Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising: •- a heat-transfer liquid circuit (20) comprising: •-- a primary loop (20A), •-- a secondary loop (20B), •- a refrigerant fluid circuit (10) comprising a main refrigerant fluid circulation loop (10A), comprising: •-- a compressor (15), •-- a first exchanger (1), arranged jointly on the main loop (10A) and on the primary loop (20A), •-- an expansion device (31), •-- a second exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the main loop (10A) and on the secondary loop (20B), wherein: - the primary loop (20A) comprises a third exchanger (3) thermally coupled with an air flow (Fi) inside the vehicle interior, and a first bidirectional pump (21). •- the secondary heat-transfer liquid loop (20B) comprises a fourth exchanger (4) thermally coupled to a first element (41) of an electric powertrain of the vehicle.

Description

Description Title: THERMAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM Technical field [1] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems. These systems can in particular equip a motor vehicle. Such systems make it possible to achieve thermal regulation of different parts of the vehicle, such as for example the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, in the case of an electrically powered vehicle. Heat exchanges are managed mainly by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant fluid within different heat exchangers making it possible to ensure heating or cooling of different parts. Prior art [2] Thermal conditioning systems commonly use a refrigerant circuit and a heat transfer fluid circuit exchanging heat with the refrigerant. Such systems are therefore called indirect. The refrigerant circuit is thermally coupled with the heat transfer fluid circuit by a first two-fluid exchanger. The heat transferred to the heat transfer fluid can then be dissipated in an air flow intended for the passenger compartment in order to heat it. The refrigerant circuit is also coupled to the heat transfer fluid circuit by a second two-fluid exchanger to cool the heat transfer fluid. Elements of the vehicle's powertrain that dissipate heat, such as the vehicle's electric traction motor or the power electronics controlling the electric motor, can thus be cooled. [3] In addition, the heat transfer fluid can also circulate in a heat exchanger receiving an air flow from outside the vehicle, which allows, depending on the operating modes, to dissipate heat in the outside air flow or to receive heat from this air flow. Many operating modes are thus possible, and allow multiple modes of heat transfer between the different components and exchangers of the vehicle. The circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the different branches of the circuit is managed by different valves to direct the heat transfer fluid to various parts of the circuit. Many shut-off valves are generally used. The use of three-way, four-way, or even more valves can reduce the number of valves used. However, these valves are complex and expensive. [4] There is thus a need to have thermal conditioning systems in which the number and complexity of valves can be reduced, while maintaining or improving the thermodynamic performance of the system. Summary [5] To this end, the present invention proposes a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit comprising: -- a primary heat transfer fluid circulation loop, -- a secondary heat transfer fluid circulation loop, - a refrigerant circuit comprising a main refrigerant circulation loop, the main loop successively comprising, in a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: -- a compression device, -- a first heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the main refrigerant loop and on the primary heat transfer fluid loop so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, -- a first regulator, -- a second heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the main refrigerant loop and on the secondary heat transfer fluid loop so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, in which: - the primary heat transfer fluid loop comprises a third exchanger configured to exchange heat with an air flow inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and - the secondary heat transfer fluid loop comprises a fourth heat exchanger configured to be thermally coupled to a first element of a electric powertrain of the vehicle, in which the heat transfer fluid circuit comprises: - a first branch connection connecting a first connection point arranged on the primary loop between a first inlet / outlet of the first exchanger and a first inlet / outlet of the third exchanger to a second connection point arranged on the secondary loop between a first inlet / outlet of the second exchanger and a first inlet / outlet of the fourth exchanger, - a second branch connection connecting a third connection point arranged on the primary loop between a second inlet / outlet of the first exchanger and a second inlet / outlet of the third exchanger to a fourth connection point arranged on the secondary loop between a second inlet / outlet of the second exchanger and a second inlet / outlet of the fourth exchanger, and in which: - the primary heat transfer fluid loop comprises a first bidirectional pump configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid selectively from a first inlet / outlet of the first exchanger to a first inlet / outlet of the third exchanger, or from a second inlet / outlet of the first exchanger to a second inlet / outlet of the third exchanger. [6] Thanks to the bidirectional pump, many operating modes can be obtained by limiting the number and complexity of the valves used. [7] According to one aspect of the thermal conditioning system, the secondary heat transfer fluid loop comprises a second bidirectional pump configured to selectively circulate the heat transfer fluid from a first inlet / outlet of the second exchanger to a first inlet / outlet of the fourth exchanger, or from a second inlet / outlet of the second exchanger to a second inlet / outlet of the fourth exchanger. [8] The second bidirectional pump allows for a greater diversity of operating modes. [9] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0010] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first bidirectional pump is arranged on the primary loop between the second inlet / outlet of the first exchanger and the third connection point.

[0011] Alternatively, the first bidirectional pump is arranged on the primary loop between the first connection point and the first inlet / outlet of the first exchanger.

[0012] According to one aspect of the thermal conditioning system, the second bidirectional pump is disposed on a portion of the secondary loop extending between the second connection point and the fourth connection point without passing through the second exchanger.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the second bidirectional pump is arranged between the fourth connection point and the second inlet / outlet of the fourth exchanger.

[0014] According to a variant, the second bidirectional pump is arranged between the second connection point and the first inlet / outlet of the fourth exchanger.

[0015] The first element of the vehicle's electric powertrain can be an electric energy storage battery.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the fourth exchanger can be formed by the battery itself, that is to say that the heat-dissipating battery is directly in contact with the heat transfer fluid, when the latter is a dielectric fluid.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer liquid circuit comprises a third branch branch connecting a fifth connection point arranged on the first branch branch to a sixth connection point arranged on the second branch branch, the third branch branch comprising a fifth heat exchanger.

[0018] The fifth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an airflow outside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0019] The fifth connection point is arranged on the first branch branch between the first connection point and the second connection point.

[0020] The sixth connection point is arranged on the second branch branch between the third connection point and the fourth connection point.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the refrigerant circuit comprises an auxiliary branch arranged in parallel with the first expansion device and the second exchanger, the auxiliary branch successively comprising a second expansion device and a sixth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an air flow inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0022] The sixth exchanger is located upstream of the third exchanger in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

[0023] The auxiliary branch connects a first connection point arranged downstream of a compressor outlet and upstream of the first expansion valve to a second connection point arranged downstream of the second exchanger and upstream of a compressor inlet, the auxiliary branch successively comprising a second expansion valve and a sixth heat exchanger.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit of the thermal conditioning system comprises a fourth bypass branch connected to the secondary loop in parallel with the fourth exchanger and the second bidirectional pump, the fourth bypass branch comprising a seventh heat exchanger configured to be thermally coupled to a second element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

[0025] The second element of the vehicle's electric powertrain can be an electronic control unit for an electric traction motor.

[0026] The seventh heat exchanger can be formed by the electronic control unit of the electric motor itself, i.e. the electronic elements dissipating heat are in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid, when the latter is a dielectric fluid.

[0027] The fourth branch branch includes an eighth heat exchanger configured to be thermally coupled to a third element of the vehicle's electric powertrain.

[0028] The third element of the vehicle's electric powertrain can be an electric vehicle traction motor.

[0029] The eighth heat exchanger can be formed by the electric motor, that is, the heat-dissipating components of the motor are in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid, when the latter is a dielectric fluid.

[0030] The fourth branch branch connects a seventh connection point arranged on the secondary loop between the second connection point and a first inlet / outlet of the fourth exchanger to an eighth connection point arranged on the secondary loop between the second bidirectional pump and the fourth connection point.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the secondary loop comprises a third pump configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid from the fourth connection point to the second inlet / outlet of the second exchanger.

[0032] The third pump is a one-way pump.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the third pump is arranged between the fourth connection point and the second inlet / outlet of the second exchanger.

[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment, the third pump is arranged between the first inlet / outlet of the second exchanger and the second connection point.

[0035] According to one aspect of the thermal conditioning system, the secondary loop includes a first shutoff valve disposed between the second connection point and the seventh connection point.

[0036] The first shut-off valve is a two-way valve.

[0037] The secondary loop includes a second shut-off valve located between the eighth connection point and the fourth connection point.

[0038] The second shut-off valve is a two-way valve.

[0039] According to one aspect of the thermal conditioning system, the primary loop comprises a one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet of the third exchanger to the first connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of liquid heat transfer fluid from the first connection point to the first inlet / outlet of the third exchanger.

[0040] The one-way valve is a check valve.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit of the thermal conditioning system comprises a first three-way valve jointly arranged on the first bypass branch and on the third bypass branch.

[0042] The first three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the first branch of the bypass and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the first branch of the bypass and the fifth exchanger, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop and the fifth exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger and the primary heat transfer fluid loop, - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger and the primary heat transfer fluid loop and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger and the secondary loop.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer liquid circuit comprises a second three-way valve arranged jointly on the second bypass branch and on the third bypass branch.

[0044] The second three-way valve is configured to selectively: - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch of the bypass and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second branch of the bypass and the fifth exchanger, or - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop and the fifth exchanger and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger and the primary heat transfer fluid loop, - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger and the primary heat transfer fluid loop and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger and the secondary loop.

[0045] Thanks to the heat transfer fluid circulation possibilities offered by the two bidirectional pumps, the thermal conditioning system can thus use a reduced number of valves, in addition to valves of low complexity. Thus, two two-way shut-off valves, two three-way valves and a check valve are sufficient to operate the proposed thermal conditioning system.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the primary heat transfer fluid loop comprises an electric heating device configured to selectively heat the heat transfer fluid.

[0047] This electric heating device makes it possible to supplement, or replace, the heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid by the refrigerant fluid.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the main refrigerant fluid loop comprises an accumulation device arranged downstream of the second exchanger and upstream of an inlet of the compression device.

[0049] The accumulation device is an accumulator.

[0050] In one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the main refrigerant loop comprises an internal heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant leaving the first exchanger and the refrigerant leaving the accumulation device.

[0051] The internal heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section arranged downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first expansion valve and a second heat exchange section arranged downstream of the refrigerant fluid accumulation device and upstream of an inlet of the compressor, the internal heat exchanger being configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the first heat exchange section and the refrigerant fluid in the second heat exchange section.

[0052] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a mode known as heating the powertrain and dehumidifying the passenger compartment, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the internal air flow, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bidirectional pump, and divides at the third connection point into: -- a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop then in the third exchanger where it gives off heat to the interior air flow, and -- a third flow of heat transfer liquid circulating successively in the second branch of the bypass, in the secondary loop, and divides at the level of the eighth connection point into: - a fourth flow of heat transfer liquid circulating successively through the second bidirectional pump, in the fourth exchanger, and - a fifth flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth branch, successively in the eighth exchanger, in the seventh exchanger, the fourth flow of heat transfer liquid and the fifth flow of heat transfer liquid joining at the seventh connection point, the second flow of heat transfer liquid and the third flow of heat transfer liquid joining at the first connection point and the first flow of heat transfer liquid thus formed returning to the first exchanger.

[0053] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a mode known as heating the powertrain and cooling the passenger compartment, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the internal air flow, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the first bidirectional pump, in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bypass branch, in the secondary loop, and divides at the seventh connection point into: -- a second flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop successively in the fourth exchanger, in the second bidirectional pump, and -- a third flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth branch of bypass successively in the seventh exchanger, in the eighth exchanger, the second flow of heat transfer liquid and the third flow of heat transfer liquid join at the level of the eighth connection point, the first flow of heat transfer liquid thus formed then circulates in the secondary loop, in the second branch of bypass, in the first bidirectional pump and returns to the first exchanger.

[0054] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, in a mode known as heating and dehumidification of the passenger compartment, with double energy recovery in which: - a first flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, and is divided into: -- a second flow circulating successively in the first regulator where it passes at low pressure, in the second exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and -- a third flow circulating in the second expander where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the interior air flow, the second flow and the third flow joining and returning to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bidirectional pump, in the third exchanger where it gives off heat to the interior air flow, and returns to the first exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, in the third pump, in the second exchanger where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, and divides at the second connection point into: -- a third flow of heat transfer liquid which circulates in the secondary loop, and divides at the seventh connection point into: — a fourth flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop successively in the fourth exchanger, in the second bidirectional pump, and - a fifth flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth branch of the branch successively in the seventh exchanger, in the eighth exchanger, the fourth flow of heat transfer liquid and the fifth flow of heat transfer liquid joining at the level of the eighth connection point, the third flow of heat transfer liquid thus formed joining the fourth connection point, -- a sixth flow of heat transfer fluid which circulates successively in the first branch of bypass, in the third branch of bypass, in the fifth exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, in the second branch of bypass, and joins the third flow of heat transfer fluid at the fourth connection point.

[0055] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, in a mode known as cooling of the powertrain and heating of the passenger compartment, in which: - a flow of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve where it passes at low pressure, in the second exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bidirectional pump, and divides at the third connection point into: -- a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop then in the third exchanger where it gives off heat to the interior air flow, and -- a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulating successively in the second bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, in the fifth exchanger where it gives off heat to the outside air flow, in the first bypass branch, the second flow of heat transfer fluid and the third flow of heat transfer fluid joining at the first connection point, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop successively in the third pump, in the second exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, and divides at the seventh connection point into: -- a fifth flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop successively in the fourth exchanger, in the second bidirectional pump, and -- a sixth flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth branch of the branch successively in the seventh exchanger, in the eighth exchanger, the fifth flow of heat transfer liquid and the sixth flow of heat transfer liquid joining at the level of the eighth connection point, and the fourth flow of heat transfer liquid thus formed joining the third pump.

[0056] The invention also relates to a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as already described, in a mode known as cooling of the powertrain and the passenger compartment, in which: - a first flow of refrigerant fluid circulates successively in the compressor where it passes at high pressure, in the first exchanger where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, and is divided into: -- a second flow circulating successively in the first regulator where it passes at low pressure, in the second exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and -- a third flow circulating in the second expander where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the interior air flow, the second flow and the third flow joining and returning to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer liquid circulates successively in the first bidirectional pump, in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bypass branch, in the third bypass branch, in the fifth exchanger where it gives off heat to the outside air flow, in the second bypass branch, and returns to the first bidirectional pump, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, in the third pump, in the second exchanger where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, circulates in the secondary loop, and divides at the seventh connection point into: -- a third flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop successively in the fourth exchanger, in the second bidirectional pump, and -- a fourth flow of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth branch of the bypass successively in the seventh exchanger, in the eighth exchanger, the third flow of heat transfer liquid and the fourth flow of heat transfer liquid joining at the level of the eighth connection point, and the second flow of heat transfer liquid thus formed returns to the third pump. Brief description of the drawings

[0057] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0058] [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0059] [Fig. 2] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to a variant of the embodiment of Figure 1,

[0060] [Fig. 3] represents a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of figure 2 according to a first operating mode called heating of the traction chain and dehumidification of the passenger compartment,

[0061] [Fig. 4] represents a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of figure 2 according to a second operating mode called heating of the powertrain and cooling of the passenger compartment,

[0062] [Fig. 5] represents a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of Figure 2 according to a third operating mode called heating and dehumidification of the passenger compartment, with double energy recovery,

[0063] [Fig. 6] represents a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of figure 2 according to a fourth operating mode called cooling of the traction chain and passenger compartment heating

[0064] [Fig. 7] represents a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of figure 2 according to a fifth operating mode called cooling of the powertrain and the passenger compartment. Description of the embodiments

[0065] To facilitate reading the figures, the different elements are not necessarily represented to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, i.e. designated for example by first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing is intended to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another. The names 'first', 'second', 'third', etc. can thus be interchanged.

[0066] In the following description, the term "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed before the second element relative to the direction of circulation, or path, of a fluid. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed after the second element relative to the direction of circulation, or path, of the fluid in question. In the case of the refrigerant circuit, the term "a first element is upstream of a second element" means that the refrigerant passes successively through the first element, then the second element, without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant leaves the compression device, possibly passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, then returns to the compression device, possibly after passing through other elements.

[0067] The phrase "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0068] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

[0069] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "exchanger" is equivalent to the term "heat exchanger" and the term "heat exchanger". Similarly, the term "expansion valve" is equivalent to the term "expansion device", and the term "compressor" is equivalent to the term "compression device".

[0070] Each of the expansion devices used can be an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve, or a calibrated orifice. In the case of an electronic expansion valve, the passage section allowing the refrigerant to pass through can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum opening position. To achieve this, an electronic control module drives an electric motor that moves a movable shutter controlling the passage section offered to the refrigerant.

[0071] The thermal conditioning system 100 to be described may be fitted to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is electric or hybrid.

[0072] An electronic control unit, not shown, receives information from various sensors measuring in particular the characteristics of the refrigerant fluid. The electronic control unit also receives instructions issued by the occupants of the vehicle, such as for example the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit implements control laws allowing the piloting of the various actuators, in order to ensure the control of the thermal conditioning system 100 so as to ensure the instructions received. A compression device 15 makes it possible to circulate a refrigerant fluid in a closed circuit 10 for circulating refrigerant fluid. The compression device 15 may be an electric compressor, that is to say a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor. The compression device The compression device 15 comprises a suction side for the low-pressure refrigerant fluid, also called the inlet 15a of the compression device, and a discharge side for the high-pressure refrigerant fluid, also called the outlet 15b of the compression device 15. The internal moving parts of the compressor 15 cause the refrigerant fluid to pass from a low pressure on the inlet side 15a to a high pressure on the outlet side 15b. After expansion in one or more expansion members, the refrigerant fluid returns to the inlet 15a of the compressor 15 and begins a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0073] Each connection point allows the refrigerant to pass into one or other of the circuit sections joining at this connection point. The distribution of the refrigerant between the circuit sections joining at a connection point is achieved by adjusting the degree of opening of the expansion devices located on each of the branches connected to this point. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the refrigerant arriving at this connection point.

[0074] The refrigerant fluid used by the refrigerant circuit 10 is here a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants could be used, such as for example R134a, R744 or even R290.

[0075] The thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a heat transfer fluid circuit 20 in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate under the action of one or more pumps. The circuit comprises different circulation loops connected by different bypass branches. Each connection point between two circuit portions allows the heat transfer fluid to pass into one or other of the circuit portions joining at this connection point. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the heat transfer fluid arriving at this connection point.

[0076] Interior airflow Fi refers to an airflow to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This interior airflow can circulate in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, often referred to by the English term "HVAC" meaning "Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning". This system has not been shown in the various figures. Outside airflow Fe is defined as airflow that is not directed into the vehicle's passenger compartment. In other words, this airflow remains outside the passenger compartment.

[0077] Figure 1 shows a thermal conditioning system 100 for a motor vehicle. The thermal conditioning system 100 comprises: - a heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprising: -- a 20A primary heat transfer fluid circulation loop, -- a secondary loop 20B for circulating heat transfer fluid, - a refrigerant circuit 10 comprising a main loop 10A for circulating refrigerant, the main loop 10A successively comprising, in a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: -- a compression device 15, -- a first heat exchanger 1, arranged jointly on the main loop 10A of refrigerant fluid and on the primary loop 20A of heat transfer fluid so as to allow an exchange of heat between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, -- a first regulator 31, -- a second heat exchanger 2, arranged jointly on the main loop 10A of refrigerant fluid and on the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid. The primary heat transfer fluid loop 20A includes a third exchanger 3 configured to exchange heat with an air flow Fi inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B comprises a fourth heat exchanger 4 configured to be thermally coupled to a first element 41 of an electric powertrain of the vehicle. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises: - a first branch branch 20C connecting a first connection point 51 arranged on the primary loop 20A between a first inlet / outlet 1 B-1 of the first exchanger 1 and a first inlet / outlet 3-1 of the third exchanger 3 to a second connection point 52 arranged on the secondary loop 20B between a first entrance / exit 2B-1 of the second interchange 2 and a first entrance / exit 4-1 of the fourth interchange 4, - a second branch branch 20D connecting a third connection point 53 arranged on the primary loop 20A between a second inlet / outlet 1B-2 of the first exchanger 1 and a second inlet / outlet 3-2 of the third exchanger 3 to a fourth connection point 54 arranged on the secondary loop 20B between a second inlet / outlet 2B-2 of the second exchanger 2 and a second inlet / outlet 4-2 of the fourth exchanger 4. The primary heat transfer fluid loop 20A comprises a first bidirectional pump 21 configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid selectively from a first inlet / outlet 1 B-1 of the first exchanger 1 to a first inlet / outlet 3-1 of the third exchanger 3, or from a second inlet / outlet 1 B-2 of the first exchanger 1 to a second inlet / outlet 3-2 of the third exchanger 3.

[0078] Thanks to the bidirectional pump, many operating modes can be achieved by limiting the number and complexity of valves used to circulate the heat transfer fluid in accordance with the desired operating modes.

[0079] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B comprises a second bidirectional pump 22 configured to selectively circulate the heat transfer fluid from a first inlet / outlet 2B-1 of the second exchanger 2 to a first inlet / outlet 4-1 of the fourth exchanger 4, or from a second inlet / outlet 2B-2 of the second exchanger 2 to a second inlet / outlet 4-2 of the fourth exchanger 4.

[0080] The second bidirectional pump 22 allows for a greater diversity of operating modes, without increasing the complexity of the valves used in the circuit.

[0081] In a bidirectional pump, the direction of flow, or discharge, of the liquid circulated by the pump can be reversed on demand. For example, the direction of rotation of the pump's moving parts can be reversed to reverse the direction of flow. The pump may have an electric motor controlled by a transistor bridge allowing the direction of rotation and the rotation speed of the motor to be controlled.

[0082] According to the example illustrated, the first bidirectional pump 21 is arranged on the primary loop 20A between the second inlet / outlet 1 B-2 of the first exchanger 1 and the third connection point 53.

[0083] According to a variant not shown, the first bidirectional pump 21 is arranged on the primary loop 20A between the first connection point 51 and the first inlet / outlet 1 B-1 of the first exchanger 1.

[0084] The second bidirectional pump 22 is arranged on a portion of the secondary loop 20B extending between the second connection point 52 and the fourth connection point 54 without passing through the second exchanger 2.

[0085] According to the illustrated example, the second bidirectional pump 22 is arranged between the fourth connection point 54 and the second inlet / outlet 4-2 of the fourth exchanger 4.

[0086] According to a variant not shown, the second bidirectional pump 22 is arranged between the second connection point 52 and the first inlet / outlet 4-1 of the fourth exchanger 4.

[0087] The term "inlet / outlet" designates a path that can be either a heat transfer liquid inlet or a heat transfer liquid outlet depending on the flow direction imposed by the heat transfer liquid circulation pumps and the valves for connecting the different portions of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20. When a first inlet / outlet of an exchanger is a heat transfer liquid inlet, the second inlet / outlet of this exchanger is a heat transfer liquid outlet. In the same way, when the second inlet / outlet is a heat transfer liquid inlet, the first inlet / outlet is then a heat transfer liquid outlet.

[0088] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed circuit configured to circulate a flow of refrigerant. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 forms a heat transfer liquid circulation circuit, i.e. a closed circuit configured to circulate a flow of heat transfer fluid. In its nominal state of operation, that is to say without fault or anomaly, each of the circuits 10, 20 is sealed.

[0089] The primary loop 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 forms a heat transfer fluid circulation loop. Similarly, the secondary loop 20B of the circuit 20 of heat transfer fluid forms a heat transfer fluid circulation loop. The primary loop 20A and the secondary loop 20B are connected by branch branches. Each branch branch has exactly one inlet and one outlet. Each branch branch is connected at each of its ends to a portion of the heat transfer fluid circuit. Each connection is made at a connection point.

[0090] The refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can carry out a heat exchange at the first exchanger 1. The first exchanger 1 comprises a first heat exchange section 1 A through which the refrigerant flows and a second heat exchange section 1 B through which the heat transfer fluid flows. A heat exchange is carried out between the first heat exchange section 1 A and the second heat exchange section 1 B of the first exchanger 1.

[0091] In a similar manner, the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid can carry out a heat exchange at the second exchanger 2. The second exchanger 2 comprises a first heat exchange section 2A traversed by the refrigerant and a second heat exchange section 2B traversed by the heat transfer fluid. A heat exchange is carried out between the first heat exchange section 2A and the second heat exchange section 2B of the second exchanger 2.

[0092] The first exchanger 1 makes it possible to condense at least in part the refrigerant fluid at high temperature and high pressure at the outlet of the compression device 15. The condensation heat of the refrigerant fluid is thus transferred to the heat transfer fluid of the circuit 20. The heat transfer fluid can thus be heated. The second exchanger 2 can allow at least part of the low-pressure refrigerant fluid to be evaporated at the outlet of the first expansion device 31. The heat of vaporization of the refrigerant fluid is taken from the heat transfer liquid. The latter can thus be cooled.

[0093] The first exchanger 1 and the second exchanger 2 each comprise a refrigerant fluid inlet 1 A-1, 2A-1 respectively and a refrigerant fluid outlet 1 A-2, 2A-2. The first exchanger 1 and the second exchanger 2 each comprise a heat transfer fluid inlet and a heat transfer fluid outlet, the role of the inlet and the outlet being able to be reversed according to the operating modes depending on the direction of circulation imposed by the bidirectional heat transfer fluid circulation pumps. The first exchanger 1 and the second exchanger 2 are traversed by two different fluids, each exchanger is a two-fluid exchanger.

[0094] The first element 41 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle may be an electrical energy storage battery. The battery may provide the energy required by an electric traction motor of the vehicle. The thermal coupling with the fourth exchanger 4 may be achieved via a heat transfer fluid circulation loop, not shown in the various figures. The thermal coupling may also be achieved by bringing one or more walls of the fourth exchanger 4 into contact with one or more walls of the battery 41.

[0095] The fourth exchanger 4 can be formed by the battery itself, that is to say that the battery dissipating heat is directly in contact with the heat transfer fluid, when the latter is a dielectric fluid.

[0096] The third exchanger 3 is located in the vehicle's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The third exchanger 3 is a passenger compartment heating radiator. A motor-fan unit, not shown, is arranged near the third exchanger 3 and can be activated in order to increase the flow rate of the interior air flow Fi if necessary.

[0097] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprises a third branch branch 20E connecting a fifth connection point 55 arranged on the first branch branch 20C to a sixth connection point 56 arranged on the second branch branch 20D. The third branch branch 20E comprises a fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0098] The fifth heat exchanger 5 is configured to exchange heat with an air flow Fe outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fifth exchanger 5 is for example arranged on the front of the vehicle, behind the grille. A second motor-fan unit, not shown, can be activated in order to increase the flow rate of the outside air flow if necessary.

[0099] The fifth connection point 55 is arranged on the first branch branch 20C between the first connection point 51 and the second connection point 52. The sixth connection point 56 is arranged on the second branch branch 20D between the third connection point 53 and the fourth connection point 54.

[0100] In the example illustrated, the refrigerant circuit 10 comprises an auxiliary branch 10B arranged in parallel with the first expansion device 31 and the second exchanger 2. The auxiliary branch 10B successively comprises a second expansion device 32 and a sixth heat exchanger 6 configured to exchange heat with an interior air flow Fi in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0101] The sixth exchanger 6 is arranged in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of the vehicle. The sixth exchanger 6 is arranged upstream of the third exchanger 3 in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of the vehicle.

[0102] The auxiliary branch 10B connects a first connection point 11 arranged downstream of an outlet 15b of the compressor 15 and upstream of the first expansion valve 31 to a second connection point 12 arranged downstream of the second exchanger 2 and upstream of an inlet 15a of the compressor 15. The auxiliary branch 10B successively comprises a second expansion valve 32 and a sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0103] The second expansion device 32 is arranged upstream of the sixth heat exchanger 6 in a direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid. The second expansion device 32 makes it possible to supply the sixth heat exchanger 6 with refrigerant fluid, with a controlled level of expansion. In the same way, the first expansion valve 31 makes it possible to supply the second exchanger 2 with refrigerant, with a controlled expansion level. Controlling the flow section of the first expansion valve 31 and the second expansion valve 32 makes it possible to control the distribution of the refrigerant flow between the second exchanger 2 and the sixth exchanger 6. When the first expansion valve 31 is completely open, the refrigerant does not undergo expansion. When the first expansion valve 31 is completely closed, the circulation of the refrigerant is blocked. The same applies to the second expansion valve.

[0104] According to the illustrated example, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a fourth bypass branch 20F connected to the secondary loop 20B in parallel with the fourth exchanger 4 and the second bidirectional pump 22. The fourth bypass branch 20F comprises a seventh heat exchanger 7 configured to be thermally coupled to a second element 42 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

[0105] The second element 42 of the electric traction chain of the vehicle may be, for example, an electronic control unit for an electric traction motor. The seventh heat exchanger 7 can be formed by the electronic control unit of the electric motor itself, that is to say that the electronic elements dissipating heat are in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid, when the latter is a dielectric fluid.

[0106] The fourth branch branch 20F comprises an eighth heat exchanger 8 configured to be thermally coupled to a third element 43 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

[0107] The third element 43 of the electric traction chain of the vehicle may be an electric traction motor of the vehicle. The eighth heat exchanger 8 can be formed by the electric motor, that is to say that the components of the motor dissipating heat are directly in contact with the heat transfer fluid, when the latter is a dielectric fluid.

[0108] The fourth branch branch 20F connects a seventh connection point 57 arranged on the secondary loop 20B between the second connection point 52 and a first inlet / outlet 4-1 of the fourth exchanger 4 to an eighth connection point 58 arranged on the secondary loop 20B between the second bidirectional pump 22 and the fourth connection point 54.

[0109] The secondary loop 20B comprises a third pump 23 configured to circulate the heat transfer liquid from the fourth connection point 54 to the second inlet / outlet 2B-2 of the second exchanger 2. The third pump 23 is a unidirectional pump. In other words, the third pump always circulates the heat transfer fluid in the same direction. The third pump 23 is electrically controlled.

[0110] According to the example illustrated, the third pump 23 is arranged between the fourth connection point 54 and the second inlet / outlet 2B-2 of the second exchanger 2. According to another exemplary embodiment, not illustrated, the third pump 23 is arranged between the first inlet / outlet 2B-1 of the second exchanger 2 and the second connection point 52.

[0111] The secondary loop 20B comprises a first shut-off valve 25 arranged between the second connection point 52 and the seventh connection point 57. The first shut-off valve 25 is a two-way valve.

[0112] The secondary loop 20B comprises a second shut-off valve 26 disposed between the eighth connection point 58 and the fourth connection point 54. The second shut-off valve 26 is a two-way valve.

[0113] The first shut-off valve 25 and the second shut-off valve 26 are electrically controlled.

[0114] When the first shut-off valve 25 and the second shut-off valve 26 are in the closed position, the portion of the circuit extending between the seventh connection point 57 and the eighth connection point 58 is isolated from the rest of the circuit. Thus, according to a discharge direction of the second bidirectional pump 22, the heat transfer liquid can circulate successively in the second pump 22, in the fourth exchanger 4, pass to the seventh connection point 57, circulate in the seventh exchanger 7, then in the eighth exchanger 8, pass to the eighth connection point 58, and return to the second pump 22. According to the other direction of discharge of the second bidirectional pump 22, the heat transfer liquid can circulate successively in the second pump 22, pass to the eighth connection point 58, circulate in the eighth exchanger 8, in the seventh exchanger 7, pass to the seventh connection point 57, then in the fourth exchanger 4, and return to the second bidirectional pump 22.

[0115] The primary loop 20A comprises a one-way valve 27 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first inlet / outlet 3-1 of the third exchanger 3 to the first connection point 51 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first connection point 51 to the first inlet / outlet 3-1 of the third exchanger 3.

[0116] The one-way valve 27 is a check valve. In other words, the one-way valve is a passive device, i.e. without electrical control.

[0117] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a first three-way valve 29 arranged jointly on the first bypass branch 20C and on the third bypass branch 20E.

[0118] The first three-way valve 29 is configured to selectively: - authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid in the first branch of bypass 20C and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid between the first branch of bypass 20C and the fifth exchanger 5, or - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop 20B and the fifth exchanger 5 and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger 5 and the primary loop 20A of heat transfer fluid, - authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid between the fifth exchanger 5 and the primary heat transfer liquid loop 20A and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid between the fifth exchanger 5 and the secondary loop 20B.

[0119] The first three-way valve 29 makes it possible to selectively connect the fifth exchanger 5 either with the primary heat transfer fluid circulation loop 20A or with the secondary loop 20B.

[0120] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a second three-way valve 30 arranged jointly on the second bypass branch 20D and on the third bypass branch 20E.

[0121] The second three-way valve 30 is configured to selectively: - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch of bypass 20D and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second branch of bypass 20D and the fifth exchanger 5, or - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop 20B and the fifth exchanger 5 and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger 5 and the primary loop 20A of heat transfer fluid, - authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid between the fifth exchanger 5 and the primary heat transfer liquid loop 20A and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid between the fifth exchanger 5 and the secondary loop 20B.

[0122] The second three-way valve 30 allows the fifth exchanger 5 to be selectively connected either to the primary loop 20A or to the secondary loop 20B.

[0123] The first three-way valve 29 and the second three-way valve 30 are electrically controlled.

[0124] The fifth connection point 55 of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 is part of the first three-way valve 29. The sixth connection point 56 of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 is part of the second three-way valve 30.

[0125] Thanks to the possibilities of circulating the heat transfer liquid offered by the two bidirectional pumps, the thermal conditioning system can thus use a reduced number of valves, in addition to valves of low complexity. Thus, two two-way shut-off valves, two three-way valves and a non-return valve are sufficient to operate the proposed thermal conditioning system. More complex valves, for example with four, five or six circulation ways, used by systems of the prior art, are not necessary and are not used.

[0126] The primary heat transfer fluid loop 20A includes an electric heater 24 configured to selectively heat the heat transfer fluid. This electric heater 24 makes it possible to supplement, or replace, the heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid by the refrigerant.

[0127] The main refrigerant loop 10A comprises an accumulation device 16 arranged downstream of the second exchanger 2 and upstream of an inlet 15a of the compression device 15. The accumulation device 16 is an accumulator. This accumulator, arranged on the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10, makes it possible to compensate for variations in the quantity of refrigerant circulating in the circuit depending on the operating modes. It also makes it possible to prevent liquid refrigerant from being sucked in by the compressor 15.

[0128] According to a variant not shown, the main refrigerant loop 10A may comprise an accumulation device arranged downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first connection point 11. The accumulation device is a dehydrating bottle.

[0129] Figure 2 represents a variant of the embodiment of Figure 1. According to this variant of the thermal conditioning system 100, the main refrigerant loop 10A comprises an internal heat exchanger 9 configured to allow a heat exchange between the refrigerant at the outlet of the first exchanger 1 and the refrigerant at the outlet of the accumulation device 16.

[0130] The internal heat exchanger 9 comprises a first heat exchange section 9A arranged downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first expansion valve 31 and a second heat exchange section 9B arranged downstream of the refrigerant fluid accumulation device 16 and upstream of an inlet 15a of the compressor 15. The internal heat exchanger 9 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the first heat exchange section 9A and the refrigerant fluid in the second heat exchange section 9B. The internal exchanger makes it possible to increase the enthalpy variation of the refrigerant fluid during the thermodynamic cycle and thus to improve the performance of the thermal conditioning system.

[0131] Many operating modes of the thermal conditioning system are possible. Figures 3 to 7 illustrate different operating methods of a conditioning system as described above. In these figures, the portions of each of the circuits 10, 20 traversed by the fluid corresponding to this circuit are represented by thick continuous lines, and the circuit portions which are not traversed by a fluid are represented by thin dotted lines. In these figures, the double arrows diagrammatically represent the direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid, and the single arrows diagrammatically represent the direction of circulation of the heat transfer liquid. The arrows arranged next to the bidirectional pumps diagrammatically represent the direction of discharge of the bidirectional pumps.

[0132] Figure 3 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a mode known as heating the powertrain and dehumidifying the passenger compartment. According to this mode of operation: - a flow Qr of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 15 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve 32 where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the interior air flow Fi, and returns to the compressor 15. - a first flow Qc1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bidirectional pump 21, and is divided at the third connection point 53 into: -- a second flow Qc2 of heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A then in the third exchanger 3 where it gives off heat to the interior air flow Fi, and -- a third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid circulating successively in the second branch of derivation 20D, in the secondary loop 20B, and divides at the level of the eighth connection point 58 into: - a fourth flow Qc4 of heat transfer liquid circulating successively through the second bidirectional pump 22, in the fourth exchanger 4, and — a fifth flow Qc5 of heat transfer fluid circulating in the fourth branch 20F, successively in the eighth exchanger 8, in the seventh exchanger 7, the fourth flow Qc4 of heat transfer liquid and the fifth flow Qc5 of heat transfer liquid joining at the seventh connection point 57, the second flow Qc2 of heat transfer liquid and the third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid joining at the first connection point 51 and the first flow Qc1 of heat transfer liquid thus formed returns to the first exchanger 1.

[0133] The indoor air flow Fi is cooled at the sixth exchanger 6 and is heated at the third exchanger 3. The indoor air flow Fi is thus dehumidified. The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first exchanger 1 is dissipated partly in the indoor air flow Fi and partly in the elements of the electric traction chain, at the fourth exchanger 4, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8. The elements of the electric traction chain are thus heated.

[0134] The first bidirectional pump 21 circulates the heat transfer liquid in a first direction of circulation, corresponding to a circulation from the first connection point 51 to the third connection point 53. The second bidirectional pump 22 circulates the heat transfer liquid in a second direction of circulation, corresponding to a circulation from the eighth connection point 58 to the seventh connection point 57.

[0135] The first three-way valve 29 and the second three-way valve 30 block the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the third bypass branch 20E and therefore in the fifth exchanger 5. The fifth exchanger 5 does not participate in the heat transfers. The first expansion valve 31 is in the closed position, the second exchanger 2 is not traversed by a flow of refrigerant fluid. The third pump 23 is inactive. The secondary loop portion 20B extending between the fourth connection point 54 and the second connection point 52, and comprising the third pump 23 as well as the second heat exchange section 2B of the second exchanger 2, is not traversed by the heat transfer fluid. The first stop valve 25 and the second stop valve 26 are both in the open position and allow the heat transfer fluid to pass.

[0136] Figure 4 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as previously described, in a mode known as heating the powertrain and cooling the passenger compartment. In this mode of operation: - a flow Qr of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 15 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the second expansion valve 32 where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the interior air flow Fi, and returns to the compressor 15. - a first flow Qc1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first bidirectional pump 21, in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bypass branch 20C, in the secondary loop 20B, and is divided at the seventh connection point 57 into: -- a second flow rate Qc2 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B successively in the fourth exchanger 4, in the second bidirectional pump 22, and -- a third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth bypass branch 20F successively in the seventh exchanger 7, in the eighth exchanger 8, the second flow Qc2 of heat transfer liquid and the third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid join at the level of the eighth connection point 58, the first flow Qc1 of heat transfer liquid thus formed then circulates in the secondary loop 20B, in the second bypass branch 20D, in the first bidirectional pump 21 and returns to the first exchanger 1.

[0137] In this operating mode, the interior air flow Fi is cooled at the sixth exchanger 6. The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first exchanger 1 is dissipated in the elements of the electric traction chain, at the fourth exchanger 4, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8, which makes it possible to heat these elements of the traction chain.

[0138] The first bidirectional pump 21 circulates the heat transfer liquid in a second direction of circulation, corresponding to a circulation from the third connection point 53 to the first connection point 51. The second bidirectional pump 22 circulates the heat transfer liquid in a first direction of circulation, corresponding to a circulation from the seventh connection point 57 to the eighth connection point 58. In other words, the two pumps have a reversed discharge direction compared to the previous operating mode, illustrated in Figure 3.

[0139] The first three-way valve 29 and the second three-way valve 30 block the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the third bypass branch 20E and therefore in the fifth exchanger 5. The fifth exchanger 5 does not participate in the heat exchanges.

[0140] At the first connection point 51, the one-way valve 27 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating to the third exchanger 3. At the third connection point 53, the pressure is lower than the pressure at the first connection point 51, due to the pressure loss generated by the first three-way valve 29, the stop valve 25, the fourth exchanger 4, the seventh and eighth exchangers 7, 8 and the corresponding circuit portions. The heat transfer fluid does not circulate in the third exchanger 3, which does not participate in the heat exchanges and does not heat the interior air flow Fi. The sixth exchanger 6 cools the interior air flow Fi. Reversing the discharge direction of the first pump 21 makes it possible to switch from a circulation of heat transfer fluid allowing heating or dehumidification of the passenger compartment to a circulation allowing cooling of the passenger compartment.

[0141] The first expansion valve 31 is in the closed position, the second exchanger 2 is not traversed by a flow of refrigerant fluid and is inactive for heat exchanges. The third pump 23 is inactive. The first stop valve 25 and the second stop valve 26 are both in the open position and allow the heat transfer fluid to pass through.

[0142] Figure 5 shows a diagram of a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a mode known as heating and dehumidification of the passenger compartment, with double energy recovery. In this mode of operation: - a first flow Qr1 of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 15 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, and is divided into: -- a second flow Qr2 circulating successively in the first expander 31 where it passes at low pressure, in the second exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and -- a third flow Qr3 circulating in the second expander 32 where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the interior air flow Fi, the second flow Qr2 and the third flow Qr3 joining and returning to the compressor 15. - a first flow Qc1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bidirectional pump 21, in the third exchanger 3 where it gives off heat to the interior air flow Fi, and returns to the first exchanger 1, - a second flow Qc2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, in the second exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, and is divided at the second connection point 52 into: -- a third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid which circulates in the secondary loop 20B, and divides at the seventh connection point 57 into: - a fourth flow Qc4 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B successively in the fourth exchanger 4, in the second bidirectional pump 22, and - a fifth flow Qc5 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth branch 20F successively in the seventh exchanger 7, in the eighth exchanger 8, the fourth flow Qc5 of heat transfer liquid and the fifth flow Qc6 of heat transfer liquid joining at the level of the eighth connection point 58, the third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid thus formed joining the fourth connection point 54, -- a sixth flow Qc6 of heat transfer liquid which circulates successively in the first branch 20C, in the third branch 20E, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, in the second branch 20D, and joins the third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid at the fourth connection point 54.

[0143] The indoor air flow Fi is cooled at the sixth exchanger 6 and is heated at the third exchanger 3. The indoor air flow Fi is thus dehumidified. The quantity of heat supplied by the third exchanger 3 is greater than the quantity of heat absorbed by the sixth exchanger 6, the air flow is thus heated.

[0144] The heat dissipated in the elements of the electric traction chain is transferred to the heat transfer fluid at the fourth exchanger 4, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8. This heat is transferred to the refrigerant fluid at the second exchanger 2. In addition, the heat transfer fluid can receive heat from the outside air flow Fe at the fifth exchanger 5. The passenger compartment is thus heated by recovering energy from both the drive train and the outside air flow Fe, i.e. by performing double energy recovery.

[0145] The first bidirectional pump 21 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the first direction of circulation. The second bidirectional pump 22 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the first direction of circulation.

[0146] The primary loop 20A and the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer liquid are not connected. The portion of the first bypass branch 20C between the second connection point 52 and the fifth connection point 55 is traversed by a flow Qc6 of heat transfer liquid. In the same way, the portion of the second bypass branch 20D between the fourth connection point 54 and the sixth connection point 54 is traversed by a flow Qc6 of heat transfer liquid. The first three-way valve 29 blocks the circulation of heat transfer liquid between the first connection point 51 and the fifth connection point 55. The second three-way valve 30 blocks the circulation of heat transfer liquid between the sixth connection point 56 and the third connection point 53. The shutoff valves 25, 26 are both in the open position. In this mode of operation, all heat exchangers are active and participate in heat exchange.

[0147] Figure 6 illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, in a mode known as cooling of the powertrain and heating of the passenger compartment. According to this process: - a flow Qr of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 15 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it passes at low pressure, in the second exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and returns to the compressor 15. - a first flow Qc1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bidirectional pump 21, and is divided at the third connection point 53 into: -- a second flow Qc2 of heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A then in the third exchanger 3 where it gives off heat to the interior air flow Fi, and -- a third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid circulating successively in the second branch of bypass 20D, in the third branch of bypass 20E, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives off heat to the outside air flow Fe, in the first branch of bypass 20C, the second flow Qc2 of heat transfer liquid and the third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid joining at the first connection point 51, - a fourth flow Qc4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B successively in the third pump 23, in the second exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, and divides at the seventh connection point 57 into: -- a fifth flow Qc5 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B successively in the fourth exchanger 4, in the second bidirectional pump 22, and -- a sixth flow Qc6 of heat transfer fluid circulating in the fourth branch of bypass 20F successively in the seventh exchanger 7, in the eighth exchanger 8, the fifth flow Qc5 of heat transfer liquid and the sixth flow Qc6 of heat transfer liquid joining at the level of the eighth connection point 58, and the fourth flow Qc4 of heat transfer liquid thus formed joins the third pump 23.

[0148] The heat dissipated in the elements of the electric traction chain is transferred to the heat transfer fluid at the fourth exchanger 4, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8. This heat is then transferred to the refrigerant fluid at the second exchanger 2. The elements 41, 42, 43 of the traction chain are thus cooled.

[0149] Part of the heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid at the first exchanger 1 is transferred to the indoor air flow Fi at the third exchanger 3, and part is transferred to the outdoor air flow Fe at the fifth exchanger 5. Controlling the flow rate of the different pumps makes it possible to control this distribution and thus the heating of the indoor air flow Fi.

[0150] The first bidirectional pump 21 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the first direction of circulation. The second bidirectional pump 22 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the first direction of circulation.

[0151] The primary loop 20A and the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid are not connected. The first 3-way valve 29 blocks the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the first bypass branch 20C. The second bypass valve 30 blocks the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch 20D. The first stop valve 25 and the second stop valve 26 are in the open position. The second expansion valve 32 is in the closed position, the sixth exchanger 6 is inactive.

[0152] Figure 7 shows a diagram of a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as already described, in a mode known as cooling of the powertrain and the passenger compartment. In this mode of operation: - a first flow Qr1 of refrigerant fluid circulates successively in the compressor 15 where it passes at high pressure, in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer liquid, and is divided into: -- a second flow Qr2 circulating successively in the first expander 31 where it passes at low pressure, in the second exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid, and -- a third flow Qr3 circulating in the second expander 32 where it passes at low pressure, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the interior air flow Fi, the second flow Qr2 and the third flow Qr3 joining and returning to the compressor 15. - a first flow Qc1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first bidirectional pump 21, in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first bypass branch 20C, in the third bypass branch 20E, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives off heat to the outside air flow Fe, in the second bypass branch 20D, and returns to the first bidirectional pump 21, - a second flow Qc2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, in the third pump 23, in the second exchanger 2 where it gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, circulates in the secondary loop 20B, and divides at the seventh connection point 57 into: -- a third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the secondary loop 20B successively in the fourth exchanger 4, in the second bidirectional pump 22, and -- a fourth flow Qc4 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the fourth branch 20F successively in the seventh exchanger 7, in the eighth exchanger 8, the third flow Qc3 of heat transfer liquid and the fourth flow Qc4 of heat transfer liquid joining at the level of the eighth connection point 58, and the second flow Qc2 of heat transfer liquid thus formed returns to the third pump 23.

[0153] In this operating mode, the interior air flow Fi is cooled at the sixth exchanger 6. The heat dissipated by the elements of the electric traction chain, at the fourth exchanger 4, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8 is transferred to the refrigerant fluid at the second exchanger 2. The elements of the traction chain are thus cooled. The heat received by the heat transfer fluid at the first exchanger 1 is dissipated in the exterior air flow Fe at the fifth exchanger.

[0154] The first bidirectional pump 21 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the second direction of circulation. The second bidirectional pump 22 circulates the heat transfer liquid in the first direction of circulation.

[0155] In other words, the direction of discharge of the first pump 21 is reversed compared to the previous operating mode. At the first connection point 51, the one-way valve 27 prevents the heat transfer fluid from circulating to the third exchanger 3. At the third connection point 53, the pressure is lower than the pressure at the first connection point 51, due to the pressure drop generated by the first three-way valve 29, the fifth exchanger 5 and the corresponding circuit portions. The heat transfer fluid does not circulate in the third exchanger 3, which therefore does not heat the interior air flow Fi. The sixth exchanger 6 cools the interior air flow Fi.

[0156] As seen previously, reversing the direction of discharge of the first pump 21 makes it possible to deactivate the circulation of heat transfer liquid in the third exchanger 3, which makes it possible to switch from a mode where the passenger compartment is heated to a mode where the passenger compartment is cooled.

[0157] Many other modes of operation, not illustrated, are also possible.

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal conditioning system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprising: -- a primary loop (20A) for circulating heat transfer fluid, -- a secondary loop (20B) for circulating heat transfer fluid, - a refrigerant circuit (10) comprising a main loop (10A) for circulating refrigerant, the main loop (10A) successively comprising, in a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: -- a compression device (15), -- a first heat exchanger (1), arranged jointly on the main loop (10A) of refrigerant fluid and on the primary loop (20A) of heat transfer fluid so as to allow an exchange of heat between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, -- a first regulator (31), -- a second heat exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the main loop (10A) of refrigerant fluid and on the secondary loop (20B) of heat transfer liquid so as to allow an exchange of heat between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer liquid, in which: - the primary heat transfer fluid loop (20A) comprises a third exchanger (3) configured to exchange heat with an air flow (Fi) inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and - the secondary heat transfer fluid loop (20B) comprises a fourth heat exchanger (4) configured to be thermally coupled to a first element (41) of an electric powertrain of the vehicle, in which the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises: - a first branch branch (20C) connecting a first connection point (51) arranged on the primary loop (20A) between a first inlet / outlet (1 B-1) of the first exchanger (1) and a first inlet / outlet (3-1) of the third exchanger (3) to a second connection point (52) arranged on the secondary loop (20B) between a first inlet / outlet (2B-1) of the second exchanger (2) and a first inlet / outlet (4-1) of the fourth exchanger (4), - a second branch branch (20D) connecting a third connection point (53) arranged on the primary loop (20A) between a second inlet / outlet (1 B-2) of the first exchanger (1) and a second inlet / outlet (3-2) of the third exchanger (3) to a fourth connection point (54) arranged on the secondary loop (20B) between a second inlet / outlet (2B-2) of the second exchanger (2) and a second inlet / outlet (4-2) of the fourth exchanger (4), and in which: - the primary heat transfer liquid loop (20A) comprises a first bidirectional pump (21) configured to circulate the heat transfer liquid selectively from a first inlet / outlet (1 B-1) of the first exchanger (1) to a first inlet / outlet (3-1) of the third exchanger (3), or from a second inlet / outlet (1 B-2) of the first exchanger (1) to a second inlet / outlet (3-2) of the third exchanger (3).

2. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the secondary heat transfer fluid loop (20B) comprises a second bidirectional pump (22) configured to selectively circulate the heat transfer fluid from a first inlet / outlet (2B-1) of the second exchanger (2) to a first inlet / outlet (4-1) of the fourth exchanger (4), or from a second inlet / outlet (2B-2) of the second exchanger (2) to a second inlet / outlet (4-2) of the fourth exchanger (4).

3. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first bidirectional pump (21) is arranged on the primary loop (20A) between the second inlet / outlet (1 B-2) of the first exchanger (1) and the third connection point (53).

4. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the second bidirectional pump (22) is arranged on a portion of the secondary loop (20B) extending between the second connection point (52) and the fourth connection point (54) without passing through the second exchanger (2).

5. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a third branch branch (20E) connecting a fifth connection point (55) arranged on the first branch branch (20C) to a sixth connection point (56) arranged on the second branch branch (20D), the third branch branch (20E) comprising a fifth heat exchanger (5), in which the fifth heat exchanger (5) is configured to exchange heat with an air flow (Fe) outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

6. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the refrigerant circuit (10) comprises an auxiliary branch (10B) arranged in parallel with the first expansion device (31) and the second exchanger (2), the auxiliary branch (10B) successively comprising a second expansion device (32) and a sixth heat exchanger (6) configured to exchange heat with an interior air flow (Fi) in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

7. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a fourth bypass branch (20F) connected to the secondary loop (20B) in parallel with the fourth exchanger (4) and the second bidirectional pump (22), the fourth bypass branch (20F) comprising a seventh heat exchanger (7) configured to be thermally coupled to a second element (42) of the electric powertrain of the vehicle, and an eighth heat exchanger (8) configured to be thermally coupled to a third element (43) of the electric powertrain of the vehicle.

8. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary loop (20B) comprises a third pump (23) configured to circulate the heat transfer liquid from the fourth connection point (54) to the second inlet / outlet (2B-2) of the second exchanger (2), and wherein the third pump (23) is a unidirectional pump.

9. A thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of claims 2 to 8 in combination with claim 7, wherein the fourth branch branch (20F) connects a seventh connection point (57) arranged on the secondary loop (20B) between the second connection point (52) and a first inlet / outlet (4-1) of the fourth exchanger (4) to an eighth connection point (58) arranged on the secondary loop (20B) between the second bidirectional pump (22) and the fourth connection point (54), and wherein the secondary loop (20B) comprises a first shut-off valve (25) arranged between the second connection point (52) and the seventh connection point (57), and a second shut-off valve (26) arranged between the eighth connection point (58) and the fourth connection point (54).

10. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary loop (20A) comprises a one-way valve (27) configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first inlet / outlet (3-1) of the third exchanger (3) to the first connection point (51) and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid from the first connection point (51) to the first inlet / outlet (3-1) of the third exchanger (3).

11. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 5, wherein the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a first three-way valve (29) arranged jointly on the first bypass branch (20C) and on the third bypass branch (20E), and wherein the first three-way valve (29) is configured to selectively: - authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid in the first branch of the bypass (20C) and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid between the first branch of the bypass (20C) and the fifth exchanger (5), or - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop (20B) and the fifth exchanger (5) and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger (5) and the primary loop (20A) of heat transfer fluid, - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger (5) and the primary heat transfer fluid loop (20A) and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger (5) and the secondary loop (20B).

12. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 5, wherein the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a second three-way valve (30) arranged jointly on the second bypass branch (20D) and on the third bypass branch (20E), and wherein the second three-way valve (30) is configured to selectively: - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch (20D) and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second bypass branch (20D) and the fifth exchanger (5), or - authorize circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop (20B) and the fifth exchanger (5) and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fifth exchanger (5) and the primary loop (20A) of heat transfer fluid, - authorize circulation of heat transfer liquid between the fifth exchanger (5) and the primary heat transfer liquid loop (20A) and jointly prohibit circulation of heat transfer liquid between the fifth exchanger (5) and the secondary loop (20B).

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