Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit (20) configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, - a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising successively according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: - a compression device (11), - a first heat exchanger (1), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10), - a first expansion valve (31), - a second heat exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10), - a second expansion valve (32), - a third heat exchanger (3), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10). Figure from the summary: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal conditioning system technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems. Such systems can, for example, be fitted to motor vehicles. These systems ensure thermal regulation of various vehicle components, such as the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, when the vehicle is electrically powered. Heat exchange is managed, in particular, by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant circulating in a circuit in which several heat exchangers are arranged. A compressor forces the refrigerant into a high-pressure state and allows its circulation within the circuit. The refrigerant can absorb or release heat at the various heat exchangers arranged in the circuit. Previous technique

[0002] Fluorinated compound-based refrigerants generally have the disadvantage of possessing a high global warming potential (GWP). Some hydrocarbons, for example propane, possess thermodynamic properties that make their use as refrigerants possible and have a lower global warming potential. However, it is preferable that heat exchangers located in vehicle passenger compartments not contain hydrocarbons. In this case, the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant undergoes an intermediate heat exchange with a water-based heat transfer fluid, which then circulates through heat exchangers located within the passenger compartment. Heating and cooling of the passenger compartment can thus be achieved through the circulation of a heat transfer fluid that has been preheated or precooled by the refrigerant, respectively.

[0003] By combining several heat exchangers, each enabling heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, different operating modes are possible. However, known systems generally exhibit a high degree of complexity and do not allow for all the desired operating modes. It is therefore desirable to have thermal conditioning systems with an optimized architecture, allowing a wider range of operating modes while being simpler to implement. Summary

[0004] To this end, a thermal conditioning system is proposed, comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, - a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — a compression device, — a first heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, — a first expansion valve, — a second heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, — a second expansion valve, — a third heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, in which: - the first heat exchanger is arranged jointly on a primary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit, the primary heat transfer fluid loop comprising a fourth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a first flow of air inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the second heat exchanger is arranged jointly on a secondary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit, the secondary heat transfer fluid loop comprising a fifth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a first element of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle, - the third heat exchanger is arranged jointly on a tertiary loop of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit, the tertiary heat transfer fluid loop comprising a sixth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a second flow of air inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, - The primary heat transfer fluid loop includes a first heat transfer fluid circulation pump, - The secondary heat transfer fluid loop includes a second heat transfer fluid circulation pump, - The tertiary heat transfer fluid loop includes a third heat transfer fluid circulation pump, - the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a first branch connecting a first connection point located on the primary loop between the first and fourth heat exchangers to a second connection point located on the primary loop between the fourth and first heat exchangers, the first branch comprising a seventh heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an outside airflow to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, - the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second branch connecting a third connection point located on the secondary loop between the second pump and the fifth heat exchanger to a fourth connection point located on the secondary loop between the fifth heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, - the heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third branch connecting a fifth connection point located on the tertiary loop between the third and sixth exchangers to a sixth connection point located on the tertiary loop between the third and sixth exchangers, the third branch comprising an eighth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a second element of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0005] This refrigerant circuit arrangement makes it possible to obtain, in particular, one source of hot heat transfer fluid and two sources of cold heat transfer fluid, these two sources being able to be at two different temperature levels. By adjusting the respective expansion levels provided by the first and second expansion valves, it is also possible to have two sources of hot heat transfer fluid and one source of cold heat transfer fluid. Thanks to the proposed architecture, numerous operating modes can thus be achieved, thereby optimizing energy consumption for many different applications. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit can be particularly compact, and therefore easy to integrate.

[0006] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0007] The thermal conditioning system is a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle.

[0008] The first heat exchanger can operate as a refrigerant condenser. The first heat exchanger can also operate as a refrigerant cooler when the refrigerant is in a supercritical state.

[0009] The second exchanger can operate selectively as a refrigerant condenser / cooler or as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0010] The third exchanger can operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit includes an accumulation device located downstream of the third heat exchanger and upstream of an inlet of the refrigerant compressor.

[0012] Alternatively, the accumulation device is located downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the second exchanger.

[0013] The refrigerant circuit forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit has no branch lines.

[0014] The first regulator is, for example, an electronic regulator. Similarly, the second regulator can be an electronic regulator.

[0015] The first exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section disposed on the refrigerant fluid circuit and a second heat exchange section disposed on the primary heat transfer fluid loop.

[0016] The second heat exchanger allows the first element of the vehicle's electric traction chain to be selectively cooled or heated.

[0017] The second exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section disposed on the refrigerant fluid circuit and a second heat exchange section disposed on the secondary heat transfer fluid loop.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first element of the vehicle's electric traction chain comprises an electrical energy storage battery.

[0019] The fifth heat exchanger includes a wall of a housing of the element of the electric traction chain.

[0020] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop includes an electric heating device configured to heat the heat transfer fluid.

[0021] Activation of the electric heating device allows the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary heat transfer fluid loop to be heated.

[0022] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop is isolated from the primary loop.

[0023] The first indoor airflow can be identical to the second indoor airflow. In other words, the airflow rate forming the first indoor airflow can be equal to the airflow rate forming the second indoor airflow.

[0024] The first internal airflow can be distinct from the second internal airflow.

[0025] In particular, the air flow rate forming the first indoor airflow may be less than the air flow rate forming the second indoor airflow. In other words, part of the second indoor airflow, which performs a heat exchange with the sixth heat exchanger, can bypass the fourth exchanger.

[0026] The sixth heat exchanger is arranged upstream of the fourth heat exchanger in a direction of flow of the internal airflow.

[0027] The third exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section disposed on the refrigerant fluid circuit and a second heat exchange section disposed on the tertiary loop of heat transfer fluid.

[0028] The secondary heat transfer fluid loop is isolated from the tertiary loop.

[0029] Each heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be an electrically controlled pump.

[0030] The first circulation pump is arranged between the first exchanger and the first connection point.

[0031] The second circulation pump is arranged between the second exchanger and the third connection point.

[0032] The fifth connection point is located between the third pump and the sixth exchanger.

[0033] The third circulation pump is arranged between the third exchanger and the fifth connection point.

[0034] The second element of the vehicle's electric drive chain comprises an electric vehicle traction motor.

[0035] The second element of the vehicle's electric drive chain comprises an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor.

[0036] The third circulation pump is arranged between the third exchanger and the fifth connection point.

[0037] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fourth branch connecting a seventh connection point located on the first branch between the seventh exchanger and the first connection point and to an eighth connection point located on the third branch between the fifth connection point and the eighth exchanger.

[0038] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a fifth branch connecting a ninth connection point located on the first branch between the seventh exchanger and the second connection point to a tenth connection point located on the third branch between the eighth exchanger and the sixth connection point.

[0039] The fifth branch branch includes a fourth heat transfer fluid circulation pump.

[0040] The fourth circulation pump is a unidirectional pump. The fourth circulation pump is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid from the ninth connection point to the tenth connection point.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first heat transfer fluid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0042] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a first three-way valve arranged jointly on the primary loop and on the first branch of the bypass. The first three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the primary loop and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the primary loop and the first branch of the bypass, or - allow the flow of heat transfer fluid from the seventh heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger and prohibit the flow of heat transfer fluid from the fourth heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger, or - to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the first exchanger, in the fourth exchanger and in the seventh exchanger.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first three-way valve can be a proportional valve. In other words, the flow arriving at one of the three inlets / outlets of the valve can be distributed continuously between the other two inlets / outlets.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the second heat transfer fluid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0045] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a second three-way valve arranged jointly on the secondary loop and on the second bypass branch. The second three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop and the second branch of the bypass, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop and the second branch of the bypass and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second exchanger and the fifth exchanger.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the third heat transfer fluid circulation pump is a unidirectional pump.

[0047] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a third three-way valve arranged jointly on the tertiary loop and on the third branch of the bypass. The third three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the tertiary loop and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the tertiary loop and the third branch of the bypass, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third and eighth heat exchangers and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third and sixth heat exchangers, or - to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the third exchanger, in the sixth exchanger and in the eighth exchanger.

[0048] The fourth branch branch includes a first shut-off valve.

[0049] The third branch branch includes a second shut-off valve.

[0050] The second shut-off valve is located between the eighth connection point and the eighth exchanger.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first heat transfer fluid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0052] The first bidirectional pump comprises a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The first bidirectional pump is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the primary loop comprises a first one-way valve and the first branch branch comprises a second one-way valve, the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the first circulation pump, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the fourth heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the seventh heat exchanger, and - according to a second discharge direction of the first circulation pump, opposite to the first discharge direction, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the seventh heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the fourth heat exchanger.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the primary loop comprises a first one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the first one-way valve from the second connection point to the fourth heat exchanger and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the first one-way valve from the fourth heat exchanger to the second connection point, and the first branch comprises a second one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the second one-way valve from the first connection point to the seventh connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the second valve unidirectional from the seventh connection point to the first connection point.

[0055] According to another embodiment, the primary loop includes a first one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the first one-way valve from the second connection point to the fourth heat exchanger and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the first one-way valve from the fourth heat exchanger to the second connection point, and the first branch branch includes a second one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the second one-way valve from the first connection point to the seventh connection point and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the second one-way valve from the seventh connection point to the first connection point.

[0056] The arrangement of a bidirectional pump with two unidirectional valves makes it possible to obtain the same circulation possibilities as with a unidirectional pump and a three-way valve.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the second heat transfer fluid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0058] The second bidirectional pump comprises a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The second bidirectional pump is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the secondary loop includes a third one-way valve and the second branch branch includes a fourth one-way valve, the third one-way valve and the fourth one-way valve being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the second circulation pump, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger to the fifth heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch, and - according to a second discharge direction of the second circulation pump, opposite to the first discharge direction, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger to the fifth heat exchanger.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the secondary loop includes a third one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve from the third connection point to the fifth heat exchanger and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve from the fifth heat exchanger to the third connection point, and the second branch branch includes a fourth one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve from the fourth connection point to the third connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve from the third connection point to the fourth connection point.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the secondary loop includes a third one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve from the third connection point to the fifth heat exchanger and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve from the fifth heat exchanger to the third connection point, and the second branch branch includes a fourth one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve from the fourth connection point to the third connection point and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve from the third connection point to the fourth connection point.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the third heat transfer fluid circulation pump is a bidirectional pump.

[0063] The third bidirectional pump comprises a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet. The third bidirectional pump is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the tertiary loop comprises a fifth one-way valve and the third branch branch comprises a sixth one-way valve, the fifth one-way valve and the sixth one-way valve being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the third circulation pump, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger to the sixth heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger to the eighth heat exchanger, and - according to a second discharge direction of the third circulation pump, opposite to the first discharge direction, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger to the eighth heat exchanger and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger to the sixth heat exchanger.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the tertiary loop includes a fifth one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve from the sixth heat exchanger to the fifth connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve from the fifth connection point to the sixth heat exchanger, and the third branch branch includes a sixth one-way valve configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve from the tenth connection point to the sixth connection point and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve from the sixth connection point to the tenth connection point.

[0066] According to another embodiment, the tertiary loop includes a fifth one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve from the sixth heat exchanger to the fifth connection point and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve from the fifth connection point to the sixth heat exchanger, and The third branch branch includes a sixth one-way valve configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve from the tenth connection point to the sixth connection point and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve from the sixth connection point to the tenth connection point.

[0067] Each one-way valve is, for example, a check valve.

[0068] The heat transfer fluid circuit includes a three-way valve arranged jointly on the third branch and on the fourth branch.

[0069] The three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow a circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the eighth exchanger and prohibit a circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the fifth connection point, or - allow a circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the fifth connection point and prohibit a circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the bypass and the eighth exchanger.

[0070] Each of the three-way valves can be a proportional valve.

[0071] The proposed thermal conditioning system can operate selectively according to different operating modes.

[0072] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a first operating mode referred to as the first passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, through the second expansion valve, through the third heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the fourth heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - The electric heating device is activated to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the second bypass branch, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0073] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a second operating mode called the first battery heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is zero, - the electric heating device is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop, - a flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, in the fifth exchanger where it gives up heat so as to heat the traction chain element, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0074] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, in a third operating mode called battery cooling, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, through the second expansion valve, through the third heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the seventh heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the outside airflow, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it gives heat to the refrigerant, in the fifth exchanger where it receives heat to cool the traction chain element, in the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0075] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a fourth operating mode called passenger compartment cooling, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve, through the second heat exchanger, through the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the seventh heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the outside airflow, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the second flow of indoor air, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0076] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, in a fifth operating mode called traction chain cooling, in which: - the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is zero, - a flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat from the second element of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch, in the seventh exchanger where it gives up heat to the outside air flow, and returns to the fourth circulation pump.

[0077] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a sixth operating mode called the second passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve, through the second heat exchanger, through the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the fourth heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the tertiary loop, successively in the third exchanger where it gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0078] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a seventh operating mode called the third passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, through the second expansion valve, through the third heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the fourth heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the second exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the fifth exchanger where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0079] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, in an eighth operating mode called the second battery heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and circulates successively through the first heat exchanger, the first expansion valve, the second heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fifth exchanger where it releases heat, and returns to the second exchanger, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the eighth exchanger where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0080] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a ninth operating mode called defrosting, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it is under high pressure, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through to a low pressure, through the second heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, through the second expansion valve, through the third heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh heat exchanger where it transfers heat, and is divided into: — a second flow of heat transfer fluid which circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump, in the eighth heat exchanger where it receives heat, in the fourth bypass branch, and — a third flow of heat transfer fluid which circulates in the first exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant, in the first circulation pump, the second flow of heat transfer fluid and the third flow of heat transfer fluid joining together to form the first flow of heat transfer fluid, - The electric heating device is activated to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the fluid refrigerant, in the second branch of the bypass, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger.

[0081] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a tenth operating mode called passenger compartment dehumidification and powertrain cooling, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve, through the second heat exchanger, through the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the fourth heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump, in the eighth heat exchanger where it receives heat from the second element of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch, in the seventh heat exchanger where it releases heat to the outside airflow, and returns to the fourth circulation pump, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the sixth exchanger where it receives heat from the second flow of indoor air, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0082] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, in an eleventh operating mode called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve, through the second heat exchanger, through the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the fourth heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0083] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a twelfth operating mode called the first combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high pressure, and circulates successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve where it passes through an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, through the second heat exchanger, through the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, through the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth heat exchanger where it releases heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger, - The electric heating device is activated to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger, in the fifth exchanger where it releases heat, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger. The second flow of heat transfer fluid can circulate in the second exchanger without performing heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0084] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is further proposed, in a thirteenth operating mode called the fifth passenger compartment heating mode, in which: - a flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve, through the second heat exchanger, through the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively in the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth heat exchanger where it releases heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger, - The electric heating device is activated to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, in the second bypass branch, in the electric heating device where it receives heat, and returns to the second heat exchanger, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger.

[0085] A method for operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, in a fourteenth operating mode called the second combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode, in which: - A flow of refrigerant circulates in the compressor where it passes through a high-pressure area, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve, through the second heat exchanger, through the second expansion valve where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the third heat exchanger where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor; - A first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop, successively through the first heat exchanger where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the fourth heat exchanger where it transfers heat to the first flow of indoor air, and returns to the first heat exchanger. - the electric heating device is inactive, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop, successively in the second exchanger where it receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fifth exchanger where it releases heat, in the electric heating device, and returns to the second exchanger, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger where it receives heat from the outside air flow, and returns to the third exchanger. The refrigerant flow can circulate through the first expansion valve without undergoing expansion. The refrigerant flow can circulate through the first expansion valve undergoing partial expansion.

[0086] Alternatively, the electric heating device can be activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop. Brief description of the drawings

[0087] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0088] [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to a first embodiment,

[0089] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a first mode of operation, called the first mode of passenger compartment heating,

[0090] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.1], operating according to a second mode called the first battery heating mode,

[0091] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a third mode known as battery cooling,

[0092] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a fourth mode known as passenger compartment cooling,

[0093] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a fifth mode known as traction chain cooling,

[0094] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.1], operating according to a sixth mode called the second mode of passenger compartment heating,

[0095] [Fig.8] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a seventh mode called the third mode of passenger compartment heating,

[0096] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.1], operating according to an eighth mode called the second battery heating mode,

[0097] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig. 1], operating according to a ninth mode called defrosting,

[0098] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a tenth mode called dehumidification of the passenger compartment and cooling of the traction chain,

[0099] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to an eleventh mode, called the fourth mode of passenger compartment heating,

[0100] [Fig. 13] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.1], operating according to a twelfth mode called the fourth mode of passenger compartment and battery heating,

[0101] [Fig. 14] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig. 1], operating according to a thirteenth mode called the fifth mode of passenger compartment heating,

[0102] [Fig. 15] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.1], operating according to a fourteenth mode called passenger compartment heating and battery heating mode,

[0103] [Fig. 16] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to a second embodiment,

[0104] [Fig. 17] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.2], operating according to the first mode of operation,

[0105] [Fig. 18] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.2], operating according to the third mode of operation,

[0106] [Fig. 19] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.2], operating according to the tenth mode of operation,

[0107] [Fig.20] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.2], operating according to the thirteenth mode of operation. Description of the implementation methods

[0108] To facilitate reading the figures, the different elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numerals. Certain elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations may be interchanged. Similarly, the terms primary, secondary, tertiary correspond to an indexing and can be interchanged.

[0109] In the following description, the expression "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed before the second element with respect to the direction of flow, 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 with respect to the direction of flow, 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" This means that the refrigerant flows successively through the first element, then the second element, without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant exits the compression device, possibly passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, and then returns to the compression device, possibly after passing through other elements.

[0110] The expression "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path to go from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0111] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0112] The thermal conditioning system 100, which will be described below, includes an electronic control unit (not shown) that receives information from various sensors measuring, in particular, the characteristics of the refrigerant at various points in the circuit. The electronic control unit also receives instructions from the vehicle occupants, such as the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit can also receive instructions from other electronic subsystems, such as the electrical energy storage battery management system. The electronic control unit implements control laws to operate the various actuators in order to control the thermal conditioning system 100 and ensure compliance with the received instructions.

[0113] A compression device 11, also called a compressor, allows a refrigerant to circulate in a refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The compression device 11 can be an electric compressor, that is, a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor. The compression device 11 has a low-pressure refrigerant intake side, also called the inlet 11a of the compression device, and a high-pressure refrigerant discharge side, also called the outlet 11b of the compression device 11. The internal moving parts of the compressor 11 cause the refrigerant to pass from a low pressure at the inlet 11a to a high pressure at the outlet 11b. After expansion in one or more expansion chambers and circulation in at least part of the circuit, the refrigerant returns to the inlet 11a of the compressor 11 and begins a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0114] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed circuit in which the refrigerant can circulate. The refrigerant circuit 10 is leak-proof when it is in a nominal operating state, i.e., without any faults or leaks. Each connection point of the circuit 10 allows the refrigerant to pass through One or the other of the circuit sections converges at this connection point. The distribution of the refrigerant between the circuit sections converging at a connection point is achieved by opening or closing the shut-off valves, check valves, or expansion devices located on each of these sections. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the refrigerant arriving at that point. Various shut-off valves and check valves thus allow the refrigerant to be selectively directed to the different branches of the refrigerant circuit, in order to ensure different operating modes, as will be described later.

[0115] The refrigerant used by the refrigerant circuit 10 is here a natural fluid, such as R290 or R744. A chemical refrigerant such as R1234yf, or 134a can also be used.

[0116] Each refrigerant expansion device, also called an expansion valve, can be an electronic expansion valve. In an electronic expansion valve, the passage area through which the refrigerant passes can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. To achieve this, an electronic control module for the expansion valve drives an electric motor that moves a movable shutter, thus controlling the passage area available to the refrigerant.

[0117] The term "interior airflow Fi" refers to an airflow directed towards the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This interior airflow Fi may circulate within a heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system, frequently referred to by the English term "HVAC," for "Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning," and schematically represented in the various figures. A first motor-fan unit, not shown, is located within the HVAC system to increase the flow rate of the interior airflow Fi if necessary.

[0118] The term "external airflow Fe" refers to an airflow that is not directed towards the vehicle's passenger compartment. In other words, this airflow Fe remains outside the vehicle's passenger compartment. A second motor-fan unit, also not shown, can be activated to increase the flow rate of the external airflow Fe if necessary. The airflow provided by both the first and second motor-fan units can be adjusted in real time according to heat exchange requirements, for example, by the electronic control unit of the climate control system 100.

[0119] The term "exchanger" is equivalent to the term "heat exchanger". Similarly, the term "internal exchanger" is equivalent to the term "internal heat exchanger". The term "storage device" is equivalent to the term "refrigerant storage device".

[0120] The heat transfer fluid circuit(s) also form one or more closed and sealed circuits in which a heat transfer fluid can circulate.

[0121] A "loop" is understood to mean a closed circuit. Starting from any initial point of a loop and following this loop, one returns to this initial point. Each branch line has exactly one inlet and one outlet. Each branch line is connected at each end to a portion of the heat transfer fluid circuit. Each connection is made at a junction point. A branch line can connect two separate loops. A branch branch can connect one loop and another branch branch. A branch branch can connect two other branch branches. The network formed by the different loops and branch lines can be configured in different ways depending on the position of the different valves present, in order to create different circuits to allow different modes of operation.

[0122] To this end, a thermal conditioning system 100 is proposed, comprising: - a 20-circuit heat transfer fluid system configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, - a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit 10 comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — a compression device 11, — a first heat exchanger 1, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a first regulator 31, — a second heat exchanger 2, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a second expansion valve 32, — a third heat exchanger 3, arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid.

[0123] This arrangement of the refrigerant circuit makes it possible, in particular, to obtain one source of hot heat transfer fluid, as well as two sources of cold heat transfer fluid, these two sources being able to be at two different temperature levels. By adjusting the respective expansion levels provided by the first and second expansion valves, it is also possible to have two sources of hot heat transfer fluid, with one source of cold heat transfer fluid. Thanks to the proposed architecture, numerous operating modes can thus be obtained, which allows to optimize energy consumption for many different use cases. In addition, the refrigerant circuit can be particularly compact, therefore easy to integrate.

[0124] According to the illustrated example, the thermal conditioning system 100 is a thermal conditioning system 100 for a motor vehicle.

[0125] The first exchanger 1 can operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser. The first heat exchanger 1 can also function as a refrigerant cooler. This is the case when the refrigerant is in a supercritical state, for example when R744 is used as the refrigerant in circuit 10. Indeed, the first exchanger 1 can receive refrigerant fluid at high pressure and high temperature. The second exchanger 2 can operate selectively as a refrigerant condenser / cooler or as a refrigerant evaporator. Indeed, the second exchanger 2 is located downstream of the first expansion valve 31 and can therefore, depending on the level of expansion achieved by this first expansion valve 31, condense or evaporate the refrigerant. The third exchanger 3 can operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.

[0126] According to the illustrated example, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes an accumulation device 12 located downstream of the third heat exchanger 3 and upstream of an inlet 1 of the refrigerant compressor 11. The accumulation device 12 is an accumulator.

[0127] According to an unillustrated variant, the accumulation device 12 is disposed downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the second exchanger 2. The accumulation device 12 is a desiccant bottle.

[0128] The refrigerant circuit 10 here forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit 10 has no branch.

[0129] The first regulator 31 is, for example, an electronic regulator. Similarly, the second regulator 32 can be an electronic regulator.

[0130] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a mixture of water and glycol.

[0131] The first heat exchanger 1 is arranged jointly on a primary loop 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant circuit 10. The primary 20A heat transfer fluid loop includes a fourth heat exchanger 4 configured to exchange heat with a first airflow FL

[0132] The first exchanger 1 comprises a first heat exchange section 1a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 1b arranged on the primary loop 20A of heat transfer fluid. The first exchanger 1 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 1a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 1b.

[0133] The first airflow Fl is a first airflow Fi-1 inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0134] The primary loop 20A of heat transfer fluid includes a first pump 21 for circulating heat transfer fluid. The primary loop 20A connects in series the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4.

[0135] The second heat exchanger 2 is arranged jointly on a secondary loop 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10. The secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid includes a fifth heat exchanger 5 configured to exchange heat with a first element 25 of an electric drivetrain of a motor vehicle.

[0136] The second heat exchanger 2 allows the first element 25 of the vehicle's electric traction chain to be selectively cooled or heated.

[0137] The second exchanger 2 comprises a first heat exchange section 2a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 2b arranged on the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid. The second exchanger 2 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 2a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 2b.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the first element 25 of the vehicle's electric powertrain comprises an electrical energy storage battery. The electrical energy storage battery can supply the electrical energy necessary to provide the vehicle's motive power.

[0139] The fifth heat exchanger 5 comprises a wall of a housing of the element 25 of the electric traction chain. The heat transfer fluid flows through the fifth heat exchanger 5 and is in contact with the casing wall. In one operating mode, the heat generated by the operation of the electric traction unit 25 can pass through the casing wall and be transferred to the heat transfer fluid. In another operating mode, the heat from the heat transfer fluid can be transferred to the traction unit 25 to heat it.

[0140] The secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid includes a second pump 22 for circulating heat transfer fluid.

[0141] The secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid includes an electric heating device 15 configured to heat the heat transfer fluid. Activation of the electric heating device 15 allows the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid to be heated.

[0142] The secondary loop 20B connects in series the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5. The electric heating device 15 is optional. When the electric heating device 15 is present, the secondary loop 20B connects in series the second exchanger 2, the fifth exchanger 5 and the electric heating device 15.

[0143] The secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid is isolated from the primary loop 20A. In other words, the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid and the primary loop 20A are not in fluidic communication. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B cannot mix with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A.

[0144] The third heat exchanger 3 is arranged jointly on a tertiary loop 20C of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10. The tertiary loop 20C of heat transfer fluid includes a sixth heat exchanger 6 configured to exchange heat with a second airflow F2.

[0145] The second airflow F2 is a second airflow Fi-2 inside a vehicle passenger compartment.

[0146] The first indoor airflow Fi-1 can be identical to the second indoor airflow Fi-2. In other words, the airflow forming the first indoor airflow Fi-1 can be equal to the airflow forming the second indoor airflow Fi-2. In this case, the entire airflow that performs a heat exchange with the sixth exchanger 6 also performs a heat exchange with the fourth exchanger 4.

[0147] The first interior airflow Fi-1 can be distinct from the second interior airflow Fi-2. In particular, the airflow forming the first indoor airflow Fi-1 may be lower than the airflow forming the second indoor airflow Fi-2. In other words, part of the second indoor airflow Fi-2, which performs a heat exchange with the sixth heat exchanger 6, can bypass the fourth exchanger 4.

[0148] The sixth heat exchanger 6 is arranged upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 4 in a direction of flow of the internal airflow.

[0149] The third exchanger 3 comprises a first heat exchange section 3a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 3b arranged on the tertiary loop 20C of heat transfer fluid. The third exchanger 3 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 3a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 3b.

[0150] The third exchanger 3 can be identical to the second exchanger 2.

[0151] The tertiary loop 20C of heat transfer fluid includes a third pump 23 for circulating heat transfer fluid. The tertiary loop 20C connects in series the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6.

[0152] The secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid is isolated from the tertiary loop 20C. In other words, the tertiary loop 20C of heat transfer fluid and the secondary loop 20B are not in fluidic communication.

[0153] Each heat transfer fluid circulation pump can be an electrically controlled pump. Each of the circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 includes an electric motor driving a set of moving parts configured to draw in the heat transfer fluid at an inlet and to expel the heat transfer fluid at an outlet. Each circulation pump 21, 22, 23 can also be inactive, i.e. not exert any discharge of heat transfer fluid, when the electric motor of the pump concerned is not controlled and is stationary.

[0154] In addition to the circulation loops already described, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes several branch branches allowing different portions of the circuit to be connected and in such a way as to be able to form different heat transfer fluid circuit configurations. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a first branch 20D connecting a first connection point Cl located on the primary loop 20A between the first exchanger 1 and the fourth exchanger 4 to a second connection point C2 located on the primary loop 20A between the fourth exchanger 4 and the first exchanger 1. The first branch 20D includes a seventh heat exchanger 7 configured to exchange heat with a third airflow F3.

[0155] The third airflow F3 is an airflow Fe external to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The seventh interchange 7, for example, is located in the front of the vehicle, just behind the grille.

[0156] The first branch branch 20D is connected to the primary loop 20A in parallel with the fourth exchanger 4.

[0157] The first circulation pump 21 is disposed between the first heat exchanger 1 and the first connection point CL

[0158] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a second branch 20E connecting a third connection point C3 located on the secondary loop 20B between the second pump 22 and the fifth heat exchanger 5 to a fourth connection point C4 located on the secondary loop 20B between the fifth heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 2.

[0159] The second branch of the bypass 20E is connected to the secondary loop 20B in parallel with the fifth exchanger 5. The second branch of the 20E bypass allows the heat transfer fluid from the second exchanger 2 to reach the second exchanger 2 without going through the fifth exchanger 5.

[0160] The second circulation pump 22 is arranged between the second exchanger 2 and the third connection point C3. The electric heating device 15 is arranged between the fourth connection point C4 and the second exchanger 2.

[0161] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a third branch 20F connecting a fifth connection point C5 located on the tertiary loop 20C between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6 to a sixth connection point C6 located on the tertiary loop 20C between the third exchanger 3 and the sixth exchanger 6. The third branch branch 20F includes an eighth heat exchanger 8 configured to exchange heat with a second element 26 of the electric drive chain of the motor vehicle.

[0162] The fifth connection point C5 is located between the third pump 23 and the sixth exchanger 6.

[0163] The third circulation pump 23 is arranged between the third exchanger 3 and the fifth connection point C5.

[0164] According to one example of implementation, the second element 26 of the vehicle's electric drive chain comprises a vehicle electric traction motor. Alternatively, the second element 26 of the vehicle's electric drive chain may include an electronic control unit for the vehicle's electric traction motor. Two separate elements 25, 26 of the vehicle's electric drive chain can thus receive thermal conditioning.

[0165] The third branch of the 20F bypass allows the heat transfer fluid from the third exchanger 3 to reach the third exchanger 3 without passing through the sixth exchanger 6.

[0166] The third circulation pump 23 is arranged between the third exchanger 3 and the fifth connection point C5.

[0167] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a fourth branch 20G connecting a seventh connection point C7 located on the first branch 20D between the seventh exchanger 7 and the first connection point Cl and to an eighth connection point C8 located on the third branch 20F between the fifth connection point C5 and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0168] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a fifth branch 20H connecting a ninth connection point C9 located on the first branch 20D between the seventh exchanger 7 and the second connection point C2 to a tenth connection point CIO located on the third branch 20F between the eighth exchanger 8 and the sixth connection point C6.

[0169] The fifth branch of the bypass 20H includes a fourth circulation pump 24 for heat transfer fluid.

[0170] The fourth circulation pump 24 is a unidirectional pump. The fourth circulation pump 24 is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid from the ninth connection point C9 to the tenth connection point CIO.

[0171] Figures 1 to 15 illustrate a first embodiment in which the circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps.

[0172] The first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21 is a unidirectional pump. The first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21 has a single discharge direction for the heat transfer fluid, i.e. the discharge direction cannot be changed.

[0173] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a first three-way valve 41 arranged jointly on the primary loop 20A and on the first branch 20D. The first three-way valve 41 is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the primary loop 20A and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the primary loop 20A and the first branch of the bypass 20D, or - allow the circulation of heat transfer fluid from the seventh heat exchanger 7 to the first heat exchanger 1 and prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the first heat exchanger 1, or - to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the first exchanger 1, in the fourth exchanger 4 and in the seventh exchanger 7.

[0174] The first three-way valve 41 allows the flow of heat transfer fluid passing through the first exchanger 1 to be distributed between the fourth exchanger 4 and the seventh exchanger 7. According to one embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 comprises only two stable equilibrium positions, that is to say that in steady state the flow through the first exchanger 1 is directed either to the fourth exchanger 4, or to the seventh exchanger 7. According to another embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 can continuously distribute the total flow through the first exchanger 1 between a flow directed towards the fourth exchanger 4 and a complementary flow to the total flow directed towards the seventh exchanger 7. The proportion directed towards the fourth interchange 4 can vary continuously between 0 and 100% of the total flow passing through the first interchange 1.

[0175] The second connection point C2 is part of the first three-way valve 4L

[0176] The first three-way valve 41 selectively allows circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first exchanger 1 to the fourth exchanger 4 or from the first exchanger 1 to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0177] According to this first embodiment, the second heat transfer fluid circulation pump 22 is a unidirectional pump.

[0178] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a second three-way valve 42 arranged jointly on the secondary loop 20B and on the second branch 20E. The second three-way valve 42 is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop 20B and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop 20B and the second branch of the bypass 20E, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop 20B and the second branch of the bypass 20E and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5.

[0179] The third connection point C3 is part of the second three-way valve 42.

[0180] The second three-way valve 42 allows the heat transfer fluid to be selectively circulated in series in the second exchanger 2 and the fifth exchanger 5, or the fifth exchanger 5 to be isolated from the second exchanger 2.

[0181] According to this embodiment, the third heat transfer fluid circulation pump 23 is a unidirectional pump.

[0182] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a third three-way valve 43 arranged jointly on the tertiary loop 20C and on the third branch 20F. The third three-way valve 43 is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the tertiary loop 20C and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the tertiary loop 20C and the third branch of the bypass 20F, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third heat exchanger 3 and the eighth heat exchanger 8 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third heat exchanger 3 and the sixth heat exchanger 6, or - to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the third exchanger 3, in the sixth exchanger 6 and in the eighth exchanger 8.

[0183] The third three-way valve 43 allows the flow of heat transfer fluid passing through the third heat exchanger 3 to be distributed between the sixth heat exchanger 6 and the third bypass branch 20F. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the third bypass branch 20F can then be directed to the eighth heat exchanger 8 or to the seventh heat exchanger 7. According to one embodiment, the third three-way valve 43 comprises only two stable equilibrium positions, that is to say that in steady state the flow through the third exchanger 3 is directed either to the sixth exchanger 6, or to the third branch of bypass 20F in the direction of the seventh exchanger 7 or the eighth exchanger 8. According to another embodiment, the third three-way valve 43 can continuously distribute the total flow through the third exchanger 3 between a flow directed towards the sixth exchanger 6 and a complementary flow to the total flow directed to the third branch of bypass 20F. The proportion directed towards the sixth interchange 6 can vary continuously between 0 and 100% of the total flow passing through the third interchange 3.

[0184] The fifth connection point C5 is part of the third three-way valve 43.

[0185] The third three-way valve 43 selectively allows either a circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the sixth heat exchanger 6, or a circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third exchanger 3 to the eighth exchanger 8 or to the seventh exchanger 7.

[0186] Each of the three-way valves 41, 42, 43 is an electrically operated valve.

[0187] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a set of shut-off valves allowing the circulation of heat transfer fluid to be interrupted in certain portions of the circuit.

[0188] The fourth branch branch 20G includes a first shut-off valve 28. The third branch branch 20F includes a second shut-off valve 29. The second shut-off valve 29 is disposed between the eighth connection point C8 and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0189] The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are electrically operated valves. The first stop valve 28 and the second stop valve 29, for example, have two stable operating positions: a first position in which circulation through the valve is interrupted, and a second position in which circulation through the valve is allowed.

[0190] Figures 16 to 20 illustrate a second embodiment in which the circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps.

[0191] The first heat transfer fluid circulation pump 21 is thus a bidirectional pump.

[0192] The first bidirectional pump 21 includes a first inlet / outlet ES 1-1 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-1. The first bidirectional pump 21 is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES 1-1 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-1, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-1 to the first inlet / outlet ES 1-1.

[0193] In other words, the pump discharge direction can be reversed. A heat transfer fluid inlet can become a heat transfer fluid outlet, and vice versa; this is why the term inlet / outlet is used.

[0194] The primary loop 20A comprises a first one-way valve 45 and the first branch 20D comprises a second one-way valve 46, the first one-way valve 45 and the second one-way valve 46 being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the first circulation pump 21, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the seventh heat exchanger 7, and - according to a second discharge direction of the first circulation pump 21, opposite to the first discharge direction, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the seventh heat exchanger 7 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger 1 to the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0195] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 16 to 20: The primary loop 20A includes a first one-way valve 45 configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the first one-way valve 45 from the second connection point C2 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the first one-way valve 45 from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second connection point C2, and the first branch branch 20D includes a second one-way valve 46 configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the second one-way valve 46 from the first connection point Cl to the seventh connection point C7 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the seventh connection point C7 to the first connection point Cl.

[0196] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated: The primary loop 20A includes a first one-way valve 45 configured to prohibit heat transfer fluid circulation through the first one-way valve 45 from the second connection point C2 to the fourth heat exchanger 4 and configured to allow heat transfer fluid circulation through the first one-way valve 45 from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second connection point C2, and the first branch 20D includes a second one-way valve 46 configured to prohibit heat transfer fluid circulation through the second one-way valve 46 from the first connection point C1 to the seventh connection point C7 and configured to allow heat transfer fluid circulation through the second one-way valve 46 from the seventh connection point C7 to the first connection point C1

[0197] In other words, the mounting direction of the first one-way valve 45 and the mounting direction of the second one-way valve 46 are both reversed between the illustrated embodiment and the unillustrated variant embodiment.

[0198] The arrangement of a bidirectional pump with two unidirectional valves makes it possible to obtain the same circulation possibilities as with a unidirectional pump and a three-way valve, while using simpler and less expensive components.

[0199] According to this embodiment, the second heat transfer fluid circulation pump 22 is a bidirectional pump. The operation of the second bidirectional pump 22 is analogous to the operation of the first bidirectional pump 21.

[0200] The second bidirectional pump 22 includes a first inlet / outlet ES 1-2 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-2. The second bidirectional pump 22 is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES 1-2 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-2, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-2 to the first inlet / outlet ES 1-2.

[0201] The secondary loop 20B includes a third one-way valve 47 and the second branch 20E includes a fourth one-way valve 48, the third one-way valve 47 and the fourth one-way valve 48 being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the second circulation pump 22, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger 2 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch 20E, and - according to a second discharge direction of the second circulation pump 22, opposite to the first discharge direction, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch of bypass 20E and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger 2 to the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0202] According to the illustrated embodiment: The secondary loop 20B includes a third one-way valve 47 configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve 47 from the third connection point C3 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve 47 from the fifth heat exchanger 5 to the third connection point C3. The second branch branch 20E includes a fourth one-way valve 48 configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the fourth connection point C4 to the third connection point C3 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the third connection point C3 to the fourth connection point C4.

[0203] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated: The secondary loop 20B includes a third one-way valve 47 configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve 47 from the third connection point C3 to the fifth heat exchanger 5 and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the third one-way valve 47 from the fifth heat exchanger 5 to the third connection point C3, and the second bypass branch 20E includes a fourth one-way valve 48 configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the fourth connection point C4 to the third connection point C3 and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fourth one-way valve 48 from the third connection point C3 to the fourth connection point C4.

[0204] According to this embodiment, the third heat transfer fluid circulation pump 23 is a bidirectional pump.

[0205] The third bidirectional pump 23 comprises a first inlet / outlet ES 1-3 and a second inlet / outlet ES2-3. The third bidirectional pump 23 is configured to selectively: - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the first inlet / outlet ES 1-3 to the second inlet / outlet ES2-3, or - circulate the heat transfer fluid from the second inlet / outlet ES2-3 to the first inlet / outlet ES 1-3.

[0206] Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 comprises an electric motor driving a set of moving parts configured to selectively: - according to a first direction of discharge, discharge the heat transfer fluid at a first inlet / outlet and draw the heat transfer fluid at a second inlet / outlet and, or - according to a second direction of discharge, discharge the heat transfer fluid at the level of the second inlet / outlet and draw the heat transfer fluid in at the level of the first inlet / outlet.

[0207] Reversing the direction of rotation of the electric motor driving the moving parts of a bidirectional pump allows switching from the first direction of discharge to the second direction of discharge, and vice versa. Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 can, for example, be electrically controlled by a transistor bridge allowing control of the direction of rotation and the rotation speed of the motor. Each bidirectional pump 21, 22, 23 can be stopped, meaning the electric motor is not electrically controlled. No discharge of Heat transfer fluid is not ensured, and consequently no circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0208] The tertiary loop 20C includes a fifth one-way valve 49 and the third branch 20F includes a sixth one-way valve 50, the fifth one-way valve 49 and the sixth one-way valve 50 being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the third circulation pump 23, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the sixth heat exchanger 6 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the eighth heat exchanger 8, and - according to a second discharge direction of the third circulation pump 23, opposite to the first discharge direction, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the eighth heat exchanger 8 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger 3 to the sixth heat exchanger 6.

[0209] According to the illustrated embodiment: The tertiary loop 20C includes a fifth one-way valve 49 configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 from the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth connection point C5 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 from the fifth connection point C5 to the sixth heat exchanger 6. The third branch 20F includes a sixth one-way valve 50 configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the tenth connection point CIO to the sixth connection point C6 and configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the sixth connection point C6 to the tenth connection point CIO.

[0210] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated: The tertiary loop 20C includes a fifth one-way valve 49 configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 from the sixth heat exchanger 6 to the fifth connection point C5 and configured to permit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the fifth one-way valve 49 from the fifth connection point C5 to the sixth heat exchanger 6. The third branch of the 20F branch includes a sixth one-way valve 50 configured to prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the tenth connection point CIO to the sixth connection point C6 and configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid through the sixth one-way valve 50 from the sixth connection point C6 to the tenth connection point CIO.

[0211] Each one-way valve 45, 46 ..50 is, for example, a check valve. A check valve is a passive device that reacts to the pressure difference between its inlet and outlet. No electrical control is required.

[0212] According to the second embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes a three-way valve 44 arranged jointly on the third branch 20F and on the fourth branch 20G. The 44 three-way valve is configured to selectively: - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the 20G branch and the eighth heat exchanger 8 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the 20G branch and the fifth connection point C5, or - allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the 20G branch and the fifth connection point C5 and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the fourth branch of the 20G branch and the eighth exchanger 8.

[0213] In the second embodiment in which the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with the unidirectional valves 45, ..., 50 and the three-way valve 44, the first stop valve 28 and the second stop valve 29 are not present.

[0214] The proposed thermal conditioning system 100 can operate selectively according to different operating modes. Figures 2 to 15 and 17 to 20 illustrate the circulation of refrigerant fluid and the circulation of heat transfer fluid in different operating modes. In these figures, the portions of circuit 20 in which a flow of heat transfer fluid circulates are in thick solid line, while the portions in which the heat transfer fluid does not circulate are in thin dotted lines. The same type of representation is used for the refrigerant circuit 10: the portions of the circuit 20 in which a flow of refrigerant circulates are in thick solid line, while the portions in which the refrigerant does not circulate are in thin dashed lines.

[0215] Figures 2 and 17 illustrate a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a first mode of operation referred to as the first mode of cabin heating. According to this first mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, in the second expansion valve 32, in the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives up heat to the first indoor air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the second branch of bypass 20E, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0216] The [Fig.2] illustrates this first mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer fluid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps associated with three-way valves. Figure 17 illustrates this first mode of operation in the case where pumps 21, 22, and 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A heats the first indoor airflow Fi-1 at the fourth heat exchanger 4. The refrigerant transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A and receives heat, in particular, from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B. This heat received from the heat transfer fluid is supplied by the activation of the electric heating device 15. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are activated. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The third heat exchanger 3 does not participate in heat exchange. Similarly, the sixth heat exchanger 6, the seventh heat exchanger 7, and the eighth heat exchanger 8 are thermally inactive.

[0218] Fig. 3 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a second operating mode called the first battery heating mode. According to this second mode of operation: - the flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is zero, - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B, - a flow QL of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives up heat so as to heat the element 25 of the traction chain, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0219] Fig. 3 illustrates this mode of operation for the first embodiment, i.e. in the case where the heat transfer fluid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps associated with three-way valves.

[0220] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B heats the traction chain element 25 at the fifth exchanger 5. The heat is supplied by activating the electric heating device 15. Only the second pump 22 is activated. The first pump 21, the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. Compressor 11 is inactive and is not discharging any refrigerant. Of the heat exchangers, only the fifth exchanger 5 performs a heat exchange.

[0221] Figures 4 and 18 illustrate a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a third operating mode called battery cooling. According to this third mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, in the second expansion valve 32, in the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives up heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it receives heat to cool the element 25 of the traction chain, in the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0222] Fig. 4 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer fluid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps and Fig. 18 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B is cooled at the second heat exchanger 2 by the evaporation of the refrigerant. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B thus cools the element 25 of the electric traction chain at the fifth heat exchanger 5. The heat supplied by the refrigerant to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated into the outside air stream Fe at the seventh heat exchanger 7. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are activated. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The third heat exchanger 3 does not participate in heat exchange. Similarly, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the sixth heat exchanger 6, and the eighth heat exchanger 8 do not contribute to heat exchange.

[0223] On [Fig.4] corresponding to the first embodiment, the first three-way valve 41 blocks the circulation of the heat transfer fluid towards the fourth heat exchanger 4. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid is pumped by the first pump 21 and is thus directed towards the seventh heat exchanger 7. In [Fig. 18], the first one-way valve 45 blocks the flow of heat transfer fluid from the fourth heat exchanger 4 to the second connection point C2. The first pump 21 draws the heat transfer fluid at its first inlet / outlet ES1-1 and discharges it at its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 to the first connection point CL The second one-way valve 46 allows the heat transfer fluid to flow from the first connection point Cl to the seventh connection point C7 and the seventh heat exchanger 7. The first one-way valve 45 blocks the flow of heat transfer fluid from the first connection point Cl to the second connection point C2. The flow rate of heat transfer fluid in the fourth heat exchanger 4 is therefore zero. The fourth one-way valve 48 prohibits the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch of the bypass 20E. The third one-way valve 47 allows circulation in the secondary loop 20B, from the third connection point C3 to the fourth connection point C4 via the fifth heat exchanger 5.

[0224] Fig. 5 illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a fourth operating mode called cabin cooling. According to this fourth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives up heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the second indoor air flow Fi-2, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0225] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C is cooled at the third heat exchanger 3 by the evaporation of the refrigerant. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C thus cools the second indoor airflow Fi-2 at the sixth heat exchanger 6. The heat supplied by the refrigerant to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A at the first heat exchanger 1 is dissipated in the outdoor airflow Fe at the seventh heat exchanger 7. The first pump 21 and the third pump 23 are activated. The first three-way valve 41 blocks the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the fourth heat exchanger 4. The heat transfer fluid discharged by the first pump 21 is thus directed to the seventh heat exchanger 7. The second pump 22 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The second heat exchanger 2 does not participate in heat exchange. Similarly, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the fifth heat exchanger 5, and the eighth heat exchanger 8 do not contribute to heat exchange. Figure 5 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0226] Fig. 6 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a fifth operating mode called traction chain cooling. According to this fifth mode of operation: - the QR flow rate of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is zero, - a flow QL of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat from the second element 26 of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch 20G, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives up heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the fourth circulation pump 24.

[0227] Compressor 11 is inactive and does not discharge refrigerant. Only the fourth pump 24 is activated. The first pump 21, the second pump 22 and the third pump 23 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. Under the effect of the fourth circulation pump 24, the heat transfer fluid circulates in the eighth exchanger 8 then travels through the fourth bypass branch 20G and joins the seventh exchanger 7. The heat transfer fluid is cooled at the seventh exchanger 7 by the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the eighth exchanger 8 by traveling through the fifth bypass branch 20H. The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are both in the open position. The heat dissipated by the second element 26 of the traction chain can thus be dissipated into the outside airflow Fe. Among the heat exchangers, only the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8 perform a heat exchange. Figure 6 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0228] Fig. 7 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a sixth operating mode called the second passenger compartment heating mode. According to this sixth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives up heat to the first indoor air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the tertiary loop 20C, successively in the third exchanger 3 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0229] The heat transfer fluid of the tertiary loop 20C receives heat from the second element 26 of the electric traction chain at the level of the eighth heat exchanger 8. This heat recovered from the traction chain is transferred to the refrigerant at the level of the third heat exchanger 3. This heat transferred to the refrigerant is in turn transferred to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A at the level of the first heat exchanger 1, and is dissipated in the first indoor airflow Fi-1 at the level of the fourth heat exchanger 4. The first pump 21 and the third pump 23 are activated. The second pump 22 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The secondary loop 20B is inactive, and the second exchanger 2 does not participate in heat exchange. The fifth exchanger 5, the sixth exchanger 6 and the seventh exchanger 7 do not participate in heat exchanges. The electric heating device 15 is not activated. The first three-way valve 41 blocks the circulation of the heat transfer fluid from the ninth connection point C9 to the fourth exchanger 4, the heat transfer fluid discharged by the first pump 21 is thus directed to the fourth exchanger 4. The third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the third pump 23 to the eighth exchanger 8 and blocks circulation to the sixth exchanger 6. At the fifth connection point C5, the heat transfer fluid is directed to the eighth exchanger 8 by passing through the third branch of bypass 20F. Figure 7 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0230] Fig. 8 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a seventh operating mode called the third passenger compartment heating mode. According to this seventh mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, in the second expansion valve 32, in the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives up heat to the first indoor air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2.

[0231] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A heats the first internal airflow Fi-1 at the fourth heat exchanger 4. The refrigerant transfers heat at the first heat exchanger 1 to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A and receives heat at the second heat exchanger 2 from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B. This heat received by the refrigerant is drawn from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B, which receives the heat dissipated by the operation of the electric traction system. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are activated. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The second three-way valve 42 prevents circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch of bypass 20E, and circulates the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop 20B, from the third connection point C3 to the fifth exchanger 5. The sixth exchanger 6, the seventh exchanger 7 and the eighth exchanger 8 do not participate in heat exchanges. The electric heating device 15 is not activated. Figure 8 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0232] Fig. 9 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in an eighth operating mode called the second battery heating mode. According to this eighth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the third exchanger 33 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it releases heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0233] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B heats the traction chain element 25 at the fifth heat exchanger 5. The heat is supplied by the refrigerant circulating in the second heat exchanger 2. Preferably, the refrigerant does not undergo expansion as it passes through the first expansion valve 31. The low-pressure refrigerant, after expansion in the second expansion valve 32, evaporates in the third heat exchanger 3, absorbing heat from the heat transfer fluid and thus recovering the heat losses from the second traction chain element 26. The second pump 22 and the third pump 23 are activated. The first pump 21 and the fourth pump 24 are deactivated and do not circulate heat transfer fluid. The first exchanger 1, the fourth exchanger 4, the sixth exchanger 6, and the seventh exchanger 7 do not participate in heat exchanges. The second exchanger 2, the third exchanger 3 and the eighth exchanger 8 participate in the heat exchanges within the thermal conditioning system 100. Figure 9 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0234] Fig. 10 illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a ninth operating mode called defrosting. According to this ninth mode of operation: - A flow rate QR of refrigerant circulates in the compressor 11 where it is under high pressure, and then flows successively through the first heat exchanger 1 where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, and through the first expansion valve 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, into the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, into the second expansion valve 32, into the third exchanger 3, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh exchanger 7 where it releases heat, and divides into: — a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid which circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, in the eighth heat exchanger 8 where it receives heat, in the fourth bypass branch 20G, and — a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid which circulates in the first exchanger 1 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the first circulation pump 21. The second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid and the third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid join together to form the first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid. - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B. - A fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second heat exchanger 2 where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, in the second bypass branch 20E, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second heat exchanger 2.

[0235] After operation according to the fourth heating mode, which will be detailed later, the seventh heat exchanger 7 is likely to accumulate frost when the ambient temperature is negative or close to 0°C and the humidity level is high. In this ninth operating mode, the heat transferred by the heat transfer fluid at the seventh heat exchanger 7 allows the seventh heat exchanger 7 to defrost. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the seventh heat exchanger 7 receives heat at the eighth heat exchanger 8 and also at the first heat exchanger 1. The refrigerant evaporates in the second heat exchanger 2, absorbing heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating successively in a portion of the secondary loop 20B and in the second bypass branch 20E. The electric heating device 15 provides the heat necessary to ensure the evaporation of the refrigerant. The second three-way valve 42 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the second pump 22 to the second branch of the bypass 20E. Only the third pump 23 is deactivated. The third heat exchanger 3 is not performing heat exchange. Similarly, the fourth heat exchanger 4, the fifth heat exchanger 5, and the sixth heat exchanger 6 are not performing heat exchange. Figure 10 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0236] Figures 11 and 19 illustrate a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a tenth operating mode called dehumidification of the passenger compartment and cooling of the traction chain. In this tenth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives up heat to the first indoor air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump 24, in the eighth exchanger 8 where it receives heat from the second element 26 of the traction chain, in the fourth bypass branch 20G, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it gives up heat to the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the fourth circulation pump 24. - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the sixth exchanger 6 where it receives heat from the second indoor air flow Fi-2, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0237] The heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A heats the first indoor airflow Fi-1 at the level of the fourth exchanger 4. The refrigerant transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the primary loop 20A and receives heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the tertiary loop 20C is cooled at the third heat exchanger 3 by the evaporation of the refrigerant. The second outside airflow Fi-2 is cooled at the sixth heat exchanger 6. The inside airflow is thus cooled at the sixth heat exchanger 6 and heated at the fourth heat exchanger 4, and is therefore dehumidified. The fourth circulation pump 24 circulates the heat transfer fluid into the eighth heat exchanger 8, then into the fourth bypass branch 20G and the seventh exchanger 7. The first shut-off valve 28 and the second shut-off valve 29 are in the open position. The heat transfer fluid is cooled at the seventh heat exchanger 7 by the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the eighth heat exchanger 8 by passing through the fifth branch of the bypass 20H. The second element 26 of the traction chain is thus cooled. Only the second pump 22 is deactivated. The second heat exchanger 2 and the fifth heat exchanger 5 are inactive. Heat exchangers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 are all performing heat exchange. In this operating mode, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 forms three independent circulation loops. One circulation loop includes the first heat exchanger 1 and the fourth heat exchanger 4, with circulation in this loop provided by the first pump 21. Another circulation loop includes the third heat exchanger 3 and the sixth heat exchanger 6, with circulation provided by the third pump 23. A third circulation loop includes the seventh heat exchanger 7 and the eighth heat exchanger 8, with circulation provided by the fourth pump 24. Figure

[11] illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer fluid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps and Figure

[19] illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves. In [Fig.1 1], the third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the third pump 23 towards the sixth exchanger 6. In [Fig.19], the first bidirectional pump 21 draws the heat transfer fluid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 and discharges the heat transfer fluid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-1. The third bidirectional pump 23 draws the heat transfer fluid through its first inlet / outlet ES1-3 and discharges the heat transfer fluid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-3.

[0238] Fig. 12 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in an eleventh operating mode called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode. In this eleventh mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives up heat to the first indoor airflow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0239] In the fourth passenger compartment heating mode, the high-pressure refrigerant heats the heat transfer fluid in the primary loop 20A, which in turn heats the first interior airflow Fi-1 at the fourth exchanger 4. The low-pressure refrigerant vaporizes in the third heat exchanger 3, absorbing heat from the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid, cooled by circulating in the third heat exchanger 3, then flows successively through the third bypass branch 20F, the fourth bypass branch 20G, and is reheated in the seventh heat exchanger 7 by the outside air flow Fe. The heat transfer fluid, reheated by the outside air flow Fe, returns to the third heat exchanger 3 via the fifth bypass branch 20H and the fourth pump 24. When the outside air flow Fe is at a temperature close to 0°C with high humidity, the water vapor contained in the outside air flow Fe is likely to freeze and accumulate on the surface of the seventh heat exchanger 7. In this operating mode, the heat extracted from the outside airflow Fe helps to heat the passenger compartment. The second exchanger 2 and the secondary loop 20B do not participate in heat exchanges. The third three-way valve 43 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the third pump 23 to the third bypass branch 20F. The second shut-off valve 29 is in the closed position to block the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the eighth heat exchanger 8. The first shut-off valve 28 is in the open position. The second pump 22 is inactive. The first pump 21 is active. The third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24 are also both active. When the pumps used are of a type allowing the flow of the heat transfer fluid through these pumps when they are inactive, it is possible to activate only one pump from the third pump 23 and the fourth pump 24. The activated pump ensures the circulation of heat transfer fluid in the circulation loop formed by the third exchanger 3, the connection points C5, C8, C7, the seventh exchanger 7, the connection points C9, C10, C6. When the pumps used are of a type in which the flow of heat transfer fluid through these pumps is blocked when they are inactive, the third pump 23 and fourth pump 24 must both be active in order to circulate the heat transfer fluid. Figure 12 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0240] Figures 13 and 20 schematically illustrate an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a twelfth operating mode, referred to as the first combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode. In this twelfth operating mode: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31 where it passes to an intermediate pressure lower than the high pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes to a low pressure lower than the intermediate pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives up heat to the first indoor air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it gives off heat, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2. - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3. The second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid can circulate in the second exchanger 2 without performing heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0241] This operating mode differs from the fourth passenger compartment heating mode in that the secondary loop 20B of heat transfer fluid is active. In particular, the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B. The first exchanger 1, the second exchanger 2 and the third exchanger 3 are all three traversed by a flow of refrigerant fluid and by a flow of heat transfer fluid. The pressure at the outlet of the first expansion valve 31 is adjusted so that there is no heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid at the second heat exchanger 2. To achieve this, the expansion level of the refrigerant through the first expansion valve 31 is adjusted so that the saturation temperature of the expanded refrigerant is substantially equal to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B and returning to the second heat exchanger 2. Thus, the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 2a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 2b is zero or negligible. The thermal energy supplied by the electric heating device 15 is then used only to heat the battery 25. Figure 13 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the heat transfer fluid circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are unidirectional pumps and Figure 20 illustrates this mode of operation in the case where the pumps 21, 22, 23 are bidirectional pumps associated with unidirectional valves. In [Fig. 13], the second three-way valve 42 directs the heat transfer fluid discharged by the second pump 22 to the fifth heat exchanger 5. The circulation pumps 21, 22, 23, 24 are all four activated. The first stop valve 28 is in the open position and the second stop valve 29 is in the closed position. In [Fig. 20], the first bidirectional pump 21 draws in the heat transfer fluid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-1 and discharges it through its first inlet / outlet ES1-1. The second bidirectional pump 22 draws in the heat transfer fluid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-2 and discharges it through its first inlet / outlet ES1-2. The third bidirectional pump 23 draws in the heat transfer fluid through its second inlet / outlet ES2-3 and discharges it through its first inlet / outlet ES1-3.

[0242] Fig. 14 illustrates a method of operation of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a thirteenth mode of operation called the fifth mode of cabin heating. According to this thirteenth mode of operation: - a flow QR of refrigerant circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes through high pressure, and circulates successively through the first heat exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve 31, through the second heat exchanger 2, through the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes through low pressure, through the third heat exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it releases heat to the first indoor air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1, - the electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the second branch of bypass 20E, in the electric heating device 15 where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger 2, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0243] This operating mode differs from the fourth passenger compartment heating mode in that the secondary heat transfer fluid loop 20B is active. Unlike the previous operating mode, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second heat exchanger 2 does not circulate in the fifth heat exchanger 5 and circulates in the second bypass branch 20E. The electric heating device 15 is activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second exchanger 2. The first heat exchanger 1, the second heat exchanger 2, and the third heat exchanger 3 all perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid. The thermal energy supplied by the electric heating device 15 contributes to heating the passenger compartment. The fifth interchange, 5, is inactive. Figure 14 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0244] Figure 15 illustrates an operating method of a thermal conditioning system 100 as described above, in a fourteenth operating mode, referred to as the second combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode. In this fourteenth operating mode: - a flow QR of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives up heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve 31, in the second heat exchanger 2, in the second expansion valve 32 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the third exchanger 3 where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor 11. - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop 20A, successively in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it gives up heat to the first indoor air flow Fi-1, and returns to the first exchanger 1. - the electric heating device 15 is inactive. - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop 20B, successively in the second exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the refrigerant fluid, in the fifth exchanger 5 where it releases heat, in the electric heating device 15, and returns to the second exchanger 2. - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger 3 where it gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, in the seventh exchanger 7 where it receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, and returns to the third exchanger 3.

[0245] Alternatively, the electric heating device 15 can be activated so as to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop 20B.

[0246] The circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the different portions of the circuit 20 is identical to that of the thirteenth mode, called the first mode of passenger compartment heating and battery heating. This mode of operation differs from the twelfth mode by the level of relaxation achieved respectively by the first regulator 1 and the second regulator 2, and by the fact that the electric heating device 15 is not necessarily activated. The first expansion valve 31 can be fully open and the refrigerant does not undergo expansion when passing through the first expansion valve 31. The high-pressure refrigerant therefore gives heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the secondary loop 20B, and contributes to heating the traction chain element 25. The first expansion valve 31 can also be in a partially open position. In this case, the refrigerant undergoes a partial expansion as it passes through the expansion valve 31. The refrigerant thus undergoes two successive expansions, one by the first expansion valve 31 and then a second by the second expansion valve 32. The refrigerant fluid changes from a high-pressure state to a low-pressure state at the second expansion valve 32. Figure 15 corresponds to the first embodiment. This operating mode has not been illustrated for the second embodiment.

[0247] Other operating modes are also possible, by playing on the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the different portions of the circuit 20, on the pressure level of the refrigerant fluid in the first, second and third heat exchanger, or on the electrical power supplied by the electric heating device 15.

Claims

1. Demands Thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit (20) configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid, - a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit (10) comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — a compression device (11), — a first heat exchanger (1), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a first expansion valve (31), — a second heat exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a second expansion valve (32), — a third heat exchanger (3), arranged jointly on the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, in which: - the first heat exchanger (1) is arranged jointly on a primary loop (20A) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10), the primary loop (20A) of heat transfer fluid comprising a fourth heat exchanger (4) configured to exchange heat with a first airflow (Fi-1) inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the second heat exchanger (2) is arranged jointly on a secondary loop (20B) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10), the secondary loop (20B) of heat transfer fluid comprising a fifth heat exchanger (5) configured to exchange heat with a first element (25) of an electric drive chain of a motor vehicle, - the third heat exchanger (3) is arranged jointly on a tertiary loop (20C) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10), the tertiary loop (20C) of heat transfer fluid comprising a sixth heat exchanger (6) configured to exchange heat with a second airflow (Fi-2) inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, - The primary loop (20A) of heat transfer fluid includes a first heat transfer fluid circulation pump (21), - the secondary loop (20B) of heat transfer fluid includes a second heat transfer fluid circulation pump (22), - the tertiary loop (20C) of heat transfer fluid includes a third heat transfer fluid circulation pump (23), - the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a first branch (20D) connecting a first connection point (C1) located on the primary loop (20A) between the first heat exchanger (1) and the fourth heat exchanger (4) to a second connection point (C2) located on the primary loop (20A) between the fourth heat exchanger (4) and the first heat exchanger (1), the first branch (20D) including a seventh heat exchanger (7) configured to exchange heat with an airflow (Fe) external to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle,- The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a second branch (20E) connecting a third connection point (C3) located on the secondary loop (20B) between the second pump (22) and the fifth heat exchanger (5) to a fourth connection point (C4) located on the secondary loop (20B) between the fifth heat exchanger (5) and the second heat exchanger (2), - The heat transfer fluid circuit (20) includes a third branch (20F) connecting a fifth connection point (C5) located on the tertiary loop (20C) between the third heat exchanger (3) and the sixth heat exchanger (6) to a sixth connection point (C6) located on the tertiary loop (20C) between the third heat exchanger (3) and the sixth heat exchanger (6), the third branch (20F) comprising an eighth heat exchanger (8) configured to exchange heat with a second element (26) of the electric traction chain of the motor vehicle.

2. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the secondary loop (20B) of heat transfer fluid includes an electric heating device (15) configured to heat the heat transfer fluid.

3. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: - the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises a fourth branch (20G) connecting a seventh connection point (C7) disposed on the first branch (20D) between the seventh heat exchanger (7) and the first connection point (C1) and to an eighth connection point (C8) disposed on the third branch (20F) between the fifth connection point (C5) and the eighth heat exchanger (8), - the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises a fifth branch (20H) connecting a ninth connection point (C9) disposed on the first branch (20D) between the seventh heat exchanger (7) and the second connection point (C2) to a tenth connection point (C10) disposed on the third branch (20F) between the eighth heat exchanger (8) and the sixth connection point (C6)

4. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: - the first heat transfer fluid circulation pump (21) is a unidirectional pump, - the second heat transfer fluid circulation pump (22) is a unidirectional pump, - the third heat transfer fluid circulation pump (23) is a unidirectional pump.

5. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises: - a first three-way valve (41) disposed jointly on the primary loop (20A) and on the first bypass branch (20D), the first three-way valve (41) being configured to selectively: — allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the primary loop (20A) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the primary loop (20A) and the first branch (20D), or — allow the flow of heat transfer fluid from the seventh heat exchanger (7) to the first heat exchanger (1) and prohibit the flow of heat transfer fluid from the fourth heat exchanger (4) to the first heat exchanger (1), or — to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the first exchanger (1), in the fourth exchanger (4) and in the seventh exchanger (7), - a second three-way valve (42) arranged jointly on the secondary loop (20B) and on the second branch (20E), The second three-way valve (42) is configured to selectively: — allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop (20B) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop (20B) and the second branch (20E), or — allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the secondary loop (20B) and the second bypass branch (20E) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the second exchanger (2) and the fifth exchanger (5), - a third three-way valve (43) arranged jointly on the tertiary loop (20C) and on the third branch (20F), the third three-way valve (43) is configured to selectively: — allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the tertiary loop (20C) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the tertiary loop (20C) and the third branch of the bypass (20F), Or — allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger (3) and the eighth exchanger (8) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid between the third exchanger (3) and the sixth exchanger (6), — allow a circulation of heat transfer fluid jointly in the third exchanger (3), in the sixth exchanger (6) and in the eighth exchanger (8).

6. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: - the first heat transfer fluid circulation pump (21) is a bidirectional pump, - the second heat transfer fluid circulation pump (22) is a bidirectional pump, - the third heat transfer fluid circulation pump (23) is a bidirectional pump.

7. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the primary loop (20A) comprises a first one-way valve (45) and the first bypass branch (20D) comprises a second one-way valve (46), the first one-way valve (45) and the second one-way valve (46) being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the first circulation pump (21), permit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the fourth heat exchanger (4) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the seventh heat exchanger (7), and - according to a second discharge direction of the first circulation pump (21), opposite to the first discharge direction,allow the circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the seventh heat exchanger (7) and prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger (1) to the fourth heat exchanger (4).

8. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the secondary loop (20B) comprises a third one-way valve (47) and the second bypass branch (20E) comprises a fourth one-way valve (48), the third one-way valve (47) and the fourth one-way valve (48) being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the second circulation pump (22), permit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger (2) to the fifth heat exchanger (5) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch (20E), and - according to a second discharge direction of the second circulation pump (22), opposite to the first discharge direction, allow circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second bypass branch (20E) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the second heat exchanger (2) to the fifth heat exchanger (5).

9. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the tertiary loop (20C) comprises a fifth one-way valve (49) and the third bypass branch (20F) comprises a sixth one-way valve (50), the fifth one-way valve (49) and the sixth one-way valve (50) being configured to: - according to a first discharge direction of the third circulation pump (23), permit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the sixth heat exchanger (6) and prohibit circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the eighth heat exchanger (8), and - according to a second discharge direction of the third circulation pump (23), opposite to the first discharge direction,allow the circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the eighth heat exchanger (8) and prohibit the circulation of heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchanger (3) to the sixth heat exchanger (6).

10. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9 in combination with claim 3, wherein the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises a three-way valve (44) jointly disposed on the third branch (20F) and on the fourth branch (20G), the three-way valve (44) is configured to selectively: - permit heat transfer fluid circulation between the fourth branch (20G) and the eighth exchanger (8) and prohibit heat transfer fluid circulation between the fourth branch (20G) and the fifth connection point (C5), or - permit heat transfer fluid circulation between the fourth branch (20G) and prohibit heat transfer fluid circulation between the fourth branch (20G) and the eighth exchanger (8).

11. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 10 in combination with claims 2 and 3, in a ninth mode called defrosting, wherein: - a flow (QR) of refrigerant circulates in the compressor (11) where it passes through a high-pressure area, and circulates successively through the first heat exchanger (1) where it releases heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve (31) where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the second heat exchanger (2) where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, through the second expansion valve (32), through the third heat exchanger (3), and returns to the compressor (11), - a first flow (QL1) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh heat exchanger (7) where it releases heat, and is divided into: — a second flow (QL2) of heat transfer fluid which circulates successively in the fourth circulation pump (24),in the eighth heat exchanger (8) where it receives heat, in the fourth bypass branch (20G), and — a third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid which circulates in the first heat exchanger (1) where it receives heat from the refrigerant, in the first circulation pump (21), the second flow (QL2) of heat transfer fluid and the third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid joining to form the first flow (QL1) of heat transfer fluid, — the electric heating device (15) is activated to heat the heat transfer fluid of the secondary loop (20B), — a fourth flow (QL4) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second heat exchanger (2) where it releases heat to the refrigerant, in the second bypass branch (20E), in the electric heating device (15) where it receives heat, and returns to the second heat exchanger (2).,

12. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 10 in combination with claim 2, in an operating mode referred to as the fifth mode of passenger compartment heating, in which: - a flow (QR) of refrigerant circulates in the compressor (11) where it is subjected to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the first expansion valve (31), in the second heat exchanger (2), in the second expansion valve (32) where it undergoes expansion and drops to low pressure, in the third heat exchanger (3) where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor (11), - a first flow (QL1) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop (20A), successively in the first heat exchanger (1) where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fourth heat exchanger (4) where it transfers heat to the first indoor air stream (Fi-1), and returns to the first heat exchanger (1), - the electric heating device (15) is activated to heat the heat transfer fluid in the secondary loop (20B), - a second flow (QL2) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second heat exchanger (2) where it transfers heat to the refrigerant,in the second branch of the bypass (20E), in the electric heating device (15) where it receives heat, and returns to the second exchanger (2), - a third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger (3) where it transfers heat to the refrigerant, in the seventh exchanger (7) where it receives heat from the outside air flow (Fe), and returns to the third exchanger (3).

13. A method of operating a thermal conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 10 in combination with claim 2, in an operating mode referred to as the second combined passenger compartment and battery heating mode, in which: - a flow (QR) of refrigerant circulates in the compressor (11) where it passes through a high-pressure area, and circulates successively through the first heat exchanger (1) where it transfers heat to the heat transfer fluid, through the first expansion valve (31), through the second heat exchanger (2), through the second expansion valve (32) where it undergoes expansion and passes through a low-pressure area, through the third heat exchanger (3) where it receives heat from the heat transfer fluid, and returns to the compressor (11), - a first flow (QL1) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the primary loop (20A), successively through the first heat exchanger (1) where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, through the fourth exchanger (4) where it transfers heat to the first indoor airflow (Fi-1), and returns to the first exchanger (1), - the electric heating device (15) is inactive, - a second flow (QL2) of heat transfer fluid circulates in the secondary loop (20B), successively in the second exchanger (2) where it receives heat from the refrigerant, in the fifth exchanger (5) where it releases heat, in the electric heating device (15) and returns to the second exchanger (2), - a third flow (QL3) of heat transfer fluid circulates successively in the third exchanger (3) where it releases heat to the refrigerant, in the seventh exchanger (7) where it receives heat from the outside air flow (Fe), and returns to the third exchanger (3).

Images