a thermal management control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a thermal management control method provided in another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in accompanying drawings, where the same or similar elements or the elements having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the description. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and cannot be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

[0015] A vehicle100, and a thermal management control method and a thermal management control device therefor, and a computer-readable storage medium according to the embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes an engine 110 and a thermal management system 120. The thermal management system 120 includes a water pump 121, an air-cooling radiator 122, a thermostat 123 and a thermal management control device 124. The thermal management control device 124 includes a processor 124a and a storage 124b. The processor 124a and the storage 124b are connected to each other. The storage 124b is configured to store a computer program including program instructions, and the processor 124a is configured to call the program instructions to implement the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment. In addition, the computer-readable storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present invention stores a computer program, which is executable by the processor to implement the thermal management control method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 110 and the water pump 121 are connected to form a first cooling circulation. That is, a coolant is pumped by the water pump 121 to pass by the engine 110 and cool the engine 110. The air-cooling radiator 122 is connected to the engine 110 and the water pump 121 through the thermostat123 to form a second cooling circulation, That is, when the thermostat 123 is started, the coolant is pumped by the water pump 121 to pass by the engine 110 and cool the engine 110, and then pass through the thermostat 123 and enter the air-cooling radiator122 for being cooled. It should be noted that the first cooling circulation is a small circulation for cooling the engine 110, and the second cooling circulation is a large circulation for cooling the engine 110.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention includes Step S1: When a current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, a total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and a current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, the water pump is controlled to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state.

[0019] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state. When the total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, that is, the engine 110 is in a state of high power and low vehicle speed, the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, but a risk of local overheat. In this case, by controlling the water pump 121 to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, the local overheat of the engine 110 is avoided, and extended warm-up time of the engine 110 and increased power consumption of the thermal management system 120 caused by excessive heat dissipation are avoided. That is to say, the thermal management system 120 is ensured to have a minimum power consumption. It should be noted that the temperature-related parameter of the engine 110 in the present invention is the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the engine 110. In some embodiments, the preset temperature threshold may be 60°C-80°C, the preset power threshold may be 5 kW-8 kW, and the preset vehicle speed threshold may be 5 km / h-10 km / h. In some embodiments, the preset temperature threshold may be 80°C, the preset power threshold may be 5 kW, and the preset vehicle speed threshold may be 5 km / h.

[0020] In some embodiments, Step S1 includes: When the water pump is in the start state, the rotational speed of the water pump is a safe rotational speed of the water pump. It should be noted that the safe rotational speed of the water pump is a rotational speed with a safe flow rate. The safe flow rate means the minimum flow rate required by cooling of the cylinder body and the cylinder cover of the engine at a certain load, that is, a flow rate without local overheat and boiling. In some embodiments, the safe rotational speed of the water pump is determined by looking up in MAP of safe rotational speed of the water pump according to a current rotational speed of the engine and a current torque of the engine. MAP of safe rotational speed of the water pump is specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the engine 110 for the purpose of achieving the minimum flow rate for cooling the engine 110 to avoid local overheat, which is preset in the thermal management control device 124.

[0021] In some embodiments, Step S1 includes: after the water pump is in the start state for a start time, controlling the water pump to switch to the stop state; and after the water pump is in the stop state for a stop time, controlling the water pump to switch to the start state. In some embodiments, the start time and the stop time are both preset fixed values. Since the time when the engine 110 is in the warm-up state of high power and low vehicle speed is not very long, the start time and the stop time are specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the engine 110, which are preset in the thermal management control device 124. This can meet the basic requirements, and simplify the control program. In some other embodiments, the start time positively correlates with the current vehicle speed and the stop time inversely correlates with the current vehicle speed. Obviously, the higher the current vehicle speed is, the higher the heat dissipation requirement of the engine 110 will be. Therefore, by increasing the start time and reducing the stop time, the thermal management system 120 can be ensured to be in the minimum power consumption state more accurately.

[0022] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes Step S2: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0, and the opening of the thermostat is controlled to 0. It should be noted that the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122 refers to the rotational speed of a fan in the air-cooling radiator 122.

[0023] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in the warm-up state. That is to say, the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, and the engine 110 can be warmed up by its own heat. Therefore, the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122 is controlled to 0, and the opening of the thermostat 123 is controlled to 0, such that the engine 110 does not participate in the cooling in the second cooling circulation, thereby ensuring that the thermal management system 120 is in the minimum power consumption state.

[0024] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes Step S3: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the total engine power is less than the preset power threshold, the water pump is controlled to stop.

[0025] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the total engine power is less than the preset power threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state of low power. At this time, the heat generated by the engine 110 is relatively small and can be completely used for the warm-up of the engine 110. Moreover, there is no risk of local overheat, i.e. no cooling is required. Therefore, by controlling the water pump 121 to stop, the thermal management system 120 is ensured to be in the minimum power consumption state.

[0026] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes Step S4: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump.

[0027] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state of high power and high vehicle speed, the engine 110 has a high risk of local overheat, compared with the case in the high-power, low-vehicle speed state. Therefore, by controlling the rotational speed of the water pump 121 to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump, a safe flow rate at which the engine 110 has no local overheat is ensured, and the thermal management system 120 is ensured to be in the minimum power consumption state.

[0028] In some other embodiments, Step S4 can be replaced by Step S4a: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be greater than or equal to the safe rotational speed of the water pump and positively correlate with the current vehicle speed. By controlling the rotational speed of the water pump to increase with the increase of the current vehicle speed, the risk of local overheat of the engine 110 can be further reduced.

[0029] According to the present invention, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes the following Steps S5 to S7.

[0030] S5: When the current temperature of the engine is greater than the preset temperature threshold, and the opening of the thermostat is greater than or equal to a preset opening threshold, a total target heat dissipation is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine, and a current ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the preset opening threshold can be 95%-100%, and particularly, 100%. That is, the thermostat 123 is fully open.

[0031] When the temperature of the engine 110 is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to complete the warm-up process. At this time, the thermal management system 120 needs to continuously control the temperature of the engine 110. When the opening of the thermostat 123 is greater than or equal to the preset opening threshold, the engine 110 is considered to enter an operating state with a high heat dissipation requirement. At this time, both the water pump 121 and the air-cooling radiator 122 need to participate in the cooling of the engine 110 and the engine 110 needs to have the minimum fuel consumption, that is, in the most efficient operating state. Particularly, by using the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the current ambient temperature as input parameters, and looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine, the total target heat dissipation of the engine 110 in an operating state of minimum fuel consumption and highest efficiency is finally outputted. MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine is specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the vehicle 100 for the purpose of achieving the minimum fuel consumption of the engine 110, which is preset in the thermal management control device 124. The current ambient temperature refers to the air temperature outside the vehicle, that is, the inlet temperature of the engine 110 and the air intake temperature of the air-cooling radiator 122.

[0032] S6: A target rotational speed of the water pump and a target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator are determined by looking up in MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system according to the total target heat dissipation, an air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator, and the current ambient temperature.

[0033] When the opening of the thermostat 123 is greater than or equal to the preset opening threshold, the engine 110 is cooled by the second cooling circulation. There are many combinations of rotational speeds of the water pump 121 and the air-cooling radiator 122 that allow the engine 110 to have an operating state of minimum fuel consumption and highest efficiency. In the present invention, by using the total target heat dissipation, the air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator 122 and the current ambient temperature as input parameters, and looking up in MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system, a combination of the target rotational speed of the water pump and the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is outputted, such that the thermal management system 120 can work with the minimum power consumption. MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system is specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the thermal management system 120 for the purpose of achieving the minimum power consumption of the thermal management system 120, which is preset in the thermal management control device 124. In some embodiments, the air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator 122 is determined according to the current vehicle speed and an ambient air flow rate.

[0034] S7: The rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to the target rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator.

[0035] By the preset MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine, the total target heat dissipation of the engine achieving the minimum fuel consumption or the highest efficiency under the current operating conditions is determined. Then, by MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system, a combination of the rotational speed of the water pump 121 and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122, at which the thermal management system120 has a minimum power consumption, that is, the target rotational speed of the water pump and the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator, are determined. The water pump 121 and the air-cooling radiator 122 are controlled to operate at the target rotational speed of the water pump and the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator respectively, so as to realize the optimization of the power consumption of the thermal management system and the fuel consumption of the engine.

[0036] In some embodiments, Step S5 includes the following Steps S501 to S503.

[0037] S501: A target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine, and the current ambient temperature.

[0038] S502: The heat generated by the engine is determined according to the current rotational speed of the engine and the current torque of the engine.

[0039] S503: The total target heat dissipation is determined according to the current temperature of the engine, the target temperature of the engine, and the heat generated by the engine.

[0040] By using the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the current ambient temperature as input parameters, and looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine, the target temperature of the engine 110 in an operating state of minimum fuel consumption and highest efficiency is outputted. In some embodiments, from the difference △T between the current temperature of the engine and the target temperature of the engine, the heat required by the engine from the current temperature to the target temperature is calculated to be C·M·△T, where C is the specific heat capacity of the coolant, and M is the weight of the coolant, which depends on the flow rate. Therefore, the total target heat dissipation when the engine is cooled can be obtained by the heat generated by the engine minus C·M·△T.

[0041] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes the following Steps S8 to S11.

[0042] S8: When the current temperature of the engine is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the opening of the thermostat is less than the preset opening threshold, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0.

[0043] S9: A target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine, and the current ambient temperature.

[0044] S10: A target opening of the thermostat is determined according to the current temperature of the engine and the target temperature of the engine.

[0045] S11: The opening of the thermostat is controlled to the target opening of the thermostat.

[0046] When the temperature of the engine 110 is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold and the opening of the thermostat 123 is less than the preset opening threshold, the engine 110 is considered to complete the warm-up process. However, the engine 110 has not entered an operating state with a high heat dissipation requirement yet. At this time, by controlling the opening of the thermostat 123, the engine 110 reaches the target temperature to operate in a state of the minimum fuel consumption and the highest efficiency. Moreover, since the water pump 121 operates at the lowest rotational speed and the air-cooling radiator is stopped, the thermal management system 120 is a state with the minimum power consumption.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes the following Steps S101 to S117.

[0048] S101: Whether the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up stage, and Step S102 is performed; and if not, the engine is considered to complete the warm-up stage and enter a traveling stage, and Step S108 is performed.

[0049] S102: When the engine 110 is in the warm-up stage, the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0, and the opening of the thermostat is controlled to 0.

[0050] S103: Whether the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of high power and Step S104 is performed; and if not, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of low power and Step S107 is performed.

[0051] S104: Whether the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the preset vehicle speed threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of high power and low vehicle speed, and Step S105 is performed; and if not, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of high power and high vehicle speed, and Step S106 is performed.

[0052] S105: When the engine 110 is in a warm-up mode of high power and low vehicle speed, the water pump is controlled to periodically switch between the start state and the stop state. When the water pump is in the start state, the rotational speed of the water pump is a safe rotational speed of the water pump. In some embodiments, after the water pump is in the start state for a start time, the water pump is controlled to switch to the stop state; and after the water pump is in the stop state for a stop time, the water pump is controlled to switch to the start state. The start time and the stop time are both preset fixed values.

[0053] S106: When the engine 110 is in a warm-up mode of high power and high vehicle speed, the water pump is controlled to be in the start state, and the rotational speed of the water pump is a safe rotational speed of the water pump.

[0054] S107: When the engine 110 is in a warm-up mode of low power, the water pump is controlled to be in the stop state.

[0055] S108: After Step S101, when the engine 110 is in a traveling stage, whether the opening of the thermostat is greater than or equal to the preset opening threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to have a high heat dissipation requirement, and Step S109 is performed; and if not, the engine 110 is considered to have a low heat dissipation requirement, and Step S114 is performed.

[0056] S109: When the engine 110 has a high heat dissipation requirement, a target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the ambient temperature. It is considered that when the operating temperature of the engine 110 in the current state is the target temperature of the engine, the engine 110 is in a state of minimum fuel consumption.

[0057] S110: The heat generated by the engine is determined according to the current rotational speed of the engine and the current torque of the engine.

[0058] S111: The total target heat dissipation is determined according to the current temperature of the engine, the target temperature of the engine, and the heat generated by the engine.

[0059] S112: A target rotational speed of the water pump and a target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator are determined by looking up in MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system according to the total target heat dissipation, the air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator and the ambient temperature. It is considered that with a current heat dissipation requirement and in the current environment, when the rotational speed of the water pump 121 is the target rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122 is the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator, the thermal management system 120 is in a state of minimum power consumption.

[0060] S113: The rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to the target rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator.

[0061] S114: After Step S108, when the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0.

[0062] S115: A target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the ambient temperature.

[0063] S116: A target opening of the thermostat is determined according to the current temperature of the engine and the target temperature of the engine.

[0064] S117: The opening of the thermostat is controlled to the target opening of the thermostat.

[0065] In the thermal management control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention, when the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state. When the total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, that is, the engine 110 is in a state of high power and low vehicle speed, the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, but a risk of local overheat. In this case, by controlling the water pump 121 to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, the local overheat of the engine 110 is avoided, and extended warm-up time of the engine 110 and increased power consumption of the thermal management system 120 caused by excessive heat dissipation are avoided. That is to say, the thermal management system 120 is ensured to have a minimum power consumption.

[0066] In the description of the specification, the description with reference to the terms "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" and so on means that specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are embraced in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In the specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, where there are no contradictions, the various embodiments or examples described in the specification can be combined by those skilled in the art.

[0067] Moreover, the terms "first", and "second " are used merely for the purpose of description, and shall not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying a quantity of indicated technical features Therefore, a feature restricted by "first" or "second" may explicitly indicate or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the descriptions of the present invention, "multiple" means at least two, for example, two or three, unless explicitly specified.

[0068] The description of any process or method in the flowcharts or described otherwise herein can be construed as representing one or more modules, fragments, or parts that include codes of executable instructions used to implement a specific logical function or steps of a process.

[0069] The logic and / or steps shown in the flowcharts or described otherwise herein, for example, a sequenced list that may be considered as executable instructions used for implementing logical functions, may be specifically implemented in any computer-readable storage medium, for use by an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (for example, a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other systems that can obtain an instruction from the instruction execution system, apparatus or device and execute the instruction), or for use with such instruction execution systems, apparatuses, or devices. In the specification, the "computer-readable storage medium" may be any apparatus that can include, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by an instruction execution system, apparatus or device or for use with the instruction execution system apparatus or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium include: an electrical connection (electronic device) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic apparatus), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber apparatus, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable storage medium can even be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, because the program can be obtained electronically by, for example, optically scanning paper or other media, then editing, deciphering, or processing in other suitable ways if necessary, and then storing it in a computer memory.

[0070] It should be understood that parts of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the foregoing implementations, steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware that is stored in a memory and executed by a proper instruction execution system. For example, if hardware is used for implementation, same as in another implementation, implementation may be performed by any one of the following technologies well known in the art or a combination thereof: a discrete logic circuit including a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function of a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit including a proper combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like.

[0071] A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand that all or some of the steps of the methods in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented by a program instructing relevant hardware. The program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0072] Moreover, functional units according to the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated in one processing module, may be physically separate from each other or may be integrated in one modules by two or more units. The integrated modules described above can be implemented either in the form of hardware, or software functional modules. The integrated module, if implemented in the form of a software program module and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0073] The storage medium mentioned above may be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disc. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it can be understood that the foregoing embodiments are exemplary and should not be understood as limitation to the present invention. Changes, modifications, replacements, or variations can be made to the foregoing embodiments by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0074] List of reference numerals: 100, vehicle; 110, engine; 120, thermal management system; 121, water pump; 122, air-cooling radiator; 123, thermostat; 124, thermal management control device; 124a, processor; 124b, storage

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in accompanying drawings, where the same or similar elements or the elements having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the description. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and cannot be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

[0015]A vehicle100, and a thermal management control method and a thermal management control device therefor, and a computer-readable storage medium according to the embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0016]As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes an engine 110 and a thermal management system 120. The thermal management system 120 includes a water pump 121, an air-cooling radiator 122, a thermostat 123 and a thermal m...

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical filed of vehicles, and specifically to a vehicle and a thermal management control method and device therefor, and a storage medium.BACKGROUND

[0002] In related art, a thermal management control method for an engine of a vehicle adjusts the opening of a thermostat, the rotating speed of an electronic water pump, and the rotating speed of a radiator fan according to the priority from high to low, so as to meet the heat dissipation requirements under various working conditions. However, the problem of how to make the thermal management system have the minimum power consumption while the engine is ensured not to suffer from local overheat during a warm-up process of the engine is not considered. US 2016 / 0333768 A1 discloses a method for operating a cooling system with a coolant pump for an internal combustion engine. The coolant pump is operated for a preset period of time after a starting of the internal combustion engine. The cooling system is switched over into a first warming-up operating mode, in which the coolant pump is not operated, in the case that a first warming-up condition is fulfilled. In an embodiment, the cooling system further comprises a radiator connected via a temperature sensor and a rotary control valve to the engine.SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the above technical problems, the present invention according to the independent claims is provided. A first object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management control method for a vehicle, which avoids the local overheat of an engine and allows a thermal management system to be in a minimum power consumption state by controlling a water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, when the engine is in a warm-up mode of high power, and low vehicle speed.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] A third object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management control device for a vehicle.

[0006] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0007] To achieve the above objects, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management control method for a vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine and a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a water pump. The engine and the water pump are connected to form a first cooling circulation. The control method includes: when a current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, a total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and a current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, controlling a water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state.

[0008] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, the engine is considered to be in a warm-up state of high power and low vehicle speed. By controlling the water pump to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, the local overheat of the engine is avoided and the thermal management system is allowed to be in a minimum power consumption state.

[0009] To achieve the above objects, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which is executable by a processor to implement the thermal management control method according to the embodiment in the first aspect.

[0010] To achieve the above objects, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management control device for a vehicle. The thermal management control device includes a processor, and a storage connected to the processor, where the storage stores a computer program including program instructions, and the processor is configured to call the program instructions to implement the thermal management control method according to the embodiment in the first aspect.

[0011] To achieve the above objects, in a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine and a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a water pump, an air-cooling radiator, a thermostat, and a thermal management control device according to the embodiment in the third aspect.

[0012] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be partly given in the following description, some of which will become apparent from the following description, or may be learned from practices of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart of a thermal management control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a thermal management control method provided in another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in accompanying drawings, where the same or similar elements or the elements having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the description. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and cannot be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

[0015] A vehicle100, and a thermal management control method and a thermal management control device therefor, and a computer-readable storage medium according to the embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes an engine 110 and a thermal management system 120. The thermal management system 120 includes a water pump 121, an air-cooling radiator 122, a thermostat 123 and a thermal management control device 124. The thermal management control device 124 includes a processor 124a and a storage 124b. The processor 124a and the storage 124b are connected to each other. The storage 124b is configured to store a computer program including program instructions, and the processor 124a is configured to call the program instructions to implement the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment. In addition, the computer-readable storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present invention stores a computer program, which is executable by the processor to implement the thermal management control method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 110 and the water pump 121 are connected to form a first cooling circulation. That is, a coolant is pumped by the water pump 121 to pass by the engine 110 and cool the engine 110. The air-cooling radiator 122 is connected to the engine 110 and the water pump 121 through the thermostat123 to form a second cooling circulation, That is, when the thermostat 123 is started, the coolant is pumped by the water pump 121 to pass by the engine 110 and cool the engine 110, and then pass through the thermostat 123 and enter the air-cooling radiator122 for being cooled. It should be noted that the first cooling circulation is a small circulation for cooling the engine 110, and the second cooling circulation is a large circulation for cooling the engine 110.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention includes Step S1: When a current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, a total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and a current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, the water pump is controlled to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state.

[0019] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state. When the total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, that is, the engine 110 is in a state of high power and low vehicle speed, the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, but a risk of local overheat. In this case, by controlling the water pump 121 to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, the local overheat of the engine 110 is avoided, and extended warm-up time of the engine 110 and increased power consumption of the thermal management system 120 caused by excessive heat dissipation are avoided. That is to say, the thermal management system 120 is ensured to have a minimum power consumption. It should be noted that the temperature-related parameter of the engine 110 in the present invention is the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the engine 110. In some embodiments, the preset temperature threshold may be 60°C-80°C, the preset power threshold may be 5 kW-8 kW, and the preset vehicle speed threshold may be 5 km / h-10 km / h. In some embodiments, the preset temperature threshold may be 80°C, the preset power threshold may be 5 kW, and the preset vehicle speed threshold may be 5 km / h.

[0020] In some embodiments, Step S1 includes: When the water pump is in the start state, the rotational speed of the water pump is a safe rotational speed of the water pump. It should be noted that the safe rotational speed of the water pump is a rotational speed with a safe flow rate. The safe flow rate means the minimum flow rate required by cooling of the cylinder body and the cylinder cover of the engine at a certain load, that is, a flow rate without local overheat and boiling. In some embodiments, the safe rotational speed of the water pump is determined by looking up in MAP of safe rotational speed of the water pump according to a current rotational speed of the engine and a current torque of the engine. MAP of safe rotational speed of the water pump is specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the engine 110 for the purpose of achieving the minimum flow rate for cooling the engine 110 to avoid local overheat, which is preset in the thermal management control device 124.

[0021] In some embodiments, Step S1 includes: after the water pump is in the start state for a start time, controlling the water pump to switch to the stop state; and after the water pump is in the stop state for a stop time, controlling the water pump to switch to the start state. In some embodiments, the start time and the stop time are both preset fixed values. Since the time when the engine 110 is in the warm-up state of high power and low vehicle speed is not very long, the start time and the stop time are specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the engine 110, which are preset in the thermal management control device 124. This can meet the basic requirements, and simplify the control program. In some other embodiments, the start time positively correlates with the current vehicle speed and the stop time inversely correlates with the current vehicle speed. Obviously, the higher the current vehicle speed is, the higher the heat dissipation requirement of the engine 110 will be. Therefore, by increasing the start time and reducing the stop time, the thermal management system 120 can be ensured to be in the minimum power consumption state more accurately.

[0022] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes Step S2: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0, and the opening of the thermostat is controlled to 0. It should be noted that the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122 refers to the rotational speed of a fan in the air-cooling radiator 122.

[0023] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in the warm-up state. That is to say, the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, and the engine 110 can be warmed up by its own heat. Therefore, the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122 is controlled to 0, and the opening of the thermostat 123 is controlled to 0, such that the engine 110 does not participate in the cooling in the second cooling circulation, thereby ensuring that the thermal management system 120 is in the minimum power consumption state.

[0024] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes Step S3: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the total engine power is less than the preset power threshold, the water pump is controlled to stop.

[0025] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the total engine power is less than the preset power threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state of low power. At this time, the heat generated by the engine 110 is relatively small and can be completely used for the warm-up of the engine 110. Moreover, there is no risk of local overheat, i.e. no cooling is required. Therefore, by controlling the water pump 121 to stop, the thermal management system 120 is ensured to be in the minimum power consumption state.

[0026] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes Step S4: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump.

[0027] When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state of high power and high vehicle speed, the engine 110 has a high risk of local overheat, compared with the case in the high-power, low-vehicle speed state. Therefore, by controlling the rotational speed of the water pump 121 to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump, a safe flow rate at which the engine 110 has no local overheat is ensured, and the thermal management system 120 is ensured to be in the minimum power consumption state.

[0028] In some other embodiments, Step S4 can be replaced by Step S4a: When the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be greater than or equal to the safe rotational speed of the water pump and positively correlate with the current vehicle speed. By controlling the rotational speed of the water pump to increase with the increase of the current vehicle speed, the risk of local overheat of the engine 110 can be further reduced.

[0029] According to the present invention, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes the following Steps S5 to S7.

[0030] S5: When the current temperature of the engine is greater than the preset temperature threshold, and the opening of the thermostat is greater than or equal to a preset opening threshold, a total target heat dissipation is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine, and a current ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the preset opening threshold can be 95%-100%, and particularly, 100%. That is, the thermostat 123 is fully open.

[0031] When the temperature of the engine 110 is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to complete the warm-up process. At this time, the thermal management system 120 needs to continuously control the temperature of the engine 110. When the opening of the thermostat 123 is greater than or equal to the preset opening threshold, the engine 110 is considered to enter an operating state with a high heat dissipation requirement. At this time, both the water pump 121 and the air-cooling radiator 122 need to participate in the cooling of the engine 110 and the engine 110 needs to have the minimum fuel consumption, that is, in the most efficient operating state. Particularly, by using the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the current ambient temperature as input parameters, and looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine, the total target heat dissipation of the engine 110 in an operating state of minimum fuel consumption and highest efficiency is finally outputted. MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine is specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the vehicle 100 for the purpose of achieving the minimum fuel consumption of the engine 110, which is preset in the thermal management control device 124. The current ambient temperature refers to the air temperature outside the vehicle, that is, the inlet temperature of the engine 110 and the air intake temperature of the air-cooling radiator 122.

[0032] S6: A target rotational speed of the water pump and a target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator are determined by looking up in MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system according to the total target heat dissipation, an air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator, and the current ambient temperature.

[0033] When the opening of the thermostat 123 is greater than or equal to the preset opening threshold, the engine 110 is cooled by the second cooling circulation. There are many combinations of rotational speeds of the water pump 121 and the air-cooling radiator 122 that allow the engine 110 to have an operating state of minimum fuel consumption and highest efficiency. In the present invention, by using the total target heat dissipation, the air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator 122 and the current ambient temperature as input parameters, and looking up in MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system, a combination of the target rotational speed of the water pump and the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is outputted, such that the thermal management system 120 can work with the minimum power consumption. MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system is specified by simulation and experiment in the research, development and design stage according to the specific situation of the thermal management system 120 for the purpose of achieving the minimum power consumption of the thermal management system 120, which is preset in the thermal management control device 124. In some embodiments, the air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator 122 is determined according to the current vehicle speed and an ambient air flow rate.

[0034] S7: The rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to the target rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator.

[0035] By the preset MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine, the total target heat dissipation of the engine achieving the minimum fuel consumption or the highest efficiency under the current operating conditions is determined. Then, by MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system, a combination of the rotational speed of the water pump 121 and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122, at which the thermal management system120 has a minimum power consumption, that is, the target rotational speed of the water pump and the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator, are determined. The water pump 121 and the air-cooling radiator 122 are controlled to operate at the target rotational speed of the water pump and the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator respectively, so as to realize the optimization of the power consumption of the thermal management system and the fuel consumption of the engine.

[0036] In some embodiments, Step S5 includes the following Steps S501 to S503.

[0037] S501: A target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine, and the current ambient temperature.

[0038] S502: The heat generated by the engine is determined according to the current rotational speed of the engine and the current torque of the engine.

[0039] S503: The total target heat dissipation is determined according to the current temperature of the engine, the target temperature of the engine, and the heat generated by the engine.

[0040] By using the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the current ambient temperature as input parameters, and looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine, the target temperature of the engine 110 in an operating state of minimum fuel consumption and highest efficiency is outputted. In some embodiments, from the difference △T between the current temperature of the engine and the target temperature of the engine, the heat required by the engine from the current temperature to the target temperature is calculated to be C·M·△T, where C is the specific heat capacity of the coolant, and M is the weight of the coolant, which depends on the flow rate. Therefore, the total target heat dissipation when the engine is cooled can be obtained by the heat generated by the engine minus C·M·△T.

[0041] In some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes the following Steps S8 to S11.

[0042] S8: When the current temperature of the engine is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the opening of the thermostat is less than the preset opening threshold, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0.

[0043] S9: A target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine, and the current ambient temperature.

[0044] S10: A target opening of the thermostat is determined according to the current temperature of the engine and the target temperature of the engine.

[0045] S11: The opening of the thermostat is controlled to the target opening of the thermostat.

[0046] When the temperature of the engine 110 is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold and the opening of the thermostat 123 is less than the preset opening threshold, the engine 110 is considered to complete the warm-up process. However, the engine 110 has not entered an operating state with a high heat dissipation requirement yet. At this time, by controlling the opening of the thermostat 123, the engine 110 reaches the target temperature to operate in a state of the minimum fuel consumption and the highest efficiency. Moreover, since the water pump 121 operates at the lowest rotational speed and the air-cooling radiator is stopped, the thermal management system 120 is a state with the minimum power consumption.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the thermal management control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes the following Steps S101 to S117.

[0048] S101: Whether the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up stage, and Step S102 is performed; and if not, the engine is considered to complete the warm-up stage and enter a traveling stage, and Step S108 is performed.

[0049] S102: When the engine 110 is in the warm-up stage, the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0, and the opening of the thermostat is controlled to 0.

[0050] S103: Whether the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of high power and Step S104 is performed; and if not, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of low power and Step S107 is performed.

[0051] S104: Whether the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the preset vehicle speed threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of high power and low vehicle speed, and Step S105 is performed; and if not, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up mode of high power and high vehicle speed, and Step S106 is performed.

[0052] S105: When the engine 110 is in a warm-up mode of high power and low vehicle speed, the water pump is controlled to periodically switch between the start state and the stop state. When the water pump is in the start state, the rotational speed of the water pump is a safe rotational speed of the water pump. In some embodiments, after the water pump is in the start state for a start time, the water pump is controlled to switch to the stop state; and after the water pump is in the stop state for a stop time, the water pump is controlled to switch to the start state. The start time and the stop time are both preset fixed values.

[0053] S106: When the engine 110 is in a warm-up mode of high power and high vehicle speed, the water pump is controlled to be in the start state, and the rotational speed of the water pump is a safe rotational speed of the water pump.

[0054] S107: When the engine 110 is in a warm-up mode of low power, the water pump is controlled to be in the stop state.

[0055] S108: After Step S101, when the engine 110 is in a traveling stage, whether the opening of the thermostat is greater than or equal to the preset opening threshold is determined, if yes, the engine 110 is considered to have a high heat dissipation requirement, and Step S109 is performed; and if not, the engine 110 is considered to have a low heat dissipation requirement, and Step S114 is performed.

[0056] S109: When the engine 110 has a high heat dissipation requirement, a target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the ambient temperature. It is considered that when the operating temperature of the engine 110 in the current state is the target temperature of the engine, the engine 110 is in a state of minimum fuel consumption.

[0057] S110: The heat generated by the engine is determined according to the current rotational speed of the engine and the current torque of the engine.

[0058] S111: The total target heat dissipation is determined according to the current temperature of the engine, the target temperature of the engine, and the heat generated by the engine.

[0059] S112: A target rotational speed of the water pump and a target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator are determined by looking up in MAP of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system according to the total target heat dissipation, the air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator and the ambient temperature. It is considered that with a current heat dissipation requirement and in the current environment, when the rotational speed of the water pump 121 is the target rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator 122 is the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator, the thermal management system 120 is in a state of minimum power consumption.

[0060] S113: The rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to the target rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator.

[0061] S114: After Step S108, when the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, the rotational speed of the water pump is controlled to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump, and the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator is controlled to 0.

[0062] S115: A target temperature of the engine is determined by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine according to the current rotational speed of the engine, the current torque of the engine and the ambient temperature.

[0063] S116: A target opening of the thermostat is determined according to the current temperature of the engine and the target temperature of the engine.

[0064] S117: The opening of the thermostat is controlled to the target opening of the thermostat.

[0065] In the thermal management control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention, when the current temperature of the engine is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the engine 110 is considered to be in a warm-up state. When the total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, that is, the engine 110 is in a state of high power and low vehicle speed, the engine 110 has a low heat dissipation requirement, but a risk of local overheat. In this case, by controlling the water pump 121 to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state, the local overheat of the engine 110 is avoided, and extended warm-up time of the engine 110 and increased power consumption of the thermal management system 120 caused by excessive heat dissipation are avoided. That is to say, the thermal management system 120 is ensured to have a minimum power consumption.

[0066] In the description of the specification, the description with reference to the terms "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" and so on means that specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are embraced in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In the specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, where there are no contradictions, the various embodiments or examples described in the specification can be combined by those skilled in the art.

[0067] Moreover, the terms "first", and "second " are used merely for the purpose of description, and shall not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying a quantity of indicated technical features Therefore, a feature restricted by "first" or "second" may explicitly indicate or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the descriptions of the present invention, "multiple" means at least two, for example, two or three, unless explicitly specified.

[0068] The description of any process or method in the flowcharts or described otherwise herein can be construed as representing one or more modules, fragments, or parts that include codes of executable instructions used to implement a specific logical function or steps of a process.

[0069] The logic and / or steps shown in the flowcharts or described otherwise herein, for example, a sequenced list that may be considered as executable instructions used for implementing logical functions, may be specifically implemented in any computer-readable storage medium, for use by an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (for example, a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other systems that can obtain an instruction from the instruction execution system, apparatus or device and execute the instruction), or for use with such instruction execution systems, apparatuses, or devices. In the specification, the "computer-readable storage medium" may be any apparatus that can include, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by an instruction execution system, apparatus or device or for use with the instruction execution system apparatus or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium include: an electrical connection (electronic device) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic apparatus), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber apparatus, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable storage medium can even be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, because the program can be obtained electronically by, for example, optically scanning paper or other media, then editing, deciphering, or processing in other suitable ways if necessary, and then storing it in a computer memory.

[0070] It should be understood that parts of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the foregoing implementations, steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware that is stored in a memory and executed by a proper instruction execution system. For example, if hardware is used for implementation, same as in another implementation, implementation may be performed by any one of the following technologies well known in the art or a combination thereof: a discrete logic circuit including a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function of a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit including a proper combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like.

[0071] A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand that all or some of the steps of the methods in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented by a program instructing relevant hardware. The program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0072] Moreover, functional units according to the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated in one processing module, may be physically separate from each other or may be integrated in one modules by two or more units. The integrated modules described above can be implemented either in the form of hardware, or software functional modules. The integrated module, if implemented in the form of a software program module and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0073] The storage medium mentioned above may be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disc. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it can be understood that the foregoing embodiments are exemplary and should not be understood as limitation to the present invention. Changes, modifications, replacements, or variations can be made to the foregoing embodiments by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0074] List of reference numerals: 100, vehicle; 110, engine; 120, thermal management system; 121, water pump; 122, air-cooling radiator; 123, thermostat; 124, thermal management control device; 124a, processor; 124b, storage

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in accompanying drawings, where the same or similar elements or the elements having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the description. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and cannot be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

[0015]A vehicle100, and a thermal management control method and a thermal management control device therefor, and a computer-readable storage medium according to the embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0016]As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes an engine 110 and a thermal management system 120. The thermal management system 120 includes a water pump 121, an air-cooling radiator 122, a thermostat 123 and a thermal m...

Claims

1. A thermal management control method for a vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising an engine (110) and a thermal management system (120), the thermal management system (120) comprising a water pump (121), and the engine (110) and the water pump (121) being connected to form a first cooling circulation, the thermal management control method comprising: when a current temperature of the engine (110) is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, a total engine power is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold, and a current vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset vehicle speed threshold, controlling the water pump (121) to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state wherein the thermal management system (120) further comprises an air-cooling radiator (122) and a thermostat (123), and the air-cooling radiator (122) is connected, via the thermostat (123), to the engine (110) and the water pump (121), to form a second cooling circulation; the thermal management control method being characterized by: when the current temperature of the engine (110) is greater than the preset temperature threshold, and the opening of the thermostat (123) is greater than or equal to a preset opening threshold, determining, according to a current rotational speed of the engine (110), a current torque of the engine (110), and a current ambient temperature, a total target heat dissipation by looking up in map of minimum fuel consumption of the engine (110); determining, according to the total target heat dissipation, an air intake flow rate of the air-cooling radiator (122), and the current ambient temperature, and a target rotational speed of the water pump (121) and a target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator (122) by looking up in map of minimum power consumption of the thermal management system (120); controlling the rotational speed of the water pump (121) to be the target rotational speed of the water pump (121), and controlling the rotational speed of a fan in the air-cooling radiator (122) to be the target rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator (122).

2. The thermal management control method according to claim 1, wherein when the current temperature of the engine (110) is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the preset vehicle speed threshold, the step of controlling the water pump (121) to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state comprises: when the water pump (121) is in the start state, the rotational speed of the water pump (121) is a safe rotational speed of the water pump (121).

3. The thermal management control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the current temperature of the engine (110) is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the preset vehicle speed threshold, the step of controlling the water pump (121) to periodically switch between a start state and a stop state comprises: after the water pump (121) is in the start state for a start time, controlling the water pump (121) to switch to the stop state; and after the water pump (121) is in the stop state for a stop time, controlling the water pump (121) to switch to the start state, wherein the start time and the stop time are both preset fixed values, or the start time positively correlates with the current vehicle speed and the stop time inversely correlates with the current vehicle speed.

4. The thermal management control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the current temperature of the engine (110) is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the total engine power is less than the preset power threshold, controlling the water pump (121) to stop.

5. The thermal management control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the current temperature of the engine (110) is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, controlling the rotational speed of the water pump (121) to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump (121); or when the current temperature of the engine (110) is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, the total engine power is greater than or equal to the preset power threshold, and the current vehicle speed is greater than the preset vehicle speed threshold, controlling the rotational speed of the water pump (121) to be greater than the safe rotational speed of the water pump (121) and positively correlate with the current vehicle speed.

6. The thermal management control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermal management system (120) further comprises an air-cooling radiator (122) and a thermostat (123), and the air-cooling radiator (122) is connected, via the thermostat (123), to the engine (110) and the water pump (121), to form a second cooling circulation; and the thermal management control method further comprising: when the current temperature of the engine (110) is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, controlling the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator (122) to 0, and controlling the opening of the thermostat (123) to 0.

7. The thermal management control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the step of determining a total target heat dissipation by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine (110) according to a current rotational speed of the engine (110), a current torque of the engine (110), and a current ambient temperature when the current temperature of the engine (110) is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the opening of the thermostat (123) is greater than or equal to a preset opening threshold, comprises: determining, according to the current rotational speed of the engine (110), the current torque of the engine (110), and the current ambient temperature, a target temperature of the engine (110) by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine (110); determining, according to the current rotational speed of the engine (110) and the current torque of the engine (110), heat generated by the engine (110); and determining, according to the current temperature of the engine (110), the target temperature of the engine (110), and the heat generated by the engine (110), the total target heat dissipation.

8. The thermal management control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermal management system (120) further comprises an air-cooling radiator (122) and a thermostat (123), and the air-cooling radiator (122) is connected, via the thermostat (123), to the engine (110) and the water pump (121), to form a second cooling circulation; and the thermal management control method further comprising: when the current temperature of the engine (110) is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, and the opening of the thermostat (123) is less than the preset opening threshold, controlling the rotational speed of the water pump (121) to be the safe rotational speed of the water pump (121), and controlling the rotational speed of the air-cooling radiator (122) to 0; determining, according to the current rotational speed of the engine (110), the current torque of the engine (110), and the current ambient temperature, a target temperature of the engine (110) by looking up in MAP of minimum fuel consumption of the engine (110); determining, according to the current temperature of the engine (110) and the target temperature of the engine (110), a target opening of the thermostat (123); and controlling the opening of the thermostat (123) to be the target opening of the thermostat (123).

9. A computer-readable storage medium, storing a computer program, the computer program, when executed by a processor (124a), implementing the thermal management control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A thermal management control device (124) for a vehicle (100), comprising a processor (124a) and a storage (124b), the processor (124a) and the storage (124b) being connected to each other, the storage (124b) being configured to store a computer program, the computer program comprising program instructions, and the processor (124a) being configured to call the program instructions to implement the thermal management control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A vehicle (100), comprising an engine (110) and a thermal management system (120), the thermal management system (120) comprising a water pump (121), an air-cooling radiator (122), a thermostat (123), and a thermal management control device (124) according to claim 10, the engine (110) and the water pump (121) being connected to form a first cooling circulation, and the air-cooling radiator (122) being connected, via the thermostat (123), to the engine (110) and the water pump (121), to form a second cooling circulation.

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